Constantine is one of the most dramatic cities in North Africa. It sits on a rock plateau cut in two by the Rhumel gorge, and its neighbourhoods are tied together by bridges hanging high above the river. This Constantine guide brings together what we tell every traveller before they arrive.
Why visit Constantine?
Few cities in Algeria pack so much into such a small space. In a single walk you cross a suspension bridge above a canyon, visit an Ottoman palace, see Numidian and Roman treasures, and get lost in the lanes of an old medina where copper workers still hammer by hand.
- The bridges: Sidi M'Cid, Sidi Rached, Mellah Slimane and others span the gorge at breathtaking heights.
- The history: as Cirta, the city was the capital of King Masinissa's Numidia more than two thousand years ago.
- The culture: malouf music, the embroidered gandoura and some of the best pastry in the country.
How to get to Constantine
Constantine is in north-eastern Algeria, about 430 km east of Algiers by road.
- By plane: Mohamed Boudiaf International Airport (CZL) has domestic flights from Algiers (around one hour) and international connections, mainly with France and Turkey.
- By train or bus: trains and long-distance buses link Constantine with Algiers, Annaba and other cities.
- From the airport: the airport is about 9 km south of the centre. Our tour includes hotel pickup, and we are happy to advise on transfers.
Best time to visit
Constantine sits at around 600 metres above sea level, so the weather is more continental than on the coast.
- Spring (March to May) is our favourite season: green gorges, mild temperatures and the river at its strongest.
- Autumn (September to November) is warm, golden and ideal for walking.
- Summer can be hot in the afternoon. Start early and keep the cable car for sunset.
- Winter is cold and sometimes rainy, but the light over the bridges is beautiful and the city is quiet.
What to see in Constantine
1. Sidi M'Cid bridge and the Monument aux Morts
Walk across the suspension bridge, then climb to the Monument aux Morts, crowned by a winged Victory, for the best panorama of the gorge.
2. Ahmed Bey Palace
Completed in the 1830s for the last Bey of Constantine, the palace has arcaded courtyards, gardens and painted walls.
3. Cirta National Museum
Numidian and Roman pieces from ancient Cirta and the nearby site of Tiddis bring the city's long story to life.
4. Emir Abdelkader Mosque
One of the largest mosques in Africa, with a huge carved façade and twin minarets. Visitors should dress modestly.
5. The old medina and the cable car
Wander the Souika and the old lanes for crafts and street food, then take the cable car over the gorge for an unforgettable view.
What to eat
Constantine's cuisine is generous and slow-cooked. Look for chakhchoukha (torn flatbread in a rich sauce), trida (tiny squares of pasta), jari frik (green wheat soup) and the sweet tajine lahlou. For dessert, the city is famous for jawzia, a walnut and honey sweet, and for its baklawa. You can order them from our shop.
Practical tips
- Language: Arabic is spoken everywhere and French is widely understood. English is less common, which is where a guide helps.
- Money: the currency is the Algerian dinar (DZD). Carry cash, as cards are not accepted everywhere.
- Getting around: the centre is best explored on foot. Taxis are inexpensive for longer distances.
- Time: one full day covers the highlights; two days let you add Tiddis or a slower visit of the museums.
See Constantine with a local guide
Our six-hour private walking tour covers the palace, the museum, the bridges, the medina and ends with a cable car ride. See the full itinerary or write to us on WhatsApp.
