Nestled below the scenic Rif Mountains in northern Morocco, Tetouan is a small city that still exudes the charm of an authentic Andalusian city. Its relatively untouched medina (Old Town) is a UNESCO Heritage site with an atmospheric feel that will take you back in time. Wander around surrounded by striking historic buildings restored to display stunning Spanish architecture with beautiful facades and embellishments. The city is also well known for its delectable cuisines featuring a unique blend of Spanish and Moroccan styles. If you want to enjoy nature, then there are options like hiking and bird-watching in nearby natural reserves like Talassemtane National Park. Those with the agenda of having a more local and immersive experience can skip the traditional accommodations and opt for the Airbnb vacation rentals in Tetouan. To help you plan your itinerary, read on to find out about the best things to do in Tetouan, Morocco.
1. Explore Tetouan on a private tour (from USD 35.0)
Exploring Tetouan, Morocco, on a private tour is a captivating personalized activity that allows you to discover the city’s rich history, cultural heritage, and hidden gems at your own pace. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tetouan is renowned for its well-preserved medina, unique architecture, and vibrant local markets.
With a private tour, you’ll have a knowledgeable local guide to lead you through the medina’s winding streets, sharing fascinating stories and insights about the city’s past and traditions. This intimate and immersive experience provides a deeper understanding of Tetouan’s cultural diversity and a chance to interact with friendly locals.
Tetouan Private Tour With Local Guide
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
2. Visit the Tetouan Modern Art Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Centro de Arte Moderno de Tetuan • مركز تطوان للفن الحديث on Wednesday, December 1, 2021
Visiting the Tetouan Modern Art Center is an enriching indoor thing to do in Tetouan, Morocco. This culturally immersive activity offers a unique insight into the city’s contemporary art scene. The modern art center showcases an impressive collection of contemporary artworks by local and international artists, providing a platform for creative expression and artistic exploration.
Inside the center’s galleries, you’ll find a diverse range of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and multimedia installations that reflect the dynamic and evolving art scene of Tetouan and beyond. The art center also hosts rotating exhibitions, cultural events, and educational programs, making it a vibrant hub for artists and art enthusiasts.
Tetouan Modern Art Center
Address: S/N, Av. Al Massira, Tétouan 93000, Morocco
Website: Tetouan Modern Art Center
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9:30am - 1pm, 2 - 5pm; Sat: 9:30am - 2pm; Sun: 10am - 2pm (closed on Mon)
3. Stroll around the primeval Medina
Perched atop a mountain of Jebel Dersa, the Medina of Tetouan is one of the places to visit in the city. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Tetouan Medina is enclosed by a wall of sturdy stone where people can enter through seven gates. During the 8th century, it played an important role for the Islamic community for it was used as the point of connection between Andalusia, a region of Spain, and Morocco. The Andalusian Refugees took over the place and rebuilt the city, leaving a great influence on their architecture and art. It is one of the smallest medinas yet it is the most complete and a majority of its buildings have remained untouched by consequent outside influences. Aside from being a cultural heritage, it also gives tourists opportunities to shop for some clothes and souvenirs. Some stores sell food too. As you walk along the narrow streets, you will see small kiosks selling textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and jewelry. Make sure to devote enough time to tour the Medina for a wonderful trip to the city.
Medina
Address: Tetouan, Morocco
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4. Appreciate Tétouan's ancient history at the Archaeological Museum
Get insights into Tétouan’s pre-Islamic roots at the Archaeological Museum located close to Place Al Jala. This museum is dedicated to exhibiting artifacts found in archaeological digs in Northern Morocco, as well as the ruins of the Roman city Lixus. You will find here a good collection of pottery, tools, mosaics and bronze objects among other things. Be sure to spend time exploring its garden, which showcases several large mosaics. One of its not-to-be-missed displays is the stunning Roman mosaic of The Three Graces.
Archeological Museum
Address: Avenue Mohamed Ben Larbi Torres, Tétouan
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10:30am - 5:30pm (closed on Tue)
Price: 10 DHS/ 1 USD
5. Visit the city's sole church Iglesia de Bacturia
You can’t miss visiting Tetouan’s only church, Iglesia de Bacturia, a bright yellow colored building located on Place Moulay El Mehdi. Built in 1917, the church is a remnant of the Spaniards’ early presence in the area. The church is still active, with mass being held every day and its bells ringing on the hour. The decor is simple though you will see a blend of both Spanish and Moroccan design patters across the building.
Iglesia de Bacturia
Address: Place Moulay El Mehdi, Tetouan
6. Marvel at traditional Moroccan artistry at Riad el Reducto
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Riads are traditional Moroccan houses that feature authentic decor and furnishings. Located close to the Royal Palace, this riad is a popular landmark in the city, having been featured in several films. There’s a restaurant inside that’s a great place to sample traditional Tetuani cuisines as well as Spanish dishes. Spend some time here to appreciate the beauty of the interiors that showcase a mix of traditional Moroccan and Spanish styles featuring stunning chandeliers, tapestries and ceiling carvings. The riad also acts as a hotel offering five guestrooms.
