Travel Guide Algiers. Nightlife Calendar of events Hotels. Quick view Algeria Travel etiquette Health

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Gerald Bond
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Travel Guide 02 02 03 04 Quick view Travel etiquette Health 04 05 07 07 Phone calls & Internet Top 10 sights

1 Travel Guide Quick view Travel etiquette Health Phone calls & Internet Top 10 sights Shopping in Restaurants Nightlife Calendar of events Hotels LH.com/travelguide 01/11

2 02 Quick view a brief overview Capital of the second largest country in Africa, (the White City ) is a startling mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. Although much of the city centre is now modern, deeper exploration, particularly around the labyrinthine Casbah, reveals delightful old neighbourhoods and elaborate Byzantine architecture. During the civil war of the 1990s, much of was off limits to tourists; today, happily, it is a much safer and more relaxed city, although security risks remain a potential threat. Its leafier suburbs have been gentrified in recent years, with new hotels and restaurants opening up. General Information Country overview For the intrepid traveller, a trip to is an adventure in waiting. Its troubled reputation may put off anyone looking for the quiet life, but for those who take the time to explore, offers culture and adventure in spades. Geography is situated along the North African coast, bordered to the east by Tunisia and Libya, to the southeast by Niger, to the southwest by Mali, and to the west by Mauritania and Morocco. It is Africa's second-largest country, with 1,200km (750 miles) of coastline. Along the coastal strip are the main towns, fertile land, beach resorts and 90% of the population. Further south lies the area of the Hauts Plateaux, mountains of up to 2,000m (6,600ft) covered in cedar, pine and cypress forests with broad arable plains dividing the plateaux. The remaining 85% of the country is the Sahara Desert in its various forms, sustaining only 500,000 people, many of whom are nomadic tribes with goat and camel herds. The Sahara region contains two mountain ranges: the dramatic Hoggar massif, rising to almost 3,000m (9,800ft), and the Tassili N Ajjer. Both are scenically stunning and offer some of the best desert landscapes in the world. General knowledge Key facts Population: Population Density (per sq km): 16 Capital:. Language The official languages are Arabic and Berber (Tamazight), but French is still used for most official and business transactions. Berber (Amazigh) is spoken in the northern mountainous regions of the Kabylias and the Aures and also in the south. In general, English is spoken only in major business or tourist centres. Currency LH.com/travelguide 02/11

3 03 Dinar (DZD) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of DZD1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of DZD100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 centimes. Note: Because of the very strict adherence of the authorities to these regulations, visitors are strongly advised not to be associated with the black market, which tends to concentrate on the Euro and portable electronics. Electricity 220 volts AC, 50Hz. The European two-pin plug is standard. General business opening hours Generally Sat-Wed and Public holidays Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2019 December 2020 period. Note Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given below are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-fitr itself. Eid al-fitr and Eid al-adha may last up to several days, depending on the region New Year s Day: 1 January 2019 Labour Day: 1 May 2019 Eid al-fitr (End of Ramadan): 5 and 6 June 2019 Revolutionary Readjustment: 19 June 2019 Independence Day: 5 July 2019 Eid al-adha (Feast of Sacrifice): 12 to 15 August 2019 Islamic New Year: 2 September 2019 Ashura (Day of the Dead): 11 September 2019 Anniversary of the Revolution: 1 November 2019 Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 10 November New Year s Day: 1 January 2020 Labour Day: 1 May 2020 Eid al-fitr (End of Ramadan): 24 and 25 May 2020 Revolutionary Readjustment: 19 June 2020 Independence Day: 5 July 2020 Eid al-adha (Feast of Sacrifice): 31 July and 1 August 2020 Islamic New Year: 20 August 2020 Ashura (Day of the Dead): 28 August 2020 Anniversary of the Revolution: 1 November 2020 Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 29 Ocotber 2020 All information subject to change. Travel etiquette How to fit in Social Conventions LH.com/travelguide 03/11

