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Algeria in 5 Days: The Perfect Itinerary for 2025 (From Someone Who’s Been 6 Times)

Discover the perfect 5-day Algeria itinerary for 2025. This comprehensive guide covers Algiers, Constantine, and coastal gems with local insights, money-saving tips, and authentic experiences from a frequent visitor.

Introduction: Why Algeria Deserves Your Attention in 2025

The first time I stepped off the plane at Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers, I was overwhelmed by a sense of the unknown. I’d traveled extensively through Morocco and Tunisia, but Algeria remained this mysterious gap in my North African experiences. Fast forward six visits later, and I’ve developed a deep affection for what might be Africa’s most underrated destination. During my most recent trip in late 2024, I found myself sitting at a small café in the Casbah, sipping mint tea as the call to prayer echoed across the city, thinking: “Why aren’t more travelers experiencing this?”

Algeria is vast—the largest country in Africa—with a diversity that few nations can match. From the Mediterranean coastline to the sweeping dunes of the Sahara, from French colonial architecture to Roman ruins, Algeria packs extraordinary variety into its borders. Yet tourism remains refreshingly undeveloped, meaning authentic experiences abound without the crowds.

This 5-day itinerary focuses on northeastern Algeria, centering on the capital Algiers with day trips to nearby attractions and an overnight in Constantine. It’s designed to maximize your limited time while balancing cultural immersion, historical exploration, and natural beauty. I’ve refined this route over my six visits to provide what I believe is the perfect introduction to this magnificent country.

A quick note on logistics: Algeria requires a visa for most nationalities, which I recommend applying for at least 6-8 weeks before travel. The process has become more streamlined since 2023’s tourism initiatives, but it still requires patience. The good news? Once you’re in, you’ll be rewarded with experiences few Western travelers ever have.

Day 1: Arriving in Algiers & Exploring the Historic Casbah

Most international flights arrive at Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG) in the morning, giving you a full day to begin your Algerian adventure. After clearing customs (which took me only 30 minutes on my last visit—a significant improvement from the 2-hour wait in 2018), grab a registered taxi to your accommodation.

Where to Stay in Algiers

I’ve tried various accommodations in Algiers over the years, but I consistently recommend these options:

  • Mid-range: Hotel El-Djazaïr (formerly Saint George) – A historic hotel with colonial charm and beautiful gardens. Around 12,000 DZD (~$90) per night.
  • Budget: AZ Hotel Kouba – Clean, modern rooms at about 8,000 DZD (~$60) per night.
  • Local experience: Airbnb options in Bab El Oued – From 5,000 DZD (~$37) per night.

Morning: First Taste of Algerian Culture

Once settled, begin your Algerian experience with breakfast at Cafeteria Le Tantonville. Order qahwa mazboot (medium-sweet coffee) and msemen (square-shaped pancakes) with honey. This spot has preserved its French colonial aesthetic while embracing Algerian culinary traditions.

From here, walk to Place des Martyrs, a central square that commemorates Algeria’s hard-won independence. The square underwent significant renovation in 2022 and now features an impressive underground museum showcasing archaeological findings that span 2,000 years of history.

Afternoon: The Casbah & Ottoman Heritage

After lunch, it’s time to explore the UNESCO-listed Casbah, Algiers’ historic heart. On my first visit, I attempted to navigate this labyrinthine neighborhood alone—a mistake that left me hopelessly lost within 20 minutes! Learn from my error and hire a local guide; I recommend Karim, who charges about 3,000 DZD (~$22) for a 3-hour tour.

Travel Tip: The Casbah isn’t dangerous, but it’s easy to get lost in its winding alleys. A guide not only provides navigation but also access to homes and workshops you wouldn’t discover independently. Plus, they’ll keep persistent souvenir sellers at bay.

In the Casbah, you’ll explore Ottoman-era palaces like Dar Hassan Pacha with its stunning traditional tilework, and encounter artisans practicing centuries-old crafts. Listen for the distinct sound of copper being hammered into intricate patterns—a sound that has echoed through these alleys for generations.

