Tourism in Algeria: what to see, where to go and when

The main cities to visit

Algiers: the Casbah, listed by UNESCO, with its alleys and Ottoman palaces; the Basilica of Notre-Dame d'Afrique, overlooking the bay; the Jardin d'Essai botanical garden in Hamma; the Martyrs' Memorial (Maqam Echahid) and the seafront. Our guide "What to see in Algiers" sets out a two- or three-day stay.

Oran: the big city of the West, with Santa Cruz fort overlooking the city and port, a lively centre and the beaches of the corniche.

Constantine: the city of suspension bridges, built on a rock above the Rhumel gorges, with the Bey's Palace in the old town.

Tlemcen: the art and history city of the West, with its Andalusian monuments and old mosques. Bejaia and Annaba combine city, sea and mountains.

Algeria's seven UNESCO sites

The Casbah of Algiers; Tipasa, an ancient city by the sea; Djemila and Timgad, two great Roman cities in the East; the Beni Hammad Fort (Kalaa), former capital of the Hammadid dynasty; the M'Zab Valley and its five ksour, around Ghardaia; and the Tassili n'Ajjer, a Sahara plateau famous for its rock paintings and engravings.

Tipasa is an easy day trip from Algiers. Djemila and Timgad can be combined with Setif, Batna or Constantine. Our article on Algeria's UNESCO sites tells you where to stay near each one.

The Sahara: Djanet, Tamanrasset, Timimoun, Taghit

The Sahara covers most of the country. Djanet is the gateway to the Tassili n'Ajjer; Tamanrasset to the Hoggar and the Assekrem; Timimoun is famous for its red-earth ksour and palm groves; Taghit for the dunes of the Grand Erg Occidental; Ghardaia for the M'Zab Valley.

The desert season runs from October to April, peaking during the end-of-year holidays. In summer the heat there is extreme. In the Deep South, tours are usually run with a local agency: our organised trips combine the flight from Algiers, the hotel and the excursions.

When to go to Algeria

On the coast and in the northern cities, spring (April to June) and early autumn (September, October) are the most pleasant times to visit. Summer is beach season and the time for family visits: it is also the busiest period for flights and hotels.

For the Sahara, go between October and April. For the end of the year and school holidays, book several months ahead.

Entry rules, safety and booking

Entry conditions depend on your passport: Algerian, foreign or dual nationality. Our "Algeria visa 2026" page sums up the current rules; always check them with the consulate. Before you leave, also read your own government's travel advice, which advises against travel to some border areas in the South.

Pay in dinars or in euros: on Nreservi, an Algerian travel agency, you book hotels anywhere in Algeria and trips to the Sahara, and pay by bank card, in euros, from abroad. If a relative in Algeria prefers to pay, they can pay in Algerian dinars, by BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our agency in Telemly, central Algiers. Your voucher arrives by email or WhatsApp.

Frequently asked questions