Biskra

Biskra is a city in Northeast Algeria.

Understand

Biskra is the capital city of Biskra Province, Algeria. In 2007, its population was recorded as 307,987. Biskra is located in northeastern Algeria, about 248 miles from Algiers, 71 miles southwest of Batna and 137 miles north of Touggourt.

Get In

By plane

Only two airlines Tassili airlines and Air Algerie operate to Biskra and serve international destinations.

Air Algerie: Algiers, Lyon, Paris CDG and ORLY.

Tassili: Algiers

Get around

Walking

If you aren't in a hurry, walking around the area of City Center, the Universities, and the local shops/ bazaar is easy and pleasant.

Public transportation

Best ways to get around the city is with public transport (Bus, Trams, And Trains).

Taxis

Taxis are also a good way of transportation because they offer more destinations. but they’re more expensive than public transportation.

See

Biskra is stunning because of its beautiful nature. And there are a lot of sights to see. Most popular ones are:

  • Les gorges d'El Kantara: Historical landmark in El Kantara.
  • Musée lapidaire d'El Kantara: An open museum.

Do

Biskra has a lot of water parks, Most in the country. Most popular and top rated ones are:

  • Les Jardins des Ziban.
  • Aqua Palm Biskra.
  • Jardin Landon.

Buy

Biskra’s date is one of The best in the world. And buying date here worth the money. Biskra’s date is being sold in some popular countries such as United States, Italy, And France.

Eat

Biskra’s couscous is one of the best in the country. It’s flavorful, healthy, and delicious. It’s usually served with vegetables like chickpea, carrots, and potatoes. And also served with meat. Cafeterias In biskra serve a lot of deserts and fruits. From French desserts like Millefeuille and Lemon Tart to Turkish desserts like Baklava and Turkish delights to Algerian dessert like Kalb-el-louz and Griwech.

Drink

Eating a dessert isn’t complete without the Algerian tea (Atay). It can come as either sweet or bitter. And it can keep you awake too when working at late nights or early morning.

Learn

Local schools here are decent and teach both English and french.

Stay safe

Even though Biskra is somewhat safe, a few tourists experience some problems. A very important thing you need to be alert to is the risk of getting scammed. When people find out that you’re a tourist they will try to increase the bills, even in hotels or motels. Taxi drivers will also charge a high price. So try to look less like a tourist and don’t show a large amount of cash or wear expensive accessories. Hide your valuables.

Stay healthy

As with Algeria in general, medical staff are decent and very well educated, but the public hospitals are usually basic. If you get ill, try to get to a private clinic — these are better-equipped and more modern - charges are modest by European standards.

Respect

Ramadan

Ramadan is the 9th and holiest month in the Islamic calendar and lasts 29–30 days. Muslims fast every day for its duration and most restaurants will be closed until the fast breaks at dusk. Nothing (including water and cigarettes) is supposed to pass through the lips from dawn to sunset. Non-Muslims are exempt from this, but should still refrain from eating or drinking in public as this is considered very impolite. Working hours are decreased as well in the corporate world. Exact dates of Ramadan depend on local astronomical observations and may vary somewhat from country to country. Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

  • 11 March – 9 April 2024 (1445 AH)
  • 1 March – 29 March 2025 (1446 AH)
  • 18 February – 19 March 2026 (1447 AH)
  • 8 February – 8 March 2027 (1448 AH)

If you're planning to travel to Biskra during Ramadan, consider reading Travelling during Ramadan.

As in all of North Africa, the dominant religion in Algeria is Islam, and appropriate religious prohibitions and attitudes should be in order. If visiting a mosque, for example, be sure to be dressed conservatively and remove your shoes before entering. Drinking alcohol in Biskra isn’t illegal, but it’s disliked. So make sure to drink alcohol only in bars or restaurants or at your residence.

Go next

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