With a firm mix of North African, French and Arab vibes, it would be fair to say that Algiers is a city that YPT love. Yet while we have quite an affinity for this epic city, it is also a tough nut to crack.
And while crack it we indeed do on our tours, we have also put together this fine Algiers guide for y’all that wanna check out the city by yourself.
Table of Contents
What the Algiers
Algiers is one of those cities that has existed in some form for thousands of years, yet somehow still feels modern, chaotic, rough, polished and entirely unique all at the same time. The Phoenicians kicked things off, the Romans added their bit, and then the Islamic dynasties truly turned it into a power centre. This was followed by the Corsairs, the infamous era when Algiers became the piracy capital of the Mediterranean. For a long time Europeans were terrified of the so called Barbary pirates who operated with full permission of the city’s rulers.
The Ottomans solidified control, turning Algiers into one of the most important ports in North Africa. Then came the French who did not just colonise it but fully absorbed it into France. Algiers became a capital of colonial France, with grand boulevards, white buildings and Haussmann style planning. When independence came in 1962 the city again reinvented itself, mixing revolutionary pride with a still visible French aesthetic. Modern Algiers is therefore a weird but wonderful blend of Arab, Berber, Ottoman and French elements. It is chaotic but charming, revolutionary but relaxed, and one of the most striking capitals in Africa.
What to do in Algiers
Algiers is great because you really do not have to do much more than stroll down the almost Paris like streets to have a good time. That though is not to say there are not things to do, with everything from cable cars to metros, revolutionary monuments and of course a casbah. You should rock the casbah when you are in Algeria.
Top 5 Things to do in Algiers Guide
The Casbah of Algiers
The heart of old Algiers, a labyrinth of tight alleys, Ottoman era houses and local life. Best reached by taxi to the upper entrance so you can walk down rather than up.
Martyrs Memorial
The giant concrete palm looking monument dedicated to those who died in the liberation war. Take a taxi or the cable car to the top. The views over Algiers are insane.
Notre Dame d Afrique
A basilica overlooking the sea and one of the last relics of French rule. Best reached by taxi. Inside is calm, stunning and a total contrast to the mayhem outside.
The Botanical Garden
East of the city centre and accessible by metro. Huge gardens, shady trees and a great place to escape the madness.
The Bardo Museum
A small but solid museum housed in an old Ottoman palace. Located near the centre and easily reached by taxi or metro. Gives you a good grounding in Algerian history.
Eating in Algiers Guide
Algerian cuisine is without doubt one of the most underrated and least known on the planet, meaning you are in for a real treat when you hit the capital. Most of the restaurants serve Algerian fare, as you might expect, but you will also see Syrian, Tunisian, French and of course Chinese restaurants here.
Click to0 read about Algerian cuisine.
5 Best Restaurants in Algiers
Counting down from 5 to 1
5 Caracoya
One of the most consistently recommended restaurants in central Algiers. Proper Algerian dishes, grilled meats, and hearty portions. Good prices. Easy to reach from anywhere in downtown Algiers.
4 Havana
A long standing favourite for expats and Algerians who want solid grilled food, seafood and Mediterranean inspired dishes. Located near the centre and easily walkable.
3 Le Bearnais
Your classic French style restaurant in Algiers with steaks, sauces, seafood and a more polished feel. Great for a nicer dinner. Located downtown.
2 Carthage
A Tunisian leaning restaurant but with Algerian classics on the menu too. Portions are big, flavours are strong, and it stays busy for good reason. Taxi it if you are not familiar with the area.
1 Restaurant Mim
Modern, stylish and widely considered one of the best restaurants in the country. Rooftop views and high end Algerian inspired dishes. Pricey but worth it. Located in Hydra.
Nightlife of Algiers Guide
When it comes to the Algiers nightlife its a little bit complicated. Basically Algiers is not Tunis, but it is also not Tripoli. Essentially it is not dry and they even make their own beer and wine. Do not though expect to go on a bender here. Things close early, drinking is discreet and hotels are the safest bet for a legal drink.
5 best Places to drink in Algiers
Counting down from 5 to 1
5 Sheraton Bar
Hotel bar, quiet but reliable. Good for an early evening drink.
4 Sofitel Bar
More lively than the Sheraton. Good cocktails and decent wine.
3 Le Bearnais Bar Section
The restaurant doubles as one of the more relaxed drinking spots in the city. Always dependable.
2 Liberté Hotel Bar
One of the long standing drinking institutions for foreigners. A very old school Algerian hotel bar experience.
1 Hotel Suisse Bar
Still the most classic drinking venue in central Algiers. It is not fancy but it gets the job done and it is where locals and foreigners actually go for a drink.
Sleeping in Algiers Guide
While there are some hotels of sorts in Algiers, the main choices for travelers are the hotels that are mid range and cater to foreigners. Of course if your budget permits much like any place there are a number of high end options.
ABC Hotel
Address: 06 rue Sidi Yahia, Hydra, Algiers
Phone: +213 23 48 10 10
Hotel Suisse
Address: 06 rue Ben M Hidi, Algiers
Phone: +213 21 73 10 45
Liberté Hotel
Address: Hydra main street
Phone: +213 21 60 11 44
Sofitel Algiers
Address: Rue du Colonel Lotfi
Phone: +213 21 34 00 00
Sheraton Algiers
Address: Club des Pins
Phone: +213 21 37 77 77
Getting in and out of Algiers Guide
Getting into Algiers is usually via Houari Boumediene International Airport which is modern, easy enough and connected to the city by taxis and the brand new tram system. Flights come in from Europe, the Middle East and parts of Africa. Overland entry is technically possible from Tunisia but not from Morocco due to the closed land border. Trains and long distance buses connect Algiers with Oran, Constantine, Annaba and the interior. Leaving Algiers is easy whether you want domestic flights, international ones or long overland journeys. The main bus stations are busy but manageable and the rail network, although old, does the job.
Conclusion
Algiers is frankly an amazing city with you being able to transport yourself from North Africa to Parisian France in just a few blocks. There is weather here, there is culture, there are super friendly people and enough to keep you entertained for a week, or as a stopover to explore Africas biggest country.
And of course you can also visit with the experts at Young Pioneer Tours on one of our Algeria Tours.
About Post Author
