Timgad is the main reason most travellers come to Batna at all. It sits 35 kilometres to the east and is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in Africa — the grid plan, the theatre, Trajan's Arch, and the on-site museum are all worth several hours. Any taxi driver in Batna knows the route; agree on a price for a return trip with waiting time.
The Gorges de Tighanimine and the Aures mountain villages to the south are a longer excursion that requires either your own car or a negotiated grand taxi for the day. Constantine is two hours north — an exceptional city in its own right and worth an overnight rather than a rushed day trip.
