The medina of Tangier is a compact hillside quarter of white and blue-washed lanes between the port and the Kasbah, shaped by Phoenician, Roman, Portuguese, English and Alaouite rule. Portugal held the town from 1471 to 1661, the English garrison followed until 1684, and Sultan Moulay Ismail then took it back, and traces of each era survive in the ramparts, gates and stairways. The two main axes are the Rue es Siaghin, the old silversmiths' street running from the Petit Socco towards the Kasbah, and the Rue Dar el Baroud, with spice and craft shops, small mosques, hammams and cafes in between. The Petit Socco cafes and the American Legation sit within a ten-minute walk of each other. Tangier's medina is calmer than Fes or Marrakech, with fewer persistent touts, though unofficial guides still approach arriving visitors at the port gate.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Lanes open all day; most shops open about 9am-8pm |
| Typical visit | 2-3 hours |
| Best time | Mid-morning |
| Getting there | Walk 10 minutes from the Tanger Ville port or a petit taxi to the Grand Socco for about MAD 10-20 (~$1.08-2.15) |
| Address | Medina of Tangier, entered via Bab el Fahs or Bab el Bahr, Tangier 90000 |
Location
Medina of Tangier, entered via Bab el Fahs or Bab el Bahr, Tangier 90000
35.7878, -5.8120 View on map
Highlights
- Rue es Siaghin from the Petit Socco to the Kasbah
- Bab el Bahr sea gate and the ramparts
- Spice, textile and craft stalls
- Rooftop cafes with views of the bay
Tips for visiting
- Walk from the Grand Socco down the Rue es Siaghin so the route runs downhill to the Petit Socco.
- Fix prices before buying; start near half of the first price in craft shops.
- Politely decline unofficial guides at the port gate; a licensed guide can be booked through the Tangier tourist office.
- Keep phones in a front pocket in the busiest lanes.
- Many shops close on Friday around midday prayer.
When to visit
Mornings from 10am; spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons.
Accessibility
Lanes are steep, stepped and cobbled, so wheelchairs and strollers struggle beyond the main Rue es Siaghin.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Tangier medina safe?
Generally yes by day; petty theft and persistent guides are the main issues, and the quieter upper lanes are best avoided after dark.
How long should a medina walk take?
Two to three hours covers the main lanes, the Kasbah and a coffee stop.
Is it easy to get lost?
The lanes are confusing but small; walking downhill leads to the port and the Bab el Bahr gate.