Algiers, Algeria

Situated in somewhat of an unstable environment, Algiers, the capital of Algeria, is a Mediterranean gem that has sadly always been kept at a distance from the world's eye. As a capital, Algiers is modern. New hotels and office complexes seem to blossom every year around the city, and there are no shortages of cafes or bistros, no matter what district you happen to be standing in. Drawbacks do abound, however, and this is where the city is hit hardest, what turns thousands of travelers from this sensory feast. Violence and crime has been a burden and sore spot for the people of Algeria, especially those living inside the capital. This disease strikes day or night, and because victims have been foreigners on occasion, it's easy to see why few travel agencies are busy promoting this city over other destinations in the region. Now, we at Flight Comparison are not implying that all of the hullabaloo is for naught, but as the saying goes: people would rather be safe than sorry. Following such steadfast precautions, however, might bring you to miss out on the wonders of the city, that, in our opinion, are just too splendid to pass over. Pack some Kevlar, fill your wallet with replaceable travelers checks, and make way for Algiers. If you're itching to travel to a place as unique as yourself, there's hardly as fitting a location as this.

When to go

Quite close to southern Spain, Algiers sees the waters of the Mediterranean lapping its shore 24/7/365, and great weather is nearly always included in the package. Oddly enough, climate conditions seem to be the only characteristic northern Algeria and Spain share with one another. For international influences, the people of Algiers, instead of looking just a few miles northwest, sought out inspiration inside the cities of France. Indeed, over the years many French emigrates found this capital quite appealing, and inside many neighborhoods you'll find more buildings resembling those along the Champs-Elysees than anyplace else. Rainfall is quite low throughout the year, with most occurrences sequestered to the coolest months. Never too hot, nor never too cold, you have nothing less than four seasons of possibilities.

Getting there and around

Flying to Algiers is a cinch, especially for those within Europe.

Travel

ers from most regions of the world can find direct connections to the capital, and with the terminal's close proximity to the city center, ridding oneself of jet lag will not be done inside an airport lounge waiting for a bus, but in a hotel room with expensive condiments and other things of the sort. We advise you to take taxis for transit inside Algiers only because losing your travel funds to pickpockets is surely not the way you'd with to remember your visit. If the city's running at a slow hour, buses are an acceptable means of getting around.

Attractions

To battle your anxiety as to what areas of Algiers are necessary to keep an eye out for sketchy activity, why not jump right into the center of the unrest to start? A visit to the Kasbah is one where you should keep your belongings closely at your side, but simply having your wits about you will get you about quite easily. Once you've experienced the area, you'll wonder why it's deemed 'off limits' by so many. If Roman artifacts are your idea of fun, you can head out in the morning for the Museum of Antiquities, and still catch a few peeks at some items found nearby to Algiers in the Bardo Museum. Both establishments have their strengths and weaknesses; most noticeably that the former is free to browse and the latter charges admission (such facts are of course subject to change).