Are you planning to visit Tangier by car?
Here’s everything you need to know to park without any stress:
- The Best Parking Spots for Exploring Tangier
- Where to park near the main sites
- Free options and secure parking
- Areas to avoid and safety tips
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is it hard to park in Tangier?
Tangier holds a special place among Moroccan cities: as a gateway between Europe and Africa, it combines a historic medina with numerous pedestrian streets and a largely modernized waterfront. Parking there is generally easier than in other major cities in the kingdom, as the city has deployed a dense network of more than 800 parking meters for approximately 20,000 on-street parking spaces. We’ve noticed that the situation gets significantly more crowded in the summer: in July and August, as well as on weekends, parking lots in the city center and along the waterfront fill up by late afternoon. We therefore recommend planning ahead for your arrival, especially if you’re staying in the medina, where vehicles are not allowed. This will save you valuable time by avoiding fruitless drives looking for a spot.
Parking in Tangier: Summary
Street Parking: Subject to Certain Conditions
In Tangier, on-street parking is managed by Tanger Parking, the company entrusted with the public service contract by the municipality. The system distinguishes between the blue zone, reserved for short-term visitor parking, and the green zone, which is primarily intended for residents and subscribers. We paid at the parking meter without any trouble. We also recommend the ParkPass Go app, which you can download before your arrival to pay for parking without needing change. On some streets not covered by parking meters, informal attendants—sometimes called “yellow vests” or “sfar vests”—monitor vehicles in exchange for cash.
Free parking
Finding a free parking spot in the heart of Tangier, along the Corniche, or in the immediate vicinity of the medina is extremely rare. We found virtually no such options in these heavily trafficked areas. However, a few residential neighborhoods slightly further out fare better: Marshan, Val Fleuri, and the area behind the Malabata neighborhood still offer streets where you can park for free. We should note, however, that these spots are almost always de facto monitored by street attendants, to whom it’s customary to leave a tip. If you’re looking to save money on parking, these neighborhoods are therefore an alternative worth considering—provided you’re willing to walk a bit farther.
The main parking lots for tourists
- Grand Socco Parking Garage – Underground, open 24 hours a day, paid parking
At the entrance to the medina - Tanja Marina Bay Parking – Indoor, 24 hours a day, paid
, next to the marina - Place des Nations Parking Garage – Underground, open 24 hours a day, paid parking
In the heart of the new city - Faro Parking Lot – Underground, open 24 hours a day, paid parking
, beneath the Terrasse des Paresseux - Tanger Ville TGV Station Parking Lot – Enclosed outdoor lot, open 24 hours a day, paid parking
, across from the beach - Bab El Marsa Parking Garage – Underground, open 24 hours a day, paid parking
At the foot of the northern ramparts
Details on each parking lot are provided later in the article.
Rates range from 3 to 5 MAD per hour, depending on the facility.
Blue Zone on-street parking: 3 MAD for 1 hour, 7 MAD for 3 hours
24-hour on-street parking pass: 20 MAD
1-week pass: 150 MAD, 2-week pass: 250 MAD, 1-month pass: 400 MAD
Essential tips
- In the summer—in July and August—as well as on weekends, arrive early to find a spot: the downtown parking lots fill up by late afternoon.
- If you’re staying in a riad in the medina, plan to leave your car at the Grand Socco Parking Lot or the Bab El Marsa Parking Lot and opt for a daily or long-term parking pass.
