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Rabat – When one thinks of Morocco, the luscious, green, roving hills of Tangier and its sandy shores do not immediately come to mind. Many tourists often expect to see Saharan dunes and herds of camels. Tangier offers a Moroccan twist on old world Spain. From the ornate architecture to the diverse range of gastronomy, Tangier has everything you need to feel like you are in an ancient, Mediterrannean-inspired civilization.
Morocco World News would like to offer you a guide on how to spend the perfect day in Tangier.
Photo: Morocco World News/Noah Devaney
Tangier stretches along the northernmost coast of Morocco and it is hard to visit without capturing stunning views of the multiple beaches that Tangier has to offer. In order to start your day right, you must wake up and catch a sunrise over Tangier’s Marina. The sun rises over the hills of Tangier’s outskirts and on a clear morning the near shores of Tarifa, Spain are clearly visible.
After taking in the picturesque sunrise, a walk through the city’s old medina is a must. Many Moroccans begin their day around 9 or 10 a.m so the early risers will benefit from an empty souk and minimal interactions with some of the more pushy street vendors.
Photo: Morocco World News/Noah Devaney
All roads in the old city of Tangier will lead you to the historic Cinema Rif. Opened in 1937, the cinema is still operational and is located in the center of Tangier’s Grand Socco. It features two screening rooms and a cheeky art cafe for visitors to enjoy a latte while watching the medina come to life in the morning.
After exiting the cinema, a short walk downhill will lead you to one of Tangier’s most photographed sites.
Photo: Morocco World News/Noah Devaney
Place Ancienne Gare is one of Tangier’s most photo-worthy places as it offers scenes of fresh white and yellow paint plastered on top of Tangier’s blue skies and stone walkways. The public space offers a wide variety of cafes and restaurants. In addition, there are multiple benches to take a rest and observe the fisherman operating alongside recreational water sport enthusiasts at the Port of Tangier.
After an entire morning spent walking, you will likely be craving a delicious meal and a drink. Although the sure-fire advice would be to try one of Tangier’s countless seafood restaurants, allow MWN to offer our favorite hole-in-the-wall Thai restaurant.
Photo: Morocco World News/Noah Devaney
Tom Yam, Tangier’s most authentic Thai restaurant, features rich dishes with imported ingredients from Thailand. According to the restaurant’s owner, a good dish is all about the little details. It was a pleasant surprise to see the pad thai topped with fresh bean sprouts, hand-delivered by a Thai diplomat to the restaurant.
Each dish was better than the rest. The red curry radiated tantalizing aromatics while the creaminess of the dish calmed the diverse range of flavors on the taste buds. Although the menu offers countless protein options with each dish such as duck, beef, chicken, and seafood, it’s worth inquiring about the off-the-menu treats.
The restaurant owner provided a special garlic roasted beef-tip concoction that one can only describe as being sensational. Noting that the dish is strictly off-menu, the owner stated that the dish is especially popular amongst the kitchen staff after a long day’s work.
Following the delectable meal that could have arrived straight from the streets of Bangkok, a short nap on a terrace overlooking the ocean will prepare you for an evening of seeing Tangier’s nightlife.
Despite the omnipresent COVID-19 health regulations, Tangier offers a nice mix of pubs and clubs for all to enjoy. For those that want to enjoy a nice stroll around town, fear not as Tangier is extremely safe at night. In addition, the city offers an abundance of street food at night. Vendors sell platters of fried cheese, fried Moroccan pastries, and the international summer favorite: ice cream.
However, street carts in Tangier do not just offer a standard bowl of ice cream. Instead, some ice cream peddlers offer another Thai favorite known as rolled ice cream.
Photo: Morocco World News/Noah Devaney
The delicious treat comes packed with crushed candies and chocolates. Additionally, the mixmasters put on a show with their craftful slicing and dicing of cream. At the end of the day, the rolled treat will hit the spot and have you ready to hit the hay as you prepare for another day in Morocco’s northern gem of Tangier.
