There are a number of festivals, holidays and other events celebrated in Algiers each year. The main ones are listed below.
January 1: New Year's Day (national)In Algeria, New Year's Day is a cause for celebration with friends and family.
Third month of the Hijiri calendar: Eid Al Mawlid Annabawi (national)The birth of the Prophet Muhammad is celebrated each year in Algeria. Prayers and celebrations during these two days make them a family-holiday.
March 20: International Francophonie Day (national)49 French-language speaking countries including Algeria celebrate their link with France. Poetry and writing contests are held for the youth, as well as meals and games about French culture and language for everyone.
May 1: Labour Day (national)Labour Day is a public holiday for all Algerians. This day is spent on parades and worker marches.
Ninth month of the Hijiri calendar: Ramadan (national)The Islamic holy month of Ramadan, during which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, is an especially pious time in Algeria, a country with a majority Muslim population. Fasting begins each day at sunrise and ends at sunset. For the entire month, Algiers operates at a slower pace during the day and stirs into action at nightfall.
First day of Chawwal, the tenth month of the Hijiri calendar: Eid al-Fitr (national)In Islam, this day marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and is a time for celebrations with family and friends.
June 19: Righting Day (national)The Anniversary of the Algerian coup d'état of June 19th 1965 which saw Houari Boumédiène take over as president is cause for yearly celebration.
July 5: Independence Day (national)This holiday commemorates the Independence of Algeria as proclaimed on July 5th 1962 by General de Gaulle. It is an opportunity for many official speeches, parades and popular rejoicing.
August 21 (date set according to the Hijri calendar): Eid al-Adha (national)It is considered the most important of the yearly Muslim holidays and honours Ibrahim as a model for all believers. This is also an occasion for sumptuous family gatherings, for which it is recommended to multiply offerings and gifts.
November 1: Anniversary of the Revolution (national)November 1st 1954 is the official starting point of the war between France and Algeria. This event is cause for yearly celebrations, official memorial services and political speeches.
Month | Min. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Max. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Average Rains (MM) | Best Time to Travel |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | 6/43 | 16,5/62 | 80/3.1 | Not the best period to go |
February | 6,5/48 | 17/63 | 82/3.2 | Not the best period to go |
March | 7/45 | 18,5/65 | 73/2.8 | Good period to go
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April | 9/48 | 20/68 | 61/2.4 | Good period to go
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May | 12/54 | 23,5/74 | 40/1.5 | Good period to go
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June | 16/61 | 27/80 | 16/0.6 | Good period to go
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July | 18,5/65 | 30/86 | 4/0.1 | Not the best period to go |
August | 19/66 | 31/89 | 7/0.2 | Not the best period to go |
September | 17/63 | 29/84 | 34/1.3 | Good period to go
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October | 14/57 | 25/77 | 76/2.9 | Good period to go
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November | 10/50 | 21/70 | 96/3.7 | Not the best period to go |
December | 7/45 | 17/63 | 115/4.5 | Not the best period to go |
The Algiers Houari Boumediene International airport is located 16 kilometres east of Algiers.
Downtown Algiers and its surroundings are easy to get around. Subway and tramway are the two best options.
With one line and 28 stops, the tramway of Algiers connects the "Fusillés" station east of downtown to the western Dergana district, riding along the coastline. It is operated every day from 5:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. with one train every 5 minutes.
Tickets are DZD 40. You can buy them at the automated machines in every station.
The subway system is safe and modern in Algiers. With one line and 14 stations, it connects all major areas from Tafourah-Post Office downtown to Hai El Badr west of downtown.
It is operated 7/7 from 5:00 a.m. to 11 p.m. with one train every 3 to 5 minutes.
Tickets are DZD 50. Books of tickets are available for DZD 400. You can buy them at the automated machines in every station.
49 bus lines that connect Algiers allow you to travel downtown, especially with the "aero-ville", a line that stops at the Place des Martyrs, Algiers' airport, Place Audin, the Post Office and the Agha station.
The grid also extends far into the suburbs. The "aero-ville" is operated from 5:45 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Most bus lines are operated from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Bus tickets are 20 DZD. You can buy tickets at the automated machines in every station or in the bus.
Taxis are a good way to navigate the city of Algiers, when you consider the dense traffic. Be careful and do not hop into non-official taxis. Taxis in Algiers must be yellow and bear a “taxi” sign. The fare must not exceed DZD 20 per kilometre.
Once you arrive in Algiers, don't hesitate to get in touch with tourism professionals for information and help in organising your stay.
Office National du Tourisme (ONT)Offers practical information and useful recommendations (accommodation, restaurants, public transport, festivals, cultural events, etc.).
See your doctor before you travel. It is also recommended to take out insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation before your trip. Algiers counts several hospitals and medical institutions, as well as quality medical practitioners and health specialists.
VaccinationObtaining a booster vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis is recommended
Typhoid, hepatitis A and B are also recommended.
For more information, contact the Air France Vaccination Centre:
It is strongly advised to drink water from sealed bottles.
Food safetyIt is recommended to keep strong food hygiene practices: make sure produce is carefully washed and food is properly cooked before eating.
As a French citizen, you need to obtain a visa if you will be staying in Algeria. The request should be addressed to the Algerian consulate.
To travel serenely in Algiers and Algeria, follow the travel advice of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/algeria/
Here are a few useful phrases in Arabic for your stay in Algiers:
Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon: Sabah al-khair
Thank you very much: Shukran jaziilan
Could you repeat ?: Mumkin te'id ?
What time is it ?: Kam el sa'ah?
Train station: Mahattat al-qitaar
I'm looking for (…): Abhass ane (…)
Do you have (…)?: Hal 'indak (…)?
Where can I find (…)?: Ayna ajed (…)?
Tipping
Tipping is not necessarily required, although always appreciated if you are satisfied with the service. You may leave a tip in restaurants and hotels, for 10 to 15% of the bill.