Guide to Algeria: what to see, what to do and what to eat

Located in northern Africa, Algeria is a country rich in history, culture and breathtaking landscapes. With a fusion of Berber, Arab, and French influences, this nation captivates travelers with its vibrant cities, ancient Roman ruins, and the vast desert expanses of the Sahara.

What to see in Algeria

Algeria is a vast and diverse country with cities rich in cultural and historical attractions, such as Algiers, the capital. It is a vibrant metropolis that combines modernity and tradition. Among the city’s landmarks is the Casbah, the historic heart of Algiers. Oran is a coastal city with a cosmopolitan atmosphere, known for its vibrant music and cultural scene. Constantine, known as the “City of Suspension Bridges,” is famous for its spectacular suspension bridges that span the city’s deep gorges.

What to do in Algeria

Discover Roman archaeological sites

Algeria boasts an exceptionally rich and well-preserved Roman heritage, such as Tiddis, a site located on a hill near Constantine. Timgad, known as the “Pompeii of Africa”, is one of the best preserved Roman cities in the world. The ruins of Djemila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contain some of the best-preserved monuments in North Africa. These include the Christian Basilica, the Forum and the Roman Theatre.

Sahara Desert Excursion

Exploring the Sahara is one of the most unforgettable experiences Algeria has to offer. This vast ocean of golden sand covers a large part of Algeria’s territory and offers an incredible variety of landscapes, from endless sand dunes to lush oases.

Admire the rock art at Tassili N’Ajjer

One of the most extraordinary experiences in Algeria is undoubtedly a visit to Tassili N’Ajjer, one of the most important rock art sites in the world. This site offers not only spectacular landscapes of rocky plateaus and deep gorges, but also a collection of rock paintings and engravings dating back thousands of years.

What to eat in Algeria

Algerian cuisine is rich in flavor and tradition. Its dishes reflect Arab, Berber, and French influences. Mhadjeb, for example, is a kind of semolina crepe stuffed with tomato sauce, onions, peppers, and minced meat, served as a snack or appetizer. Chorba, a rich and flavorful soup, is one of the main dishes during the month of Ramadan. Algerian couscous, made with wheat semolina and served with meat, vegetables, and sometimes dried fruit, is a must-try dish in the Maghreb.  Mechoui is a slow-roasted whole lamb dish often served during festivals.

Photo Credits

Halima Bouchouicha, Unsplash

Hani.ad, Wikimedia

rapidtravelchai, Wikimedia

Sefyu23, Wikimedia

Dan Sloan, Wikimedia

Azzedine Rouichi, Unsplash

W.aliane9509, Wikimedia