Top 5 Algiers Day Trips: See Algeria’s Amazing Hidden Spots

Planning a trip to Algiers? You, very, might just be wanting to see beyond the city limits and uncover some of the gems that Algeria has to offer! So, a day trip could be just what you need. With its awesome mix of history, culture, and scenery, the area around Algiers is filled with places that make for unforgettable experiences. What’s awesome is that whether you’re into old Roman ruins, relaxed coastal spots, or getting a taste of local life, you, literally, can find it all near Algiers. Let’s have a look at some of the most awesome day trips that are totally worth checking out! Oh, and that exploration of local spots you, quite, wanted can absolutely get you in touch with the city’s genuine vibe!

1. Tipaza: Roman Ruins by the Sea

Tipaza, now this is a spot you’ve got to see! This is an old Roman city resting right by the Mediterranean Sea, just a little to the west of Algiers. So, what makes it super special? That is, its historical importance mixed with absolutely stunning seaside views. Founded by the Phoenicians and later expanded by the Romans, Tipaza offers these amazing ruins including a theatre, temples, a basilica, and even a lovely museum. It’s awesome to just stroll through and see all of this ancient stuff while you can, I mean, like, hear the waves crashing nearby. Honestly, that combination is a bit magical, don’t you think?

How to Get There: Well, getting to Tipaza is kinda easy. You can very, simply, take a bus from Algiers, which is affordable and fairly regular. It can also take about an hour and a half. So, if you’re looking for a quicker way, you, naturally, could hire a taxi or get a private car. This takes closer to an hour. Actually, this really gives you a bit more freedom to explore around. Oh, and what’s cool is that, just as I was saying, the drive itself along the coast is super scenic! Also, think about the possibility to join one of those day tours from Algiers that will normally deal with the transportation and show you around the major sights.

What to Do: The ruins really are the main draw in Tipaza, and it’s easy to see why. Wander among these bits of history, and you will also want to visit the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, not that far away; it’s an ancient burial spot that has really wonderful architecture and an awesome view! When you, finally, are done exploring, the town has great seafood restaurants where you can, of course, try some fresh, local dishes while having a great sea view. Tipaza really gives you that mix of old history and chill coastal relaxation.

2. Cherchell: History and Coastal Beauty

Not too far from Tipaza lies Cherchell, yet, this is a town filled with just as much history. In fact, a bit more, maybe? So, this place was once the capital of the Roman province of Mauretania Caesariensis. Now, Cherchell isn’t as well-known as Tipaza, but it actually has loads of ancient ruins and museums. Cherchell really deserves a spot on your list if you are into history!

How to Get There: Getting to Cherchell is really quite like getting to Tipaza. So, buses often run from Algiers, which take about two hours. Renting a car, I think, is very the most comfortable choice to reach Cherchell. And, honestly, gives you the flexibility to check out other attractions in the area. Also, I’d imagine, some tour companies do combine Tipaza and Cherchell into a single day trip. That sounds very practical for maximizing your time.

What to Do: Okay, so, the Cherchell Museum is the spot you must visit. What’s shown there is, in fact, an awesome collection of Roman artifacts, statues, and mosaics. Basically, that all really tells the history of the town. You should see the Roman theatre and the ancient port. Actually, the port was important way back when and is kinda cool to walk around. What’s more? Oh, you can relax on the beaches here! Or take a leisurely walk by the coast when you are, in short, tired of the history.

3. Blida: The City of Roses

Want something that’s not ruins for a change? Blida’s, I think, really is an ideal change of scenery. A bit inland, south of Algiers, so that, I mean, it gives you totally different things to see and do. So, the town is famous for its green spaces, gardens, and especially its rose cultivation, therefore the name. This place offers, really, a look into another aspect of Algerian culture and scenery!

How to Get There: I do have to mention this. Reaching Blida from Algiers is kinda simple. Actually, the train is so very convenient, with regular service taking about an hour. Or you, quite, might prefer to take a bus, and that’ll give you really nice views along the way. It will, by the way, take a bit longer than the train.

What to Do: So, if you love nature, that is, visiting the gardens and parks here is an absolute must. What’s so, so, great, actually, is that the Parc de Loisirs de Ben Chicao has paths, flowers, and nice quiet corners, by the way! If you feel like checking out local life, the markets are an awesome place for that. Oh, and you, very, can try the local sweets and pastries that Blida is famous for! The Chréa National Park nearby is just wonderful if you, sort of, feel like a little hike and amazing views. Honestly, that whole town and region is one big treat for nature and culture lovers.

4. Ghardaia: A Step Back in Time

Alright, this one will be farther away but totally special! Actually, Ghardaia is in the M’zab Valley, way down south from Algiers, in the Sahara. This place has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its unusual architecture and culture. I mean, how fascinating? The old town of Ghardaia shows M’zabite architecture; the buildings just all fit together on a hill. I’d bet the experience to stroll down those twisting roads can feel kinda like traveling to another time.

How to Get There: Considering the distance, then it’s clearly very convenient to take a domestic flight from Algiers to Ghardaia; they are running, as a matter of fact, all the time! You, sort of, can also get there by bus, yet, brace yourself; it might be more like ten hours or more. As I was saying, domestic flights might not just be more convenient, but they’ll save you a lot of time!

What to Do: Seeing the special M’zabite architecture needs to be high on your priority list. Just stroll all through the town to have it, just you, sink into its original ambiance and see how, actually, locals are living. To me, what’s awesome about Ghardaia is that you have five different villages, all of them really, really near, all built in that style, to explore. I think I heard a guided tour may even let you have access to some of the historical homes and give you this, this amazing look into the local habits. How awesome is that? Really. I am sure if you check those local markets out you’ll have some authentic artisan work to purchase. Oh, and a piece of the Sahara right nearby? Very much great for desert trips or simply taking in this crazy sunset that you may keep with you, like, very, very closely forever.

5. Tipasa National Park

Okay, so Tipasa has those old ruins right next to the coast; however, if you really love being outdoors and that stunning coast appeals, you, for instance, just can’t skip the Tipasa National Park. Here you have that amazing coastal beauty all joined with forests. Yeah! The great spot, as I was just saying, to go when wanting some hiking and beach-time. And the ruins still await.

How to Get There: Just so very like with seeing the Tipaza ruins, you might simply hop on that bus headed right to Tipaza from Algiers, so very affordable. As I was saying, a taxi or your ride lets you roam even around there to discover all these cool park hideaways and see as much as you can. It isn’t necessarily about going, even for those national-park sites provide excursions that solve for all that logistics of reaching the area from Algiers for you!

What to Do: Okay, I think hiking trails let you find so many various bits there. Honestly, like secluded coasts. If you are that way inclined, maybe take that picnic gear with to, arguably, have that lovely outdoor meal. Clearly, you might stroll right along, soaking the beach there when you are that sort. Okay? For you to go history-loving in Tipaza you clearly won’t be forgetting that awesome Roman ruin viewing being quite right there! Yeah!