Algiers, the capital of Algeria is also a city of impressive monuments and has a lot to offer while exploring the city.
Being the largest city of Algeria, the metropolitan represents a panorama of modern communities and elite buildings developed on the ground level and facing the seashore.
Although the city has been urbanized much into a modern one, still the most ancient part of it has been secured and preserved behind the modern locality on the steep hill. The Kasbah of Algiers and two quays dramatically form a triangle to leave visitors in surprise.
For the glistening white view of buildings rising up from the sea, this city is also often times called as ‘Algiers, the white’.
Best time to visit Algiers ?
Algiers bears moderate temperature almost throughout the year. Having a calm location on the sea, this city has a Mediterranean climate with average 600 mm rainfall per annum. Most of this rainfall occurs during the month of April and October.
Summers are hot and dry while winters are wet and mild. The good thing to know is that there is no time all around the year for extreme temperature in the city.
January and August are the least and most warm months respectively, so you can plan your trip anytime throughout the year except for these two months; while it makes an excellent change during November and March for those who belong to cold countries.
The 5th of July and the 19th of June are celebrated in a great way and somewhat in a festive scenario as they are the country’s Independence Day, and national day respectively.
What are the Best things to do in Algiers?
Here is a rundown of all the exciting activities to do in here, in addition I will show you my favorite things to do and beautiful places to visit on your next holiday to Algiers.
La Grande Poste d’Alger
Securing some memorable moments in the white city is very simple if you visit the breathtaking, unique piece of architecture called the La Grande Poste d’Alger.
Here you will know the preference of the European people regarding post office designs in ancient days. It is blessed with completely majestic design and great interior plays like the first landmark for native people.
If you don’t have to see this big building, visiting through the main central passage is also a good idea.
Being in the nicest part of Algiers, you can walk towards the Casbah where you will love enjoying the delicious salty Algerian fish called the ‘bizzaaf’. One of the most interesting activities here for stamp collectors is to get stamp by posting something to Europe.
But remember, you should have enough time to get a stamp because there is always a long waiting list of people buying a postage stamp.
Others will love having coffee in cafes nearby, wandering through book shops around and shopping on the mail street.
Taking pictures is allowed near the entrance for general shot but you cannot snap counters or other people otherwise authorities will take objection and confiscate your camera.
My favorite stuff to do in Algiers
Le Jardin d’Essai du Hamma
This place worth a visit if you have an extra hour to spend in Algiers. If you take the metro to the Jardin d’Essai, you will find the easiest way to reach this site.
The best thing to know is that the way to the Le Jardin d’Essai du Hamma is also right across to the Musee Beaux Arts so you can enjoy a visit to the museum which is also on the same route. This place is beautiful and awesome to see for its exotic flora.
The beautiful garden here is good for spending a weekend with children. Whether you want to collect some lovely and natural sceneries of vegetation or you are willing to see different animals in cages, you will find the best getaway here to treat your desires.
Many people even love to enjoy the delicious salad in the restaurant there.
The exotic plants in the garden are so special that you won’t be able to see them in other places at any time.
Jardin d’Essai is an outstanding place for its climate and it makes favorable environment for growth of specific flowers and trees from various parts of the world. So, if you are planning to have some wedding photos of your children, go ahead.
As there are buses every 10 minutes to reach this attraction, you will not have to face any kind of problem getting there.
Snatching away some amazing moments of relaxation and leisure from the modern hectic life schedule is possible here.
A lovely combination of tall palm trees, water features and well groomed lawn with beautiful turquoise blue waters is ready to catch your heart. Even in a hot day, you will love to enjoy your favorite pastime under the shade of trees.
Fun things to do in Algiers
Le Musee National Des Beaux Arts
The Le Musee National Des Beaux Arts is worth visiting especially if you are planning your visit to Le Jardin d’Essai du Hamma.
Plan a half day trip here to explore an outstanding park and zoo while walking through the stairs to the main museum and you can have one more attraction stored in your memory during the Algiers tour.
If you visit the city for the purpose of preparing a historical project or under an education trip, you should not miss the chance of watching this museum as you will discover much about the history of French Algeria.
