Things to do in Tangiers

A dynamic city with Moroccan, African and European influences, which blend together perfectly, lend the city an international feel. Tangiers is an ideal place to visit if you love to explore. The enchanting history of Tangiers is unfolded at its many attractions. Colourful, diverse and interesting, Tangiers tourist spots are quite close to one another, allowing holidaymakers to explore the sights on a walking tour to witness the charms of the old city as well as the sophistication and bustling atmosphere of the modern districts.

Kasbah

Featuring a complex of castles built on the highest point of the city overlooking the charming Tangiers, the Kasbah houses the beautiful 17th century palace, Dal el Makhzen, and the gardens of the Sultan Moulay Ismail. The palace is now home to the Kasbah Museum, consisting of two remarkable museums: the Museum of Moroccan Art and the Museum of Antiquities. You can also walk around the fortifications that surround the Kasbah to get a feel of how glorious this place once was.

Museum of Moroccan Art

Located in the Kasbah, the Museum of Moroccan Art boasts an exquisite setting in the princes apartments, with painted wooden ceilings, sculpted plaster work and mosaics. You can see an array of art masterpieces from all over Morocco including lavishly decorated firearms, pottery with subtle motifs of flowers, shimmering carpets, manuscripts and old dishes in various colours.

Museum of Antiquities

Also in the Kasbah, the Museum of Antiquities enjoys an interesting location in the former kitchens of the old palace. Here you can find many fascinating collections, with bronzes and mosaics from the Roman sites of Lixus, Cotta, Banasa and Volubilis as well as other antiquities dating from pre-history. The history of Tangiers is vividly depicted through many artefacts, antique funeral monuments and a life-size model of a Carthaginian tomb as well as a group of small lead sarcophagi.

Tangier American Legation

This building features a history of the relations between Morocco and the United States since 1776, when the two countries first made contact. The oldest American overseas legation, this building houses a museum that unfolds impressive collections of old furniture, ancient maps and paintings. This is also particularly important as it is where the Allied Forces prepared for the 1942 landings in North Africa.

Forbes Museum

Kids will love this museum as it displays toy soldiers left behind by the American magazine tycoon, Malcolm Forbes. Marvel at 115,000 models in this building that are used to re-enact major battles in history. Whats more, there are sound effects and lighting to make the scenes realistic. Six hundred statuettes bearing homage to the Battle of Three Kings can also be found in the garden.

Petit Socco

If you want to see one of the most picturesque sites in Tangiers, head to the Petit Socco, located in the heart of the Medina, at the end of Rue des Siaghines. Here, you will see vibrant groups of people wearing brightly coloured clothing. There are also many terraces and cafs where tired travellers can sit around sipping mint tea and people-watch. If you walk from the Petit Socco to the east end, you will find a beautiful grand mosque. However non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the site.

Grand Socco

Also known as Place du 9 Avril 1947, this square is where sultan Mohammed V made a famous speech referring to independence for Morocco. Theres also an exquisite minaret belonging to the Sidi Abib Mosque, lavishly decorated with colourful tiles. If you want to take a walking tour, the Grand Socco is a good starting point as it connects the Medina (Old Town) to the new city (Ville Nouvelle). Those looking for souvenirs to take home will find a plenty of local products here on market days including local wares from the Riffian berbers, who brighten up the shopping experience with their straw hats and red-and-white clothes.