What to do in Algiers: sites, culture, nature, and gastronomy
For once, I’ll be writing about a non-European city!
Algiers, nicknamed “the White City”, is a capital rich in history and heritage that is still an undiscovered gem. With its old alleyways, historic monuments, and unique atmosphere, it deserves to be better-known. Above all, as the country remains relatively untouched by tourism, Algiers provides a fully authentic travel experience and immersion into North African culture.
Check out why exploring cities off the beaten path can be life-changing.
Wonder what to do in Algiers? Here are the 10 must-see spots to explore Algiers.
Hi! I’m Anya, founder of the travel blog Stop Going to Paris which focuses on underrated cities in Europe. I’m a passionate traveler but above all, a passionate adventurer always looking for the hidden gems that deserve more love.
After 10 years and 70+ destinations, I can help you plan your European trip: book a call with me. It includes a full itinerary with unique destinations, transportation, accommodation and activities.
Fun fact, I live in… drumroll… Paris! That’s why the name of the blog is funny.
Discover Amazigh Culture
Amazigh culture, the native culture of the region, is rich with traditions. It celebrates a deep connection to North African nature, community, and history, preserving its identity through storytelling, crafts, and festivals like Yennayer, the Amazigh New Year.
Exploring the Amazigh culture brings you closer to Algeria’s ancestral past, much like it would in Europe through renowned European artisan crafts.
Amazigh culture comes to life in Algiers through various places, events, and initiatives that showcase this ancient heritage.
- Exhibitions during Yennayer: During the celebration of the Amazigh New Year in January, numerous events are held across the city. Museums and cultural centers host artists and artisans who highlight Amazigh art and heritage.
- Specialized bookstores, which feature works in Tamazight and texts on Amazigh history. These are ideal for diving into the region’s literature and poetry.
- Algiers is full of markets where you can discover Amazigh crafts. The city’s souks and specialized shops offer traditional Amazigh jewelery, pottery and carpets. These handmade items instantly connect you to Amazigh aesthetics and craftsmanship.
- Amazigh traditional music concerts: Renowned Kabyle artists like Takfarinas or Lounis Aït Menguellet regularly perform in Algiers, providing an immersive experience in Amazigh music. If you get the opportunity, attend one of these concerts!
Amazigh culture exhibit. Photos by Anya Rahmoune from Stop Going to Paris.
Maqam El-Chahid, the Martyrs’ Memorial
Maqam El-Chahid (The Martyrs’ Memorial) is one of the most powerful symbols of independent Algeria. Built in 1982, it honors the heroes of the independence war and is a tribute to Algerian resilience. It’s impossible to miss its three giant palm leaves reaching toward the sky.
Visitors can also explore the underground museum that vividly narrates the struggle for the country’s freedom through fascinating exhibits. A visit here instantly connects you with Algeria’s recent history of struggle against French colonialism and its sacrifices made for independence.
Ketchaoua Mosque
Located at the foot of the iconic Casbah of Algiers, Ketchaoua Mosque is a historic and architectural gem that embodies the city’s diverse cultural influences. Built in the 16th century during the Ottoman rule, this mosque underwent a significant transformation during French colonization when it was converted into the Saint-Philippe Cathedral. After Algeria’s independence in 1962, it reclaimed its original purpose as a Muslim place of worship, symbolizing the restoration of national heritage.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ketchaoua Mosque is a marvel of architectural fusion. Its Roman-inspired columns, Andalusian arches, and Moorish ornaments make it a unique site reflecting centuries of history and cultural exchanges. The interior, rich in intricate details, offers a space of sobriety and elegance, providing an atmosphere imbued with spirituality.
Notre-Dame d’Afrique
Perched on the heights of Bologhine, Notre-Dame d’Afrique (nicknamed Lalla Myriem by the locals) is the biggest basilica in Africa, and one like no other. Bearing the inscriptions “Notre Dame d’Afrique, pray for us and for Muslims” and “Brotherly love comes from God. It is God himself.” in Kabyle, Arabic and French, it perfectly reflects the spirit of coexistence that characterizes Algiers.
Built in the 19th century during the colonial period, its architectural style blends Neo-Byzantine and Moorish influences.
And then there’s the view – an absolutely breathtaking panorama. Before you lies the Bay of Algiers, with the Mediterranean sea sparkling under the sun. This peaceful place, ideal for reflection, highlights the cultural openness of the city.
Bastion 23 – Raïs Palace
Located in the heart of the old city, Bastion 23 is a true jewel of Algiers’ heritage. Originally a bastion dating back to the 16th century, it was designed to protect Algiers from naval invasions. Long used as a residence for dignitaries, it embodies the elegance of Moorish palaces with its arches, inner courtyards, and patios adorned with traditional tiles.
