Guide to the Casbah of Algiers: Hidden Heritage Houses

Most travelers to Algiers stay by the coast or stop for a photo at the Martyrs’ Memorial. But if you walk a little higher into the old city, the noise begins to fade. The streets narrow, the walls turn white, and the air smells faintly of stone and sea. This is the Casbah, a place where the past hasn’t disappeared, only slowed down.

Tucked within its lanes are the old Ottoman houses, the Palais des Raïs and others like it, homes that once belonged to merchants, scholars, and families who shaped the city centuries ago. Their carved doors and patterned tiles have seen empires rise and fall. Step inside one, and the sounds of the city vanish; only quiet light and cool air remain.

History of the Casbah Houses

The Casbah of Algiers grew from a Phoenician port into a walled Ottoman city. By the 1500s, it was a vibrant center of trade and diplomacy, a meeting point for merchants from across the Mediterranean. Families built homes close together, creating a layered city of courtyards, terraces, and hidden passageways that offered both privacy and cool air.

Many of the houses followed the same pattern: plain on the outside, dazzling within. The best-known example is the Palais des Raïs, also called Bastion 23, a group of 17th-century residences facing the sea. From the street, you see only white walls and small windows; but once inside, you find marble arches, hand-painted tiles, and delicate latticework that filters the sunlight.

These homes were more than places to live. They were worlds of their own, built for families who valued beauty, faith, and hospitality. The Casbah’s architecture blends Arab, Berber, and Ottoman influences, with every house shaped by centuries of craftsmanship passed down through generations.

What Not to Miss

Palais des Raïs (Bastion 23)
The most famous of the surviving Casbah houses. It now serves as a cultural center and museum, preserving traditional rooms, mosaics, and views over the Mediterranean. It’s quieter than most tourist sites — a perfect place to slow down and imagine daily life centuries ago.

Dar Hassan Pacha
Once the residence of an Ottoman governor, this 18th-century palace shows the Casbah’s elegant side, broad courtyards, carved cedar ceilings, and fountains that still murmur softly. It’s being carefully restored, so check visiting hours before you go.

The Upper Casbah Streets
Walk beyond the palaces, and you’ll find smaller family homes still standing, their balconies draped in laundry and flower pots. The lanes are steep and uneven, but each turn offers a glimpse into the city’s layered soul, from whispers of music to the smell of fresh bread.

Where to Eat

Café El Djazairi
A tucked-away café near Bastion 23 serving mint tea and pastries. Locals stop here for a quiet break and a view of the sea.

Dar El Baroud Restaurant
Just outside the main Casbah gates, this small restaurant serves couscous and lamb stew with gentle spice and a view toward the old quarter.

Local Bakeries
Along Rue des Frères Oudjani, you’ll find bakeries that still make mkhabez (almond sweets) and ghribia, simple, crumbly cookies best enjoyed warm.

Staying Connected While You Explore

The Casbah’s charm lies in getting lost, but staying connected helps you find hidden courtyards or small museums as you wander. With the Algeria JetSet eSIM, you can: