10 must-sees - What to see in Tetouan in one day

If you are planning to travel to Morocco from Spain, you are sure to have cities such as Tangier, Assilah, Fez or Chefchaouen on your wish list.

However, the What about Tetouan? if it is not on your list You don't know what you're missing!

At Visitanddo.com we want to explain what to visit and what to do in Tetouan, that's why we have prepared a list of the best things to do in Tetouan. 10 must-see things to see in Tetouan in one day You'll understand why We were totally smitten by this pearl of North Africa.

Things not to miss and things to do in Tetouan

Known as "The White Dove".is a city located in the north of Morocco. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, a city with Roman origins in Tamuda. As a result of its proximity to the sea and the navigation of the river Martil, its maritime trade grew.

It is not considered a tourist city, which is surprising given its proximity to Spain and the ties that bind them together. Tetouan is a city to fall in love with and we recommend you add it to your list of things to see in Morocco.

We leave you a interactive map with our must-haves what to visit and what to do in Tetouan:

1. The Medina

One of the most beautiful things in Tetouan, without a doubt, Lose yourself in the labyrinthine streets of the Medina which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Built by Muslims and Jews when they were expelled from Spain after the fall of Granada in 1942, it is for this reason that it is so reminiscent of the villages of Andalusia.

It is a fortified perimeter of 5 kilometres leading to seven gates that are still preserved today. The oldest gate in the Medina of Tetouan is the Bab Mkabar gate.

Visit this Medina, which is small in comparison with other Medinas in Morocco, is an experience to see how the people of Tetouan live.

2. The souks to practice "bargaining".

The Medina of Tetouan is divided into two sectors. On the one hand, connected to the Bab Tut gate leads to the food market area with shops dedicated to spices, fruits, vegetables and meat among others, located in Trankat Street, one of the most important streets of the Medina.

And on the other hand, in the area of Terrafin Street you will find the artisan quarter and you can find numerous objects of all kinds and materials, as well as see with your own eyes how the craftsmen work with leather, weave carpets and even make costume jewellery.

One of the things to do in Tetouan is to put haggling into practice, you can read some tips to succeed in your bargaining when travelling to Morocco from Spain.

3. Tetuán's food market and tanners' quarter

One of the most beautiful things to see in Tetouan is how the artisans work.The Bab Mkabar gate, next to the Bab Mkabar gate, you can find everything from carpet, wicker and wood shops to jewellery shops in the tanners' quarter.

The tannery is where the hides are processed and dyed to make products. We do not recommend visiting this part on Fridays as it is a Muslim holiday. and you can find most of its shops closed.

4. Kasbah of Tetouan

This is the highest part of the city. It is a military fortification that was used by the Spaniards during the time of the Spanish protectorate. If you want to have one of the best panoramic views of the city of Tetouan and its medina, you must definitely go up to this area. At its highest point it is located next to the medina wall and a large area of the Muslim cemetery and the Jewish cemetery.

5. Tetuan Cemetery

Just for the views from this high point of the city, at the exit of the tanners' quarter, at the Bab Mkabar gate we find the Muslim cemetery and a little further up the Jewish cemetery. It is well worth the climb to take some beautiful snapshots.

6. Spanish Ensanche neighbourhood in Tetuán

Between 1913 and 1956, Tetouan was the capital of the Spanish Protectorate in Morocco until its independence. An important period, both economically and artistically, for the city of Tetouan.

Today, it is a colonial quarter that follows the Medina and is full of historic buildings, shops and cafés.

One of its most emblematic buildings is the Spanish Cinema.where you can go for events related to cinema, music or theatre.

Such is its link with Spain that The television series El tiempo entre costuras was filmed here.based on the novel by María Dueñas, which tells the story that takes place in Tetuán during the time of the Spanish protectorate.

7. Moulay El Mehdi Square

Also known as Primo Rivera square, it is located in the centre of the Ensanche de Tetuán. the cathedral of Our Lady of VictoryOne of the few churches still in use for Catholics with a neo-Mudéjar style interior.

Nearby is the old railway station y Mohammed V shopping street.

Earlier we talked about the series El tiempo entre costuras, if you have seen the series this square will not go unnoticed as it appears in their filming scenes.

8. The Royal Palace on Hassan II Square

The old Plaza de España, which unites the widening of the city with the medina, where you can find The Royal Palace also known as the Khalifa's PalaceThe Sultan's residence, the former residence of the Sultan under the Protectorate, is now guarded by the army and police in a fenced-off area. It is currently guarded by the army and police in a fenced-off area.

In this square you can also find the Archaeological Museum y the Centre for Modern Art.

9. Feddan Park

A must-see in the heart of Tetuán is Feddan Park, a replica of the old Plaza de España, where you will find the you will have one of the most beautiful views of the Medina of Tetouan..

A popular meeting place with cafes, a children's playground and plenty of seating, it's lovely to go at sunset to watch the locals gather there every day.

10. Where to eat in Tetouan

You can't leave Tetouan without trying the following traditional Moroccan cuisine. We recommend the Palace Bouhlal restaurant, a former Riad that has been restored as a restaurant and offers a tasting menu with recipes from Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine.

The menu features Moroccan dishes such as harira, a Moroccan spoon dish for both summer and winter, lamb kebabs, the traditional couscous dish which is cooked especially on Fridays as it is the Muslim holy day, and delicious Arab sweets accompanied by traditional tea, the national drink par excellence.

Is it possible to travel to Morocco during Ramadan?

Yes, visiting Morocco during Ramadan is like travelling in any other month of the year. However, there are a few things to bear in mind:

• Shop opening hours tend to vary, with shops opening between 11-12pm and closing early. They usually reopen again around 4pm.
• Greater difficulty in finding liquor at this time of year
• Reduced frequency of transport
• Restaurants usually serve dinner from 20.30pm onwards and the waiting time may be longer.
• If you are a non-Muslim, please do not eat, drink or smoke in public places. However, you can always eat or drink in front of the guide as they are used to non-Muslims during Ramadan.

When is Ramadan 2024?

Because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, the holy month of Ramadan is shifted by approximately ten days each year. It is estimated that in the year 2024, Ramadan will begin on 11 March and end on 10 April; the dates may change depending on the moon's observations.

We recommend that you take advantage of the Excursion to Morocco from Malaga or from Algeciras to make sure you don't miss any detail of what to visit and what to do in Tetouan and Ceuta in one day with a local guide.

You will fall in love with this Moroccan city in North Africa.

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