Algiers Travel Guide – Things to Do, Where to Stay & What to See

The capital of Algeria is known as Algiers; it is a city that incorporates centuries of history, and a vibrant Mediterranean flavor, to provide the visitors with a rare combination of architectual beauty, cultural diversity, and seaside charm. The contents of this Algiers Travel Guide are the most fascinating places that this city has to offer including the old quarters which are under the UNESCO protection and even unwinding in botanical gardens, which overlook the sea. You love Ottoman palaces, French colonial avenues, or the taste of the traditional Algerian cuisine, Algiers is a destination that is going to make your trip memorable as the past and the present collide with each other. 

With increase in the Algerian tourism, there is increasing number of travelers seeking reliable information on how they can go about planning their trip comfortably. Learning about the realities like transport, accommodation, safety, and in particular the Algeria visa requirements would make your visit much better. In order to ease the visa application procedure of Algeria and organize tailor-made tours, some of the companies such as Go Kite Tours provide reliable services that enable the visitors to explore the area safely. Properly prepared, Algiers is not only a destination, but also a starting point of the discovery of the rest of the cultural and natural marvels of North Africa. 

Here are some of the Algiers Travel Guide—Things to Do, Where to Stay & What to See. 

What to See & Do in Algiers 

Explore the Casbah 

The tour to Algiers is never complete without exploring the Casbah, the legendary location of the city, being a UNESCO World Heritage due to its steep and winding streets and old houses whitewashed over time. We have architectural highlights like the Ketchaoua Mosque, palaces of the Ottoman period, artisans workshops and bustling markets whereby the locals assemble here. The Casbah is an ideal reflection of the Algerian past, with the influences of Islam, Arab, Berber and Ottoman cultures, and the atmosphere of the maze of alleys that one wants to explore. Tours are also advised in order to find the secret court yards, historical monuments, and tales inscribed in the old walls. 

Visit Iconic Landmarks 

Algiers has a landmarked skyline which has a number of landmarks. The Martyrs Memorial (Maqam Echahid) is an influential reminder of the struggles of Algeria to achieve independence and it also provides panoramic views of the city and the bay. The Basilique Notre Dame d'Afrique, a hill-top neo-Byzantine church boasting of excellent mosaics and spectacular coastal views, is equally breathtaking. La Grande Poste is another architectural marvel; the building is a vivid reproduction of the French colonial architecture with a Moorish influence that has won the title of most photographed buildings in the city. Every monument adds another chapter to the history of Algiers. 

Calm in Jardin d Essai du Hamma. 

The Jardin d'Essai du Hamma is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in North Africa to escape peacefully. The garden is divided into French, English and tropical parts and has a spectacular line of exotic trees, flower-beds in various colors, fountain and walking-paths. The on-site aquarium is also of great interest to the families and nature lovers, as an escape to the crowded city. Its closeness to the National Museum of Fine Arts will enable one to be able to make a day trip and make a beeline between the two attractions. 

Discover Museums 

Algiers has many cultural institutions which are used to help bring enlightenment on the heritage of the country. Archaeological finds, ethnographic artifacts, and exhibits that track down the various civilizations in Algeria are exhibited in the Bardo National Museum, which is located in a lavish Ottoman palace. The National Museum of Fine Arts adjacent to it hosts one of the largest collections of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts in Africa which is also a good place to trace the art of the local artists or the European masters. An additional insight into the museum visit is a better comprehension of the identity, traditions and the development of Algerian art. 

Live Harlem, Brooklyn, and Greenwich. 

In Algiers, modernity is flourishing in its bustling streets and quarters. One of the major commercial streets in the city is Didouche Mourad that is a home to stylish cafes, boutiques, and the architecture typical of Paris. In the meantime, there is Bab El Oued, a coastal area, which is popular with seafood restaurants, bakeries, and thriving urban vibe. These places are the best to absorb local culture, street life and local Algerian snacks. 

Where to Stay in Algiers 

Central & Upscale Options 

Those who like comfort and convenience will have great options in the middle Algiers. The Sofitel Algiers Hamma Garden is a luxury hotel that has access to the botanical gardens, is close to business and leisure travelers and the rooms are modern. El Aurassi Hotel is a beautiful seaside hotel with what is considered as one of the best terraces in town. The other preferred alternative is Lamaraz Arts Hotel, which is modern and excellently designed. Remaining in such areas would be a guarantee of easy access to key attractions and good transportation. 

Budget & Historic Stays 

AFRIC HOTEL located in the Casbah area is a good option to consider those who want to spend reasonably or experience the city in its traditional part as the hotel is located in the center of the historic area of the city. El Ghanami Hotel and Audin Hotel are simple and affordable hotels that are close to major attractions and local markets. These are the kind of hotels that are suitable to the backpackers, the lone travelers or any other individual who wants to visit Algiers without straining their wallet. 

Food & Culture 

The Algerian cuisine is a tasty fusion of North African, Berber, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Flavors. Tourists will not want to miss out on such standards as couscous, linguistic dishes, grilled fish, spicy merguez sausages, and honey-sweetened pastries. Cuisine is best sampled in the Casbah where one can find traditional food whereas, in the more modern areas such as the Hydra, one can find contemporary food and international food. 

The blend of French colonial boulevard, Ottoman mosques, and Islamic decorative features all over the city will enjoy the desire of architecture enthusiasts. It is the contribution of this architectural variety that makes Algiers so appealing to the eye. 

Getting Around 

The Algiers Metro is cheap, clean and efficient and links out key areas and tourist attractions. Tourists are able to buy single tickets or a 24-hour ticket to make it easier. 

There are taxis, which are very commonplace and convenient in getting places that are not covered by the metro. It is advisable to negotiate the fare in advance or ask him to use the meter. 

Travel Tips 

Visa & Entry Requirements 

The most important part before planning your trip is to know the requirements of Algeria visa, and this is also dependent on the nationality. In most instances, a visitor has to present an application of Algeria visa at an embassy or a consulate where he produces papers showing the passport copies, invitation letters, travel plans and accommodation evidences. This can be a complicated process, and as a result, tourists tend to turn to services of other companies such as Go Kite Tours that will help simplify visa services and other travel preparations. 

Safety & Local Guidance 

Though the country is generally safe to travel but it is always better to visit big tourist sites, be vigilant and do not listen to the locals mostly when exploring the older parts of the country such as the Casbah. He or she should use local guides to learn more about the history of the city and might have a hassle-free experience. 

Conclusion 

Algiers is a city of opposites; of old streets and streets with French pavement, old gardens and modern markets. This Algiers Travel Guide shows the most outstanding things the capital has to offer be it its architectural miracles and their cultural organizations to its delicious cuisine and accommodative neighborhood. Algiers offers an extensive and experimental travel experience regardless of whether you want to engage in history, art or just enjoy the coastal atmosphere. 

Early preparation particularly in terms of transportation, accommodation, and Algeria visa would be a good way of ensuring that the visit is stress free. Travelers can also find it easier to navigate the Algeria visa application process with expert assistance and customized itineraries that suit their interests with expert help of teams like Go Kite Tours. You will remember the trip to Algiers as a fascinating experience when you are prepared and curious enough to see the beauty and substance of this great North African city.