Tanger

Tanger’s cruise dock and passenger terminal are only 800 meters from the city centre, also called Tangier or Tangiers. A town shuttle and plenty of taxis are available. Money-changing facilities exist, although credit cards are widely accepted citywide.

At times, passengers are tendered into port.

A printable map is available to take along.

Tanger is a cruise port in its own right, not simply a gateway to other cities.

Known as the "gateway to Africa", Tangier is one of Morocco’s most vibrant, mysterious and intriguing cities. Just 60 kilometers from Gibraltar and 14 kilometers from Spain, it is neither wholly Moroccan, European nor African, but a dynamic mix of all three… Its strong international flavour comes with a reputation for shady deals and foreign misfits. Tangier has hosted international playboys, artists, writers and adventurers; Truman Capote called it the "Ragamuffin city".

Tanger's medina near the harbor is fascinating and remains in very good condition. Its narrow winding streets have houses of many styles, showing people from different financial backgrounds lived and worked here. The Medina is sizeable, with tourist-oriented commercial centres, though places where genuine handicraft is made can be hard to find.

The Kasbah stands at Tangier’s highest point, with excellent views across the Straits of Gibraltar to neighbouring Spain, a rare chance to see two continents at once.

Grand Socco is truly Tangier’s heart and a strong place to begin a tour. Here, modern-city streets are forced to continue into the old city’s narrow streets, making it a natural point from which to explore.

Art from across Morocco is displayed in imposing Dar el Makhzen, the former Sultan's palace in the Tangier kasbah, dating from the 17th century.

Tangier American Legation Museum (TALM) is a thriving cultural centre, museum, conference centre and library in the old medina. It occupies the only historic landmark of the United States located abroad.

No commercial excursion providers operate close to de port.

Your best option is walking to the Medina and exploring from there; it is difficult to lose your way because the harbor is visible from almost anywhere.

Be aware that streets and alleys are steep and cobble-stoned.

Take the hop on hop off bus outside the port gate for a good introduction to the city.

Other ways into the city are a 15-20 minute walk or the round-trip shuttle bus for $20 usd.

To visit the Kasbah and Medina without a long, strenuous uphill climb, take the blue-route HOHO bus to Stop 2, Plaza 9 April, then stroll downhill through old town and Medina. An unmissable large covered market is just off Plaza 9 April.

Taxis provide a good, inexpensive tour option at about 15 Euro an hour.

The Caves of Hercules are 14kms west of Tangier and combine striking natural beauty with major archaeological significance.

This is apparently where Hercules rested after completing his 12 labors. Cave mouths face the Atlantic and flood at high tide; as it arrives, water gushes through huge openings in the ground and hillside, a very impressive sight.

At the medina’s highest point, the Kasbah is a hive of activity, where local craftsmen practise traditional carpet weaving, leather working and pottery making. Their products can be bought over a glass of mint tea.

For lunch or a drink, visit Hotel Continental, a huge white 19th century building overlooking the harbor.

Tangier’s traditional foods include couscous, Tajines, Pastilla, Brouchettes and Harira, all found in most restaurants.

Couscous is synonymous with Morocco and a Tangier speciality. In restaurants it must be ordered a little ahead so it can be properly prepared. It comes with varied vegetable and meat toppings, usually chicken, mutton and roast vegetables.

Moroccan mint tea, popular locally, contains tea leaves, plentiful sugar and local mint; it is tasty and surprisingly refreshing.

Morocco uses the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), divided into 100 centimes.

Moroccan money cannot be exported or exchanged, so you should try to spend all local money before leaving the country.

Foreign-currency imports have no amount restrictions. DH banknotes are 10, 50, 100 and 200. City banks have cash points and open 8 to 11,30 a.m. and 2 to 4,30 p.m.; in summer they sometimes stay open through lunch.

Most hotels, restaurants and antique shops take credit cards.

Arabic and Berber are the languages, although most people also speak French.

Numerous customer-free-WiFi cafes stay open late and charge very reasonable fees. Their keyboards look international but are not, so ask for assistance.

For emergency calls, use Police 19 or Fire Service 15.

Ramadan is Morocco’s biggest calendar event: Muslims fast by day and feast at night. Most restaurants close for lunch except those aimed specifically at tourists, and activity generally slows. Travel remains entirely possible and non-Muslims are not restricted, but it is respectful not to eat, drink or smoke in public while the fast is observed.