Exterior view of Haffa Café in Tanger with traditional Arabic architectural elements

Café Hafa

Café Hafa Tangier, Morocco: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Perched atop the cliffs in Tangier’s Marshan district, Café Hafa is much more than a café—it is a living monument to Morocco’s layered history, a symbol of cosmopolitan Tangier, and a favorite haunt for artists, writers, and travelers since 1921. With its iconic blue terraces overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, Café Hafa offers panoramic sea views and a timeless ambiance that has captivated generations. Whether you are drawn by its literary legacy, its mint tea ritual, or the tranquil vistas, a visit to Café Hafa is an essential Tangier experience (bex.bcexperiences.com, mustvisitmorocco.com, le-journal-catalan.com).

Traditional Moroccan Café Haffa in Tangier with seating under large trees

Introduction
History and Cultural Legacy
Café Hafa’s Bohemian Era
The Café Today: Preservation and Atmosphere
Practical Visitor Information
Visitor Experience and Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
References

History and Cultural Legacy

Foundation and Early Years

Founded in 1921 by Mhamed Alouch, Café Hafa was created as a local gathering spot, set above the Mediterranean with multi-level, blue-and-white terraces. Its early years were defined by a tranquil, community-centered atmosphere, with locals sipping Maghrebi mint tea while gazing at the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Atlantic (bex.bcexperiences.com, mustvisitmorocco.com).

International Zone and Bohemian Fame

Tangier’s status as an International Zone (1923–1956) transformed the café into a crossroads for diplomats, artists, and intellectuals from around the world. In the 1950s and 1960s, Café Hafa became synonymous with Tangier’s bohemian scene. Paul Bowles, William S. Burroughs, Tennessee Williams, Allen Ginsberg, and other luminaries were regulars; The Beatles and The Rolling Stones also visited during their Moroccan sojourns (moroccotravelblog.com). The café’s simple décor and relaxed ethos fostered creative exchange and artistic inspiration.

Literary and Artistic Inspiration

Café Hafa has been immortalized in novels, poems, and songs—Spanish writer Juan Goytisolo and musician Luis Eduardo Aute both celebrated the café in their work. The minimalist setting, mosaic tiles, and sea views became a metaphor for Tangier’s cosmopolitan soul, blurring the boundaries between local and global, tradition and modernity (bex.bcexperiences.com).

The Café Today: Preservation and Atmosphere

Enduring Traditions

Despite Tangier’s modernization, Café Hafa has fiercely preserved its original character. The blue terraces, simple seating, and mint tea ritual remain unchanged, and Abdulrahman—the adopted son of the founder—continues the family legacy (mustvisitmorocco.com). The clientele is now a diverse mix of locals, students, tourists, and the occasional artist, all drawn by the café’s authenticity.

Ambiance and Experience

Set among fig and eucalyptus trees, the terraces invite long conversations, reflection, and unplugged relaxation. There is no Wi-Fi, and the pace is intentionally slow. Music—sometimes live, sometimes from patrons’ radios—adds to the informal charm, especially at sunset when the sky glows over the Strait.

Practical Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Open daily: 9:00 AM to 10:00/11:00 PM (seasonal variation possible).
(best-time.to, tourismmorroco1990.blogspot.com)

No tickets or entrance fee—Café Hafa is a walk-in café.
Menu: Focused on Moroccan mint tea (15–20 MAD), coffee, soft drinks, and light snacks (pastries, sandwiches).
Cash only: Moroccan dirham (MAD) required; no card payments. Bring small denominations.
(Hertz Morocco)

Accessibility

Terraced, cliffside layout: Access involves steps and uneven surfaces, making mobility difficult for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. No elevators or ramps.
(Tangier Guide)

Getting There

Located at Rue Hafa, Marshan district—a 10-minute taxi from the medina.
Walking from the medina takes 20–30 minutes, with moderate uphill sections.
Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive (20–30 MAD from city center).
No reserved parking; street parking nearby.

Nearby Attractions

Kasbah Museum
Phoenician Tombs
Marshan Palace
Tangier American Legation Museum
All within a short distance, making Café Hafa an ideal stop during a Tangier sightseeing tour.

Visitor Experience and Tips

Best time to visit: Early morning for tranquility, late afternoon or sunset for spectacular views (but expect crowds). Spring and autumn offer mild weather (travellersworldwide.com).
Dress: Modest, comfortable clothing suitable for outdoors.
Photography: Permitted; ask permission before photographing patrons or staff.
Facilities: Basic restrooms, no Wi-Fi, limited electrical outlets.
Atmosphere: Relaxed; service is simple and unhurried.
Smoking: Permitted in outdoor areas.
Events: Occasional live music or impromptu gatherings, particularly in peak seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need a ticket or reservation to visit Café Hafa?
A: No. Entry is free; order and pay for what you consume.

Q: When is Café Hafa open?
A: Daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 or 11:00 PM, with minor seasonal variations.

Q: Is the café accessible for wheelchairs?
A: No, due to terraced steps and uneven surfaces; accessibility is limited.

Q: Can I pay by credit card?
A: No, cash only (Moroccan dirham).

Q: Does Café Hafa serve alcohol?
A: No, only non-alcoholic beverages are served.

Q: Is Wi-Fi available?
A: No, the café encourages unplugged, face-to-face interaction.

Conclusion

Café Hafa is a timeless emblem of Tangier’s layered history and cosmopolitan spirit. From its origins as a local tea spot to its golden age as a bohemian sanctuary for artists and writers, the café has preserved its authentic charm and social significance across generations. Today, it remains an essential stop for those seeking authentic Moroccan café culture, breathtaking sea views, and a connection to Tangier’s storied past.

Add Café Hafa to your Tangier itinerary for an immersive, atmospheric experience. For travel planning, download the Audiala app for up-to-date visiting hours, curated guides, and exclusive tips. Explore our related articles on Tangier’s historical sites and Moroccan travel culture, and follow us on social media to stay inspired—and don’t forget to share your Café Hafa moments!