Tangier

Day 1: Kasbah heights and the old medina

Ease into Tangier’s layered history with a gentle start in and around the medina. Aim for an early morning wander to enjoy cool air, soft light, and near-empty lanes before day-trippers arrive.

• Morning: Enter the medina via Bab al-Fahs at the Grand Socco, pause in Mendoubia Gardens, then step inside St. Andrew’s Church if open (donations welcome). Continue to the American Legation Museum (c. 50 MAD) for International Zone stories; greet locals with a simple “Salam Alaikum” and always ask before photographing people.
• Midday: Drift down Rue Siaghine to the Petit Socco for mint tea and people-watching; keep to broad scenes rather than close-up portraits. Lunch nearby and practise polite haggling in the souqs—keep a friendly tone and a sense of humour.
• Afternoon: Climb into the Kasbah for Dar el-Makhzen/Kasbah Museum (around 70 MAD). Wander its quiet alleys to the viewpoint over the Strait for golden-hour light; the hills and cobbles are steep—wear sturdy shoes.
• Evening: Dine in the medina or around Grand Socco. If you’d like a discreet nightcap, choose a licensed hotel bar such as at El Minzah or the Tangerinn (adjacent to Hotel El Muniria) and avoid public drinking; during Ramadan some venues reduce or suspend alcohol service. Use petit taxis back—ask the driver to use the meter (“compteur”).

Day 2: Clifftops, caves and café sunsets

Today is about sea air and ancient echoes: Phoenician tombs, Atlantic spray, and the myth of Hercules. Coastal sites can be breezy—even in summer bring a light layer.

• Morning: Head to the Punic-Roman Necropolis on the Marshan Plateau for rock-cut tombs and wide seascapes; it’s an unfenced, contemplative spot, so watch your footing after rain. Stroll the Marshan promenade before catching a taxi west.
• Midday: Visit Cap Spartel Lighthouse (check opening days; it can be windy and cooler than the city), then the Caves of Hercules; nearby simple seafood places make an easy lunch. Carry small change for taxis and avoid the midday heat if visiting in peak summer.
• Afternoon: Return to town for mint tea at Café Hafa, terraced above the Strait—sunsets here are special, and early evening is less crowded. Be mindful that this is a neighbourhood setting; keep voices low and leave no litter.
• Evening: Walk the Ville Nouvelle: from Grand Socco past the facade of Gran Teatro Cervantes to Boulevard Pasteur and Café de Paris for a slice of International Zone nostalgia. Fancy a whisky? Opt for a refined, licensed hotel bar (for example at Fairmont Tazi Palace); alcohol is never consumed in public and availability can change during religious holidays.

Day 3: Hidden corners, crafts and international echoes

Slow the pace and tuck into details: quiet shrines, craft lanes, and a final sweep of viewpoints. This is a good day to hire an official guide (250–400 MAD for a half day—look for the badge) to deepen the stories.

• Morning: Start by viewing the Grand Mosque exterior (non-Muslims may not enter; avoid prayer times), then thread into residential lanes to find the modest Tomb of Ibn Battuta. If approached by “faux guides,” a polite “La, shukran” usually suffices—keep walking.
• Midday: Explore the craft souqs (leather, metalwork, spices) for considered souvenir shopping; carry cash and a reusable bag. Step into the Spanish Cathedral in the ville nouvelle for a quiet contrast and lunch nearby.
• Afternoon: Re-enter via Bab al-Assa and climb into the Kasbah’s lesser-visited quarters, or revisit the Kasbah Museum’s contemporary art space if you’re keen on modern culture in historic rooms. If skies turn blustery, swap in museum time or a hammam.
• Evening: For a farewell sunset, choose the Kasbah viewpoint or the seaside corniche. Dine along the bay or back in the medina; if you’d like a last drink, keep to licensed venues and taxis at night. In peak summer, book dinners and rides; in spring/autumn, bring a light layer for cool evenings.

Notes across all days:

• Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) in and around the medina and religious sites.
• Keep valuables zipped and close in crowded squares; the Grand and Petit Soccos can be pickpocket hotspots.
• During Ramadan, many cafés shift hours; evenings become lively after sunset but alcohol service is limited to select venues or paused entirely.

By Air

• Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport (TNG) is ~12 km southwest of the centre; 20–30 minutes by taxi.
• Official airport taxis typically cost ~100–150 MAD to/from the centre; no rail link. Local buses are limited—taxis are the easiest option.
• Direct flights from several European cities (e.g., Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam, London seasonally) plus domestic links (notably via Casablanca).

By Train

• Tanger Ville is the main station and northern terminus of the Al Boraq high‑speed line.
• Typical Al Boraq times: Kenitra ~50 min; Rabat Agdal ~1 h 20; Casablanca Voyageurs ~2 h 10–2 h 20.
• To Marrakech: change at Casablanca Voyageurs; ~4 h 45–5 h 30 total.
• To Fez: usually change at Kenitra or Sidi Kacem; ~3 h 45–4 h 30.
• Tickets via ONCF website/app; seat reservations required on Al Boraq.

By Ferry

• Tarifa–Tanger Ville: fast ferries (foot passengers; limited vehicles) 35–60 minutes; arrives at the in‑city port, walkable to the medina.
• Algeciras–Tanger Med: frequent car/passenger ferries 60–90 minutes. Tanger Med is ~45–60 minutes from Tangier by motorway; connect by shuttle bus or grand taxi.

By Bus

• Long‑distance services from the main Gare Routière; CTM also operates from its own terminal in the centre.
• Key routes (typical times): Tetouan ~1–1 h 45; Chefchaouen ~2–3 h; Fez ~5–6 h; Marrakech ~9–10 h.
• CTM tickets available online and at stations; buy in advance in peak seasons.

By Car

• Motorways: A1 south to Rabat (~2–2 h 30) and Casablanca (~3–3 h 30); A4 to Tanger Med (~45–60 min). Tolls apply.
• National roads: N2 inland to Tetouan (~1–1 h 30) and Chefchaouen (~2–2 h 30); N1 to Asilah (~45–60 min).
• Parking in/near the medina is limited—use guarded car parks (e.g., near Grand Socco, port) or hotel parking.

By Taxi (intercity)

• Grand taxis run to nearby cities (Tetouan, Asilah, Chefchaouen). They leave when full; fares are per seat. Agree the price if not posted.