Blida

Blida is a city in north-central Algeria. It is known as the city of roses.

Understand

Blida lies surrounded with orchards and gardens, 190 metres (620 ft) above the sea. It is at the base of the Tell Atlas, on the southern edge of the fertile Mitidja Plain. Being on the right bank of the Rhumel river, Blida has many fountains and gardens sourced from the river.

Previously several gates allowed people into the city. Though gone now, the gate names are still used as reference points for directions. They are:

• Bab Er-Rahba
• Bab Ed-Zair
• Bab El-Khouikha
• Bab Es-Sebt
• Bab Ez-Zaouia
• Bab El-Kbour
• Bab El-Kseb

Get in

• 1 Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG ^IATA), Dar El Beida, Algiers. The nearest commercial airport is in Algiers, 26 miles (42 km) away. (updated Feb 2024)

Get around

There is a train which has several stops in town.

See

• Place Toute is located in the center of Blida located near Bab Es-Sebt, Al-Kawthar Mosque, and the old market. Tourists and locals can enjoy the many cafes, pastry shops, ice cream shops, and other restaurants while their children play in the plaza.

• In April, the orange groves blossom. With over 50,000 trees it is a wonderful sensory experience.

• 1 Chréa National Park. One of the largest national parks in the country. It includes one of the few ski stations in Africa with natural snow. Besides the varied flora and fauna, it protects the endangered Barbary macaque. (updated Feb 2024)

Do

• 1 Mustapha Tchaker Stadium. Catch a football game at the stadium. It is home to the Algeria national football team and the local Blida team. (updated Feb 2024)

Eat

• 1 Burgred, 20 Av. Kritli Mokhtar, ☏ +213 540 06 07 10. Hamburgers. Room is small but take-out is offered. (updated Feb 2024)
• 2 Navarro crêpe, montponsier, ☏ +213 562 16 05 88, Bendjabouismail@gmail.com. Creperie shop with delicious and plentiful offerings. (updated Feb 2024)

Sleep

• 1 Cercle de Garnison de l'Armée, Rue Yousfi Abdelkader. Wonderful views. (updated Feb 2024)

Go next

• Douaouda and Fouka are both to the north along the Mediterranean Sea.