Private 4-Hour Tangier Tour

Once in the Medina of Tanger, you’ll be immediately immersed in the historical heritage and the cultural prosperity of old Tangier. During these 2 hours or so; You will feel like you have time-traveled back to medieval times.
The walking tour of the Medina will let you have direct contact with the friendly locals. Additionally, by strolling down the Medina’s labyrinthine alleyways, the tour will take you through the most important landmarks of the city such as the Grand Socco, the Petit Socco, and the Kasbah. You will also visit monuments that are considered architectural masterpieces decorated with mosaics, ornamental stucco, and wood carvings such as the Great Mosque, Dar El Mekhzen located in the Kasbah, and the American Legation.

Tangier day trip - Tangier Morocco day trip: Medina walking tour

During the tour of the Medina, you’ll make a stop at this historical square which is commonly known as Grand Socco and that divides the Medina from the Ville Nouvelle area of Tangier. It is one of the places that hosted Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany when he visited Tangiers on 3 March 1905. The stopover worsened tension between the Germans and the French and that, among other events, ultimately led to World War I. It’s also the location where King Mohamed V delivered his speech and the symbol of his arrival to the city on April 9, 1947, when Tangiers was under international domination.

Day trip from Spain to Tangier - Tangier day trip: Grand Socco

During the tour inside the walls of the Medina, you’ll make a stop at this historical square which is locally known as Souk Dakhel. It was once home to many notable and extremely significant writers like Paul Bowles, Jean Genet, Tennessee Williams, and Mohamed Choukri. Today the facades of its Hispano-Moorish buildings are freshly painted, tourists abound and it’s a wonderful square for people-watching over a mint tea.

Tangier tourist attractions - tour of tangier: Socco Chico

The Great Mosque of Tangier, a nineteenth-century construction, stands prominently in the former center of the Medina. Once the home of significant religious buildings from various civilizations, dating back to a fifth-century Roman church, the site carries a rich historical legacy. Following the eighth-century Muslim conquest, the Marinid Dynasty converted the church into a mosque, a transformation that endured until the late fifteenth century.

During the centuries of Portuguese and English rule, the mosque underwent a shift, replaced by a church that marked Tangier's evolving architectural landscape. However, in 1684, after Moulay Ismail recaptured the city for the Alawi dynasty, the church underwent yet another transformation, reverting to its original role as a mosque. A critical turning point unfolded in 1815 when Sultan Sulayman undertook a comprehensive reconstruction due to the mosque's poor physical condition, resulting in the impressive structure that defines Tangier today.

While touring the Medina, you will typically approach the Kasbah (the fortress) through either of the two gates: Bab Haha or Bab El-Assa. Once you've entered Place du Mechouar, often referred to as Place de la Kasbah, your exploration takes on a historical dimension. Your Tangier private guide can enhance your experience by providing in-depth insights.

Historically, the Kasbah served as both the residence of the local leader and a strategic defense point during city attacks. Enclosed by high walls and strategically positioned on a hilltop, it was designed for enhanced defensibility. Here, your Tangier private guide becomes invaluable, offering personalized narratives and enriching your understanding of the Kasbah's historical significance. Beyond its defensive role, the Kasbah's architectural grandeur and panoramic views underscore its cultural and visual appeal, making it a must-visit destination during your Tangier exploration.

Things to see in Tangier - Viator Tangier: Kasbah

[OPEN ALL WEEK EXCEPT TUESDAYS - FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM.]
The Kasbah Museum, also known as the Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures, has been housed since 1922 by the Kasbah Palace, renowned as "Dar-Al-Makhzen" or the Sultan's Palace. Situated in the eastern part of the Kasbah of Tangier, this historical site underwent transformations over the years. Before becoming the museum, it witnessed the construction of the residence of the Portuguese governors, known as "Dorons Praefecti," between 1471 and 1661.

Subsequently, the site evolved with the creation of a more expansive "Upper Castle," serving as the residence for English governors from 1662 to 1684. Amidst these historical transitions, Tangier tourist attractions, like the Kasbah Museum, stand as cultural landmarks that tell the rich narrative of the city. The layers of history embedded in the Kasbah make it a captivating destination, connecting visitors to the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Tangier over the centuries.

[THE MUSEUM OPENS MONDAYS-FRIDAYS FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM AND SATURDAYS-SUNDAYS FROM 10 AM TO 3 PM. IT CLOSES ON SUNDAYS AND DURING MOROCCAN HOLIDAYS.]
Situated near the aptly named “Bab Merican,” this elegant five-story mansion holds a unique distinction—it is the only American national monument located outside of the United States. Morocco's historical significance is intertwined with the United States, as it was the first country to recognize the fledgling United States in 1777. This landmark is an essential stop on any Tangier day tour.

Gifted by Sultan Mulay Suliman in 1821, the building served as a diplomatic post in Morocco until 1961, marking the longest any building abroad housed a U.S. diplomatic mission. This blend of history and diplomacy enriches your Tangier day tour, connecting diplomatic ties between Morocco and the United States.

Transitioning to your next destination on the Tangier tour, venture towards Cap Spartel. It stands as the most northwestern point of mainland Africa, serving as the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Proudly topping a promontory, the lighthouse of Cap Spartel has magnificently guarded the entrance to the Straits of Gibraltar since 1864.

Embark on a visual journey as you capture countless photo opportunities at Cap Spartel. For an added experience, consider enjoying breakfast (own expense) against the backdrop of this scenic view. This, of course, assumes your tour is scheduled in the morning, and you've opted for the coastal excursion as your first activity in exploring things to see in Tangier.

Following your exploration of Cap Spartel, embark on a scenic drive along the Atlantic coastline to the south, leading you to Achakar Beach. Here, amidst the sandy expanse, you'll encounter camels, offering a delightful thing to do in Tangier. Safely ride these charming animals or simply relish their company, capturing memorable photos.

For those acquainted with Greek mythology, the 12 Labors of Hercules likely ring a bell. Notably, Lixus, located near Larache to the south of Tangier, is rumored to be the inspiration for Hercules’ Eleventh Labor—the apples of Hesperides. Following this mythic tale, Hercules is said to have rested at your next destination: Hercules Caves. This intriguing connection has endured, making the sea grotto one of the top places to visit in Tangier.