At the beginning of October, I took a flight to Tangier. I didn’t exactly choose Tangier, I had no idea what the city even looked like. But this year, I’ve been a little obsessed with Chefchaouen, the famous blue city, and Tangier happened to be the closest major city. I went in with no expectations… and ended up finding the city absolutely amazing!
Where is Tangier?
Tangier is a charming city nestled between the sea and the hills. Its endless colorful streets, lively medina, bustling markets and bazaars, and — most of all — its warm (sometimes a bit too warm!) people give the city a true soul.
Let’s not forget the cheeky seagulls watching over the port and the cats, who are the undisputed kings of the city.
Walking around Tangier is easy and safe; it’s a human-sized city, perfect for wandering with no particular destination. Locals speak English, French, and quite a bit of Spanish too. After all, Spain is just across the water!
Where to stay without breaking the bank
I stayed at Socco Hostel, right in the heart of the medina, and it was love at first sight!
The staff were super friendly, always ready to help, chat, or organize fun group activities. On my last night, we even cooked a tajine together. Yummy! The beds were comfortable, there was a small library, a delicious and generous breakfast, and the rooftop offered a stunning view over the city and the sea.
Budget: €105 for 3 nights, including breakfast and local taxes.
Traveling is also about meeting people
Staying in a hostel is more than just a budget decision. For me, it was a way to get advice on what to do and to feel part of a community while traveling solo.
But the best part turned out to be the people I met! Every evening, I had dinner with friends. Whoever said solo travel is lonely has clearly never stayed in a hostel like this one.
Exploring Tangier without overspending
You can explore the medina and Tangier Bay on foot, but if you want to go further without paying for a taxi, I highly recommend the City Tour. For just €13, your ticket gives you access to two days of sightseeing, a great way to see a lot without exhausting yourself or your wallet.
There are two routes:
- The city route, which takes you through modern and historical districts.
- The Caves of Hercules route, which leads to Tangier’s highlights such as Cape Spartel (where the Atlantic and the Mediterranean meet), the Caves of Hercules, Perdicaris Park, and Achakar Beach, where you can ride a camel or simply admire them while watching the deep blue waves crash onto the sand.
Tangier was meant to be a test, a first step before exploring the rest of Morocco. But the city won me over with its energy, colors, and simplicity. Now, I can’t wait to go back and discover more of Morocco’s incredible places and treasures.
To see more photos of Morocco, you can visit the gallery Morocco.
