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Capital and largest city of Algeria
Photo: LBM1948, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Algiers (Arabic: الجزائر, al-Jazāʾir; Berber: ⵍⴷⵣⴰⵢⵔ ⵜⴰⵎⴰⵏⴰⵖⵜ, lezzayer tamanaɣt; French: Alger) is the capital and largest city of Algeria, set along the Mediterranean coast. Known for its striking French colonial architecture, the city reveals layers of history shaped by Ottoman rule, French colonialism and Algerian independence. From its gorgeous promenades to the whitewashed Casbah to the sweeping views over the Bay of Algiers, Algiers offers a rich mix of cultural heritage and scenic beauty.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Maqam Echahid
An iconic concrete monument commemorating the Algerian war for independence. In the basement, there is an exhibition about the independence war, basically an exhibition of various kinds of arms the rebels used.
One of the largest arts museums in Africa with over 8,000 works, includes paintings, drawings, engravings and old prints, sculptures, old furniture and decorative art, ceramics, glassware, as well as a numismatic collection. The museum features both Dutch and French masters as well as emblematic Algerian artists such as Baya, Yellès and Racim.
A masterpiece of neo-Moorish architecture built in 1910 by the French.
A classified historical monument.
jardin d'essai
Great Mosque of Algiers
Large mosque with tallest minaret in the world. Built in 2012, it is the third-largest mosque in the world. Anyone is allowed in during prayer times, both for prayer or visiting.
المتحف الوطني باردو
Catholic basilica completed in 1872.
Catholic cathedral completed in 1956.
Built in 1794 by the Dey Baba Hassan.
Built in 1660 during the Turk reign.
مسجد براني
Built by the Ottomans in 1653
متحف علي لابوانت
(Arabic: قصر الداي) also known as Algiers Castle (Arabic: قلعة الجزائر)
Palace of the Dey, also known as Algiers Castle, is an Ottoman era palace in the city of Algiers, Algeria. Completed in the 16th century, it is situated inside the Casbah of Algiers, and settled by successive deys of the city. The palace can be visited: you get the chance to walk through the house of a dey and enjoy all the luxury accommodations.
Beach club.
Algerian handicrafts (art, T-shirts, baskets, mirrors and other traditional items).
El Boustene
Panoramic restaurant overlooking Algiers. The restaurant is modern and very smart. An outdoor terrace offers the best views of Algiers and the coast. Food is excellent.
Couscous bar
Genuine Constantine food in a quiet and traditional atmosphere.
Enjoy a drink (with or without alcohol) with a beautiful view over Algiers and the bay.
Has some kind of atmosphere, though for a cheap price. There are various categories of rooms, with shared toilets and showers, private showers only or private toilet + shower.
Located in the Casbah, quite run-down inside. It offers online booking, but prices are much cheaper if you just come and pay in cash (especially if you change money the unofficial way). This hotel can send you an official booking confirmation which the Algerian consulates will (hopefully) accept for visa application.
Town centre hotel. Old and charming, but reasonably comfortable. Good value for town centre. Wireless internet throughout is fast.
A good option for budget travellers who desire at least a few familiar amenities. Softer mattresses than similarly-priced hotels. Hot water. Centrally located. Free WiFi.
Beachfront resort.
5 minutes away from Houari Boumediene Airport.
Traditional handcraft shop (ceramics, leather work, stationery, basketry)
There is a little grocery store nearby the restaurant where you can find quality-sourced products (olive oil, spices, nut spreads, vinegar, cutlery, pastries).
Librairie 88 Didouche Mourad
Bookshop with publications in French and Arabic. There are university research publications about colonialism, feminism, books for children, novels and poetry by Arabic authors. You can also find postcards.
By train
Algiers is the hub for passenger railways in Algeria and there are at least daily trains from most major cities. All trains are operated by SNTF.
By car
The road network around Algiers has been greatly improved in recent decades, with well-lit four-lane highways leading in and out of the city.
By bus
Gare Routiere du Caroubier is Algiers's central bus terminus in the commune of Hussein Dey (7-10 min drive from downtown). Most of the coaches used are modern and air-conditioned.
By boat
There are regular ferry services to Algiers from Marseille and Alicante. Algérie Ferries has the most destinations, but there are a few other shipping companies.
By metro
After three decades of construction, the first segment of the Algiers Metro finally opened in 2011.
By taxi
The best way to find a taxi is to look for one of the many taxi stands located around the city. You may even hail a taxi at the airport.
By bus
Buses operate within the city centre and to the suburbs: tickets are purchased on the bus for DA20. Typically, a man with a bundle of tickets approaches you when you board.
By tram
Until the 1950s, Algiers had one of the best tram systems in the world.
By rail
Algiers has a small regional train network, connecting the suburbs with the central city as well as the airport.
On foot
Walking is the best way to explore the casbah and the adjacent coastal neighbourhoods. The biggest risk in exploring Algiers on foot is the heat; be sure to bring plenty of water.
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Algiers · International · ALG
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