This museum has been built during the 19th century, it has some well-designed plaques with the list of French benefactors from the 19th century.
For more information you will be assisted by the staff that are here to offer good knowledge about history.
If you are a bookworm, there is a surprise for you, a library featuring collectible books. Located close to Jardin d’essai, this place is pure solitude and cheap. On the other hand, you can visit the Sofitel Algiers from here.
Their collectible pieces like Racim, Dinet Delacroix, Issiakhem and Degas are impressive and interesting.
The museum is a totally decorative building with rarely seen art pieces and impressive paintings by the contemporary Algerian painters who are always ready to welcome you to the city.
Popular Algiers tourist attractions
Notre Dame d’Afrique
Your trip to Algeria is incomplete until you visit the Notre Dame d’Afrique . If you are planning to take photos of the city, you should visit this place during the afternoon.
Getting an excellent view of Bab-el-Oued becomes possible when you travel through the road above the church.
Although the view of the church is great and charming still there is nothing to be expected to make it a unique piece.
An interesting combination of cathedral and commemoration point is ready to offer great calm to your mind; on the other hand, if you are a kind of curious personality, you should not forget reading information written on plaques back to early 18th century.
If you want to add some perk in your visit to the Catholic Church, you can attend a singing or organ event and make small donations.
The city view is so beautiful in this impressive church while it’s not impossible to catch an extensive look of the Mediterranean from its hilltop.
What else to do in Algiers ?
Kasbah of Algiers
This place is something to fill your heart with great delight as you will be having an experience of watching one of the historical buildings and culture in Algiers.
You will get it all together; mystery, history, romance, taste of native delicious fish and so on. Actually, Kasbah of Algiers needs to be visited with a native guide if you want to explore the entire place.
Here, you will be able to discover local culture whether in the form of good tea or sweet goodies as per your choice. A guide will help you taste local fruits and snacks to make your trip completely an adventure but don’t try to go out on your own otherwise you will be lost.
Another important thing here to make this trip once in a lifetime is that you can see centuries old residences where Algerians are still living. The lovely view to these residences can be caught from the rooftop of Kasbah.
Art lovers can shop handmade jewelry and other items. One thing to be kept on mind is to be careful from thieves.
Don’t visit the place at night and select a guide who is friendly with the police. The only thing you will miss if you don’t visit at night is the nice smell of certain trees like the “misk e llail” which is a kind of a musk smell.
A visit to the Sidi Abdulrahman Mausoleum and the Sufi getaway and Islamic Calligraphy Museum are just some of the fun things to do here.
Tourists for historical project should not miss watching the battle for Algiers as they will get good information here.
Is Algiers worth visiting?
The answer is Yes. Algiers is worth visiting. This is because it is such a magical place
full of beauty and magic.
Don’t forget to visit the following incredible place:
La Rue Didouche Mourad
One of the lovely parts of Algiers, La Rue Didouche Mourad has no lack of good shops and cafes aligned beautifully to offer you a good view to the French Buildings.
Although the variety of foods offered in cafes and restaurants there is not very wide, still, you will love to have a taste of its delicious cuisines. Public utilities there may be filthy so avoid using them as far as possible.
If you are passionate to see the Haussmann style of architecture, walking through this place is the best thing for you.
Built by the end of 1900s, this area has extensive places to see and learn the historical knowledge about Algiers. A great place for shopping souvenirs and traditional handicrafts, you will like to walk through the charming narrow streets.
At the beginning of the place, one of the best Gelati is there to lead to the Poste, looking like the heart of the city. These French inspired, beautifully architectural building is a good place to see natives carry out their daily activities.
Must see places in Algiers
Le Port de Sidi Fredj
People who are visiting Algiers and want to enjoy some nice moments out from the busy life to spend with friends and colleagues will love to partake on the nice food and lots of calmness to relax in Le Port de Sidi Fredj.
The history affiliated to this port is also very interesting. Several restaurants surrounded by beautiful buildings make this place special. But as the region is windy sometimes, you should be careful when going with children.
You will see food zones of the European countries and it is worth to enjoy the delicious Pizza and French baguette.
If you reach to Algiers by plane, the Le Port de Sidi Fredj will be the first place you will see. If you plan on driving your own vehicle, it can be a risk because you won’t easily find parking anywhere.
