Your Last BordersBEST THINGS TO DO IN ORAN ALGERIA
Oran is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Algeria. A wonderful coastal city featuring a bustling mix of Moroccan influences, French heritage, Mediterranean vibes, and modern standards. There’s lots of great things to do in Oran Algeria, and you’ll find them all on this post. Keep it handy as it contains all the essential Oran attractions to make the most of your trip to Oran.
With over 800,000 inhabitants, Oran makes Algeria’s second largest city. And with a metropolitan area hosting 1.5 million residents, the city is a proper cultural, commercial and industrial hub. It stands 420km from Algiers, 220km from Morocco, and 200km off the Spanish coast.
The highlights of Oran sightseeing include French architecture, long boulevards overlooking the sea, fortresses and mosques within a maze of ancient streets, and delicious cuisine. All followed by the best nightlife in the country. The following are the best things to do in Oran city Algeria.
Historical things to do in Oran Algeria
1. Admire the architecture of Place 1 November
Place 1 November is Oran’s main square and one of the liveliest places in town. Many major roads converge in this historical square so it’s always busy. The place is home to many pathways, restaurants, cafes, and some of the best architecture in town.
Pay special attention to the town hall, or Hotel de Ville in French. This 19th century building is surrounded by a nice fountain, an obelisk, and lion statues. Along with the Opera House, which is the largest of its kind in Africa.
Its baroque interiors, red curtains, and comfy seats accommodating over 600 people are my brightest memories of Oran, as I got to dance at the opera house during my first visit to Oran in 2010. If you’d like to check it out, attend a show at the Opera or join a guided tour of Oran.
2. Explore Sidi district
Sidi is Oran’s oldest district and thus one of the best places to visit in Oran. The area was built on a hill overlooking the Mediterraneanand hosts endless historical buildings. Later on, it was fortified by the Spanish, expanded by the Ottoman, and modernised by the French.
Thus, Sidi is home to many Oran landmarks such as the Turkish baths, Saint-Louis Church, the hospital Baudens, Square de la Perle, and Boutin Tunel. Consider hiring a local guide to explore the hidden corners of Sidi and uncover all of its secrets.
And make sure to admire the Spanish Gate which is the best preserved remnant of the city’s Spanish times. Along with Bey Palace, an 13th century building featuring a haram, some old barracks, towers, and wonderful decorations. Finally, explore Pasha Mosque, an 18th century building with wonderful mosaics and one of the nicest minarets in all of Algeria.
3. Visit a cathedral turned into a library
In 1903 the French built the Cathedral of the Sacre Coeur d’Oran, the first of its kind overseas. However, this catholic landmark lost its main purpose following the countries independence. Thus, in the 1930s it was converted into a library and has hosted plenty of books ever since.
Consequently, visiting this ancient byzantine church turned into a library is one of the best things to do in Oran Algeria. And probably one of the most unusual ones as well. The place is open Saturday to Thursday from 9.30am to 5.30pm. And it’s free to visit, so make sure to drop by.
Besides many books in Arabic, French and English, you’ll find a cultural and heritage center, a cafe, and a quiet place to relax within Oran.
4. Hike to Fort Santa Cruz
One of the best things to do in Oran Algeria is admiring the city from above. And there’s no better place to do so than Fort Santa Cruz. This stands at about 400 metres above sea level, at the top of Mount Murdjadjo.
This 16th century Fort was built by the Spanish upon defeating the Ottoman. And it soon became an icon of the city, as it’s visible from almost every corner of Oran. The fort features a castle, a chapel, and a large statue of Virgin Mary replicating the one in Marsella.
The fort is open daily from 10am to 7pm and the entrance fee is about $1. The nearby chapel is free to visit and makes one of the coolest viewpoints in Oran, so make sure to enjoy it.
5. Take a walk along the Corniche
Oran’s corcniche is a great place to walk, shop, eat, and relax. It features many restaurants, cafes, benches, and palm trees everyone will find their spot here. So get ready to people watch, chat with locals, take photos, breathe warm air, and feel the sunshine.
There’s no better place, day or night, to feel the real vibe of Oran than its corniche. Somehow like those in Baku Azerbaijan or Beirut in Lebanon.
