Stand on the promenade called the Concours de la Revolution in the late afternoon and you get Annaba in one view: arcades and terraced cafés on one side, the Mediterranean on the other, and the hill of the old town rising behind. It is a working seaport city that also happens to have a coastline, a kasbah and a Roman past layered into the same few square kilometres.
Annaba suits travellers who are already in northeastern Algeria and want a coastal stop with genuine historical weight, rather than a resort built for visitors. The centre is compact and walkable, taxis cover the outlying sights, and the beaches give you somewhere to slow down between them.
This guide covers the sights and experiences the sources describe, ordered with the strongest first, followed by a one-day plan and answers to the questions travellers ask most often.
Top things to do in Annaba
1. Church of Saint Augustine of Hippo
Also known locally as Lela Bouna, this church stands on a hill not far outside the downtown area and is a dominating sight over the city. The architecture is the draw, and ancient Roman ruins sit right behind the building. Saint Augustine's hand is kept inside the church.
It is open daily 9-11:30 and 14:30-16:30, with reduced hours on Sunday (11-11:30 and 14:30-16:30) and Friday afternoons only (14:30-16:30). Taxis run regularly to and from the church, which is the simplest way to reach it.
2. The kasbah
Annaba has its own kasbah, dating back to the 12th century, on the hill just east of Place d'Armes. The narrow alleys and walkways are the point of the visit, along with the Ottoman architecture.
Pair it with the central square and the waterfront, both within the same central area, so you can move between the old town and the modern city on foot.
3. Le Cours and the central square
The central parts of Annaba mix domestic and French colonial architecture, and the central square, Le Cours, is where that contrast is easiest to see. The square is filled with local cafés and ice cream parlors.
Come here when you want a break rather than a sight: it works well as a pause between the kasbah and the waterfront.
4. Concours de la Revolution
The downtown district sits on the sea-front and includes the promenade called the Concours de la Revolution, previously known as Le Cours Bertagna. It is a lively area, full of arcades, covered restaurants, terraced cafés and kiosks.
This is the natural place to end a day of sightseeing, with food and drink along the seafront.
5. The beaches
A visit to Annaba is not complete without time on its Mediterranean coastline and one of its many beaches. The day is for relaxing on the sand; the evening belongs to La Corniche.
La Corniche is located at the beach called Chappui and comes alive at night with restaurants, clubs and people enjoying the cool air off the water.
6. Hippo Regius Museum
The museum covers the Roman city of Hippo Regius, on whose site present-day Annaba grew up. The entrance is from rue d'El Hadjar and admission is DA130.
It is the logical companion to the Roman ruins behind the Church of Saint Augustine of Hippo, so consider doing both in the same outing.
7. Salah Bey Mosque
A historic mosque built in 1792. It is a short, worthwhile stop in the centre rather than a half-day in itself.
Combine it with the kasbah and Le Cours, which are in the same central part of the city.
8. Amusement park
Located in the Les Allemande neighbourhood, this is a good time for families with young children.
Treat it as a change of pace from the historical sights, and check locally before setting out, as the sources give no opening times.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at the Church of Saint Augustine of Hippo, arriving within the morning opening window of 9-11:30. Take a taxi up, look at the Roman ruins behind the church, and see Saint Augustine's hand inside.
Afternoon: Return to the centre and walk the kasbah on the hill just east of Place d'Armes, then drop down to Le Cours for a café or an ice cream. If time allows, visit the Hippo Regius Museum from rue d'El Hadjar.
Evening: Walk the Concours de la Revolution for the arcades, restaurants and terraced cafés, then head to La Corniche at the beach called Chappui, which comes alive at night with restaurants and clubs.
Frequently asked questions
When can I visit the Church of Saint Augustine of Hippo?
It is open daily 9-11:30 and 14:30-16:30, except Sunday, when it opens 11-11:30 and 14:30-16:30, and Friday, when it opens only 14:30-16:30.
How do I get to the Church of Saint Augustine of Hippo?
It sits on a hill not too far outside downtown, and taxis run regularly to and from the church.
Where is the kasbah in Annaba?
It is on the hill just east of Place d'Armes, in the central part of the city.
What is there to do in Annaba at night?
Head to La Corniche, located at the beach called Chappui, which comes alive at night with restaurants, clubs and people enjoying the cool air.
Decide which day suits the church's opening hours, then build the rest of your Annaba plan around the kasbah, the seafront and the beaches.