There are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Tirana, it’s no marvel it’s turn out to be so widespread with vacationers and vacationers alike.
An ideal location for digital nomads, funds backpackers, pals searching for a enjoyable metropolis break, or a pair searching for a getaway. There are such a lot of wonderful locations to go to in Tirana for everybody.
Top-of-the-line issues in regards to the metropolis is that every one the completely different neighborhoods are shut sufficient to stroll between. There are some wonderful 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. When you’re questioning the place to go, what to see, or what to do in Tirana, you’re in the fitting 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 motive. Study extra in regards to the enjoyable actions and experiences in Tirana on this checklist. 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 enable you make sense of the town. Not solely by way of course, however it gives you an excellent understanding of its individuals, tradition, and historical past.
Albania has an attention-grabbing and complicated previous. Most 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 via Blloku, the neighborhood the place members of the communist celebration used to completely dwell. 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 charge to the historical past museum. You possibly can learn extra in regards to the tour right here.
Deal with: Get instructions to Skanderbeg Sq.
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2. Stroll Across the Grand Park of Tirana
Top-of-the-line locations to go to in Tirana is the Grand Park and Synthetic Lake situated inside.
It is a must-see in Tirana. Get your every 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 crucial lovely 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.
One in all my favourite eating places in Tirana, Mullixhiu, can also be situated proper by the lake. It’s among the finest locations to go to in Tirana for foodies. Give their tasting menu a attempt, 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
One in all my favourite issues to do in Tirana is to tug up a chair at one of many beautiful cafes within the New Bazaar and partake in some people-watching with a espresso.
The New Bazaar was initially inbuilt 1931 and was lately renovated in 2017, making it one of the crucial widespread Tirana points of interest.
Within the middle sits a coated market promoting regionally grown, contemporary vegatables and fruits, 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. When 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 Experience on the Dajti Ekspres (One in all The Greatest 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 degree. You possibly can hike to the very 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. When 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 in regards to the historical past of communism in Albania.
The tour contains transport to the Dajti mountain, which is situated outdoors of the town middle, in addition to an area information, and your cable automobile ticket. You possibly can learn extra in regards to 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 Important Tirana Sights at Skanderbeg Sq.
Skanderbeg Sq. is called after a nationwide hero who led a riot in opposition to the Ottoman Empire in Albania and plenty of different Balkan Nations. He’s honored at this time in Albania, with the principle plaza taking his title, 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 season months, together with Summer time Pageant, and America Week. If there’s a European soccer match on, it’s doubtless it’ll be proven right here too.
Most 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 flats and motels – fashionable, boho, lofts, luxurious, mountain views and sundown views, no matter you’re searching for, you’ll discover it in Tirana! For extra data on the neighborhoods and areas, with high lodging choices, take a look at our put up on The place to Keep in Tirana.
6. Study About Albania’s Communist Previous
One in all my favourite issues to do in Tirana, and when visiting any metropolis, is to study its previous. Tirana definitely 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 number of the essential 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 supplies fascinating tales from communist instances, in addition to details about the key police – the Sigurimi.
It’s a metropolis that fully owns its typically 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 charming. A go to right here is without doubt one of the finest 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 unquestionably one of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Tirana at evening. It’s the time when this neighborhood actually comes alive. There are such a lot of energetic bars on this space, you’ll undoubtedly discover one to go well with the vibe you’re searching for.
For a communist-inspired bar, head to Komiteti, which has a number of the finest raki accessible within the metropolis, together with wonderful 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.
When you’re touring on a funds, you’ll be able to’t go fallacious with Opa, which serves excellent Greek avenue meals. The meals in Albania is actually 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, situated in Skanderbeg Sq., is without doubt one of the finest 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 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 might be among the finest issues to do in Tirana. While it does cowl the communist period, it’s a superb place to know the broader historical past of the nation.
I’d advocate 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.
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 most important amphitheater within the Balkan Peninsula; as soon as having a capability of 20,000 individuals!
On this tour, you’ll additionally get pleasure from Durres’s well-known avenue 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 styles of wine and raki right here.
