Algiers

Travelers come to Algiers for the Casbah's steep lanes, Ottoman-era houses and sea views in a working capital city.

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Algiers is the capital of Algeria, on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa. The city climbs from the bay in tiers, so many streets run steeply toward the sea. The Casbah, a hillside quarter of narrow lanes and Ottoman-era houses, is the best-known area and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along the waterfront and wider boulevards, French colonial buildings stand beside mosques and newer towers. Many lanes in the old town are narrow and steep, so most of a visit is on foot.

Travelers come for the old town and the sea views. Plan two or three days for the Casbah, the main mosques and museums, and a walk along the seafront. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. Summer is hot and humid, and winter is mild with more rain. Expect steep walks, so wear comfortable shoes. The city suits travelers who want a large, lived-in capital rather than resort-style services.

Algiers in five

Get your visa before you flyMost passports need a visa to enter Algeria, and it must be arranged before you travel. Check the requirements for your nationality and apply through an Algerian embassy or consulate.Visas and entry
Carry dinars for daily spendingCards work only at some large hotels and shops, so most small purchases need cash in Algerian dinars. Exchange money at banks or authorised offices and keep the receipts.Money and costs
Set up a local SIM or eSIMMobile data helps you check maps and transport while you are in the city. Buy a local SIM or an eSIM before you arrive, and check that your phone is unlocked.Phones and eSIM
Ride the metro and tram in AlgiersAlgiers has a metro line and a tram that cover parts of the central city. Ask your hotel which stop is closest before you set out.Getting around
Plan around the Friday and Saturday weekendAlgeria's weekend falls on Friday and Saturday, so many offices and some shops and sights change their hours. Book tours and museum visits for Sunday to Thursday where you can.

Things to do in Algiers

See all attractions in Algiers

Sight · AlgiersCasbah

Historic site · AlgiersLa grande poste of Algiers

Mosque · AlgiersDjemaa El Djedid

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to AlgiersPut the places you like in Algiers on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Currency: Algerian dinar (DZD)
Entry: Visa needed for most passports; apply before you travel
Emergency: 17 police, 14 fire and ambulance
Tipping: Not required; small tips for good service are appreciated
Time: UTC+1, no daylight saving

Weather by month

Rainy days
Days with storms

Best
Good
Mixed

JanuaryPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh16°Low9°Cool, rainy
FebruaryPartly cloudy7 rainy daysHigh17°Low9°Cool, showers
MarchPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh19°Low10°Mild, green
AprilPartly cloudy8 rainy daysHigh21°Low12°Mild, pleasant
MayClear7 rainy daysHigh24°Low15°Warm, pleasant
JuneClear2 rainy daysHigh29°Low19°Hot, humid
JulyClear0 rainy daysHigh33°Low23°Hot, humid
AugustClear1 rainy dayHigh33°Low23°Hot, busy
SeptemberClear5 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh30°Low21°Warm, pleasant
OctoberClear7 rainy daysHigh26°Low18°Mild, pleasant
NovemberPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh21°Low14°Mild, showers
DecemberPartly cloudy9 rainy daysHigh18°Low11°Cool, rainy

Average daily high and low in Algiers, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Algiers

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 16°
Humidity: 64%
Wind: 7 km/h
Chance of rain: 5%

Algiers

01:03 AM

Tuesday, November 3

GMT+1

Today20°13°5%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 20°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 5%.
Wed21°15°45%Wednesday: Thunderstorms. High 21°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 45%.
Thu20°15°27%Thursday: Cloudy. High 20°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 27%.
Fri20°14°9%Friday: Cloudy. High 20°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 9%.
Sat21°13°0%Saturday: Partly cloudy. High 21°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 0%.
Sun27°16°0%Sunday: Cloudy. High 27°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 0%.

Updated 10:13 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 135.9 DZD

Amount

Converted to

DZD · Algerian Dinar

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Day trips by train

Tipazaabout 1 to 1.5 hours by roadRoman ruins by the sea and a UNESCO World Heritage site; go early before the midday heat.
Blida and Chréaabout 1 hour by roadOrange groves at the foot of the Atlas, with cedar forest and walking trails in the hills above.
Cherchellabout 1.5 to 2 hours by roadA coastal town with Roman remains and a harbour, reached on the same road west as Tipaza.

Before you go to Algiers

eSIM for AlgeriaData on arrival for maps and transportRead the guide

Travel insuranceMedical cover and cancellationsRead the guide

Money and cardsCash needs and card acceptanceRead the guide

Where to stay in AlgiersBases for the Casbah and the seafrontRead the guide

Rules for Algiers, checked

Declare foreign currency on arrival if you carry more than the allowed amount, and keep the form until you leave.
Alcohol is sold only in licensed shops and some hotels, and public drinking is not allowed.
Dress modestly in mosques and in more traditional neighbourhoods, and ask before photographing people or government buildings.
Check visa and entry rules with the Algerian embassy or consulate that serves your country before you book flights.

Plan around Algiers

Algeria travel guide

The country, its regions and how to plan a wider trip

Read the guide Visas and entry

Visa rules, documents and what to carry at the border

Read the guide Getting around Algiers

Metro, tram, buses and taxis for the city and day trips

Read the guide Where to stay

Places to base yourself for a short city visit

Read the guide Money and costs

Cash, cards and typical daily spending

Read the guide Phones and eSIM

Mobile data options for arrival and getting around

Read the guide

Algiers FAQ

How many days do you need in Algiers?

Two to three days cover the Casbah, the seafront and the museums, with a day trip to Tipaza if you have time.

Is Algiers worth visiting?

Yes, for the Casbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site with narrow lanes and Ottoman-era houses, and for the long seafront and the Bay of Algiers.

Do I need a visa for Algeria?

Most passports need a visa, so check your nationality with the Algerian embassy or consulate before you book flights. Apply early, because processing takes time.

What currency do you use in Algeria?

The Algerian dinar (DZD). Cards are accepted only at some large hotels and shops, so bring enough cash for daily purchases and exchange money at banks or authorised offices.

Can you drink alcohol in Algiers?

Alcohol is sold only in licensed shops and some hotels. Public drinking is not allowed, so plan any drinks around your hotel or restaurant.

Is Algiers a day trip from Europe?

Not as a day trip, because flights from Europe take a few hours and you need time for the visa and the city. Stay at least two nights so the visit is not rushed.