Morocco
Day 1: Exploring the Medina and the Kasbah
Start your day by wandering through the medina and markets of Tangier, followed by a visit to the Kasbah museum, the Lalla Abla Mosque and Cinema Rif.
Medina of Tangier
Start your day with a walk through the old Medina of Tangier. What makes the old Medina so fascinating are the kilometers-long narrow, endless streets where you can easily get lost in no time: yes, we did! By wandering around here, discovering traditional crafts, and talking to the local people, you truly immerse yourself in the city's atmosphere. Be sure to also walk across the Grand Socco (the large square), a lively square at the edge of the Medina where you can enjoy the ambiance and visit the central local market. Ask a local where to find the communal ovens, where people prepare bread and other dishes. The ovens are definitely worth a stop! Next, you can enjoy a delicious mint tea among the locals at the Petite Socco (the small square).
Walk to the kasbah
Lunch at Salon Bleu
Enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch at Salon Bleu. Head to the rooftop terrace, where you can take in the views of the sea and the Kasbah. At this lunch bar, you can order a variety of small dishes in tapas-style.
Kasbah Museum
If you enjoy museums, you can visit the Kasbah Museum (also known as 'Dar el Makhzen'). Here, you can learn more about the history and culture of Tangier. There are often temporary art exhibitions. The garden is a peaceful place to relax. After visiting the museum, you can wander around the historic streets surrounding the Kasbah. This area also hosts several small-scale accommodations.
Behold the Lalla Abla Mosque
The Lalla Abla Mosque is the largest mosque located in the Tangier port. The mosque was completed and inaugurated by King Mohammed VI in 2018. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the mosque (for that, you might want to visit Casablanca). The mosque covers an area of 5,712 square meters and has separate prayer spaces for male and female individuals.
Restaurant Kebdani
Have a tagine or brochette at the traditional restaurant Kebdani. The food is super delicious and the service super friendly!
Watch a movie in Cinema Rif
At the artistic Cinema Rif (@ Grand Socco), you can watch a recent film very cheaply (€3 student rate). The films are usually subtitled in French with the original audio. You can only buy tickets 5 minutes before the film starts (something we Belgians had to get used to, haha). On the square in front of the Rif, you can buy sweets for less than €1 to take inside, such as a Nutella-filled donut, popcorn, or chips. Cinema Rif is the best place to end your first day in Tangier!
