Tangier: Where Africa and Europe Shake Hands

The Gateway City

If you're taking the ferry from Spain, Tangier is your first taste of Morocco. For a long time, people used to skip it because it was a bit gritty. Not anymore. They've poured a ton of money into the city, built a massive new marina, and cleaned up the medina. It's fantastic.

Café Culture

Tangier has a crazy history. In the 1950s, it was an 'International Zone', meaning it didn't belong to any country. Spies, writers, and rockstars all hung out here. You can still feel that vibe at Café Hafa. It's built into a cliff looking straight across the water at Spain. Order a mint tea, sit on the plastic chairs, and just watch the ships go by. The Rolling Stones used to hang out there, which is pretty cool.

The Caves of Hercules

Grab a taxi just outside the city to the Caves of Hercules. The legend says Hercules slept here before his 11th labor. The coolest part is the cave opening that faces the sea—it is naturally shaped exactly like the map of Africa.

Food

Because it's so close to Spain, the food here is a massive fusion. You can get incredible tapas, amazing Moroccan tagines, and the freshest seafood. Try the Bocadillo stands—Moroccan sandwiches stuffed with tuna, potatoes, eggs, and olives. Cheap, messy, and perfect.