Guide to Visiting Algeria for the First Time

Oryx Voyages
7 days ago
4 min read

Algeria? Yes, Algeria. An unforgettable destination you didn’t know you wanted to visit: the largest country in Africa, dipping its head into the Mediterranean and its toes into the sands of the Sahara.

With a bit of Arabic and enough time, you’ll discover Algeria’s history and culture © Chakib Tahar / 500px

Algeria is a land of spectacular landscapes and important Roman archaeological sites. It is so rich in beauty and natural resources that when the French occupied it in the 19th century, they made it a French province, with the same status as Paris or Provence. Once a prolific wine producer, today it offers surprising cuisine (especially couscous) and a lively music scene.

So why haven’t we visited before?

Perhaps due to the shadow of the Algerian Civil War (1992–2002), known as the “Black Decade,” or because being an oil- and gas-rich country, it did not invest in tourism. The fact is, mass tourism bypassed Algeria, which is why it is now attracting visitors with enough patience to obtain a visa.

In summer, locals migrate to coastal cities like Marsah Ben M’hidi © Samere Fahim Photography / Getty Images

Best time to visit Algeria:

Spring and autumn are ideal. Winters along the Mediterranean coast can be cold and damp, while nights in the desert are freezing. Summer should be avoided, when Sahara temperatures can reach 50°C and Algerians living abroad return, crowding the coast. Spring and autumn offer ideal conditions for excursions and lower hotel prices. Ramadan is also challenging: finding food can be difficult, and transportation is reduced.

How much time is needed to visit Algeria?

One week is enough for the north: from Algiers to Tipasa, Cherchell, Oran, and east to Constantine and Annaba. However, Algeria is vast, and the desert requires time. Two weeks are needed to see the north and include the desert; three weeks if you want a full desert experience.

The Algiers metro is very convenient, with 14 stations throughout the city © Makrouf Walid / Getty Images

Getting to and around Algeria:

Most international flights land in Algiers, but some go to Tamanrasset, convenient for desert access. Ferries are available from Italy, Spain, or France. Internal transport is good: trains cover the northern coast (5 hours west to Oran, to Annaba in the east), including overnight sleeper trains.

There are many domestic flights for fast travel and a good bus network. Shared taxis (taxi brousse) are faster than buses. To reach key sites (e.g., Djemila), a taxi may be necessary.

Top things to do in Algiers:

Algiers is more than a transport hub. The old city, Casbah, above the port, is full of atmosphere: crumbling houses, unique palaces, and sacred places. At the hill’s foot lies Palais des Raïs, a restored royal palace now a museum. Nearby is Place des Martyrs and the ancient Great Mosque (closed to visitors but impressive from outside).

Walk to the colonial center: the Grand Post Office stands out. Enjoy an afternoon stroll at Jardin d’Essai, a botanical garden started in the 1930s. It’s one of the most positive legacies of French occupation and offers lunch spots amid greenery.

A top day trip from Algiers: Tipasa and Cherchell, ancient seaside towns. Tipasa features an incredible archaeological park and a delicious fish restaurant overlooking Roman baths. Cherchell is romantic, once ruled by Cleopatra’s daughter Selene after Rome’s conquest of Egypt.

Roman ruins in Timgad, UNESCO World Heritage © Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock

Constantine, in the east, is elegant, with a beautiful Casbah, an archaeological museum, and the stunning Ottoman-era Ahmed Bey Palace.

Before reaching it, stop at Djemila, one of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular Roman sites, with preserved city plans and mosaics.

Further west, in Annaba (~100km from Tunisia), the ruins of Hippo Regius are not to be missed. Saint Augustine lived here and died in 430 AD.

The south is primarily desert, stretching to Mali and Niger. Home to Berbers and Tuaregs, with vast open spaces, barren mountains, and oases. Timimoun is the most accessible oasis, surrounded by palms and orange dunes. Tamanrasset is further south, a base to explore the desert and Ahaggar Massif. Surprisingly, a wide variety of fruits and vegetables are grown here in the desert.

Favorite experience in Algeria:

Algeria has some of North Africa’s finest Roman monuments. You may be the only visitor at sites like Djemila, Tiddis, or Timgad, experiencing where Saint Augustine preached or Roman veterans settled. Cherchell showcases Cleopatra’s daughter’s influence. Dining in Algiers, enjoy a fried steak with a jug of red wine.

Food and transport are affordable © Godong / UIG / Getty Images

Costs in Algeria: