Café Hafa

Along the northwest coast of Tangier is the necropolis of Hafa, containing Phoenician tombs dating to the 5th century BC, which pave the way to the famous Café Hafa. Founded in 1921, this cafe is where famed authors, playwrights, musicians and poets have stopped by for a sugary mint tea, a game of Parcheesi and a gaze over the Bay of Tangier to the Spanish coastline for nearly a century. With tiers of seating like an ancient cinema (many of the tables are actually built into the stone walls), the cafe offers views unlike any other.

Before you lose yourself in the labyrinthine medina, luxuriate along the coast at the open-air Café Hafa. A Tangier icon, the almost-century-old cafe is made up of tiers of whitewashed balconies that cascade down a steep hillside toward the Mediterranean, opening panoramic views of the sea and, beyond, Spain. Sip sweet tea with crushed mint leaves (7 dirhams) and gaze at that long-lost Moorish treasure across the strait: Andalusia.

All you’ll want to do when you arrive is take in the views, so dust off your copy of The Sheltering Sky and bring it to 12 Café Hafa, whose cliffside terraces have hosted the likes of Mick Jagger and Allen Ginsberg. It’s always full of young Moroccans drinking mint tea and enjoying the breeze, along with the views of Spain across the Strait of Gilbraltar.

You can taste the most delicious tea while looking right across the Mediterranean over to Europe. It first opened in the early 20th century, and ever since, has been a must-see in the historical city. The tea is served in a large glass with leaves of mint and a lot of sugar; it is definitely the most authentic experience you can get.

A Mecca for celebrities ranging from Rolling Stone Jagger to writers Genet and Bowles, who flocked here to sip silky-sweet mint tea served up with Moroccan hash-stashed majoun cookies, this iconic boho hangout sits on a steep slope gazing out over the Strait of Gibraltar where the magical Med meets the moody Atlantic (on a good day you can distinctly see the different blues). Perhaps because these days it's main locals who come here to hang out on low cushioned seats at this blue-door-ed café now run by the adopted son of the original owner, traditional dishes such as lemony chickpea soup chorba or spicy Berber omelette are still surprisingly affordable. Address: Rue Hafa, Tangier, MoroccoWebsite:@cafehafa

Located on a steep cliff next to the tombs of the Phoenicians, lies the controversial Café Hafa. Paul Bowles, William Burroughs and Mick Jagger drank sweet tea while enjoying a joint in their hands, looking out over the Strait of Gibraltar and the sparkling lights of Tarifa in Spain on the other side of the Mediterranean. With more than a hundred years under its belt (since 1921), Café Hafa has become a renowned name in Tangier, partly thanks to the preservation of the traditional decor with the several open terraces overlooking the Spanish coast.

Admiring the sunset as a couple is another of the romantic plans in Tangier that will also be part of the memories of a unique trip. In the city you will find many cafés with terraces or rooftops from where you can watch the city slowly change colour to yellow and orange. However, our recommendation is to go to the hundred-year-old Café Hafa, which no longer has the glamour of yesteryear but still has some of the atmosphere that made the Spanish writer Juan Goytisolo, one of its regulars, and the American writer Paul Bowles fall in love with it.

One legendary spot that shouldn’t be missed is Café Hafa, perched on a cliff overlooking the breathtaking Strait of Gibraltar. Since its opening, this café has been a haven for artists, writers, and thinkers, where you can enjoy aromatic Moroccan coffee while soaking in the laid-back atmosphere. For a refined twist on Moroccan cuisine, Le Salon Bleu stands out as a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion offering an elegant dining experience that highlights the vivid flavors of the region, presented with sophistication and style.

Located along the cliff top overlooking the Bay of Tangier, Café Hafa is one of the oldest cafes in the heart of the town dating back to 1921. The café features a mix of ancient and modern style décor and through the years has been a significant hangout spot for locals and visitors alike include renowned writers and singers such as Paul Bowles and William Burroughs to The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. One of the reasons why Café Hafa has gained much popularity is because of its mint tea, a special brew unique to Tangier.

