As the cruise ship Viking Saturn arrived at the Port of Algiers at dawn, passengers were greeted by a striking blend of architectural styles, with white-stone 19th century French colonial buildings lining the streets and the historic Ottoman-era Casbah looming in the background. The city’s atmosphere was charged with excitement, fueled by Algeria’s recent qualification for the FIFA World Cup after a 12-year absence.

Algiers, the capital of the North African nation, is experiencing heightened enthusiasm for football, a sport deeply rooted in local culture. Algeria has secured the Africa Cup of Nations title twice, most recently in 2019, and support for the game is visibly widespread. Graffiti endorsing the city’s four football clubs covers numerous walls, and the Stade Omar Hamadi, home to USM Alger, sits prominently along the Bay of Algiers waterfront.

Visitors during the cruise noted the strong presence of religious and historical landmarks. The Notre-Dame de Africa Catholic Church, perched atop a hill, represents a symbol of religious coexistence in this predominantly Muslim country. The church gained recent attention following a visit by Pope Leo XIV in the spring, who emphasized religious unity in his address. An inscription dedicated to both Christian and Muslim communities adorns the interior, which features distinctive blue mosaics.

The visit coincided with Ramadan, a fact reflected in the quieter streets during daylight hours as residents observed fasting. Tour guides accompanying the group highlighted notable sites, including the Martyrs’ Monument, a 210-foot high structure commemorating those who died in Algeria’s war for independence from France.

Despite Algeria’s vast Mediterranean coastline and diverse landscapes, the country has yet to develop a robust tourism sector. Roughly 80 percent of its territory is desert, with much of the remainder consisting of difficult terrain. The economy remains heavily reliant on natural resource exports such as petroleum and natural gas, which account for about a quarter of its GDP. Agricultural products like figs, dates, olive oil, and citrus fruit also play a role, but tourism is not prioritized.

Visas present another challenge for international travelers, costing approximately £85 and often taking several months to process. However, Viking Cruises manages these requirements for its passengers, positioning itself as the sole cruise operator regularly calling at Algiers. The company plans 18 voyages to the city in 2027, including several during the off-season months from October to April.

Security measures are visibly in place for tourist excursions, with police escorts accompanying all group tours—not out of direct safety concerns, but as part of government efforts to ensure a positive visitor experience. Popular excursions include visits to the Casbah and immersive Medina home visits, where guests are welcomed with traditional refreshments such as dates, biscuits, and sweet mint tea.

Other highlights for visitors include the Jardin d’Essai du Hamma, North Africa’s largest botanical garden, known for its century-old trees and former zoo, and La Grande Poste, a French-built neo-Moorish postal building dating to 1910. Though its interior currently remains closed pending museum renovations, the exterior impresses with its turrets and arches.

Algiers’ rich tapestry of Berber, Arabic, and French influences continues to captivate travelers. The city’s football passion is further symbolized by the story of Zinedine Zidane, whose parents emigrated from a Berber-speaking Algerian village before the country’s war of independence, and whose son Luca is currently Algeria’s national team goalkeeper. With anticipation building, the nation’s football aspirations remain alive as the World Cup approaches.