One unexpected highlight during my 2024 visit was meeting Mounir, a third-generation maker of traditional instruments. He invited me into his tiny workshop where the sweet smell of cedar wood filled the air as he crafted a mandole (Algerian mandolin). These authentic encounters are what make Algeria so special.

Evening: Sunset & Dinner

End your first day with sunset views from the Basilica of Notre-Dame d’Afrique. This stunning church perched above the city offers panoramic views of Algiers Bay. What makes this spot unique is how it represents Algeria’s complex religious history—a Catholic church with an inscription that reads: “Our Lady of Africa, pray for us and for the Muslims.”

For dinner, experience Restaurant Le Dauphin in the Bab El Oued district. Order the couscous with lamb (about 1,200 DZD/$9) and end with sweet mint tea. While eating, practice saying “sahit” (enjoy your meal) and “b’saha” (to your health) with fellow diners—small phrases that always earn appreciative smiles.

Day 2: Colonial Algiers & Coastal Beauty

Morning: French Architectural Heritage

Start your day with breakfast at La Grande Poste Café, located in Algiers’ magnificent central post office. This neo-Moorish masterpiece completed in 1910 exemplifies the French colonial architectural style that blended European and North African elements.

From here, take a walking tour of downtown Algiers’ French-built boulevards. The wide, tree-lined Avenue Didouche Mourad (formerly Rue Michelet) feels remarkably Parisian with its wrought-iron balconies and café terraces. Don’t miss the intricate details on building facades—each tells a story of Algeria’s complex colonial past.

Art & Culture: Must-Visit Museums

Continue to the National Museum of Fine Arts, which reopened in 2023 after extensive renovations. The museum houses an impressive collection spanning Algerian, European, and Islamic art. The entry fee is just 200 DZD (~$1.50), making it one of Algiers’ best cultural bargains.

Next, visit the Museum of Modern Art of Algiers (MAMA), housed in a renovated colonial building. When I visited in November 2024, they were featuring an excellent exhibition of contemporary North African artists addressing climate change. The museum represents Algeria’s growing contemporary art scene.

Afternoon: Coastal Escape to Tipaza

After lunch, take a half-day excursion to Tipaza, about 70km west of Algiers. This coastal town combines spectacular Mediterranean scenery with well-preserved Roman ruins. You have two options to get there:

  1. Public transport: Take a collective taxi from Tafourah station (300 DZD/$2.20 one-way, 1.5 hours)
  2. Private taxi: Negotiate a return trip for around 5,000 DZD ($37), including waiting time

In Tipaza, purchase a ticket to the archaeological site (400 DZD/$3) and explore the ruins that enchanted Albert Camus, who wrote: “In the spring, Tipasa is inhabited by gods and the gods speak in the sun and the scent of absinthe leaves.” The contrast between the azure Mediterranean and the ancient stones creates a magical atmosphere.

Money-Saving Insider Tip: Instead of dining at the tourist-oriented restaurants near the ruins, walk 10 minutes east to the local fish market. Choose your fresh fish (I recommend dorade), then take it to a nearby restaurant like Le Dauphin where they’ll grill it for you for just 500 DZD ($3.70). This “cook-my-catch” arrangement saves about 70% compared to regular restaurant prices!

Return to Algiers in the early evening. If you have energy remaining, visit the Jardin d’Essai du Hamma, a magnificent botanical garden established in 1832 that showcases both tropical and Mediterranean plant species. Entry costs just 100 DZD ($0.75).

Day 3: Day Trip to Constantine, the City of Bridges

Today requires an early start to visit Constantine, Algeria’s most dramatically situated city. This ancient settlement perches on a plateau divided by a deep gorge, connected by a series of breathtaking bridges.