4 04 Courtesy should be adopted with new acquaintances. The provision and acceptance of hospitality are as important a part of n culture as elsewhere in the Arab world. In the main cities, the urban population lives at a frantic pace much akin to European urban dwellers, but in the south and in rural areas people are much more open and friendly. n women are expected to dress modestly in rural areas but this is not necessary in. Tourist visits should be avoided during Ramadan. Military installations and personnel should not be photographed. Police roadblocks are frequent slow down and follow their instructions very carefully and respectfully should you be driving around the country. Always carry your passport or identification papers with you. Health Health Food & Drink Mains water is normally chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of stay. Drinking water outside main cities and towns is likely to be contaminated and sterilisation is considered essential. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Powdered or tinned milk is advised. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat, but be careful when eating things like raw dishes like salads and fruits, where ingredients may have been rinsed in tap water. Likewise, avoid drinks with ice in them. Other Risks Vaccination against hepatitis B and tuberculosis is sometimes advised. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical help without delay. There is little to no risk of malaria. 's climate is dry and hot, so wearing sunscreen and a hat to shield from midday sun, is advised, as is having drinking water with you. Contractual physician of Lufthansa Dr. Debzi, Nabil Mustapha Hospital Place du 1er Mai Alger Algerien Tel Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it bear the cost of any treatment. Phone calls & Internet Phone calls & Internet Telephone/Mobile Telephone Dialing code: +213 Telephone With the advent of mobile phones, the use of landlines (which were never highly used anyway) is in steep decline. Taxiphones (a sort of metered phone booth) are available to make calls from, but mobiles are used as the primary means of communication. LH.com/travelguide 04/11

5 05 Mobile Telephone Mobile phone usage across the country has increased greatly, with the main mobile networks giving good coverage across the country. To take advantage of local rates, buy a cheap foreign SIM card for use in your existing phone. Internet There are internet cafés in all larger towns and hotels in the major cities are more likely to have in-room Wi-Fi available. Top 10 sights Top 10 sights in The Casbah This maze-like district of narrow, winding streets used to contain dozens of mosques, souks, and hammams. The World Heritage site is mostly residential now, but it s a still fascinating place to explore; a guide is essential to help you find your way in and out! Rue Abderrahmane Arbadji Maqam Echahid (Martyrs Monument) This huge concrete monument overlooking commemorates the millions who died in the War of Independence against France ( ). Designed in the shape of three curving palm leaves sheltering an eternal flame, it is the symbol of modern. Chemin Omar Kechkar Mosque Sidi Abderrahmane The standout attraction of the Ottoman-era complex of mosques and palaces in the Casbah is the Mosque Sidi Abderrhmane, patron saint of, completed in It is one of the country s oldest mosques, with vibrantly patterned tiling. Rue Abderrahmane Arbadji Cathédrale du Sacré-Coeur This strikingly modern, tent-shaped church is no longer used for services, but is open to visitors. The daily mass is held in the chapel in the basement of the cethedral. Look out for the ancient mosaic of Jesus Christ inside. Rue Didouche Mourad LH.com/travelguide 05/11

6 06 National Museum of Antiquities This beautiful building with a central garden contains mosaics, statues, and other antiquities from all over. It s well worth a visit for the building s finely decorated facade alone. 177 boulevard Krim Belkacem Tel: Opening times: Mon-Thu and Sat and Sun Museum of Islamic Arts Adjacent to the National Museum of Antiquities, this is one of the oldest museums in. It has an excellent collection of ceramics, carpets and artworks from around the Islamic world. 177 boulevard Krim Belkacem Opening times: Mon-Thu and Sat and Sun Bardo Museum Housed in a sumptuous Ottoman mansion, this is one of s best museums. Its diverse prehistoric and ethnographic collection includes jewellery, costumes, Tuareg tombs and ancient carvings. 3 avenue Franklin Roosevelt Tel: Opening times: Sun-Thu and Grande Poste This must be one of the most magnificent post offices in the world, with its sweeping steps and pillared entrance. Inside, the gleaming white building is even grander, with neo-moorish décor and chandeliers. Rue Ben M Hidi Tel: Opening times: Sat-Wed Thu Notre Dame d Afrique This lovely, domed church is perched on a hilltop overlooking the bay. The interior of the 19th-century neo-byzantine building is also very pretty; a cable car from the street up to the church is being restored. Saint-Eugene, Bologhine LH.com/travelguide 06/11

7 07 Place des Martyrs Explore this historic area s mysterious alleyways, markets, and mosques. The Mosque of the Fishermen has a distinctive clocktower; the adjacent Great Mosque is the oldest in ; and opposite is the Mosque Ketchaoua, with its twin minarets, possibly the best of all. Place des Martyrs, rue Bab El Oued Shopping in Shopping in Key Areas street markets are great for soaking up the atmosphere, including one that runs between the Grande Poste and rue Didouche Mourad, which specialises in souvenirs and handicrafts. This old street is the city s commercial hub, and is lined with shops selling jewellery, carpets and other specialist items. Markets Souks are dotted all over the city, but perhaps the best and largest is near Mosque Ketchaoua in the Lower Casbah district. There s also a wonderful local food market off the Jardin de Prague in Bab el Oued, though this area can be dangerous, so it s better to go with a local guide. Shopping Centres is just opening up to the concept of malls, and the few you might find in are in the more upscale suburbs. A couple worth checking out are Centre Commercial Al Qods, in Cheraga, and the Bab Ezzouar, to the east of the city. Restaurants Restaurants in ns love fast food, and the city centre is full of stalls, selling pitta bread snacks and kebabs, as well as burgers and pizzas.for smarter restaurants, including French cuisine, your best options are in hotels, or up-and-coming suburbs, such as Sidi Yahia, El Biar and Hydra. Le Dauphin This lively restaurant serves some of the best seafood in the city, with great harbourside views. Avenue d'angkor Price: Expensive Le Tantra Treat yourself to Tantra s delicious fish and French dishes; this eatery is very popular with the international set. LH.com/travelguide 07/11