Explore the historic Kasbah Museum with its dazzling artifacts, wander through the vibrant Tangier Old Medina, indulge in local cuisine at the Petit Socco square, and unwind at the idyllic Café Hafa overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. With its close proximity to iconic sites like the Hercules Cave and the famous Cap Spartel Lighthouse, Tangier offers a memorable fusion of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes, making it an irresistible destination for any traveler seeking a one-of-a-kind experience.

Without question this is likely the most well-known café, icon and certainly one of the most popular things to do in Tangier. Café Hafa has existed since 1921 (as it proudly announces on entrance) and is a cliffside café with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Straight of Gibraltar. The cafe spills downwards over multiple levels each packed with tables and locals sipping coffees and mint tea that is delivered by the tray load.

One of these famous places is Café Hafa, where you can drink mint tea or smelly coffee while looking out at the beautiful Strait of Gibraltar. By going from one café to another, you can have long talks, watch people, and get into the flow of the city. Each café has its own style, from traditional to modern, and is often a good place to meet locals and other tourists and build relationships that will last long after the coffee is gone.

If you only visit one place in Tangier then let Cafe Hafa be it. After all, this amazing, Bohemian-style cafe in Tangier was first founded in 1921 and has been astounding celebrities like the Rolling Stones, Juan Goytisolo, and Paul Bowles ever since. Today, it is a super cool, local hot spot in the Marchane district where you can grab a bowl of harira (chickpea soup), enjoy some fresh mint tea, and admire sweeping views of the Ocean.

You could opt for a coffee instead - there are no shortage of cafes; some of which are the best in the country. Some have amazing views (cafe Hafa), some good coffee, some are popular (cafe Tropicana, cafe Celine Dion), some with music (cafe in the Dawliz complex), some have good cakes (cafe Oslo), some are places to relax after a hard day shopping (cafe Madam Porte, cafe Vienna), and some are just plain sleazy - the choice is yours.

Cafe Hafa is a historic café that has existed since 1921 and is famous for having been frequented by personalities such as Paul Bowles, William Burroughs, Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles. Cafe Hafa is an ideal place to relax and enjoy a Moroccan mint tea while gazing at the breathtaking view over the Strait of Gibraltar. Cafe Hafa has a simple, authentic style, with plastic tables and chairs spread over several terraces along the cliff.

Cafe Hafa is practically an institution of historical Tangier and is a must-see for anyone passing through. It has existed since 1921, as it so proudly proclaims at its entrance, and resides on a cliffside with a stunning panorama of the Mediterranean sea. This outdoor cafe is almost always packed in the afternoons with locals and tourists playing music, cards, and sprawling out across the tables.

Café Hafa, perched on a cliffside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, has been an iconic Tangier institution since its founding in 1921. It is a must-see for everyone wishing to discover Tangier’s distinctive attractions and enjoy the greatest things to do in Tangier. The café has a relaxing ambiance where you may unwind while drinking mint tea and admiring the breathtaking views of the sea.

Cafe Hafa is a particularly popular spot, as it looks over the strait of Gibraltar. Mint tea is popular in Tangier as in the rest of the country, but it is usually poured into much larger glasses with more mint leaves, making for quite the sugary treat. There are also plenty of Moroccan and international restaurants to enjoy, many of which have rooftop seating that overlooks the city.

Cafe Hafa opened in 1921 and has retained its 1920‘s style of decor and ambiance over the years. It has been the highlight of numerous writers and singers inspiration when visiting Morocco. Paul Bowles, William S. Burroughs, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones – all frequented this charming Cafe with sea views which is known for its own special Tangier brew of Moroccan mint tea.

Cafe Hafa is a legendary café perched on a cliff overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar in Tangier, Morocco. This iconic establishment has a rich history dating back to 1921 and has been a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike. With its stunning panoramic views of the sea, cozy terraces, and rustic charm, Cafe Hafa offers a unique and memorable experience.

Bien qu'il ne s'agisse pas techniquement d'un bar sur le toit, aucune liste des bars surélevés de Tanger ne serait complète sans mentionner le Café Hafa. Ce café en terrasse emblématique est un favori des habitants et des visiteurs depuis 1921. Perché sur une falaise surplombant le détroit de Gibraltar, il offre des vues inégalées et un aperçu du passé riche de Tanger.

