Algeria is the largest country in Africa and without a doubt one of the most underrated countries on this continent. There are plenty of amazing places to visit in Algeria, so how come this country sees a lot fewer tourists than the neighbouring countries of Tunisia and Morocco? Well, most visitors need to obtain a tourist visa for Algeria from their embassy beforehand (although there have been rumours about EVisa launching one day).
But this should not stop you from putting Algeria on your bucket list. From gorgeous coastal cities with incredible architecture, ancient Roman sites to the desert villages, Algeria will surprise you!
# OranOran brings a lot of charm! The city is known for its laid back lifestyle, stunning French-inspired architecture and it is also the birthplace of rai music. You would have heard the most iconic song of this style by Cheb Khaled – Aicha. So catchy,
Honestly, you could wander the streets of Oran for hours and admire the beauty. Sacred Heart Cathedral of Oran is a must-see when exploring Oran, as well as the views over the city from the Fortaleza Santa Cruz – Ottoman style.
# ConstantineThe city of bridges, Constantine is one of the most amazing places to visit in Algeria. The setting of the city is simply gorgeous, at the centre of it, the diamond-shaped plateau.
Bridges connect the city across the ditch, the most beautiful one is the Sidi M’Cid Bridge. Once upon a time, this used to be the highest suspension bridge in the world.
# AlgiersThe capital city of Algeria is a bustling place sometimes called the white city. At the centre is the Unesco-listed old Kasbah (medina) with the incredible old home turned into a museum – Dar Hassan Pasha. The Kasbah is a real maze and you can easily get lost here snapping photos of the crumbling houses and cats.
But there is more! Botanical Garden Hamma with the view of the Monument of the Martyr and then the largest church, the Church of Notre Dame of Africa ((Basilique Notre-Dame d’Afrique).
# GhardaiaThey say you haven’t seen Algeria unless you go south. Well, there is the south (more like the centre) and then the real south, but Ghardaia is definitely one of the places to visit in Algeria.
Ghardaia is a fortified town with white and red houses. Set in the M’zab Valley, it actually consists of 5 towns (some say 7) built almost 1000 years ago. Each city has its own social hierarchy to ensure stability and prosperity for each citizen. The houses have an unusual design, with a window in the roof of the house to ensure sunlight throughout the day.
# DjanetWhenever you ask Algerians, where you should visit in the Sahara, most of them say Djanet. This unique settlement of small villages clustered together surrounding a spectacular oasis in the middle of the Sahara desert feels like another planet.
Visiting here means getting down to the basics, camping in the desert with a million stars at night. The local people here take pride in their traditional music and dancing, as well as artists and craftsmen. The Tassili N’Ajjer rock paintings are a must-see sight.
# TimimounAnother exceptional place to visit in Algeria is Timimoun. This is a dusty city famous for its red-mud buildings set around a huge oasis with a jaw dropping views of the sand dunes and salt lake which surrounds the city.
On the streets of the town, you’ll meet Berbers, Haratines and merchants from Mali.