Annaba City Guide
Image by Rabie Madaci via unsplash

Algeria

Annaba City Guide

Annaba Province

Annaba, a coastal city in northeastern Algeria, offers a blend of historical charm and Mediterranean vibrancy. Known for its beautiful beaches, the ancient ruins of Hippo Regius, and a bustling port, it serves as a significant economic hub. For travelers and remote workers, Annaba provides a more relaxed pace than larger Algerian cities, with a strong local culture and a developing infrastructure.

Lifestyle🍽️

🍽️
Food Scene
Good
7

Traditional Algerian dishes are a highlight, along with some French influences. International cuisine options are limited.

Local Dishes:
Couscous, Chorba, Bourek
International Cuisine:
French
Vegetarian Friendly
🌙
Nightlife
Poor
3

Nightlife in Annaba is generally subdued, reflecting conservative cultural norms. It primarily consists of cafes, some restaurants, and a few hotels that might serve alcohol.

Coffee Culture
Good
7

Annaba has a strong coffee culture with many cafes, though specialty options are limited.

💰
Tipping
Not Required

Tipping is appreciated but not expected. Rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is common for good service.

Top Attractions
Basilica of St. Augustine
historical
A historical religious site with impressive architecture.
Ruins of Hippo Regius
historical
Ancient ruins with significant historical value.
Cours de la Révolution
public space
A main promenade ideal for a leisurely stroll.
Annaba Museum
museum
Showcases local history and artifacts.
SIM Cards

SIM cards can be purchased at mobile provider stores in the city center or sometimes at the airport upon arrival. Mobilis, Ooredoo, and Djezzy are the main mobile providers. A passport is required for SIM card registration.

Available at:
Mobilis store
Ooredoo store
Djezzy store
Recommended Apps
Yassir(transportation)
Jumia Food(food and beverage)
Google Maps(navigation)
WhatsApp(communication)
Algerie Poste(services)
Booking.com(accommodation)

Services & Infrastructure

Street Cleanliness
Limited
5

Main tourist areas are clean, but some neighborhoods can have litter issues.

24/7 Services
Limited
4

Limited 24/7 services. Some pharmacies and small shops operate late, but few night clinics or food options.

Groceries
Uno
Ardis

International products are limited but major supermarkets may stock some imported goods. Bargaining is common in traditional markets but not in supermarkets.

Cashless Payments
Cash preferred

While card payments are becoming more common in larger establishments like supermarkets and some hotels, cash remains king for most transactions, especially in smaller shops, markets, and for services.

ATMs

ATMs are available in city centers and near banks. It's advisable to use ATMs attached to major banks for security. Fees can vary, and it's best to check with your home bank regarding international withdrawal fees.

Schools
Local only

Annaba has local Algerian schools with instruction primarily in Arabic and French. International schools are very limited.

Available Schools:
Lycée Saint-Augustin
Collège Ezzodjef

Work & Digital💻

Coworking Spaces
Not Available
Work-Friendly Cafés
Good
Café des Arts
Offers a cozy atmosphere with Wi-Fi.
Café Le Printemps
A spacious cafe ideal for short work sessions.
Café La Corniche
Located by the waterfront, offering Wi-Fi.
Alternatives:
Sabri Hotel lobby
A quiet place with Wi-Fi suitable for work.
Sheraton Annaba Hotel
The lobby offers a quiet work environment with amenities.
Digital Nomad Community
Poor
1

No established digital nomad community or meetups. Few facilities are geared towards remote work.

Nature & Activities🌿

Green Spaces
Good
6

Annaba has parks like Parc de la Révolution offering shaded areas and running routes.

Running
Good
6

Popular routes include the Cours de la Révolution and the Corniche, safe during daylight.

Gyms
Available

Several gyms are available for fitness enthusiasts.

Available Gyms:
Salle de Sport El Badr
Fitness Club Annaba
Salle de Sport El Wafa
Tennis
Limited
5

Tennis courts can be found in sports clubs with clay and hard surfaces.

Padel
Poor
2

Padel is less common, though growing slowly.

Yoga
Poor
3

Limited yoga offerings, mostly in fitness centers.

Martial Arts
Good
6

Various martial arts clubs exist, focusing on disciplines like Judo, Karate, and Boxing.

Skiing
Poor
0

No skiing facilities in or near Annaba.

Water Sports
Limited
5

Kayaking and paddleboarding available, but sailing and windsurfing are less common.

Surfing
Poor
1

Annaba is not a primary surfing destination with limited breaks.

Diving
Limited
5

The coast offers good diving and snorkeling opportunities with typical Mediterranean marine life.

Health & Safety🏥

Healthcare
Limited
5

Public healthcare is basic. Private clinics offer better facilities but at a cost. English-speaking staff are rare, more so in private clinics.

Hospitals:
CHU Ibn Rochd
Clinique des Oliviers
Pharmacies:
Pharmacie Centrale
Pharmacie de l'Horloge
Tap Water Safety
Safe to drink

Tap water in Annaba is generally considered safe for drinking, especially in urban areas, as it undergoes treatment. However, many locals and visitors prefer bottled water for taste and peace of mind.

Common Scams
Petty theft, Overcharging tourists, Fake guides

Community & Family

Family Friendly
Good
6

Annaba has some public playgrounds and baby supplies in supermarkets. Attractions like beaches and parks add family-friendly options.

LGBTQ+ Friendly
Poor
1

Algeria has conservative norms; homosexuality is illegal and there are no legal protections or community groups.

Pet Friendly
Poor
2

Annaba is generally not very pet-friendly with strict regulations and limited pet amenities.

Communities
Annaba City (online)
Annaba Info (online)

Quick Facts

Population
257,359
Power Reliability
Good
7/10

Power supply in Annaba is generally reliable, though occasional short outages can occur, particularly during peak summer months due to high demand.

Beach Access
Available

Annaba is a coastal city with several usable beaches like Plage Rizi Amor and Plage Saint Cloud.

Mountains
Available

The Edough Mountains behind Annaba offer scenic views and cooler temperatures.

Languages
Arabic(95%)
French(60%)
English(7%)
Emergency
17
Police
14
Fire
15
Ambulance

⚠️Natural Disasters Risk

🌊
Tsunami
Very Low Risk
2
🏔️
Earthquake
Moderate Risk
6

🌦️Seasonal Issues

flooding
December, January, February
Winter rains can cause flooding in low-lying areas.
extreme heat
July, August
Summers are very hot and humid.
sandstorms
March, April
Occasional sandstorms from the Sahara in spring.

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