The Grand Socco (official name Pl du 9 Avril 1947) is the romantic entrance to the medina, a large, sloping, palm-ringed plaza with a central fountain that stands before the keyhole gate Bab Fass. Once a major market, its cobblestone circle is now the end of the line for taxis, the point at which the modern streets narrow into the past. For the best ground-floor view, climb the steps at the highest point on the circle, across from the large tan building (the police station), to what locals simply call La Terrasse . This is what you came for, one of those dreamy moments when you think you’ve entered a movie set.
The Grand Socco is also the hub of several other sights, all visible from within it. First is the Cinema Rif , which stands on the circle. The brightest light on Tangier’s cultural scene, it is a combination art-house cinema, cafe and archive, and is the local focal point for anything to do with film. Young locals come to soak up the ambience and use the free wi-fi.
