Essential Tangier Travel Tips

Spring (March - May)

Perfect weather with temperatures between 18-24°C. Ideal for sightseeing and beach activities. Less crowded than summer.

Summer (June - August)

Peak season with temperatures 25-30°C. Beaches are busy but vibrant. Book accommodations early.

Fall (September - November)

Excellent weather, fewer tourists. Sea is still warm for swimming. Great for cultural exploration.

Winter (December - February)

Mild temperatures 12-18°C. Perfect for city exploration and cultural sites. Some rainy days but generally pleasant.

Essential Items

• Comfortable walking shoes - the medina has many cobblestone streets
• Light layers - temperatures can vary throughout the day
• Sun protection - hat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen
• Modest clothing for visiting religious sites
• Beach wear for the beautiful Mediterranean beaches

Seasonal Additions

• Summer: Light, breathable fabrics, swimwear, sandals
• Winter: Light jacket, rain protection, closed shoes
• Spring/Fall: Mix of light and warm clothes, versatile layers

The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). €1 ≈ 11 MAD

Key Tips:

• ATMs are widely available and accept international cards
• Many places accept Euros, but you'll get better rates with Dirhams
• Credit cards accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants
• Always carry cash for taxis, markets, and small shops
• Exchange money at banks or official bureaus for best rates
• Tipping is customary - 10% in restaurants, small tips for services

Getting Around

• Petit Taxis (Blue): For trips within the city, very affordable
• Grand Taxis (White): For longer distances and airport transfers
• Walking: Best way to explore the medina and city center
• Rental Car: Great for exploring surrounding areas

Tips:

• Always agree on taxi fare before starting your journey
• Uber is available and often more convenient
• Download offline maps for navigation
• Airport is 15km from city center - arrange transfer in advance

Do's:

• Greet with "Salam" (peace) or "Bonjour"
• Dress modestly, especially in traditional areas
• Remove shoes when entering homes or mosques
• Use your right hand for eating and greeting
• Bargain respectfully in markets - it's expected!

Don'ts:

• Don't photograph people without permission
• Avoid public displays of affection
• Don't use your left hand for eating or passing items
• Respect prayer times and religious practices

Secret Spots Only Locals Know

• Café Hafa: Cliff-side café with stunning views, unchanged since 1921
• Rmilat Park: Forest park perfect for morning jogs and picnics
• Merkala Beach: Quiet beach away from tourist crowds
• Thursday Market: Authentic local market in Hay Dradeb

Best Times to Visit Popular Sites

• Kasbah: Early morning for best photos and fewer crowds
• Grand Socco: Evening for local atmosphere
• Beaches: Weekdays are much quieter than weekends
• Medina: Late afternoon when shops are fully open

Staying Safe

• Tangier is generally very safe for tourists
• Keep valuables secure and be aware in crowded areas
• Stick to bottled water initially
• Save emergency numbers in your phone
• Travel insurance is recommended

Health Precautions

• No special vaccinations required
• Pharmacies are well-stocked and pharmacists often speak multiple languages
• Bring any prescription medications you need
• Sun protection is essential year-round

Languages

Arabic and French are official languages. Spanish and English widely spoken in tourist areas.

Useful Phrases

• Hello - Salam / Bonjour
• Thank you - Shukran / Merci
• Please - Afak / S'il vous plaît
• How much? - Bish-hal? / Combien?
• Where is...? - Fin...? / Où est...?

Connectivity

• Buy a local SIM card at the airport (Maroc Telecom, Orange, Inwi)
• WiFi widely available in cafés and restaurants
• WhatsApp is very popular for local communication