Algiers is one of the Mediterranean and North Africa’s largest and most exciting cities, offering visitors many great things to do, including historical sites, museums, beautiful parks, and breathtaking views.
In this post, I’m going to share with you everything that I would recommend to visitors looking for a perfect 2-day Algiers itinerary.
Also, to maximize your sight-seeing over your two days in Algiers, I’ve grouped all the things to do in a logical order in terms of visiting.
Get ready to explore and have sightseeing packed days!
Two Days In Algiers
This 2-day Algiers itinerary involves walking, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.
For all attractions with an entrance fee, I have noted how much each activity costs. I have also specified how to get there from the previous activity.
➵ Also read: 23 Top things to do in Algiers
Algiers Itinerary Day 1 – Algiers Highlights
Good morning sunny Algiers! Now that you feel rested, it is time to hit the town and enjoy a great first day on your Algiers itinerary. To get grips with the city, I recommend heading down Didouche Mourad towards Port Said Square, as it is here where the heart of downtown lies. You will find some of Algiers’ most iconic buildings and landmarks to see or visit.
Here are the most interesting stops along the way:
1. The Central Post Office
The distinctive Central Post Office is the most iconic monument in Algiers. It’s a fine example of French-designed, Moorish architecture. Inside the building, the ceiling is decorated with impressive mosaics.
Historically known as La Grande Poste, this 1910 building was a fully functioning post office until 2015, when it was turned into a museum.
Important to know: presently the Central Post office is undergoing refurbishment, which is currently closed to the public. But you can still admire the beautiful facade.
2. Jardin de l’Horloge Florale (The Flower Clock Garden)
On from The central post office, you’re going to find yourself a few meters away from The Flower Clock Garden, walk up Mohamed Khmisti road until you reach Pasteur avenue. The garden is on the opposite side of the avenue. From the Flower clock garden, you’ll have a beautiful view of Algiers and the Mediterranean Sea.
Tip: There is another entrance (facing the government Palace) on the opposite side from where you came in. I don’t recommend leaving the park from that one, as you will have to make a detour to get to the next activity.
3. Emir Abdelkader Square
After enjoying the view of Algiers, I recommend walking down Pasteur Avenue and onto Laarbi Ben Mhidi street, until you get to Emir Abdelkader Square.
Probably the most striking memorial in the city center is Emir Abdelkader memorial, a giant statue of Emir Abdelkader, a religious and military leader who led a struggle against the French colonial invasion in the mid-19th century.
4. The Museum of Modern Art (MAMA)
Once you have seen the Emir Abdelkader Memorial, take the Colonel Haouas street until you spot the Museum of Modern Art (MAMA), your following visit. This museum is rather interesting and not at all expensive. It’s a great place to visit if you want to get insight into the work of local artists. Aside from artworks, the exhibition is housed in a beautiful Neo-Moorish building that was once a department store, historically known as the Galeries de France.
- Cost: DA 200
5. Port Said Square and the National Theater
After leaving The MAMA Museum, head to Port Said Square, a plaza in the historic center of Algiers. Back in the day, this square was the meeting point of sailors. Nowadays, it’s known for its parallel-market money changers. Right in front of the Port Said square is the National Theater Mahieddine Bachtarzi, formerly known as Algiers Opera House. Designed in the Baroque revival style, this historic building was built between 1850 and 1853. Stop by to admire the beautiful structure before you continue your visit.
How to get there: Port said Square is around 10-minutes walk from MAMA Museum. Keep walking along Colonel Haouas street until you reach it.
7. Zighoud Youcef Boulevard
Once you have seen the Port said Square and Algeria National Theater, cross the main road to walk along Zighoud Youcef Boulevard, a seafront boulevard lined with beautiful Haussmannian buildings.
From Port Said Square, you will find yourself in the middle of the boulevard; take the direction on your right side to head back to the Central Post office area where you can grab a snack or have lunch before heading to the east side of the city center.
8. The Botanical Garden Hamma
This spectacular palace definitely deserves a spot on your Algiers itinerary.
