TIPS FOR EXPERIENCING AFCON 2025 IN TANGIER

Tickets in hand, excitement rising — it’s match day in Tangier! Like tens of thousands of fellow fans, you’ll be heading to the Grand Stade Ibn Battouta to soak up the atmosphere.

But before you dive into the atmosphere, it’s worth knowing the easiest ways to get there.

Here are some practical pointers to help you plan your trip to the Grand Stade Ibn Battouta and steer clear of any last‑minute surprises.

Match day in Tangier: how to reach the Grand Stade Ibn Battouta

From the city center — Corniche, Medina, Tanger-Ville station :

• By taxi or car: Count on 20 to 25 minutes via the A4 highway toward Rabat — the most direct route to the stadium.
• By bus or special AFCON shuttle: Services will run from Tanger‑Ville railway station and Faro Square, offering a smooth, stress‑free ride to the Grand Stade Ibn Battouta.

From Ibn Batouta airport (location):

• From Ibn Battouta Airport: The stadium is just a 10‑minute drive or taxi ride. If you’re landing on match day, you can head straight from the airport to the Grand Stade Ibn Battouta without detours.

From Tanger station (location):

• By train: When you arrive at Tanger station, allow around 25 minutes by taxi or shuttle to reach the stadium. This is the easiest option for supporters traveling in from other host cities.
• Tip: Check train schedules and book your tickets in advance on the ONCF official website.

What to do in Tangier during CAN 2025: must-see attractions

Make the most of your time in Tangier by exploring the city’s treasures and its surroundings.

Between sea and mountains, history and modernity, the region offers countless ways to enrich your stay.

Discovering Tangier: city center, culture, and seaside

> In the city center:

• Medina and Kasbah: Wander through lively streets and squares like the Grand Socco and Petit Socco, and explore museums such as the American Legation. Don’t miss Borj Dar El Baroud, with its permanent exhibition on Tangier’s fortified heritage.

• Corniche and marina: Stroll along the waterfront promenade, perfect for a relaxed walk by the sea and a glimpse of Tangier’s modern marina.

> Nature and panoramas: beaches, cliffs, parks

• Cap Spartel and its lighthouse: Enjoy sweeping panoramic views where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean — a breathtaking spot at the tip of Africa.
• Hercules Caves: Step into one of Tangier’s most mythical natural sites, steeped in legend and carved by the sea.

• Parc Perdicaris (Rmilat Forest): Take a shaded walk through this lush forest, a peaceful escape right in the heart of nature.

• Achakar Beaches: Stretch out on fine golden sand and relax by the ocean, a perfect spot to unwind after the excitement of match day.

> Around Tangier: getaway ideas

• Asilah: A charming town just 40 minutes from Tangier by train (tickets around 20 DH).

○ Explore the fortified medina and its impressive ramparts.

○ Admire the colorful wall murals that brighten the town’s streets.

○ Enjoy the calm beaches, perfect for a leisurely stroll by the ocean.

• Tetouan: Known for its UNESCO‑listed Hispano‑Moorish medina, about 1 hour away by road.

○ Explore Tetouan’s medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
○ Visit the archaeological museum and the ethnographic museum of the Kasbah.
○ Admire the Spanish‑influenced architecture of the city center.
○ Relax on nearby beaches — Martil, M’diq, Cabo Negro, Marina, Kabila, and Fnideq.

• Al Hoceima: About 4 hours from Tangier by car, this is an ideal getaway to extend your experience.

○ Discover Al Hoceima National Park, nestled between mountains and wild coves.
○ Visit the Rif Memorial, a moving place of memory and history.
○ Relax on stunning beaches — Quemado, Cala Bonita, and Thara Youssef, among the most beautiful in Morocco.
○ Explore the Al Hoceima medina, perched on hills overlooking the sea.

• Chefchaouen: The picturesque “blue city” of the Rif, about a 2‑hour drive from Tangier.

○ Stroll through the medina’s typical blue‑painted alleys.
○ Pause at Outa El Hammam Square, the lively heart of the city.
○ Visit the Kasbah and its serene Andalusian garden.
○ Venture to the Akchour waterfalls, about 30 kilometers away, for a refreshing nature escape.

Where to stay in Tangier during CAN 2025? The best options

Tangier welcomes visitors with a wide choice of accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to budget‑friendly stays.

Traditional riads:

For an authentic and welcoming Moroccan experience, stay in a riad in the medina. These traditional guesthouses combine typical décor with genuine hospitality.

You’ll be immersed in the heart of the old town, close to the souks and restaurants, while still only 15–20 minutes by car from the Grand Stade de Tangier. Some renowned riads, such as Riad Sultana or Riad Tanja, combine local ambiance with modern comfort, offering stunning terraces overlooking the Kasbah or the bay.

