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Algeria
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Algiers – a brief overview
Capital of the second largest country in Africa, Algiers (the ‘White City’) is a startling mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. Although much of the city centre is now modern, deeper exploration, particularly around the labyrinthine Casbah, reveals delightful old neighbourhoods and elaborate Byzantine architecture.
During the civil war of the 1990s, much of Algiers was off limits to tourists; today, happily, it is a much safer and more relaxed city, although security risks remain a potential threat. Its leafier suburbs have been gentrified in recent years, with new hotels and restaurants opening up.
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Top 10 sights in Algiers

The Casbah
Algiers
Algeria
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This maze-like district of narrow, winding streets used to contain dozens of mosques, souks, and hammams. The World Heritage site is mostly residential now, but it’s a still fascinating place to explore; a guide is essential to help you find your way in – and out!
Maqam Echahid (Martyrs’ Monument)
Algiers
Algeria
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This huge concrete monument overlooking Algiers commemorates the millions who died in the War of Independence against France (1954-62). Designed in the shape of three curving palm leaves sheltering an eternal flame, it is the symbol of modern Algeria.
Mosque Sidi Abderrahmane
Algiers
Algeria
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The standout attraction of the Ottoman-era complex of mosques and palaces in the Casbah is the Mosque Sidi Abderrhmane, patron saint of Algiers, completed in 1696. It is one of the country’s oldest mosques, with vibrantly patterned tiling.
Cathédrale du Sacré-Coeur
Algiers
Algeria
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This strikingly modern, tent-shaped church is no longer used for services, but is open to visitors. The daily mass is held in the chapel in the basement of the cethedral. Look out for the ancient mosaic of Jesus Christ inside.
National Museum of Antiquities
Algiers
Algeria
Tel: +213 21 681 129
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Opening times:
Mon-Thu and Sat 0900-1200 and 1300-1630
Sun 1300-1630
This beautiful building with a central garden contains mosaics, statues, and other antiquities from all over Algeria. It’s well worth a visit for the building’s finely decorated facade alone.
Museum of Islamic Arts
Algiers
Algeria
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Opening times:
Mon-Thu and Sat 0900-1200 and 1300-1630
Sun 1300-1630
Adjacent to the National Museum of Antiquities, this is one of the oldest museums in Algeria. It has an excellent collection of ceramics, carpets and artworks from around the Islamic world.
Bardo Museum
Algiers
Algeria
Tel: +213 21 747 641
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Opening times:
Sun-Thu 0900-1200 and 1400-1700
Housed in a sumptuous Ottoman mansion, this is one of Algeria’s best museums. Its diverse prehistoric and ethnographic collection includes jewellery, costumes, Tuareg tombs and ancient carvings.
Grande Poste
Algiers
Algeria
Tel: +213 21 726 072
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Opening times:
Sat-Wed 0800-1900
Thu 0800-1600
This must be one of the most magnificent post offices in the world, with its sweeping steps and pillared entrance. Inside, the gleaming white building is even grander, with neo-Moorish décor and chandeliers.
Notre Dame d’Afrique
Algiers
Algeria
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This lovely, domed church is perched on a hilltop overlooking the bay. The interior of the 19th-century neo-Byzantine building is also very pretty; a cable car from the street up to the church is being restored.
Place des Martyrs
Algiers
Algeria
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Explore this historic area’s mysterious alleyways, markets, and mosques. The Mosque of the Fishermen has a distinctive clocktower; the adjacent Great Mosque is the oldest in Algiers; and opposite is the Mosque Ketchaoua, with its twin minarets, possibly the best of all.
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Country information
Country overview
For the intrepid traveller, a trip to Algeria is an adventure in waiting.
Its troubled reputation may put off anyone looking for the quiet life, but for those who take the time to explore, Algeria offers culture and adventure in spades.
Geography
Algeria is situated along the North African coast, bordered to the east by Tunisia and Libya, to the southeast by Niger, to the southwest by Mali, and to the west by Mauritania and Morocco. It is Africa’s second-largest country, with 1,200km (750 miles) of coastline. Along the coastal strip are the main towns, fertile land, beach resorts and 90% of the population. Further south lies the area of the Hauts Plateaux, mountains of up to 2,000m (6,600ft) covered in cedar, pine and cypress forests with broad arable plains dividing the plateaux.
