19 Incredible Things to do in Tirana, Albania 2023
Last Updated on January 8, 2023
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The cool city of Tirana (Tirane in Albania) is one to watch closely as it’s becoming increasingly popular with travellers around the world.
Albania’s capital city has a lot of history, vibrant bars and delicious food at an affordable price. It is a great city to spend a few days in and get a grip on the hub and beating heart of Albania.
From the traditional to the modern, there are many activities to do in Tirana. In fact, some of the best places in Tirana find a balance of both.
If you are looking for cool things to do in Tirana, don’t worry; I have got you sorted!
The only airport in Albania (for now) is also located in Tirana, making it the first stop for many on their travels. There are so many things to see in Tirana, you may even end up extending your stay here!
I have written this ultimate Tirana guide for you with all the information you will ever need during your stay here, including the top Tirana attractions, the tastiest eateries and the best of Tirana accommodation.
Albania is an exciting and fascinating part of the world. If you would like more information about the country don’t forget to read these articles too.
Where is Tirana Located?
Tirana is the capital city and is located right in the centre of Albania, which makes it a great point to start your Albanian trip.
There’s plenty of stuff to do in Tirana itself, plus a whole load of other things to do around Tirana as well!
You can find a Google map of Tirana, Albania here.
🧳 MUST-HAVE: Before you head out on your trip, make sure you have travel insurance. I recommend either SafetyWing or World Nomads.
Here are the Best Things to Do in Tirana, Albania!
1. Wander around Skanderbeg Square
The national hero, George Castoit, stopped the Ottoman Empire from entering further into central Europe. The square is a nice place to people-watch and chill out when the sun is shining.
Near here you will find the National Museum, Clock Tower and Et’hem Bey Mosque – all amazing places to go in Tirana!
This is one of the great things to do in Tirana at night too when everyone has finished work and are all catching up with each other. At Christmas time you will find beautiful markets here too!
2. Admire the Clock Tower
This must see Tirana tower was built in the 1820’s and still stands strong today. From Monday to Friday you can visit from 9 am until 4 pm and on Saturday it is open from 9 am until 2 pm.
It’s worth the climb to get a great view of the square – it’s one of the best best things to see in Tirana!
3. Marvel at the National Museum
The national museum is the largest museum in Albania. It’s a great place to learn more about Albania’s past and the history of some of the cool places in Tirana.
You must admire the impressive mosaic at the front of the building representing Albanians marching from ancient Illyria times to World War 2.
4. Look at Et’hem Bey Mosque
This 18th-century mosque was closed during the communist regime but opened back up in 1991.
The interior design and architecture are stunning and worth a look inside to marvel at the detail of the facades.
This is one of the best places to visit in Tirana for lovers of architecture and artistic interior design.
5. House of Leaves
This is one of the most interesting places to visit in Tirana. The House of Leaves is the newest museum in the city.
Here you can get an insight into the national intelligence service, and the chilling history from when it was occupied by Germans in World War 2.
After the war, it was then regained by the Albanian government to spy on Albanians during the communist times and convict them of political crimes.
Visiting the House of Leaves is genuinely one of the most cool things to do in Tirana!
6. Visit Grand Park
This is a popular nature chillout spot for the locals. Admire the artificial lake on a sunny and bright day or join the locals on a daily run or walk around the park.
It’s a nice place to hang out to get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city, and a great place to consider for anyone looking for date ideas in Tirana.
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7. Visit Bunk Art
Bunk Art is an exhibition located on the outskirts of Tirana dedicated to the history of the communist army and what happened to Albanians during that time.
You will get to see Enver Hoxha’s luxury bunker and many other interesting exhibitions here. Bunk Art is by far one of the best things to do in Tirana and all of Albania actually!
8. Visit Bunk Art 2
Bunk Art 2 is the former anti-nuclear bunker for internal affairs. This is located right in the city, near Skanderbeg square.
There are 24 rooms, a great hall and an apartment for the former minister of internal affairs. If you’re wondering what to see in Tirana first, I highly recommend coming here!
9. Postblloku (Open Air Museum)
Although it’s one of the darker activities in Tirana, and it may not be as impressive as you would expect an outdoor museum to be, I think it is worth a look.
In this small park, you will find a fragment of the Berlin Wall, a bunker and remains from an Albanian labour camp during the communist regime.
During the communist era, tens of thousands were imprisoned for ‘political crimes’ and sent to labour camps. Spaç Prison was a labour camp where many lost their lives.
It is often referred to as the Albanian Auschwitz.
10. Take a Free Walking Tour
What better way to start your day in Tirana by doing a free walking tour. Every day at 10am you can meet the guide outside the Opera House for a free 2-hour tour around the city.
This is one of the top things to do in Tirana when you first arrive so you can get your bearings of the city.
While wandering the streets, you can even start making a list of your favourite Tirana must see attractions for you to visit later!
11. Take the Cable Car up Mount Dajti
This mountain towers 1,613 meters high and 1,000 meters of that can be reached via cable car. From the mountain, you can get a great view over the city – a must see in Tirana.
Note that the cable car is closed on Mondays.
12. Visit the District of Blloku
This district used to be home to rich and famous leaders of the communist regimes. Nowadays it has been transformed into a trendy, hip district of Tirana.
There are plenty of good restaurants and bars to check out here.
