What do you think of Tangier Morocco, I am often asked.

Sad, but true, that a city with such a rich history does not have a good reputation at present amongst foreigners as a nice town to visit. The population is facing the fact that certain terrorists are known to come from Tangier. Guided tours are often experienced as being less than satisfactory – the ‘all-we-like-sheep’ syndrome and the hours spent in carpet shops, as well as the stories that abound of carpet purchases sent by mail either not arriving or on arrival, not being quite the carpet that was chosen ! The food in tourist restaurants is tasteless… If you don’t find Restaurant Populaire, which is near Hotel Minzah, you are better off eating from one of the street stalls – preferably not taking salad which can cause you stomach problems, but the kebabs are fine and they sell bottled water. Remember, they don’t sell alcohol.

--- Tangier Morocco - my personal opinion ---

However, complaints of being hassled to purchase have lessened since the Royal Edict that tourists may not be hassled (accosted by vendors).

Personally, I think Tangier deserves a better name. I enjoy it, and want to share with the readers a few tips on how to enjoy a day (or two) there.

If it is the first time you visit Africa, or an Arab country, take the trouble to read up something about their culture, and please be respectful enough to dress wisely – long trousers and a short sleeved shirt for men (T-shirts are considered underwear) and shoulder coverage and no shorts for women. This way you will gain their respect and feel more comfortable as you weave your way amongst the locals.

--- Tangier Morocco - my personal opinion ---

Bargaining is a way of life for the Moroccans, so relax and enjoy it as they do. For large purchases try an offer of 50% of what they ask, suffer the fact that they will seemingly laugh at you, up your offer only slightly, and you will probably end up agreeing on abut 70%. Be aware that bargaining is more successful out of high season, when they are even more in need of money. There are some quality shops (antiques) that hardly bargain. I suggest you do not bargain over trivialities with poor street vendors – and I do not find it necessary to bargain in the food markets (for us, their products are very good value). You can pay most things in Euros or by card. If you want Dirhams for small purchases (and even these you can now often pay in Euros) there are cash machines.

--- Tangier Morocco - my personal opinion ---

Tip: take or buy a plastic box and buy some marinated lemons – excellent in your chicken dishes, and they deepfreeze. The herbs are great, they are sold by weight in little plastic bags – not in labelled pots – so take some stickers to label as you buy. Try Lekama – this is the local mixture of herbs – each stall makes its own. Another excellent purchase to bring back is a box of their pastries – you will pass many pastry shops but the one I like best is very near the Café de Paris. Buy a box of 250 or 500 grams. They are nearly all made with almonds and are not too sweet. You’ll probably start tasting them on the ferry on the way back.

I always buy a copy of Citadine (in French), the magazine for the modern Moroccan woman, and also Femmes de Maroc ….

More about Tangier Morocco

Tangier Morocco
A brief history on Tangier
My opinion on Tangier
Guided tours Tangier and Asilah

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