Tangier grabs your attention with its unique spot where Africa meets Europe, creating a cool mix of Moroccan tradition and Mediterranean influence. This old port city has everything from winding medinas and amazing coastal views to lively souks and real experiences.
Picking where to stay in Tangier can change your whole trip. In this guide, you’ll find the best neighborhoods for every type of traveler – from genuine medina riads to beachfront spots. I’ll share local prices, insider tips, and helpful advice for each area, plus detailed pricing tables and activities to make the most of your Tangier trip.
Best Hotels in Tangier 🔥
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier
- ✨ 5-Star: Royal Tulip City Center
- 🏨 4-Star: Hilton Garden Inn Tanger City Centre
- 🛏 3-Star: Mnar Park Aqua Park
- 💸 Cheap: Socco Hostel
- 🏢 Apartment: Pestana Tanger City Center Suites & Apartments
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Mnar Castle
- 🏩 For Couples: Riad Dar Saba - Saba's House
Quick Guide to the Best Areas 📃
- 🗿 For History Lovers: Old Medina
- 🏄🏻♀️ Best Beaches: City Beaches
- 💎 For Luxury: Royal Palm Golf District
- 🕊 For Quiet Stay: Marshan
- 🏞 For Nature: Malabata
1. Old Medina – Where to Stay in Tangier for History Lovers
Getting around easily. The medina sits inside 15th-century walls, putting you just 200 meters from Kasbah Museum and a 5-minute walk to Grand Socco’s transport hub. I found out that the Bab Fahs entrance connects straight to Ville Nouvelle via Avenue Mohammed V, while traditional riads are tucked away behind unmarked wooden doors along Rue Riad Sultan.
Where you’ll sleep. Traditional riads have central courtyards called “sahn” with fountains and orange trees, plus rooftop terraces with Gibraltar Strait views. The narrow Rue des Consuls has restored 17th-century buildings with original zellige tilework, while Rue de la Kasbah gives you quieter options with hammam access and real bread ovens.
What things cost. Fresh bread from neighborhood “fournil” costs 2-3 MAD ($0.20-0.30 USD), while Souk el Khemis on Thursdays has vintage finds and antiques. Spice sellers near Petit Socco sell saffron at 80-120 MAD per gram ($8-12 USD) – check quality by looking for deep red color and strong smell.
| Essential Costs | MAD Price | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Hammam session | 40-80 | $4-8 |
| Pottery workshop | 150-200 | $15-20 |
| Traditional dinner | 80-150 | $8-15 |
| Medina guide (2 hours) | 200-300 | $20-30 |
Finding your way around. Blue and white street signs show major routes, but locals use landmarks like Mosquée Sidi Bou Abib’s green minaret or the arched entrance of Dar El Makhzen. The medina slopes down from Kasbah to harbor – walking uphill always gets you to great viewpoints and fewer crowds.
Real local stuff. Traditional bakeries start their wood ovens at 5 AM for fresh “khubz” bread, while afternoon call to prayer echoes from seven different mosques creating cool soundscapes. Leather workers on Rue Sebou show you 800-year-old tanning techniques using pomegranate bark, and Friday couscous prep happens in shared courtyards where neighbors swap recipes.
Best Hotels in Old Medina
Expensive hotels
- Palais Zahia Hotel & Spa – This luxurious hotel & spa in Tangier’s medina offers 18 personalized rooms with minibars, flat-screen TVs, and features a full-service spa with massages and body treatments near the outskirts of Tangier.
- Riad Dar Saba - Saba's House – Located in Tangier’s famous Kasbah, this luxury riad offers art deco suites with breathtaking Gibraltar views, soaking tubs, and Egyptian cotton sheets.
- Dar Nour – Known as “The House of Light,” this internationally recognized guest house is the oldest in Tangier, offering authentic luxury in the historical center with unique rooms and a renowned restaurant.
Medium price range
- Dar Rif – This traditional riad in Tangier’s heart features 6 rooms with satellite TV, free continental breakfast, and a rooftop terrace, located less than 10 minutes’ walk from the port for travelers wanting to stay somewhere authentic.
- Riad Tingis – Situated in central Tangier, this riad offers 8 air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs, jetted baths, and includes free full breakfast with 24-hour room service in the city center of Tangier.
- Kasba blanca – This highly-rated guesthouse near the Kasbah offers air-conditioned rooms with city views, free WiFi, restaurant service, and is just 200 meters from Dar el Makhzen for your trip to Morocco.
