The multicultural melting pot of Tangier located in northwest Africa, just opposite Gibraltar on the European mainland, is a fascinating mix of different cultures, religions and eras. Here, Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities come together, side by side, and the old and the new, the traditional and the Western, walk hand in hand along the worn lanes.

During its long history, Tangier has been in the world's spotlight on several occasions. Like for example when the city became the world's most famous free zone for homosexuals in the decades that followed the novel "The Protecting Sky" by Paul Bowles. At that time, legendary authors such as Jack Kerouac, Ian Fleming, Tennessee Williams, Orson Welles, Gore Vidal and others stayed in the old Moroccan city.

Incidentally, William S. Burroughs wrote "The Naked Lunch" at a time during the 1950s when Tangier was a very strange international free zone for black money, sex and drugs. However, things calmed down in 1956 when Morocco gained independence from France. However, the city retained its decadent appeal and in the 80s, among others, the Rolling Stones visited the area to record Berber music for their album "Steel Wheels".

When you arrive in Morocco, you feel that you have left Europe and stepped into another world. The surroundings are different from Europe, the smells and sounds as well. But Tangier, located at the western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, has always been a gray area, a city between Europe and Africa that has never really belonged to either continent. The city has been ruled by Carthage, the Roman Empire, the British, the Spanish, the Portuguese, the Arabs and the French. This means that the area has the same mysterious and individual molten dough character as Andalusia on the other side of the strait.

Sights in Tangier

There really isn't an overwhelming amount to see in the city. But you don't come to Tangier to look around, you come to feel it. To take the pulse of the history gathered in the pocket between the continents.

Hotel Continental is a classic hotel where celebrities such as Bogart, Copolla, Bertolucci, Matisse, Degas and, of course, Karl Gustav XVI and Silvia have stayed throughout the ages. The now charmingly worn hotel has over 100 heavy years behind it.

Hotel Minza (whose café was also the model for Rick's Café in the movie Casablanca) which was a meeting point for spies during the Second World War is also worth a visit for those interested in history.

The city abounds, as it should for an old French colony, with cafes and perhaps the most famous of them all is the Gran Café de Paris (even this gem was a hangout for smugglers, movie stars, agents and other loose people) which, among other things, figured in a James Bond movie. Another historic cafe is Café Hafa which was once populated by bearatnik writers .

A restaurant recommended by many is Riad Tanja (Escalier Américain). Another good restaurant, which is also a bit cheaper, is El Dorado (21 Rue Allal Ben Abdella) which serves Spanish-Moroccan food that costs just over a hundred and upwards. Incidentally, Tangier is not a place where you want to skimp on the food and have lunch at an unknown hole in the wall...

There are several bars in the city, but it was the now sadly bland Dean's Bar that was once drowned in booze by the legendary drunk, and above mentioned author, William S. Burroughs.

However, the Swedish finance minister has decided once and for all that we should "work and not drink" so perhaps we should avoid following in Burroughs' wobbly footsteps and instead devote ourselves to…

Shopping in Tangier

One of the most exciting activities you can do in Tangier is, of course, shopping. Here there are carpets, perfumes, silver, leather, ceramics, spices, clocks, lamps, crockery, clothes and handicrafts in abundance. Most of it is also really cheap.

Coin de L'art Berbère is the place for those looking for oriental rugs.

Laure Welfling is a small famous mall on Place de la Kasbah that is a must visit for some serious shopping.

Parfumerie Madini is a shop that sells exclusive perfumes. The store has origins that stretch back 500 years…

Marrakech La Rouge is worth a visit for those who like porcelain and handicrafts.

, the Grand Socco Marked in the heart of Tangier is the real big attraction when it comes to shopping. This area that always seems to be full of life was once populated by snake charmers, musicians and storytellers. Now it is the very epicenter where traditional and modern collide. It seethes with life, movement and commerce. We can't think of a better place for you to learn the art of haggling.

Have you been to Tangier and want to share your experiences?
Perhaps you have tips on a restaurant, a sight to see or a good store or market to shop at? Please leave your tip below to enrich this travel guide. Facts Tangier: Tangier is located on the North African coast. The city was founded in the fourth century. Population approximately 700,000. The languages ​​spoken here are mainly Arabic and French. The currency is called Dirham, which you can exchange for you on the spot. It is possible to go by ferry from mainland Spain to Tangier (go to the port of Madina) in Morocco from several different ports. From Tarifa , the ferry journey takes only 35 minutes, and from Algeciras, near Gibraltar, the journey takes around 2 hours.