There are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Tirana, it’s no surprise it’s grow to be so well-liked with vacationers and vacationers alike.
An ideal location for digital nomads, funds backpackers, pals in search of a enjoyable metropolis break, or a pair in search of a getaway. There are such a lot of wonderful locations to go to in Tirana for everybody.
Among the best issues in regards to the metropolis is that each one the completely 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 town, having fun with the highest Tirana sights, and experiencing many enjoyable actions. For those who’re questioning the place to go, what to see, or what to do in Tirana, you’re in the fitting place.
Finest Issues to do in Tirana, Albania
Tirana is among the greatest locations to go to in Albania, and for good motive. Study extra in regards to the enjoyable actions and experiences in Tirana on this record. Click on on the map of Tirana beneath 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 assist you make sense of town. Not solely when it comes to path, but it surely offers you an incredible understanding of its individuals, tradition, and historical past.
Albania has an attention-grabbing and sophisticated previous. Lots of the guides on the strolling excursions are locals and it’s utterly fascinating to listen to tales of communist Albania.
The tour will start at Skanderbeg Sq., which is the primary boulevard. You’ll go to a few of the high Tirana sights, together with the Skanderbeg Statue – a nationwide hero, the historical past museum, and the Et’hem Bey Mosque.
You’ll take a stroll by Blloku, the neighborhood the place members of the communist celebration used to completely stay. Right here, you’ll take pleasure in 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 possibly can learn extra in regards to the tour right here.
Handle: Get instructions to Skanderbeg Sq.
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2. Stroll Across the Grand Park of Tirana
Among the best locations to go to in Tirana is the Grand Park and Synthetic Lake positioned inside.
It is 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 lovely locations to see in Tirana, you’ll additionally discover some nice Tirana sights and landmarks right here. This contains the Presidential Palace and Royal Gardens to the east, and the Botanical Gardens to the west.
Certainly one of my favourite eating places in Tirana, Mullixhiu, can be positioned proper by the lake. It’s probably the greatest locations to go to in Tirana for foodies. Give their tasting menu a attempt, you gained’t remorse it!
Handle: Grand Park, 8R6G+W32, Rruga Herman Gmeiner, Tirana 1000, Albania. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Embrace Cafe Tradition at New Bazaar
Certainly 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 inbuilt 1931 and was not too long ago renovated in 2017, making it one of the vital well-liked Tirana sights.
Within the middle sits a lined market promoting domestically grown, contemporary 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 lovely buildings. For those who’re questioning the place to go in Tirana to expertise native life, that is it.
Handle: New Bazaar, 8RHF+XRX, Rruga Shemsi Haka, Tiranë, Albania. Get instructions right here.
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4. Take a Experience on the Dajti Ekspres (Certainly one of The Finest Issues to Do in Tirana)
One of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Tirana is to take the Dajti Ekspres cable automobile. The views from the cabin are completely spectacular.
On this tour, you’ll uncover the Dajti Nationwide Park which is 1,613m above sea stage. You possibly can hike to the best a part of the mountain to take pleasure in panoramic views over town, and the Bovilla Lake.
After the hike, you’ll go to Bunk’Art2– my favourite museum in Tirana. For those who 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 in regards to the historical past of communism in Albania.
The tour contains transport to the Dajti mountain, which is positioned outdoors of town middle, in addition to a neighborhood information, and your cable automobile ticket. You possibly can learn extra in regards to the tour right here.
Handle: Dajti Ekspres, Rruga Mahmut Allushi 56, Dajt 1047, Tirana, Albania. Click on right here for instructions.
5. Go to the Predominant Tirana Points of interest at Skanderbeg Sq.
Skanderbeg Sq. is known as after a nationwide hero who led a riot towards the Ottoman Empire in Albania and lots of different Balkan International locations. He’s honored in the present day in Albania, with the primary 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 largest 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 probably it’ll be proven right here too.
Lots of the greatest 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 flats and lodges – fashionable, boho, lofts, luxurious, mountain views and sundown views, no matter you’re in search of, you’ll discover it in Tirana! For extra data on the neighborhoods and areas, with high lodging choices, take a look at our submit on The place to Keep in Tirana.
