Shukran, Algiers!
Pauline Dikuelo | Tuesday October 7, 2025 12:47
From the moment I landed, Algiers revealed itself as a city of quiet pride immaculately clean, orderly, and alive with character. Its streets tell stories that stretch back centuries, with buildings dating as far back as 1902 still standing gracefully, preserving the city’s architectural charm. Walking past them felt like tracing the layers of history that shape this Mediterranean jewel.
One evening after the trade fair, while searching for local cuisine, I found myself at Alger centre, popularly known as downtown area of the city. The area encompasses the city‘s historic and commercial heart, including landmarks such as the port of Algiers and the iconic La Grande Poste d’Alger (Central Post Office). Besides the lively business streets with restaurants and shops, notable sites within the area include the Martyrs’ monument, commemorating the Algerian war of independence.
The atmosphere downtown was magnetic: cafés glowing in the night, laughter spilling into the streets, and the rich aroma of Algerian dishes carried by the breeze. Along the shoreline, starting from the Port of Algiers, the sea whispered its rhythm as boats bobbed gently in the harbour.
There was a seafood restaurant offering everything from grilled fish to hearty stews, a paradise for fish lovers. As someone from a landlocked country, I often joked that canned fish and fish fingers were my limit, but the Algerian passion for seafood was infectious.
The walk along the Mediterranean was nothing short of enchanting. Artists painted on sidewalks, musicians strummed guitars and played pianos, and tourists paused endlessly for photographs each corner revealing another postcard-perfect view. It was as though the city had been designed to delight the senses.
One of the highlights of my visit was exploring the local market. The warmth of the traders, and the affordability of the clothes made it a memorable experience. The styles were unique yet practical, and it was easy to see why markets remain a heartbeat of Algerian life.
I also wanted to visit the Casbah of Algiers, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Tipaza, famed for its Roman ruins along the coast but failed as I did not have time to do so.
One aspect of local culture that surprised me was the scarcity of alcohol. Unlike my country, where liquor stores are common, I could hardly find a place that sold alcohol in Algiers. Yet locals stayed out late at night, socialising, drinking tea or water, and enjoying the company of friends. I was genuinely intrigued by this culture, where evenings and nightlife were not defined by alcohol but by conversation, laughter, and connection.
The people of Algiers were the true highlight. Strangers offered compliments freely, and some even stopped to take pictures with us. To my surprise, many locals could pronounce ‘Botswana’ effortlessly, with some even asking about the national team, the Zebras, who were coincidentally playing Algeria that same week. Their warmth blurred the lines between visitor and friend.
Dining in Algiers was an adventure in itself. The traditional dishes were bold, comforting, and unforgettable. The standout for me was mechoui, slow-roasted lamb served with French fries and an abundance of bread. It became a ritual, shared over conversations each evening.
Interestingly, the restaurant owner also became our unofficial “trader,” exchanging money for Algerian dinars so we could navigate the city’s cash-based economy with ease. That convenience, alongside the generosity of ordinary shopkeepers who often offered the same service, added to the feeling of being cared for in a foreign land.
Algiers gave me culture to taste, art to admire, friendships to remember, and kindness that felt like home. For that, I say shukran, Algiers. Until we meet again!