Budget options
- Socco Hostel – Located in Tangier’s historic medina, this highly-rated hostel offers modern amenities with artistic vibes, a rooftop terrace with 360° views, and free Moroccan breakfast.
- Hôtel Marrakech – This budget accommodation provides basic comfort in the medina area, offering essential amenities for travelers seeking affordable stays in Tangier’s historic quarter.
- Hostel Tanger Medina – A budget-friendly hostel option in the medina providing basic accommodations for backpackers and budget travelers exploring Tangier’s old city.
2. Near City Beaches – Where to Stay in Tangier for Waterfront Living
Right by the beach. This coastal strip runs along Boulevard Mohammed VI, putting you just 50 meters from Plage Municipale’s golden sand and a 10-minute walk from Tangier’s main port. I discovered the corniche gives you amazing Atlantic views, while staying here means morning swims before 8 AM when locals work out and fishermen come back with their night catches.
Beach life prices. Parasol rental costs 30-40 MAD ($3-4 USD) per day, while beachside cafés charge 15-25 MAD ($1.50-2.50 USD) for fresh orange juice. Local fishermen sell their daily catches at small stalls – expect sardines at 20-30 MAD per kilo ($2-3 USD) and sea bream at 80-120 MAD per kilo ($8-12 USD).
| Beach Essentials | MAD Price | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Surfboard rental | 100-150 | $10-15 |
| Beach chair | 20-30 | $2-3 |
| Fresh fish lunch | 60-100 | $6-10 |
| Taxi to medina | 15-25 | $1.50-2.50 |
Water fun and staying safe. The municipal beach is free with clean facilities and lifeguards during summer months, while Plage de Tangier has calmer waters protected by rocky areas. Morning low tides show tide pools perfect for kids, and evening walks go toward Malabata headland where locals hang out for sunset views.
Eating by the water. Traditional fishing boats called “felouques” leave at sunrise for day trips to nearby caves and hidden coves costing 200-300 MAD ($20-30 USD) per person. Beachside grills cook up fresh sardines with Moroccan spices, while the weekend fish market near Port Tangier shows off Atlantic varieties like dorade and sole at great prices.
Best Hotels near City Beaches
Expensive hotels
- Royal Tulip City Center – This 5-star luxury hotel offers 218 rooms and suites with modern amenities, six restaurants and bars, a 2,000 m² spa and fitness center, plus outdoor pool with convenient airport access.
- Hilton Tanger City Center Residences – Premium residences featuring fully equipped apartments with kitchen facilities, air conditioning, and modern design in the heart of Tangier’s business district and includes excellent service.
- Pestana Tanger City Center Suites & Apartments – This aparthotel features 120 comfortable apartments with 1-2 bedrooms, kitchenettes, living rooms, and is strategically located between the beach and the city center.
Medium price range
- Hilton Garden Inn Tanger City Centre – Modern 4-star hotel steps from train station and 5 minutes from beach, featuring contemporary design with Mediterranean Sea views and connected to shopping mall with walking distance of the beach.
- Hotel El Djenina – Situated next to Tangier’s marina, this hotel features spacious bright rooms with marina and beach views, modern facilities, and professional service near Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport.
- City Bleu Tanger – Recently renovated hotel near Tanger City Mall with outdoor pool, restaurant, and direct shopping mall connection.
Budget options
- El Muniria – Budget-friendly accommodation within 800 meters of Tangier Municipal Beach, offering basic rooms with free WiFi, terrace and concierge services.
- Eftalya Hostel Tanger – A budget hostel option providing basic accommodations for travelers seeking affordable stays in Tangier’s city center area.
- Hotel Marco Polo – 3-star hotel in city center, 11-minute walk from Tangier Harbor with Moroccan restaurant and Gibraltar Strait views.
3. Near Royal Palm Golf – Where to Stay in Tangier for Luxury Recreation
Close to the golf course. Located 15 kilometers southwest of city center, this fancy area surrounds Morocco’s top 18-hole championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones. Rolling hills stay cooler all year, while staying here also gets you shuttle access to downtown Tangier and easy routes to Cap Spartel lighthouse via pretty coastal roads.
