Weekend in Algeria: which days, and seven ideas for a two-day break
Published on 12 November 2026 · Nreservi team"What days is the weekend in Algeria?" It is a common question, especially from people who live abroad or are planning a trip. Here is the answer, followed by seven ideas for a two-day break from Algiers, Constantine or Oran, each with a suggestion of where to stay.
The weekend in Algeria: Friday and Saturday
Since August 2009, Algeria's official weekend has been Friday and Saturday. Before that, and since 1976, it fell on Thursday and Friday. The working week therefore runs from Sunday to Thursday. For two nights away, the easiest plan is to leave on Thursday evening and come back on Saturday evening. Public holidays sometimes give you an extra day or two.
1. Tipaza: the sea and the Roman ruins
West of Algiers, Tipasa is a UNESCO World Heritage site: an ancient seaside town where Punic, Roman and early Christian remains sit side by side. Friday for the ruins and the harbour, Saturday for the beach: our Chenoua beach guide will help you choose. Where to stay: hotels in Tipaza, including the CET tourist complex by the sea.
2. A spa weekend near Algiers
Two thermal resorts suit a two-day rest:
- Hammam Melouane, in the south of Blida province, close to Chréa National Park. The simplest plan: one night in Blida, the baths in the morning, then Chréa or the Chiffa gorges in the afternoon. See our Hammam Melouane guide.
- Hammam Righa, in Aïn Defla province, west of Algiers: the Romans already called it Aquae Calidae, "the hot waters". See our Hammam Righa guide.
The other resorts are listed in our guide to Algeria's thermal spas.
3. Béjaïa and Tichy: sea and mountains
Béjaïa spreads out at the foot of Mount Gouraya. Day one: the old town, the port and Cap Carbon. Day two: a walk in Gouraya National Park, or the beach at Tichy, the resort town on the eastern coast. Where to stay: hotels in Béjaïa, including the Hôtel Club Alloui in Tichy.
4. Constantine: the city on the rock
Constantine is built on a rock above the Rhumel gorges, crossed by its suspension bridges. Keep one day for the bridges and the old town, with the Bey's Palace, and a morning to wander before you head home. Where to stay: hotels in Constantine.
5. Sétif and Djémila
Sétif is a good base for Djémila, ancient Cuicul: a Roman mountain town on the UNESCO World Heritage list. On the second day, a thermal resort in the region, such as Hammam Guergour or Hammam Sokhna, rounds off the trip. Where to stay: hotels in Sétif.
6. Oran and its corniche
Friday in the city: Santa Cruz fort overlooking the town and the port, the seafront and the Place du 1er-Novembre. Saturday on the western corniche, from Aïn El Turck to Les Andalouses, for the beach in season. Where to stay: hotels in Oran or, to do everything on foot, our hotels in central Oran.
7. Tlemcen and its Andalusian heritage
From Oran, Tlemcen is the cultural escape of the west: a city of art and history, rich in Andalusian monuments and old mosques. Two days are enough to see the essentials without rushing. Where to stay: hotels in Tlemcen.
For a long weekend: the M'Zab valley
With an extra day, and ideally between October and April, Ghardaïa opens the door to the Sahara: the M'Zab valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, brings together five fortified ksour. Some of them, such as Beni Isguen, are traditionally visited with a local guide. Where to stay: hotels in Ghardaïa. See also when to go to Algeria.
Booking a hotel for the weekend
- Book early for summer weekends, school holidays and public holidays.
- Choose free cancellation if your plans may change: the condition is shown on every offer.
- Couples should read our article on the family record book at hotels.
- For your budget, our Algeria hotel price barometer gives a rough idea, city by city.
- By the sea, see also our selection of bungalows and tourist complexes.
On Nreservi, you book online and pay in dinars without a bank card: BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly office. Living abroad? You can also pay online by bank card, and your voucher is sent to you after payment.
Nreservi, online travel agency — 1st floor, 116 boulevard Colonel Krim Belkacem (Telemly), Algiers Centre — +213 540 28 40 40.