Algiers (Arabic: الجزائر, al-Jazāʾir; Berber: ⵍⴷⵣⴰⵢⵔ ⵜⴰⵎⴰⵏⴰⵖⵜ, lezzayer tamanaɣt; French: Alger) is the capital and largest city of Algeria, set along the Mediterranean coast. Known for its striking blend of modern and traditional architecture, the city reveals layers of history shaped by Ottoman rule and French colonialism. From the whitewashed Casbah to the sweeping views over the Bay of Algiers, Algiers offers a rich mix of cultural heritage and scenic beauty.
Understand
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The city's name is derived from al-Jazā'ir (Arabic: الجزائر), which is one of two broken plurals of the word jazīra (Arabic: جَزِيرَة, "island").
Algiers is the capital city of Algeria, located in the northern part of the country. It is situated on the Mediterranean Sea and is the largest and most populous city in the country. Algiers is a bustling city of over 3 million people. It is home to many educational institutions, including the University of Algiers, the country's most prestigious institution of higher learning.
The city has a rich history and culture, ranging from archaeological sites to modern architecture. The city is home to iconic buildings such as the Ketchaoua Mosque, the National Library of Algiers, and the Algiers Opera House. The city also has several museums such as the National Museum of Antiquities and Islamic Art, and the National Museum of Fine Arts of Algiers.
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]- 1 Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG IATA) (is 20 km (12 mi) south-east of Algiers). The largest airport is Algiers Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG) with an approximately yearly passenger traffic of 7.5 million people. The airport is named after former president Houari Boumediene.
Domestic destinations
[edit]As of June 2025 Air Algerie and Tassili Airlines offer domestic connections.
- Air Algerie (Adrar, Alia, Annaba, Batna, Béchar, Beirut, Béjaïa, Biskra, Bou Saada, Chlef, Constantine, Djanet, El Bayadh, El Goléa, El Oued, Ghardaïa, Hassi Messaoud, Illizi, In Amenas, In Salah, Jijel, Laghouat, Mécheria, Oran, Ouargla, Sétif, Tamanrasset, Tébessa, Tiaret, Timimoun, Tindouf, Tlemcen, Touggourt)
- Tassili Airlines (Adrar, Annaba, Béchar, Biskra, Constantine, Djanet, El Oued, Ghardaïa, Hassi Messaoud, Hassi R'Mel, Illizi, In Salah, Mascara, Mécheria, Oran, Sétif, Tamanrasset, Tindouf, Tlemcen)
Domestic flights operate from hall 1.
International destinations
[edit]- Air Algérie (Abidjan, Abuja, Alicante, Amman, Antalya, Bamako, Barcelona, Basel/Mulhouse, Beijing–Capital, Bordeaux, Brussels, Cairo, Dakar–Diass, Doha, Douala, Dubai–International, Frankfurt, Geneva, Istanbul, Jeddah, Lille, Lisbon, London–Heathrow, London–Stansted, Lyon, Madrid, Marseille, Metz/Nancy, Milan–Malpensa, Montpellier, Montréal–Trudeau, Moscow–Sheremetyevo, Niamey, Nice, Nouakchott, Ouagadougou, Palma de Mallorca, Paris–Charles de Gaulle, Paris–Orly, Rome–Fiumicino, Toulouse, Tunis, Valencia, Vienna)
- Air Canada (Montreal)
- Air France (Marseilles, Nice, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, Toulouse)
- Ajet (Istanbul)
- ASL Airlines France (Clermont-Ferrand, Lille, Lyon, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, Toulon)
- British Airways (London-Gatwick)
- EgyptAir (Cairo)
- Emirates (Dubai-International)
- Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi)
- Flynas (Jeddah, Medina)
- Iberia (Madrid)
- ITA Airways (Rome-Fiumicino)
- Lufthansa (Frankfurt)
- Nouvelair (Tunis)
- Pegasus Airlines (Istanbul-Sabiha Gökçen)
- Qatar Airways (Doha)
- Royal Jordanian (Amman-Queen Alia)
- Saudia (Jeddah, Medina)
- Tassili Airlines (Nantes, Paris–Charles de Gaulle, Strasbourg
- Transavia (Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Nantes, Paris-Orly, Strasbourg, Toulon)
- Tui fly Belgium (Brussels)
- Tunisair (Tunis)
- Turkish Airlines (Istanbul)
- Volotea (Bordeaux)
- Vueling (Alicante, Barcelona, Marseille)
International flights are operated from hall 4.
