Your Last BordersBEST THINGS TO DO IN ALGERIA
Algeria is the first country I visited in Africa and one that will always have a special place in my heart. Tenths of trips and countries later, I’ve finally prepared a list of the best things to do in Algeria so you can also fall in love with the largest country in Africa.
A land of endless deserts, vibrant fishermen villages, ancient ruins, French heritage, and delicious food. Thanks to the modern airports in Algeria, especially those in Algiers and Oran, the country makes a great weekend getaway from Europe. Nevertheless, Algeria’s size is such that you’ll never run out of beautiful places to visit in Algeria.
From the major cities in Algeria and its UNESCO World Heritage Sites to the tourist spots in Algeria still off the beaten path, the following are the best things to do in Algeria.
Things to do in Algeria’s cities
1. Explore Algier’s ancient Kasbah
Algiers is a vibrant city of 4.5 inhabitants standing by the Mediterranean sea. It’s Algeria’s capital and largest city, and one of the best places to visit when touring the country.
Algier’s old city, the medina or Kasbah, is one of the most famous landmarks in Algeria. This 16th century walled area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and makes a real maze of beautiful houses and market stalls. As in Morocco, getting lost in the medina is one of the best things to do in Algiers. However, if getting too lost stresses you out, consider booking a city tour with a local guide.
Algiers attractions include Martyr’s Monument, Palais des Rais, Ketchaoua Mosque, and the Basilique Notre-Dame d’Afrique which is the largest church in the continent. Some cool museums to explore are Dar Hassan Pasha, Botanical Garden Hamma, and the National Museum of Fine Arts.
Last but not least, hop on Africa’s second only metro system just after Cairo’s in Egypt. And make sure to sample some delicious Algerian cuisine by the Mediterranean and enjoy a sunset walk by the corniche.
2. Feel the Mediterranean vibe in Oran
Oran is Algeria’s second city and one of the country’s major commercial and cultural hubs. With a population of nearly a million, this mediterranean city stands at the west of Algeria, 400km from Algiers.
Famous for its laid-back atmosphere, French architecture, and rai music, Oran is one of the most famous Algeria destinations. Oran offers great beaches, stunning sunset views (especially from the Ottoman Fortaleza Santa Cruz or Cannastel), proper nightlife, and delicious Algerian cuisine. A cool place to explore on your own or with a city tour.
Oran attractions include the city’s port and promenade, along with its old city or Casbah. This features nice old houses, restored French colonial buildings, and several mosques. Make sure to also visit Le Theater, which is the largest opera house in Africa. And where I had the pleasure of performing while visiting the country on a dancing competition back in 2010.
3. Admire the most beautiful Moorish palaces in Tlemncen
Tlemncen is the must-visit city in Algeria for arts and architecture enthusiasts. Buildings here compare in beauty to the Moorish palaces in Southern Spain and Morocco. And are somehow even more stunning as you’ll have them all to yourself.
This is the country’s westernmost city, so you’ll find it 2 hours south of Oran and close to the border with Morocco. It’s also quite a modern hub, as with 150,000 inhabitants it will soon host the largest university campus in the country. And I can totally picture it already as I stayed in a large university campus in nearby Siddi Bel Abbes when in Algeria and so loved it.
Must see attractions in Tlemncen include religious buildings such as Mansurah mosque or the Mosque and Tomb of Sidi Boumediene. Long with Zianide Royal Palace , Souk El Kaïssaria, Eiffel Bridge, and nearby National Park of Tlemcen.
4. Cross the bridges in Constantine
A visit to Constantine should be in every list of Algeria things to do as it’s one of the most special cities in the country. With 500,000 inhabitants, the country’s third largest city stands in Northern Algeria, 400km east of Algiers and 150km west of Annaba.
Constantine is nicknamed the city of hanging bridges, as there’s plenty of them in town. Indeed, exploring COnstantine’s bridges is one of the coolest Algeria things to do. Sidi M’Cid Bridge is the most famous among them, and was for long the world’s highest suspension bridge.
Once the capital of Roman Numidia, exploring the old colonial buildings and lively markets in Constantine is one of the best things to do in ALgeria. Additionally, as most of the city’s attractions are only accessible through bridges, Constantine’s setting is simply stunning.
5. Discover another Algeria in Ghardaia
Ghardaia is a fortified town in northern-central Algeria, about 600km south of Algiers and by the Sahara desert. With another four towns, Ghardaia creates an ancient pentapolis. These towns are over a thousand years old and have their own social hierarchy, religious dress code, and social traditions. Therefore, if you are looking to explore deep Algeria, this is a must visit place.