Opened in 1921, the historic Café Hafa hasn’t changed a bit ever since. There isn’t a better place in town to sip on Moroccan mint tea and admire the gorgeous panorama of the Mediterranean Sea. Its reputation for hosting celebrities like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones helped make Café Hafa one of the most frequented spots in town, so it may be busy when you visit.

Café Hafa – Located outside of the kasbah, close to the necropolis and the Phoenician tombs, Café Hafa is a must stop for literary types. William Buroughs, Paul Bowles, Tennessee Williams, The Rolling Stones, and many others have stopped by Café Hafa for a mint tea to enjoy a bit of kif and look out over the Mediterranean to Spain. At night, there is often music.

Sitting a ten minute walk outside of the medina, Cafe Hafa is a mainstay of the city and a must-visit for a drink with a view. The food is nothing special but available if you’re peckish while soaking in the views. Have a traditional Moroccan breakfast in the morning, peanuts from local vendors in the afternoon, and a tajine with a side of sea views for dinner.

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Bay of Tangier, Café Hafa has been a local institution since 1921. This iconic café is known for its simple charm, offering outdoor seating on multiple terraces with unobstructed views of the Mediterranean. Generations of writers, musicians, and travelers—including The Beatles—have gathered here to enjoy its famous mint tea.

You’d be pressed to find a Tangier travel guide that doesn’t include a bit about the famed Café Hafa. Its claims to fame capture the essence of a Tangier hot spot—stunning views and historic legacy, all washed down with a glass of sickly-sweet fresh mint tea … and OK, maybe some hash. Not much about the decor has changed since Café Hafa opened in 1921.

Opened in 1921, the Café Hafa quickly established itself as one of the legendary places in Tangier. Roof, rooms, gardens, here, everything has been transformed into terraces by the founder of the place, a fisherman. Facing the sea, with the cornice at your feet, you sit in the same place as Saint-Exupéry, Jean Genet, Jack Kerouac, or the Beatles.

Café Hafa is a must-visit in Tangier — it’s a popular spot among both locals and tourists, and the views of the Mediterranean Sea are absolutely stunning. They serve sweet Moroccan mint tea, which is perfect for relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere. While we didn’t try the food, they do have a menu if you want to eat there.

Cafe Hafa is pretty much a historic Tangier institution and is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. This outdoor cafe will fill up in the evenings with locals and tourists playing music or playing cards. The cafe has existed since 1921 and is located on a cliff with a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea.

In an article published today, the newspaper noted that no other Moroccan city can quite compare to Tangier’s “historic cafe culture,” which was frequented by expat writers and artists such as American writer and composer Paul Bowles and Moroccan author Mohamed Choukri, among other literary figures.

There’s no better way to start this article on the best restaurants in Tangier than with Cafe Hafa. This legendary cafe has been offering its guests mint tea with some of the most spectacular views in Tangier for over a hundred years. Cafe Hafa consists of two parts – a cafe and a restaurant.

Café Hafa: Overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, Café Hafa is famous for its mint tea and breathtaking views. While it’s known for its historical significance, it’s also a good spot for a light snack. Kids can enjoy the simple pleasures of freshly baked pastries while taking in the sea breeze.

For a more scenic experience, Café Hafa is a legendary café overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. Its tiered seating offers stunning views of the water, and the mint tea here is some of the best in the city. Pair it with local pastries or nuts, and enjoy a relaxing moment amidst your travels.

Those following the trail of Bowles and Burroughs will want to trek to Cafe Baba and Cafe Hafa. While both serve the usual and are perfumed at most hours by kif smoke, do not confuse the two names. Baba is a crowded dive near the top of the medina as you approach the Kasbah on Rue Amrah.

Yes, it’s a café, but could also be described as an experience. If you are in Tangier and do only one thing outside of the Medina, then this has to be at the top of your things to do list!. Cafe Hafa opened in 1921 and so has officially celebrating its 100 th anniversary… crazy right!

This 100 year old cafe (as of June 2021) is located on top of the Kasbah, next to the Phoenician tombs, Cafe Hafa has one of the best views in Tangier, overlooking the mediterranean and fishing port. You can finish your day with some Moroccan mint tea and the best sunset in town!

