Things To Do In Tirana – A Complete Guide To The Most Underrated City In Europe

Many travelers spend just a day or two in Tirana. Although many claim you can see all the most important sights in two days, I beg to differ. I spent a whole week in Tirana at the start of my Albania trip, and I loved it!

I also returned for a few days near the end of my 10-week-long travel in Albania. I wanted to end my time in this amazing country on a high note, and Tirana is truly one of my favorite cities in Europe.

I am not a city girl anymore. I like lakes, mountains, beaches, and small-town living. But few cities in the world have captured my heart when I didn’t mind the traffic, high-rise buildings, noise, and even the lack of any body of water (which is absolutely essential to my happiness).

Tirana is one of those cities.

For a capital city, Tirana is quite small and compact, and I loved how I hardly needed to use public transport. !

I was also fascinated by the crazy architectural mishmash, and what others found strange, I found enduring. The colors, the strange buildings, the greenery, the cafes, and the cool vibe of Tirana stole my heart from day one. And I appreciated it even more when I returned for the second time after escaping the gloomy Elbasan.

I found Tirana fascinating, charming and super interesting!

In this travel guide, you will find not only the complete list of the best things to do in Tirana but also a few helpful tips on how to make your trip awesome like how to get around and where to stay.

The ”things to do in Tirana” part is divided into two parts. The first part will include a few must-see places and things to do, in case you only have a day or two. In the second part, you will find the remaining Tirana attractions for a longer and more in-depth trip.

Tirana – things to know before you go

How many days for visiting Tirana

Although most travelers stay only one or two nights in Tirana before exploring the rest of Albania, I recommend you spend at least 3 full days in this interesting city. In those 3 days, you’ll have enough time to do a super cool free walking tour, visit a museum or two, take the cable car up Mount Dajti, eat and drink at some pretty awesome establishments, and even take a day trip to Kruje!

Of course, if you’re short on time, you can see Tirana in a day or two, and I will help you with that too!

Things to do in Tirana

Top Things to Do in Tirana

The best way to see all the most important landmarks of Tirana and learn about the city’s interesting history but also get some local insights is by taking the Tirana Free Walking Tour. The Tirana walking Tour is especially great as there is just so much to learn about the country and the city! It starts every day at 10 am and 2 pm from Skanderbeg Square.

Bunk’Art 1 and 2 are museums housed in famously converted Cold War bunkers that tell the story of Albania from the German occupation to the communist regime of Enver Hoxha.

Bunk’Art 1 was built first but is located just outside the city. Bunk’Art2 is located right in the city center, just a 5-minute walk from Skanderbeg Square. So if you don’t have much time, you should visit this one!

For those unfamiliar with Albania’s tragic history and the Enver Hoxha regime, this is a must-do in Tirana. I wouldn’t call it an attraction because the history is pretty grim, but to really understand the country and its people, it’s almost mandatory.

If you prefer to see the original Bunk’Art1, you can combine it with a ride on the Dajti Cable Car as both are only 10 minutes apart.

Skanderbeg Square is Tirana’s most iconic landmark and the image most often associated with Albania’s capital.

This large and vibrant center square of Tirana is definitely the beating heart of the city. Here you will find some great sights such as the monument of Skanderbeg on the Horse monument, the Clock Tower, the Et’hem Bej Mosque, and the magnificent Opera House. You can visit the mosque outside of the prayer times and climb the clock tower for great views over the city. It is slightly obstructed by the surrounding constructions these days, but this might change by the time you visit.

It’s a great place to hang out and people-watch, and you’ll often come across an event, street performers and other random happenings. There is even a small playground for children.

I loved coming to Skanderbeg Square just before sunset. It becomes even more colorful in the light of the setting sun. Skanderbeg Square is a must-visit place in Tirana! Oh, and be sure to take a photo in front of the I Love Tirana sign!

Blloku is one of the most vibrant and dynamic neighborhoods in Tirana, full of great bars, restaurants, funky cafés and important Tirana landmarks. It also has a fascinating history. During the communist era under Enver Hoxha, Blloku was a restricted area where only high-ranking party officials and their families were allowed to live. Enver Hoxha’s former residence is also located here!

Ordinary citizens were denied access to this neighborhood. Since then, it has changed a lot and is now one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Tirana.

In Blokku you will find some of Tirana’s best restaurants, great bars, and cool cafés. Visit N’dashni or the iconic Radio Bar for a cocktail in the evening and don’t miss Salt Restaurant, a very popular and excellent restaurant Piceri Era, and my favourite The Rooms Restaurant. For vegan and vegetarian options head over to Gjelber!