Golf and fun costs. Green fees run 800-1200 MAD ($80-120 USD) for 18 holes including cart rental, while golf lessons with PGA pros cost 400-600 MAD ($40-60 USD) per hour. The clubhouse restaurant serves lunch menus at 150-250 MAD ($15-25 USD), and equipment rental adds 200-300 MAD ($20-30 USD) for complete sets.
| Golf Activities | MAD Price | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 18-hole round | 800-1200 | $80-120 |
| Cart rental | 200-300 | $20-30 |
| Caddie service | 150-200 | $15-20 |
| Driving range | 50-80 | $5-8 |
Getting around and trips. The club runs shuttles to Tangier center every 2 hours costing 50 MAD ($5 USD) per person, while taxi services charge 150-200 MAD ($15-20 USD) for the 25-minute ride. Resort facilities include heated pools, fitness centers, and organized trips to nearby Hercules Caves and Asilah’s artistic medina.
Premium stuff. The pro shop has top golf equipment and offers club fitting services, while the 19th hole bar serves craft cocktails with amazing Atlantic views. Weekend tournaments welcome visitors with handicap certificates, and the nearby equestrian center provides horseback riding lessons through eucalyptus forests and along clifftop trails overlooking Gibraltar.
Best Hotels in Royal Palm Golf District
Expensive hotels
- Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier – This luxury 5-star palace hotel offers opulent accommodations with world-class amenities, multiple dining options, spa services, and elegantly designed rooms in an exclusive setting for a great Tangier experience.
- Chez Nour Tanger – An upscale boutique hotel offering personalized service and premium accommodations with modern amenities and stylish design in a tranquil golf district location.
- Welcome House Apartment – Luxury apartment-style accommodations featuring spacious layouts, fully equipped kitchens, and premium furnishings perfect for extended stays in the golf area with luxury hotel features.
Medium price range
- Dar Tanja – A charming mid-range property offering comfortable accommodations with traditional Moroccan touches, modern conveniences, and peaceful surroundings near the golf course as one of the best places to stay.
- Elite Holiday Home - Luxury & Centric Flat – Well-appointed apartment accommodations featuring contemporary design, essential amenities, and comfortable living spaces at reasonable rates.
- Luxury of Mesnana – A boutique-style property offering refined accommodations with attention to detail, quality furnishings, and personalized service in the golf district area with the best amenities.
Budget options
- Riad Ben Tanger – Budget-friendly apartment option providing basic accommodations with essential amenities for travelers seeking affordable stays near the golf course.
- Aida Village Tanger – A village-style accommodation offering simple, clean rooms with basic facilities at competitive rates.
- Appartement lumineux 2 chambres clim – A cozy new apartment option providing comfortable budget accommodations with modern touches and essential amenities for affordable and peaceful golf area stays.
4. Marshan – Where to Stay in Tangier for Residential Charm
Peaceful hilltop spot. Marshan district sits on high ground 3 kilometers west of the medina, giving you amazing views across the Strait of Gibraltar toward Spanish coastlines. This residential area gives you a break from city noise while keeping 15-minute taxi access to major sights, with tree-lined streets and traditional Moroccan architecture creating a village feel within the city.
Local living prices. Neighborhood bakeries sell fresh “msemen” flatbread for 3-5 MAD ($0.30-0.50 USD), while corner shops stock daily stuff at local prices. Traditional hammams serve residents for 25-35 MAD ($2.50-3.50 USD), and local restaurants make real tagines without tourist prices – expect filling meals at 40-70 MAD ($4-7 USD).
| Daily Essentials | MAD Price | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Local café breakfast | 25-40 | $2.50-4 |
| Shared taxi to medina | 8-12 | $0.80-1.20 |
| Fresh produce (1kg) | 15-25 | $1.50-2.50 |
| Evening meal | 50-80 | $5-8 |
Walking around the neighborhood. The district connects to Tangier’s modern areas via Avenue Mohammed V, while walking paths go through residential streets where kids play soccer and older men gather for afternoon tea. Local mosques provide real neighborhood atmosphere, and small parks offer shaded benches with views toward distant Spanish mountains on clear days.
Getting into the community. Weekly markets on Wednesdays show off local vegetables and household goods at wholesale prices, while neighborhood cafés work as social spots where regulars talk about daily news over mint tea. Traditional barbers offer services for 15-20 MAD ($1.50-2 USD), and local tailors provide clothing fixes with same-day service for budget travelers.
Best Hotels in Marshan
Expensive hotels
- Lalla Soulika Tangier – This luxury boutique property offers premium accommodations with elegant design, personalized service, and upscale amenities in the peaceful Marshan district to discover the best hotels.
- La Maison de Tanger – An exclusive guesthouse featuring sophisticated rooms with refined décor, modern comforts, and stunning views in a tranquil residential setting.
