Less than three hours from London, yet still relatively unknown in the English-speaking world, Algiers is one of the Mediterranean’s most mesmerising cities – a captivating blend of faded French grandeur and neo-Moorish architecture, crowned by its legendary UNESCO-listed Casbah.
Known as “Alger la Blanche” – Algiers the White – the capital provides a fascinating introduction to Algeria. Further east, Constantine, the spectacular “City of Bridges”, amazes with its dramatic gorges and precipitous rock faces. Oran, one of Algeria’s most dynamic cities, proudly displays its Spanish and Mediterranean influences, while Annaba – known to the French as Bône – provides the ideal base for visiting ancient Hippo Regius, where St Augustine once served as bishop.
Algiers features on our Best of Algeria Tour, which combines the capital with some of the country’s most important historic cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and cultural highlights.
Local events: Algiers hosts a number of important cultural events throughout the year, including the International Cultural Festival of Andalusian Music and Ancient Music and the Algiers International Book Fair.