I tend to "dig" Roman ruins and it's always a highlight on my travel plan. Algeria has a lot and most is quite nice, not so much Tipasa. On paper it sounds great: port town with many ruined buildings extending along the shoreline. The site is split into two parts. The larger one is in town surrounded by restaurant streets so parking is a bit of an issue plus there was road construction when I was visiting, so I went to the eastern graveyard first which has a parking lot (it's free although someone tried to get money as I was driving away which I think is just a scam?) and entrance is very cheap. It doesn't take long to see this area and I tried to explore more on the eastern edge of it but local drunkards that jump over the fence and hang around here (I have even seen them jump over it from the street) were harassing me so it's no wonder nobody else is making their way into the trees. This doesn't effect the rating but the site just doesn't have much to offer at this area.

The much better part is in town. You reach it through a small road off the main street and pay another ticket, can even hire a tour guide if you want although most will just speak French and Arabic. The site is quite extensive and worth the entry fee. It will take you an hour just to see everything without taking a break. I personally sat down at the coast and just took pics, enjoyed the view and relaxed. It was early Spring so still a bit cold and windy. Whereas I enjoyed this part of the site the actual world heritage inscription makes me wonder it has to be a very niche opportunity. Port town, check, Roman ruins, check, Phoenician world remains might be the biggest draw, but none is a marvel you'll remember. In fact the port area is the only thing I clearly have in mind and that's more related to the natural surroundings of the sea hitting the ruins.

FYI the town of Tipasa hasn't really got much of accommodation but in the end I found a homestay up the hill. A daytip from Algiers might be required if no new hotels have popped up since Covid.