Tangier Travel Forum

Hi all.

I will be spending 3 nights in Tangier in April. Going to take the trip in from Gibraltar. Where would everyone recomend to stay and what to do and see. I am looking to stay somewhere nice but not too expensive. Possibly central as I am not sure to hire a car or not ? Is that recommedable ? I was in Tangier over 10 years ago on a day trip that was organised with tour reps and am thinking on doing it alone this time with my wife and without the rep. Will I encounter any problems doing this ? Any tips welcome ;-) How much spending money would be needed ? I want to sample lots of the local food ( Not hotel food ). What sort of weather can I expect in the middle of April ?
No doubt yous will hear from me shortly again ;-)

Hello,
When you first arrive from the ferry you will be accosted by several touts that try to get you into taxi's. Politely but firmly say NO and make your own way to the exit.
Whenever we are in Tangier we stay at the Marco Polo, www.marcopolo.com it is in the center and within walking distance from the port. It was refurbished last year to a very high standard but is very economical If I remember correctly we paid 250Dh (£16.50) per night for a double room with bathroom. The staff were very friendly and helpful. There is a restaurant on the ground floor where you can have breakfast. If you choose to stay there try to get a room that faces the sea as the back rooms overlook a litter strewn waste ground where temporary structures house the homeless.
Regarding spending money, expect to spend half the amount you would normally spend in Europe. Food is very inexpensive but alcohol can cost the same as in Spain. There are plenty of car hire offices in the area although if you intend to spend all your time in Tangeir you will not need a car. For a side trip you should visit Assilah further down the coast. It has a tranquil air and cute Medina.
Have a nice trip.

Forgive me, I gave the wrong web-site, you will find details here http://marco-polo.ma/

I also stayed at the Marco Polo hotel and it was ok it also has a bar at the front run by a German i belive but that was back in 2004.

earthflyer.

happy travels in Morocco

Your a Star :-)
Will take a close look at all of this later and get back to you if any questions :-)
thanks

Is it easy to get to Assilah from Tangier for someone not driving ? I think I'll take your advice and leave the car as will be spending most time checking out sights in the city.

The trains leave from Tangier Ville station at 8am, 11am, 2pm, 5.15pm and 9.05pm The journey to Asilah takes just 41 minutes according to the timetabe http://www.oncf.ma/
You might want to take a petite taxi to the station which should cost no more than 20DH, which is probably too much but not a fortune.
Have Fun....

When we arrived in Tanger it was like a scene from Schindlers List,Police with dogs ,Young lads on the sea wall doing ,well i dont know but the police were chasing them,and of course you no money ,some of the ATM'S wouldnt accept our cards(and we several) total chaos.Lorries driving onto the boats almost no organization signs for exits etc,.Not the best entry into a country i have ever had.So be prepared,everybody,just everybody wants money off you.

Thanks I will make the trip down to Asilah. It looks beautiful...recommend anywhere to stay? lol want to be my guide !
John I was at Tangier over 10 years ago and must admit I did have an eye opener then. At that time I had went with a guide and was harrased qiute a bit for money and people selling things. In the end we ended up surrounded and got lost from our group. The locals didnt want to bring us back to the group unless we paid them of course. In the end we found the group. Leaving Tangier I remeber jumping on the bus with everyone running after me and knocking the windows when sitting there! I dont know if its like that anymore? Now I would just put it down to experience. I am wiser and would take it as it is now and enjoy it. :-) Thats what its all about.

Tangier has a frontier feel to it, but for me that's what makes it interesting. Our most recent visit was in October 2007 and we witnessed 3 young guys being pulled from under a lorry that was queueing for the boat. They were rounded up and detained. On the subject of hassle, In every major tourist place there are "Tourist Police" Their job is to keep the touts from hassling us, in some places it is quite effective but sadly Tangier is not one of them although it is a big improvement to 20 years ago when you felt under siege. If you do have a problem the "Tourist Police" are very helpful, but are difficult to notice as they are in plain clothes !!!

I have been in Tangiers like 7 times and untill now, I never liked it.
I arrive and leave as soon as possible.

Assilah is not my favorite destination as well. the medina is to sterile.

If I was you, I would go to the mountains for three days...Chefchaouen is much nicer to visit + there will really be able to absorb Moroccan culture.

Beaches enough in Spain.