Algeria on $100: What Is Not Expected Most Affordable Places
Table of Contents
Intro:
Algeria is the biggest territory in Africa and it’s a Mediterranean nation. From north to south are endless wonders and landscapes, costumes, food and culture, and dialects. It is itself another continent. It extends its arm limitlessly for every type of traveler. Whatever you’re seeking—hiking, beaches, adventures, cities, history, or culture—you can find it all.
From golden dunes in the Sahara (wide desert) to ancient Roman ruins, Mediterranean cities, and charming mountain towns. With a heavy history influenced by Berber, Arab, Ottoman, and French culture from the invasion of 130 years, Algeria offers a unique blend of everything you can’t count, from architecture to traditions and lifestyle.
Maybe you wonder why it has all that and you still hear of Paris. Well, in Algeria, unfortunately, tourism and advertising are not developed, and entry visas are quite difficult because of its bloody history with the French invasion 60 years ago.
And maybe you think since it has all that, it could be very expensive. Since you’re here, don’t come up with these scary thoughts. Algeria is the most affordable place you can visit; everything is almost cheap to the point that you don’t even realize how much is missing from your money. Okay, enough talking. Let’s dive in and discover how your next trip to Algeria can be extraordinary.
Arrival in Algiers: A Mediterranean city
Most recommended cities to land on: Algiers, the capital, has a nice airport. Don’t buy anything; there are much cheaper choices out there waiting. Take public transportation and head to the Place of Martyrs. There are many hostels and hotels there; the most luxurious and expensive is $50, so you can guess your staying budget—not $50 per night for sure.
Getting Around: Cheap and Local Transport
Always take the bus, tram, or metro. In Algeria, no difference; the buses have an extended line. Almost all the time, you can walk in its beautiful streets; you won’t feel 3 hours. The metro is very affordable. You need a guide for the metro because maybe GPS may not work properly. Trams and taxis are less recommended; you can lose your way easily. Otherwise, don’t worry. As before with Blessing from God, GPS and your feet can get you anywhere in this city.
Algeria has a network of buses and trains connecting major cities. Utilizing these options and exploring local areas on foot is essential for budget travel.
Where to Stay: Dorms, hostels and Airbnb
Algeria has great budget-friendly stays, hostels from $6 to $10 per night for one person. You can stay at Blida too for more clean and comfortable hostels. Airbnb is a good choice too and offers luxurious and very affordable places.
Huge amount of food choices under $3
The food, in Algeria! Remember when we talked about how rich the culture of this country is? Well, you can imagine how varied the food is, most importantly, very yummy and prepared with care. You feel it’s from the heart and cheap!.
Most recommended to try: Karantica, this sandwich in every Algerian hand at lunchtime; pizza carrée, and yeah, it is carrée, which means square in French; it is so fluffy and wonderful; the weird and amazing thing is, it has no cheese, no meat, or pepperoni, and it is very good, weird, right! For dessert, go for lemon tart at Happy Space or apples, oh! Order one and run away.
There is so much to eat that can’t be listed here, and all of it is amazing, so here is a short video of the most popular Algerian food you can eat in Algiers.
If you want to sit and have a nice family dinner, well, almost all the restaurants serve meals at low prices. BTW, the currency is DZD (Algerian Dinar); $1 is about 140 DZD.
Daily Food Budget (Approximately):
| Meal | Avg Cost (DZD / USD) | Details |
| Breakfast | 200–300 DZD / $0.90–1.25 | Typical Algerian breakfast, Coffee and bread. |
| Lunch | 400–600 DZD / $1.80–2.50 | Street food at small restaurant (Tajin, fish) |
| Dinner | 500–800 DZD / $2.20–3.50 | Local restaurant or meal at food stalls (Pizza, Shawarma) |
| Total | 1100–1700 DZD / $5 ot $8 per day | |
Things to Do in Algiers:
There’s so much to see in Algeria without spending a fortune:
- Roman ruins like Tipasa and Timgad are completely free, only transportation fees.
- Kasbahs (traditional towns with old buildings) are totally free to explore, and there is much to explore.
- Kasr El Rais: Old Castle from the Ottoman era, about $1 for the entry fee, and you can stay the whole day there if you want.
- Local markets are perfect for walking and shopping; you will never decide what to buy as a souvenir, everything is cheap and unique and beautiful.
- Hamma Garden: two gardens, French style and English style; the first is most recommended if you don’t want rats on your journey. You can see Shahid’s monument and ride the teleferic to get there.
Immersing in Algerian people:
Algerian people are super friendly and talkative sometimes. Get to know them and ask for popular places to visit; you can come out with a perfect deal, most likely a free meal. About costumes, they dress very casually or simply; it’s very rare to see someone wear traditional clothes, but they’re packed for sale in markets for both adults and children. Quick tips to immerse yourself easily: Algerian people don’t speak English, some of them, but it is easier for you to learn some Arabic or French phrases, like Where to get…? and numbers if you’re too smart.
Experiencing Algeria’s Wonders: Free and Affordable Activities
Algeria offers a wealth of free and affordable experiences:
- Exploring Ancient Ruins: Many Roman ruins like Tipasa and Timgad can be explored for a small fee or even for free in some areas.
- Wandering Through Kasbahs: Exploring the historic Kasbahs in cities like Algiers is a fascinating and free experience.
- Visiting Local Markets: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of local markets.
- Exploring the Sahara: While organized tours can be expensive, experiencing the edge of the Sahara is often free.
A Glimpse into Algerian Culture
Engaging with locals is the best way to experience Algerian culture. Attending local festivals (if timed right) or simply enjoying a cup of mint tea in a traditional cafe can be enriching experiences.
Budget Tips for Algeria:
- Learn Basic Arabic/French: Communication is key.
- Bargain at Markets: Haggling is common.
- Travel During Off-Season: Avoid peak tourist periods.
- Embrace Local Transportation: It’s affordable and authentic.
- Connect with Locals: They can offer valuable insights.
A Journey of Discovery
My $200 Algerian adventure was about embracing the unexpected and discovering the heart of a country often misunderstood.
Table: Estimated Expenses (Example)
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 80-100 | Guesthouses or homestays for 5-7 nights. |
| Food | 60-80 | Local markets, street food, and affordable restaurants. |
| Transportation | 30-40 | Local buses, trains, and occasional taxis. |
| Miscellaneous | 10-20 | Small souvenirs, SIM card, and other necessities. |
| Total (Approx.) | 180-240 USD | This is an estimate and can vary based on choices and duration. Exporter vers Sheets |
My Takeaway: The Soul of Algeria on a Budget
Algeria offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience, even on a limited budget. With a spirit of adventure and a willingness to embrace the local culture, you can discover the soul of this fascinating country.
