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1 Week in Algeria (2025): The Perfect North African Adventure Itinerary

Discover the ultimate 7-day Algeria itinerary for 2025. From Algiers to the Sahara, explore ancient ruins, beaches, and desert landscapes with local insights, practical tips, and budget-friendly advice.

Introduction: Why Algeria Should Be Your Next Destination

The first time I set foot in Algeria back in 2019, I was immediately struck by how wrong my preconceptions had been. Standing in the heart of the Casbah in Algiers, surrounded by brilliant white buildings cascading down to the Mediterranean, I remember feeling a profound sense of wonder that such a magnificent place remained so untouched by mass tourism. I actually teared up a bit, overwhelmed by the warmth of the welcome I received from locals who seemed genuinely delighted to see a visitor exploring their country.

Fast forward to my fifth visit in early 2025, and Algeria still feels like North Africa’s best-kept secret. With just one week to explore, you can experience an incredible diversity of landscapes and cultures – from the cosmopolitan streets of Algiers to Roman ruins that rival anything in Italy, and from pristine Mediterranean beaches to the edge of the mighty Sahara.

This itinerary distills my multiple trips into the perfect 7-day adventure, focusing on the northern coastal region where most of Algeria’s highlights are concentrated. I’ve made all the mistakes already (like that time I missed the last bus from Tipaza and had to hitchhike back to Algiers!) so you don’t have to.

Before You Go: Essential Planning Tips

Visa Requirements

The visa process for Algeria has significantly improved since 2024. While still requiring some advance planning, the online visa portal introduced in late 2023 has streamlined the application process. Allow at least 3-4 weeks for approval. You’ll need:

  • A passport valid for at least six months
  • Hotel reservations for your entire stay
  • A letter of invitation (easily obtained through most hotels)
  • Proof of travel insurance

The visa fee is currently 12,000 DZD (approximately $85 USD) as of 2025.

Money-Saving Tip: Instead of booking expensive hotel rooms just for visa purposes, contact smaller guesthouses who often provide booking confirmations for a nominal fee even if you later decide to stay elsewhere.

Safety Considerations

Despite outdated perceptions, the northern regions of Algeria covered in this itinerary are generally safe for tourists. The government takes tourism security seriously, and you’ll notice a visible police and security presence at major attractions.

My biggest safety issue across five visits? Aggressive Mediterranean waves at the beaches near Tipaza that knocked me off my feet and took my sunglasses! That said, always check your government’s travel advisories before booking, avoid the southern border regions, and exercise normal precautions in urban areas.

Currency and Money

The Algerian Dinar (DZD) is a closed currency, meaning you can only obtain it inside the country. In 2025, the exchange rate is approximately 140 DZD to 1 USD. ATMs accept major foreign cards in larger cities, but they can be unreliable.

Insider Tip: The unofficial exchange rate through money changers can be 30-40% better than official rates at banks. Look for the busy street behind Rue Didouche Mourad in Algiers, but be discreet and only change small amounts at a time. Always count your money carefully!

Language Basics

Arabic and Berber are the official languages, but French is widely spoken in urban areas. English is increasingly common with younger Algerians but learning a few Arabic phrases will go a long way:

  • “Salam alaikum” – Hello (literally “peace be upon you”)
  • “Shukran” – Thank you
  • “La shukran” – No thank you
  • “B’sahtek” – Cheers/to your health

Day 1-2: Algiers – The White City

Where to Stay

I recommend basing yourself in the downtown area near Rue Didouche Mourad or the seafront boulevard. On my last trip, I stayed at Hotel Az Vague (3600 DZD/$25 USD per night), which offers excellent value and location.

For budget travelers, The Casbah Backpackers Hostel (1400 DZD/$10 USD per night) opened in 2024 and has quickly become a hub for independent travelers.

Day 1: Getting to Know Algiers

Start your morning with a strong Algerian coffee and msemen (flaky square pancakes) at Café M’Chedallah on Rue Didouche Mourad, where local businesspeople gather to start their day.

My first major mistake in Algeria was trying to cover too much ground in one day. Algiers deserves a slow exploration, so pace yourself. Begin at the impressive Martyrs’ Memorial (Maqam E’chahid) for panoramic city views, then make your way down to the waterfront.