After having rested and eaten something head to the Botanical Garden Hamma. Known as le Jardin d’Essai, this gorgeous oasis of greenery is the perfect place to have a break from the busy streets of Algiers. The Botanical Garden was designed in 1832 as a test garden and is spread out over 5 hectares.
Tip: Leave the park from the same entrance you came in.
- Cost: The entrance to the Botanical Garden is DA 150.
- How to get there: Take the subway (line 1) from the city center and stop at Jardin d’Essai station.
9. The National Museum of Fine Arts
After leaving the Botanical Garden, head to the National Museum of Fine Art, which is located right on the opposite side of the road.
The National Museum of Fine Arts known as le Musée des Beaux-Arts is one of Algiers’ top cultural sights and Africa’s greatest art galleries. its collection contains 8000 artworks, spreads over three floors.
If you are not a fan of art, then go there for the view. Climb to the rooftop for one of the most enchanting views of Algiers. You’ll be able to see the Botanical Garden and the Mediterranean Sea.
- Cost: The entrance to The National Museum of Fine Arts is DA 200
Optional Extra On Your Route: Dar Abd-el-Tif
If you have time, visit Dar Abd-el-Tif, a Moorish house and historical monument which is located next to the National Museum of Fine Arts. It is notable for having been set up in 1907 in emulation of the Villa Medici in Rome.
Back in the day, during the Ottoman era, Dar Abd-el-Tif was a residence for the notables of the Casbah. The villa also housed many artists and famous personalities during the French occupation. Today, it’s home to the Institute of Cultural Evolution where many concerts and performances are held throughout the year.
- cost: visiting Dar Abd-el-Tif is free of charge.
10. Martyr’s Memorial
Last on our list for the day is the Martyr’s Memorial. Located on a hill overlooking Algiers and the Mediterranean, the Martyr’s Memorial (Makam E’shahid) is a significant symbol as it’s dedicated to the Algerian martyrs who died during the war of independence from France.
The Memorial, constructed in the early 1980s, has the shape of three massive palm fronds that come together and rise 92 meters into the sky, representing the culture, agriculture, and industry.
If you want to learn about the French occupation from 1830-1962, or simply see the exhibition, you can head to the Museum of Occupation (Mudjahid Museum), which is located underneath the Memorial. Keep in mind that the descriptions are in French and Arabic only. The entry fee to the museum is DA 20.
How to get there: Take the cable car. The Martyr’s Memorial is right above the Botanical Garden, the National Art Museum, and Dar Abdaltif. The cable car station is located just near these three attractions.
Head back to the city center for dinner. For a traditional food experience, I recommend eating at Keimat Essaouira. A meal will cost you around DA 2000
Algiers Itinerary Day 2 – Historical Sites
Today you’re going to head to the West of downtown, and take in some of the sights in this area, starting with the oldest neighborhood of the capital.
11. The Casbah
After breakfast, head to the Casbah. your first stop of the day! This old citadel which is a Unesco Heritage Site is a winning choice on any Algiers itinerary!
The Casbah is a collection of whitewashed Ottoman-style houses, palaces, and mosques sited on high ground. It’s known for its maze of narrow alleys and stairways.
You’ll have the option to see the Casbah as part of an informative guided tour, or without a tour guide.
I don’t recommend the second option as it can be a headache trying to find your way in the narrow streets. It’s more enjoyable to join a guided tour as the guide will know which buildings are open to the public and where you can get the best view of the city.
The guided tours end at the lower Casbah, where you’ll find a traditional market and a popular square called Martyr’s square. If you walk through the square you will see some beautiful mosques. You can also enjoy a nice view of Algiers and its harbor.
Good to know: the guided tours usually start at 10:00 and last around three hours.
Book the Casbah guided tour here
12. Ketchaoua Mosque
Located in the lower Casbah, Ketchaoua mosque was built during the Ottomans rule in the 17 century and is another Unesco Heritage Site.
