Algeria Travel Guide: Places to See and Things to Do While in Algeria
Because of its long and rich history, Algeria is the site of many UNESCO World Heritage Sites that travelers will simply find impressive. This is a top draw for many tourists who want to get a glimpse of ancient life, whether it’s the early Romans or to see the remaining influence of the Ottoman Empire. There are many places to see and things to do while in Algeria, leaving tourists with a variety of attractions to consider. Here are some of the best places to see in Algeria, as well as some suggestions on things to do in Algeria to keep you entertained and to make the most of your trip. This is a favorite section of our Travel Guide Algeria because it gives travelers ideas on what attractions can’t be missed to ensure a memorable trip.
Here are some ideas for places to see in Algeria as well as things to do in Algeria.
Algiers
Places to See in Algiers
The Notre Dame d’Afrique or Our Lady of Africa is a Catholic Church at the heart of French Algeria. This is a remnant of Algeria’s French colonial past. It took 14 years to construct the impressive basilica. Inaugurated in 1872 and designed by French architect Jean Eugène Fromageau, the church that sits on a cliff showcases a Neo-Byzantine style and overlooks the beautiful waters of the Bay of Algiers.
The Kasbah of Algiers is another must-see as it is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kasbah is a medina or Muslim City. It shows Moorish houses, Ottoman palaces, minarets and an old citadel, which used to be the home of over 50,000 residents. The Kasbah gives travelers a glimpse of Mediterranean Muslim culture. Travelers should take the time to walk along the many side streets that resemble mazes and alleys here, as the city was once a Carthaginian trading post back in the 4th century BC. It is one of the oldest and most historical areas in Algeria.
At the foot of the Kasbah stands the 17th century Ketchaoua Mosque, a beautiful building built during the Ottoman period, featuring a mixture of Byzantine and Moorish architectural styles. Black-veined marble columns support the decorated portico at the entrance to the mosque. The remains of San Geronimo are enshrined in a tomb located in one of the chambers of the mosque.
On the northeastern side of the Kasbah stands the Great Mosque of Algiers, built in 1097. It is the oldest mosque in Algiers and one of the best examples of the Almoravid architectural style.
To remember the heroes that fought for the independence of Algeria through the years, a monument, the Martyrs Memorial was erected and unveiled in 1982. It consists of three standing stylized palm leaves and forming a shelter for the eternal flame. A statue of a soldier stands on the edge of each palm leaf. The 302-foot or 92-meter high structure is beautifully lit at night.
Things to Do in Algiers
Travelers looking to relax and unwind can do so at the Le Jardin d’Essai du Hamma. It’s a refreshing place to take in a bit of greenery after a day of seeing old buildings and monuments. What is unique about the gardens is that the land it is on used to be wetlands at the foot of the Arcadians Hill that the military cultivated in 1831. The area was transformed into an agricultural and horticultural area.
Explore the displays inside the Musee National du Moudjahid. It chronicles the struggle of the country against colonialism. A domed sanctuary on the lower floor of the museum is a good place for meditation, with its walls decorated with Quran verses.
If you have extra time visit the Bardo Museum of Prehistory & Ethnography, housed in the former residence of a Tunisian prince. There is a large collection of Neolithic stones and pottery, fossils, rock carvings and paintings of horses pulling chariots that came from the Tassili n’ Ajjer. The museum has many outstanding displays that you would forget how fast time passes by.
Take a stroll along Zighout Youcef Street. The main road has a number of restaurants to try out, where you could get a plate of couscous and some lamb stew. Be sure to catch the spectacular sunset in Algiers.
Tipasa
Places to See in Tipasa
Tipasa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the remains of what used to be a Phoenician and Roman town. It is located 70 kilometers from Algiers and along the shores of the Mediterranean. There are two archeological sites in the area as well as the Royal Mauritanian Mausoleum. In the area is one of the most extensive and oldest necropolis of the Punic world, dating around the 6th to the 2nd century BC. Here, travelers would find cemeteries that are considered the most extensive from the Phoenician times. It was discovered in 1856 and archeological excavations have been ongoing since then. The Roman period is marked by a series of very beautiful buildings and showed the growth of Christianity with the number of religious buildings. There are three churches left among the ruins, including the Great Basilica, the Basilica Alexander and the Basilica of St. Salsa.
Things to Do in Tipasa
Look and wander around and view the ruins of Tipasa. But do remember that you should avoid buying items being passed of as ancient artifacts while in the Tipasa Archeological Park. Be sure to bring a camera to take pictures of the incredibly preserved ruins.
M’sila
Places to See in M’sila
Al Qal’a of Beni Hammad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fortress was the first capital used by the Hammadid Empire and dates back to 1007. UNESCO describes it as an authentic fortified city built by Muslims. The walls of the fortress runs for seven kilometers, enclosing four residential areas and the largest mosque built in the country, which is similar to the Grand Mosque of Kairouan. It was destroyed a century later in 1152. The fortress is built at an altitude of 1,000 meters. Here, travelers can find the second largest mosque built in the country. Part of the Dal al-Bahr, the emir’s palace could still be seen, showing three separate residential sections that are separated from one another by pavilions and gardens. The palace was also called the Lake Palace with its massive pool. Several fountains have already been discovered will the gardens are yet to be thoroughly explored by archeologists
Things to Do in M’sila
Take the time to explore the Al Aql’a of Benni Hammad. Travelers could take pictures of the rustic scenery outside the fortress as it is built alongside a hill.
