Constantine is not just one of the most beautiful cities in Algeria, but one of the most beautiful cities in the world. This former Ottoman stronghold, impressively built around a massive gorge which runs through it, offers rich history, culinary delicacies, and stunning views. It is famous for its hanging bridges, and they are sure to be the highlight. In this blog, I’ll take you through the must-see attractions and the must-eat foods as well as tips for getting around.
What to see in Constantine
Of course, the highlight of Constantine is its marvelous hanging bridges. It’s not just the bridges themselves, but the gorgeous (no pun intended) views they provide. There are 8 main bridges, but of these there are few that are unmissable. The Sidi M Cid bridge, is the most famous of these. Built in 1912, it was at one point the highest suspension bridge in the world. I’d recommend crossing the bridge on foot, and visiting Monument Aux Morts on top of the hill. This impressive archway was modeled after the victory monument in nearby Timgad. The best view of the bridge itself is from below. Head down to Pont des Chutes (Falls Bridge) for an incredible viewpoint of a massive rock arch under the bridge as well as the waterfall below, opening up into an expansive valley. Be sure to explore the nearby tunnels off to the side. Before the bridges were built, this system of tunnels were how locals navigated their way around the gorge.
Other bridges worth checking out are Sidi Rached bridge, which is a massive viaduct, and Mellah Slimane bridge. The latter is a narrow footbridge, and the views while crossing are fantastic. At one end of the bridge is an elevator, which you can take up to the old city. Bear in mind, that there is often a line of older locals waiting to use the lift!
Aside from the bridges, the Mosque of Emir Abdelkader, Cirta Museum, and Palace of Haj Ahmed Bey are worth checking out. The Mosque is fairly new and was only opened in 1994, however the beautiful and grand mosque has become a symbol of Constantine. The adornments on the interior are beautiful, but the real highlight is the view of the courtyard within the mosque, which reflects in a shiny shallow pool of water. The Cirta Museum is a great stop for art and history lovers. The museum houses artifacts from prehistory, to Numidian, Roman, and Ottoman. There is also a variety of art, including modern pieces from local Constantine artists. Finally, the Palace of Haj Ahmed Bey in the old city is well worth the visit. This Ottoman palace is full of beautiful courtyards and colorfully painted walls.
Getting Around Constantine
It is pretty easy to get around Constantine. There are public tramways and busses, as well as taxis. The most popular ride share apps in Constantine are Yassir and Heech. Once you are in the old part of the city, things are fairly walkable.
Keep in mind that traffic can get pretty heavy in the city, so allow extra time to get from place to place if you are traveling by car. The city was not designed for the number of people and cars living in it today, so roads get congested easily.
What and Where to Eat in Constantine
If there’s one dish you must try in Constantine, it’s Chackchuka. Perhaps you’ve heard this name before, but Constantine’s version is nothing like the saucy tomato and egg dish on brunch menus around the world. In Constantine, the base of the dish is tiny pieces of bread (only slightly larger than a piece of orzo), which have been hydrated in a sauce, and it is typically served with meat. It is soft and delicious. You also can’t go wrong with a tagine in Constantine, another favorite across North Africa, though every region prepares it slightly differently. Constantine’s version is saucy with warming spices and served with cous cous.
A fantastic place to try traditional Constantine dishes with a stellar view is the restaurant Igherssan. While it can be a little touristy, the food, décor, and cliffside views are well worth the visit. If you’re looking for a small dose of entertainment with your food, order the tagine. It arrives on fire, because why not!
Of course, you’ll also need desert! Constantine is famous for Djouzia, a rich and sticky walnut nougat. You will be able to find it at nearly any sweets shop in the city, but our favorite place to buy it is at Djawziyat Constantine. This shop is located next to the Mellah Slimane bridge. They make their sweets in-house, and you can buy gift boxes in a variety of sizes to take home.
Where to find Alcohol in Constantine
Like much of Algeria, Constantine is a conservative city with a mostly Muslim population. Alcohol can be tricky to find within city limits. Within city limits, your best bet for a glass of wine or a beer would be at one of the larger hotels such as the Marriott, Ibis, Novotel, or Protea. At the Novotel, there is a lounge area with comfortable couches and seating. It’s nothing fancy, but it is a good place to relax and the prices aren’t outrageous. A bottle of local wine (from Oran) will run you about 4500 to 6500 DZD (roughly 16 to 25 EUR at the “good” exchange rate), while a bottle of local beer will be about 1000 DZD . You can also buy a bottle of wine to save for later, or have it opened and take it to-go to your hotel.
Outside of the city limits, you can find actual shops selling liquor and wine, if you are simply looking to buy some bottles of local varieties to take home.
What to See Near Constantine
There are some very impressive Roman ruins an easy drive from Constantine. Our favorite of these is Timgad, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a sprawling ancient city with ruins as far as the eye can see. One of the highlights is the museum showcasing all of the beautiful mosaics that were originally in the site. Timgad is roughly a 2.5 hr drive from Constantine. If you’re hungry for lunch while you’re there, check out Restaurant Boubon. They have some traditional Algerian dishes (as well as some vegetarian soup and salad options), but the real highlight is their meat skewers which they grill to order outside.
Another UNESCO site about a 1.5 hr drive from Constantine is Djemila. This site is featured on more itineraries than Timgad and is a bit more touristy. Another former city of the Roman empire, this site features the usual columns, archways, baths, and theatre. One thing that separates this site from Timgad is the lush green landscape surrounding it.
Tips for Visiting Constantine
If you are only in Constantine for a quick visit, I’d recommend staying in the city center where you can walk to some of the attractions. Otherwise. However, there are some very nice clean hotels on the outskirts of the city as well.
Constantine is about a 4-5 hour drive from Algiers. However, there is also a small airport with many domestic flights to and from Algiers, for those wanting to save time with a 36 minute flight. Flying can also be cheaper than hiring a car as flights are around €20 one way. A tip for airport departure, there are no cafés or shops in the gate area on the other side of security, so be sure to grab a bite or snack before you head through security.
Like any other part of Algeria, most nationalities will require a visa to visit. This can be arranged ahead of time at an embassy. People travelling on an organized tour to the south also qualify for a visa on arrival with the proper paperwork. If you are booked on a SAIGA tour, we of course help with this! If you’d like to learn more about the visa process for Algeria, check out our Getting a Visa for Algeria destination guide .
If you’re curious about visiting Algeria yourself, consider joining us on one of our group tours! We visit Constantine on each of our tours, as well as the desert landscapes of the south, and the capital city of Algiers. We also provide the Embarkation Authorization necessary for visa on arrival. Of course, if our dates don’t work for you, we can always arrange a private tour. Send us an email at [email protected] to learn more!