Additionally, make sure to walk by Oran’s corniche and spot the fancy yachts at the port. Along with the many freighters, ferries, and cruise ships coming from Spain and France.
Fun things to do in Oran Algeria
6. Sample local food
Food in Northern Africa is amazing so eating your way through the city is one of the best things to do in Oran Algeria. Although Algeria’s cuisine is not as famous as Morocco’s, local dishes in Algeria are at least as good as those in Morocco. And perhaps more affordable.
Must-try Algerian recipes include cous-cous, shakshouka, karentica, rechta,dobara, harira, msemen, kesra, and burek. Some of the best restaurants to sample the same are Khayma Beni Chougrane, El Bey, Restaurant Arabesque Oran, and Restaurant Marrakech.
Additionally, those looking for a fancy dining experience in Algeria should check out Le Ciel D’Oran at the Sheraton Hotel and the restaurant at Le Méridien Oran Hotel.
7. Shop at the markets
Visiting a local market is one of my favourite things to do in every city, and Oran is no exception to this rule. Local markets are great for people watching, tasting local goodies, and provide endless photo opportunities.
In Oran, market lovers should visit Medina Jdida, the city’s main commercial neighborhood. Here you’ll find souvenirs, clothing, textiles, jewellerey flowers, vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, bread, cheese, and much more. Likewise, the market in Marche Bastille is a must-visit in Oran. It’s open daily from 8am to 6pm and its hustle is one of the best things to see in Oran.
8.Party all night
Oran is the heart of Algeria’s nightlife. There’s no other city in the country featuring that many restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs. And nowhere else in Algeria this modern, liberal, and posh. Therefore, if you are looking for some night fun during your trip to Algeria, check out Oran’s party scene.
The city’s corniche, right by the sea, is where you’ll find the most popular spots for a night out in Oran Algeria. Among them, check out Lavoo Lounge, Penelope Lounge, Arenca Club, and Sky Lounge by Liberte.
If you are looking for something fancier, check out the nightclubs within the luxury hotels, such as the Sheraton. These sell alcohol and prepare fantastic mocktails.
9. Enjoy the seaside
Oran is a coastal city, so going to the beach is one of the best things to do in Oran Algeria. The city hosts several beaches of clear waters featuring all the amenities a holidaymaker may need. Nevertheless, don’t forget this is a muslim country and one should dress accordingly outside of tourist resorts.
The best beaches in Oran Algeria are in Ain Franin, Ain Turk, Les Andalouses, and Cap Blanc. They all feature cafes, restaurants, sunbeds, and fantastic views of the nearby mountains. SO make sure to pack some swimming clothes to Algeria.
10. Go bird watching at Lake Sebkha
Only 15km south of Oran, right by the city’s airport, stands lake Sebkha of Oran. This lake of salty water makes a great spot for hiking, swimming, and birdwatching. Thus, it deserves a special spot across your itinerary for tourism in Oran.
If you are ready to unwind from the hustle and bustle of Oran city, head to the lake. Walking by the eucalyptus, pines, and oak forests is such a blessing. And so is spotting the flamingoes and many migratory birds that make the place their home for the season, ahead of heading south to nearby Senegal and The Gambia.
Recap on the best things to do in Oran Algeria
Oran is Algeria’s second largest and most modern city. Featuring an international port and airport, Oran is easily accessible from Europe and makes a great entry point to Algeria. Moreover, given the city’s proximity to Morocco and Spain and its recent French ruling, Oran features a mix of heritage and cultures to delight all travelers.
There’s lots of great things to do in Oran Algeria, and you’ll find the very best of them in this post.
From busy squares to old fortresses, wonderful opera houses to abandoned churches, bustling food markets and fancy yacht ports, Oran is a wonderful place to explore. Here you’ll find tasty cuisine, mesmerizing views over the sea, a vibrant nightlife scene, and beautiful architecture. Along with some of the friendliest people in the country.
No wonder many say Oran resembles Nice and is the Paris of Africa. Therefore, to visit Oran is always a great idea.
Thus, if you have any further questions about Oran and Algeria, please leave a comment below. And check out my Instagram and/or Tiktok pages for additional information and insights on my travels. Have a wonderful trip to Oran Algeria.
