Algiers travel guide from the UK: visas, flights and budget tips

Last updated 29 October 2026 · by the HopCheap team

Algeria is one of the least-visited countries in the Mediterranean, which is part of its appeal. Algiers, "Alger la Blanche", has a dramatic hillside Casbah (a UNESCO site), grand French-era boulevards, Roman ruins nearby and very few tourists. It takes more planning than Morocco or Tunisia, mainly because of the visa, but rewards the effort.

Visas: start here

Unlike Morocco and Tunisia, Algeria requires British visitors to get a visa in advance. Applications usually go through the Algerian consular network in the UK and need supporting documents, such as proof of accommodation or an invitation. Processing can take a while. Algeria has also introduced visa-on-arrival schemes for some organised tourist trips to the far south. Check the latest requirements with the Algerian consulate and the FCDO Algeria advice, which also explains which border regions to avoid.

Flights from the UK

Air Algérie and British Airways have flown direct from London to Algiers (ALG), in around two and a half hours. One-stop options via Paris, Marseille, Barcelona or Istanbul are common and sometimes cheaper. Use the search buttons to compare, and be flexible on days, as direct services don't run daily.

When is the best time to go?

• March–May: green, mild and ideal for walking the Casbah.
• September–November: warm sea and pleasant days.
• Summer: hot and humid in Algiers, and busy with domestic holidaymakers.
• Ramadan: daytime is quiet, with many cafés closed, but evenings are lively. Dates change every year.

Where to stay

• City centre (around Rue Didouche Mourad and the Grande Poste): convenient, with mid-range hotels and good transport.
• Near the Casbah and Bab El Oued: atmospheric, but there are fewer hotels.
• Hydra and El Biar: upmarket residential areas with some guesthouses.

Hotels in Algeria can be pricier than in Tunisia or Morocco, and the budget guesthouse scene is smaller. Book ahead, because your visa application may need a confirmed booking.

Getting around

Algiers has a metro, a tram, and cable cars that climb the hillsides, all of them cheap. Taxis are inexpensive. Agree prices if there's no meter. The city is very hilly, so combine walking with transport.

What to see

• The Casbah: a maze of whitewashed alleys and Ottoman-era palaces such as Dar Mustapha Pacha. Many visitors go with a local guide, which is recommended for context and orientation.
• Notre Dame d'Afrique: a hilltop basilica with sweeping bay views.
• Maqam Echahid (Martyrs' Memorial): an iconic monument, with a national museum below.
• Jardin d'Essai du Hamma: a huge historic botanical garden.
• Day trip to Tipaza: Roman ruins on the sea, around an hour west.

Food

Try chorba (soup), couscous, chakhchoukha, merguez, garantita (chickpea flan, a cheap street snack) and wonderful pastries. Cafés serve strong coffee everywhere. Alcohol is limited to certain hotels and restaurants.

Money

The Algerian dinar is a closed currency. Foreign cards are accepted in fewer places than in Europe, so plan to use cash, exchanged at official points. Rules on declaring foreign currency at entry apply. Check the latest guidance before you travel, and see our travel money tips.

Practical tips

• French and Arabic are widely spoken. A few French phrases go a long way.
• Dress modestly.
• Carry your passport, because police checks happen.
• A travel eSIM is handy, but check coverage before you buy. See our eSIM guide.

Easier North African options: Tunis and Marrakech.

What does a budget trip look like?

Day 1: Walk the colonial centre: the Grande Poste, Rue Didouche Mourad and the Jardin d'Essai. Day 2: Spend the morning on a guided Casbah walk and visit Dar Mustapha Pacha, then go up to Notre Dame d'Afrique for sunset. Day 3: Take a day trip to Tipaza's Roman ruins and the Mausoleum of the Christian Woman. Day 4: Visit Maqam Echahid and the national museums, then ride the cable car for views before you fly home. Because the visa requires paperwork, finalise your accommodation and flights before applying, and keep printed copies of everything.

Before you book: a quick checklist for Algiers

• Compare dates: check a whole month of fares, not just one date. A few days' difference can change the price a lot (see our flexible date tips).
• Count the extras: add bags, seats and airport transfers to the fare before comparing options.
• Check entry rules: read the latest FCDO advice for your destination on GOV.UK, including passport validity.
• Sort insurance early: buy travel insurance when you book, so cancellation cover starts straight away.
• Plan data and money: sort a travel eSIM and a fee-free card before you leave (see our eSIM and money guides).
• Read the partner's terms: the booking site handles your booking and payment, so check its price, baggage and cancellation terms before you pay.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for Algeria from the UK?

Yes. British visitors generally need a visa in advance. Check the Algerian consulate and FCDO advice for current requirements.

Are there direct flights from London to Algiers?

Air Algérie and British Airways have operated direct London–Algiers flights.

Is Algiers expensive?

Food and transport are cheap, but hotels can cost more than in Morocco or Tunisia.

What currency is used in Algeria?

The Algerian dinar, a closed currency, so plan to use cash exchanged locally.

We don't quote fixed prices in our guides because fares change constantly — the search buttons fetch current fares. Entry rules can change: always check GOV.UK before you travel.