There are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Tirana, it’s no marvel it’s turn out to be so well-liked with vacationers and vacationers alike.
An ideal location for digital nomads, price range backpackers, associates in search of a enjoyable metropolis break, or a pair in search of a getaway. There are such a lot of superb locations to go to in Tirana for everybody.
Among the finest issues concerning the metropolis is that every one the totally different neighborhoods are shut sufficient to stroll between. There are some glorious issues to do in Tirana in every of those neighborhoods, so it doesn’t actually matter the place you keep.
I spent one month exploring the town, having fun with the highest Tirana points of interest, and experiencing many enjoyable actions. In case you’re questioning the place to go, what to see, or what to do in Tirana, you’re in the precise place.
Greatest Issues to do in Tirana, Albania
Tirana is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Albania, and for good purpose. Be taught extra concerning the enjoyable actions and experiences in Tirana on this checklist. Click on on the map of Tirana under to view and zoom.
1. Take a Strolling Tour of the Metropolis
One of many first issues to do in Tirana is to take a strolling tour. A strolling tour will aid you make sense of the town. Not solely when it comes to route, but it surely offers you an awesome understanding of its folks, tradition, and historical past.
Albania has an fascinating and sophisticated previous. Lots of the guides on the strolling excursions are locals and it’s fully fascinating to listen to tales of communist Albania.
The tour will start at Skanderbeg Sq., which is the principle boulevard. You’ll go to a number of the high Tirana points of interest, together with the Skanderbeg Statue – a nationwide hero, the historical past museum, and the Et’hem Bey Mosque.
You’ll take a stroll by means of Blloku, the neighborhood the place members of the communist social gathering used to completely stay. Right here, you’ll get pleasure from a espresso break in one of many cafes, and see the villa of Enver Hoxha, the previous dictator of Albania.
The tour lasts for 3 hours, and it contains the time of your certified information, and the doorway price to the historical past museum. You may learn extra concerning the tour right here.
Deal with: Get instructions to Skanderbeg Sq.
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2. Stroll Across the Grand Park of Tirana
Among the finest locations to go to in Tirana is the Grand Park and Synthetic Lake positioned inside.
This can be a must-see in Tirana. Get your each day dose of train with a stroll across the park, or seize a espresso in one of many many shaded cafes. Alternatively, go to one of many quite a few bars or eating places that line the lake. There’s a lot to do!
In addition to being one of the vital stunning locations to see in Tirana, you’ll additionally discover some nice Tirana points of interest and landmarks right here. This contains the Presidential Palace and Royal Gardens to the east, and the Botanical Gardens to the west.
Considered one of my favourite eating places in Tirana, Mullixhiu, can also be positioned proper by the lake. It’s top-of-the-line locations to go to in Tirana for foodies. Give their tasting menu a strive, you gained’t remorse it!
Deal with: Grand Park, 8R6G+W32, Rruga Herman Gmeiner, Tirana 1000, Albania. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Embrace Cafe Tradition at New Bazaar
Considered one of my favourite issues to do in Tirana is to tug up a chair at one of many pretty cafes within the New Bazaar and partake in some people-watching with a espresso.
The New Bazaar was initially in-built 1931 and was just lately renovated in 2017, making it one of the vital well-liked Tirana points of interest.
Within the middle sits a coated market promoting domestically grown, recent vegetables and fruit, meat and fish, in addition to Albanian wine, oil and raki.
Surrounding the market are bakeries, cafes and eating places, all housed in stunning buildings. In case you’re questioning the place to go in Tirana to expertise native life, that is it.
Deal with: New Bazaar, 8RHF+XRX, Rruga Shemsi Haka, Tiranë, Albania. Get instructions right here.
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4. Take a Trip on the Dajti Ekspres (Considered one of The Greatest Issues to Do in Tirana)
Some of the enjoyable issues to do in Tirana is to take the Dajti Ekspres cable automotive. The views from the cabin are completely spectacular.
On this tour, you’ll uncover the Dajti Nationwide Park which is 1,613m above sea degree. You may hike to the best a part of the mountain to get pleasure from panoramic views over the town, and the Bovilla Lake.
After the hike, you’ll go to Bunk’Art2– my favourite museum in Tirana. In case you can solely go to one museum within the metropolis, make it this one. It’s a must-see in Tirana and also you’ll study all concerning the historical past of communism in Albania.
