If you're travelling with kids — or simply want a break from the souks — these are the modern, easy-going places locals love. All within 20 minutes of the city centre.
Manar Mall (Tanger City Mall area)
Where: Boulevard Mohammed VI, the seafront — about 10 minutes by taxi from the Medina. Often grouped with the nearby Tanger City Mall and Marina Mall complex.
What's there: Air-conditioned shopping (Zara, H&M, Mango, LC Waikiki, Marwa), a Carrefour hypermarket, a multiplex cinema with films in original version, a food court with global chains, and a children's play zone.
Hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:00 (food court until midnight on weekends).
Tip: Park at Tanger City Mall and walk along the Marina Bay corniche afterwards — it's the best evening promenade in town.
The water park — Aqualuna / Tropicana
Where: Two options. Aqualuna at Tanja Marina Bay (right on the seafront, easy from the city) and Tropicana on the Tetouan road (bigger, more slides, full day out).
Highlights: Wave pool, kamikaze slides, lazy river, kids' splash zone with mini-slides, sun loungers and parasols included with the ticket.
Season: Mid-June to mid-September, daily 10:00 – 18:30.
Price: Around 150–200 MAD adults, 100 MAD children. Cash and card accepted.
Tip: Go on a weekday morning to avoid the local weekend crowds. Bring your own towel — they aren't always provided.
Perdicaris (Hercules) Park — Rmilat
Where: Forêt de Rmilat, on the road to Cap Spartel — 15 minutes by taxi from the centre. Locally known as "Parc Perdicaris" or simply the forest park near Hercules.
What's there: 70 hectares of umbrella pines and eucalyptus, signposted walking and running trails, picnic areas, a children's playground, and viewpoints over the Strait of Gibraltar where on a clear day you can see Spain.
Entry: Free. Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
Tip: Combine with a morning at the Caves of Hercules (10 minutes further) and lunch at one of the seafood shacks at Achakar beach.
Zaytoun — breakfast in the village
Where: Old Mountain (La Vieille Montagne / Jbel Kbir) — the leafy hillside village above the city, about 15 minutes by taxi.
Why go: The most photogenic breakfast in Tangier. Whitewashed terrace under olive and fig trees, traditional Moroccan breakfast spreads — msemen, beghrir, harcha, amlou, fresh orange juice, mint tea — plus eggs, avocado toast and good coffee for the modern crowd.
Hours: Daily 8:00 – 16:00 (breakfast served all day at weekends).
Price: Around 120–180 MAD per person for a full breakfast.
Tip: Book ahead at weekends — it fills up fast with Casablanca and Rabat weekenders. Ask for a table on the lower terrace for the best view.
Where to stay nearby
For families with the water park & mall in mind:
- Hilton Tanger City Center — directly attached to the mall, rooftop pool, family rooms.
- Movenpick Hotel & Casino Malabata — beachfront, large pool, kids' club, 10 minutes from the centre.
- Hotel Kenzi Solazur — affordable seafront option opposite the Marina Bay.
For the Old Mountain / Hercules side:
- Le Mirage — cliff-top bungalows above the Atlantic, next to the Caves of Hercules.
- Hilton Garden Inn Tanger Al Houara — resort with huge pool and direct beach access, 25 minutes south.
- Riads on the Old Mountain — quiet boutique stays a short drive from Zaytoun and the forest park.
Suggested family day plan
Morning: Breakfast at Zaytoun in the Old Mountain village.
Late morning: Walk or picnic at Perdicaris (Hercules) Park, then a quick stop at the Caves of Hercules.
Afternoon: Cool off at Aqualuna or Tropicana water park.
Evening: Dinner and cinema at Tanger City Mall / Marina Bay corniche.
FAQ
- Is Tangier good for a family holiday?
- Yes. Beyond the Medina there's a modern seafront with malls, water parks, forest parks, family beaches and international hotel brands — all easy to reach by petit taxi.
- When does the water park in Tangier open?
- The main water parks (Aqualuna at Tanja Marina Bay and Tropicana on the Tetouan road) operate from mid-June to mid-September, daily 10:00 to 18:30.
- How do I get to Perdicaris Park?
- It's in the Rmilat forest on the road to Cap Spartel, about 15 minutes by petit taxi from central Tangier. Entry is free.
- Do I need to book Zaytoun breakfast?
- On weekends yes — it's a favourite spot for Casablanca and Rabat weekenders. Weekdays you can usually walk in.