Algiers, Algeria’s capital, is a city where centuries of history unfold along the shores of the Mediterranean. Known as “El Bahdja,” or “The Joyful,” Algiers blends striking buildings, seaside breezes, and layered stories. One of its most iconic landmarks is the Casbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site with maze-like alleyways, Ottoman-era palaces, and hidden terraces overlooking the bay. The Grand Post Office, with its striking facade and intricate neo-Moorish details, anchors the city’s downtown.

For a more tranquil experience, visitors can explore the Jardin d’Essai, a vast botanical garden founded in 1832. With over 3,000 plant species and a shaded palm alley, the garden offers a quiet retreat in the middle of the city.

Algiers has a growing arts and culture scene that reflects its youthful energy. The National Museum of Fine Arts, perched on a hill overlooking the bay, houses one of the largest art collections in Africa. Small galleries and music cafes are tucked into the city’s corners, offering everything from traditional chaabi music to contemporary Algerian hip-hop. Live music spills into the streets during festivals, particularly in summer, when open-air concerts take place near the waterfront.