Algeria is the best country to travel for a vacation or a short trip as it is Africa’s largest country known for its history, natural beauty, and less crowded tourist spots. It has diverse landscapes, historical monuments, and ancient ruins from the Roman Empire. The cities are well developed and blend well with the old towns built by the Ottoman Empire, French, Spanish, and Berbers in the past. Algeria is a hidden gem in North Africa, mostly untouched by many tourists.
In this article you will find why you must plan to travel Algeria as your next short trip or a vacation and any information you need before traveling to this beautiful and vibrant country.
Why Algeria is so big
Algeria is the 10th largest country in the world and largest in the continent of Africa. It spreads from the Mediterranean coast in the north of Africa to the hot Sahara Desert (hottest Desert in the World) in the central Africa. The Major part of Algeria is Sahara Desert and most of its population is settled in the north near the Mediterranean Sea.
Why Algeria is rich in natural resources
Tourism in Algeria is less as its economy depends more on its natural gas production which is 7th largest in the world and 1st in the Africa and oil production it is 17th largest in the world. Algeria’s handicraft industry is also well developed and contributes in its economy.
Travel itinerary for Algeria
A Travel itinerary for Algeria must be made and should be submitted with a visa application depending on days one is spending in future in Algeria.
If you are covering major cities in Algeria which are Algiers, Oran, Constantine, Bejaia, Annaba and Ghardaia it could be done in 10 to 15 days depending how much you want to spend time in each city.
A travel agency may advice if coordination is done with them in advance through email and they will help in making your itinerary.
If it’s a short 10 days trip the sample Itinerary could be
- Arriving in Algiers the capital of Algeria and exploring the modern city and the old city of Casbah in Algiers, 2 days in Algiers also if time permits then one can go to Tipaza
- Next city to visit is Oran, one could go by train from Algiers city to Oran and explore French and Spanish architecture, visit the November the 1st square and Santa Cruz and city of Tlemcen which is 2 hours’ drive from Oran. 2 days in Oran
- Travel to Constantine for its dramatic landscapes and bridges and historic places like Tiddis, Djemila and Timgad. 2 days
- Visit Ghardaia to experience its unique architecture and culture. 1 day
- Visit in Bejaia for its national park, Cap carbon, hiking in mountains and visit to Jijel and Awana beach. 3 days
Why Algeria visa is hard and the requirements for an Algerian Tourist visa
The Algerian visa is not hard and depends on what type of visa one is taking that is Business Visa or a Work visa as these are only approved by the Algerian Consulate, Tourist visa is less approved by the Algerian consulate but it depends on case to case basis.
If applying for a Algerian Tourist visa one needs a travel Itinerary, an Invitation letter, authorized and stamped hotel booking for the days one is willing to stay in Algeria, Last 6 month’s bank statement and a return flight ticket which should be submitted in the Algerian Consulate in any country.
If one gets Algerian tourist visa which is normally 30 days visa, and should abide by all the rules set by the Algerian Government when traveling in the country.
Algeria Travel Advisory
Many countries have given Travel advisory to its citizens to not to travel to Algeria because of security concerns but according to many people who recently visited to Algeria they have found it safe, peaceful and welcoming place.
It is advisable to stay updated about recent information regarding traveling to Algeria, its region and its local safety guidelines.
Algerian Climate
Algeria is major part of Sahara Desert and experiences very hot summers. The Climate in the North of Algeria is not so hot and not so cold because of Mediterranean Sea in the North of Algeria.
April and May is good month to travel in Algeria the climate is mostly around 20 degree c in these months.
Algeria travel guide
Ezypt Air has more flights to the capital Algiers of Algeria and there is less options of a direct flight.
Algiers is also having connecting flights from many Arab nations as it is part of Arab league which has 22 Arab nations.
When one arrives in Algiers International Airport they need to get currency exchanged at the airport much to cover the day expenses (from Dollars to Algerian Dinar)
Purchase the Sim Card which has maximum validity (1 month) and with good network coverage in all parts of Algeria and with maximum GB of internet maybe see where people are purchasing more as there are many shops at the Airport from different companies providing Sim card. It cost $10 for a new Sim Card.
If one is going to the city center in the city of Algiers from the Airport there is options such as Bus, metro train, and taxi (HEETCH App like UBER)
Metro Train ticket costs economical.
In the city center there are many options to stay such as Hotels and Airbnb if taking help of travel agencies they will sort out the best staying options for you depending on your budget.
Algiers is the soul of Algeria
Algiers is situated next to the Mediterranean Sea
The martyrs square is a famous landmark here where people come and spend time with birds perfect for relaxing and soaking up the local atmosphere and enjoy great view of old mosque next to the Mediterranean Sea, the modern city of Algiers is beautiful full of French architecture, well developed and has good transport systems one of the best in African continent.