Among the recommended addresses:

• Riad Sultana – Located in the medina, with authentic décor, a sea‑view terrace, and a warm atmosphere.
• Riad Tanja – A charming address in the Kasbah, blending Moroccan tradition with modern comfort, ideal for exploring the old town on foot.
• Dar Souran – A renovated former aristocratic residence, offering elegant rooms and a panoramic terrace overlooking the bay.
• Dar Chams Tanja – Chic and refined, with Moroccan‑Mediterranean decoration, plus an on‑site restaurant and spa.
• Riad Mokhtar – Combines modern comfort with traditional hospitality, featuring bay views and easy access to the city center.
• Dar el Kasbah – Near the medina ramparts, with colorful rooms and a friendly atmosphere.
• La Maison Blanche – A charming riad with elegant rooms, renowned for its hospitality and breathtaking views of the port.

Many of these riads feature terraces with sweeping views of the Kasbah or the bay.

International hotels:

If you prefer convenience and full services, Tangier offers a wide range of 4‑ and 5‑star hotels. Most of these large establishments are located in the city center or along the corniche, about a 20–25 minutes drive from the Grand Stade de Tangier.

Among the most renowned:

○ Hilton Tanger City Center Hotel & Residences (5★) – Inside the Tanger City Mall complex, close to the TGV station, with modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and stunning bay views.

○ Hilton Garden Inn Tanger City Center (4★) – Convenient for train travelers or business guests, next to the main Hilton, offering a good comfort/location balance.

○ Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier (5★) – A true palace on the heights of Tangier, blending Arab‑Andalusian architecture with modern luxury, featuring a spa and sumptuous gardens.

○ El Minzah Hotel (5★) – A historic icon of Tangier, renowned for its Moorish charm and elegant atmosphere.

○ Barceló Tanger (4★) – Recently renovated, by the sea and close to the medina and corniche, appreciated for its bay views.

○ Idou Anfa Malabata Beach & Spa (4★) – A modern beachfront hotel with a spa and pool.

○ Royal Tulip City Center (5★) – In Tangier’s modern district, near the station and shops, with spacious rooms and varied dining options.

○ Mövenpick Hotel & Casino Malabata (5★) – A luxury complex facing the sea, with a casino, pool, and restaurants.

○ Andalucia Golf & Spa Hotel (5★) – Near the Royal Golf, offering a tranquil setting with spa and leisure facilities.

○ Marina Bay Hotel (4★) – Facing the marina, ideal for travelers who enjoy a port atmosphere and nightlife.

○ Kenzi Solazur Hotel (4★) – A Tangier institution on the corniche, popular for its central location and sea views.

○ Tanjah Flandria Hotel (4★) – A central and functional option, convenient for moving easily around the city.

Most of these hotels are set in the city center or along the corniche, about a 20–25 minutes drive from the Grand Stade de Tangier.

Tips for choosing the right accommodation

○ Plan ahead – With the influx of visitors, hotels and riads can fill up quickly. Book early to avoid unpleasant surprises.

○ Pick the right location – The Grand Stade de Tangier is well served, but choosing accommodation near a main road, station, or bus stop will make travel easier on match days.

○ Hotel or riad? – Riads immerse you in traditional Moroccan ambiance, full of charm and authenticity. International hotels, by contrast, provide modern comfort and high‑end services. Decide according to the experience you want to enjoy.

Where to eat and go out in Tangier? Restaurants and iconic places

Restaurants and cafés:

○ El Morocco Club (Kasbah) – Refined cuisine served in an elegant 18th‑century riad.

○ Le Saveur du Poisson (Kasbah) – A unique set menu highlighting fresh fish and seafood.

○ Restaurant Rif Kebdani (Medina) – Traditional Moroccan flavors, with tagines and authentic local dishes.

○ Casa d’Italia (Malabata) – Italian specialties and seafood in a friendly setting.

○ L’Océan (Cap Spartel) – Chic dining with sea views, famous for its grilled lobster.

○ Café Hafa (Kasbah) – A legendary café with panoramic terraces, mint tea, and simple grills.

○ Tangerino (Corniche) – Renowned Spanish restaurant offering tapas and seafood, with views over the bay.

Bars and outings:

○ KAS’BAR (Hilton rooftop) – A sophisticated rooftop bar with panoramic views over the city.

○ 555 Famous Club (Corniche) – A large, modern nightclub by the sea, known for its lively nights.

○ Tangerinn (El Muniria Hotel) – A historic pub once frequented by Beat Generation writers.

○ Blue Pub (near Rembrandt Hotel) – A garden bar combining restaurant and nightclub vibes.

○ Number One (Boulevard Pasteur) – A friendly bar with a relaxed atmosphere.

○ Chellah Beach (Corniche) – Popular garden bars right on the sand, with a festive beachside ambiance.

○ Le Cœur de Tanger (above Café de Paris) – Tapas bar with live Gnawa music in the evenings.

Matches to be played in Tangier

• December 23, 2025 – Senegal vs. Botswana (Group D)
• December 27, 2025 – DR Congo vs. Senegal (Group D)
• December 30, 2025 – Benin vs. Senegal (Group D)
• January 3, 2026 – 1st Group D vs. 3rd Group B/E/F (H1, Round of 16)
• January 9, 2026 – Winner H1 vs. Winner H2 (Q1, Quarter‑final)
• January 14, 2026 – Winner Q4 vs. Winner Q2 (Semi‑final)