Why visit
Algiers rises from the Mediterranean into white hillside neighborhoods, with the Casbah, Ottoman palaces, French-era boulevards, and sea views all close together. It works best for travelers who like layered cities and architecture.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Algiers is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Algeria. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Algiers, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Algeria better matches the trip style.
Algiers at a glance
City population
2.4 million
Elevation
113 m
371 ft
Time zone
UTC+1
Africa/Algiers
Airport
ALG
Houari Boumediene Airport
Algeria at a glance
Country center
28.0°, 3.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
2,381,741 km²
919,595 mi²
Country population
45.6 million
19/km²
Subregion
Northern Africa
Currency
Algerian dinar (د.ج)
DZD
Dial
+213
Language
Arabic
Demonym
Algerian
Internet
.dz
UN
Member state
ISO code
DZ / DZA
Where in the world
28.0° - 3.0°
Algeria
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- The Casbah of Algiers is a UNESCO-listed old city with steep lanes, Ottoman palaces, and dense hillside housing.
- Algiers is often called Algiers the White because of its bright buildings rising above the Mediterranean bay.
- The city is nicknamed Alger la Blanche, the white one, for the pale facades that climb from the bay.
- Algeria is Africa's largest country by area (2.38 million km²), more than four-fifths of which is the Sahara Desert.
- Timgad, a Roman colonial town founded by Emperor Trajan around 100 CE, is one of the best-preserved Roman grid cities outside Italy.
Bordering Algeria
Traveler notes
- The Casbah of Algiers is UNESCO-listed
- Notre Dame d'Afrique looks back across the bay from the hills
- The Martyrs' Memorial marks the modern skyline
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Algiers
What currency is used in Algiers?
Algiers uses the Algerian dinar (د.ج), ISO code DZD.
What languages are spoken in Algeria?
The primary language is Arabic.
What is the international calling code for Algeria?
The calling code is +213.
When is the best time to visit Algiers?
Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Algiers?
Houari Boumediene Airport (IATA: ALG).
Other Africa destinations
Cape Town
Cape Town is Table Mountain rising from the sea, Cape Point's meeting of oceans, Bo-Kaap's painted houses, Cape Winelands at Stellenbosch, and Kalk Bay's fish.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is the Cape Winelands capital. 200+ wineries, whitewashed Cape Dutch architecture, and a university-town energy. Pair with Franschhoek for a two-day loop.
Zanzibar City
Stone Town is a UNESCO-listed labyrinth of Arab, Indian, European, and African architecture, with spice tours, slave-route memorials, and a short ride to Nungwi and Paje beaches.
Luxor
Luxor is ancient Thebes. Karnak's temple complex, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's temple, and a Nile bank where you can hot-air balloon at dawn.
Algeria
Algeria is the largest country in Africa, and most of it is Sahara. Roman ruins at Timgad and Djemila rival anything in Italy, the Casbah of Algiers stacks above the Mediterranean, and the Hoggar mountains around Tamanrasset reward desert expeditions.
Angola
Angola pairs an Atlantic coastline with Kalandula Falls, the giant sable antelope, and Luanda's oil-boom skyline. Tourism infrastructure is young, which keeps the main sights uncrowded.