Tangier

Where to stay

Most budget accommodation sits in or just below the Medina, within a short walk of the Petit Socco. It is hilly, easy to get turned around, and noisy at night, but you are close to everything. A handful of hostels near the Grand Socco, at the edge of the Ville Nouvelle, trade some atmosphere for slightly easier navigation at similar prices.

Getting around

• If you are crossing from Spain, ferries from Tarifa arrive at Tangier's city port rather than Tangier Med, saving you a 40-kilometer taxi ride into town. The crossing takes about 35 minutes.
• Mint tea at cafes directly on the Petit Socco runs tourist prices. Walk one street back into the Medina and the same glass costs noticeably less.
• Use petit taxis, the small blue metered cabs, for rides around the city. Confirm the meter is running before you pull away, or agree on a price upfront to avoid a negotiation at the destination.

When to go

Hostels fill fast and rates climb in July and August. January through March is the slow stretch, when prices drop and the city is far less crowded.