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, 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, 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. This nation 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. The same here, 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
Algiers 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.
In the evening, spoil yourself with couscous with lamb or rechta with chicken (kinds of fine noodles), or for vegetarians, try chakchouka (like a cooked salad, often with eggs ) for a few dollars, but it tastes like five star dining.
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 Algiers 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 speak a blend of dialects mixed with Arabic, French, and sometimes Berber. Anyway, they’re smart; you only need some phrases in French, or you’re too smart for some in Arabic, like, Where to get to…? and numbers if you’re creative.
My Estimated Travel Budget
| Cost (USD) | |
| Accommodation | $80–100 |
| Food | $60–80 |
| Transportation | $30–40 |
| Miscellaneous | $10–20 |
| Total | $180–240 |
Your Takeaway: The Soul 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. It probably is not the first place that pops up when planning a trip to Africa. You might think of Morocco, for example. You’re not wrong, but you’re missing a fortune just next to it.
There is much to explore in Algeria. Algiers, the capital, was a little example. Explore more about it on this website, “Visit Algeria,” made by an Algerian traveler, a full guide only about this continent country.
Don’t miss out on what Africa hides for you; seek the most affordable places and cheap destinations without sacrificing a single joy.