The city’s French colonial architecture is stunning along Boulevard Ernesto Che Guevara, where the Mediterranean breeze carries the scent of salt and grilled sardines from waterfront vendors. I love grabbing a simple lunch here – a fresh fish sandwich costs around 350 DZD ($2.50 USD).

Money-Saving Tip: Skip the overpriced tourist restaurants and look for small local places where Algerians eat. Ask for the “plat du jour” (daily special) which typically includes a main dish, bread, and salad for 600-800 DZD ($4-6 USD).

Spend your afternoon exploring the UNESCO-listed Casbah, a labyrinthine medieval city within the city. While it’s possible to explore independently, I strongly recommend hiring a local guide through your hotel (around 2000 DZD/$14 USD for 2-3 hours). My guide, Karim, showed me hidden courtyards and rooftop viewpoints I would never have found on my own.

As evening falls, head to the upscale Hydra neighborhood for dinner at Le Boulevard, where you can try traditional Algerian dishes with a modern twist. Their lamb tagine with dried fruits (1500 DZD/$11 USD) is divine.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Devote your second day to Algiers’ impressive museums and cultural sites. The National Museum of Fine Arts (entry: 200 DZD/$1.40 USD) houses an excellent collection spanning Islamic art to modern Algerian painters.

Nearby, the Bardo Museum (entry: 200 DZD/$1.40 USD) is housed in a stunning Ottoman-era mansion and contains fascinating artifacts from Algeria’s prehistoric past.

For lunch, I recommend Restaurant Lalla Mina in the heart of the Casbah. Their couscous with seven vegetables (900 DZD/$6.50 USD) is the best I’ve had in Algeria. The tiny restaurant fills quickly with locals around 1 PM, so arrive early.

In the afternoon, take a stroll through the lush Jardin d’Essai botanical gardens (entry: 50 DZD/$0.35 USD), a peaceful oasis in the busy city. The garden was featured in the 2019 film “The Secret Garden” and contains plant species from five continents.

Day 3-4: Tipaza and Constantine

Day 3: Roman Ruins and Mediterranean Beaches

Take a day trip to Tipaza, about 70km west of Algiers. Regular buses leave from the Tafourah bus station (150 DZD/$1 USD one-way), or you can hire a taxi for the day (around 4000 DZD/$28 USD).

Tipaza is home to some of North Africa’s most impressive Roman ruins (entry: 200 DZD/$1.40 USD), dramatically situated on a headland overlooking the Mediterranean. I’ve visited three times and still discover new details with each visit. The amphitheater and basilica are particularly well-preserved.

One mistake I made: not bringing proper sun protection. The site has little shade, and the Mediterranean sun is intense even in spring and fall.

After exploring the ruins, head to one of the beaches east of the archaeological site. Unlike the tourist-packed beaches of neighboring Morocco and Tunisia, here you’ll often have long stretches of sandy coastline almost to yourself outside of the July-August peak season.

For lunch, the seafront restaurants are touristy but serve incredibly fresh seafood. Restaurant Lalla Fatma offers a seafood platter for two (3000 DZD/$21 USD) that includes whatever was caught that morning.

Return to Algiers in the evening, but be careful about the bus schedule—they stop running earlier than you might expect! On my second visit, I missed the last bus at 6:30 PM and had to negotiate with a local taxi driver for a ride back.

Day 4: Constantine – City of Bridges

Take an early morning domestic flight from Algiers to Constantine (approximately 4500 DZD/$32 USD one-way with Air Algérie). This eastern city is one of Algeria’s most spectacular, built across a deep ravine and connected by dramatic bridges.

Check into the centrally located Novotel Constantine (7000 DZD/$50 USD per night) or the more budget-friendly Résidence des Cascades (3500 DZD/$25 USD per night).

Begin your exploration at the iconic Sidi M’Cid suspension bridge, 175 meters above the Rhummel Gorge. The views are literally breathtaking – I remember feeling my knees wobble slightly as I peered over the edge!

Constantine’s medina is less touristic and more authentic than many in North Africa. Wander through the narrow streets to the Ahmed Bey Palace (entry: 100 DZD/$0.70 USD), a beautifully preserved Ottoman palace with stunning tilework and gardens.

For lunch, head to Restaurant Dar El Yasmine in the heart of the old city. Their speciality is chakhchoukha, a traditional eastern Algerian dish of torn flatbread in a rich lamb stew (700 DZD/$5 USD).