The Monument “Maqam Echahid” is a concrete monument made in memory of the Algerian War and the Algerian Martyrs. It was inaugurated in 1982. It is fashioned in the shape of three standing palm leaves and which shelter the “Eternal Flame” under it. It is open 24 hours and this monument lights up beautifully at night.
It is located on the heights of Algiers and in area of EL Madania.
It is close to the Plaza shopping center Riadh EL Feth.
It sees neighboring area of Hamma, the Botanical garden (aka Jardin d’ essai) and can be seen from all parts of the Algiers city.
The Casbah which is the old city of Algiers is the UNESCO world heritage site built by the Ottoman Empire (about 1000 years old) on the steep hill offering a glimpse into Algeria’s rich past.
The Casbah is a mixture of narrow alleys, crowded market (market for wedding garments and accessories for Algerian women), old traditional houses, Museums, Mural paintings on the walls, Mosques, souvenirs shops, leather craftsman shop, Local eating place and easy local life along with the new buildings with a great view of Mediterranean Sea from most of its parts.
It has Rich cultural experience for its tourists.
Your tour here will let you enjoy the Mediterranean sun and explore the unique charm of this historic district.
It can be confusing to navigate in casbah on own so hire a tour guide who will help in discovering its secret.
When going there wear comfortable cloths and have good comfortable footwear as one needs to do hiking there.
The market comes to life around 12 noon and on weekends (Friday and Saturday) it is much busier.
In Casbah there are local shop owners who are masters in their crafts such as leather works.
Other tourist’s places in Algiers are
- Ketchaoua Mosque
- Aziza Palace
- Mustapha Pacha Palace
- Dar Essouf
- Khdaoudj el amia Palace
- Ben Fares Mosque
- Evil Street
- Ain Bir Chebana
- Ain Mzawka
- Khaled Mahiout house (Café on top of house overlooks the city and Mediterranean Sea)
- Sidi Ramdane
- Bolighine iben ziri
- Algiers Citadel
- Mosquee Du Dey
- Ain Bir Djebbah
- Sidi M’Hamed chrif
- Battle of Algiers (Ali la Point museum)
- Djamaa- el Djazair Mosque (The Great Mosque of Algiers having tallest minaret in African continent), about 100,000 people could offer prayers here together.
Tipaza
Tipasa (in Roman in ancient times) is the capital of the Tipaza Province, Algeria. The modern town of Tipaza was founded in 1857, and is known for its Roman ancient ruins and sandy littoral.
Tipaza is approximately 65 km from Algiers along Mediterranean coast and stands on the foot of a Mountain called Chenoua.
Other Cities and places in Algeria:
Constantine
Is known as the city of bridges as there is a fortress on the rocky gorge which splits the city into two and is joined together by bridges as there are many, Surrounded by a deep ravine. It is one of the most picturesque, ancient city dating all the way back to 600 BC.
Metal works are done here; big plates with beautiful carvings are made here with iron, bronze and silver metal by local Craftsman.
Tiddis is an ancient Roman ruin situated about 23 km from North West of Constantine. It is made on the hill side and on one of the rocky mountain overlooking many hills and valleys, used then as a military post. It is standing alone in a landscape which has a red soil.
Djemila
“Cuicul” was Djemila ancient name given then by the Romans and is the best-preserved ancient Roman site in the whole continent of Africa the ancient remains include a theatre, two fora, Septimius Severus temples, basilicas, arches, streets, and houses. As its Arabic name says “Beautiful”. Nerva made it as a Roman military garrison in the 1st century AD. It is 900m above sea level, beautifully situated on rolling hill with green landscapes and is approximately 2 hours’ drive from Constantine.
Timgad
Timgad is well preserved Roman site excavated after it was found buried under the sand it is also called African Pompeii because of its big size, founded by Emperor Trajan as a military colony in ancient times.
Timgad is 2 and a half hours drive from Constantine.
Oran
Oran is the second largest city of Algeria most of its part is influenced by French architecture and It has Spanish influence too.
November the 1st Place is good to go as the Algerian revolution against French colonization started from here.
Splendid Ocean view from most of it areas can be seen and is blessed with not so cold and hot climate perfect for tourists to walk around and explore the city, mostly its sunny.
It is also famous by the Spanish church of Santa Cruz which is from 16th century.
Santa Cruz, Oran is very important place to visit with breathtaking views from it overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Oran is approximately 8 hours from Algiers by train
Many big Hotels here are fully equipped and have a hammam (Bathing Place) too with separate time for ladies and gents.
Tram service is good in Oran and connects most of the parts in Oran
“Disco Maghreb” music shop is here and is featured in the DJ Snake Music Video called “Disco Maghreb”
Boulevard in Oran is good to take pictures and take pictures of the Great Harbor (Mers el kabir)
Cathedral of Sacred Heart of Oran is also here and now it is converted into Library.