What else to see in Algiers ?
Cathedrale du Sacre Coeur
The Cathedrale du Sacre Coeur is surrounded by barbed wire for security purposes. Still, if you know how to speak French, you can be lucky enough to enter there.
The interesting fact is that despite of being unimpressive from its outer view, the church has nice interior.
Having an exterior view like a nuclear power station, the cathedral is very different from the one which is situated in Paris. The architecture is not beautiful but it is all original from the interior up to the exterior.
Popular places to visit in Algiers
Jamaa El Jedid
Located at the Martyrs Square which is a visible part of the Casbah. This beautiful mosque has been designed in the Turkish style and represents its awesome architecture. This bright white building appears floating in isolation near the port.
Imposed by its massive presence, the mosque also has a series of interesting fish restaurants situated around its proximity.
Ketchaoua Mosque
This extensive mosque showcases the unique architecture of the city and represents the great view from the outside.
Located exactly in a popular market, this building has stunning history and design.
Definitely, it is a must to visit this place in Algiers and you will love to enjoy its charming interior and to appreciate the mosque fully, you should know the story behind it.
According to natives, Ketchaoua Mosque has been developed by the Dey Baba Hassan in 1794 that further served the catholic faith and then recovered by Muslim area after independence.
Then, the building had been transformed into a cathedral introducing the panorama of Roman and Byzantine style.
The legendary mosque has witnessed the Algier’s history such as about the brothers Barbarossa, the Ottoman Deys, the colonial period and return to Islam.
Things to do in Algiers with kids
Bordj Tamentfoust
This fort is a kind of public history museum with very nominal cost for access.
At the entrance of the former military town, you will find a church which has been added to the list of its historical heritage sites.
The remains of old Rusgunia i.e. south eastern and south western part of the city and baths have been opened for public after restoration.
Developed during the 16th century, this fort requires good maintenance and renovation. You can plan spending a beautiful day in Bordj Tamentfoust for picnic and fishery.
View to the building from foothills of Algiers bay, represents the situation of this fort at the right side of the ocean. Whether you visit this place alone or with family, the exterior of the building and calm location around makes you admire the beauty of this city.
Things to do around Algiers
Memorial du Martyr
This memorial is definitely one of the best places to inform everyone about the Algerian revolution. You will get everything fascinating like shopping centers, restaurants, cinemas and all to make your trip outstanding.
If you are looking for the best view of the Hamma national garden and Mediterranean Sea, Memorial du martyr is the best place. Being a secured destination, it offers you the best opportunity for taking photos.
Planning a gorgeous day ahead in the prominent structure of about every part of the city is possible here.
The museum followed by the building is full of history and mystery revealing the facts of the Algerian invasion from France.
This building has been built for the commemoration of millions of people who died in the tragic history of Algeria. Don’t expect any aesthetic beauty here but definitely the massive architecture will win your heart. This symbol of Algeria can be reached by taxi from the city center.
Unique things to do in Algiers
Jamaa El Kebir
If you don’t want to miss watching any beautiful and historical mosque in North Africa, you should not miss the chance to see the Janna El Kebir, as it is situated nearby other important attractions of Algiers so that you will not have to find it hardly but you should know that women are not offered entry in the mosque.
You will love watching Kasbah Mosque near to this place as it is one of the oldest buildings of the city, having historical importance and a catchy architectural view.
Free things to do in Algiers
Le Bastion 23
It is a building that is situated near the Kasbah and a place that you will like to visit for its art -deco and lifestyle of inhabitants during the ancient period. It is a wonderful palace near the Mediterranean Sea that is unique for its design.
The roofs of the building have been designed to offer you an experience like the Topkapi in Istanbul.
Le Bastion 23 is loved by tourists for the simple reason that it offers a sense of Barbary history. The pretty building has been designed on the Turkish Estuaries.
Although, there are not many homes and mansions to be in good condition in Algiers, this is one of the beautiful buildings that are well renovated and showcases the history of Algiers.
And this is all about the city of Algiers. One thing to be promising is that all these beautiful places to visit will make your Algeria trip truly unforgettable.