Making the most of Algiers
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The town can be reached on foot.
Algiers, Algeria’s capital and largest city, has more than 3 million inhabitants and stretches 16 km (10 miles) along the hilly slopes of the Bay of Algiers. Dazzling white buildings form a vast amphitheatre over the harbour and bay. The city has two parts: the lower, modern French-built district with broad boulevards, theatres, cathedrals, museums and an opera house; and the Muslim old city on the upper hillsides. The latter’s narrow twisting streets are dominated by the Kasbah, a 16th-century Turkish fortress that gives its name to the entire quarter.
The Bardo Ethnographic and Local Art Museum and the National Museum of Fine Arts rank among North Africa’s finest. Even so, few except business travellers are likely to spend much time in the capital. It is an unavoidable stop on the way to the coast or far south, and the place to arrange itineraries and accommodation for onward internal travel.
Nearby places
Fine coastal resorts are easily reached from Algiers. Zeralda combines a beach resort, holiday village and replica nomad village. Tipaza has remarkable Roman, Punic and Christian ruins along with a Numidian mausoleum. In the mountains, the Chiffa Gorges and Kabylia offer more rural scenery, while fig and olive groves in summer become ski resorts in winter.
East of Algiers, the Turquoise Coast has accessible rocky coves and long beaches with sports, cruise and water sports facilities. Sidi Fredj peninsula offers a marina, open-air theatre and complete amenities, including sporting facilities.
Money
The currency is the Algerian dinar (DZD).
Opening Hours and
Holiday hours.