Café Tingis
An iconic Tangier cafe steeped in history, offering a true taste of local life and a prime spot for people-watching.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Café Tingis
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic Tangier cafe steeped in history, offering a true taste of local life and a prime spot for people-watching.
"An institution and a significant part of Tangier's cafe culture. "
Confirm prices in Dirhams
Always check prices in local currency (Dirhams) before ordering to avoid confusion.
Embrace simplicity
The cafe offers a nostalgic experience rather than gourmet dining; enjoy the atmosphere.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Cafe
Price
$
Address
Q5PQ+6M3, Rue Almohades, Tangier, Morocco
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Tangier Atmosphere
Soak in the local culture at one of Tangier's oldest cafes. A vibrant spot for people-watching from the terrace.
The Iconic Mint Tea Experience
Sip traditional Moroccan mint tea and observe the lively street scene, a classic experience celebrated by visitors.
Literary & Celebrity Haunt
Once a meeting spot for literary greats and celebrities, this cafe retains its historical charm and allure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Confirm prices in Dirhams
Always check prices in local currency (Dirhams) before ordering to avoid confusion.
Embrace simplicity
The cafe offers a nostalgic experience rather than gourmet dining; enjoy the atmosphere.
Best for people-watching
Ideal for observing street life and local culture, especially from the terrace.
Avoid peak crowds
Visit during quieter times for a more relaxed and less busy experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Confirm prices in Dirhams
Always check prices in local currency (Dirhams) before ordering to avoid confusion.
Embrace simplicity
The cafe offers a nostalgic experience rather than gourmet dining; enjoy the atmosphere.
Best for people-watching
Ideal for observing street life and local culture, especially from the terrace.
Avoid peak crowds
Visit during quieter times for a more relaxed and less busy experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Café Tingis is celebrated as an iconic Tangier institution, lauded for its historical ambiance and prime location for people-watching. While the menu is minimal, the traditional mint tea and coffee are popular choices. Some patrons note minor issues with billing or cleaning, but the overall experience is deemed worthwhile for its cultural significance and nostalgic charm. +3
"Try the crepes (listed as pancakes). I had it with Nutella but it’s listed as chocolate. The coffee is semi-strong here. I also had the avocado smoothie. It’s not as concentrated as you think. Far better than you expect. For everything in the pictures, I paid 135 MAD (Durham) but make sure to tip. I didn’t try the omelette, but my boyfriend said it was good. The cheese on the side was great but be mindful that it has a sour aftertaste. Not a strong one, but it’s present. And that taste doesn’t linger. So that’s good."
MsGoofyPrincess
"One of the iconic cafes in Tangier. I liked the natural mint tea as they do in Morocco and the fact that they did it without sugar. However, I did not like that they put 2 bottles of water without ordering them that they charge 5 dirhams later on for each. Just inform customers of this and they will not feel you try to scam them. Other than that the cafe is at a nice plaza where a lot happens so you can just chill there for a while"
Jessica Bello Salguero
"In the hub of the tourist-trap that is the Medina these days, a fading aftertaste of Café Tingis', and thereby Tangier's, iconic past still lingers, just about. Haunted by a selection of regulars, many quite interesting, the smell of hashish, mint, and sweet honey fill the air. One of the few places I, as a non-local, wasn't over-charged as standard practice too, which is notable. Grab a cup, share a conversation or two with the local folks on neighbouring tables, and watch the world pass by."
Matthew Speight
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Cafe Tingis is famous for its historic atmosphere, traditional Moroccan mint tea, and its prime location on Petit Socco for people-watching. [^M1][^M3]
The cafe is more about the experience and ambiance than gourmet dining. While it offers some food items like crepes and omelets, its strength lies in its drinks and atmosphere. [^data]
The traditional mint tea is highly recommended. Coffee and smoothies are also popular choices among visitors. +1
Yes, it's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a chance to immerse in the local culture and observe daily life. [^M3][^M6][^M7]
Yes, the cafe is noted to have reliable WiFi, making it a convenient spot to relax. [^data]
Prices are generally considered good and affordable, though it's advised to confirm in local currency. [^data]
Mentioned in
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The inside guide to Tangier, Morocco's buzzy port city
Pause in Place Petit Socco for mint tea, either at Café Tingis — another people-watching spot — or on the rooftop at Palais Zahia, a boutique riad decorated in jewel-bright colours.
Anthony Bourdain in Tangier: 7 Spots Where Tony Ate
They say that sooner or later, all trips to Tangier lead to Café Tingis, and for his first stop in the city Bourdain meets with local journalist Jonathon Dawson to discuss the role of the café as a central meeting point and people-watching hub. Here, the two discuss the sometimes-frenetic pace of the city, over a cup of English tea.
In Morocco, no city can match Tangier’s famous cafe culture
It would be hard to visit the city without a stop in one of the last two remaining cafes on the Petit Socco in the center of the medina: Cafe Tingis and Cafe Central. You can’t go wrong, but I prefer Tingis (named for the ancient Roman name for the city) for its little wrought-iron perch in the back corner of the square.
In Morocco, no city can match Tangier’s famous cafe culture - Centre Régional d’Investissement de la Région de Tanger - Tétouan
Tangier's coffeehouse culture: 5 iconic spots
You can hardly avoid it, having a coffee on petit socco or socco chico, the most iconic square in the heart of Tangier’s medina. In the early 20th century, famous writers found their way to the lively epicenter of espionage. The many extraordinary scenes set there were the inspiration for their most important works.
The Washington Post Features Tangier’s Unmatched ‘Historic Cafe Culture’
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.
20 Best (And Truly Unique) Things To Do In Tangier, Morocco.
Technically part of the Petit Socco this café deserves a spot on the list too. Café Tingis is famed as one of the original cafes of Tangier and with confidence it proudly represents the café culture that Tangier is so known for. Cafes all over Morocco play an outsized role in Moroccan culture.
Best Moroccan Restaurants & Cafes in Tangier
Tucked along one side of Petit Socco, this is one of the Tangier cafes that are synonymous with the literature greats of the Beat Generation that hung out in Morocco. As soon you walk through the door you can feel the history exuding from this place.
Travel Guide | A Trip To Tangier (Tanger)
Stopping in the central square near Cafe Tingis for coffee and some breakfast and a spot of good old people watching.
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