Things To Do
in Algeria
Algeria is the largest country in Africa, stretching from a Mediterranean coastline to vast Saharan plains and dramatic mountain ranges. Its history mixes ancient Roman ruins, Ottoman and French colonial architecture, and rich Berber traditions. Cities such as Algiers, Oran and Constantine combine bustling markets, whitewashed casbahs and modern boulevards.
Outside the cities, the Sahara — with sites like the Hoggar and Tassili n'Ajjer plateaus — offers otherworldly landscapes and prehistoric rock art.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Houari Boumediene Airport and make your way to your hotel in Algiers. Take time to settle in and refresh after your journey. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast of pastries and coffee at a local café.
Explore the vibrant Kasbah of Algiers, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with winding alleys, historic architecture, and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Visit the impressive Basilica of Notre Dame d'Afrique, a stunning church with a mix of architectural styles. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant offering traditional Algerian dishes.
Stroll along the picturesque waterfront promenade, soaking in the sunset over the Mediterranean. Stop at a tea house to enjoy mint tea and engage with locals. Savor a dinner of fresh seafood, sampling the rich flavors of Algerian cuisine.
Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts in Algiers to appreciate Algerian art and culture, set in a beautiful park setting. The museum houses an impressive collection of works from the 18th century to contemporary pieces. Take a moment to admire the architecture that reflects the country's colonial past.
Head to the Maqam Echahid (Martyrs' Memorial) for panoramic views of the city. Learn about Algeria’s struggle for independence from colonial rule in the small museum adjacent to the memorial. Enjoy lunch at a nearby café while soaking in the views.
Return to the Kasbah for dinner at a local restaurant known for its vibrant atmosphere and live music. Enjoy traditional dishes like couscous and tagine, mingling with locals. Spend the evening exploring the nightlife in Algiers, perhaps catching a performance of traditional music.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| ☕Coffee / Tea (café) | $1.50-3.50 |
| 🚌Local bus / tram ride | $0.25-1 |
| 🚕Taxi (short ride) | $1-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Diverse landscapes from Mediterranean coast to Sahara desert
- Rich cultural history and UNESCO sites (Casbah, M'Zab, Tassili n'Ajjer)
- Excellent value for money outside upscale tourist circuits
- Authentic markets, cuisine and hospitality
- Limited tourist infrastructure in many regions and language barriers outside French/Arabic speakers
- Security concerns in border and remote areas — requires caution and planning
- Cash-based economy in many places and inconsistent card acceptance
- Strict cultural norms in conservative areas that may restrict nightlife and dress
- "سلام / Salam alaikum" - Peace be upon you (hello)
- "بصّح؟ / Labas?" - How are you?
- "شكرا / Shukran" - Thank you
- "من فضلك / Min fadlak (to a man) / Min fadlik (to a woman)" - Please
- "بكم هذا؟ / Bikam hada?" - How much is this?
- "لا أفهم / La afham" - I don't understand
- "نعم / Na'am and لا / La" - Yes and No
- "أين الحمام؟ / Ayna al-hammam?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "شكرا جزيلا / Merci beaucoup (French commonly spoken)" - Thank you very much
Places to Visit in Algeria
Visit one of these nice places.
A UNESCO World Heritage site with narrow alleys, Ottoman palaces and views over the harbor — ideal for street and architectural photography (ask permission before photographing people).
Remote sandstone plateau with prehistoric rock art, extraordinary rock formations and desert vistas — requires permits/tours but offers iconic landscape and rock-art shots.
Jagged volcanic peaks, red granite domes and desert sunsets near southern oasis towns; dramatic for sunrise/sunset photography.
Coastal Roman ruins set against the Mediterranean — excellent for ruins-by-the-sea compositions and golden-hour lighting.
UNESCO-listed pentapolis with mudbrick architecture and unique urban planning; a striking subject for cultural and architectural photos.
Mountain landscapes, cedar forests and traditional Berber villages — great for hiking photography and seasonal greenery or snow.
Food in Algeria
Algeria Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steamed durum wheat semolina often served with meat (lamb or chicken), vegetables and a flavorful broth — widely available in family restaurants and traditional eateries.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked stew named for the clay pot it’s cooked in; varieties include lamb with prunes or chicken with preserved lemon and olives — found in mid-range restaurants and traditional households.
A dish of shredded flatbread mixed with spicy stew, popular in the high plateaus and central regions; try it in regional restaurants.
Thin pastry parcels filled with egg, tuna, or spiced meat and fried — popular as street food and starters.
Whole roasted lamb, a festive dish found at celebrations and specialty restaurants, especially in the south and during special events.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Large traditional markets and smaller neighborhood souks where you can try olives, fresh bread, pastries, dates, bourek and grilled kebabs — great for tasting and photography.
