Algiers

Advertisement

Introducing Algiers

Algiers ‘la blanche’, the white one, is what the French called the capital of Algeria. A big, bustling, whitewashed city, with the Mediterranean out front, hills and rich farmland behind, Algiers (El-Djazaïr in Arabic) is an exciting destination and the gateway to the country’s interior.

Advertisement

Algiers was the most successful of all the Barbary pirate bases, especially in the 16th century under the most remarkable pirate of all, Kheireddin Barbarossa. It was also the most cherished of all French colonial centres. And since independence in 1962, it has been the political, economic and cultural hub of an extremely large and culturally and geographically diverse country. The largest port in northwest Africa and the largest city too, it now spreads far to accommodate a population that has doubled in 20 years.

Algiers suffered along with the rest of the country during the ‘black years’ of the 1990s. Since then, it has seen a strange split in its fortunes. You don’t have to walk far in the centre to see people hanging around with nothing to do. All capitals have their jobless and homeless, but they look out of place in a country that has just paid off its foreign debt. Thanks mainly to oil and gas revenue, there has never been so much cash in the city – the state is spending large sums and there is a sense among some individuals that money is there to be made. The number of new cars choking the main roads is a sign of growing personal prosperity.

Yet, in its rush to modernise Algiers has still preserved some of its old mystique; it has a strong sense of identity and is still dazzlingly white.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009

Tips & articles

  1. Tom Hall’s travel picks for 2011

    30 December 2010

    What’s in store for travel in and around Europe in 2011? Here are some suggestions to get you booking that...

    Read more

  2. Algeria: travel books to read before you go

    1 October 2010

    This excerpt from Lonely Planet’s archives provides a selection of travel literature to get you in the mood for your...

    Read more

See all tips & articles for Algiers

Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. WanderinWilco avatar
    Re: Almost ready for the off

    by WanderinWilco 14 May 2012

    Safe ride, look forward to your reports. I may be next door, having just been headhunted for a short contract in Algiers Dave
  2. yongalgeria avatar
    RE: Tunisia to Algeria

    by yongalgeria 12 May 2012

    That's right. As mentioned, you just need your visa with you and documents showing your accommodation reservations (which you need in…
  3. Kira avatar
    RE: Algiers Trip Report 06-09 April 2012

    by Kira 09 May 2012

    On the edge of Algiers - the 'obvious' one would be Tipaza which is stunning. Great fish restaurants (but not great at night, worth a…

See all Thorn Tree forum discussions for Algiers

In our shop

See all shop products

Hotels & Hostels in Algiers

See all hotels and hostels in Algiers

Travel Insurance

Going to Algeria? Make sure you're covered.

Get a quote

See all travel services

Advertisement