To tour the interior, you’ll need to check Algier’s prayer times first and then go there just before the call to prayer or right after people finish praying as the mosque is closed in between prayer times.
Dress code: Women should wear ankle-length skirts or loose fit pants. Sleeves should reach to each wrist and the hair should be covered by a headscarf. Men should wear long pants and plain shirts or T-shirt
- cost: visiting Ketchaoua mosque is free of charge.
- How to get there: The Ketchaoua mosque is right around the corner from the Martyr’s square.
13. The Palais des Rais
Keeping with the lower Casbah theme, your next stop is one of the last surviving quarters of this ancient medina – the Palais des Rais, usually known as Bastion 23.
Following the restructuring of the Casbah during the French era, this 16th century Palace is now completely detached and isolated from its traditional environment.
The Bastion 23 consists of three Palaces and six houses and is considered as one of the most important historical monuments of Algiers.
- Cost: the entry fee to the Palais des Rais is DA 200.
- How to get there: The Palais des Rais is about 10 minutes walk from Martyr’s Square. From the square, take the Avenue of November 1st.
14. Notre Dame d’Afrique
Moving on from the Palais des Rais, and the last stop on the tour is Our Lady of Africa, a neo-byzantine basilica, known as Notre Dame d’Afrique or Madame l’Afrique,
This 1872 Basilica has been a place of prayer and pilgrimage for generations of Christians but from the beginning what has given it its special meaning, are the Muslim people who come here as well. In fact, its symbolic religious importance can be summed up by the inscription on the apse: Notre Dame d’Afrique priez pour nous et pour les Musulmans “Our Lady of Africa, pray for us and for the Muslims”
Notre Dame d’Afrique sits just outside Algiers city center and is perched on a cliff at 407 feet, offering panoramic views of Algiers and the Mediterranean Sea.
- Cost: visiting Notre Dame d’Afrique is free of charge.
- How to get there: Take a taxi from Bastion 23. The ride will take about 15 minutes.
15. Seventy-Five Bar
So now you’ve seen some of the big highlights in Algiers. It’s time to get a well-deserved refreshment. Head to the Seventy Five Bar which is located inside the Aurassi Hotel and enjoy a drink while admiring one of the finest views of Algiers and the Mediterranean. Although the drinks are a little pricy, definitely be sure to add it to your Algiers itinerary.
If you arrive there by the end of the day, you will have the chance to witness the beautiful Algiers sunset.
- How to get there: Aurassi hotel is located on the upper side of Algiers’ city center. Take a taxi from Notre Dame d’Afrique.
- Cost: expect to pay between DA 400- 800 DA for an alcoholic drink.
Algiers Itinerary – Day 3 and Beyond
Algiers is hardly complete without a few day trips. So if you are staying in Algiers for over 2 days, a trip to Tipaza’s Roman Ruins is a must on your itinerary.
I have also written a full guide that should give you plenty of ideas on how to spend your time in Algiers.
➵ Read: The Ultimate Algier’s Travel Guide
Where to Stay With Only 2 Days in Algiers
Algiers city center is the best area to stay in. It’s the beaten heart of the capital and the central hub of all the attractions. From there you can easily reach most places of interest in other neighborhoods on foot or via a short metro ride.
Didouche Mourad street, Place Audin, Pasteur Avenue, Dr. Saadane street, Mohamed V Bvd, Sacré Coeur, and Telemly, are some of the best areas to stay in Algiers as they are very central and well served by public transport.
And that’s it for my 2- day Algiers Itinerary post! If you have any questions, let me know in the comments section.
Don’t miss the rest of my Algeria posts .
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Mel says
Hi, do you have any recommendations for guides to go to the deep south (Djanet, Tassili Najjer)? We will be traveling to Algeria with our own car and would like to travel there.
admin says
Hi Mel, Atri Tourisme, Zeriba Voyage, Essendilene Voyage, and Azjar Tour are long-established companies in the deep south and their Tuareg guides are familiar with the region.
Have a beautiful time out there.