Today, Bastion 23 has been transformed into a museum and cultural center. It offers a unique space to delve into Algiers’ maritime and urban history while admiring temporary art and cultural exhibitions. A walk through its galleries transports you to another era, blending Algerian splendor with a Mediterranean atmosphere.
Jardin d’Essai du Hamma
Jardin d’Essai du Hamma is a true oasis in the heart of the capital. Established in 1832, this botanical garden is delightful, with shady walkways, centuries-old trees, and meticulously maintained gardens.
Divided into several sections, it blends local and exotic plants in a single setting. Walking along its ponds and paths feels like visiting the finest gardens of Europe and Asia.
This place has even served as a backdrop for numerous films. One of the most famous examples is the Tarzan movie from the 1930s, where its towering palms and lush ambiance stood in for real African jungles.
National Museum of Fine Arts
Located in the El Hamma district near the Jardin d’Essai, the National Museum of Fine Arts in Algiers is one of the largest in Africa.
It houses an impressive collection of works that are very varied: from 19th-century European paintings by Delacroix or Renoir (who were inspired by Algeria’s landscapes and culture) to modern Algerian artworks.
The museum boasts an exceptional collection of Algerian art pieces that highlight the country’s artistic scene. Among them are the works of esteemed masters such as Mohamed Racim, whose intricate miniatures celebrate the history and daily life of Algeria with vibrant colors and precise craftsmanship. His works preserve the spirit of Algerian traditions through the refinement of the miniature art style.
The museum also features the creations of Baya Mahieddine, a self-taught artist whose surreal, dreamlike compositions carry profound symbolic meaning. Her pieces are celebrated for their exuberant palettes, feminine energy, and unique depiction of Algerian culture.
the museum also showcases Ismail Samsom’s bold sculptures and captivating modern interpretations of Algerian life, bridging the past and the present.
Those artists, who were active during the colonial and post-independence periods, used their art to respond to the social and political challenges of their times, documenting resistance, hope, and the redefinition of identity in a free Algeria. These pieces not only captivate with their beauty but also provide insight into the nation’s tumultuous journey.
Beyond paintings and sculptures, the museum also features prints, ceramics, and Islamic art pieces. It’s a place where past and present intersect, creating a fascinating dialogue between local artistic traditions and Western influences.
The Bardo Museum and Museum of Prehistory and Ethnography
If you’re curious about Algeria’s rich past, the Bardo Museum is the perfect place to dive into the history of this fascinating land. Housed in a magnificent 18th-century palace, the collections focus on two main aspects: prehistory and ethnography. You can admire unique fossils, prehistoric tools, and even fascinating reconstructions of early human habitats. These exhibits help us understand how early civilizations shaped the region.
The ethnographic section, meanwhile, showcases Algeria’s intangible heritage. You’ll find traditional clothing, intricately crafted Amazigh jewelry, and everyday items from various regions of the country.
The Great Mosque of Algiers
Inaugurated in 2020, the Great Mosque of Algiers, or “Djamaâ El Djazaïr,” is a modern masterpiece with a towering 265-meter minaret – the tallest in the world.
More than a place of worship, it’s a symbol of identity and pride. Inside, the architecture blends Islamic traditions with modernity, featuring ornamental details that are eye-catching. A walk through its courtyard or a moment of contemplation inside lets you feel the spirituality infusing every stone.
Enjoy local Algerian cuisine
Algerian dishes, inspired by Amazigh and Mediterranean traditions, strike a delicious balance between simplicity and generosity. Here are some must-tries:
- Couscous: Made from semolina, it’s typically served with seasonal vegetables and meat (lamb, chicken, or fish). Its broth, infused with spices like ras el hanout, makes it a warm and comforting dish.
- Chorba: This traditional soup is a staple at meals, especially during Ramadan. It’s made with meat, vegetables, and vermicelli, all seasoned with a hearty dose of coriander and mint.
- Fish-Based Dishes: Situated on the Mediterranean, Algiers offers specialties featuring fresh fish like sea bream or whiting. Popular dishes include charmoula – a dish of fish simmered with tomatoes, onions, cumin, and paprika. Simple, yet delicious.
The pastries are often made with semolina, almonds, honey, and orange blossom water. My recommendations:
- Makrouts: made of semolina filled with date paste, and dipped in a honey syrup. Their crispy exterior and soft interior are fantastic.
- Baklavas: With Ottoman roots, these pastries made from filo dough, almonds, and pistachios are generously drizzled with honey.
- Kalb el louz: an iconic Algerian pastry, it is a semolina-based dessert soaked in fragrant orange blossom syrup. Topped with almonds, its rich, moist texture and subtle sweetness make it a favorite treat during Ramadan and festive occasions. It’s also my personal favorite!
- Dziriettes and Knidlet el Khett: More specific to Algiers, the elegant shapes and delicate flavors of these pastries perfectly capture Algerian craftsmanship.