Vibrant market with fresh fish, produce and street snacks; sample grilled sardines, shwarmas and local sweets.
Along the Mediterranean coast, small vendors sell fried seafood, salads and seasonal fruit — ideal for a casual seaside meal.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Algeria is culturally conservative. Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) especially in rural or religious areas. Women may prefer to avoid revealing clothing and should carry a scarf for visiting mosques.
Use formal greetings (handshakes, right hand only) and accept tea if offered as a sign of hospitality. It’s polite to use both hands when receiving items in some regions.
Respect prayer times and mosque rules (no non-Muslim entry into some areas); avoid loud behavior during Ramadan and be discreet about eating/drinking in public if local customs suggest it.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and conservative communities. Avoid photographing military installations, police or border areas.
Safety
Tipping in Algeria
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected: round up taxi fares, leave 5–10% in sit-down restaurants if service is good, and give small tips to guides and hotel staff. In markets tipping is not customary for purchases but appreciated for bag help or special services.
The Algerian dinar (DZD) is the official currency; cash is king, especially outside major cities. ATMs and card acceptance are available in Algiers, Oran and larger towns, but many smaller businesses only accept cash. Currency exchange is best done at banks or official exchange bureaus; credit cards may be limited and international ATMs sometimes have withdrawal caps.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Coastal areas are hot but moderated by sea breezes (June–September); inland cities and especially the Sahara experience extreme heat often exceeding 40°C (104°F). Travel in the south is best early morning or late afternoon; carry water and sun protection.
One of the best times to visit: coastal climates are pleasant, inland temperatures drop from summer peaks, and the desert remains accessible with cooler days and chilly nights.
Coastal and northern highlands are mild to cool with rain; mountains can get snow (Djurdjura); southern Sahara nights get cold, sometimes near freezing at high elevations — pack layers.
Wildflowers and green landscapes in northern regions make it pleasant; temperatures rise steadily and desert travel becomes more comfortable before summer heat sets in.
Algeria at Night
Hiking in Algeria
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located in the Kabylie mountains north of Tizi Ouzou, offering cedar forests, gorges and peaks suitable for day hikes and spring wildflower viewing.
Near Blida, this park has mountain trails, forests and a higher-altitude climate; in winter it can have snow and is popular for short hikes and local picnics.
Guided treks explore rock formations and prehistoric rock-art sites; multi-day hikes require permits and experienced Sahara guides.
Around Tamanrasset, hiking among dramatic granite peaks like Mount Tahat offers challenging routes and spectacular desert scenery — guided trips recommended.
Gentle hikes around Ghardaïa provide views of traditional fortified towns and the valley’s unique architecture; culturally informative and accessible.
Airports
How to reach Algeria by plane.
Main international gateway near Algiers with flights to Europe, Africa and the Middle East; accessible by taxi, airport shuttle or car and about 20–30 minutes from central Algiers depending on traffic.
Serves Oran and western Algeria with domestic and some international flights; reachable by taxi or bus from the city center.
Regional airport serving Constantine and eastern Algeria; convenient for visiting the city’s bridges and nearby gorges.
Key southern airport for access to the Hoggar region and Sahara treks; flights are less frequent and often require planning in advance.
Gateway to the M'Zab Valley (Ghardaïa) and south-central attractions; useful for cultural visits and regional tours.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Form the majority of the population and are culturally influential in language, customs and urban life.
Include Kabyle, Chaoui, Tuareg and Mozabite communities with distinct languages, traditions and regional identities—visible in Kabylie, Aurès and the Sahara.
A large, growing, and urbanized youth population shapes trends, culture and social life, with high engagement in music, football and technology.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport nationwide, with passionate support for local clubs and the national team; attending a match offers a lively cultural experience.
While not a sport, music events and festivals (especially in Oran) are cultural focal points with energetic performances and local gatherings.
Off-road driving, 4x4 adventures and occasional rally events take advantage of vast desert expanses; these are organized activities rather than everyday pastimes.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (couscous with vegetables, salads, lentil stews); however, many dishes are meat-based — learning key phrases in Arabic/French and asking about ingredients helps. Markets and vegetable-heavy mezze make it manageable in cities, but rural areas may have fewer choices.
Veganism is less common culturally; vegetable stews, salads, fruit and bread can work, but clarify use of butter or animal-based broths. Carry snacks when traveling remote areas.
Wheat-based breads and semolina are common; naturally gluten-free options include rice dishes, many stews and grilled meats. Ask about cross-contamination and ingredients in French/Arabic.
Most meat is halal and religious norms limit pork consumption. Alcohol is available in hotels and some restaurants, but not everywhere; if avoiding alcohol, mention 'sans alcool' or that you do not drink.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Algeria.