With its blue shuttered windows and whitewashed buildings cascading down to the sea, Tangier exudes a Mediterranean vibe unique for a Moroccan city. Overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, it has long been a place where African and European cultures converge and has welcomed traders and travellers for centuries. If you’re visiting this cosmopolitan city and want to explore with the help of a local, this article has you covered.
Read on to discover 6 of the best tours in Tangier, from half-day adventures to multi-day trips through Morocco’s north.
For more inspiration, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Tangier, which details things to do, places to stay and transport logistics.
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Get your first taste of Tangier and its surroundings on this full-day guided tour, which takes in many of the city’s most iconic sights. It’s a great way to get your bearings and access places that are more difficult to get to with public transport, making it one of the best tours in Tangier.
First, head up to Parc Perdicaris, a hilltop green space offering sweeping views across the Strait of Gibraltar. Gaze out at the convergence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea before continuing on to the northwestern tip of Africa - Cap Spartel. Marvel at its 1864-built lighthouse, then travel down the coast to the sandy beach at Achakkar for a camel ride. Further south lie the legendary Caves of Hercules, rumoured to be where the mythical hero once rested.
Return to Tangier to explore the winding alleys and bustling squares of the medina. Lose yourself in the timeless energy as you stroll through souks selling traditional Moroccan wares and stop for a refreshing mint tea in the famous Petit Socco. Marvel at the intricate mosaics of the Grand Mosque and the Moorish architecture of the American Legation Museum - two of Tangier’s most famous buildings.
"Abdul and Majid were great. We loved getting Moroccan tea with them and getting a full taste of what life is like in Tangier.. and a lesson in its history.” - Rebecca (read more reviews here)
Embark on a culinary and cultural adventure during this hands-on Moroccan cooking class in Tangier, which also includes a guided exploration of the city. It all begins in the medina, where you’ll meander through lively market stalls piled high with fragrant spices, just-picked produce and artisanal goods. With your host as a translator, you’ll select fresh ingredients for the Moroccan dishes you will learn to prepare later.
Back at the cooking school, an experienced chef will walk you through the process of creating five iconic Moroccan dishes, such as layered pastilla stuffed with chicken, almonds and raisins or slow-cooked tagine, a stew named for the earthenware pot in which it simmers. You'll also learn to make light, pillowy couscous and be treated to endless glasses of sweet mint tea.
After honing your culinary skills and sitting down to enjoy the fruits of your labour, you can walk it all off on a guided tour of Tangier. Marvel at the whitewashed ramparts of the kasbah fortress and venture beyond the old city walls to discover Tangier’s unique blending of Spanish, French and British influences. It’s worth mentioning that the hosts of this culinary and culture tour receive rave reviews for their hospitality and the authenticity of the experience!
"This experience was fantastic! Bilal and Sana were amazing hosts, and it was such an authentic experience cooking in their house. They were so fun, and the food was incredibly delicious.” - Emily (read more reviews here)
Best tours in Tangier
If you’re more into eating than preparing food, then this half-day foodie tour of Tangier is calling. With the help of a local guide, you’ll discover the sights, sounds and tastes of this vibrant Moroccan city, with plenty of samples to feast on along the way.
Stop at hole-in-the-wall eateries and family-run food stalls to sample authentic delicacies that reflect both traditional recipes and regional specialties passed down through generations. Try local dates and pastries like the triangular briouat (stuffed with spiced meat or cheese) and feast on flavourful tagines and couscous. For a refreshing break, sip on a smoothie made from fresh-squeezed orange juice blended with bananas or avocados.
At every stop, your guide will share insights into Tangier's complex history and diverse culture, and how they have contributed to the city’s culinary traditions. This highly-rated food tour of Tangier is a great way to discover hidden gems and experience the city as a local, without ending up in any tourist restaurant “traps”.
"Our guide was incredible and informative. It was the perfect walking tour, with lots of food and history.” - Daniel (read more reviews here)
Once you’ve ticked Tangier’s sights off your list, it’s time to venture a little further afield and see what else northern Morocco has to offer. One of the most popular day trips from Tangier is to Chefchaouen - the iconic “Blue City” of the Rif Mountains - and the nearby Cascades d’Akchour. Not only are they easily accessible from Tangier (it’s around two hours’ drive) but the scenery along the way is gorgeous.
Gaze out the window at rolling hills dotted with olive groves, small villages and ancient kasbahs as you make your way southeast from Tangier. Your first stop is the Cascades d’Akchour where you can stretch your legs during a short hike along the rugged mountain trails of Talassemtane National Park. Aside from viewing several picturesque cascades, you’ll stop at the "Bridge of God," a natural rock arch carved out over centuries of flowing water.
After taking in the tranquil beauty, continue on to Chefchaouen for a guided walk through the winding alleys and passageways of the medina. Learn about the Amazigh tribes who first inhabited the area in ancient times and how the city came to be painted in all shades of blue. With free time to wander at your own pace, you'll soon discover why Chefchaouen has beguiled visitors for generations.
To learn more about things to see and do in the “Blue City”, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Chefchaouen.
"This was the most incredible experience. Our driver Youssef made us feel so welcome from the beginning - he was personable and knowledgeable and a great conversationalist.” - Sarah (read more reviews here)
Best tours in Tangier
If you have more time up your sleeve, embark on a 3-day tour of northern Morocco's most captivating destinations with this action-packed itinerary from Tangier. It includes a night in Chefchaouen where you can wander the steep, cobblestone lanes and admire the striking buildings awash in blue or soak up the views across the city from the surrounding mountains. Stop to browse the leather and weaving workshops before exploring the town's 15th-century fortress and enjoying dinner in lively Plaza Uta El Hammam.
The next day, continue on to Fes, an imperial capital overflowing with Islamic architecture and culture. Lose yourself in the endless maze of alleyways that comprise the Fes el-Bali medina, the largest continuous pedestrian zone in the world. Marvel at the city’s ornate madrasas, stop to observe craftsmen perfecting traditional Moroccan arts and see some of the world’s most famous tanneries in action.
To learn more about things to see and do in Fes, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Fes.
After a night in Fes, you’ll loop back to Tangier, having experienced the rich history, culture and natural beauty that northern Morocco has to offer. This 3-day tour from Tangier is ideal for travellers who want to experience the rich diversity of the country, without having to worry about transport or accommodation logistics.
"I strongly recommend this tour if your time in Morocco is 3 days and certainly recommend this tour company as they will become your friends and take great care of you” - Shawna (read more reviews here)
Best tours in Tangier
For a week in Morocco you’ll never forget, this 7-night tour from Tangier covers a lot of territory. It takes in the captivating “Blue City” of Chefchaouen and the majestic Rif Mountains, as well as the 9th-century medina of Fes.
From Fes, travel through the cedar forests and picturesque villages of the Middle Atlas Mountains en route to the Sahara Desert where you’ll spend a night glamping under a canopy of stars in the Erg Chebbi dunes. Awake at dawn to watch the sunrise before returning to Merzouga by camel. Continue through the Dades Valley, known for its sprawling palm groves and kasbahs carved into red rock cliffs.
This week-long Morocco tour culminates in the vibrant city of Marrakech, which is one of the best places to shop in Morocco. Aside from honing your bargaining skills in the souks, you can wander the beautiful Bahia Palace and experience the nighttime buzz of Djemma el-Fna square. If you’re looking for somewhere inspiring to lay your head at the end of the day, I think these are some of the best riads in Marrakech.
To learn more about things to see and do in Marrakech, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech.
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.