The Grand Socco, officially the Place du 9 Avril 1947, is the large roundabout square where the new town meets the medina, and the name marks the day in 1947 when Sultan Mohammed V spoke in Tangier in support of Moroccan independence. Farmers from the Rif mountains have sold produce here for generations, and the square still hosts fruit, olive, mint and bread stalls, with women selling cheese and baskets on the pavements in the morning. The Mosque of Sidi Bou Abid, with its green-tiled minaret, stands at one corner and the Cinema Rif, now the Cinematheque de Tanger, faces the fountain. Cafes on the edge offer mint tea and views over the crowd, and the Rue es Siaghin leads from the lower corner into the medina. The Grand Socco is a usual meeting point for taxis and a practical starting point for any walk into the old town.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open at all times; market stalls about 7am-1pm |
| Typical visit | 30-60 minutes |
| Best time | Morning |
| Getting there | Petit taxi from Tanger Ville station for about MAD 15-25 (~$1.61-2.69); walk 15 minutes from the Corniche |
| Address | Place du 9 Avril 1947, Tangier 90000 |
Location
Place du 9 Avril 1947, Tangier 90000
35.7857, -5.8112 View on map
Highlights
- Morning produce and cheese market
- Green-tiled minaret of Sidi Bou Abid mosque
- Cinematheque de Tanger on the square
- Starting point of the Rue es Siaghin into the medina
Tips for visiting
- Visit between 8 and 11am when the market is busiest.
- Buy olives and cheese in small quantities and bargain lightly.
- Sit in a cafe on the square to watch the market before walking into the medina.
- Watch bags in the crowd.
- Taxis queue at the edge of the square.
When to visit
Morning for the market; evening for the lit square and cafes.
Accessibility
The square is level and paved, with traffic around it; the medina entrance beyond is stepped.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Grand Socco?
The main square between the new town and the medina, used for markets and as a transport hub.
When is it best to visit?
Mornings, when the produce market runs.
Is it free?
Yes, the square is public and open at all times.