But there is more to Blloku than just its restaurant and bar scene.

You’ll also discover great street art in this neighbourhood and you should definitely stop by the Enver Hoxha Villa.

Funnily enough, when the first KFC was built in Tirana, it was placed in front of Enver Hoxha’s residence, and the KFC face smiled directly into its gate. It represents the opposite of the control regime that once banned independent business and hated everything Western.

The Pyramid of Tirana has long been a relic of the communist era and a real curiosity of the city.

It has a complex history though. Originally built as a museum in honor of Enver Hoxha, it has witnessed various uses over the years. From a conference center to a NATO base during the Kosovan War, and finally becoming somewhat of a ruin, the Pyramid has seen it all.

For a while, there were proposals to demolish the 17,000 square meter complex and repurpose the land. Some advocated demolition, while others, like historian Ardian Klosi, collected thousands of signatures against it. A 2013 survey found that most of Tirana’s citizens were against the demolition.

You’ve probably seen some older blog posts, articles, and photos showing the sheer state of the building.

In 2017, it was finally decided not to demolish the Pyramid but to convert the building into an IT center for youth known as TUMO Tirana. This center will focus on computer programming, robotics, and start-ups.

On my visit to Tirana, I was lucky enough to see the new face of the Piramide and it was a pretty cool sight. Although I didn’t go inside, I climbed the illuminated stairs (best done in the evening) and admired the great view of Tirana.

The pyramid will house cafés, studios, workshops and classrooms where Albanian youth can learn technical subjects for free.

Ultimately, the Tirana Pyramid will symbolize Tirana’s aspiration to become a high-tech center in the Balkans, transforming itself from a reminder of a brutal regime into a symbol of progress and innovation. That’s a pretty awesome transformation I say!

Remaining, (yet awesome) things to do in Tirana

The Dajti Ekspres is one of the most famous attractions in Tirana and one of the best things to do in Tirana if you have half a day.

With a length of 4,670 meters and a journey time of 15 minutes, it is one of the longest cable car rides in Europe.

Take the Dajti Ekspres cable car up Mount Dajti and enjoy a breathtaking view of Tirana and the surrounding area. You can hike, play mini golf, dine in a revolving restaurant, or just enjoy the natural beauty of the mountain.

The cable car station is located a 15-minute bus ride from the center of Tirana. You can catch the bus near the new bazaar. It is a blue bus and the ticket costs only 30Lek.

Dajti Ekspres runs between 9 am and 7 pm and it closes on Tuesdays. The return Dajti Express ticket costs €14 which I found pretty steep so I skipped this activity. But if the price is right for you, go for it!

There are some pretty great museums in Tirana and I recommend you visit at least one of them. And that’s excluding the BunkArt, which is a Tirana attraction in its own right.

Here are some of the most interesting museums in Tirana I recommend:

National Historical Museum – Located on Skanderberg Square, the building of this museum is impossible to miss. With its imposing structure and a fresco reminiscent of communist propaganda, it’s interesting to look at from the outside. With its imposing structure and a fresco reminiscing communist propaganda, it is interesting to look at from the outside. Inside, however, you’ll find a collection that offers a comprehensive overview of the country’s history from ancient Illyria to the post-communist era, with each room and object labelled in English and arranged in chronological order.

The House of Leaves – Housed in the former Sigurimi building (Albania’s secret police), the museum offers insights into surveillance and espionage activities during the communist regime and is considered one of the most fascinating museums in Tirana.

Featuring spy equipment, real embassy and home camera footage, even from unexpected places like kitchens, along with recorded conversations and testimonies from those who lived through communism, this museum is a must-see attraction in Tirana.

Tirana National Archaeological Museum – Founded in 1948 and is one of the oldest museums in Albania. It was established to preserve and showcase the rich archaeological heritage of the country and its collections span thousands of years of Albanian history, from ancient Illyrian and Roman times to the Middle Ages. 

I really like this part of Tirana. Tirana seems to have so many faces that when I first found myself here, I was truly surprised. It’s a bright and colorful part of Tirana boasting wonderful pedestrian-only parts, a shopping mall, and a nearby Tirana Castle.

Around here you will come across the stunning building of the Namazgah Mosque, pedestrian Murat Toptani Steet, and Friendship Monument. Dont miss this part of Tirana!

I also found a few cool vintage and second-hand shops here too!

No its not what you expect. 

The original Tirana Castle ( Fortress of Justinian) Dating back to the 14th century is a Byzantine-period fortress, which served as a crossroads of the main streets in the heart of Tirana.

