Best Places to Visit in Algeria, Algeria, the largest country in Africa, is home to a wide variety of ecosystems and offers visitors a wide range of experiences. Even though the flight time is relatively brief, the contrast between the two continents is striking, giving visitors a taste of adventure and curiosity.
The Mediterranean shoreline, verdant landscapes, and Roman remains in Algeria are on par with those of any country in the globe.
The Sahara area, with its seemingly endless sand and enigmatic, vibrant cities, is the country’s biggest draw, though.
Despite warnings that the country is not safe and that some areas should be avoided. The vast majority of Algerians provide friendly greetings to visitors and are eager to teach foreigners about their culture.
All the same, visitors to this stunning nation should study up on the local customs and regulations before setting off on their adventure. What are the top Algerian tourist destinations?
Best Places to Visit in Algeria
El Oued
El Oued, intriguingly dubbed “the city of a thousand domes,” is a thriving metropolis in the middle of what appears to be an infinite desert. The various buildings with domes on top are responsible for giving the city its unique moniker. The domes serve to block the scorching rays of the sun during the summer months. Travelers often stop in El Oued since it is widely considered the premier shopping destination in the country. Carpets and afghans are two of the best-selling products (traditional Algerian slippers). Do not even consider visiting the market unless you are prepared to haggle like a native in order to obtain a satisfying price. On Fridays, the souqs tend to be very crowded.
Djanet
Djanet, the capital of the Algerian region of Tassili, has a Mediterranean vibe thanks to its white buildings and blue rooftops. The town’s palm tree grove setting gives it a decidedly tropical air. Beautiful scenery masks a little commercial core where only a post office, bank, and a few restaurants and stores can be found. On the weekends, Djanet comes alive with French visitors seeking the tranquility and unusual scenery the town is known for.
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Batna
Despite its proximity to Constantine, Batna has a very different atmosphere. Batna, the capital of the Aurus Massif, an area of Algeria consisting of a continuation of the Atlas Mountains, is separated from Constantine by harsh salt plains. Batna’s existence dates back to a decree issued by Napoleon III in 1848, making its history much shorter than that of other Algerian cities. Its valley location results in scorching summers and icy winters. Over 30,000 students make up a sizable portion of the city’s population, making for a vibrant student culture.
Timgad
Timgad, about 40 kilometers from Batna, is home to the pricey ruins of a full Roman town and offers a completely different experience. The ruins may seem daunting at first, but they are well worth the effort to fully investigate every alley and pathway. An expensive visit, but definitely worth it to see what is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking collections of Roman ruins anywhere in the world. The Roman ruins in Timgad are unlike anything else in Algeria.
In Salah
Salty water is responsible for giving In Salah its illustrious (or notorious) moniker. The water is usually the only source of potable water, so if you prefer a less salty beverage, you should come prepared. The structures have a distinct Sudanese flavor, and a sand dune is slowly eroding the mosque where In Salah prays. As the dune devours one building, it often reveals another that has been buried under the sand for some time, and it moves at a rate of 1 m every five years.
Bejaia
The location of the city of Bejaia, Algeria, on the Mediterranean coast is the city’s main draw for visitors. The city’s history is rich, spanning the Vandals, the Byzantines, and the Ottoman Turks. Artifacts from the city’s troubled past can be found in the museum there. The area around the museum also features a Spanish fort and a mountain known as “Primate Peak,” which is home to the critically endangered Barbary macaque monkey.
Algiers
Algiers, the country’s capital, is home to a population that hovers around 3.5 million people. The Ottomans laid the groundwork for this city, which is now rich with history and stunning architecture. Casbah is a tangled urban maze, with streets branching off in all directions like rivers.
The Dar Hassan Pacha, the city’s grandest mansion in the past, is also well worth a visit. Since 2005, when construction first began, the house’s inside has been off-limits to visitors while it’s been renovated. Algiers is a fascinating window into Algeria’s past, present, and future, providing tourists from the West with a striking visual contrast.
