Tangier is a city in northern Morocco where cultures mix, ocean views stretch wide, and history runs deep. You’ll find winding streets, ancient walls, and beach views different from anywhere else. With a car, you’ll see much more than the city center. You’ll discover caves, cliffs, coastal roads, and quiet day trip towns. This is your guide to exploring Tangier by car.
Renting a car in Tangier allows you to stop when you want, leave early or late, and visit places that taxis often skip. Whether you're here for two days or two weeks, having a car helps you experience Tangier at your own pace.
Once you land at Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport, renting a car at the terminal is easy. Most car rental companies have a pickup location, so you won’t need to go far. To rent a car in Tangier, bring your passport, a valid driver’s license, and a credit card. If your license isn’t in English or French, it’s also better to have an International Driving Permit. Most companies rent to drivers 21 and older.
A compact car or small sedan is your best bet for driving around Tangier. Streets in the old city are narrow, and parking can be tight, especially near the Medina or Kasbah. These cars are easier to handle and more fuel-efficient. Go for a small SUV or crossover if you plan to drive beyond the city, such as Asilah, Chefchaouen, or the Rif Mountains. They offer better grip and ride comfort, especially on uneven roads.
Before driving off, take a few minutes to check the car. Look for scratches or dents and take photos. Most companies follow a full-to-full fuel policy, so ensure the tank is full before you leave and return it. Insurance is usually included, but double-check the coverage details. With your car, you’ll move around at your own pace, visit hidden beaches, and stop wherever the view is worth it.
Before you drive through Tangier, it’s essential to understand the basics. This will help you enjoy the trip without confusion. These tips cover language, money, dress, and transport.
When exploring Tangier by car, you can go beyond the usual sights. The city has attractions combining history, nature, and culture. These are the top places to visit in Tangier that you shouldn’t miss.
You’ll want to start at the medina, Tangier’s old town, which is full of winding lanes and colorful shops. The narrow streets lead to homes, markets, and small cafés. Walk uphill and you’ll reach the Old Kasbah, where the sultan used to live. From here, the views of Tangier and the sea are stunning. This part of the city gives you a deep sense of Moroccan history.
Visit the Kasbah Museum inside Dar el-Makhzen to learn about local culture. Then explore the American Legation Museum, the first U.S. property outside the country. It shows the long bond between Morocco and America. Don’t skip St. Andrew’s Church, a quiet place with old graves and peaceful gardens. It’s one of the city’s hidden gems.
Drive to the Grand Socco, a palm-lined square connecting the new town with the old medina. The nearby Petit Socco is more compact, with cafés and shops on every corner. Tangier also has a 1-kilometer city beach, Plage Municipale, which is excellent for a stroll. If you like old defenses, visit the Sour Al Maagazine, a fort that adds to the charm of the medina.
Head to the Phoenician Tombs near the cliffs. This is a top spot for sunset with views of Spain across the water. For modern culture, visit the Musée de la Fondation Lorin, filled with old black-and-white photos. Or check out the Mohamed Drissi Gallery and Galerie Delacroix for local art. You’ll also find the Tomb of Ibn Battuta, a simple place that honors one of the world’s greatest travelers.
Walk through Souk Dakhil for spices, fabric, and local crafts. The main souk in the medina is loud, colorful, and full of energy. Visit Galerie Conil in the Ville Nouvelle to see art by local painters. At the Nahon Synagogue, you can learn about the Jewish history of Tangier. The city once had 17 synagogues, and this is the only one open to visitors today.
You’ll love the food in Tangier. It mixes flavors from North Africa, Spain, and France. You can try street food, enjoy rooftop dining, or relax at a cafe.
Try Kalinte, a chickpea flour snack topped with cumin. Eat B’ssara, a broad bean soup with bread. Pil Pil shrimp is spicy and full of flavor. You can also find steamed chickpeas or fava beans sold on the street, often topped with paprika.
You must try a Tagine, cooked in a clay pot with spices. Other good dishes include Harira soup, brouchettes (meat skewers), and Pastilla, a sweet-salty pie made with pigeon meat. One local dish to look for is Djaja Mahamara, chicken filled with almonds and couscous.
Chez Hassan is famous for grilled meat. Sandwich Amanouz near the Grand Socco has the best quick chicken sandwiches. Go to Fendak Dar Dbagh Co-op for the top traditional breakfast in town. For views, try Le Salon Bleu and Le Bistrot du Petite Socco. For something different, go to Hatakana Kasbah for Japanese food.
Tangier has places for every budget. You can stay inside the medina or near the Kasbah. Many options have rooftop views and easy access to walking areas.
