The 6 things to do in Oran

Visit Oran: What are the best things to do and see in the one that is surnamed the "Rural City"?

Oran is an agglomeration of a million inhabitants located in the north-west Algeria, along the Gulf of Oran. Second city of Algeria after Alger , its capital, this harbour metropolis is nestled at the bottom of a bay opened by the north and overlooked by the mountain of Aïdour. The one that was founded in the 10th century by the Andalus knew a succession of Arab-Berber dynasties, then the Spanish occupation before being reconquised then.. to become the second city of the country under French colonization!

Following the independence of the Algerian nation in the middle of the last century, it still remains the economic capital of the West of the country and a leading economic centre across North Africa. In addition, it does not lack assets to engender the envy of the potential visitor to visit Oran and immerse themselves in this city at the confluence of all cultures. Oran is above all a striking contrast: that of an urban and trendy metropolis with an impressive list of monuments, cultural and heritage sites that it will be very pleasant to contemplate.

Are you wondering what to do in Oran during your stay? Here is the answer with our 6 must-sees to visit Oran and enjoy your journey without losing a crumb!

1. The fort of Santa-Cruz

Aïdour , it is a hill of 430 meters overlooking the city of Oran. It is of great strategic importance over the centuries, and for this reason it was built up the fort of Santa Cruz , theatre of violent fighting between Ottomans and Spaniards! It is possible to walk on the hill, strewn by many trails each offering a unique view on the bay, and to discover the fort accompanied by a guide. One of the major points of interest for who is looking for Oran!

2. Hassan Pacha Mosque

Built at the end of the 18th century by bey Mohamed El-Kébir, the mosque is a jewel of Islamic architecture, and is seen from very far thanks to its minaret in the shape of a cone and covered with typical faiences of Ottoman art. Located on the right bank of the oued Rhi, in the Sidi El-Houari district, the visits take place in the morning, except on Friday, and allow you to discover the amazing inner courtyard in the form of a croissant and the walls decorated with geometric motifs of oriental inspiration. A must for anyone who wants to visit Oran while enjoying a cultural trip.

3. The garden Citadin Méditerranéen

During the summer, go refresh yourself in the aisles of the Mediterranean city garden , a municipal park frequented by children and couples of lovers, in the heart of the city: enjoy a grilled meat brochette with coriander served by street vendors, or pre-launch on the lawns of the park while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea, nearby. For the most athletes who have come to visit Oran, health routes are even scattered through the park!

4. The Habibas Islands

Located off about 30 kilometers northwest of the city of Oran, the Habibas Islands There are many plant and animal species, some of which are only here!

Secrets and reserved for connoisseurs, they do not let themselves approach easily: to do so, it will be necessary to negotiate with a fisherman who, with a few dinars, will accept to deposit you there. Classified as a maritime nature reserve, this is a unique excursion that makes you enjoy a wild and preserved nature, just across the North African coast. Ideal when visiting Oran!

5. Zabana National Museum of Oran

This is it. amazing museum offers a variety of collections, all more exciting than others: traces of the first prehistoric men present in Algerian territory, the Muslim arts through the area reserved for the revolution or that linked to the history of the city, this museum is certainly a place of interest to discover when looking for what to do in Oran. In addition, the site includes one of the most beautiful libraries in the region and allows to admire the works of contemporary artists.

6. The heart of town

We couldn’t make the impasse on. the streets of Oran: a single word of order, enjoy your stay and go for a walk on the place of 1 November , a true heart of the historic centre of the city, where you can admire the obelisk built in tribute to the Emir Abdelkader, then the buildings built in the purest style of colonial architecture. Sitôt quit the heart of town, go to the famous seafront, 2 kilometers long, extending from the Zabana roundabout to the Bey Palace , where you can enjoy the sea air and a well-deserved stop by the water.

How to go to Oran?

Oran has an international airport located in the municipality of Es Senia 12 km south of Oran. Of course, the air network remains the best solution to easily get there, and our partner Ulysses you will be able to find a flight at preferential rates.

Port city, you can also consider access to the metropolis by way of the seas: many are the boats crossing to Oran ! In addition, modern and efficient infrastructure (many railway lines provide the connection of the station of Oran, east of the city, with the rest of Algerian territory.

We also note the presence of a fairly good quality but low-density road network once out of the agglomeration, allowing to vary the means to get to the city, and once on site to visit Oran easily. Ah, one more thing: the Oran metro will only be put into service in 2022, so you will have to use a rental car, a taxi or a bus to get to the city!

Where to stay in Oran?

Oran is a large Algerian city offering several types of housing and sectors presenting each of their own advantages, to choose according to your traveler profile to visit Oran.

For a typical and family-friendly accommodation, choose without hesitation the numerous guest houses with a charming charm, in the centre and outside the city, held by authentic and warm Algerians. Those who have a comfortable budget can also opt for a room in the European neighborhood of the city centre, near the square on November 1st, in order to benefit from all Western amenities: you can find the hotel of your dreams in Oran by doing a search on this Compare hotels .

And if you prefer a flexible and affordable solution, opt for Airbnb : the platform progresses in the Maghreb, and will allow you for a few euros to benefit from an apartment that looks like you to feel at home!

Now you know how to best enjoy when you come to visit Oran of the charms of this region with so unique character. But will you succeed in choosing what to do in Oran and... who will you choose to assist you in your Algerian adventure?