Riad el Reducto
Address: Mechwar, Essaid Zanqat Zawya kadiriya N° 38, Tetouan
Website: Riad el Reducto
7. Enjoy Moroccan films at Tétouan International Mediterranean Film Festival
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Held every year in March, the Tetouan International Mediterranean Film Festival celebrates the best of Mediterranean cinema. The fest lasts for around 10 days, during which time, a varied selection of films and documentaries by Mediterranean artists is shown in venues across the city. The film festival also awards artists across numerous categories including best film, best actor/actress, best documentary among others. Discussions and interactions with luminaries from the film, media and art world are also organized.
Tetouan International Mediterranean Film Festival
Address: National Institute of Fine Arts, School complex, Avenue Mohamed V, Tétouan
Website: The Festival of Mediterranean Cinema of Tetouan
When: Every March
8. Have dinner at Lorizon
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Lorizon on Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Earlier known as La Table du Marché Mdieq Tetouan, Lorizon is a restaurant renowned not only for its seafood dishes but also its unique setting. Located over water and linked to the dock by a pathway, the restaurant offers magnificent sea and city views that are not to be missed. The dishes to try here include calamari and paella.
Lorizon
Address: Port de Plaisance, M'diq
Website: Lorizon
Opening hours: 12pm - 1am (daily)
9. Learn about Tétouan's culture at the Ethnographic Museum
Set inside the former fortress of the Sultan Moulay Abderrahman, the Ethnographic Museum is dedicated to highlighting the ethnic traditions, culture as well as artistic treasures of the region. Inside the museum, you will find displays of antiquities, costumes, crafts, jewelry, weapons and mosaics that showcase the rich heritage of the local Moroccan community.
One of its top features is the Trousseau Room, which has collections related to a traditional Tetouan marriage - clothing, bridal wear, gifts, and musical instruments, are all displayed here. If unique experiences in Tetouan, Morocco, are what you’re after, make sure to include this on your list.
The Ethnographic Museum
Address: Avenue Skala, 65 Bab El Okla, Tétouan
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: 10 DHS/1 USD
10. Sample Tétouan cuisines on a food tour (from USD 56.0)
Take the opportunity to experience the standout flavors of Moroccan cuisines during your visit to Tetouan with a food tour. You can sample authentic dishes guided by a local enthusiast who will give you an insider understanding of the cultural and historical aspects related to the city itself and the food too. Savor local specialties including desserts, street food and a traditional meal as you explore top culinary spots of the city as a part of the tour.
Tetouan Food Tour
Duration: 3 hours
11. Admire the local art at Tetouan Museum of Modern Art
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The building that houses the Tetouan Museum of Modern Art is in itself a striking sight. A former railway station of Tetouan, it features traditional Morrocan windows and Spanish castle-influenced design. The brightly lit museum contains five exhibition rooms featuring a range of paintings and sculptures by notable Moroccan artists across different styles, such as contemporary, abstract and impressionistic. The museum’s verdant garden is also a favored spot for visitors to relax.
Tetouan Museum of Modern Art
Address: S/N, Avenue Al Massira, Tétouan
Website: Tetouan Museum of Modern Art
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9:30am - 1pm, 2pm - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 10 DHS/ 1 USD
12. Admire Spanish-themed buildings along the Ensanche
Stroll along the wide boulevard of El Ensanche to appreciate the restored beauty of bright Spanish-pattern colonial buildings that line the street. This tourist attraction in Tetouan, Morocco, is a street that goes from Place Al Jala to Place Moulayel-Mehdi close to Ave Mohammed V. It is dotted with an array of hotels, restaurants, and a broad range of commercial establishments. Pay attention to the architecture of the buildings to see the varied architectural touches including the art-deco elements.
Ensanche
Address: Ave Mohammed V, Tetouan
13. Visit Barbary Macaque Awareness & Conservation
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A workshop about Old World Monkeys (which includes macaques) is being organised by our supporter GaiaZoo in The Netherlands in 29th June - 1st July. Find out more from the poster.
Posted by Barbary Macaque Awareness & Conservation on Thursday, January 31, 2019
The Barbary Macaque Awareness & Conservation works in the region to protect the endangered Barbary macaque. Along with working actively in the field towards the conservation of the species and its habitat, the NGO also conducts a variety of educational programs like workshops for children and adults, which are worth a visit if you are a nature lover.
Barbary Macaque Awareness & Conservation
Address: Rue Fez 22, Tétouan
14. Relax at Cabo Negro Beach and Gold Resort
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re planning to visit Tetouan in summer, you should visit one of its popular beaches, Cabo Negro. The Royal Golf Club of Cabo Negro is known as Morocco’s leading golf resort. It is a resort with a full golf course where you will surely take pleasure walking and running on the beach fine-grained-sand. You can also find restaurants, hotels and vacation houses in the area and if you feel a little sporty, tennis courts are available too.
Cabo Negro Beach and Gold Resort
Address: Cabo Negro, Morocco
Website: Cabo Negro Beach
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
An exotic location you won't forget
Keep this list of the top activities and best places to visit Tetouan, Morocco, handy to experience all that this historic city has to offer. In addition to these, chalk out some time to explore the souk district that can be found inside the medina. This colorful market has a whole range of shops, a perfect place to buy souvenirs to take back home!
If you’re looking to maximize your time in this part of Morocco, you can also embark on some of the unique recreations in nearby towns. The Airbnb vacation rentals in Martil are equally great hideaways that can suit your thrills for an extended getaway.
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Tetouan, Morocco
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