North African capital on the Mediterranean coast. Old Casbah with narrow streets, mosques, and bazaars. French colonial architecture and Roman artifacts in museums.
Algiers, the capital of Algeria, sits on the Mediterranean coast, with its distinctive white buildings spread across hillsides facing the sea. This North African city is home to the historic Casbah, the newly built Djamaa el Djazaïr mosque, and numerous French colonial-era structures. When you visit Algiers, you'll notice the French and Islamic influences in the architecture, food, and daily life of its residents.
The Casbah
The Casbah, Algiers' old city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is worth your time. This ancient citadel has narrow, winding streets and traditional white-washed houses. As you walk through its steep alleys, you'll find small shops, local cafes, and historic mosques. Visit the Ketchaoua Mosque, which was once a cathedral during French rule. Wear comfortable shoes, as the steep streets can be challenging.
Algiers' Coastal Area
The Mediterranean Sea plays a significant role in Algiers' identity. You can walk along the promenade and see the Bay of Algiers. If you want to spend time at the beach, go to nearby resorts like Sidi Fredj or Palm Beach, about 20 km west of the city center. These areas have supervised beaches, restaurants, and water activities. The seafront is also where you'll find the Algiers Ferry Terminal, which connects to other Mediterranean ports.
Algiers' Architecture
Algiers has many architectural points of interest. The recently completed Djamaa el Djazaïr mosque is the third-largest in the world, with a minaret that's 270 meters tall. The Grande Poste d'Alger, an impressive neo-Moorish building, was built in the early 20th century. In the lower town, you'll see wide boulevards and public squares influenced by French design, while the upper slopes maintain a more traditional Islamic character.
Cultural Institutions
Algiers has several museums and cultural centers. The Bardo National Museum, located in a Moorish villa, displays artifacts from Algeria's past. The National Museum of Fine Arts has works by both Algerian and European artists. To learn about the country's independence struggle, visit the Martyrs National Museum, near the Martyrs Memorial (Maqam Echahid) overlooking the city.
Getting Around Algiers
Algiers has invested in public transportation recently. The Algiers Metro, which opened in 2011, is a quick way to get around the city. It has 10 stations along its 9.5 km route. The city also has a modern tramway system and several cable car lines, which help with the significant elevation changes across Algiers. For longer trips, the Algiers-Houari Boumedienne International Airport connects to destinations worldwide.
Algerian Cuisine
In Algiers, you can try local dishes that reflect various culinary traditions. Sample couscous, served with vegetables and meat, or shakshuka, eggs poached in tomato sauce. Given the city's coastal location, fresh seafood is common. Try the grilled sardines or a seafood tajine. For a quick snack, look for street vendors selling karantika, a chickpea-based flatbread, or bourek, savory pastries filled with meat or cheese.