Choosing where to stay in Tangier shapes your entire Moroccan experience. The historic Medina offers authentic riads within walking distance of souks and landmarks, while the Kasbah provides stunning sea views and quieter streets. Ville Nouvelle appeals to those seeking modern amenities and international dining, and beachfront areas deliver resort-style relaxation. Each neighborhood presents distinct advantages depending on your travel style, budget, and priorities when exploring this culturally rich destination that seamlessly blends African, European, and Arabic influences.
The medina : heart of old Tangier
The medina is what most people picture when they imagine a Moroccan city. Narrow winding streets, colorful doorways, the call to prayer echoing off ancient walls and the smell of spices drifting from small shops. Staying here puts you right in the action.
Traditional riads are the accommodation of choice in the medina. These converted townhouses wrap around interior courtyards and offer a completely different experience from standard hotels. Rooms often feature handcrafted tiles, carved wood ceilings and rooftop terraces with views across the old town.
The authenticity comes with tradeoffs though. Many medina riads sit deep in the maze of streets where cars can’t reach. You’ll carry your luggage the last few hundred meters over cobblestones. Some visitors find this charming while others find it exhausting especially with heavy bags.
Noise can be an issue depending on your riad’s location. The medina wakes up early with vendors setting up and stays active late into the evening. Light sleepers should request rooms away from main thoroughfares or bring earpencils.
Budget riads start around $40-60 per night for basic but clean accommodations. Mid-range options in the $80-120 range offer more amenities like air conditioning and private bathrooms. Luxury riads can exceed $200 but provide exceptional service and stunning architecture.
The kasbah : elevated views and quieter streets
The Kasbah sits at the highest point of the medina overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. This former sultan’s quarter feels more residential and peaceful than the lower medina while maintaining traditional character.
Hotels and guesthouses here tend to be slightly more upscale than average medina accommodations. You’ll still get the riad experience but with better maintained buildings and often spectacular views. Watching the sunset over the strait from a Kasbah rooftop terrace ranks among Tangier’s special moments.
The neighborhood requires climbing hills and stairs. If mobility is a concern this area presents challenges. But the views and atmosphere reward the effort for those who can manage the terrain.
Dar Nour and similar Kasbah properties offer boutique experiences with personalized service. Expect to pay $100-180 per night for quality options here. The premium buys you tranquility and those incredible views.
Modern comfort and convenience
Ville Nouvelle translates to “new city” and represents Tangier’s colonial French era expansion. Wide boulevards, European-style cafes and modern infrastructure define this area. If traditional medinas feel overwhelming or you prefer familiar hotel amenities this is your neighborhood.
International hotel chains like Hilton and Marriott operate in Ville Nouvelle alongside local properties. You’ll find reliable wifi, elevators, room service and other standard features. The trade-off is less Moroccan character and atmosphere.
This area works well for business travelers or families who want predictable accommodations. Restaurants here serve international cuisine alongside Moroccan options. Shopping includes both modern stores and traditional markets.
Prices range widely in Ville Nouvelle. Budget hotels start around $50-70 while business class properties run $120-180. The higher end buys you familiar Western standards which some travelers value especially for longer stays.
The Grand Socco market sits at the boundary between Ville Nouvelle and the medina. Staying near this landmark gives you easy access to both worlds. You can retreat to modern comfort while keeping traditional Tangier close.
The beachfront : resorts and relaxation
Tangier’s coastline extends several kilometers with beaches that attract both locals and tourists. The beachfront hotel zone offers resort-style accommodations focused on sun and sea.
Properties here lean toward larger hotels with pools, spas and beach clubs. The vibe is vacation mode rather than cultural immersion. If your Tangier vision includes lounging by the Mediterranean this area delivers.
The downside is distance from major sights. You’ll need taxis to reach the medina and Kasbah which adds cost and time. Beach hotels work best for travelers splitting their stay between relaxation and sightseeing or those visiting primarily for sun.
Expect to pay $100-250 per night for beachfront properties depending on season and amenities. Summer months see prices spike while winter offers deals.
My neighborhood recommendations
First-time visitors should stay in the medina or Kasbah to maximize the Tangier experience. Yes it requires adapting to narrow streets and traditional accommodations but you came to Morocco for something different than home. Embrace it.
Families with young children might prefer Ville Nouvelle where strollers work on sidewalks and restaurants offer familiar food options. The predictability reduces stress when traveling with kids.
Beach lovers should split their stay between a medina riad and a coastal resort. Spend a few nights immersed in old Tangier then relocate to the beach for relaxation before heading home.
Business travelers will appreciate Ville Nouvelle hotels with meeting facilities and reliable infrastructure. You can still visit the medina for dinner and atmosphere while maintaining work productivity.
Booking considerations
Reserve accommodations at least 2-3 months ahead for spring and fall travel. Summer requires even earlier booking as popular properties fill up. Winter offers more flexibility and better rates.
Read recent reviews carefully when booking medina riads. Quality varies dramatically and photos can be misleading. Look for comments about cleanliness, staff helpfulness and whether the location was easy to find.
Many riads don’t have street addresses that GPS recognizes. Hosts usually provide meeting points like specific medina gates where they’ll collect you. Communicate arrival times clearly and save your host’s phone number.
Breakfast is typically included at riads and mid-range hotels. This saves money and provides a reliable morning meal before exploring. Check what’s included to avoid surprises.
Hidden gem properties
Dar Jameel in the medina offers exceptional value around $70 per night with beautiful tilework and a helpful owner who gives great local advice. The rooftop terrace provides medina views without Kasbah prices.
Pension Mauritania near the Grand Socco feels like staying with a Moroccan family. Simple but spotless rooms run about $35 per night and the location can’t be beat for accessing both old and new Tangier.
Hotel Continental on the medina edge provides old world charm with harbor views. The building dates to 1888 and maintains period character. Rooms start around $80 and the terrace bar is worth visiting even if you stay elsewhere.
Making your choice
Think about what you want from your Tangier stay beyond just sleeping. Do you want to wake up to the call to prayer and wander cobblestone alleys? A medina riad fits that vision. Prefer jogging along the beach each morning? Book coastal accommodations.
Your neighborhood choice matters more in Tangier than in cities with better public transit. Once you settle in you’ll spend significant time in that area. Pick a location aligned with your priorities and the rest of your trip falls into place.
After finding your perfect base you’ll want to know what to actually do in Tangier. Check out my complete guide to the city’s top attractions and experiences to start building your itinerary around all the incredible sites this Moroccan gem offers.