- Always carry 1, 2, 5, and 10 MAD coins with you for parking meters and street attendants
- Do not leave any objects or luggage visible inside the vehicle. Put all your belongings in the locked trunk before arriving at your destination
- And check out all our tips for renting a car and driving in Morocco (coming soon)
Accommodation with parking: our recommendations
If you want to simplify the logistics of your stay, choosing accommodations that offer parking is still a good option in Tangier, especially near the medina, where driving is not possible. We recommend checking this directly with the property when you make your reservation, as availability varies greatly from one neighborhood to another. For our part, we’ve focused on places near the port and the new city, which usually have an arrangement with a nearby parking lot. Here are a few suggestions for where to stay:
- Fairmont Tazi Tangiers Palace Hotel, on-site parking with valet service
See prices, photos and availability—and book now! - Marina Bay City Center Hotel, valet parking available, paid public underground parking across from the hotel on the promenade
See prices, photos and availability—and book now! - Pestana City Center Hotel – Suites & Apartments, free private on-site parking
See prices, photos and availability—and book now! - See our selection of the best hotels in Tangier
WHERE TO STAY IN Tangier
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the Kasbah of Tangier –
Riad Dar Saba Hotel – Saba’s House – see prices, photos and availability
– Marina Bay City Center Hotel – View prices, photos, and availability
In the hills of the Quartier de la Montagne —
Fairmont Tazi Tangier Palace Hotel— see prices, photos and availability
Where to park to get closer to specific locations in Tangier
Tangier is divided into several distinct areas: the medina perched on the hill, the port and marina below, and the new city that stretches along Boulevard Pasteur. Your choice of parking therefore depends largely on which area you plan to explore first. Here are our recommendations for each of these areas.
See our article on the best things to do in Tangier.
Where to Park When Visiting the Medina and the Kasbah
The medina of Tangier is entirely pedestrian-only, as its narrow, steep alleys are too narrow and steep for cars. We tried both entry points during our stay. To enter from the top, the Grand Socco Parking Lot remains the best option: it opens directly onto Place du 9 Avril 1947, just a stone’s throw from the Mendoubia Gardens. Personally, we prefer to enter from the bottom when visiting the Kasbah: the Bab El Marsa parking lot, located at the foot of the northern ramparts, puts you within a few minutes’ walk of the bastions. You can therefore combine the two parking lots depending on the direction of your visit.
Where to Park to Enjoy the Marina and the Corniche
Whether you want to stroll along the marina, have lunch on a terrace overlooking the boats, or simply enjoy the beach, there are two parking lots to choose from. The Tanja Marina Bay Parking Lot offers direct access to the marina’s restaurants, the lower part of the medina, and the ferry terminal. The Tanger Ville TGV Station Parking Lot, on the other hand, is located right across from the beach and in the immediate vicinity of the Tanger City Mall. This gives you quick access to both the beach and the shops. We find this setup convenient for a day that combines relaxation and shopping. We also appreciated the high level of security at both facilities, which are guarded 24 hours a day.
Where to Park to Explore the Ville Nouvelle and Boulevard Pasteur
Whether you’re shopping, visiting a bank, or taking a break at one of the historic cafés on Boulevard Pasteur, the Place des Nations Parking Garage is an ideal base right in the heart of the new city. As an added bonus, it features a car wash and electric charging stations—a detail we found surprisingly convenient in such a densely populated city. Just a stone’s throw away, the Place Faro Parking Garage, located beneath the Terrasse des Paresseux, provides direct access to Boulevard Pasteur and the Café de Paris restaurant, while offering a view of the Strait of Gibraltar from the historic cannons. We recommend this option if you’re looking to combine parking with a scenic break.
A LITTLE MORE PATIENCE
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay at Maroc a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
Coming soon!
The Best Parking Lots for Visiting Tangier
We’ve selected six parking lots that are particularly convenient for visiting Tangier’s main tourist areas. All are open 24 hours a day and are monitored, making them significantly more reliable options than street parking during peak season. Here are the details for each one.
Grand Socco Parking Lot
The Grand Socco Parking Garage is strategically located near Place du 9 Avril 1947, at the main entrance to the medina. With 214 parking spaces spread across two underground levels, it’s our recommended starting point for a day of exploring Old Tangier. We particularly appreciate its proximity to the Mendoubia Gardens, just a short walk from the exit.
