Algiers (Arabic: الجزائر, al-Jazāʾir; Berber: ⵍⴷⵣⴰⵢⵔ ⵜⴰⵎⴰⵏⴰⵖⵜ, lezzayer tamanaɣt; French: Alger) is the capital and largest city of Algeria, set along the Mediterranean coast. Known for its striking French colonial architecture, the city reveals layers of history shaped by Ottoman rule, French colonialism and Algerian independence. From its gorgeous promenades to the whitewashed Casbah to the sweeping views over the Bay of Algiers, Algiers offers a rich mix of cultural heritage and scenic beauty.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
The city's name is derived from al-Jazā'ir (Arabic: الجزائر), which is one of two broken plurals of the word jazīra (Arabic: جَزِيرَة, "island").
Algiers’ public transportation system includes a single metro line, a single tram line, and buses. Taxis are also available, and you can easily find one in the city center. After three decades of construction, the first segment of the Algiers Metro finally opened in 2011. The main line runs from Place des Martyrs next to the Casbash to Haï El Badr, with stops along several of the most important places in the city. From there it continues to El Harrach Centre. An extension line starts from Haï El Badr and terminates at Aïn Naâdja. Tickets can be purchased at the station, either from a ticket machine (multiple languages but only takes coins; frequently inoperable) or from an attendant.
1 Martyrs' Memorial (Maqam Echahid) (in city center). An iconic concrete monument commemorating the Algerian war for independence. In the basement, there is an exhibition about the independence war, basically an exhibition of various kinds of arms the rebels used. DA50. (updated Mar 2022) 2 National Museum of Fine Arts of Algiers, 178, Place Dar Essalem. Sa M-W 09:00-18:00, Th 09:00-17:00, Su closed. One of the largest arts museums in Africa with over 8,000 works, includes paintings, drawings, engravings and old prints, sculptures, old furniture and decorative art, ceramics, glassware, as well as a numismatic collection.
Taking a stroll along the beach promenade and park at 1 Sablette. (updated Feb 2023) is a popular family activity. 2 Marina Palm. Beach club.
There are several restaurants in the Bois des Arcades area. This is the hill 500 m southeast of the big Martyrs memorial. Particularly good views over Algiers and the coast can be found from here. The hill is also a woodland, so is a nice area for walking too. 1 Al Boustan Restaurant (El Boustene), Bois des Arcades Riadh El Feth. Panoramic restaurant overlooking Algiers. The restaurant is modern and very smart. An outdoor terrace offers the best views of Algiers and the coast. Food is excellent. Sapori, 20 Rpe Chasseloup-Laudat, Casbah Alger, ☏ +213 540559400, saporidz@gmail.com. M-Sa 11:30-15:00 and 19:00-23:00.
Algeria's red wine is of very high quality and will be appreciated by wine aficionados. It is rarely found on the international market. Locally produced beer is good quality. Alcohol is readily available in hotels, good restaurants and shops. Seventy-Five Lounge at El Aurassi Hotel, 2, Boulevard Frantz Fanon, Les Tagarins. Enjoy a drink (with or without alcohol) with a beautiful view over Algiers and the bay. (updated Apr 2024)
To contact the Algerian police, dial 1548. To contact the Algerian fire department, dial 14. To contact the Algerian parademics, dial 0 213 23 54 44 28.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Algiers typically sees ~32°C daytime highs and 1 rainy days.
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