The tour contains transport to the Dajti mountain, which is positioned exterior of the town middle, in addition to a neighborhood information, and your cable automotive ticket. You may learn extra concerning the tour right here.
Deal with: Dajti Ekspres, Rruga Mahmut Allushi 56, Dajt 1047, Tirana, Albania. Click on right here for instructions.
5. Go to the Fundamental Tirana Points of interest at Skanderbeg Sq.
Skanderbeg Sq. is known as after a nationwide hero who led a rebel towards the Ottoman Empire in Albania and plenty of different Balkan International locations. He’s honored in the present day in Albania, with the principle plaza taking his identify, and an enormous statue paying homage to him within the middle.
The Sq. is now a part of one of many greatest pedestrian zones within the Balkans. It hosts many spectacular occasions all through the summer time months, together with Summer time Pageant, and America Week. If there’s a European soccer event on, it’s seemingly it’ll be proven right here too.
Lots of the finest issues to do in Tirana are located in, or round, the sq.. This contains the Nationwide Historical past Museum and Palace of Tradition.
Native performances are sometimes held right here, so seize a drink in one of many cafes and benefit from the present.
Questioning the place to remain in Tirana? Take a look at these Tirana residences and accommodations – trendy, boho, lofts, luxurious, mountain views and sundown views, no matter you’re in search of, you’ll discover it in Tirana! For extra info on the neighborhoods and areas, with high lodging choices, take a look at our submit on The place to Keep in Tirana.
6. Be taught About Albania’s Communist Previous
Considered one of my favourite issues to do in Tirana, and when visiting any metropolis, is to study its previous. Tirana actually doesn’t disappoint on this division.
On this communism tour of Tirana, you’ll study all concerning the individuals who formed Albania’s historical past and go to a number of the major Tirana points of interest of the period.
As a part of the tour, you’ll discover Bunk’Art2, (the sister museum to Bunk’Art1), which gives fascinating tales from communist occasions, in addition to details about the key police – the Sigurimi.
It’s a metropolis that fully owns its generally darkish and ugly previous, to make sure that the identical errors aren’t repeated. That is the principle message of Bunk’Art2 and it’s completely fascinating. A go to right here is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Albania, not simply Tirana.
You may learn extra concerning the tour, which features a scrumptious grilled lunch, right here.
7. Discover the Foodie Scene in Blloku
Exploring Blloku is unquestionably one of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Tirana at night time. It’s the time when this neighborhood actually comes alive. There are such a lot of vigorous bars on this space, you’ll undoubtedly discover one to go well with the vibe you’re in search of.
For a communist-inspired bar, head to Komiteti, which has a number of the finest raki accessible within the metropolis, together with superb artifacts from the period. Radio Bar is without doubt one of the most original locations to go to in Tirana for cocktails with a cool retro really feel and nice music.
Blloku can also be house to a number of the finest eating places in Tirana too. Strive Period for conventional meals with a contemporary twist, or Artigiano at Vila for a number of the most scrumptious Italian meals.
In case you’re touring on a price range, you’ll be able to’t go incorrect with Opa, which serves excellent Greek road meals. The meals in Albania is admittedly good! For extra suggestions on the finest locations to eat in Tirana, click on right here.
8. Take a Stroll Via Historical past
The Nationwide Historical past Museum, positioned in Skanderbeg Sq., is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Tirana to study concerning the full historical past of the nation.
The museum is split into eight totally different pavilions which cowl totally different durations of time. For instance, Antiquity, Center Ages, Renaissance, and Anti-fascism. They also have a pavilion devoted to Mom Teresa.
For historical past buffs, this can be top-of-the-line issues to do in Tirana. While it does cowl the communist period, it’s a great place to grasp the broader historical past of the nation.
I’d suggest spending 2-3 hours within the museum to comfortably enable time to discover all eight pavilions. A ticket prices round 500 Lek, ($4 USD), or you’ll be able to go to the museum on the strolling tour of Tirana.
Deal with: Nationwide Historical past Museum, Sheshi Skënderbej 7, Tirana 1001, Albania. Get instructions right here.
9. Go Wine Tasting
Take a day journey to the port metropolis of Durres, Albania’s most historical metropolis, and the second largest within the nation. A visit to this metropolis is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Tirana, with many excursions and journeys leaving from the capital metropolis.
You’ll spend time exploring the fashionable and historical options of the city, together with the town partitions, a Byzantine Discussion board, and Roman thermal baths. You’ll additionally go to the amphitheater, which is the biggest amphitheater within the Balkan Peninsula; as soon as having a capability of 20,000 folks!
