Blida sits at the base of the Tell Atlas on the southern edge of the fertile Mitidja Plain, about 45 km south-west of Algiers. It is known as the city of roses for the number of roses in its gardens, and it lies surrounded by orchards and gardens, with the Oued el Kebir flowing out of the Chiffa gorge and supplying the town with its fountains and irrigated gardens.
For a visitor, the city is compact and historically organised around a grid plan laid out after the 1825 earthquake, with a principal square, the place d'Armes, surrounded by arcaded houses and shaded by trees. The old town was rebuilt as a web of interconnecting alleyways and streets reached through six major gates; the gates themselves no longer exist, but their names are still used by people in Blida as reference points for streets, places, schools and businesses. This guide covers the areas you can base yourself in, what each is like, and which levels of accommodation you will find.
Best areas to stay in Blida
1. The city centre around Place Toute and Bin Merah Square
Place Toute is in the centre of Blida, near Bab Es-Sebt, Al-Kawthar Mosque and the old market. It is a lively, walkable base: tourists and locals use the many cafes, pastry shops, ice cream shops and other restaurants around the plaza, and children play in the square. Staying here puts you within reach of the old market and the mosque, and the gate names still used as reference points make it straightforward to orient yourself.
This suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to be on foot among the city's everyday life. Expect the usual noise of a busy central square, and note that the centre is where the grid plan and the older interconnecting streets meet, so addresses can be less regular than in newer parts of town.
2. Sidi El-Kebir
Sidi El-Kebir is the area named after Sidi Ahmed El-Kebir, the city's founder, who is buried there. It is a distinct quarter of the city rather than a commercial hub, and it gives you a quieter, more residential footing while still being in Blida.
It suits travellers who prefer a calmer base and do not mind being a little away from the central square and market. As with the rest of the old city, the street pattern is intricate, so plan on using the traditional gate names as landmarks when finding your way.
3. The outskirts towards the Chiffa gorge and Chréa National Park
Blida lies at the base of the Tell Atlas, and the Chiffa gorge, a habitat of the endangered Barbary macaque, is nearby. Chréa National Park lies within Blida and forms part of the Atlas Mountains. Basing yourself towards this side of the city puts the orchards, gardens and mountain scenery closer at hand.
This suits visitors who want easy access to the surrounding landscape rather than the street life of the centre. It is less convenient for the central square, the old market and the mosques, so you will rely more on transport to reach the sights in town.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Look for simple rooms in and around the central quarters, where you are within walking distance of the square, the old market and the cafes. This keeps transport costs down and puts you in the middle of the city's daily life.
- Mid-range: Expect more comfortable rooms in the centre or in quieter residential quarters such as Sidi El-Kebir, trading a little convenience for calm.
- Splurge: The city's larger and more established addresses include the military circle on Rue Yousfi Abdelkader, which is noted for its wonderful views. Higher-end options are limited, so book early if you want the best rooms.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the city centre around Place Toute and Bin Merah Square. It puts you next to the old market, Al-Kawthar Mosque and the cafes and restaurants of the plaza, and it is the easiest part of Blida to navigate on foot. From there you can reach the rest of the city using the traditional gate names as your reference points.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best area to stay for sightseeing?
The centre around Place Toute and Bin Merah Square, which is close to Bab Es-Sebt, Al-Kawthar Mosque and the old market, and where the cafes, pastry shops and restaurants are concentrated.
Which area is quietest?
Sidi El-Kebir, the quarter named after the city's founder, is a residential area away from the busy central square.
Can I stay near the mountains and the Chiffa gorge?
Yes. Blida sits at the base of the Tell Atlas, the Chiffa gorge is nearby, and Chréa National Park lies within the city, so the outskirts towards the mountains put that scenery within easier reach.
How do I find my way around the old streets?
The old town was rebuilt as interconnecting alleyways and streets reached through six major gates. The gates no longer stand, but their names are still used by people in Blida as reference points for streets, places, schools and businesses.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.