Medina (Old Town)

Tangier, Morocco

Overall Safety
Moderate
3.3 / 5
Based on 12 Safety Metrics

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Summary

The old city with traditional markets, architecture, and Moroccan atmosphere. Worth exploring during the day but streets empty out and get poorly lit after dark.

Historic maze of alleysBusy traditional marketsTraditional Moroccan atmosphereTourist Police aroundBetter during the day
Details

The medina is the old walled city - narrow whitewashed alleys inside 15th-century Portuguese fortress walls. During the day locals shop for spices, produce, and crafts while tourists navigate the maze. The souks have hand-woven rugs, leather goods, tilework ceramics, and vendors shouting prices in whatever language they think will work. Grand Socco sits at the entrance - a big square with a fountain and palm trees where people sit on benches. Tourist Police are around and some speak English or Spanish. Around 6-7pm the whole scene changes - vendors pack up fast and the streets empty out. The side alleys have spotty lighting which makes getting around harder and less safe feeling. Come during the day to explore the souks and see the museums, then head to Ville Nouvelle or the Corniche for dinner.

Safety Ratings

Daytime Safety

Good

Night Walking Safety

Moderate

Harassment Risk

Moderate

Public Transport Safety

Good

Pickpocketing Risk

Moderate

Scam Risk

Moderate

Police Visibility

Good

Emergency Services

Good

Evening Venues

Moderate

Solo Dining

Good

Drug Activity

Moderate

Homelessness Visibility

Moderate

Getting By in English

Good
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Recommended Places

Cafes

  • Cafe Central (Gran Café Central)
  • Cafe Baba
  • Luvina Librería Café

Restaurants

  • Restaurant Al Maimouni
  • Restaurant Ahlen
  • Dar Harruch

Bars

  • La Bodega (at Place de la Kasbah)
  • Le Coeur de Tanger (tapas bar)

Other Spots

  • Grand Socco (Place du 9 Avril 1947)
  • Petit Socco
  • Traditional souks and markets
Impressions & Tips

"Great during the day but gets dark and empty fast after sunset"

"Vendors are persistent and can be annoying but usually harmless"

"Police presence during the day made me feel safer"

"Getting lost in the alleys happens - bring your phone for maps"

"Keep an eye on your stuff in the crowded markets"

Similar Neighborhoods in Tangier

Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers

Grand Socco

3.0
Tangier, Morocco
Night Walking SafetyGood
Daytime SafetyGood
Harassment RiskHigh
Transport SafetyGood
Between old city and new townTransit hubHustlers around+2

Main square between the medina and Ville Nouvelle. Good for orientation but has persistent hustlers offering tours. Better as a transit point than a place to linger.

22

Kasbah

4.0
Tangier, Morocco
Night Walking SafetyModerate
Daytime SafetyGood
Harassment RiskModerate
Transport SafetyGood
Historic and upscaleTrendy residential areaGibraltar views+2

The upscale part of the old city with better restaurants, Gibraltar views, and fixed-up riads. Feels safer and more polished than the medina below, though you should still skip the exterior walls after dark.

24

Corniche (Beachfront)

4.0
Tangier, Morocco
Night Walking SafetyGood
Daytime SafetyGood
Harassment RiskModerate
Transport SafetyGood
Beach and promenadeModern marinaBars and clubs+2

Beachfront promenade with marina, restaurants, and nightlife. Well-lit and safe for evening walks with police around, but tourist prices are high and pickpocketing happens.

23

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Safety Reminder

Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.

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