When listing places to visit in Algeria, some cities in the North should certainly come at the top of your list! With a captivating history and beautiful landscapes, every location in Northern Algeria has its own distinctive personality. However, the hardest part of traveling to Algeria is figuring out what to visit on your journey. Plan your trip with this list of the best places to visit in Northern Algeria.
12 Places To Visit In Northern Algeria
Algeria’s biggest urban centers are located in the North. It’s impossible to get bored exploring the streets, markets, and historical sites of these places.
My blog post covers all the best cities and towns in Northern Algeria. Don’t miss a chance to visit some of them.
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1. Algiers – A capital With Character
Algiers is a modern city embedded with a rich history. This is displayed through its architecture, monuments, road networks, and more. Whether you’re interested in history, looking for some street shopping, eager to try the delicious North African food or just want to explore another Mediterranean city, you’re sure to find something interesting here.
➵ Read: Things to do In Algiers, Algeria
2. Tipaza – The Ruins Meets The Sea
Located on Algeria’s Mediterranean coast, Tipaza is a charming historic city that was once part of the Roman Empire. Despite being best known for Roman ruins, Tipaza has much to offer: the coastal village La Corne d’Or, Chenoua Corniche, and the town called Cherchel are some of the great places to visit.
3. Oran – Cool, Colonial & Lively
Oran is the second-largest city in Algeria. Located in the Northwest, around 400 km from Algiers, this coastal city is famous for its laid-back culture and vibrant nightlife. Oran is also home to a great number of colonial buildings and archeological sites. It’s called Oran El Bahia (the beautiful) for a reason.
Hike up to Santa Cruz Fort for the best views of the city, visit Sacré Coeur Cathedral, and walk along the seaside promenade. However you set your itinerary, make sure to leave time to watch the sunset from Canastel.
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4. Tlemcen – The Former Kingdom
Tlemcen is Algeria’s most westerly city, located near the border with Morocco. With buildings dating from the 12th – the 15th, traditional market, and religious monuments, it’s no wonder Tlemcen makes the list. Go here to absorb the history of this former Berber Kingdom.
➵ Read more: Things to do in Tlemcen
5. El Kala – The Hidden Gem
El Kala is a destination out of the usual route through Algeria and therefore often skipped. El Kala is a small city known for its coral reef, national park, and lakes. It’s located in the extreme Northeast of Algeria near the border with Tunisia, which makes it a great stop if you are crossing Algeria – Tunisia land border. Walk around its natural park, visit the lakes, and explore the Ottoman and Roman sites such as Fort Moulin and Bordj El Romaine.
➵ Read: Algeria Travel Guide
6. Annaba – Between Sea and Mountains
Located where the mountain meets the sea, this Northeastern city houses picturesque steep valleys and nice beaches. Along with its extraordinary landscapes, Annaba is known for its rich history and succulent seafood.
Don’t miss a visit to Saint Augustin Cathedral and El Mountazah hotel where you can admire the amazing views.
7. Guelma – The Town Of Hotsprings
Located inland in mountainous terrain with fertile soil, Gulema is a great stop on a road trip through Northeastern Algeria. Relatively unpopulated part of the country, Guelma is home of the hottest thermal springs in Algeria reaching 98°C. In addition to these natural attractions, Guelma features some incredibly well-preserved Roman ruins.
8. Constantine – The City Of Bridges
Affectionally known as the city of hanging bridges, Constantine is the third-largest city in Algeria. Through several eras, it has kept its importance and has been a strategic location since it was founded. Today, Constantine is perhaps the most visited city in Northeastern Algeria. Its streets are filled with old colonial buildings and street vendors, and visitors can walk along its hanging bridges and admire the magnificent views.
9. Collo – Pure Mediterranean
Wedged between mountains and coastline, the idyllic town of Collo is more or less undervalued destination in Northern Algeria. Visitors to the town can experience beautiful beaches and serene scenery, with access to the pristine Mediterranean Sea. Collo is also a great hiking spot.
10. Djemila – Visit The Roman Ruins
Djemila is one of the most beautiful Roman ruins outside of Italy. Whilst there is a countless number of Roman archaeological sites throughout Algeria, Djemila is one of the most well preserved Roman ruins. This site is also part of the UNESCO world heritage list. Walk around the ruins and enjoy the serenity of this place.
11. Bejaia – A Glimpse Of The Kabylie Region
Bejaia, also known as Bougie, is one of the largest cities in the Kabilye region and easily one of the most interesting to visit. The city along the coastline is surrounded by hills and mountains offering great vantage points.
Bejaia is a great stop along the Algerian coastline. Do a hike to the top of Yemma Gouraya, relax at Aiguades bay, and visit the cave.
Tip: the coastal towns in Algeria are crowded in summer and many beaches are frequented by conservative locals. These spots are best seen from September to the first week of June.
12. Tikjda – A Charming Mountain Escape
Located within Djurjura Mountains in the Kabylie region, Tikjda is a great outdoor destination that offers a variety of hiking trails.
Its beautiful peaks, little lake, and peaceful atmosphere make it one of the most popular high altitude destinations in Algeria. So even if you don’t go for the full hiking experience, Tikjda is still very beautiful and worth a visit.
There you have it! Which cities would you most like to visit in Northern Algeria?
Thank you for stopping by! I hope you find this post useful and informative.
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Alex Chan says
I’m one of very few nationalities that can visit Algeria visa-free. I made a short visit to only Algiers and loved it. I hope to make a longer trip to explore the rest of the country in the future.
mouici says
don’t forget about thevest the Roman military base
Jordana says
Before reading your posts on Algeria, I thought Algeria was an unsafe destination with not a lot to do. But now I’m in love with it. Great photos.
admin says
Hi Jordana, thank you, I am glad you enjoyed my post!