Beaches here are beautiful.
Karantika stalls are seen more here and people speak French more in Oran
Tlemcen
Tlemcen city is 2 hours’ drive from Oran
Tlemcen city is in north of Algeria known for Moorish buildings.
The main attractions here are
11th century Grand Mosque having tall minaret
The Tomb of Sidi Boumediene a 12th century Sufi teacher and which is a place of pilgrimage
The other mosque close to the tomb is example of Almoravid architecture, with carved stucco
The palace of El Mechouar which is protected by high walls
Coffee is also consumed more along with mint tea here by locals
People are friendly helping and kind.
Karantika (served with bread and mashed baked chickpeas) is consumed more here on the streets
Castle museum on the hill and Mosque is beautiful here.
Boulevard de Lella Setti, Tlemcen is worth visiting by cable car
Annaba
Annaba is a port city in northeast Algeria. Its architecture reflects the city’s French colonial past.
The major tourist attractions here are
St. Augustine Basilica made in 1900s
Hippo Regius, a Roman colonia which prospered and became a major city in Roman Africa in the past
The Annaba port is handling the country’s mineral exports.
Ghardaia
Ghardaia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s found on the southern east of the Sahara Desert in Algeria. One can explore this peculiar place with its imposing M’Zab region, old town, market square and tombs.
It is famous for its Pyramid shaped red Mosque.
Mozabite people live here.
It is 9 hours approximately by car from Algiers city.
Climate is cold in winter and goes up to -5 degree c and in summer it goes up to 50 degree c
Women here wear white cloths from head to the feet as according to the tradition here.
Men wear a unique pant here called “Saroual Loubia”.
Taghit
Taghit is a town and commune in Taghit District, Béchar Province, in western Algeria. It is an Oasis watered by the underground “Oued Zousfana” which is along the towering dunes and thick groves of green palm trees.
Timimoun
Is a small town and capital of Timimoun District, in Timimoun Province, south-central Algeria. Timimoun is known for houses that are made of red mud, sand dunes could be seen from here. The palmeraie is good place to go to here.
Bejaia
Bejaia is yet another port city in Algeria situated near the Mediterranean sea and is surrounded by mountains, it is Kabyle-speaking city in the region of Kabylia, Algeria
Casbah de Bejaia
Bab El Fouka historical monument
Pic des Singes mountain peak
National park which has many monkeys
Cap carbon natural light house near the sea is a good tourist place
Tourists could do hiking in Yemma Gouraya mountains near Bejaia
Beautiful rocky beach near Mediterranean sea in Bejaia.
One should try local seafood which is fresh, if drinking then a restaurant Le Thais in Bejaia serves it and has a very good sea view seating arrangements.
From Bejaia one must go to Jijel (1H 30Min drive) and Awana beach (2H drive from Bejaia).
Tigzirt is best known for its marina on the blue water of the Mediterranean sea which attracts tourists from all over Algeria during summer. It is three and a half hour drive from Bejaia.
There are many restaurants serving seafood and drinks with sea view.
Outlets for swimming suits and equipment are found here close to the sea
Drinks shops are easily available here.
Education system in Algeria
Algeria places a strong emphasis on education, with free schooling available from primary to university levels. English is taught in many schools alongside French and Arabic, making it easier for tourists to communicate with local people in most of the cities in Algeria.
Algerian food
The Algerian food is delicious and the local food scene is vibrant and flavorful. Be sure to try the local delicacies and enjoy the variety of dishes available.
- The first name you will hear is “Mahjouba” thin bread/naan stuffed with tomato sauce cheese and egg/minced meat with mild spices, and you can find it at street vendors for a very reasonable price.
- Bourek fried which is a roll stuffed with chicken or potatoes and cheese
- Many variety of Couscous cooked in olive oil
- Mint Tea with lots of Sugar
- Aserchina (orange juice)
- Coffee mostly in Oran/ mint tea
- Hot Kefta stew served with breads
- Variety of Breads stuffed with French fries cooked with Scrambled eggs with fried meat or vegies and with spices (Frite Omelette)
- Karantika (Bread stuffed with mashed and baked peas and spices)
- Sweets (Baklava, Kalb el Louz, Griwech, Makroud)
- Algerian Dates are one of the best.
- Friday and Saturday is weekend in Algeria and all the family makes Couscous mostly, served with soup/stew and vegies/meat, eaten with honey, and nuts.
- There are many recipes for Couscous.
Tourists’ safety in Algeria
It is safe to travel in the northern parts of Algeria as many cities are situated here and most of its population is settled here and is like any other cities in the world which is developed with good infrastructure and transportation facilities.
The Border area near Tunisia is also safe to explore but when moving to the central parts of Algeria and also along the borders of Libya, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Western Sahara and Morocco one must take approval of government and travel with security escort always.