Getting to Constantine

You have several transportation options:

Method Duration Cost (one-way) Notes
Domestic flight 1 hour 6,000-10,000 DZD ($45-75) Most convenient but pricier
Train 4-5 hours 1,300 DZD ($9.60) Scenic but sometimes delayed
Long-distance bus 5-6 hours 900 DZD ($6.70) Most economical option

I recommend the early morning flight that departs around 7:00 AM, allowing you to arrive in Constantine by 8:00 AM and maximize your day. Air Algérie often has sales if you book 3-4 weeks in advance.

Morning: Constantine’s Spectacular Bridges

Start at the iconic Sidi M’Cid Bridge, suspended 175 meters above the Rhumel Gorge. During my first visit, I was too nervous to cross on foot—a mistake I corrected on subsequent trips. The views are absolutely worth confronting any fear of heights!

Next, visit Pont Sidi Rached, a 27-arch viaduct built in 1912. When you stand beneath its soaring arches, listen for the distinctive sound of swallows that nest in the structure—their calls echo dramatically in the ravine below.

Afternoon: Cultural Exploration

Constantin’s Casbah is smaller but more intact than Algiers’. Wander its narrow streets to the Palace of Ahmed Bey, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture featuring stunning painted ceilings and intricate tilework. Admission is 200 DZD ($1.50).

For lunch, try Restaurant Sofra in the city center. Their speciality is chakhchoukha, a Constantinois dish of torn flatbread in a savory lamb stew (700 DZD/$5.20). On my second visit, I told the owner I’d come specifically to taste this dish again, which prompted him to invite me into the kitchen to learn how it’s made!

Evening: Return to Algiers or Overnight Option

If you’ve chosen the flight option, take the evening return (typically around 7:00 PM) to Algiers. If you opted for train or bus, I recommend staying overnight at Novotel Constantine (10,000 DZD/$75) or the more budget-friendly Hotel des Princes (4,000 DZD/$30).

Insider Tip: Constantine empties quickly after sunset, but one place that stays lively is Café Rhumel. Here, locals gather for coffee and Algeria’s excellent pastries. Try qalb el louz (almond heart cake) while watching the city lights twinkle across the gorge.

Day 4: Deeper into Algiers & Traditional Culture

Morning: Ottoman Algiers

Begin your day at Djamaa el Kebir (Great Mosque), the oldest mosque in Algiers dating back to 1097. While the interior is only accessible to Muslims, the external architecture with its distinctive minaret is worth admiring. Nearby, visit the ethnographic Bardo Museum, housed in a beautiful Moorish villa, to understand Algeria’s diverse cultural heritage.

One of my favorite discoveries during my 2022 visit was the recently restored Dar Khedaoudj el Amia Palace, once home to an Ottoman princess. The building reopened to visitors in 2021 after being closed for over a decade. Its peaceful courtyard with bubbling fountain provides a welcome respite from the city’s hustle.

Afternoon: Local Markets & Crafts

Spend your afternoon exploring local markets that showcase Algeria’s rich craft traditions:

  • Marché Ali La Pointe – A bustling produce market where you can sample seasonal fruits. In summer, try the incredibly sweet Algerian watermelons.
  • Centre Artisanal – This craft center showcases traditional Algerian handicrafts including copper work, pottery, and leather goods.

At the craft center, my favorite artisan is Nadir, who creates intricate silver jewelry incorporating Amazigh (Berber) designs. When purchasing souvenirs, remember that bargaining is expected but should be conducted respectfully—start at about 70% of the initial asking price.

Money-Saving Tip: The official exchange rate for Algerian dinars is significantly lower than what you can get at jewelry shops in downtown Algiers. Exchange small amounts (under €100) at these shops for about 15-20% better rates. Just ask discreetly if they “exchange currency” and have euros or dollars ready. This is technically a gray market but widely practiced. I saved nearly $80 on my last trip this way!

Evening: Modern Algerian Culture

For dinner, try Le Roi de la Cachir in Didouche Mourad street, where locals gather for Algeria’s distinctive take on Mediterranean cuisine. Their speciality is cachir (Algerian sausage) served in various preparations.

