2 Best Performing Arts Venues in Tangier and the Mediterranean, Morocco

At one of North Africa’s largest cultural festivals, Moroccan and international artists are invited to literally paint the town, leaving vibrant murals on the picturesque medina's whitewashed walls. Everyone from Japanese artists to Sufi chanters, along with thousands of spectators, descends on the town for more than a month of exhibitions and concerts. The festival is usually in July or August, though the date can change and dates may be released on short notice. Some events require tickets.

This popular cinema and nonprofit cultural center, formerly the Cinéma Rif, is in a renovated, whitewashed Art Deco theater dating from 1938; it offers retrospective screenings and cutting-edge films across two screens. Old Spanish film flyers dazzle from under their glass frames at the café, where there is a full menu of intriguing, ciné-inspired cocktails and some light bites. The colorful café spills out onto the legendary Grand Socco, perfect for people-watching.