Algiers charms with its Mediterranean harbour views, hilly terrains, Moorish architecture and golden night lights. Here’s how to soak up its splendour in 48 hours.
Start your morning by inhaling the roses, eating sweet pastries and sipping strong kahwa (coffee) on the terrace of the café downhill from the central neo-moorish Grande Poste. Then check out the old postcards from the street stores to get ready to dip into the Algiers of days past.
The Casbah (1), Algiers’ old town, is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed citadel dating back to the 16th century. Several museums are situated within it. Best to get familiar beforehand with this important location in the Algerian revolution by watching Gillo Pontecorvo’s docu-drama The Battle of Algiers. Descending throughthe labyrinth of narrow lanes you’ll pass stores where you can buy local honey, herbal remedies, dates and gondoras (traditional Algerian dresses). There’s a great book store, Librairie du Tiers Monde, on Place Emir Abdelkader (2).
Stroll back along the port to the main drag on rue Didouche Mourad and stop at number 54: Lalla Mina. This former cabaret is now a restaurant where you can taste traditional Algiers meals like rechta (angel hair pasta and white sauce) and of course couscous.
Now for a spot of shopping on Didouche Mourad: Ahlam Nid d’Amour at number 90 has gorgeous dresses for a special occasion.
Next, back on the museum trail: perhaps the Musée des Beaux Arts, the Bardo (prehistory and ethnography), or Musée de l’Armee. Make sure to visit the Maqam Echahid monument to pay homage to
the martyrs who died in the fight for the country’s independence. Relax in the stunning Jardin d’Essai
du Hamma (4), the botanical gardens established in 1832 – a slice of…
Read the full Africa Report story on 48 hrs Algiers.
Ruby on the terrace of the Musée des Beaux Arts above the Jardin d’Essai du Hamma Photo I.Arab
