Things to see and do in Algeria

Visit Algiers' Bardo Ethnographic and Local Art Museum and the National Museum of Fine Arts, which are amongst the finest museums in North Africa.

Nothing is quite as evocative of the Sahara’s endless sand seas than the lazy methodical parade of camels across the hazy horizon. Travel agencies can organise camel tours of the desert from Tamanrasset, camping in the sands – an unforgettable experience.

Situated in the east of Algeria, Constantine is a natural citadel lying across the River Rhumnel. Founded by the Carthaginians, who called it Cirta, it is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Algeria. Sights include the Ahmed Bey Palace (one of the most picturesque in the Maghreb) and the Djamma el-Kebir Mosque.

This stunning Roman city near to the city of Sétif is incredibly well preserved and you may well find yourself the only people visiting when you get there. In a stunning setting surrounded by verdant hills and pine forests, you’ll discover huge temples, a formally laid out forum and a superb amphitheatre.

Deep in the Grand Erg Occidental lies the oasis town of El Goléa, which is often referred to as ‘the pearl of the desert’ or ‘the enchanted oasis’ because of its luxuriant vegetation and abundant water. The town is dominated by an old ksar (fort), whose ruins are well preserved.

The beautiful carpets on sale in the main square of Ghardaia are considered to be the best in the country and make superb souvenirs from any trip to Algeria. Haggle with the carpet sellers here to get a good price.

Made up of three very different walled towns in this fertile valley surrounded by the Saharan sands, Ghardaia is a unique place and well worth a couple of days on your way into the Sahara. The old towns are ultra-religious and can only be visited with an official guide, but it’s well worth doing so.

The western coast around Oran, Algeria's second city, has historic remains and mosques.

The Southern Sahara around Tamanrasset is the place to head for in order to ascend some amazing rock formations in the Hoggar Mountains. Most travel agencies can arrange these trips, where you’ll be the only climbers for miles.

Picturesque Tamanrasset, situated at the heart of the Hoggar Mountains, is a large town with many hotels and restaurants. Tourists often stay in 'Tam' (as it is sometimes called) and use it as a base for touring the mountains or hiking in the open desert to the south and west in the company of camel drivers who carry their luggage. It is also a popular winter holiday resort. It is visited regularly by the camel caravans of les hommes bleus, blue-robed Touaregs, who are the ancient nomadic inhabitants of this wide region.

The unofficial ‘capital’ of Algeria’s Sahara region is an interesting Touareg town, the only sizeable centre of population in the middle of the vast desert and a place you’ll have to pass through on any Hoggar Mountain trip. The surrounding scenery is the reason to come, but the town itself gives a fascinating glimpse into Touareg life.

Within easy reach of Algiers along the coast, the fascinating ruined city of Tipaza has exceptional Roman, Punic and Christian ruins, and a Numidian mausoleum overlooking a beautiful stretch of the Mediterranean coast. It’s also easy day-tripping distance from Algiers, making it the most accessible Roman ruins in the country.

Algeria has some of the most beautiful stretches of the world’s largest desert with in its borders and you can best experience the ethereal landscapes and extraordinary light by trekking through some of its most beguiling sand dunes and rock formations.