Airport transfer
[edit]- Taxi (Outside of Hall 2 and 4). Taxis are available outside Terminal 2 and the new Terminal 4 at Houari Boumediene Airport. Most taxis do not use meters, so you must negotiate the fare before starting the journey. The ride to the centre of Algiers takes around 20 min and costs about 1000 - 1500 DA. From the center to the airport is cheaper, about 600 DA. Make sure to discuss the price before riding.
- Ride-Hailing Apps (Yassir and Heetch). Ride-Hailing-Apps are highly recommended by locals for their transparency and reliability compared to traditional taxis. These apps allow you to book a ride, view the fare upfront, and often assign drivers who can communicate with non-Arabic speakers.
- Bus. The bus operates every 30 min in the daytime to the centre. It costs DA25 paid to the bus driver.
- Commuter trains (Station is located east of terminal 1). There are commuter trains about once per hour from the airport to destinations within the greater Algiers region.
By train
[edit]Algiers is the hub for passenger railways in Algeria and there are at least daily trains from most major cities. All trains are operated by SNTF. Most long-distance train departures and arrives at Agha railway station.
- 2 Agha railway station (محطة قطار آغا).
- 3 Algiers railway station (محطة قطار الجزائر) (A few hundred meters east of the Khelifa Boukhalfa metro station).
By car
[edit]The road network around Algiers has been greatly improved in recent decades, with well-lit four-lane highways leading in and out of the city. There are police and military checkpoints along all roads leading to the city.
Once you arrive in the city, be wary of heavy traffic jams. Policemen serve the role of traffic lights at many intersections. Utilization of mobile phones when driving is strictly prohibited.
By bus
[edit]Gare Routiere du Caroubier is Algiers's central bus terminus in the commune of Hussein Dey (7-10 min drive from downtown). Most of the coaches used are modern and air-conditioned.
- 4 Gare Routiere du Caroubier (Kharouba Gare Routière). Bus station with long distance connections to west, east and south Algeria.
- 5 1 Mai station (محطة 1 مايو) (Use the pedestrian bridge east of Agha rail station.). Serves suburban routes in the wider Algiers area, including Tipaza to the west.
By boat
[edit]There are regular ferry services to Algiers from Marseille and Alicante. Algérie Ferries has the most destinations, but there are a few other shipping companies. The ferry terminal is located in the centre of the city, next to the railway station.
Get around
[edit]Algiers’ public transportation system includes a single metro line, a single tram line, and buses. Taxis are also available, and you can easily find one in the city center.
By metro
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After three decades of construction, the first segment of the Algiers Metro finally opened in 2011. The main line runs from Place des Martyrs next to the Casbash to Haï El Badr, with stops along several of the most important places in the city. From there it continues to El Harrach Centre. An extension line starts from Haï El Badr and terminates at Aïn Naâdja.
Tickets can be purchased at the station, either from a ticket machine (multiple languages but only takes coins; frequently inoperable) or from an attendant. A single trip ticket costs DA50, or a 10-trip ticket can be purchased for DA400.
Watch out for Whistle Man on the platforms, especially at Place des Martyrs station! Upon noticing even the slightest transgression from the crowd, Whistle Man will blow his whistle as hard as he can. Already intolerably loud, its shrillness is amplified to an ear-shattering volume by the station acoustics. For the sake of your short-term (and perhaps long-term) hearing, stand as far away from Whistle Man as you can.
By taxi
[edit]The best way to find a taxi is to look for one of the many taxi stands located around the city. You may even hail a taxi at the airport. It is important to check the taxi's meter to ensure that the fare is fair and reasonable; some taxi drivers in Algiers will try to take advantage of tourists and charge more than the regular fare. You can also book a taxi online through services such as Yassir (an Algerian app) and Heetch (a French one).