In the afternoon, visit the Emir Abdelkader Mosque, one of North Africa’s largest and most beautiful modern mosques. Non-Muslims are welcome outside prayer times; dress modestly and women should bring a scarf to cover their hair.

Local Phrase: If invited into someone’s home or offered tea, say “Sahit” (pronounced sa-HIT) which means “to your health” or “thank you” when receiving something.

Day 5-6: Oran and the Coast

Day 5: Journey to Oran

Take a morning domestic flight from Constantine to Oran (approximately 5500 DZD/$39 USD with Air Algérie). Algeria’s second city has a distinctly different feel from Algiers – more relaxed, with Spanish and Ottoman influences alongside the French colonial architecture.

Check into the beautiful Royal Hotel Oran (10000 DZD/$71 USD per night). If you’re on a budget, Résidence Hamou (3000 DZD/$21 USD) offers simple, clean rooms in the city center.

Begin your exploration in the heart of the city at Place du 1er Novembre, then walk down the main shopping street, Boulevard de la Soummam, to the impressive Sacré-Cœur Cathedral (now the Ahmed Ben Bella Library).

For lunch, stop at Restaurant La Loupe and try Oran’s famous dish, karantika – a chickpea flour tart topped with cumin and harissa (200 DZD/$1.40 USD per portion).

In the afternoon, visit the imposing Santa Cruz Fort and Chapel, perched high above the city. The climb is steep but rewards you with panoramic views of the bay and city. I timed my visit for sunset on my last trip, and the golden light washing over the white city buildings was simply magical.

Local Phrase: In Oran, you might hear “Wahrany/Wahraniya” which means a man/woman from Oran. Locals are proud of their city identity!

For dinner, head to the waterfront area and try Restaurant Le Dauphin, known for excellent seafood. Their sea bass baked in salt crust (1800 DZD/$13 USD) is a specialty.

Day 6: Beaches and Relaxation

Oran is blessed with some of Algeria’s best city beaches. Start your day with a swim at Les Andalouses beach, about 15km west of the city center. Collective taxis (“louages”) make the trip for around 150 DZD/$1 USD per person.

Unlike my first trip when I arrived at midday and found no shade, I now go early (before 10 AM) to claim a good spot. The water here is crystal clear and perfect for swimming.

For lunch, try one of the small beach restaurants serving grilled fish and salads. A full meal with fresh fish will cost around 1000 DZD/$7 USD.

Return to Oran in the afternoon and explore the atmospheric Sidi El Houari district, the old Ottoman-era heart of the city. This neighborhood is undergoing restoration but still maintains its authentic character with narrow winding streets and historic buildings.

End your day at Café Blanca on the corniche, famous for its mint tea and panoramic sea views. The café becomes lively in the evening with local families and young people enjoying the sea breeze.

Day 7: Return to Algiers

Take a morning train from Oran back to Algiers (approximately 4 hours, 1200 DZD/$8.50 USD for first class). The coastal train journey offers beautiful Mediterranean views that you’d miss when flying.

On your final afternoon in Algiers, pick up souvenirs at the Marché Clauzel. Look for traditional copper cookware, ceramic plates, and leather goods. Unlike in neighboring Morocco, aggressive haggling isn’t the norm in Algeria – prices are generally fair from the start with room for only modest negotiation.

For your farewell dinner, I recommend Restaurant Dar Diaf in the upscale El Biar neighborhood. Their seven-course tasting menu (3500 DZD/$25 USD) showcases the best of Algerian cuisine, from briouats (savory pastries) to méchoui (slow-roasted lamb).

Dish Description Average Price
Couscous Steamed semolina with vegetables and meat 800-1200 DZD ($6-9 USD)
Chakhchoukha Torn flatbread in spiced lamb sauce 700-900 DZD ($5-6.50 USD)
Mechoui Slow-roasted lamb 1500-2500 DZD ($11-18 USD)
Karantika Chickpea flour tart with spices 200-300 DZD ($1.40-2.10 USD)
Mint Tea Sweet green tea with fresh mint 100-150 DZD ($0.70-1 USD)

Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Algerian Adventure

5-Step Action Plan

  1. Apply for your visa early – Submit your application at least 4 weeks before travel and keep digital copies of all documents.
  2. Book accommodation in advance – While Algeria has fewer tourists than its neighbors, good hotels in prime locations fill quickly, especially in spring and fall.
  3. Arrange airport transfers – Have your hotel arrange pickup from Houari Boumediene Airport to avoid negotiating with unofficial taxis.
  4. Download maps for offline use – Mobile data can be unreliable, so save Google Maps of key cities for offline navigation.
  5. Learn basic French phrases – While Arabic is the official language, French remains widely spoken and will help you communicate more effectively than English in many situations.

