Tangiers, the gateway to Africa, never ceases to amaze countless visitors each year. In this article, we explain the top 10 things to see and do in this wonderful Moroccan city.
Enjoy the Kasbah and its labyrinths
Enter through the beautiful Bab Haha Gate and wander through the cobbled residential and commercial alleys. The most enjoyable and least stressful way to see the beauty of the sites is not to search for them but by stumbling upon them and seeing them by chance. And if you get lost, and this is possible, make sure to keep walking uphill and look for one of the doors (entrances) that allow you to exit the Kasbah. While strolling inside the Kasbah, you'll find a famous 17th-century palace now turned into a museum and located just off the Place du Menchoar. It is home to an interesting collection of ancient monuments from the Stone Age to the 20th century. The hillside locations of the Kasbah also give visitors sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Watch Grande Mosquée
During the 5th century this site represented a Roman temple. After the Portuguese conquest, it was converted into a cathedral and during the eighth century it was turned into a mosque for Muslim prayers. After a while it was converted back to the church and then again to a mosque. The series of transformations this building underwent during this period makes it a fine example of Morocco's rich and diverse history as well as an architectural point of interest.
Enjoy a delicious glass of fresh orange juice
With the subtropical Mediterranean climate, orange juice has become popular in Morocco in general and is abundant everywhere and it is easy to find a glass of fresh orange juice at any time. However if you want to add some ice make sure it is made from bottled (mineral) water.
Strolling on the beach
Over the years with the growth of the tourism industry a large amount has been invested in keeping cities and sites clean throughout Morocco. The beaches of Tangiers had the largest share. It is an oasis outside the city with golden sands and sparkling blue waters. Since the beaches are close to the port, this means that there is always a bustle atmosphere. As Tangiers is the gateway to Africa for those coming from Europe, this is what always makes this place noisy.
Visit St Andrew's Church
Saint Andrew's Church is one of the most charming sites in Tangiers. Completed in 1905 as a gift from King Hassan I of Morocco, this popular tourist site is a mixture of various designs, structures and architectural styles, reflecting the multiculturalism of Morocco. The church is a focal point for Christians in Tangiers. It also contains Quranic inscriptions on the interior and represents the direction of Muslim prayer. Visiting this religious site gives a new and different meaning to the experience and mixing of religions in the same site.
Visit the American Museum
Unbeknownst to many, Morocco was the first country to recognize the United States as an independent country after the Revolutionary War. This museum adds a somewhat foreign feel to the city. With an unusual atmosphere from the 1940s, this museum transports you to a different time and contains a range of attractive exhibitions including Paul Bowles's locally famous painting called the "Moroccan Mona Lisa".
Enjoy mint tea at Petit Socco
Historically Petit Socco was once known as a place for drug dealers and prostitutes. Fortunately the area is now a safe arena where people drink mint tea or orange juice while having a good time. Unlike the bagged versions of the tea bag, Moroccan mint tea is made with fresh mint leaves and added some sugar to make a delicious refreshing drink.
Relax in Grand Socco
The Grand Socco is where a wide avenue turns into narrow cobbled streets where old time meets modern. With a mosque on one side and a cinema on the other, this place is a crossroads between the ages. Spend your money at traditional market stalls selling a variety of kaftans, dried nuts, and fresh foods. The central fountain is surrounded by many benches, making it an ideal place to relax and feel the meeting of civilizations at this point.
Watching a movie in a country cinema
It is not difficult to find this cinema which is located in the vicinity of Grand Socco and is a popular hangout for locals. Watching movies in a colonial-style cinema is an authentic Tangier experience. This cinema seems to glorify its mixed cultural roots and represents a crossroads of cultures as it shows films in French and Arabic.
Librairie Des Colonnes
This library represents Aladdin's Cave full of treasures for all book lovers. The Libreirie des Colonnes has been an official institution in Tangiers since 1949. It was once a favorite home of some of the greatest writers of the twentieth century: Samuel Beckett, Truman Capote, Jean Genet and Tennessee Williams. The exterior of the building is charming and old-fashioned while the interior of the building is filled with shelves on top of some that contain many wonderful books, some of which are in English.