By bus
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Buses operate within the city centre and to the suburbs: tickets are purchased on the bus for DA20. Typically, a man with a bundle of tickets approaches you when you board. Unless you speak Arabic, good luck navigating the local bus system.
By tram
[edit]Until the 1950s, Algiers had one of the best tram systems in the world. Cars won the battle for the streets however, and today Algiers’ tram system consists of a single modern line serving the cities eastern suburbs – not typically an area of much interest to tourists. A ticket typically costs DA40. The trams are air-conditioned and are accessible to people with mobility issues. You may buy a ticket at a designated tram kiosk and you can get all the information you need at a tram kiosk.
By rail
[edit]Algiers has a small regional train network, connecting the suburbs with the central city as well as the airport. While not particular useful for tourists, it might be a good option if you are planning to visit some of the surrounding towns.
On foot
[edit]Walking is the best way to explore the casbah and the adjacent coastal neighbourhoods. The biggest risk in exploring Algiers on foot is the heat; be sure to bring plenty of water. Pro tip: if the casbah has you a sweaty mess, head to the shore on the west side of the lighthouse, around the Raïs Palace, where a persistent sea breeze will bring you some relief.
Due to the heavy police presence throughout the city, walking Algiers during the daytime is safe. Watch for pickpockets in the casbah. If you look like a tourist (you probably do), know that you will be particularly conspicuous in neighbourhoods to the north and west of the casbah, such as Bab El Oued.
See
[edit]- 1 Martyrs' Memorial (Maqam Echahid) (in city center). An iconic concrete monument commemorating the Algerian war for independence. In the basement, there is an exhibition about the independence war, basically an exhibition of various kinds of arms the rebels used. DA50.
- 2 National Museum of Fine Arts of Algiers, 178, Place Dar Essalem. Sa M-W 09:00-18:00, Th 09:00-17:00, Su closed. One of the largest arts museums in Africa with over 8,000 works, includes paintings, drawings, engravings and old prints, sculptures, old furniture and decorative art, ceramics, glassware, as well as a numismatic collection. The museum features both Dutch and French masters as well as emblematic Algerian artists such as Baya, Yellès and Racim. DA200.
- 3 Grande Poste d'Alger. A masterpiece of neo-Moorish architecture built in 1910 by the French.
- 4 Palais des Raïs. A classified historical monument. DA200.
- 5 Jardin d'essais of el-hamma (jardin d'essai) (Take any station metro station of the main line and get out at Jardin D'essai metro station.). 09:00-16:00. DA150.
- 6 Djamaa el Djazaïr (Great Mosque of Algiers). Large mosque with tallest minaret in the world. Built in 2012, it is the third-largest mosque in the world. Anyone is allowed in during prayer times, both for prayer or visiting.
- 7 Bardo National Museum (المتحف الوطني باردو).
- 8 National Museum of Antiquities and Islamic Art.
- 9 Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions.
- 10 Museum of Modern Art of Algiers.
- 11 Basilica of Our Lady of Africa. Catholic basilica completed in 1872.
- 12 Sacred Heart Cathedral, Sidi M’Hamed 16000 Algiers. Catholic cathedral completed in 1956. Free.
Casbah
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The Casbah is the ancient city, dating to the 17th century. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- 13 Ketchaoua Mosque. Built in 1794 by the Dey Baba Hassan.
- 14 El Djedid Mosque. Built in 1660 during the Turk reign.
- 15 El Barani Mosque (مسجد براني). Built by the Ottomans in 1653
- 16 Ali la Pointe Museum (متحف علي لابوانت).
- Palace of the Dey ((Arabic: قصر الداي) also known as Algiers Castle (Arabic: قلعة الجزائر)), Boulevard Mohamed Taleb, Casbah. 08:30-16:00. Palace of the Dey, also known as Algiers Castle, is an Ottoman era palace in the city of Algiers, Algeria. Completed in the 16th century, it is situated inside the Casbah of Algiers, and settled by successive deys of the city. The palace can be visited: you get the chance to walk through the house of a dey and enjoy all the luxury accommodations.
Do
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Taking a stroll along the beach promenade and park at 1 Sablette. 
is a popular family activity. It is however not easy to reach as it's separated from the rest of town by a major highway.
