20 Best Things to Do in Algeria (2026)

Algeria is the largest country in Africa and one of its least-visited — which means its greatest sights come without the crowds. Here are the essential things to do, grouped by region so you can build them into a trip.

The Roman north

Algeria has some of the best-preserved Roman cities on earth, and almost no queues.

1. Timgad — a complete Roman colonial town laid out on a grid, with its arch and theatre.
2. Djémila — spectacularly set in the hills, arguably the most beautiful Roman site in the country.
3. Tipaza — Roman ruins right on the Mediterranean, an easy day trip from Algiers.

Algiers and the coast

4. The Casbah of Algiers (UNESCO) — the stepped Ottoman old town above the bay.
5. The seafront and the Martyrs’ Memorial — the modern city’s landmarks.
6. The Mediterranean coast — beaches and fishing towns east and west of the capital.

The Sahara

The deep south is a guided, winter expedition — and the highlight of many trips.

7. Tassili n’Ajjer (near Djanet) — a plateau of prehistoric rock art and sandstone “forests” (UNESCO).
8. The Tadrart — red dunes and arches in the deep south-east.
9. The Hoggar (near Tamanrasset) — volcanic peaks and the Assekrem sunrise.
10. Timimoun — the “red oasis” and its ksour.

The oasis towns and the west

11. The M’Zab valley (Ghardaïa) — five fortified oasis towns that influenced modern architecture (UNESCO).
12. Tlemcen — Almohad and Zianid heritage, the Andalusian heart of Algeria.
13. Oran — the raï-music city, with a lively coast and culture.
14. Constantine — the dramatic city of bridges and gorges.

Culture, food and craft

15. Algerian cuisine — couscous, chorba, and regional specialities. See our food guide.
16. Traditional crafts — carpets, pottery and silverwork. See our handicrafts guide.
17. Beni Hammad Fort — the first capital of the Hammadid dynasty (UNESCO).
18. Berber (Amazigh) Kabylie — mountains, villages and coast east of Algiers.
19. Sétif and the eastern highlands — Roman heritage and green plateaus.
20. A hammam and a mint tea — the everyday pleasures that make the trip.

How to fit it together

You can’t do all of this in one trip — and you shouldn’t try. Pair one desert region with the Roman north for a first visit; see our Algeria itinerary guide for ready-made 7, 10 and 14-day plans, or tell us what you’d like to see and we’ll build it around your dates.