Things to Do at Dar el Makhzen

Dar el Makhzen, the Sultan's Palace in Tangier, sits prominently in the old medina overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. This 17th-century palace complex actually houses the Museum of Moroccan Arts and the Museum of Antiquities these days, though it retains much of its regal atmosphere. The building itself is genuinely impressive - you'll find traditional Moroccan architecture at its finest, with intricate tilework, carved cedar ceilings, and peaceful courtyards that give you a real sense of how Morocco's elite once lived. What makes Dar el Makhzen particularly interesting is how it manages to feel both grand and intimate. The palace might not be enormous by royal standards, but the craftsmanship is exceptional, and the way different rooms flow into garden courtyards creates this lovely rhythm as you explore. The collections inside are worth your time too - the Moroccan arts section has some beautiful examples of traditional crafts, while the antiquities give you a decent sense of the region's deep history, from Roman times through various Moroccan dynasties.

The palace is located in the heart of Tangier's medina, near the Kasbah area. From the Grand Socco, you can walk through the medina in about 10-15 minutes - just head uphill toward the old fortress area. If you're coming from outside the medina, taxis can drop you at Place de la Kasbah, and it's a short walk from there. The narrow streets can be a bit maze-like, so don't hesitate to ask for directions to 'Dar el Makhzen' - most locals know it well.