Beaches
[edit]- 2 Marina Palm. Beach club.
Buy
[edit]Unofficially exchanging money can be done in the Square Port Said and in Abane Ramdane Street, and in some shops in the area such as mobile phone operators. It's an incredibly common practice and transactions are done openly. The exchange rate is typically 40%-50% better than the official rate. People are most interested in exchanging euro. As of March 2024, you can get about DA235 for €1.
- Handmade Art, 28 Rue des fréres Kadri, Hydra, ☏ +213 540980195. Sa-Th 10:00-18:00. Traditional handcraft shop (ceramics, leather work, stationery, basketry)
- Znika Tourisme & Artisanat, 7 M Azouzi Street, Casbah. Daily 10:00-18:00. Algerian handicrafts (art, T-shirts, baskets, mirrors and other traditional items).
- L’épicerie, 5 Rue Professeur Curtillet Sacré Cœur, ☏ +213 540980195. 09:00-19:00. There is a little grocery store nearby the restaurant where you can find quality-sourced products (olive oil, spices, nut spreads, vinegar, cutlery, pastries).
- Librairie Le 88 (Librairie 88 Didouche Mourad), 88 rue Didouche Mourad, Sidi M'Hamed. Bookshop with publications in French and Arabic. There are university research publications about colonialism, feminism, books for children, novels and poetry by Arabic authors. You can also find postcards.
Eat
[edit]There are several restaurants in the Bois des Arcades area. This is the hill 500 m southeast of the big Martyrs memorial. Particularly good views over Algiers and the coast can be found from here. The hill is also a woodland, so is a nice area for walking too.
- 1 Al Boustan Restaurant (El Boustene), Bois des Arcades Riadh El Feth. Panoramic restaurant overlooking Algiers. The restaurant is modern and very smart. An outdoor terrace offers the best views of Algiers and the coast. Food is excellent.
- Sapori, 20 Rpe Chasseloup-Laudat, Casbah Alger, ☏ +213 540559400, [email protected]. M-Sa 11:30-15:00 and 19:00-23:00. Couscous bar
- Le Ciloc, 6 Rue de savoie, Hydra, ☏ +213 562071211, [email protected]. Sa-Th 08:00-00:00, F 19:00-00:00. Genuine Constantine food in a quiet and traditional atmosphere.
Drink
[edit]Algeria's red wine is of very high quality and will be appreciated by wine aficionados. It is rarely found on the international market. Locally produced beer is good quality. Alcohol is readily available in hotels, good restaurants and shops.
- Seventy-Five Lounge at El Aurassi Hotel, 2, Boulevard Frantz Fanon, Les Tagarins. Enjoy a drink (with or without alcohol) with a beautiful view over Algiers and the bay.
Sleep
[edit]Budget
[edit]A good place to look for a hotel is Rue Abane Ramdane, which is in central Algiers. There are several hotels with prices starting from DA2000-2500 for the cheapest category.
- Central Touring Hotel, 9, rue Abane Ramdane. Has some kind of atmosphere, though for a cheap price. There are various categories of rooms, with shared toilets and showers, private showers only or private toilet + shower. DA2000-5000.
- Hôtel El Badr, 31, Rue Amar El Kama ex (rue de chartres), [email protected]. Located in the Casbah, quite run-down inside. It offers online booking, but prices are much cheaper if you just come and pay in cash (especially if you change money the unofficial way). This hotel can send you an official booking confirmation which the Algerian consulates will (hopefully) accept for visa application. From about DA1300.
Mid-range
[edit]- 1 Ibis Alger-Aéroport Hotel, Route de l'université, ☏ +213 21 98 80 20.
- 2 Hotel Suisse, rue Lieutenant Salah Boulhart (ex-Drouillet), ☏ +213 21631009. Town centre hotel. Old and charming, but reasonably comfortable. Good value for town centre. Wireless internet throughout is fast.
Splurge
[edit]- 3 Sheraton Club des Pins Resort, Boite Postal 62, ☏ +213 21 37 77 77. Beachfront resort.
- 4 Sofitel Algiers Hamma Garden Hotel, 172 Rue Hassiba Ben Bouali, ☏ +213 21 68 52 10.
