Following the Beat in Tangier, Morocco
Tangier has long inspired writers and artists of the twentieth century: Matisse, Delacroix, Kerouac, Jean Genet, William Burroughs, Paul Bowles. Francis Bacon had a painting studio here, the Rolling Stones lived just a stones throw away from the ancient Kasbah. Once a hideaway on the Moroccan coast for bohemian castaways, the soulful vintage vibe of Tangier still shines through its now modern and cleaned up iteration. There are still gems of history to visit and feel the original beat of the place.
Sight
Clusters of white buildings of the medina on a hill set against the vibrant blues of the Mediterranean sea
Sound
Playlist On the Road by The Diario
Fragrance
Leather, rosewater, mint
Touch
Soft leather babouches, woven baskets, colourful terracottta ceramics
Taste
Slow cooked tagines, fragrant couscous
WHERE TO EAT
Rif Kebdani
Rue Dar Baroud
The family owned restaurant serving a traditional delicious Moroccan menu has a warm atmosphere and a cozy vibe. They open for lunch and dinner daily.
Café à l'Anglaise
37 Rue de la Kasbah
Run by a charming Moroccan family, where the daughter is the server and the mother and grandmother cook the food, this is the perfect place for lunch. Choose from outside seating or one of the 3 floors and a charming rooftop. A special place not to be missed
Le Salon Bleu
20 Rue de la Kasbah
This quaint traditional Moroccan house is situated directly in what used to be the ancient stables of the Sultan's Palace and features stunning views over the Mediterranean. Decorated solely in colours of blue and white, it's a beautiful location to enjoy a moment at the top of the kasbah. Order shared plates of Moroccan Mediterranean cuisine and a selection of fresh juice lemonades.
WHERE TO SHOP
Bazar Tindouf
64 Rue de la Liberté
This place must be the definition of what a bazar truly is. Passed down through generations, a multitude of wares including vintage ceramics, silver jewelry, historic textiles, are piled on top of one another, and show their age through the layers of dust. This is treasure hunting at its finest.
Las Chicas
52 Rue Kacem Guenoun
A concept store and salon de the (tea house) Las Chicas is a stylish shop showing off modern small batch Moroccan products. Including ceramics, apothecary, stationery, and a selection of art, it's an inspiring place to see the contemporary design movement of Morocco.
WHERE TO BE
Casbah Social Club
A tiny storefront at the top of the medina lined with embroidered banquettes, is the clubhouse of Les Fils du Détroit, a team of master musicians. Nightly jam sessions from whichever of the team decides to show up for the evening, this more than 40 year old band of musicians meld the melodies of Morocco and Spain in an evocative fusion. Donations appreciated, mint tea served throughout.
