While Casablanca might be at the forefront of many people’s minds when they think of Morocco–thanks to Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall’s timeless epic film—another, more off-the-beaten-path city is rapidly becoming a hub for enjoying the world’s most popular caffeinated beverages.
As cafes play a huge role in the social fabric of all modern-day Moroccan communities, no city can claim more evidence of this than Tangier.
Whether it be coffee or tea, the abundance of options to enjoy incredible views over the Strait of Gibraltar is simply astounding. While the counterculture “Beat“ scene was made popular—or some might say notorious—by the likes of Moroccan luminaries Mohammed Mrabet, Mohamed Choukri, and Mohamed Hamri, visionary business-owners have invested time and effort to make Tangier arguably Morocco’s most cosmopolitan city.
Revitalization projects with an eye toward vibrant design and gender inclusivity have helped to place Tangier on the international radar for tourism.
Take, for example, Cinema Rif, which artist Yto Barrada began renovating in 2006, turning the decrepit theater in the heart of the city into a cultural nonprofit with a bustling café splashed with color, where one can enjoy coffee tea, and famous Moroccan sweets.
Located just a few blocks from the new marina, Alma Kitchen and Café opened just last year with the intention of creating a place where both men and women feel welcome, and the proprietors have been very intentional about that with their staff in designing a diverse menu, and in procuring quality beans meticulously prepared by baristas.
Undoubtedly a development that proved exhilarating for Morocco and for much of the rest of the world as well—its storybook advance to the 2022 World Cup semifinals—served to energize Tangier’s scene, bringing out both men and women to cheer on the Atlas Lions with pride.
Clearly, while Tangier has always historically served as Morocco’s window to Europe, the cultural renaissance occurring here as we speak has shown conversely that it proudly showcases the best of what Morocco has to offer to the entire world, as well.