The fish market below the medina near the port is where Tangier's restaurants and households buy the day's catch from the Atlantic and the Strait: sardines, sea bream, sole, swordfish, tuna, shrimp, octopus and anchovies on ice. Prices are posted per kilo and are generally fair, with sardines and shrimp cheapest, and light bargaining is accepted at the larger counters. Visitors usually come for the atmosphere and for cooking arrangements: several small stalls and grill restaurants will fry or grill fish bought at the market for a modest fee. The market is loud, wet and early, and by early afternoon stocks are gone. Wear closed shoes, carry cash and expect the floors to be slippery. It is not a souvenir market, so authentic produce is the draw.
| Hours | Daily about 6am-1pm; busiest Monday to Saturday mornings |
|---|---|
| Price | MAD 20-300 (~$2.13-32) |
| Address | Rue de la Plage, near the port, Tangier 90000 |
Location
Rue de la Plage, near the port, Tangier 90000
35.7840, -5.8117 View on map
Highlights
- Fresh Atlantic and Strait catch on ice
- Grill stalls that cook fish bought on site
- Short walk from the Kasbah and port gate
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 10am for the best selection.
- Agree the cooking fee before handing over the fish.
- Wear closed shoes; floors are wet.
- Bring small dirham notes.
- Avoid carrying raw fish for long in warm weather.
When to visit
Early morning, 7am to 10am.
Accessibility
Floors are wet and aisles are crowded, so access is difficult for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors eat fish bought at the market?
Yes. Nearby stalls and grill restaurants cook fish bought at the market for a small fee.
What time does the fish market open?
It opens around dawn and is mostly finished by early afternoon.
Is bargaining expected?
Only lightly at larger counters; most fish is sold at the posted price.