8 08 Villa no2 Bois des Arcades Price: Expensive Brasserie des Facultés For French cuisine at affordable prices in a smart setting, this place can t be beaten. 1, Rue Didouche Mourad Price: Moderate Dar Gnawa Great Maghrebi cuisine is on the menu at Gnawa, and its bar serves alcohol and sheesha pipes. Residence des 2 Bassins Price: Moderate Mezzo Mezzo You won t get wine here, but good value Italian cuisine, with a relaxed ambience. 43, Avenue Claude Debussy Price: Cheap Nightlife Nightlife in is not big on night-time entertainment, partly for cultural and religious reasons.there are places to go dancing and drinking however, mostly in bigger hotels or on pedestrianised rue Larbi M Hidi. Pacha A trendy club, with top DJs attracting a cool young crowd. Hotel El-Djazair, 24 rue Souidani Boudjemaa Crystal Lounge Good music and glitzy décor draw a mixed crowd to this out-of-town club. Mohammadia, Les Pins Maritimes LH.com/travelguide 08/11

9 09 Havana Club Tucked away on the top floor of a shopping mall, this is a sprawling club, where you can dance to live bands at weekends. Centre Commercial Bab Ezzouar La Veranda This lounge club draws a packed, well-heeled crowd for weekend dance parties Bois des Arcades 1001 Nuits Lounge Piano tunes and live bands entertain cocktail drinkers in the Sheraton s barnightclub, outside the city. Sheraton Club des Pins, Staoueli Calendar of events Calendar of events Eid ul-fitr The end of Ramadan is an important occasion in, with Muslims celebrating the end of the fast with public worship, acts of charity and visits to friends and family. It s also seen as a time to forgive and forget. 4-5 June 2019 Venue: Throughout and Festival Culturel International de la Musique Diwan (International Diwan Music Festival) Highlighting n Diwan music and other musical genres inspired by or blended with Diwan, this music fest encompasses a week of phenomenal performances by local singers as well as artists from across Africa and as far afield as the USA. August 2019 Venue: Salle Ibn Zeydoun Independence Day Celebrating independence from France in 1962, ns come together for a vibrant day of festivities, with special events and fireworks happening all over the city. The president usually addresses the nation to mark the occasion, drawing LH.com/travelguide 09/11

10 10 attention to the country s achievements. 5 July 2019 Venue: Throughout and Festival International de la Bande Dessinée d Alger ( International Comic Strip Festival) Cartoon and comic strip enthusiasts can check out terrific exhibitions, listen to talks from professional cartoon artists, or sign up to themed workshops covering topics from manga to 3D animation. There s a competitive element too, with prizes for pros and amateurs alike. October Venue: Esplanade de Riadh El Feth Hotels Hotels in The city centre has a reasonable selection of luxury hotels, as well as some midrange places to stay. Quieter suburbs such as Hydra, El-Biar and Bouzareah are good alternatives, with new hotels opening up.most budget hotels rent rooms by the hour and are none too clean or safe. Hilton Alger This large modern hotel on the outskirts has all the amenities you d expect, including a pool and four restaurants. Pins Maritimes El Mohammadia Category: Expensive Sofitel Hamma Garden Close to the seafront and with modern Moorish-style architecture, this is a highly rated luxury option. 172 Rue Hassiba Ben Bouali Category: Expensive Mercure Alger Aeroport This hotel offers luxurious rooms and amenities, including a sauna and Turkish bath. Route de l'université BP 12 Cité 5 juillet Bab Ezzouar Category: Expensive LH.com/travelguide 10/11

11 11 Ibis Alger Aeroport This modern business-style hotel close to the airport has well-furnished, soundproofed rooms. Route de l'université Bab Ezzouar Category: Moderate Hôtel d Hydra Hydra is a cosy, traditional hotel is in a good neighbourhood, with embassies and a range of restaurants. Bd Benyoucef Benkhedda Category: Cheap LH.com/travelguide 11/11

World Regional Geography

World Regional Geography by Lew, Hall & Timothy Virtual Field Trip Photos and text by: Alan A. Lew Photos Taken: August 2008 Creative Commons 3.0 Copyright by Alan A. Lew: Some Rights Reserved Tunis and