- GPS coordinates: 35°47’04.2″N 5°48’47.2″W
- 214 seats
- Open 24 hours a day
- Paid parking—approximately 3 to 5 MAD per hour; daily rate available
- Underground, 3 levels
- Secure: yes — security guards and cameras
- Near the Mendoubia Gardens and the entrance to the medina
Tanja Marina Bay Parking Lot
The Tanja Marina Bay Parking Garage serves the entire port area, between the marina and the ferry terminal. With 440 parking spaces, it is one of the largest parking facilities in the city. We highly recommend it to travelers arriving by boat from Spain, as it is just a few minutes’ walk from the terminal.
- GPS coordinates: 35°47’11.4″N 5°48’25.2″W
- 440 seats
- Open 24 hours a day
- Paid – approximately 5 MAD per hour
- Covered, underground
- Secure: Yes — 24-hour security patrols and video surveillance
- Direct access to the marina and the marina’s restaurants
Place des Nations Parking Lot
The Place des Nations Parking Garage is located right in the heart of the new city, surrounded by banks, shops, and restaurants. It offers approximately 450 parking spaces spread across two underground levels. It also features a car wash and electric vehicle charging stations—a facility that is still rare in Tangier.
- GPS coordinates: 35°46’21.0″N 5°48’30.6″W
- 452 seats
- Open 24 hours a day
- Paid – pricing based on duration, approximately 3 to 5 MAD per hour
- Basement, 2 levels
- Secure: yes — cameras and security guards
- Car Wash and Electric Charging Stations
Faro Parking Lot
The Place Faro Parking Garage is tucked away beneath the Terrasse des Paresseux (Sour Al Maagazine), known for its historic cannons facing the Strait of Gibraltar. It has approximately 250 parking spaces and provides direct access to Boulevard Pasteur. We recommend this parking facility to anyone looking to combine convenient, central parking with a break to enjoy the view.
- GPS coordinates: 35°46’54.5″N 5°48’36.7″W
- ~250 seats
- Open 24 hours a day
- Paid – Standard hourly rate
- Underground
- Secure: yes
- Direct access to Boulevard Pasteur and the Café de Paris Restaurant
Tanger Ville TGV Station Parking Lot
The Tanger Ville TGV Station parking lot is located right next to the Al Boraq station, across from the beach and just a short walk from the Tanger City Mall. With approximately 500 parking spaces in an enclosed lot secured by the ONCF, it’s a reliable option for travelers arriving by high-speed train. We’re happy to use it when we combine a TGV arrival with an afternoon at the beach.
- GPS coordinates: 35°46’12.7″N 5°47’33.0″W
- ~500 seats
- Open 24 hours a day
- Paid parking – 5 MAD per hour; long-term and daily rates available
- Enclosed and landscaped outdoor area
- Secure: yes — enclosed grounds and ONCF security patrols
- Across from the beach, near the Tanger City Mall
Bab El Marsa Parking Lot
The Bab El Marsa Parking Lot rounds out the parking options on the harbor side, at the foot of the medina’s northern ramparts. With approximately 300 spaces in a secure harbor area, it offers the most direct access to the lower part of the medina and the Kasbah’s bastions. We recommend this option for visitors who prefer to enter the old city via the waterfront rather than through the Grand Socco.
- GPS coordinates: 35°47’19.7″N 5°48’28.8″W
- ~120 seats
- Open 24 hours a day
- Paying
- Aerial, enclosed area
- Secure: yes — port area under surveillance
- Direct access to the lower part of the medina and the ramparts of the Kasbah
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Where can I park for free in Tangier?
There are free options in Tangier, but almost all of them are located outside the most touristy areas. Here, we’ll outline the few alternatives available, while being transparent about their respective limitations.
- Marshán Neighborhood: residential streets around the Marshan Stadium and the Palace, outside the direct route to Café Hafa Restaurant
- Inner Malabata: side streets located behind the row of hotels and the casino, a 5- to 10-minute walk from the beach
- Iberia and Boubana neighborhoods: residential streets located further out, away from the shopping center
- Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules: Free parking is available along the outdoor facilities during the off-season. During peak season, however, local attendants may charge 5 to 10 MAD during the day (higher rates apply in the evening).