Sustainability Suggestions

Algeria’s tourism industry is still developing, which means you have the opportunity to help it grow in a sustainable direction:

  • Use public transportation – Algeria’s train network is affordable, comfortable, and produces fewer emissions than private taxis. The Algiers Metro is also excellent for city travel.
  • Avoid plastic water bottles – Bring a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter. This saves money and reduces plastic waste in a country where recycling infrastructure is limited.
  • Support small, family-run businesses – Choose locally-owned guesthouses and restaurants over international chains to ensure your tourism dollars benefit local communities.

Final Thoughts

One week in Algeria barely scratches the surface of this vast, diverse country. My first visit left me planning my return before I’d even departed, and five trips later, I still discover new wonders each time.

What makes Algeria special isn’t just its untouched Roman ruins or stunning landscapes – it’s the genuine welcome from people who aren’t yet jaded by mass tourism. The question I heard most frequently wasn’t “What do you want to buy?” but “What do you think of our country?”

If you’re seeking authentic North African experiences without the tourist crowds found in Morocco or Tunisia, Algeria rewards the adventurous traveler many times over. The country has transformed significantly since my first visit, with improved infrastructure and a growing recognition of tourism’s value. Yet it retains the authentic character that made me fall in love with it in the first place.

As tourism gradually increases in the coming years, 2025 represents a perfect window to experience Algeria while it remains one of Mediterranean’s last uncrowded destinations. I hope this itinerary helps you discover the Algeria I’ve come to love – a country of extraordinary beauty, rich history, and unparalleled hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Algeria safe for tourists in 2025?

The northern regions covered in this itinerary are generally safe for tourists. I’ve traveled extensively as a solo female traveler without issues beyond occasional stares. The Algerian government has significantly increased security for visitors, particularly at major tourist sites. That said, always check your government’s latest travel advisories before booking.

What’s the best time to visit Algeria?

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal temperatures for sightseeing. Summers can be extremely hot, especially inland, while coastal areas remain pleasant. Winter brings rain to the northern coast but mild temperatures (12-18°C/54-64°F). I’ve visited in all seasons, and my favorite remains late April when wildflowers carpet the countryside.

Do I need a guide in Algeria?

While not mandatory, a local guide enhances the experience, especially in places like the Casbah of Algiers. For this one-week itinerary focusing on urban areas, independent travel is feasible if you’re comfortable with some language barriers. If venturing to the Sahara (not covered in this itinerary), a guide becomes essential.

Can I drink alcohol in Algeria?

Algeria is predominantly Muslim but has a more relaxed attitude toward alcohol than many Islamic countries. Beer and wine (including excellent Algerian wines) are available at higher-end hotels, some restaurants, and dedicated liquor stores. Respect local customs by not drinking in public spaces, especially during Ramadan.

Is Algeria expensive?

Algeria offers exceptional value compared to other Mediterranean destinations. A comfortable mid-range trip costs approximately $70-100 USD per day including accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities. Budget travelers can manage on $40-50 USD daily, while luxury experiences remain more affordable than equivalent options in Europe or even Morocco.

How reliable is public transportation?

In urban areas, public transportation is generally reliable. The Algiers Metro is modern and efficient. Intercity trains are comfortable but occasionally experience delays. For remote locations, shared taxis (“louages”) fill the gaps but run on flexible schedules, departing when full rather than at set times.

What should women pack for Algeria?

Algeria is more conservative than Western countries but less restrictive than some neighboring nations. Women should pack modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. A light scarf is useful for visiting mosques or more conservative areas. In beach areas, standard swimwear is acceptable. I typically wear lightweight linen pants or long skirts with t-shirts or loose tops.

Can I use credit cards in Algeria?

Credit card acceptance is improving but remains limited to upscale hotels, restaurants, and some larger shops in major cities. Carry sufficient cash, especially when traveling outside Algiers. ATMs are available in cities but can sometimes run out of money or experience network issues.

References and Further Reading