Algeria, an under the radar destination for adventure lovers and culture enthusiasts. Ease of access for tourists is notoriously difficult, but well worth it. Follow our 9 day guide to experience many undiscovered gems and unique experiences.
Day 1 – 5: Algiers
Algiers is the capital city of Algeria, located on a bay of the Mediterranean Sea and is an important port. First settled over 1000 years ago and has now grown to a large city with a metropolitan population of over 3 million. Algiers is known locally as El-Djazaïr and the residents speak Berber, Arabic and French.
Day 1
Basilique Notre Dame d’Afrique
With views overlooking the city and Algerian coast the Basilique Notre Dame d’Afrique shows its Byzantine and Roman influences, including religious artworks, decorative mosaics, and stained glass windows.
Time to spend: 45 min – 1 hour
Kasbah of Algiers
The historical neighbourhood at Kasbah of Algiers is a great place to take a stroll to see the World heritage listed maze of narrow alleys, Ottoman-style palaces, Moorish houses, old mosques, and the remains of a citadel.
Time to spend: 1 – 2 hours
Le Jardin d’Essai du Hamma
This 140 acer garden was established by the French in 1832, features over 1,200 species of plants from across the world. Divided into two section the English side has a wide range of woods and sprawling parkland and the French side presents and array of flowers and fountains.
Time to spend: 3+ hours
Day 2
Memorial du Martyr
The Memorial du Martyr is found on an ancient fort and is dedicated to the soldiers killed in the Algerian War of Independence. At almost 100m tall the three pillars shape to form an eternal flame in remembrance of the three stages of the war that lasted from 1954 to 1962.
Time to spend: 1 hour
Tombeau de la Chretienne
Reminiscent of Greek stone tombs, the Tombeau de la Chretienneee is the resting place of Berber king Juba II and queen Cleopatra Selene II, the daughter of Cleopatra and Marc Antony.
Time to spend: 1 – 1.5 hours
Palais of Rais – Bastion 23
The Palais of Rais – Bastion 23, is a set of three Ottoman-era palaces. The palace’s show off the regions rich ornate tiled arches, vaulted ceilings, painted railings, latticed windows and great views of the city. Building began in 1576 and has been well-preserved with further Ottoman domed mosques surrounding in the 17th to 19th-century.
Time to spend: 2-3 hours
National Museum of Fine Arts of Algiers
The National Museum of Fine Arts of Algiers overlooks the beautiful gardens out the front, with the interior home to a variety of works by Algerian and international artists. Paintings, drawings and sculptures are spread out over several floors, including pieces by Renoir, Eugene Delacroix, and Mohammed Racim. The museum itself has Oriental and European influenced architecture and it worth a look itself as well as the gardens facing the bay.
Time to spend: 1 hour
Day 3
Port de Sidi Fredj
Le Port de Sidi Fredj is an old fishing harbor, once used as a landing spot for the French during the Invasion of Algiers in 1830. Today the port harbors many boats and is a great tourist site to stroll through the seaside village with its of lines of Moroccan buildings to explore.
Time to spend: 2 hours
Tipasa Archaeological Park
Tipasa Archaeological Park is home to the remains of an old Roman town. The site’s features a large coliseum and buildings with structured rooms, including baths, frescoes and detailed mosaics. The graveyard is also a notable point to view its very well-preserved sarcophagi.
Time to spend: 2 hours
Day 4
Tassili N’Ajjer National Park
Tassili N’Ajjer National Park is a World Heritage Site in the southeast part of Algeria. It features unique geology and rock art throughout the mountain ranges and rock formations, dating back to the Neolithic era.
Time to spend: Full day
Day 5
La Rue Didouche Mourad
Treat yourself to a multitude of cafes, shops, grocery stores, bars, and eateries. The Baron Haussmann-style buildings and tree-lined boulevard provides the perfect space to people-watch as locals pop in and out of the many patisseries, bookshops, bakeries, and shops.
