Recommendations
Algiers: What to do, see, eat, and where to stay
As we are slowly building out our website, we are starting off focusing on Algiers and Tipaza — but bear with us, more is on the way. If you have specific questions about other regions, please get in touch and we’ll do what we can to help.
IN THIS GUIDE
At a Glance
Algiers is a relaxed Mediterranean capital shaped by Ottoman history, French-era architecture, and modern Algerian life. It’s culturally rich, affordable, and far easier to navigate than many first-time visitors expect.
All prices include guide fees, tickets, taxes, and transport where applicable. Lunch, drinks, and snacks are not included unless stated.
Culture, food, history, coastal walks
3 days
City centre (Casbah or Centre Ville) or seafront
Arabic (Algerian dialect) & French (English is growing but not universal)
Things to Do in Algiers
Must-See Sights
The Casbah of Algiers
A UNESCO-listed old city of Ottoman palaces, mosques, and winding streets. Best explored with a local guide to understand its history and layout.
Martyrs’ Memorial (Maqam Echahid)
Landmark monument commemorating Algeria’s independence struggle.
Notre Dame d’Afrique
Hilltop basilica with sweeping Mediterranean views.
Jardin d’Essai du Hamma
A beautiful 19th-century botanical garden near the city centre. Peaceful, shady, and especially good with children or for a slower morning.
The Big Mosque
You can visit and walk around. Second biggest mosque in the world, so I hear.
Slow & Local Experiences
Where to Eat in Algiers
Food is one of Algiers’ biggest highlights — generous, affordable, and rooted in home-style cooking.
Traditional Algerian Restaurants
El Djenina
A classic choice for first-time visitors, serving traditional Algerian dishes in a calm, welcoming setting.
Restaurant El Mordjane
Well-known locally for couscous and slow-cooked stews.
Yulmaz
Le Repere
Best fish restaurant in the Casbah.
El Meqnin
Mini portions of traditional food so you can try it all.
Le Grand Phare
Family-style local restaurant off the beaten track. We go here for chewar / chwa (pronounced shwar), an Algerian speciality of small skewers of BBQ meat.
Casual & Street Food
Le Tantonville
Old-school spot popular for sandwiches and casual meals.
Neighbourhood sandwich shops
Merguez, grilled chicken, omelette frites — often some of the most satisfying meals in the city.
La Roi de la Loubia
Karantika
My favourite. Baked chickpea flour, lightly spiced, comes out a bit like a quiche. Hard to describe. Either a slice alone, with harissa on the side, or a slice in a baguette, with harissa inside. Always harissa!
Pizza Carre
Sold by little vendors on the side of the road. Look for one that’s busy and don’t be shy! You often eat before you pay (so that people who can’t afford to pay can still come and eat and walk away with no charge). Order what you want, stand next to the spot, eat your slice, then return the tray and pay (make sure you have small change) when you’re finished.
Cafés & Pastries
Milk Bar
Historic café and pastry shop in the city centre.
Pâtisserie La Parisienne
Excellent Algerian-French pastries and cakes.
Le Audin
El Hyl Café
Lovely café in the upscale Hydra neighbourhood (where all the embassies are).
Café Malakoff
Good to know: Alcohol is limited and not central to dining culture. Many excellent restaurants are modest-looking from the outside.
Where to Stay in Algiers
Comfortable & Central
Central location with sea views; popular with international visitors.
Reliable international standard near the botanical gardens. We often stay here because it’s slightly outside the centre and we love the gardens.
I think this is run by the government, and is a bit tired but quite historic.
Boutique / Character
Smaller locally run hotels and guesthouses exist but availability changes frequently — it’s worth checking recent reviews or asking for up-to-date recommendations.
Elghanami
City Hotel Algiers
Apartments
Short-stay apartments can work well for families or longer visits. I’ve seen some really nice places on Airbnb that I want to try out.
Getting Around Algiers
Plan to spend half a day in the Casbah by foot, and the same in Centre Ville. But don’t miss out on getting out of the centre to the Botanical Gardens, Notre Dame d’Afrique or the Big Mosque, which will need a car journey.
Tipaza: An Easy Day Trip from Algiers
What to Do
Where to Eat
Restaurant Le Dauphin
Fish restaurant, sea view.
How to Get There
Fish restaurant, sea view.
How to Get There
You can travel to Tipaza by bus (Tafourah bus station in Algiers) or by taxi. Bus is the cheapest, but a car allows you to visit other sites outside Tipaza such as the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, as impressive as the Roman ruins. This is one of the most commonly booked routes via Drivers by Hattie.
Suggested Itineraries
Day 1 — On foot, central Algiers
Casbah walking tour → lunch in the Casbah → afternoon walk and ice cream by the sea → evening stroll and dinner in Centre Ville.
Day 2 — Sightseeing around Algiers
Notre Dame d’Afrique → lunch and walk in the botanical gardens → visit the Big Mosque → BBQ dinner.
Day 3
Tipaza day trip.