- 5 Hyatt Regency Algiers Airport, Houari Boumediene Airport, Algiers, Algeria, 16033, ☏ +213 2355 1234, [email protected]. DA25000-30000 a night.
- 6 Ibis Alger-Aéroport Hotel, Route de l'université, ☏ +213 21 98 80 20. Check-in: 12:00. 5 minutes away from Houari Boumediene Airport. Twin room from €95 a night.
Stay safe
[edit]- See also: Algeria#Stay_safe
Emergency numbers
[edit]- To contact the Algerian police, dial 1548.
- To contact the Algerian fire department, dial 14.
- To contact the Algerian parademics, dial 0 213 23 54 44 28.
Connect
[edit]Cope
[edit]There are more than 90 embassies in Algiers.
Embassies
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1 Angola, 90 Domaine Ben Haddadi Said Dar Diaf, Cheraga El Biar, [email protected]. 
2 Argentina, 5, Chemin Mackley, Ben Aknoun, ☏ +213 21 54-8665, +213 21 69-1269, [email protected]. 
Belgium, 22, Chemin Youcef Tayebi, 16030 El Biar, ☏ +213 21-922446.
Brazil, 55, bis Chemin Cheikh Bachir El Ibrahimi, El Biar, ☏ +213 21 924437, fax: +213 21 924125, [email protected].
Canada, 18 Mustapha Khalef St, Ben Aknoun, BP 103, ☏ +213 21 91 49 51.
China, 34 Boulevard Des Martyrs, ☏ +213 21 69 2724, fax: +213 21 69 3056. Su-Th 08:30-12:00, 14:00-18:00.
Croatia, 26. Bis, Rue Hadj Ahmed Mohamed – Hydra, ☏ +213 21 48 49 07.
Czech Republic, 3, Chemin du Ziryab, Telemly, Ben Aknoun, BP 103, ☏ +213 21 230056, [email protected].
Denmark, 12 Ave Emile Marquis, Lot. Djenane El-Malik, BP 103, ☏ +213 21 548 228.
Egypt, 8 Chemin Gaddouche, Hydra, ☏ +213 21 692646, fax: +213 21 692952, [email protected]. Su-Th 09:00-15:00.
Finland, 10 Rue des Cedrest El Mouradia BP 103, ☏ +213 21-692 925, fax: +213-21-691 637, [email protected]. M-Th 09:00-12:00.
France, 25 Chemin Gaddouche, Hydra 1600, BP 103, ☏ +213 21 69 24 88.
Germany, 165, Chemin Sfindja (ex Laperlier), Algiers, BP 103, ☏ +213 21 74 19 41.
Greece, 60, Blv Colonel Bougara, 16030 El Biar, Alger, Algiers, BP 103, ☏ +213 21-92 12 28, fax: +213 21-92 34 90, [email protected].
Hungary, 18, Avenue des Freres Oughlis BP 68 El-Mouradia, BP 103, ☏ +213 21-923288.- Indonesia, 17 Chemin Abdelkader Gadouche, Hydra B.P 62 El-Mouradia +213 672531636
Italy, 18, Rue Mohammed Ouidir Amellal, 16030 El Biar, BP 103, ☏ +213 21 9259 86.
Malaysia, Lottisement Zergoug, Villa No. 9, Hydra, BP 103, ☏ +213 21 60 68 12, [email protected]. 08:30 - 16:30.
Nigeria, Nox 6, Rue Nox 3, Paradou, Hydra, ☏ +213 23459089, [email protected]. Su-Th 09:00-16:00.
Romania, 24, Rue Abri Arezki, Hydra, 16035, ☏ +213 23 48 55 87, fax: +213 23 48 55 86, [email protected].
Serbia, 7, Rue des Freres Benhafid, 16035 Hydra, ☏ +213 21 69 12 18, fax: +213 21 69 34 72.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, 3 Chemin Capitaine Hocine Slimane, ☏ +213 770 085 000.
United States of America, 3 05 Chemin Cheikh Bachir Ibrahimi El-Biar 16030, ☏ +213 770-08-2000.
Go next
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