- Villa Augustine – A luxury villa-style accommodation offering spacious rooms, premium amenities, and elegant furnishings with panoramic views of the Strait of Gibraltar.
Medium price range
- Dar Zohra at the Door of Africa – A charming mid-range property featuring traditional Moroccan architecture, comfortable rooms, and authentic décor in a peaceful neighborhood setting.
- Riad Al Qurtubi – A traditional riad offering comfortable accommodations with Moroccan touches, central courtyard, and modern amenities at reasonable rates.
- Casa Verde di Tangeri – A cozy guesthouse providing comfortable rooms with garden views, homey atmosphere, and good value for money in the residential Marshan area.
Budget options
- Syrah Home – A budget-friendly accommodation offering basic but clean rooms with essential amenities for travelers seeking affordable stays in Marshan with perfect comfort.
- Dar Sami Riad avec Vue – An economical riad option featuring simple rooms with views, traditional touches, and basic facilities at competitive prices.
- Aida village – A budget accommodation providing simple, clean rooms with essential amenities in the quiet Marshan district.
5. Near Malabata – Where to Stay in Tangier for Coastal Adventures
Coastal spot. Malabata stretches along Tangier’s eastern shoreline, 8 kilometers from city center, where rocky cliffs meet sandy beaches and Atlantic waves create natural swimming pools. This area offers Morocco’s closest views of Gibraltar Rock, while beachfront places give you direct access to hidden coves and fishing villages where traditional boat-building still happens using old techniques.
Water activities prices. Surfboard lessons with local instructors cost 200-300 MAD ($20-30 USD) for 2-hour sessions, while kayak rentals run 100-150 MAD ($10-15 USD) per day. Fresh seafood restaurants charge 80-150 MAD ($8-15 USD) for grilled fish platters, and boat trips to nearby caves cost 150-250 MAD ($15-25 USD) per person including equipment.
| Beach Activities | MAD Price | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Jet ski rental (1 hour) | 300-400 | $30-40 |
| Beach horseback riding | 200-300 | $20-30 |
| Snorkeling gear | 80-120 | $8-12 |
| Beachside massage | 150-250 | $15-25 |
Natural cool stuff. The Malabata lighthouse marks Africa’s northwestern point, reachable via coastal hiking trails that show hidden beaches and bird-watching opportunities. Rocky tide pools form during low tide, creating natural aquariums with sea anemones and small fish, while morning walks show dolphin pods and migrating seabirds crossing between continents.
Fishing village culture. Local fishermen fix colorful wooden boats using traditional techniques passed through generations, while beachside restaurants grill daily catches over charcoal fires. Weekend fish auctions attract buyers from across the region, and traditional “sardine festivals” during summer months have live music and communal cooking using huge outdoor grills.
Best Hotels in Malabata
- Mnar Park Aqua Park – This aparthotel features three outdoor pools, water slides, and a kids’ area with aqua park facilities. Located 10 minutes from the beach with self-catering apartments, garden, restaurant, and free breakfast.
- Mnar Castle – A luxury 4-star aparthotel offering stunning sea and Gibraltar views from Cap Malabata location.
- Atlantic Mnar – Recently renovated apartment accommodation located 7.9 km from Tangier city center. Offers free private parking and 24-hour front desk.
FAQs about Visiting Tangier, Morocco
Where should I stay in Tangier for sightseeing?
The Old Medina is one of the best areas to stay for travelers wanting easy access to historic sites like the American Legation. This part of the city puts you within walking distance of both the beach and major attractions.
Which attractions to visit in Tangier are must-see?
The Kasbah, Grand Socco, and Cape Spartel are among the top places to visit in Tangier during your trip to Morocco. These sites show why Tangier is a great destination with rich history and stunning coastal views.
How many days in Tangier do I need?
Most visitors find that a 2-3 day visit gives you enough time to explore Tangier’s main attractions. This duration lets you experience both the medina and modern Tangier city center without feeling rushed.
Which hotel in Tangier offers best location?
Hotels in Tangier’s city center offer excellent access to both historic sites and modern amenities. The Royal Tulip City Center and Hilton Tanger City Center Hotel are top choices for their prime locations.
What makes Tangier special for travelers?
Tangier sits at the crossroads of Africa and Europe, creating a unique cultural mix that’s one of the first places visitors notice. The wide range of hotels, from dar properties to luxury resorts, makes sure every traveler can find their perfect place to stay.
