in Algiers, Algeria
El Aurassi Hotel and Gardens
While primarily a hotel, the expansive gardens and terraces offer some of the best panoramic views over Algiers and the Mediterranean. The modernist architecture and elevated position make it a notable landmark and popular spot for sunset views.
El Aurassi Hotel and Gardens sits on a commanding hilltop at 1 Avenue Franz Fanon in Algiers, roughly 180 metres above sea level, with sweeping views across the Algerian capital and the Bay of Algiers toward the Mediterranean. Built in the 1970s as part of Algeria's post-independence modernization drive, the brutalist-modernist tower and its terraced landscaping were designed to serve as an iconic landmark visible from much of the city below.
Visitors who are not hotel guests can access the garden terraces by patronizing one of the on-site cafes or restaurants. The landscaped grounds include flowering hedgerows, shaded walkways, and wide observation decks from which the full sweep of the bay unfolds. On clear days the Algerian coastline stretches east and west; at night the lights of the capital create a glittering panorama. The terrace cafe is the most accessible vantage point, serving coffee, juice, and light meals while guests take in the view.
The architecture itself rewards attention. The main tower rises in stepped concrete terraces that echo the terraced hillside neighborhoods of the Casbah district below. Interior public spaces feature large windows oriented toward the sea, and the lobby retains period design details from its construction era that give it a monumental mid-century character. For photographers, the gardens are a year-round asset. The best angle is from the eastern terrace looking back toward the Casbah and the white buildings cascading toward the port, with the sea as backdrop. Sunrise shoots capture soft golden light on the medina rooftops; late afternoon light brings long shadows across the hillside topography.
A typical visit to the gardens and terrace, including a coffee stop, takes 45 minutes to one hour. The site is most relaxed on weekday mornings; weekend afternoons and summer evenings can see the terrace cafe fill quickly with both tourists and Algerian visitors seeking the views. Arriving before noon on weekends ensures a table. Smart-casual dress is expected in hotel common areas.
Hours: Gardens accessible to guests and visitors, 24/7
Best for: couples, photographers, sightseers
Location
1 Avenue Franz Fanon, Algiers 16000, Algeria
36.7528, 3.0514 — View on map
Highlights
- Panoramic views of the Algiers medina, Bay of Algiers, and the Mediterranean from the hilltop terraces
- Modernist brutalist architecture — a defining landmark of the Algerian capital's skyline since the 1970s
- Landscaped gardens with shaded walkways and wide observation decks
- Terrace cafe serving drinks and light meals with unobstructed sea views
Tips
- Visit the terrace cafe for drinks with a view
- Sunset views are spectacular
- Good starting point for exploring Algiers
- Dress code applies for hotel areas
FAQ
Do I need to be a hotel guest to visit the gardens and terraces?
Non-guests can access the garden terraces by purchasing food or drinks at one of the hotel's cafes or restaurants. The purchase is modest and grants access to the views.
Is photography allowed on the terraces?
Yes, photography is generally permitted on the terraces and in the gardens. The open decks face the Bay of Algiers and provide excellent vantage points for capturing the city and sea.
How long does a visit typically take?
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to one hour on the terraces, longer if dining at the cafe. The gardens alone can be toured in about 20 minutes.
Accessibility
The main terrace and cafe are accessible via elevator from the hotel lobby. The landscaped garden paths are paved but include gentle slopes. Wheelchair users should enter through the main hotel entrance and request assistance for terrace access.
When to visit
The gardens are most pleasant from October through May when temperatures are mild; summer heat can make exposed terraces uncomfortable from midday onward. Early morning and late afternoon visits provide the best photography light year-round.