Time to spend: 1 – 2 hours
Musee des Antiquites
Musee des Antiquites is home for many pieces of Islamic artwork and antiquities showcasing Algeria’s long, rich history. The Islamic art pavilion exhibits works dating back to the 9th century with statues, inscriptions, mosaics, and other artefacts from the Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods.
Time to spend: 1 – 2 hours
Musee National du Bardo
This richly decorated 18th-century mansion exhibits a great collection of ancient artefacts, some of which date back to the prehistoric period, such as preserved eggs used as bottles. Don’t miss the highlight – the backbone of the Touareg people’s queen, Tin Hinan.
Time to spend: 2 hours
Day 6: Tlemcen Province
A sophisticated city full of history, the most Moorish city of Algeria with its mosques and Muslim architecture.
Day 6
Les Grottes de Beni Add
More than 65,000 years old, Les Grottes de Beni Add buries an enormous amount differently shaped minerals projecting from the ceiling, floor, and all the walls. Because of its depth, the cave can become colder as you go deeper, so bring appropriate clothing.
Time to spend: 3 – 4 hours
Citadelle et Palais El Mechouar
An 800-year-old castle built by Zianides kings, the citadel features a large mosque with a tall minaret, providing a panoramic view over the nearby city. Once inside, walk through the walled-off garden, past a cross-shaped fountain and a reconstructed amphitheater. The palace interior walls, ceilings, doorways, and columns boast some fine examples of the Arabic stucco and tile works, all have been recently restored.
Time to spend: 1 -2 hours
Great Mosque
Just down the road is the Great Mosque, a great example of old Almoravid architecture, built under sultan Yusuf ibn Tashfin and his son Ali ibn Yusuf in 1082 CE.
Time to spend: 30 min
Day 7 – 9: Oran
Oran’s beautiful sea shore, constructed under French rule, was inspired by Nice’s seafront. It consists of a long boulevard lined with cafés, restaurants, and ice cream shops. The boulevard also offers a splendid view of the sea, the harbour, Santa Cruz and the cliffs.
Day 7
Place du 1er Novembre
Place du 1er Novembre is the central point of the city and a reminder of the independence of Algiers. After taking a look at the main building take a look around the square, including the town hall and the opera house. Their original architectural style may make you think you’re somewhere in the Mediterranean, and not Africa.
Time to spend: 1 – 2 hours
Fort Santa Cruz
Built by Spaniards in the 1500’s, Fort Santa Cruz offers panoramic views of the city and the Mers el Kebir. The site’s uninterrupted walls stretch over 2.5 km (1.6 mi).
Time to spend: 1 -2 hours
Porte de Santon
Built by the Spaniards on the way to the fort of Santa Cruz, Porte de Santon carries many stories and historical events in the city of Oran during the Spanish and French occupation. See the door of El Santo, a fort with two towers, which was used to protect the city from the side of the mountain.
Time to spend: 1 hour
Day 8
La Gare d’Oran
La Gare d’Oran showcases Moorish architecture with a traditional cream colored building with wooden windows and doors. Inspect the hand-painted blue details on its facade or the intricate carvings made by local craftspeople.
Time to spend: 1 hour
La Cathedrale du Sacre Coeur
One of the remaining French-style buildings, La Cathedrale du Sacre Coeur, boasts a mix of architectural styles, having both Moorish and colonial details. Today, the former cathedral serves as a public library.
Time to spend: 1 – 2 hours
Marche Medina Jedida
Walk the narrow street and find yourself a bargain at Marche Medina Jedida with heaps of fresh products, fruits, vegetables, and fish. Mix with the locals and try some local Algerian cuisine. Wear comfortable footwear and expect to do some walking to fully explore this large venue.
Time to spend: 1 – 2 hours
Day 9
La Porte d’Espagne
Located in the district of Sidi El Houari, La Porte d’Espagne remains one of the largest preserved remains of Spanish architecture in Oran. Built in 1589 under Captain General Don Pedro, the large archway bears an engraving of a royal crown shield, where a two-headed eagle represents fragments of arms of Castile, Leon, and Jerusalem.
Time to spend: 1 – 2 hours