Algeria Travel Guide
Top Places to Visit
- Algiers – White-washed coastal capital with Kasbah and colonial buildings
- Sahara Desert – Dunes, oases, and camel trekking in Timimoun and Djanet
- Constantine – Ancient bridges and dramatic cliffs
- Tassili n’Ajjer – UNESCO-listed prehistoric rock art and desert landscapes
- Tipasa – Roman ruins along the Mediterranean
Best Hotels to Stay
Language & Culture
Arabic and Tamazight are official languages, while French is widely spoken. Algeria blends Arab, Berber, and Mediterranean traditions, seen in its music, cuisine, and architecture.Transportation, Currency & Food
- Transportation: Domestic flights, intercity buses, taxis, trains
- Currency: Algerian Dinar (DZD)
- Food: Couscous, chorba, mechoui, makroud, harira
Best Season & Entry Points
| Season | Weather | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| March – May | Mild, green landscapes | Great for hiking and sightseeing |
| September – November | Cooler temperatures | Ideal for desert visits |
| June – August | Hot, especially in the south | Coastal areas are popular |
Entry via Houari Boumediene International Airport (ALG)
Estimated Budget (for Two Travelers)
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | $600 – $1000 | Round trip from Europe or US |
| Accommodation | $400 – $1000 | Mid-range for 5–7 nights |
| Dining | $200 – $350 | Local restaurants |
| Transport | $100 – $200 | Taxis, buses, flights |
| Activities | $150 – $300 | Desert tours, museums |
Packing List Suggestions
- Valid passport and visa (if required)
- Breathable clothing for the heat
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, headscarf
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Modest attire for cultural sensitivity
20 Basic Language Tips (Arabic / French)
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| As-salamu alaykum | Hello / Peace be upon you |
| Bonjour | Good morning |
| Merci | Thank you |
| Shukran | Thank you (Arabic) |
| Naam / La | Yes / No |
| Min fadlik | Please |
| La afham | I don’t understand |
| Parlez-vous anglais? | Do you speak English? |
| Ma ismuka? | What is your name? |
| Kam al-thaman? | How much is it? |
| Ayna al-hammam? | Where is the bathroom? |
| Maa al-salama | Goodbye |
| Afwan | Excuse me / You’re welcome |
| Je suis perdu(e) | I am lost |
| Layla sa’ida | Good night |
| Sabah al-khair | Good morning |
| Souk | Market |
| Taxi, s’il vous plaît | A taxi, please |
| C’est combien? | How much is it? (French) |
| Ouvert / Fermé | Open / Closed |
Health & Safety
- Visa required for most travelers
- Use bottled water, especially in remote areas
- Travel insurance is recommended
- Emergency numbers: 14 (ambulance), 17 (police)
Festivals & Holidays
- Yennayer (Berber New Year – January 12)
- Independence Day (July 5)
- Sahara International Film Festival – Dakhla region
- Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha – Dates vary by Islamic calendar
