My worst travel experience : The Medina in Tangier Morocco

Intense blue plinths, doors and windows accompany visitors on their stroll through Tangier’s medina: the most picturesque and iconic of the city’s various quarters. If you’re of a curious disposition, let your intuition guide you through the network of narrow streets that make up the historic neighbourhood of this famous port city. Colourful staircases, vibrant bougainvillea hanging from the walls and fascinating artisan workshops will attract your attention as you make your way to the top of the medina. Take your time and try to find the inspiration that dozens of artists have found in this city in years gone by. In just a few minutes, you’ll realise what the medina is and what it has to offer.

You’ll find unusual sights around every corner. As you approach the highest point, which is where the kasbah is, you’ll start to see remains of ancient fortifications and improvised viewpoints that offer vistas of the surrounding areas. The viewpoint at the top of the hill is the best place for taking selfies, offering views across the port and the deep blue ocean, with the Spanish coastline visible in the distance. Once you reach the top of the medina, you’ll realise that the ascent through a network of steep streets was totally worth it.

The Tangier medina is of a manageable size that can be visited in a single morning. However, if you’re planning to visit one of its multiple museum or spend some time browsing its shops, it’s best to set aside a whole day so that you can do so at your own pace. It is also home to a plethora of delightful restaurants (some of which offer live music sessions) and bars where you can try Moroccan food or sample a refreshing mint tea.

As you’ll probably feel like a spot of shopping during your time in Tangier, we highly recommend visiting the Grand Socco and the Petit Socco. To get to the former, follow the signposts to 9 April 1947 Square. This is the former site of the city’s main gold market. Now, however, there are only a handful of jewellery shops that serve as reminders of the square’s past. Besides these shops, you will also find antiques and second-hand stores, stalls selling fresh produce (such as fruit, vegetables, fish and spices) and several handicraft shops.

However, if you’re interested in arts and crafts, you’re better off visiting the Petit Socco, which is just a couple of streets away from the larger one. The Petit Socco is located in a small square with a handful of terraces –such as that of the Gran Café Central– where you can take a seat and relax as you watch the world go by. Its small shops are renowned for their selection of accessories (jewellery, bags, etc.), slippers and rugs. Ornate lamps and tea sets are also popular purchases amongst holidaymakers.

Once you’ve got your shopping done, it’s time to explore the areas around the soccos. We recommend starting at 9 April 1947 Square, home to the Grand Socco, and exploring the different shops and restaurants around its perimeter. You’ll see the old art-nouveau Rif Cinema; the Sidi Bouabid mosque, with its high minaret (non-Muslims are unfortunately not allowed to visit); and the Bab El-Fahs gate, which marks the entrance to the medina. In the middle of the square there is a marble fountain and a public garden with slender palm trees, which lend it an exotic touch.

This landscaped garden is the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Tangier’s medina, free from the insistence of the vendors and the constant noise that emanates from the multitude of street stalls. There is also a children’s play area, which is the perfect place for your little ones to let off some steam after a morning of shopping and sightseeing. Mendoubia Gardens is a delightful place to walk during the summer months, where you can admire its range of exotic plants and trees as you escape the heat.

Dar Niaba Palace was the first residence of Sultan Mendub’s ambassador. This striking renaissance-style building is one of the oldest in the Tangier medina. When you pass through the monumental entrance gate, you will enter a large porticoed courtyard with a fountain in the middle. The orange trees that rise above the first floor (which is also porticoed) and the plants that grow around their trunks give the courtyard a certain vibrancy. This is another landmark that you must find time to visit in the Tangier medina.

[asiancooking]

Hi there, thanks for letting us know. We will visiting Tangier in 2nd Week of June 2024, could you please let me know the restaurant name, so we can avoid this restaurant! Which one is economical restaurant in Tangier (Madina or Grand Socco area). My hotel is near the Main train station of Tangier. Regards