Where to stay
Stay in a riad in the medina for atmosphere, in the new town for convenience, by the bay for the beach, or out at Cap Spartel for peace and quiet.
The areas
AtmosphereRiads in the old town
Restored riads and small guesthouses in the medina and the Kasbah, many with roof terraces over the strait. The lanes are steep and cars cannot reach most doors.
Best for: Couples and travellers who want character
Most practicalThe new town around Boulevard Pasteur
Hotels of all sizes in the Ville Nouvelle around Boulevard Pasteur and the Grand Socco, with restaurants, cafés and taxis on hand.
Best for: First-time visitors and short stays
SeasideBeach hotels along the bay
Large modern hotels along the seafront and near the marina, with sea views and pools, a short taxi ride from the medina.
Best for: Families and travellers who want a pool
QuietResorts on the Atlantic coast
A handful of resort hotels and villas west of the city near Cap Spartel and Achakar beach. Peaceful, but you will need taxis to reach town.
Best for: Beach breaks and slower stays
Riads are traditional courtyard houses converted into small guesthouses. They are full of character, usually include breakfast and often have roof terraces with sea views. Rooms can be small, and some are reached by steep stairs.
Hotels in the city centre and along the bay range from simple to international chains, with lifts, pools and parking. They are the easiest choice if you are travelling with a car or with young children.
July and August are the busiest months, when many Moroccans living in Europe come home for the summer and ferries and hotels fill up. Spring and autumn offer the best balance of weather and price, and winter is the cheapest time to visit.
Good to know
For atmosphere, stay in a riad in the medina or the Kasbah. For convenience, the city centre around Boulevard Pasteur has the most choice. For the beach, choose a hotel on Tangier Bay.
A traditional house built around an inner courtyard. Many have been restored as small guesthouses, often with roof terraces, and they are among the most memorable places to stay in Tangier.
Usually not all the way: most medina lanes are too narrow for cars. Taxis drop you at the nearest gate or road, and many riads will send someone to meet you and help with luggage.
In most riads and guesthouses, yes, and it is often served on the roof terrace. Hotels vary, so check when you book.
Plan your Tangier trip
Once you have a base, compare tours with pickup from your hotel or a central meeting point.