Algeria isn't considered a shopping destination but that might work to your advantage. Unlike the heavily commercialized souks of Marrakech, shopping in Algeria is about discovering authentic, handcrafted goods. And, the tourist price markup is minimal because there are so few tourists.
Best Things to Buy
Tuareg Silver Jewelry
The Tuareg people of the Sahara are master silversmiths. Their jewelry including crosses, amulets, rings, and necklaces is distinctive, handmade, and quite symbolic. The most famous piece is the Croix d'Agadez (Agadez Cross), worn as a talisman. Try to look for authentic Tuareg pieces in Tamanrasset, Djanet, and specialized shops in Algiers. You can expect to pay $20–$150 depending on the piece.
Kabyle Jewelry and Pottery
The Amazigh (Berber) women of Kabylie produce striking enamel jewelry like brooches, necklaces, and headpieces with intricate geometric patterns in yellow, blue, and green. The Kabyle pottery, with its hand-painted geometric designs, is equally beautiful. Tizi Ouzou and Béjaïa are the best places to buy directly from the local crafters.
Handwoven Carpets and Rugs
Algerian carpets are such treasures and each region has its own style:
- Ghardaia (M'zab) rugs: Bold geometric patterns in earth tones.
- Kabylie rugs: Bright colors and Berber motifs.
- Saharan kilims: Flat-woven nomadic rugs with simple, elegant patterns.
A quality Algerian carpet can cost $50–$300, which is a fraction of what you'd pay for a similar Moroccan rug.
Leather Goods
Algerian leather such as bags, wallets, sandals, and belts are crafted traditionally in cities like Ghardaia and Constantine. They are high quality and the prices are fair.
Deglet Nour Dates
Algeria produces some of the world's finest dates, especially the Deglet Nour ("Finger of Light") variety from the Biskra and Tolga region. They are rich, sweet, and translucent. You can buy them at local markets or date cooperatives for a fraction of export prices.
Traditional Clothing
The Karakou (a traditional Algerian women's embroidered jacket) and the burnous (a hooded wool cloak worn by men across the Maghreb) make distinctive gifts. The Algiers Kasbah and old markets have tailors who make these to order.
Olive Oil and Honey
Kabylie produces excellent olive oil and it is often organic by default due to traditional farming methods. It is also worth trying the local honey varieties (eucalyptus, mountain wildflower).
Where to Shop
Algiers
- The Kasbah markets: Traditional crafts, clothing, and spices in the atmospheric old city.
- Rue Didouche Mourad: Algiers' main commercial street with bookshops, clothing, and modern shops.
- SNAD Artisan Center: Government-run crafts center with quality-controlled items from across Algeria.
Ghardaia
The M'zab Valley market is one of Algeria's most colorful with carpets, pottery, spices, and traditional Mozabite clothing. This is where bargaining is expected.
Tamanrasset & Djanet
Tuareg silver, leather, and Saharan crafts. The best place for authentic desert artisanship.
Bargaining Tips
- Bargaining is expected in traditional markets (souks) but not in modern shops.
- Start at about 50–60% of the asking price and work toward a compromise.
- Be respectful because aggressive bargaining is considered rude in Algeria.
- Cash only in most markets. Algerian Dinar is the only accepted currency.
- Don't buy antiquities or fossils because the export of archaeological items is illegal.