Why is Café Hafa famous?

Opened in 1921, Café Hafa hosted writers and musicians like Paul Bowles, Mohamed Choukri and the Rolling Stones. Its terraced seating facing the sea makes it a legendary Tangier spot.

When is the best time to visit Café Hafa?

Late afternoon, to catch sunset over the strait. Weekends get very busy — for a quieter visit, go on a weekday morning or early afternoon.

How to combine Café Hafa with nearby places?

Good loop: Medina → Kasbah → Marshan → Café Hafa at sunset. With extra time, add the Corniche on the way back or the Kasbah Museum beforehand.

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Café Hafa

Legendary terraced café facing the strait, frequented by artists.

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Why visit

Drink tea facing Spain, like Bowles or the Stones did.

Practical tips

Go in late afternoon for sunset.

Best time to visit

Sunset

Estimated duration

1 hour

Audio guide

Café Hafa — tea facing the strait

A stepped terrace hanging above the sea, open since 1921.

What is Café Hafa

Café Hafa is one of Tangier's most iconic cafés. Opened in 1921 in the Marshan district, its white stepped terraces line the cliff above the Strait of Gibraltar. People come simply to drink mint tea, watch the sea and feel the slow rhythm of the city.

Café Hafa is part of the legend of international Tangier: Paul Bowles, Mohammed Choukri, William Burroughs and later the Rolling Stones all came here. But it is above all a humble local café that Tangier residents visit every day, without luxury or show — and that is precisely what makes it unique.

What to expect

White stepped terraces descending toward the cliff and the strait.
A deliberately simple menu: mostly mint tea, sometimes coffee or peanuts.
A local atmosphere — quiet during the day, livelier near sunset.
Not a luxury café, but an iconic Tangier experience.
Great for photos, slow pauses and neighbourhood walks.
On windy or rainy days, the lower terraces may be closed.

How to get there

From the Medina: walk up to the Kasbah, then on foot to Marshan (15–20 min).
From the Kasbah: exit via Bab el Bhar or Bab Kasbah and head west to Marshan.
From Marshan: very close — a few minutes on foot via the Phoenician tombs.
From Petit Socco: walk up to the Kasbah then continue on foot, or take a petit taxi.
From the Corniche: take a petit taxi (meter). Say "Café Hafa, Marshan".

Combine it with

Marshan district: villas, views, Phoenician tombs — right next door.
Kasbah: citadel, museum and panoramas before walking down to Hafa.
Medina: lanes, Petit Socco, souks and a natural climb up to Marshan.
Corniche: seafront, palm trees and sunset after the tea.
Grand Socco: April 9th square, Cinéma Rif, the gateway to the medina.

Ideal for

Travellers after a literary, iconic Tangier spot.
Couples and friends for a quiet sunset.
Visitors who enjoy simple, local, no-frills experiences.

Useful tips

Come about an hour before sunset for the classic experience.
Arrive earlier in high season, weekends and holidays — good spots fill fast.
Use Google Maps or a petit taxi if you're coming from far away or with children.
Take care walking back at night — lanes are dimly lit, a taxi is safer.
Be patient if the terraces are full — wait for a table to free up.
Check opening hours on Google Maps — they can vary by season.
Bring cash — payment is usually in dirhams.

Common mistakes to avoid

Expecting a "chic" café — it's deliberately humble and local.
Arriving right at sunset on a weekend — it's already full.
Trying to pay by card — bring cash in dirhams.
Walking back alone very late — a petit taxi is safer.

On Google Maps

Open Café Hafa on Google Maps Marshan district Phoenician tombs

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Frequently asked questions

Café Hafa sits in the Marshan district, west of the Kasbah, on a cliff above the Strait of Gibraltar. It's a 15–20 min walk from the Kasbah, or a quick petit taxi ride.