Located on Algeria's Mediterranean coast, this major port city has shaped North African trade since the 10th century. Its French colonial buildings and Ottoman-era mosques line the waterfront.
Oran, Algeria's second-largest city, sits on the Mediterranean coast. From the 16th-century Santa Cruz Fort on Mount Murdjadjo, you can look down at the city's mix of architectural periods: the Ottoman-era Great Mosque, Spanish defensive walls, and French colonial buildings like the Municipal Theater. In the evenings, locals walk along the waterfront promenade, and you might hear Raï music coming from cafes in the La Blanca quarter.
Getting Around Oran
The city extends from the waterfront up to the hillside districts. The main areas include La Blanca (the old quarter) and La Ville Nouvelle (the French colonial district), with wide boulevards connecting them. You can walk to most places in the central areas, but you'll need a taxi to reach the Santa Cruz Fort. The Yassir ride-hailing app works throughout Oran.
Exploring La Blanca Quarter
La Blanca contains many Ottoman-period buildings. The Great Mosque, dating from 1796, has an octagonal minaret with geometric patterns carved into its stone walls. Near the mosque, you'll find the Bey's Palace, where you can see the former sultan's reception room with its painted wooden ceilings and stucco wall decorations. The quarter's narrow streets lead past several smaller mosques and traditional houses with interior courtyards.
Santa Cruz Fort and Views
From the Santa Cruz Fort on Mount Murdjadjo, you can see across Oran and the Mediterranean Sea. The Spanish-built fort includes thick defensive walls, round watchtowers, and a chapel. Take a taxi from the city center - the journey takes about 20 minutes. Many visitors come in late afternoon when temperatures are cooler and you can watch the sunset over the bay.
Markets and Shopping Areas
At Medina Djedida, you'll find stalls selling leather goods, carpets, metalwork, and local food products. The Bastille Market focuses on fresh produce, with vendors selling olives, dates, and seasonal fruits. Both markets open early, with most local shoppers arriving between 7:00 and 11:00 AM.
Music and Culture
Raï music began in Oran during the 1930s, combining North African instruments with modern musical styles. Today, you can hear live performances in cafes and during local festivals. The Ahmed Zabana Museum displays Roman mosaics found in the region, along with collections of Algerian art and natural history exhibits.
Waterfront District
The Front de Mer (waterfront) has a long promenade next to the Mediterranean. You can walk past the commercial port and stop at restaurants serving grilled fish and seafood. The Place du 1er Novembre square sits at the heart of the modern city, surrounded by French colonial architecture including the Municipal Theater with its neo-classical façade.