Café Hafa is a located in Tangier along a cliff top that overlooks the Bay of Tangier. Cafe Hafa opened in 1921 and has retained its 1920‘s style of decor and ambiance over the years. It has been the highlight of numerous writers and singers inspiration when visiting Morocco.

Indulge in a leisurely breakfast at Café Hafa, a historic cafe with stunning views of the Strait of Gibraltar. After breakfast, take a private tour to Tangier Highlights Private 6-Hour Tour, visiting the city's top attractions and enjoying a panoramic view from the Kasbah.

Located along the cliff top overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, the view alone means this spot scores highly on any ‘best cafes in tangier’ list. Unsurprisingly it has been a source of creative inspiration for many artists and has a long list of famous clientele.

Le Grand Café Hafa: This iconic café has been serving traditional Moroccan dishes since 1921. Try their famous harira (a hearty soup made with lentils, chickpeas, and tomatoes) and b’stilla (a savory pie made with layers of flaky pastry, meat, onions, and spices).

Beautiful panoramatic view from the hill on the Mediterranean sea with traditional Moroccan tea, hot soup bissara or other Moroccan specialities. Cafe Hafa is a cultural spot loved by tourists and local Tangierians. Get ready to relax and take in the scenery.

But Cafe Hafa isn’t great because Mick and Keith smoked kif there some 60 years ago. It’s great because you can sip tea and slurp bissara — a hearty soup of pureed split peas — from a hillside perch above the blue Atlantic, staring across the water at Spain.

Start your culinary journey with a traditional Moroccan breakfast at Café Hafa, known for its iconic views and mint tea. After breakfast, take a leisurely walk through the historic medina, soaking in the sights and sounds of the bustling souks.

Synonymous with the artistic community since its inception, famous attendees include Mick Jagger, William Burroughs, and Sean Connery. It is by no means a fancy, all thrills, venue. The decor and seating are rustic, but authentic.

First debuting in 1921, Café Hafa is arguably the most famous coffee shop in Northern Morocco, and for a good reason. The coffee shop cascades on the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, offering an unparalleled vantage point.

There are only a couple of places of interest in the area near Hafa (the necropolis or, somewhat further away, the kasbah), so after you’ve done seeing all of the main sights, set aside an afternoon to check out this café.

The simple but very large “bar” is perched on a cliff over looking the sea. Young men walk around serving mint tea and a couple of local snacks like bread and nuts. If you wanted something else then forget it.

Continue out of the kasbah and walk to the classic tea house, Café Hafa, for glasses of sweet Morrocan tea overlooking the Mediterranean. I wrote about my experience at the café over on the tea blog, T Ching.

Sitting in the sunshine on the terraces of Cafe Hafa is the perfect end to your day as you watch the sun dip into the horizon across the straits and contemplate the closeness of continents.

Take a seat at the tiered tables overlooking the ocean at Café Hafa, which dates back to 1921. You’ll find a mainly local crowd here, sipping sweet mint tea until sundown (tea from £1.20).

Two must-visit spots: Cafe Hafa (Ave Hadi Mohammed Tazi), overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, was a favorite hangout of Tangier’s most famous expat, writer and composer Paul Bowles.

Café Hafa, has tables on terraces on various levels and with a great viewpoint towards Spain make the cafe an authentic place (but very very crowded...) come and enjoy a mint tea.

Sunset meal at Cafe Hafa overlooking Gibraltar: A historic cafe frequented by artists and writers, offering terraced seating with panoramic views of the Strait of Gibraltar.

I continue towards one of the most popular terraces in the city: Cafe Hafa. Following the coastline, I find however another stop: the Phoenician tombs.

Café Hafa: Sip Moroccan tea or coffee at Café Hafa, a historic café that has hosted literary giants and artists, and enjoy stunning views of the sea.

Café Hafa: Famous for its stunning views of the Mediterranean, this café is a great place to unwind and enjoy traditional Moroccan mint tea.

Everyone from the Beatles to the Rolling Stones have drunk a coffee on its pretty terraces overlooking the coast. It’s great for breakfast.

Café Hafa is in a panoramic position between gardens and terraces with a view over the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and Andalusia.

A beautiful location to watch the sunset, or just people watch – this is located about 5 minutes from Cafe Hafa.