Today, all that remains of it is a 6-metre high wall covered with vines from the Ottoman period. It was rebuilt and the remains of the castle were incorporated into the modern version of the traditional bazaar and pedestrian Murat Toptani Street.

Here you can find stores with handicrafts and restaurants with traditional cuisine. Although it can be a very atmospheric place to visit, I was very much underwhelmed by this place and although it is nice to walk around, I would not put it on the list of top things to do in Tirana

Namazgjah Mosque is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable landmarks in Tirana. It was finally completed in 2023 and now holds space for 4500 worshippers and is the largest mosque in Albania. It is truly magnificent to look at and in the regular Tirana fashion, you will notice a modern building right behind it.

This is another of my favourite parts of Tirana and an area that I ventured to more than once.

Pazar Ir Ri means a new bazaar but it doesn’t come across as a modern one and the whole area has a great local feel. I loved out around there, checking out the fruit and species, and enjoying very affordable restaurants and the colors of Tirana. At Pazar Ir Ri you will also find the most iconic Tirana restaurant – Oda Garden. It did not disappoint!

Parku Rinia is a small park in the heart of Tirana, only a 5-minute walk from Skanderbeg Square.

You will undoubtedly pass this park on your way to the main square or BunkArt2 museum but spend some time here as it’s a great spot for people watching. The fountain illuminates in different colors in the evening, there is a nice cafe/bar with a terrace and even a casino if you are inclined.

If you are looking to spend some time surrounded by greenery and just have a chilled day in the city, one of the best things to do in Tirana is to head over to the Grand Park of Tirana. I was truly surprised as I arrived at the park by its vastness and beauty!

There are endless paths and walks, and the artificial lake is pretty beautiful too, and closer the the ‘bridge’ you will find some cafes, restaurants and food stalls. 

If you are travelling with kids you will find few playgrounds and endless picnic spots by the lake.

It’s also an awesome spot for a run (there is even a running track) or you use the outdoor exercise park too. In the summer there is even an Open Air Cinema

Vintage and second-hand shopping in Albania is just awesome! I bought more pieces of clothing that I should for as little as 100 or 200 Lek. Tirana is no different!

For the super cheap second-hand pieces (you will have to sift through it though) head to Bajram Curri Blvd where you will find sellers set up on the street but also a few second-hand shops where you will find some cool gems too!

Around Toptani you will find a few vintage shops as well. The one I really liked is located somewhere around here.

The best vintage shops in Tirana include awesome Hey Jude Vintage, The Vintage God and Vintage&More.

Tirana is indeed a very colourful city and to top it up you will find some excellent murals and street art randomly spread around the town.

Who knows, maybe strolling the city’s streets and spotting all those great murals is in fact one of the best things to do in Tirana!

One of the best things to do in Tirana is enjoy its vibrant cafe and bar scene. Some are great to visit just for the interior and atmosphere but you can of course enjoy excellent coffee. Many cafes will turn into cocktail bars in the evening and often serve delicious food too. The full package.

Some of the most iconic cafes and bars in Tirana include the Radio Bar (excellent cocktails), Komiteti Cafe Muzeum (my favorite!), or Small (very cute and serves the best coffee in Tirana!).

City Art is a great spot if you need to get some work done. Nouvelle Vague is definitely worth checking out too and so is Coko Bar & Bistro if you are hungry!

Finally, if you are looking for a cafe in Tirana where you can work for a very long time without being kicked out, head to Mon Chery in this location. It has a whole table dedicated to work (like many other Mon Cheri’s around Albania) and many other spots around the cafe floor. I noticed that probably around 80% of the people in there were on their laptops. 

One of my favorite things to do in Tirana was getting lost around the city and discovering places where not many tourists venture. I really liked the neighborhood of Brylli, surprisingly vibrant yet very local. 

Liqeni i Thate is located not far from Tirana Park and is also a great neighborhood to discover. It is also worth getting lost around Komuna e Parisitand and once there have a traditional meal at the excellent Lakrone ‘Ane restaurant.

Best day trips from Tirana

If you are staying in Tirana for a little longer or perhaps you are a digital nomad basing yourself in the city, you should definitely take a day trip or two from Tirana.

The best day trip from Tirana is one to Kruja. Located only 20 minutes away from Tirana, Kruja is an ancient town and was home to the national hero Skanderbeg. It features a beautiful castle and citadelle, ottoman Ottoman-style bazaar, and excellent restaurants serving traditional Albanian dishes.

Another one is a trip to Bovilla Lake. Bovilla Lake is one of the most impressive hidden gems of Albania. Unless you drive the best way to visit the lake is by taking an organized hiking trip to Bovilla Lake like this one. 

