Should i go to tangier

Tough out the choppy Strait of Gibraltar and in less than an hour from the shores of southern Spain, a mystical white-washed skyline shadows the coastline, welcoming you to a continent worlds away from the one in your rearview mirror.

But is this city, once a permanent retreat for expat misfits, really the best introduction to a country as fascinating and diverse as Morocco? Arriving in Tangier by sea packs a deadly visual punch. The touts of the port of Tangier are legendary. Only a couple of kilometres separated us from our apartment, and as the always stubborn independent traveller, setting out on a nice evening walk with the family along the edge of the medina seemed liked a brilliant introduction to the city.

Then came the final straw. Desperately seeking to escape this drug-addled lunatic, we hailed and hopped into a dilapidated Peugeot taxi, looking back only to see Youssef jogging behind, arms flailing, still holding out a faint hope for scraping a few bucks from a few gullible tourists. All of the hassles of previous night mysteriously disappeared; no one even seemed to notice our presence. And who could blame them?

This historical city has a rich history and a truly multi-cultural vibe. If you are spending time there as a tourist, it is good to be aware of your surroundings. Will you use it as a base to explore surrounding areas like Asilah , Tetouan , and Chefchaouan or will your journey go onwards?

One to two days is typically enough time to see the sights of the city. Even though Tangier has a less than rosy history, things have changed in recent years. Wondering if Tangier is safe to visit? Moroccan police have increased security forces throughout the country in light of world events and much has been done in recent years to clean up Tangier and her image. You may encounter hassles from vendors but when it comes to crime, pickpocketing and petty theft are typically the most serious infractions seen.

The history of Tangier begins before the 5th century BC with native Amazigh Berber tribes and Phonecian traders making landfall to trade. Tingis is said to be derived from Tingis, the daughter of Atlas in Greek mythology.

Berber tribes have lived in the area for centuries but the Carthaginians were the first outsiders to settle and colonize the area. The Romans and Byzantinians later controlled the area for various periods of time. During the fervor of European expansion and colonization the city fell to the Portuguese and was ruled from by them. After the United States gained independence — Morocco was the first country to recognize their independence — they built the first US consulate in Tangier.

In , the Legation Building in Tangier became the first piece of property acquired abroad by the new country. It was a gift from Sultan Moulay Suliman. At the beginning of the 20th century Tangier was already quite the multicultural city. An estimated 40, people lived in the city; 20, Muslims, 10, Jews and 9, mostly Spanish Europeans. While much of the country was partitioned beginning in between the French and Spanish, Tangier was a bit of a different story. In it became an international zone governed by the French, Spanish and British.

World War Two was a very interesting time in Tangier. Due to its international status and the varied positions of the occupying countries. Spies, businessmen, writers, artists, intellectuals and all sorts of people showed up on the shores of Tangier for its mix of opportunity and live and let live policy found in few other places at the time.

Tangier still has this allure however in it like the rest of Morocco became an independent nation. Rumor is spies still used it as an outpost during the Cold War. The Tangier airport Ibn Battouta handles over 1 million passengers a year.

Many major cities in Europe service Tangier including Paris, Brussels, Madrid and Amsterdam as well as smaller cities.

Domestic flights also are frequent from cities such as Casablanca, Marrakech, and Ouarzazate. One of the most popular ways to reach Tangier is by ferry.

FRS ferries cross from Tarifa to Tangier and the fast crossing takes just over 30 minutes. This crossing takes 70 minutes and the port is 30 km from the city of Tangier. This route takes 80 minutes. During high season it is advisable to book early to ensure space at the time you would like to cross. Tangier is the first or last stop on the train line.

Many travelers use the train to reach destinations further south in Morocco. One of the most popular routes is the overnight Tangier to Marrakech train. You can book a 4 person room with a bunk either mixed or female only. You also can reserve just a seat in either first or second class.

Be aware in second class there are no limits on ticket sold so you may be standing or squished. In first class every seat is assigned. There is also now a high-speed train that runs from Casablanca to Tangier and vice-versa. The Al-Boraq train takes 2 hours and 10 minutes to travel this complete route and has both first and class tickets available. Coming from Tangier airport to the city, which is 30 minutes away, your only real option is a grand taxi.

The price for a grand taxi should be shown on a board at the airport, but was MAD as of The neighborhood of Marshan up the hill and to the west of the Medina is another good pick, while the parts of Ville Nouvelle down by the beach are also nice. A short walk from both the Medina and the beach, this classic five-star hotel offers guests rooms with real Moroccan charm, as well as access to an outdoor pool and views over the bay.

This riad on the edge of the Medina gives travelers a truly Moroccan experience, with stunning terrace views and a delicious, filling breakfast. With both dorms and private rooms, guests will find clean rooms, private bathrooms, and great staff. For more accommodation options in Tangier check out Booking.

They continuously offer the best rates and their custom service is on point. Rather than being a city full of unmissable attractions, Tangier is the perfect place to acclimate to what Morocco is like. However, before we get to our Tangier itinerary, we just wanted to remind you to purchase travel insurance. You never know what will happen and, trust us, you do not want to get stuck with thousands of dollars in medical bills.

We personally use and recommend SafetyWing. You can get a quick, non-binding quote below:. One popular alternative, for example, is World Nomads. The natural place to start your visit is with the Medina of Tangier. If this is your first time visiting a medina in Morocco, it will give you an idea of what the walled historic center of Moroccan cities is like.

If you get tired from walking and shopping, head to Place Petit Socco where you can find cafes ideal for people-watching.

Though most of the information inside is in French and Arabic, you get to see this restored palace in all its glory. American visitors will likely get the most out of this museum, but there are aspects of the museum, like the art and colonial architecture,which will interest everyone.

While you may expect harbor docks, the sight of the city beach and Tangier Corniche behind it is probably more unexpected. Watching over the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar and the northwest corner of Africa, Cap Spartel is a popular attraction for tourists outside of Tangier.