DISCOVER Tangier
- Attractions in Tangier
- Best hotels in Tangier
- Best riads
- Best restaurants
- Best excursions
- How to get there
- Asilah
- Itinerary: 1 day
Where should you avoid parking in Tangier?
Parking regulations in Tangier remain fairly strict on certain streets. It’s best to be aware of the pitfalls before parking your car just anywhere, or you could face fines.
- Inside the medina and the Kasbah: a strictly pedestrian-only area with narrow, steep alleys, some of which are dead ends. There is a high risk of getting your vehicle stuck there.
- Mohammed VI Boulevard (Corniche) on summer evenings: major traffic jams and the risk of getting a ticket or having your car towed for parking on the sidewalk or double-parking
- Double-parking (Avenue Pasteur, Avenue des FAR): Double-parking may result in a ticket, a wheel clamp, or impoundment.
- Dark, isolated streets at night: it’s always best to choose a secure underground parking garage or a street with a clearly identified security guard
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN MOROCCO
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Not too wide
- A good engine
- For more choice, book early.
FAQ — Parking in Tangier
Where can you park in Tangier without having to walk too far?
For the medina and the Kasbah, the Grand Socco Parking Garage offers the most direct access from above, while the Bab El Marsa Parking Garage is better suited if you’re arriving from the waterfront. For the beach and the Corniche, the Tanja Marina Bay Parking Garage and the Tanger Ville TGV Station Parking Garage are the best-located options. We recommend the Place des Nations Parking Lot or the Place Faro Parking Lot for the new city and shopping along Boulevard Pasteur. We’ve tested these routes several times, and they all help you avoid a long walk.
Secure and underground parking lots in Tangier
If you’re leaving your car for several days or traveling with luggage, several parking lots stand out for their high level of security. The Tanja Marina Bay Parking Lot and the Tanger Ville TGV Station Parking Lot are both under continuous security surveillance—one by a private security team dedicated to the marina, the other by the ONCF. We recommend these two facilities first and foremost for parking over several days.
Is there a parking lot in Tangier that’s open 24 hours a day?
Good news for travelers arriving at night or departing early in the morning: the six large parking lots listed above are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Payment can be made in cash at standard parking meters, as well as through the ParkPass Go app for on-street parking.
What is the cheapest parking lot in Tangier?
On the street, the blue zone remains the most affordable option: 3 MAD for 1 hour or 20 MAD for a 24-hour flat rate. If you use a street parking attendant, expect to pay between 3 and 5 MAD for the day. These rates are significantly lower than those at large underground parking garages, which, in return, offer greater security. Be sure to check the rates once you arrive.
Can you reserve a parking spot in advance in Tangier?
No, public parking lots in Tangier do not offer traditional online reservations: spaces are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. However, the ParkPass Go app lets you check real-time availability before heading out. Some major international hotels also offer private parking spaces reserved for their guests.
What are street guards in Tangier?
On streets not covered by parking meters, you’ll often come across informal parking attendants, sometimes nicknamed “yellow vests” or “sfar vests” because of their attire. We always give them 3 to 5 MAD during the day and 10 MAD at night in exchange for their de facto surveillance of the vehicle. This service remains informal, but it is part of local customs that we recommend you respect.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
- Best of
Must-See Places in Morocco
Most Beautiful Riads
Most Beautiful Cities
Most Beautiful Medinas
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Landscapes
Most Beautiful Gardens
Best Museums
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Beaches
- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Morocco
Driving tips
Where to Stay in Morocco
- The must-dos
Marrakech
Casablanca
Fez
Meknes
Chefchaouen
Essaouira
Rabat
Tangier
Tetouan
Agadir
The Sahara Desert