Also, be mindful when taking photos—avoid capturing images of unknown women, police, and security sites.
Algeria is Islamic country and 99.99% of their populations are adhering to Sunni Islam. Converting to other religion from Islam, same sex relationships are illegal here.
So, respecting local customs and laws is important and remain neutral like any other place you go for short trip or vacation.
Recent visitors have reported positive experiences, noting Algeria’s warm hospitality and safety in most areas.
Whether it’s day or night, the city feels safe and welcoming. The locals are genuinely warm and honest, often helping without expecting anything in return. Even in busy areas, petty crime is rare, but it’s always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings, just as you would anywhere else.
Algeria is its people. Locals are incredibly friendly and are always willing to help. If you need directions or want to explore the city, don’t hesitate to ask. Many will go out of their way to show you around and even offer small gifts as mementos.
Note and Tips:
- Shopkeepers may ask 50 dinars for 500 dinars, 100 for 1000 it is the way to do currency transactions by locals but may be new thing to learn for any foreigners, so double check with them.
- Carry comfortable footwear as Casbah in Algiers city is situated on steep hill which is a workout for any body and hire a local guide to explore Casbah in Algiers as it is network of small alley ways and chance of forgetting route is more if going alone.
- Carry enough cash (USD) when travelling to Algeria if in case foreign cards do not work in city ATMs
- Some Travel Agencies are present in the Algiers city now. If budget permits then you could book many services with them such as a local guide, airport pick-up and drop, hotels, domestic flight booking and trains for city to city and explore all the places in Algeria.
- If booking flights and trains it could only be done at the counter in the Airport and Train Stations.
- People like Bollywood, Hollywood films, songs and actors and CDs are still sold here everywhere.
- Wear football jersey of local teams as football is popular sport in Algeria. USM Alger and MC Alger are some of the popular teams here in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle.
- Football jersey sold here are with colorful designs not found elsewhere.
- “123 viva l’Algérie” is a national chant and you will find people saying it to support Algeria.
Algeria is full of contrasts, surprises for any traveler because of its modern and old cities, good transport systems, French, Spanish and Ottoman past and well preserved Roman architecture blending well in present times. Diverse landscapes from Mediterranean Sea to Mountains, Greenery, wild life, towering sand dunes and palm trees in central Sahara desert. Algeria is a destination where you will find honest, kind and welcoming people who are well educated and offer help. The climate is different in many of its region and food here is delicious too which is unique and rewarding, so pack your bags and make plans because Algeria is the best country to travel for a vacation and experience this untouched adventurous vibrant country.
Why Algeria speak French
Algeria was part of French Colonization from 1830 to 1962 and people mostly in Oran and other cities speak French as their native language However, The locals here are friendly and often go out of their way to help, even if they don’t speak much English. French is commonly spoken, along with Arabic and Berber, so a few phrases in French might come in handy.
Why Algeria is dz
“dz” is derived from name “Dzayer” the Local name for Algeria.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Capital | Algiers [El Djazaïr] |
| Connecting Flights | Egypt is easy |
| Currency | Algerian Dinar (1 USD = 134 Algerian Dinar) |
| Money Exchange | At Airport, ATMs, and city |
| Sim Card | Many plans available for the Month, take with Maximum GB of internet |
| Sim Card Cost | $10 maximum for month validity |
| Transport/Airport | Train, Bus, and Taxi to city center in Algiers(20 Km from airport) |
| Hotels, Airbnb | Book as per the budget and in the city center |
| Languages Spoken | French, Arabic, Berbers (Tamazight), Modern Standard Arabic |
| Religion | Sunni Islam (99.99%) |
| Government | Semi-presidential system |
| Population | 4.49 crores (2022) World Bank |
| Prime Minister | Nadir Larbaoui |
| President | Abdelmadjid Tebboune |
| Popular For | Handicraft industry (carpets, ceramics, pottery, leather, glass & silverwork) |
| Famous | M’Zab carpets and Kabyle jewelry |
| Visa | Tourists, Business, and Work visa |
| Safety | It is safe in major cities in the north for tourists and expats to live and explore |
| Alcohol | Is legal but not in open and public places |
| Climate | North of Algeria has Mediterranean climate, south is hot desert climate |
| Illegal Is | Taking photos (Police, Military, women), changing religion, same-sex relationships |
| Have To Do | Females should cover head in religious places, female tourists too |
| For Males | Respect the rules of Islam and wear decent clothes |
| People of Algeria | Well-mannered, educated, and kind to offer help without asking |
| Algerian Sports | All love Football and follow it everywhere in country |
| Traditional Garments | Djellaba |
| Common Words | Saha (Thank You), Salaam (Hello) |
| Pet’s People Like Here | Cats |