Top-of-the-line 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 Avenue
Toptani Buying Centre is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Tirana for those who 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 excellent 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 flooring, you’ll discover espresso retailers and eateries with excellent views of the town – a must-see in Tirana.
Deal with: 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 numerous. It’s because practically each sort of herb, vegetable and fruit utilized in most dishes is grown right here! It’s an excellent place to study to cook dinner.
The Albanian individuals dwell by the code of besa. It dictates their generosity and hospitality and when visiting Tirana you’ll expertise this in full pressure. Anticipate free raki, welcoming faces, and invites to hitch locals for a meal or drink.
Top-of-the-line methods to know besa, therefore, is thru meals. For foodies and people trying to meet new individuals, 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 an area market to assemble elements earlier than heading to the kitchen. For lunch, you’ll put together three conventional Albanian dishes, and study Albanian tradition via 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 should be ticked off, is to climb the clocktower. It affords 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. When you stand within the centre of Skanderbeg Sq. at this time, you will notice skyscrapers throughout you which of them demonstrates the speed at which Tirana has developed during the last 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 essential 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 title of “The Metropolis of 1000 Home windows”.
It’s very easy to get to Berat from Tirana, with buses departing usually from the bus terminal each hour or so. Most buses cease at Durres too, for those who want to tick off the traditional metropolis on the way in which. The journey to Berat takes round 2.5 hours, and is unquestionably among the finest issues to do in Tirana.
While you’ll be able to completely take a solo journey to Berat, this tour is a superb choice if you need firm. The associated fee contains transport, a guided metropolis tour, and entrance charges for a lot of points of interest 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 all around the metropolis. While they usually don’t seem like something particular, they’re an excellent place to choose up scrumptious meals at native costs. choice for funds vacationers.
My favourite choices are the selfmade qoftes, (Albanian meatballs), which might be picked up for round 35 lek every, ($0.30 USD), and the rooster and pork shish kebabs.
While the zgaras are largely geared up to feed meat eaters, there are additionally some decisions for vegetarians too. I’d advocate the tzatziki, (the perfect 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 superb place for recognizing wildlife. It’s one of the crucial lovely issues to do in Tirana, and ideal if you wish to do some climbing in Albania.
There’s a alternative of a straightforward or more difficult path. The ‘simple’ 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 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 value 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 the 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
Positioned between Skanderbeg Sq. and the Lana River, you’ll discover Zona 1. This huge 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 condominium is a superb choice.
2. Blloku – The place to Keep for Nightlife
Blloku is the place to be for those who’re searching for 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. It is 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. When 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 condominium is in a superb location.
4. Tregu Cam – Greatest Place to Keep for Tradition and Historical past
When you’re searching for a central location, Tregu Cam is a superb choice. Right here you’ll be near the perfect 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 Finances 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 condominium is a superb lodging choice within the space.
FAQs In regards to the Issues To Do in Tirana
Listed here 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 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 chances are infinite in Tirana.
I’d advocate an extended weekend, to per week, to discover the perfect issues to do in Tirana.
When you’ve got a weekend, you’ll doubtless spend time exploring the neighborhoods in Tirana. You’ll additionally see the perfect points of interest within the metropolis centre, and benefit from the enjoyable issues to do in Tirana at evening.
When you keep for per week, you’ll have extra time to discover the encircling areas of Tirana.
I by no means felt unsafe when exploring Tirana. It’s a really secure metropolis and there are at all times individuals round in cafes, even late within the night. Like most different cities world wide, petty crime does occur however it’s uncommon, and most locals are form and welcoming to vacationers.
Sure, Tirana is such a fantastic metropolis. I used to be stunned by how clear, tidy and inexperienced the town was. There are numerous parks, flowers, and fairly streets to see. The bars and eating places are additionally adorned nicely, and really feel very inviting.
Now You Know What To Do in Tirana
I hope this put up provides you a taste of the numerous issues to do in Tirana. There actually is one thing to do for each sort of traveler right here. A foodie scene, with beautiful nature to traverse, and a lot tradition and historical past to absorb.
Whether or not you’re staying in Tirana for just a few days to some months, you’ll by no means tire of this enjoyable and pleasant metropolis.
