6 Things To Do in Tangier: Immerse Yourself in This Fabled City

• Tangier is a scenic port city in Morocco with a rich history and diverse architectural influences.
• Essential things to do in Tangier include exploring the centuries-old Medina and Kasbah, and visiting legendary cafés.
• Tangier is also known for its wide sandy beaches, as well as dramatic coastal features like the Hercules Caves.

Located in northern Morocco where the Mediterranean Sea flows into the Atlantic Ocean, Tangier is known for enchanting historical architecture, unspoiled beaches and fabled café culture. It's a city of enticing contrasts — ancient and modern, Mediterranean and Moroccan. Tangier carries that endearing calmness that coastal cities often have, yet it is visually striking thanks to colourful buildings perched on hillsides beneath the bright blue sky. From shopping in souks and sunbathing on beaches to uncovering this port city's layered history, discover six delightfully varied things to do in Tangier.

Explore the narrow streets of Tangier Medina as they wind up the hillside, revealing historical homes and artisanal shops nestled inside 15th-century walls. The buildings reflect Tangier's intricate past, with Andalusian, Moorish and Portuguese architecture alongside traditional Moroccan mosaic tilework and courtyards. Vivid bougainvillaea cascades over whitewashed walls, and the warm aroma of spices drifts from the bazaars. Here, colourful, piled-high stalls look much the same as they have for centuries. Some days, indigenous Berber people arrive from rural villages to sell goat's cheese and other irresistible regional produce.

Visit Grand Socco square at the entrance, filled with the bustling sounds of life between the old and new towns, and stop in at a bohemian café on Petit Socco, where international writers and artists convened in the early 20th century. During your exploration of the Medina, drop into Dar Niaba, a charming mansion that was once the residence and office of the Naib, the Sultan's diplomatic representative. The 1800s mansion now houses a museum.

Musée Dar Niaba

• 41, Rue Siaghine, Tangier
• Open 10am-6pm Wed-Mon, closed Tuesday
• Tickets cost 20 dhs (around €2) for non-resident adults; discounts are available for children

At the highest point of the Medina, you'll come across the Kasbah of Tangier. It's the location of the former Sultan's Palace, Dar el Makhzen. One of the essential things to do in Tangier is to gaze out from here across jumbled rooftops, with the Strait of Gibraltar shimmering just beyond. The Strait is framed perfectly by the geometric curves of Bab Al Bahr gate, fittingly known as the Sea Gate.

Find your way to the Kasbah Museum inside the Sultan's Palace, with exhibits on local history from prehistoric times to the 1800s. Take a moment to admire exquisite details of the cedar ceilings, just as the Sultan's courtiers may have done during strolls around the palace. In the Andalusian garden, seek quiet serenity with only the sound of birdsong in the trees for company.

Kasbah Museum

• Pl. de la Kasbah, Tangier 90030
• Open 10am-6pm Wed-Mon, closed Tuesday
• Tickets cost 30 dhs (around €3) for adults; discounts are available for children

Wondering where to go in Morocco for a beach holiday? Tangier could be the answer, with long stretches of golden sand on both the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. The beaches are rarely crowded. On clear days, of which Tangier has many, you might glimpse Tarifa in Spain. Consider trying watersports like windsurfing and kiteboarding at the municipal Plage de Tanger, right in the heart of the city, or simply warm your toes in the sand as you stroll or sunbathe.

To experience a range of Tangier beaches, stay at a 5-star Tangier hotel next to Plage Malabata along the Corniche promenade. During your stay, ask your concierge to arrange transport to Dalia Beach, a little-known treasure about an hour's drive away, offering white sands in a traditional fishing village. Look out for the blue wooden fishing boats that match ocean hues.

Embrace maritime adventure at the Hercules Caves, around 30 minutes' drive from central Tangier, where legend resides. Mythology has it that Hercules rested in these caves, and the divine hero of ancient Rome has a statue you'll discover when you arrive. Another captivating feature is an Africa-shaped opening in the rock, which looks out at the brilliant blue of the ocean, as the scent of salty air mixes with the ancient earthiness of the caves.

Just 5 km up the coast, Cape Spartel is another spectacular location to build into your day at the Hercules Caves. This headland where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Strait of Gibraltar features dramatic cliffs, as well as a lighthouse dating from 1864. Inside this landmark with elements of Moorish architecture, climb the spiral staircase and follow in the well-worn footsteps of lighthouse custodians. You'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the coast where traders and mariners arrived over the centuries. Spend a moment in the botanical gardens, soothed by the warm breeze, to find a sense of natural well-being beside the ocean.

• Entry to the caves costs 80 dhs (€7.40) for non-resident adults; discounts are available for children
• The caves can be reached by road, and boat access is not required.

Cafe culture is synonymous with the history of this coastal crossroads. The people of Tangier, too, have long gathered in their local cafés to share stories. Gran Café de Paris, which opened in 1927 and retains its Art Deco appearance, is a must among authentic things to do in Tangier. Sink into a wide chair, wonderfully faded and softened by time, or people-watch from the terrace, which is right opposite the French Consulate.

The rugged terraces at Café Hafa are all about sea views. This 1921 establishment has tiered cliffside terraces overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. Sunlight glistens in glasses of strong, sweet mint tea, which pairs with the flaky, freshly baked pastries. Once a favourite of the Rolling Stones, this spot has a laid-back vibe, with local people hanging out to play board games on mosaic tables. Sip in the sun while planning more things to do in Tangier, as the sound of gently lapping waves drifts up from the shore.

Discover both entertainment and heritage at Cinema Rif, also known as Cinémathèque de Tanger. This venerable independent theatre was established in 1938 as Cinema Royal, and is now an important cultural centre showcasing arthouse movies and Moroccan films, as well as international releases. You might be lucky enough to visit during a film festival or other special event. Tangier Film Festival is now well established, having run for more than 10 years.

The past still resonates in the décor and atmosphere, and in the cosy café too, with posters and other memorabilia lining the walls. You'll find Cinema Rif on Grand Socco square at the entrance to the medina – a place to encounter cultural things to do in Tangier at the same time as discovering medieval history.

• Grand Socco, Place du 9 Avril 1947, Tangier 90000
• Open 8:30am–11pm Tue–Sun, closed Monday

Whether you're dreaming of a beach holiday in Morocco or a journey through the country's culture and history, Tangier offers it all. What are you waiting for?