The remaining 85% of the country is the Sahara Desert in its various forms, sustaining only 500,000 people, many of whom are nomadic tribes with goat and camel herds. The Sahara region contains two mountain ranges: the dramatic Hoggar massif, rising to almost 3,000m (9,800ft), and the Tassili N’Ajjer. Both are scenically stunning and offer some of the best desert landscapes in the world.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 38087812
Population Density (per sq km): 16
Capital: Algiers.
Language
The official languages are Arabic and Berber (Tamazight), but French is still used for most official and business transactions. Berber (Amazigh) is spoken in the northern mountainous regions of the Kabylias and the Aures and also in the south. In general, English is spoken only in major business or tourist centres.
Currency
Dinar (DZD) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of DZD1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of DZD100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 centimes.
Note: Because of the very strict adherence of the authorities to these regulations, visitors are strongly advised not to be associated with the black market, which tends to concentrate on the Euro and portable electronics.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. The European two-pin plug is standard.
General business opening hours
Generally Sat-Wed 0800-1200 and 1300-1600.
Public holidays
Listed below are the public holidays for the period January 2020 to December 2021.
Note
Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given below are approximations.
During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last up to several days, depending on the region.
2020
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2020
Labour Day: 1 May 2020
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan): 24 and 25 May 2020
Revolutionary Readjustment: 19 June 2020
Independence Day: 5 July 2020
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): 31 July and 1 August 2020
Islamic New Year: 20 August 2020
Ashura (Day of the Dead): 28 August 2020
Anniversary of the Revolution: 1 November 2020
Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 29 Ocotber 2020
2021
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2021
Labour Day: 1 May 2021
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan): 13 and 14 May 2021
Revolutionary Readjustment: 19 June 2021
Independence Day: 5 July 2021
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): 20 and 21 July 2021
Ashura (Day of the Dead): 18 August 2021
Islamic New Year: 20 August 2021
Anniversary of the Revolution: 1 November 2021
Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 19 Ocotber 2021
All information subject to change.
Flight and accommodation
Nightlife in Algiers
Algiers is not big on night-time entertainment, partly for cultural and religious reasons.
There are places to go dancing and drinking however, mostly in bigger hotels or on pedestrianised rue Larbi M’Hidi.
Pacha
Algiers
Algeria
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A trendy club, with top DJs attracting a cool young crowd.
Crystal Lounge
Algiers
Algeria
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Good music and glitzy décor draw a mixed crowd to this out-of-town club.
Havana Club
Algiers
Algeria
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Tucked away on the top floor of a shopping mall, this is a sprawling club, where you can dance to live bands at weekends.
La Veranda
Algiers
Algeria
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This lounge club draws a packed, well-heeled crowd for weekend dance parties.
1001 Nuits Lounge
Algiers
Algeria
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Piano tunes and live bands entertain cocktail drinkers in the Sheraton’s bar-nightclub, outside the city.
Flight and accommodation
Restaurants in Algiers
Algerians love fast food, and the city centre is full of stalls, selling pitta bread snacks and kebabs, as well as burgers and pizzas.
For smarter restaurants, including French cuisine, your best options are in hotels, or up-and-coming suburbs, such as Sidi Yahia, El Biar and Hydra.
Le Dauphin
Algiers
Algeria
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Price: Expensive
This lively restaurant serves some of the best seafood in the city, with great harbourside views.
Le Tantra
Bois des Arcades
Algiers
Algeria
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Price: Expensive
Treat yourself to Tantra’s delicious fish and French dishes; this eatery is very popular with the international set.
Brasserie des Facultés
Algiers
Algeria
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Price: Moderate
For French cuisine at affordable prices in a smart setting, this place can’t be beaten.
Dar Gnawa
Algiers
Algeria
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Price: Moderate
Great Maghrebi cuisine is on the menu at Gnawa, and its bar serves alcohol and sheesha pipes.
Mezzo Mezzo
Algiers
Algeria
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Price: Cheap
You won’t get wine here, but good value Italian cuisine, with a relaxed ambience.