Djanet
Places to See in Djanet
Tassili n’Ajjer is a mountain range but what makes it unique is that this is the only natural World Heritage Site in the country. This range features prehistoric rock art and is an important archeological site that dates back to the Neolithic period. The rock art or petroglyphs number over 15,000 and depict various animals and life scenes from the period. Within Tassili n’ Ajjer, other places to see in the area are Tamrit for the beautiful nature-shaped rocky formations, the In Itinen open air museum of rock paintings and those located in Séfar, Mellen and Settafet.
Things to Do in Djanet
Take pictures of the sandstone range, wherein the rock arches were naturally formed by erosion. Travelers should join tour group excursion to get a guided tour of this archeological site in the Sahara desert. You could sign up to ride a 4 x 4 or take a camel ride. Go up to the Uan Tuami to get a fantastic view of the whole of Tassili n’ Ajjer.
Batna
Places to See in Batna
Timgad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is about 40 kilometers away from Batna. It is the ruins of a Roman town, built in the first century by Emperor Trajan for his 15,000 soldiers and veterans at the height of Roman rule in Africa in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. This is a prime example of a Roman military colony. It features Great Baths, a public area, theatre, main entryways, camp walls, the only known Roman-period public library and various homes for both the soldiers and wealthy residents. What is amazing is that archeologists have not completely excavated the site, which shows the massive scale of the town. This gives travelers a good idea of the way of life of the people at that time. For over three hundred years, Timgad grew and quadrupled its size due to the volume of residents. Travelers should take the time to explore the museum by the entrance of the site to view the massive collection of mosaics, including The Triumph of Venus and Filadelfis Vita.
One of the most important parks in Algeria is located in Batna. The Belezma National Park sprawls over 262.5 square kilometers of land. The climate in the park ranges from dry and semi-arid to cool and subhumid. The national park houses 309 fauna species, 59 of which are already protected as well as 447 flora species, representing 14% of the national flora count.
Things to Do in Batna
You could enjoy the Timgad Festival held in the first two weeks of July. Various artists and performers come here to entertain the audience. You’ll get the chance to have your picture taken near the Trajan’s Arch and the Mascula Gate and enjoy the view of the Aures Mountains while in Timgad.
Djémila
Things to See in Djémila
The Ruins of Djémila is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name means beautiful. Although smaller than other ruins, it is considered one of the most important as it is the best-preserved Roman ruins. Travelers would find Roman Baths, a curia, a temple dedicated to Jupiter and Juno as well as Minerva and the Market of Consinus, wherein the tables that sellers used, with their animal carvings, are still intact. It was formerly known as Cuicul and served as a military garrison. Greeting visitors is the impressive Arch of Caracalla. One of the impressive features are the mosaic walls found in the interiors, some of which date back to the 4th century. There is the ten meter long Mosaic of the Donkey and well as the Legend of Dionysus. This is considered the greatest North African mosaics as it was taken from the House of Bacchus. These mosaics showcase the sophistication and artistry of ancient Djémila. The town showcases the advanced way of life of these ancient people.
Things to Do in Djémila
You could go in the museum and see the excavated artifacts from the site, including a large mosaic that used to be in the basilica. Have your picture taken by the Arch of Caracalla, which is more than 12 meters high. It was dismantled in 1839, only to be reassembled in 1922. You might be attempted to pick up some souvenir items, but remember that these aren’t authentic antiques.
Annaba
Things to See in Annaba
There are many things to see and do in Annaba, which is the fourth largest city in Algeria and is the most popular with Italian and French tourists.
The ruins of Hippo Regius are an ancient city that is more popularly known as Hippone. Visitors to the area enter by the seafront as they make their way around the courtyards. The Villa of the Labyrinth and the Villa of the Procurateur are the most popular. You could see the ancient baths, as well the as the Theater of Hippo, which is the largest stage of any antique theatre in northern Africa.
The Basilique Saint-Augustine is one of the important churches in the country. Built on a hill, it contains the relics (hand) of Saint Augustine, who served as the bishop of the city in the 4th century AD. In Arabic it is called Lela Bouna. It is an imposing sight and you will marvel at its arresting architecture. Roman ruins are found behind the basilica.
The downtown area of Annaba is a place that you should also visit. This is where you would find buildings in French colonial architectural design. Find your way to the central square called Le Cours then wander off to La Place d’Armes for a sampling of Ottoman architecture. This is the oldest part of the city, built during the 12th century
Things to Do in Annaba
Do not leave Annaba without visiting the museum at the Hippo Regius ruins to check out the sculpture collection. There is also an impressive mosaic collection, as well as the bronze representation of a 2.5 meter high Trophy.
If you want to relax and unwind in any of the nice beaches found in Annaba, one of the best to try is the Qued Bergat. Go sightseeing on foot by walking around Le Cours Square or enjoy the nightlife at the Green Main Street of this African city with a taste of European flair. If you are after some nighttime entertainment while on the beach, go to Chappui. If you have children, let them enjoy some fun time at the Amusement Park at Les Allemends. Pick up a few souvenir items and trinkets from the souqs or marketplace and try to sample the Algerian egg roll called bourek at one of the cafés or restaurants in the area.
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