Atakor
The Atakor Plateau, in Ahaggar National Park, is well worth the trouble of getting there if you have your own transportation. The land is a rusty brown color and speckled with jagged peaks. The landscape seems like it was lifted from a science fiction film; it’s an unforgettable sight.
Assekrem Peak is the highest point of the plateau. The Tuareg name for this peak and the sheer hardness of the surrounding landscape, Assekrem, translates to “the end of the world.”
Tamanrasset
If you go south through Algeria into Niger, you will reach the contemporary and busy town of Tamanrasset, also known as “Tam.” Shops, restaurants, banks, and transportation hubs—Tam offers everything a modern city needs. The town provides a convenient home base for trips to Ahaggar National Park without sacrificing the amenities of a modern metropolis.
The town is currently off-limits to tourists and may only be seen as part of an extensive guided tour due to safety concerns. Visitors to the town are required to show proof that they have booked a guided tour. Despite the fact that this is now necessary, it’s not a negative thing in and of itself because it increases tourist safety and usually includes a number of exciting activities, such as 4×4 trips.
Oran
Oran, Algeria, the country’s second-largest city, is a beautiful and bustling port town. Oran is a tourist destination in its own right thanks to its abundance of fascinating historical landmarks like the city’s stunning mosques, the Casbah, and the Le Theatre.
Some of Algeria’s most stunning buildings can be found in this one. Oran is not only a terrific destination to go scuba diving, but also to try out some traditional Algerian dishes and hear the energetic music known as Rai, which was developed right here. Oran has a lot going for it, but there are also a lot of reminders of the country’s political unrest in the ’90s. Fear of the city inspired Albert Camus to set his novel The Plague there.
Annaba
The Phoenicians had good reason to construct Annaba, a city that has remained quite prosperous because to its strategic location. The city’s natural harbor is important for the country’s exports, but the city’s rich history and culture—especially that of Hippo Regius—are what bring visitors here. The sea is on one side of the ruins of Hippo Regius, and olive trees along the opposite side. Mosaics, metal trophies, and the foundations of palaces and temples can all be found among the remains.
Constantine
Constantine is an amazing natural phenomenon that has developed into a beautiful tourist destination. Politics and power have always played a significant role in the city, given its status as the capital of Numidia and, later, Roman Numidia. Most of the city’s structures are only accessible through a bridge over a deep chasm. This contributes to the city’s fantasy vibe, which has remained since Roman times. Tourists may find that two days is all they need to spend in the city, despite its interesting appearance and remarkable history.
Ghardaia
To many, the word “Ghardaia” refers to the entire cluster of five towns that sits on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Ghardaia has its own unique culture, including language, dress, religion, and customs. The stunning old town and the Sidi Brahim mosque are only accessible with a guide. Here, like in other places in Algeria, there is a wide range in both the cost and quality of food and lodging. You can feel like you’ve seen more than one country if you visit Ghardaia in Algeria.
Tlemcen
Tlemcen is your sole option in Algeria if you’re looking for beautiful Moorish architecture. In terms of architectural splendor, these structures are on par with those in southern Spain or Morocco. The town’s significance to the Romans has been obscured by the fact that so little of their legacy remains. The Great Mosque, the neighboring Eiffel Bridge, and the waterfalls of Tlemcen National Park are also worth seeing. Tlemcen is looking ahead, as seen by its construction of the country’s largest university campus.
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Setif
Setif, in the Little Kabylie region of Algeria, is almost 1,100 meters above sea level and is another city in Algeria founded by the Romans. It is recommended to spend some time learning about the Roman ruins here. French influence may be seen throughout the city, in addition to that of the Romans. The city’s main square features Roman statues and is worth a visit. Although the city’s relative lack of visitors may appeal to those hoping to see “authentic” Algeria away from the madding crowds, visitors from the West would be well to proceed with caution.