Flight and accommodation
Calendar of events
Festival Culturel International de la Musique Diwan (International Diwan Music Festival)
April 23 – May 24, 2020
Venue: Salle Ibn Zeydoun
Highlighting Algerian Diwan music and other musical genres inspired by or blended with Diwan, this music fest encompasses a week of phenomenal performances by local singers as well as artists from across Africa and as far afield as the USA.
Eid ul-Fitr
May 24, 2020
Venue: Throughout Algiers and Algeria
The end of Ramadan is an important occasion in Algeria, with Muslims celebrating the end of the fast with public worship, acts of charity and visits to friends and family. It’s also seen as a time to forgive and forget.
Independence Day
July 5, 2020
Venue: Throughout Algiers and Algeria
Celebrating independence from France in 1962, Algerians come together for a vibrant day of festivities, with special events and fireworks happening all over the city. The president usually addresses the nation to mark the occasion, drawing attention to the country’s achievements.
Festival International de la Bande Dessinée d’Alger (Algiers International Comic Strip Festival)
Cartoon and comic strip enthusiasts can check out terrific exhibitions, listen to talks from professional cartoon artists, or sign up to themed workshops covering topics from manga to 3D animation. There’s a competitive element too, with prizes for pros and amateurs alike.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
Flight and accommodation
Hotels in Algiers
The city centre has a reasonable selection of luxury hotels, as well as some mid-range places to stay. Quieter suburbs such as Hydra, El-Biar and Bouzareah are good alternatives, with new hotels opening up.
Most budget hotels rent rooms by the hour and are none too clean or safe.
Hilton Alger
Algiers
Algeria
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Category: Expensive
This large modern hotel on the outskirts has all the amenities you’d expect, including a pool and four restaurants.
Sofitel Algiers Hamma Garden
Algiers
Algeria
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Category: Expensive
Close to the seafront and with modern Moorish-style architecture, this is a highly rated luxury option.
Mercure Alger Aeroport
Cité 5 juillet Bab Ezzouar
Algiers
Algeria
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Category: Expensive
This hotel offers luxurious rooms and amenities, including a sauna and Turkish bath.
Ibis Alger Aeroport
Bab Ezzouar
Algiers
Algeria
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Category: Moderate
This modern business-style hotel close to the airport has well-furnished, soundproofed rooms.
Hôtel d’Hydra
Algiers
Algeria
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Category: Cheap
Hydra is a cosy, traditional hotel is in a good neighbourhood, with embassies and a range of restaurants.
Flight and accommodation
Best time to visit
Today: Friday, 15.01.2021 03:00 UTC

sunny
temperature
13°C
wind direction
northwind speed
3.75 mph7 days forecast
Saturday
16.01.2021
14°C / 9°C
Sunday
17.01.2021
16°C / 7°C
Monday
18.01.2021
17°C / 9°C
Tuesday
19.01.2021
17°C / 11°C
Wednesday
20.01.2021
19°C / 12°C
Thursday
21.01.2021
18°C / 14°C
Friday
22.01.2021
18°C / 14°C
Climate & best time to visit Algeria
Summer temperatures are high throughout the country, particularly in the south where it is both very dry and very hot. During this time, road travel is difficult and air travel prone to delay because of sandstorms. Northern cities have high humidity, while those along the coast are cooled by sea breezes. In the winter, the oases of the far south are pleasant and attract many visitors.