If your visit coincides with a performance, check out the magnificent Algiers Opera House (opened in 2016) or the National Theater. Even without seeing a show, the Opera House’s contemporary architecture merits a visit, especially when illuminated at night.

For a taste of Algiers’ emerging nightlife, visit Le Terminus in Sidi Yahia, a café that transforms into a cultural space hosting poetry readings, jazz performances, and art exhibitions. During my 2024 visit, I caught an incredible fusion band blending traditional Gnawa music with contemporary jazz.

Day 5: Coastal Delights & Farewell to Algeria

Morning: Eastern Shores

On your final day, explore the eastern coastline of Algiers. Take a taxi to Ain Taya, a picturesque fishing village about 25km from central Algiers (taxi fare approximately 800 DZD/$6).

Stroll along the harbor where fishermen mend their nets and sell the morning catch. The smell of salt air and fresh fish permeates everything. Visit the small market to pick up picnic supplies—fresh bread, olive oil, preserved lemons, and local cheese.

Beaches & Coast

Continue to Surcouf Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand that’s popular with local families on weekends but pleasantly uncrowded on weekdays. Unlike many Mediterranean destinations, Algeria’s beaches remain refreshingly undeveloped.

The first time I visited this beach in 2019, I was the only foreign tourist there. An elderly man approached me, curious about my presence, and ended up sharing his family’s picnic of homemade bourek (savory pastries) and mint tea. This kind of spontaneous hospitality is quintessentially Algerian.

Afternoon: Final Explorations

Return to Algiers for your final afternoon. Depending on your interests, consider one of these options:

  • Art lovers: Visit the Palais des Raïs – Bastion 23, a beautifully restored Ottoman-era palace complex housing changing exhibitions of contemporary Algerian art.
  • History enthusiasts: Explore the National Museum of Antiquities, with its impressive collection of artifacts spanning Algeria’s Numidian, Roman, and Byzantine periods.
  • Nature seekers: Take a final walk through the Jardin d’Essai botanical gardens, especially beautiful in late afternoon light.

Evening: Farewell Dinner

For your final meal, I recommend Restaurant Casbah Hamraoui in the upper Casbah. Their seven-course traditional Algerian tasting menu (3,500 DZD/$26) provides a fitting culinary farewell. The rooftop dining area offers stunning views over the illuminated bay of Algiers.

During dinner, practice another useful Algerian Arabic phrase: “Jazakallah khair” (thank you so much), which literally translates to “may Allah reward you with goodness.” Using this phrase instead of the more common “shukran” always earns appreciative smiles from Algerians.

Sustainability Tip that Saves Money: Instead of purchasing bottled water throughout your trip (which creates plastic waste), buy a large 5-liter container from any grocery store for about 120 DZD ($0.90) and refill a reusable bottle. This reduces plastic consumption and saves about 85% compared to buying individual bottles. Most hotels will happily refill your bottle with filtered water if you ask—I’ve never been refused this request.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Algerian Adventure

Algeria remains one of travel’s best-kept secrets—a destination of extraordinary depth that rewards curious travelers. During my six visits over the past decade, I’ve watched as this country has gradually begun opening its doors wider to international tourism while maintaining its authentic character.

What makes Algeria special isn’t just its spectacular landscapes or rich history, but the genuine warmth of its people. Every trip has gifted me unexpected moments of connection—from being invited to family meals to receiving impromptu neighborhood tours from proud locals eager to share their heritage.

5-Step Action Plan for Your Algeria Trip

  1. Apply for your visa early – Submit application materials at least 8 weeks before travel and ensure your passport has 6+ months validity.
  2. Learn basic phrases – A few words of Arabic or French go an extraordinarily long way in Algeria: “Salam alaikum” (hello), “Shukran” (thank you), “La bas?” (How are you?).
  3. Arrange accommodations in advance – While Algeria has excellent hotels, booking systems aren’t always reliable. Email hotels directly to confirm reservations.
  4. Exchange currency strategically – Bring euros or US dollars and exchange small amounts at jewelry shops for better rates (as mentioned earlier).
  5. Pack appropriately – Algeria is more conservative than some Mediterranean destinations. Pack modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious sites or smaller communities.

