City guide · Algeria
Oran
Oran is a major coastal city located in the northwest of Algeria, 432 km (268 mi) west-southwest from the capital, Algiers.
1 ready itineraries · 3-day plans
Oran is a major coastal city located in the northwest of Algeria, 432 km (268 mi) west-southwest from the capital, Algiers. It is considered the second most important city of Algeria after Algiers because of its population and commercial, industrial and cultural importance.
The total population of the city was 803,329 in 2008, while the metropolitan area has a population of approximately 1,500,000, making it the second-largest city in Algeria by population. It is the capital of the Oran Province. thumb|Sacred Heart Cathedral, now a public library. thumb|Mosque of Hassan Pasha.
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want Oran without a car. The 3-day plan stays inside walking range of City.
- Skip if
- Skip Oran if you only want a beach week or an airport layover. This cluster is for people who will walk most days.
Pick a trip length
One plan per length — open it and walk the days in order.
3-day preview
Skim the walking days, then open the full plan.
- 1
City
Walk City in Oran. Start at Santa Cruz Fort, then Santa Cruz chapel and Sacred Heart Cathedral of Oran. Stay on foot.
Santa Cruz Fort · Santa Cruz chapel · Sacred Heart Cathedral of Oran
- 2
City
Walk City in Oran. Start at Hassan Pasha Mosque, then Oran zoo and Abdellah Ben Salem Mosque. Stay on foot.
Hassan Pasha Mosque · Oran zoo · Abdellah Ben Salem Mosque
- 3
City
Walk City in Oran, including Bey's Palace and Ahmed Zabana National Museum.
Bey's Palace · Ahmed Zabana National Museum
Where to stay
Bases that fit the walking plan.
Budget
3 to 5 nights
First stay
Le Raja Hotel is a listed stop in this neighborhood.
Mid-range
3 to 5 nights
First stay
A 4-star hotel in the centre of the town, free wifi, breakfast, nice and big room with western standard facility. the only small problem is the staff speak little English but are very friendly, very good in French and Arabic.
Splurge
3 to 5 nights
First stay
Not far from the docks.
Getting there & when to go
Lock timing and airport basics early.
Best time
Oran works year-round for a walking trip. Shoulder months are easier on crowds and hills.
- Shoulder months
- High season
- Low season
- Rain days
Airport
Oran / Es Senia (XXX)
Walking is the obvious mode of transport within the city centre. * 11 Which will take you from the east to west of the city. From Hai El Sabah to Place 1er Novembre * 51 From USTO UNIVERSITY to M'Dina Jdida * U From Senia UNIVERSITY to M'Dina Jdida * P1 From City center (Lycée lotfi) to Canastel (ORAN EAST) A single tram line runs from Es Sénia in the south to Bir El Djir in the northeast, via Place 1er Novembre. A single ticket is DA40 and can be bought at kiosks near the tram stops.
- Public transit from XXX30 to 60 minutes · Local ticket price. Check the operator the week you fly.
- Taxi or licensed ride hail20 to 45 minutes · Treat any number you see online as an estimate, not a quote.
Practical notes
Short reads before you book.
Understand
Oran's beautiful sea shore, constructed under French rule, was inspired by Nice's seafront. It consists of a long boulevard lined with cafés, restaurants, and ice cream shops.
The boulevard also offers a splendid view of the sea, the harbour, Santa Cruz and the cliffs ("les Falaises"). It was renamed "Boulevard de l'ALN" by the government after the independence but it is still called Front de Mer by the locals. thumb|Santa Cruz Fort, the largest of the three historic forts overlooking Oran.
Get in
* Es Sénia Airport | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.627222 | long=-0.611389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q637028 | content=While not as large as Algiers' airport, it is still serviced by several international airlines. }} ** Air Algérie (Adrar, Algiers, Alicante, Annaba, Bechar, Brussels—Seasonal--, Casablanca, Constantine, Geneva, Hassi Messaoud, In Amenas, Jeddah, Lyon, Marseille, Paris-Orly, Ouargla, Toulouse) ** Air France (Paris CDG, Toulouse) ** Iberia (Madrid) ** Tassili Airlines (Algiers, Hassi R'mel) ** Transavia (Lyon, Montpellier, Nantes, Paris ORLY) ** Tunisair (Tunis) ** Turkish Airlines (Istanbul) ** Vueling (Alicante, Barcelona) ** Volotea (Bordeaux, Marseille) thumb|The historic Gare d'Oran, the central railway station, opened in 1913. Oran is a major railway terminus with daily trains from most Algerian cities.
Trains from the capital Algiers are plentiful, however, with several services daily.
Get around
Walking is the obvious mode of transport within the city centre. * 11 Which will take you from the east to west of the city. From Hai El Sabah to Place 1er Novembre * 51 From USTO UNIVERSITY to M'Dina Jdida * U From Senia UNIVERSITY to M'Dina Jdida * P1 From City center (Lycée lotfi) to Canastel (ORAN EAST) A single tram line runs from Es Sénia in the south to Bir El Djir in the northeast, via Place 1er Novembre.
A single ticket is DA40 and can be bought at kiosks near the tram stops.
Stay safe
Oran is considered a safe city. Just use some common sense: avoid wearing expensive jewellery or looking flashy, do not flash large quantities of cash, and avoid unfamiliar and deserted areas at night.
If you walk in crowded streets or use a bus, keep a hand in your pockets. Women should avoid low-cut tops, midriffs, or shorts to avoid harassment (which almost always consists of comments, but nothing physical) although this is less of a problem than in other cities.
Related guides
Helpful next pages for Oran.