Is Tangier expensive to visit?
Tangier is a smaller spot that entices a mix of tourists, showcasing various travel styles, financial habits, and budget considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
You can find Tangier to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like looking for discounts and coupons can help you save money.
On average, budget travelers spend $32 (MAD317) per day, mid-range travelers spend $77 (MAD759) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $172 (MAD1,695) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Tangier.
Within Africa, Tangier is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Dakar or Kampala.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Tangier Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Tangier?
The average Tangier trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Tangier travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Tangier cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Tangier without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $32 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, there's plenty of hostels in Tangier, like Baytalice, Tangier Kasbah Hostel, and Tangiers Hostel. Here, you can score affordable dorm accommodation along with a vibrant social scene, though amenities may be lacking.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Tourists visiting Tangier generally aim to explore the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $77 per person, per day.
Tangier boasts a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or children, thus reducing your expenses. Families should prioritize hotels and restaurants that are geared toward kids. La Maison de Tanger is an excellent family-friendly option, while Dar Sultan is also superb. You can find additional family and couple-friendly hotels in our hotel guide for Tangier here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $172. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the destination will entail a more premium price tag. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Tangier Private Day Tour, Cap Spartel drive & Camel ride included - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Tangier
The range of hotel prices in Tangier can be pretty surprising. Luxury hotels tend to offer more amenities, but come with higher price tags, especially during peak season. The average off-season room is $66, but during peak season the average price can reach $123. From $37 for budget hotels to $213 for luxury, there's something for everyone. Hostels are cheaper, especially dorms. Book early or travel during the off-season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Tangier for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $47 (MAD463). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $23 (MAD231) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Tangier? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Tangier include:
- Marina Bay Tangier starting at $103
- Dar Sultan starting at $99
- La Maison de Tanger starting at $68
- Hotel Mamora Tanger starting at $30
- Le Balcon De Tanger starting at $65
If you plan your trip outside of and during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
Food Budget in Tangier
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Tangier can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Tangier is $35 (MAD348) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$35
MAD348
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Tangier is around $35 (MAD348) per person, with previous travelers spending from $14 to $84. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Tangier are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $11
- Lunch: $5 to $14
- Dinner: $11 to $25
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
Because Tangier has been so heavily focused on increasing tourism, the restaurants in the area offer a good mix of international cuisine and local, traditional food. Walk along the Boulevard Mohamed VI on the beach to find a lovely spot to wind down and enjoy an even meal on the water.
If it's locally caught fish and seafood you're after, follow the locals to the port. If you speak any French/Arabic, you should be able to find something to your liking. You'll likely be the only foreigner eating at the port, and there are no menus or price listings. Don't worry, it's all cheap and perfectly authentic.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Instead of buying drinks, bring a water bottle. It's also an environmentally friendly option.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Tangier, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Tangier food tour with Rababe for $70 details
- Sunset Camel Ride on Achakkar Beach including Traditional Dinner for $86 details
- Tangier Cooking Class With a Local Family for $81 details
Typical prices for food in Tangier are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the food prices in Tangier. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, selected restaurants, and the items that you order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Tangier
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Tangier typically cost an average of $20 (MAD198) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$20
MAD198
Like most Moroccan cities, Tangier has its own medina, or old town. It's a sweet area of the city, but just approaching it is a sight in and of itself. The Grand Socco is the name for the gorgeous entrance to the medina. Take in the view and make your way into the plaza with the central fountain surrounded by palm trees. This was once the site of a major market in Tangier, and today the cobblestone circle makes the drop off point for taxis. This is spot where the modern meets the past made of narrow and winding streets. For a view that will surely take you breath away, climb the stairs to the highest point in the circle to see the view from La Terrasse. It's like you've stepped back in time to a simpler, more relaxing place.
Located in Dar el-Makhzen in the former sultan's palace is the Kasbah Museum. Wander through the halls to learn more about the history of the area from prehistoric times to the 19th century. Visitors to the museum get to see things like pre-Roman tools, 16th century jewelry, an extraordinary floor mosaic by Volubilis and a detailed wall map of trade routes over time.
For a touch of history I bet you didn't know, take a trip to the Tangier American Legation Museum. As one of the first countries to recognize the United States as a country, it has become the only US National Historic Landmark outside of the US. Take a peek at the letter of thanks from George Washington to Sultan Moulay Suleyman and know you're standing in an important spot for history. The five story mansion displays beautiful paintings that depict Tangier from past to present.
For the adventure lover in your group, you may want to spend an afternoon at the Hercules Cave, or Grottes d'Hercules. Just outside of Tangier is the stunning natural beauty of the caves where the mythical Hercules rested after finishing his twelve labors. When you're done pretending to be the mythical hero, head over to the nearby beach for a bit of sun and relaxation. If you want to make a day of it, you could easily buy bread and fruit from a local stand before you head to the caves. Turn the trip into a picnic on the beach.
A nice way to explore destinations in Tangier is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Tangier Private Customized Tours for $106 details
- 4 hour private Tour of Tangier for $107 details
- Tangier Excursion: Day trip with private tour guide for $102 details