Some people land in Tangier and never manage to leave, but for many it is simply a port and a point of transit.
A place to briefly gather their thoughts before heading into the rest of Morocco rather than a place to linger.
But lingering is precisely what is best done in Tangier . . . simply lingering and admiring the view is the thing to do!
However if you are on a tight schedule between ferry trips to Spain, or possibly trying out the new TGV train from Rabat or Casablanca , here are some ideas that might help you squeeze as much of Tangiers as possible into your visit.
Working on an early morning start (although let me warn you in advance . . . nothing opens that early here ) tea, coffee, or breakfast in some shape or form is always a good place to start. You could stretch your legs and walk halfway up the Rue de la Kasbah, take a seat outside the Cafe A L’ Anglaise for some fresh juice and a traditional Moroccan breakfast of some bread (of course) cheese and olives.
If you are wanting something a little slicker and more international, try Paul, a patisserie with a great view across the new marina.
Having fortified yourself for the day, it is time to do a bit of exploring so get your walking shoes on.
To get a sense of the city in such a short period of time I would prioritise the following:
Start with a wander up through the medina, stopping en-route as things catch your eye. Then, once in the Grand Socco ( Place du 9 Avril) I think it is worth having a look at the restored Cinematheque or Cinema Rif which sits in the middle of the square. So many of these art deco buildings and old cinemas have been slowly crumbling away and it is great to see how this restoration project has become an integral part of life in the middle of the city.
Plus there is wifi there, so a good place to check up online on the Tangier city app I am working on : LOSTiN Tangier.
Just thought I would casually mention the City App project here – it is a project I am working on with friend and photographer Sarah Charpentier Riani who is credited for a lot of the beautiful images on this page. It is still a {very exciting} work in progress, so watch this space!!!
credit: Sarah Charpentier Riani
A little further on, just beyond the Grand Socco is St Andrews Church. This little church is not a grand architectural statement, but it is a quiet and rather poignant slice of history right in the middle of a busy street in tangier.You can simply take a wander around the gardens and gravestones, or you can ask the guardien if you can have a look inside where there is an intersting mix of christian and islamic decoration.
credit: Sarah Charpentier Riani
If your 24 hours in Tangier happens to fall on a Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday – as you step out of St Andrews you will step into the weekly market known as the Souk Bara. This is a regular market where Jeblia women come into town from the country in traditional dress and hats that have remained unchanged over the years. The produce is home grown and seasonal, and despite the development of large supermarkets, remains an important part of Tangier daily life.
credit: Sarah Charpentier Riani
If you are feeling confident about finding your way around the streets and stairways of this part of town, Fondouk Chejra is another of my favourite spots – a run down building which houses several weavers studios. Here you will see the artisans working from spinning the threads right through to the finished product. I defy anyone to go there without buying at least a tea towel!!
After the fondouk it would definitly be a case of onwards and upwards for me. Head up the hill to the Kasbah which has seen several new boutiques and small lifestyle shops opening up here, as well as some that have been here long enough to be part of the fabric of the Kasbah.
Have a wander and see what you find before ending up at the Musee de la Kasbah, a former Sultans Palace which now houses the museum.
Alternatively, as giving you options is my mission, and you are wanting to go for the experience rather than the sight seeing route – book yourself into a cooking class at Blue Door Cuisine.
I did a bread making class there which I really enjoyed. You get to learn to make this staple of Moroccan life, along with the ever present mint tea, a visit to the local oven to bake your bread and the market, then back to eat the finished product over lunch.
All this and still plenty of time to squeeze in some sightseeing or shopping in your 24 hours in town!
And finally end the day with a sunset and a glass of wine, or lemon and mint juice while admiring the view – we are spoilt for choice for places like this in Tangier.
My suggestions would be Macondo, or Salon Bleu if you are around the Kasbah.
credit: Sarah Charpentier Riani
Or on the terrace of the Grand Hotel Villa de France if you are in the Grand Socco area and fancy following in very refurbished footsteps of Henri Matisse.
credit: Sarah Charpentier Riani
Before hailing a cab and heading on out of town to your next adventure!
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not forgetting . . .
ALL THESE PLACES CAN BE FOUND ON OUR TANGIER CITY APP VIA LOSTiN