6. Study About Albania’s Communist Previous
Certainly one of my favourite issues to do in Tirana, and when visiting any metropolis, is to find out about its previous. Tirana actually doesn’t disappoint on this division.
On this communism tour of Tirana, you’ll study all in regards to the individuals who formed Albania’s historical past and go to a few of the essential Tirana sights 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 instances, in addition to details about the key police – the Sigurimi.
It’s a metropolis that utterly owns its generally darkish and ugly previous, to make sure that the identical errors are usually not repeated. That is the primary message of Bunk’Art2 and it’s completely fascinating. A go to right here is among the greatest issues to do in Albania, not simply Tirana.
You possibly can learn extra in regards to the tour, which features a scrumptious grilled lunch, right here.
7. Discover the Foodie Scene in Blloku
Exploring Blloku is certainly 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 full of life 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 few of the greatest raki out there within the metropolis, together with wonderful artifacts from the period. Radio Bar is among the most original locations to go to in Tirana for cocktails with a cool retro really feel and nice music.
Blloku can be house to a few of the greatest eating places in Tirana too. Attempt Period for conventional meals with a contemporary twist, or Artigiano at Vila for a few of the most scrumptious Italian meals.
For those who’re touring on a funds, you’ll be able to’t go mistaken with Opa, which serves very good Greek road meals. The meals in Albania is basically good! For extra suggestions on the greatest locations to eat in Tirana, click on right here.
8. Take a Stroll By way of Historical past
The Nationwide Historical past Museum, positioned in Skanderbeg Sq., is among the greatest locations to go to in Tirana to study in regards to the full historical past of the nation.
The museum is split into eight completely different pavilions which cowl completely different intervals 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 will likely be probably the greatest issues to do in Tirana. While it does cowl the communist period, it’s a great place to know the broader historical past of the nation.
I might suggest spending 2-3 hours within the museum to comfortably permit 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.
Handle: 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 historic metropolis, and the second largest within the nation. A visit to this metropolis is among the greatest issues to do in Tirana, with many excursions and journeys leaving from the capital metropolis.
You’ll spend time exploring the trendy and historic options of the city, together with town partitions, a Byzantine Discussion board, and Roman thermal baths. You’ll additionally go to the amphitheater, which is the most important amphitheater within the Balkan Peninsula; as soon as having a capability of 20,000 individuals!
On this tour, you’ll additionally take pleasure in 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 in regards to the manufacturing course of, and style three completely different kinds of wine and raki right here.
Among the best 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 data on this tour, click on right here.
10. Go Buying on Toptani Road
Toptani Buying Centre is among the greatest locations to go to in Tirana should you love to buy, or discover if the warmth will get an excessive amount of within the metropolis.
It’s based mostly proper within the metropolis centre and has 8 flooring of retailers; it’s an incredible place to wander round and spend a few hours. That includes each international 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 very good views of town – a must-see in Tirana.
Handle: Toptani Buying Heart, 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 various. It’s because practically each form of herb, vegetable and fruit utilized in most dishes is grown right here! It’s an incredible place to study to prepare dinner.
The Albanian individuals stay by the code of besa. It dictates their generosity and hospitality and when visiting Tirana you’ll expertise this in full pressure. Count on free raki, welcoming faces, and invites to affix locals for a meal or drink.
Among the best methods to know besa, therefore, is thru meals. For foodies and people seeking to meet new individuals, taking a cooking class is among the greatest issues to do in Tirana.
On this tour, you’ll meet your host at a neighborhood market to assemble components earlier than heading to the kitchen. For lunch, you’ll put together three conventional Albanian dishes, and find out about Albanian tradition by their delicacies. You possibly can study extra in regards to the tour right here.
12. Climb the Clock Tower
One of many issues to do in Tirana that merely have to be ticked off, is to climb the clocktower. It provides essentially the most lovely views of Skanderbeg Sq. and the Et’hem Bey Mosque.
The clock tower was inbuilt 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. For those who stand within the centre of Skanderbeg Sq. in the present day, you will notice skyscrapers throughout you which ones demonstrates the speed at which Tirana has developed over the past 50 years.
Handle: Clock Tower, Kulla e Sahatit, Tirana, Albania. Get Instructions.
