Grand Socco

The Grand Socco is the romantic entrance to the medina, a large, sloping, palm-ringed plaza with a central fountain that stands before the keyhole gate Bab Fass. Once a major market, its cobblestone circle is now the end of the line for taxis, the point at which the modern streets narrow into the past. For the best ground-floor view, climb the steps at the highest point on the circle, across from the large tan building (the police station), to what locals simply call La Terrasse . This is what you came for, one of those dreamy moments when you think you’ve entered a movie set.

The Grand Socco is also the hub of several other sights, all visible from within it. First is the Cinema Rif, which stands on the circle. The brightest light on Tangier’s cultural scene, it is a combination art-house cinema, cafe and archive, and is the local focal point for anything to do with film. Young Tangaouis come to soak up the ambience and use the free wi-fi.