The desert temperature drops dramatically at night. North of the Sahara, temperatures are very mild from September to May and vary little between day and night. South of the Sahara, temperatures are pleasant from October to April, but there are great variations between day and night. Coastal towns are prone to storms from the sea. Rainfall is relatively low throughout the country and in the far south it is virtually unknown.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
absolute max | absolute min | Ø absolute max | Ø absolute min | relative humidity | Ø precipitation | days with deposit > 1mm | sunshine duration | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan | 26 °C | -2 °C | 16 °C | 5 °C | 78 % | 79 mm | 8 | 4.9 h |
Feb | 30 °C | -1 °C | 17 °C | 6 °C | 78 % | 83 mm | 9 | 5.8 h |
Mar | 29 °C | -1 °C | 18 °C | 7 °C | 77 % | 74 mm | 9 | 6.9 h |
Apr | 37 °C | 1 °C | 20 °C | 9 °C | 76 % | 60 mm | 7 | 7.6 h |
May | 40 °C | 3 °C | 23 °C | 12 °C | 76 % | 41 mm | 6 | 9.1 h |
Jun | 41 °C | 8 °C | 27 °C | 15 °C | 72 % | 17 mm | 2 | 10.1 h |
Jul | 44 °C | 11 °C | 30 °C | 18 °C | 70 % | 4 mm | 1 | 11.0 h |
Aug | 47 °C | 10 °C | 31 °C | 19 °C | 71 % | 6 mm | 1 | 10.3 h |
Sep | 41 °C | 9 °C | 29 °C | 17 °C | 72 % | 35 mm | 3 | 8.8 h |
Oct | 37 °C | 2 °C | 25 °C | 13 °C | 73 % | 76 mm | 7 | 6.9 h |
Nov | 32 °C | 1 °C | 20 °C | 9 °C | 76 % | 93 mm | 8 | 5.3 h |
Dec | 30 °C | -2 °C | 17 °C | 7 °C | 79 % | 111 mm | 11 | 4.8 h |
year | 47 °C | -2 °C | 23 °C | 11 °C | 75 % | 680 mm | 72 | 7.7 h |
Flight and accommodation
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone/Mobile Telephone
Dialing code: +213
Telephone
With the advent of mobile phones, the use of landlines (which were never highly used anyway) is in steep decline. Taxiphones (a sort of metered phone booth) are available to make calls from, but mobiles are used as the primary means of communication.
Mobile Telephone
Mobile phone usage across the country has increased greatly, with the main mobile networks giving good coverage across the country. To take advantage of local rates, buy a cheap foreign SIM card for use in your existing phone.
Internet
There are internet cafés in all larger towns and hotels in the major cities are more likely to have in-room Wi-Fi available.
Flight and accommodation
Shopping in Algiers
Key Areas
Algiers’ street markets are great for soaking up the atmosphere, including one that runs between the Grande Poste and rue Didouche Mourad, which specialises in souvenirs and handicrafts. This old street is the city’s commercial hub, and is lined with shops selling jewellery, carpets and other specialist items.
Markets
Souks are dotted all over the city, but perhaps the best and largest is near Mosque Ketchaoua in the Lower Casbah district. There’s also a wonderful local food market off the Jardin de Prague in Bab el Oued, though this area can be dangerous, so it’s better to go with a local guide.
Shopping Centres
Algeria is just opening up to the concept of malls, and the few you might find in Algiers are in the more upscale suburbs. A couple worth checking out are Centre Commercial Al Qods, in Cheraga, and the Bab Ezzouar, to the east of the city.
Flight and accommodation
Traveller etiquette
Social Conventions
Courtesy should be adopted with new acquaintances. The provision and acceptance of hospitality are as important a part of Algerian culture as elsewhere in the Arab world. In the main cities, the urban population lives at a frantic pace much akin to European urban dwellers, but in the south and in rural areas people are much more open and friendly. Algerian women are expected to dress modestly in rural areas but this is not necessary in Algiers.
Tourist visits should be avoided during Ramadan. Military installations and personnel should not be photographed. Police roadblocks are frequent – slow down and follow their instructions very carefully and respectfully should you be driving around the country. Always carry your passport or identification papers with you.
Flight and accommodation
Health
Food & Drink
Mains water is normally chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of stay. Drinking water outside main cities and towns is likely to be contaminated and sterilisation is considered essential. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Powdered or tinned milk is advised. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat, but be careful when eating things like raw dishes like salads and fruits, where ingredients may have been rinsed in tap water. Likewise, avoid drinks with ice in them.
Other Risks
Vaccination against hepatitis B and tuberculosis is sometimes advised. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical help without delay. There is little to no risk of malaria. Algeria’s climate is dry and hot, so wearing sunscreen and a hat to shield from midday sun, is advised, as is having drinking water with you.
Contractual physician of Lufthansa
Dr. Debzi , NabilMustapha Hospital
Place du 1er Mai
Alger 16000
Algerien
Tel. +213-2168-1044
Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it bear the cost of any treatment.
Flight and accommodation
Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.