13. Day Journey To Berat
Berat is among the essential cultural facilities of Albania and is a UNESCO World Heritage Website. It’s recognized for its historic Ottoman homes which descend the slopes of the mountains. Every has evenly spaced openings lower 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 recurrently from the bus terminal each hour or so. Most buses cease at Durres too, should you want to tick off the traditional metropolis on the way in which. The journey to Berat takes round 2.5 hours, and is certainly probably the greatest issues to do in Tirana.
While you’ll be able to completely take a solo journey to Berat, this tour is a superb choice in order for you firm. The price contains transport, a guided metropolis tour, and entrance charges for a lot of sights in Berat. You possibly can 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 typically don’t seem like something particular, they’re an incredible place to select up scrumptious meals at native costs. An excellent choice for funds vacationers.
My favourite choices are the do-it-yourself qoftes, (Albanian meatballs), which may be picked up for round 35 lek every, ($0.30 USD), and the rooster and pork shish kebabs.
While the zgaras are largely outfitted to feed meat eaters, there are additionally some decisions for vegetarians too. I might suggest the tzatziki, (the very best I’ve ever tried!), and the stuffed greens are all the time tasty from zgaras too. A go to to a zgara is among the greatest 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 superb place for recognizing wildlife. It’s one of the vital lovely issues to do in Tirana, and excellent if you wish to do some mountain climbing in Albania.
There’s a alternative of a straightforward or more difficult path. The ‘straightforward’ path takes you to the Balcony of Bovilla, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in scenic views of the forest, valleys, and lake. The more difficult path will take you to the height of Mount Gamti.
On this tour, you’ll profit from a educated information to guide you up the mountain. The worth additionally features a tasty, contemporary lunch at a farm-style restaurant overlooking the lake. It’s the proper escape from the warmth and bustle of town. You possibly can 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 capable of discover most of the suburbs and neighborhoods. These are the 5 essential areas in Tirana that you just’ll need to think about staying in.
1. Zona 1 – Stay Like a Native
Situated 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 plenty of cafes. Get away from the busy metropolis middle and keep in Zona 1. This house is a superb choice.
2. Blloku – The place to Keep for Nightlife
Blloku is the place to be should you’re in search of nightlife. After spending the day having fun with Tirana’s vacationer sights, head to this well-known neighborhood and benefit from the metropolis’s greatest bars, eating places and cafes. Don’t miss my favorites: Radio Bar, Meduza and Komiteti. It is a good lodging choice in Blloku.
3. Komuna e Parisit – For Households
Komuna e Parisit is among the extra tranquil areas of Tirana. When you’re in a quiet space, the upside is that it’s nonetheless inside strolling distance of town middle. In Komuna e Parisit, you’ll discover the Grand Park and Synthetic Lake. This house is in a superb location.
4. Tregu Cam – Finest Place to Keep for Tradition and Historical past
For those who’re in search of a central location, Tregu Cam is a superb choice. Right here you’ll be near the very best 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 Price range Travellers
This neighborhood can be known as Atatürk Sq. and is thought for being the backpacker space of town. It additionally has many enjoyable cafes. Right here you’ll discover reasonably priced lodging, eating places, and cafes. This house is a superb lodging choice within the space.
FAQs Concerning the Issues To Do in Tirana
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Tirana.
Discover the primary historic and cultural Tirana sights 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 contemporary 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 probabilities are countless in Tirana.
I might suggest an extended weekend, to every week, to discover the very best issues to do in Tirana.
When you’ve got a weekend, you’ll probably spend time exploring the neighborhoods in Tirana. You’ll additionally see the very best sights within the metropolis centre, and benefit from the enjoyable issues to do in Tirana at night time.
For those who keep for every 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 all the time individuals round in cafes, even late within the night. Like most different cities world wide, petty crime does occur but it surely’s uncommon, and most locals are form and welcoming to vacationers.
Sure, Tirana is such a good looking metropolis. I used to be stunned by how clear, tidy and inexperienced town was. There are various parks, flowers, and fairly streets to see. The bars and eating places are additionally adorned properly, and really feel very inviting.
Now You Know What To Do in Tirana
I hope this submit offers you a taste of the various issues to do in Tirana. There actually is one thing to do for each form 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 a couple months, you’ll by no means tire of this enjoyable and pleasant metropolis.