Hotel Mauritania is the best hotel if you're looking for a budget stay in Tangier. It’s in a great location. You can walk to the beach in 15 minutes, and the American Legation Museum is just a short stroll away. The Tangier City Port and many local spots are nearby, so you won’t need to drive far. The rooms are simple but comfortable, with private bathrooms, city views, and balconies in some units. If you want a nice view, ask for a balcony room facing Petite Socco. You’ll also have a TV, a desk, and a wardrobe for your things.
There’s a rooftop terrace where you can sit and enjoy views of the old town. You’ll also find a sun terrace, a lounge, and family rooms. It's a hassle-free resting place with 24-hour front desk service, express check-in, and good security. Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport is just 12 km away, and nearby areas like Dar el Makhzen and the Kasbah Museum are all within walking distance.
Kasbah Rose is a great choice if you want a peaceful place with charm and views. This small guesthouse is located on the Kasbah wall, giving you a quiet spot above the medina. It’s easy to walk to Kasbah landmarks, and the staff can help you with taxis, tours, or travel tips if you need them.
Each of the five rooms is different and has its feel. All rooms have air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a seating area to relax after walking around the city. Some rooms have a balcony or terrace that faces south, giving you light and views of the bay or the town. You can also enjoy the sun terrace on the rooftop, which has one of the best views over Tangier and the nearby mountains. Breakfast is not included, but it’s available buffet-stle with fresh fruit, goat cheese, yogurt, juice, and more. Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport is around 11 km away, and if you’re heading to Tarifa or Ceuta, it’s easy to arrange car hire from the property.
For a comfortable and elegant stay, Lalla Soulika is a top pick. The rooms are large, with canopied beds, private terraces, and a warm design that feels both local and stylish. You can start your day with breakfast by the sea, then relax on the rooftop lounge chairs after your drive around Tangier. This boutique hotel has everything you need for a relaxing stay. There’s a sun terrace, fitness room, hot tub, and massage services. You can enjoy a drink at the bar, sit by the outdoor fireplace, or try water sports nearby.
Rooms come with air-conditioning, soundproofing, and a private bathroom. Some include kitchenettes, balconies, and garden or city views. You’ll also find outdoor furniture on the terraces for peaceful moments between your adventures. The hotel is just 12 km from Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport, and close to popular spots like Tangier Municipal Beach, Kasbah Museum, Dar el Makhzen, and the Forbes Museum of Tangier.
Driving in Tangier gives you the freedom to explore the area. You can visit quiet beaches, mountains, and other towns in a day.
Drive to Cap Spartel, where the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas meet. The view from the lighthouse is wide and clear, perfect for sunset photos. The breeze is cool, and the sound of the waves is calming. On the way, stop at Rmilat Park, a peaceful forest area where you can walk under tall trees and breathe the sea air. Inside the park, you’ll find the ruins of Perdicarris Castle, once home to a wealthy American family. It’s quiet now, with stone walls and open views, and it's great for photos and short hikes.
Just past Cap Spartel, you’ll reach the famous Caves of Hercules. These natural sea caves have become one of Tangier’s most well-known sites. The cave’s shape from the inside looks like the map of Africa, and many people come here just to see that opening. The place is full of legends. Locals say Hercules came here to rest after his long travels. You’ll see waves crashing into the rocks and feel the cool air inside. Parking is close by, and the path to the cave is short and easy to follow.
South of Tangier, the town of Aasilah offers a peaceful break from the city. It's only about 45 minutes by car. Aasilah is known for its art, especially during the summer when artists from Morocco and other countries paint murals across the medina. The walls are full of colors and stories. The medina here is smaller than Tangier’s and has whitewashed homes and blue doors that look beautiful in the sunlight. You can relax on clean, quiet beaches, enjoy seafood near the shore, and walk along the old city walls that face the Atlantic. Aasilah is calm, easy to explore, and very photogenic.
Driving is the best option if you plan to explore Tangier in a deeper, more personal way. You can spend quiet mornings at beaches like Plage Municipale, take scenic detours to Cap Spartel, and enjoy peaceful walks at Rmilat Park. With your car, you're not stuck with taxi routes or fixed tour schedules. You can visit small towns like Aasilah or stop at roadside viewpoints anytime.
Final Rentals is a trusted car rental company in Morocco. We offer affordable car rentals at Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport and other city locations. You can choose between compact cars for navigating the medina and SUVs for driving to the mountains or coastal towns. Get instant booking, pick-up details, and transparent rates with no surprise fees.