If you fancy a beach that you can enjoy on a day trip from Tirana then head to Durres. A part of me regrets skipping Durres. I was told it is a very touristy town filled with resorts for vacationers and it really put me off. Yet, then I read that it is in fact the oldest city in Albania and has a lot of history and culture to offer apart from its not the most glorious beaches. Visit Durres and let me know what you think!

Finally one of the best possible day trips from Tirana is visiting the UNESCO town of Berat. Although I definitely recommend spending a few days in this wonderful town, it can be visited on a day trip from Tirana if you are short on time.

Considering renting a car in Albania? If you are traveling in high season, book early. Prices increase the later you book a car. Of course, you can also rent a car at the airport. There are several car rental agencies outside the arrival terminal. You can also negotiate the price. You can also search for the best prices and pre-book online on Rentalcars or Discover Cars website. 

How to get to Tirana

How to get to Tirana from the airport

To get from the airport to the center of Tirana, you can take a shuttle bus, a cab, or a rental car.

The cheapest way to get from Tirana Airport to Tirana is to take the bus operated by the Luna company. It is a shuttle service operating 24 hours a day and leaves once an hour. A one-way ticket costs 400Lek. From Tirana airport, there are also direct bus connections to Durres and Vlore. The bus stop is next to the parking lot and the final stop in Tirana is behind the palace of OPERA. This is also where you can catch a bus if you want to go from Tirana to the airport.

The taxi from Tirana airport to Tirana costs about 30€/3000Lek.

How to get to Tirana from the regional bus station

If you are traveling to Tirana from the majority of the main cities in Albania (like Durres, Vlore, Berat, or Gjirokaster) you will be dropped at the Regional bus station in Tirana. 

From there you can take a taxi (expensive) or hop on a city bus for 40Lek.

Getting from Tirana Regional bus station to the centre of Tirana so somewhat adventurous yet pretty easy. The bus stop towards Tirana center is located on the opposite side of the street from the station (here is the location). It runs pretty frequently, so just make your way there and you should be on a bus in a few minutes. The ticket costs 40lek and you will pay with the guy who walks around the bus selling the tickets.

How to get to Tirana from Shkoder

If you started your Albanian adventure in Shkoder, you might be wondering how to get to Tirana from Shkoder.

It is very easy to get to Tirana from Shkoder. There is a direct bus departing from the center of Shkoder near the Neptune store, right here.

The ticket costs 400Lek and the journey takes around 3 hours although officially should be under 2 hours. You will arrive at the regional bus station in Tirana from where you can take a city bus to the center for 40Lek.

How to get around Tirana

The best way to get around Tirana is on foot. Tirana is a very walkable city and most of the important landmarks are located within walking distance.

I walked all over the city and found nothing to be too far away.

There are also city buses in Tirana if you really don’t like walking. For example, you can take a bus to the Dajti cable car or to the International Bus Station. You buy the bus ticket on the bus. Ticket prices vary between 30 and 40 Lek.

Where to Stay in Tirana

Budget:

Tirana, as well as the whole of Albania, has several excellent hostels catering for budget travelers with the most popular being Tirana Backapackers, Trip’n Hostel, The Bearded Dad Hostel, and Blue Door Hostel.

Affordable private rooms:

There is plenty of affordable accommodation in Tirana from budget guesthouses to hotel rooms. Check out the super affordable Sonce guesthouse or Friends Terrace. Or you can rent a one-bedroom apartment like this one.

Boutique Hotels and very comfprtable stays:

If you are looking for a charming boutique hotel in Tirana you should definitely check out Vila Koja Boutique Hotel or Ebel Boutique Hotel.

If you are after a more modern, upscale stay the 4-star Marina Hotel & SPA offers beautiful rooms, a spa, a fitness center, and restaurant, and a bar. Ambassador Skyline Apartments would be a great choice if you are looking for sleek and modern accommodation in Tirana.

Mullaga Stays has beautifully decorated rooms and an excellent location!

Where to next?

For my Northern Albania guides check out this complete travel guide to Shkoder, and this guide to visiting Theth and hiking to Valbona, as well as my honest opinion on taking a day trip to the Shahla River.

If you are following my Albania itinerary You are probably heading towards Gjirocaster – one of the most magical towns in Albania and then to the wonderful town of Berat! If you only have time to visit one of the UNESCO towns, you might find this Gjirocaster and Berat comparison article useful!

In this post, you will find out what is my honest opinion about the Albanian Riviera, and for more detailed guides head over to my post about Vlore and Himare.

Happy travels and enjoy Albania!

Pati