On this tour, you’ll additionally get pleasure from Durres’s well-known road artwork scene, and cease for espresso on the highest of the Venetian Tower earlier than heading out to the vineyards.
Lalzi bay is round 25km from Durres, and is house to the Duka Vineyard and Winery. Stroll across the vineyards and vineyard, study concerning the manufacturing course of, and style three totally different sorts of wine and raki right here.
Among the finest issues about this Tirana attraction is the boat journey on the Greek Lake which follows the wine tasting. You’ll get to see the vineyard from the water, in addition to the spectacular surrounding surroundings. For extra info on this tour, click on right here.
10. Go Procuring on Toptani Avenue
Toptani Procuring Centre is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Tirana if you happen to love to buy, or discover if the warmth will get an excessive amount of within the metropolis.
It’s primarily based proper within the metropolis centre and has 8 flooring of outlets; it’s an awesome place to wander round and spend a few hours. That includes each world manufacturers and native sellers, from garments to cosmetics, homeware to jewelry retailers – there’s one thing for everybody right here.
On the highest ground, you’ll discover espresso retailers and eateries with excellent views of the town – a must-see in Tirana.
Deal with: Toptani Procuring Middle, Rruga Abdi Toptani 1001, Tiranë, Albania. Discover it on the map right here.
11. Take a Cooking Class
Albanian delicacies may be very Mediterranean, however the cooking traditions are numerous. It’s because almost each type of herb, vegetable and fruit utilized in most dishes is grown right here! It’s an awesome place to study to prepare dinner.
The Albanian folks stay by the code of besa. It dictates their generosity and hospitality and when visiting Tirana you’ll expertise this in full power. Anticipate free raki, welcoming faces, and invites to affix locals for a meal or drink.
Among the finest methods to grasp besa, therefore, is thru meals. For foodies and people seeking to meet new folks, taking a cooking class is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Tirana.
On this tour, you’ll meet your host at a neighborhood market to collect substances earlier than heading to the kitchen. For lunch, you’ll put together three conventional Albanian dishes, and study Albanian tradition by means of their delicacies. You may study extra concerning the tour right here.
12. Climb the Clock Tower
One of many issues to do in Tirana that merely should be ticked off, is to climb the clocktower. It presents probably the most stunning views of Skanderbeg Sq. and the Et’hem Bey Mosque.
The clock tower was in-built 1822, by Haxhi Et’hem Bey, who additionally completed the development of the mosque subsequent door. Inside, you’ll discover 90 spiral steps that result in the viewing platform on the high.
The clock tower stands 35m tall, and till 1970 it was the tallest constructing in Tirana. In case you stand within the centre of Skanderbeg Sq. in the present day, you will notice skyscrapers throughout you which of them demonstrates the speed at which Tirana has developed over the past 50 years.
Deal with: Clock Tower, Kulla e Sahatit, Tirana, Albania. Get Instructions.
13. Day Journey To Berat
Berat is without doubt one of the major cultural facilities of Albania and is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. It’s identified for its historic Ottoman homes which descend the slopes of the mountains. Every has evenly spaced openings reduce into its partitions, and takes the identify of “The Metropolis of 1000 Home windows”.
It’s very easy to get to Berat from Tirana, with buses departing repeatedly from the bus terminal each hour or so. Most buses cease at Durres too, if you happen to want to tick off the traditional metropolis on the way in which. The journey to Berat takes round 2.5 hours, and is unquestionably top-of-the-line issues to do in Tirana.
While you’ll be able to completely take a solo journey to Berat, this tour is a wonderful choice if you’d like firm. The price contains transport, a guided metropolis tour, and entrance charges for a lot of points of interest in Berat. You may test it out right here.
14. Eat at a Native Zgara
Zgara means ‘grill’ in Albanian, and these native grill homes are dotted everywhere in the metropolis. While they usually don’t appear like something particular, they’re an awesome place to select up scrumptious meals at native costs. A very good choice for price range vacationers.
My favourite choices are the selfmade qoftes, (Albanian meatballs), which will be picked up for round 35 lek every, ($0.30 USD), and the hen and pork shish kebabs.
While the zgaras are largely outfitted to feed meat eaters, there are additionally some decisions for vegetarians too. I’d suggest the tzatziki, (the most effective I’ve ever tried!), and the stuffed greens are at all times tasty from zgaras too. A go to to a zgara is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Tirana to pattern native life.