The area feels like a different country. Expect beautiful white and red houses with roof windows, mosques, and busy souks. Most of the women here dress in white too, covering all of their bodies except one eye. Certainly, one of the most unique places to visit in Algeria.
6. Eat sardines in El Kala
El Kala is a port city in eastern Algeria famous for its coral reef and large fishing industry. Indeed, sampling some fresh sardines while enjoying the sunset in El Kala is one of the best things to do in Algeria.
Many come here on an overland journey to/from Tunisia, as it’s only 25km from the border. And its fishing harbour and old fortified town, including the ruins of Bastion de France, are well worth a visit. Along with Fort Moulin, Bordj El Romaine, and the beautiful lakes in its natural park.
Things to do in Algeria’s archeological sites
7. Learn city planning in Timgad
Timgad is a large 1st-century roman city in Northern Algeria, about 450km from Algiers. It makes one of the world’s best examples of Roman town planning and as such the ruins here are extensive. Thus, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see tourist attraction in Algeria.
Consider hiring a guide and take your time to deeply explore the roads of Timgad city. It’s not every day that one gets to enjoy the works of Emperor Trajan. During your visit, make sure to check out both its civil and military architecture. Especially the 12-metre-high triumphal arch, theater, and basilica.
8. Feel like a Roman soldier in Djemila
Djemila is another wonderfully preserved Roman city in Algeria. The ruins of this ancient town are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and thus one of the best places to visit in Algeria. And perhaps some of the nicest roman ruins to visit outside of Italy.
The Roman ruins of Djemila stand 300km from Algiers surrounded by greenery, as this was a city for retired roman soldiers. A place to enjoy themselves after the hard work of serving the empire. Ensure to visit the ruins of the theater, temples, and market. Along with the many houses and their mosaics. Joining a guided tour will always help understand how the city functioned in the past.
9. Enjoy the scenery at Tipasa ruins
Tipasa is the last but not least must-see among ancient roman ruins in Algeria. This was once a Punic city, conquered by the Romans and made a hub from where to incur into Mauritania. Therefore, it was a huge strategic base on the Mediterranean and now hosts remnants from its phoenicia, roman, and byzantine times.
As it stands only 70km from Algier, it makes a great daytip of the country’s capital. The nearby Royal Mausuleum of Mauritania is also worth a visit. And so is the Corniche at modern Tipaza city, along with its port and urban beaches.
10. Go back to Phoenicia in Annaba
Annaba is an old phoenician city, just like Byblos, Sidon, Tyre, or Beirut in Lebanon. It dates back to the 3rd century BC and some its Hippo Regius and mosaics are so well preserved it makes one of the best places to visit in Algeria.
Make sure to also enjoy the stunning views of the city’s natural port: by the Mediterranean and surrounded by olive trees. No wonder this was always a commercial hub. As the city is over 550km from Algiers, most come here on a guided tour and stay the night to enjoy the local fish and seafood.
11. Admire Djanet’s cave paintings
Djanet stands in southern Algeria, close to the border with Libya and over 2,200km from Algiers. This is a settlement of small villages by a spectacular oasis in the middle of the Sahara desert. Thus, it makes the perfect place to spend a night under a million stars disconnected from the outside world.
Additionally, the area features Tassili N’Ajjer rock paintings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, among a moon-like landscape, stand over rock 15,000 drawings along with several archaeological remains and burial mounds dating back to 10,000 years BC. Therefore, history and archeology lovers will agree this remote area is one the best places to visit in Algeria.
Recap on the best things to do in Algeria
Beautiful Algeria is the largest country in Africa. Moreover, Algeria’s location, surrounded by the Mediterranean sea, Morocco, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Libya, and Tunisia, provides for very diverse tourist attractions in Algeria. Indeed, there’s plenty of great things to do in Algeria and this post sumarises them to help tailor your ideal Algeria itinerary.
Algeria is famous for its French heritage, roman ruins, and endless desert. From Algiers, Algeria’s capital, to remote and ancient cities of Algeria, there’s plenty of mountains, beaches, deserts, and architecture to delight every traveler.
Please leave a comment below with any questions about the best things to do in Algeria or any other query you might have about visiting Algeria. Additionally feel free to reach out through my Instagram and/or Tiktok pages where I am always available to chat about travels. Have a wonderful trip to Algeria.
