Tangier, Morocco

• Tangier sits where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, 15 kilometers from Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar. You'll find two very different parts to the city - the old medina with its maze of whitewashed alleys and the Ville Nouvelle with French colonial boulevards and modern cafes.
• People sit alone at cafes here all the time - it's normal to see someone at Gran Cafe de Paris or Alma Kitchen with a laptop or book for a couple hours. The language situation is mixed: Arabic and French are standard, Spanish is common because of proximity to Spain, and younger people in tourist areas usually speak some English. If you speak French you'll have an easier time.
• Police are visible in the main tourist areas and the city has added CCTV cameras in recent years. The Tourist Police (177) are more likely to speak English or Spanish than regular police. You'll want to dress conservatively here - cover shoulders and knees. Tangier is more conservative than Marrakech or Casablanca in this regard.
• The medina feels safe during the day when it's crowded, but the narrow streets empty out after sunset and lighting is inconsistent. Skip walking the Kasbah walls after dark - it's not particularly dangerous but poorly lit. The Corniche and Ville Nouvelle stay busier at night with better lighting. Use Careem or official taxis rather than random cars, especially at night.

Arabic and French are the main languages. Spanish is widely spoken due to proximity to Spain. English is increasingly common among younger Moroccans and in tourist areas. The Tourist Police (177) are more likely to speak English or Spanish. Many locals in the city center speak 4-5 languages including Darija (Moroccan Arabic), French, English, Spanish, and Standard Arabic.

• Cover shoulders and knees - Tangier is more conservative than Marrakech or Casablanca. Loose-fitting clothes work best. A light scarf is handy for sun protection and covering up when needed.
• French is the most useful second language because of colonial history. Spanish is also common since Spain is so close. Younger people in tourist areas usually know some English. Basic Arabic like 'shukran' (thank you) and 'salaam alaikum' (peace be upon you) goes over well.
• Keep public affection minimal - hand-holding is fine, anything more draws attention. Women get some unwanted attention here. Some travelers wear a fake wedding ring or mention a fictional husband. If someone harasses you, shouting 'Hshuma!' (shame on you) usually gets locals to intervene.
• Watch out for unofficial 'guides' around Grand Socco and the port who offer help and then demand payment. If you want a guided tour, get an official guide from the tourist office at 29 Avenue Pasteur. During Ramadan, don't eat or drink in public during the day - eat inside cafes instead of on the street.

• No Uber here, but Careem and inDrive work well. City center to airport runs about 100 MAD ($10). With inDrive you negotiate the fare directly with the driver.
• Blue petit taxis are metered, hold three people max, and only go within city limits. White grand taxis hold six people and do intercity routes. Make sure they turn on the meter before you start, or agree on a price up front - some drivers will try to skip the meter and charge tourists more.
• The TGV train goes to Casablanca (2h10), Rabat (1h20), and other cities. CTM and Supratours buses are reliable for places like Chefchaouen.
• You can walk around the medina and Ville Nouvelle during the day easily enough, though the city gets hilly around the Kasbah and Marshan. After dark stick to well-lit main streets or just take taxis between neighborhoods.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore Tangier with local guides and curated experiences.