My biggest regret during my first visit to Algeria was not allowing enough time. Five days gives you a taste of what this magnificent country offers, but if you can extend your stay, consider adding visits to the Roman ruins at Djemila, the desert oasis of Ghardaïa, or the spectacular Kabyle mountains.

As the country continues to develop its tourism infrastructure (with significant investments announced for 2025), now is the perfect time to experience Algeria—before everyone else discovers what might be the Mediterranean’s last authentic frontier.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Algeria

Is Algeria safe for tourists?

Yes, Algeria is generally safe for tourists, particularly in the northern regions covered in this itinerary. Like many countries, it has areas to avoid (primarily along southern borders), but the places mentioned here have excellent safety records. During all six of my visits, I’ve never encountered significant safety issues beyond the usual precautions you’d take in any destination.

In fact, Algeria has one of the lowest crime rates in North Africa. The biggest challenges are typically navigational rather than safety-related. Local authorities are visible in tourist areas, and Algerians themselves are protective of visitors.

What’s the best time to visit Algeria?

The ideal months are April-June and September-November. Summer (July-August) brings intense heat, particularly inland, while coastal areas become crowded with domestic tourists. Winter (December-February) can be surprisingly chilly and rainy in the north, though still mild compared to European winters.

My favorite month is May, when wildflowers bloom across the countryside and temperatures hover around a pleasant 22-25°C (72-77°F).

Do I need a guide in Algeria?

Unlike some North African countries, Algeria doesn’t require foreign tourists to hire guides. That said, a local guide enhances the experience significantly, especially in places like the Casbah of Algiers where navigation is challenging. For other areas, like downtown Algiers or Constantine’s main sights, self-guided exploration is easy and rewarding.

If you do hire a guide, expect to pay 2,000-4,000 DZD ($15-30) for a half-day tour, depending on the location and group size.

What’s the currency situation?

Algeria uses the Algerian Dinar (DZD). ATMs accept major international cards but can be temperamental, so bringing euros or US dollars for exchange is advisable. Credit cards are accepted only at high-end hotels and restaurants in major cities—cash is king elsewhere.

As mentioned earlier, exchanging small amounts at jewelry shops often yields better rates than official exchanges. Just be discreet about these transactions.

What about the visa process?

Most nationalities require a visa to visit Algeria. The application involves submitting your passport, completed application form, photos, flight itinerary, hotel reservations, and sometimes a letter of invitation. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.

The good news is that Algeria has simplified its visa process since 2022, with a new online pre-application system that reduces processing time. Check the Algerian consulate website for your country for the most current requirements.

How’s the internet and phone connectivity?

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and many cafés in major cities, though speeds vary considerably. For mobile connectivity, I recommend purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival at the airport from providers like Djezzy or Mobilis. A package with data typically costs around 1,500 DZD ($11) for 10GB valid for 30 days.

Is Algeria expensive?

Algeria is remarkably affordable compared to European or even Moroccan destinations. A typical day’s expenses (accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities) ranges from $50-100 for mid-range travel, while budget travelers can manage on $30-40 daily.

Food is particularly inexpensive: a meal at a local restaurant costs 500-800 DZD ($3.70-6), while even upscale dining rarely exceeds 3,500 DZD ($26) per person.

What should I wear in Algeria?

Algeria is more conservative than some Mediterranean countries but less restrictive than Gulf states. For women, clothing covering shoulders, chest, and knees is appropriate in public spaces. Men should avoid shorts in religious areas or smaller communities.

In upscale neighborhoods of Algiers like Hydra or beachfront areas, dress codes relax somewhat, but modesty remains appreciated. During my last visit in 2024, I noticed slightly more relaxed attitudes in major cities, but conservative dress still shows cultural respect.

References: Further Reading on Algeria