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15. Take a Tour of the Bovilla Lakes
Round an hour’s drive from Tirana metropolis middle lies Bovilla Lake. The lake is in a surprising location, with scenic views, and is a wonderful place for recognizing wildlife. It’s one of the vital stunning issues to do in Tirana, and excellent if you wish to do some mountaineering in Albania.
There’s a alternative of a simple or tougher path. The ‘straightforward’ path takes you to the Balcony of Bovilla, the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from scenic views of the forest, valleys, and lake. The tougher path will take you to the height of Mount Gamti.
On this tour, you’ll profit from a educated information to steer you up the mountain. The value additionally features a tasty, recent lunch at a farm-style restaurant overlooking the lake. It’s the proper escape from the warmth and bustle of the town. You may learn extra about it right here.
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The place to Keep in Tirana
I spent a month residing and dealing in Tirana, and was in a position to discover most of the suburbs and neighborhoods. These are the 5 major areas in Tirana that you simply’ll need to take into account staying in.
1. Zona 1 – Reside Like a Native
Positioned between Skanderbeg Sq. and the Lana River, you’ll discover Zona 1. This massive neighborhood is close to the New Market, New Bazaar, many seafood eating places, and many cafes. Get away from the busy metropolis middle and keep in Zona 1. This condo is a superb choice.
2. Blloku – The place to Keep for Nightlife
Blloku is the place to be if you happen to’re in search of nightlife. After spending the day having fun with Tirana’s vacationer points of interest, head to this well-known neighborhood and benefit from the metropolis’s finest bars, eating places and cafes. Don’t miss my favorites: Radio Bar, Meduza and Komiteti. This can be a good lodging choice in Blloku.
3. Komuna e Parisit – For Households
Komuna e Parisit is without doubt one of the extra tranquil areas of Tirana. Whilst you’re in a quiet space, the upside is that it’s nonetheless inside strolling distance of the town middle. In Komuna e Parisit, you’ll discover the Grand Park and Synthetic Lake. This condo is in a superb location.
4. Tregu Cam – Greatest Place to Keep for Tradition and Historical past
In case you’re in search of a central location, Tregu Cam is a wonderful choice. Right here you’ll be near the most effective issues to see in Tirana, together with the Nationwide Historical past Museum and Bunk Artwork 2. This lodging has unimaginable views of the mountains.
5. 21 Dhjetori – For Funds Travellers
This neighborhood can also be known as Atatürk Sq. and is thought for being the backpacker space of the town. It additionally has many enjoyable cafes. Right here you’ll discover inexpensive lodging, eating places, and cafes. This condo is a superb lodging choice within the space.
FAQs In regards to the Issues To Do in Tirana
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Tirana.
Discover the principle historic and cultural Tirana points of interest on foot, while immersing your self within the Nation’s well-known cafe tradition. Alternatively, make a journey to the Dajti Mountains, or Bovilla Lake, to get some recent air. Or why not pattern a few of Albania’s culinary delights on a wine-tasting tour, or get inventive in a cooking class? The chances are limitless in Tirana.
I’d suggest a protracted weekend, to per week, to discover the most effective issues to do in Tirana.
In case you have a weekend, you’ll seemingly spend time exploring the neighborhoods in Tirana. You’ll additionally see the most effective points of interest within the metropolis centre, and benefit from the enjoyable issues to do in Tirana at night time.
In case you keep for per week, you’ll have extra time to discover the encompassing areas of Tirana.
I by no means felt unsafe when exploring Tirana. It’s a really protected metropolis and there are at all times folks round in cafes, even late within the night. Like most different cities around the globe, petty crime does occur but it surely’s uncommon, and most locals are type and welcoming to vacationers.
Sure, Tirana is such a ravishing metropolis. I used to be stunned by how clear, tidy and inexperienced the town was. There are various parks, flowers, and fairly streets to see. The bars and eating places are additionally adorned effectively, and really feel very inviting.
Now You Know What To Do in Tirana
I hope this submit provides you a taste of the numerous issues to do in Tirana. There really is one thing to do for each type of traveler right here. A foodie scene, with gorgeous nature to traverse, and a lot tradition and historical past to take in.
Whether or not you’re staying in Tirana for a couple of days to some months, you’ll by no means tire of this enjoyable and pleasant metropolis.