13. Visit Enver Hoxha’s House
Although not open to the public, you can see the former communist leaders Enver Hoxha’s old house from outside the gates.
There are plans to open this as a sort of museum to the public in the future.
14. Look at the New Market of Tirana
This Tirana market is a new addition to the city. Here you will find cafes galore, market treats and the like.
It’s the perfect place for anyone wondering what to visit in Tirana who loves unique crafts and tasty treats. You can find some great homemade products and handicrafts situated here!
15. Visit the Pyramid
This communist monument was built as a museum dedicated to the old communist leader, Enver Hoxha. These days, however, there is only an Albanian broadcast company operating out of there.
Its crumbling façade is popular with graffiti artists and young people climbing and chilling out around what is now known as ‘The Pyramid’.
16. Watch the Sunset from Skybar
If you are looking for an epic spot for sunset then head to the Skybar for a drink. You get a great panoramic view of the city.
17. Tanner Bridge
This Ottoman-style bridge gives you a look into what the city used to look like dating back to the 18th century. You can find the bridge near the Tanner Mosque.
This bridge was mostly used to bring livestock and produce into the city from Deber.
18. Take a Look at the 2nd-Hand Markets
I have to say, Tirana has some of the best second-hand markets I have ever been to! For around 10 euro I got a mountain of new clothes and makeup.
For the best ones, it’s a good idea to ask the locals where they suggest going. There are quite a few scattered around the city but my favourite is near the old train station.
19. Take a Cooking Class
Want to learn more about Albanian food and how to make it? Take a cooking class to learn more in-depth about Albanian food.
The tour starts at 1pm and you will learn all about how to make some of Albania’s best dishes! You can book here.
If you would like to check out more Tirana tours then have a look at these ones!
👡 PACKING TIP: Looking for the best shoes for travelling? I highly recommend getting a pair of Chaco’s – They are my favourite!
Best Tirana Restaurants: Where to Eat in Tirana
SALT Tirana: This is one of the best restaurants in Tirana serving a Meditteranean style menu with lots of seafood. They even have all you can eat sushi on Mondays for only 1600Lek!
Oda: One thing you must do in Tirana is try traditional Albanian food in a traditional setting. Here you will find quality food, friendly staff and beautiful decor! Oda is one of the best places to eat in Tirana.
If you want to visit Tirana but are not sure what to do, going for a traditional meal can be a great start to learn more about the culture through its food!
The Tea Room: If you want to try some of the best homemade cakes and sweets then head here. It’s right on the river and is a nice cosy little café to try!
Birrari Ke Tori: Wondering where to go in Tirana for a good hearty meal? Then pick this one. It’s a great BBQ house with fantastic meat plates and chicken wings at an affordable price.
Duff Bar: If you’re craving some American food in Tirana like burgers and other greasy treats, then I can recommend checking out Duff Bar.
I go here whenever I need a fix of the fattiest food possible and it never disappoints. They have the best burger in Tirana!
Stephens Centre: Also, another recommendation for American-like food. They do a great eggs benedict and good coffee here. It’s right next to New Market.
Tirana Nightlife
Wondering what to do in Tirana at night? Why not spend an evening or two at some of these places:
Kometiti: My favourite bar in all of Tirana is Kometiti! They have oodles of different flavoured raki. The bar is set in a type of museum-style with lots of historic knick knacks to marvel at.
Radio bar: If you’re looking for a great cocktail bar then Radio Bar is the one! It’s worth a visit just to admire the eclectic interior design of this place.
Hemingway Bar: This is another good bar in Tirana that deserves a visit whilst you’re here. They have a large selection of cocktails and other treats for you to try.
You will find the atmosphere of this place fantastic!
Folie Terrace: During the summer this place is packed out. If you’re looking to pull an all-nighter, then head here. Note that it is only open during the summer months.
Arena Nightclub: This modern club is a popular one and another great option if you’re wanting to party all night! This is one of the best nightclubs in Tirana.
Lollipop: This is probably the most famous nightclub in the city. It’s known for its EDM and can hold hundreds of people.
Where to Stay in Tirana
Trip’n Hostel: If you’re looking for a good hostel to stay in there is no other option than Trip’n Hostel! I absolutely loved my stay here. The owners are super lovely.
If you’re looking for a fun and chilled hostel then make sure you choose this one, trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
The breakfast here is amazing, and they have their own bar where they also make their own beer.
Hotel Colosseo: This is one of the top hotels in Tirana and it’s a stone’s throw from all that this city has to offer.
You’ll be able to stay right downtown, close to many popular things to visit in Tirana, with free breakfast included as well!
The Plaza Hotel Tirana: This Tirana luxury hotel (5 stars) is not to be missed on your trip to Tirana. It’s got everything you would ever need including spa, gym, breakfast and 3 restaurants on-site.
The Plaza is possibly the best hotel in Tirana
📚 P.S. Grab access to my Travelling Albania Guide to get a comprehensive insight into more places to visit in Albania (including secret spots that are not recommended in the usual guides!)
Where to from Tirana?
There are five different bus stations in Tirana – buses that go south, buses that go north, buses that go North-east, international buses and the bus that goes to and from the airport.
Taking the bus is one of the best ways to get to things to do near Tirana.
South Bus Station: If you are catching a bus down to the south to the likes of Berat, Dhërmi, Himarë, Vlorë, Durrës, Gjirokastër or Sarandë, then you need to go to the bus station that is located near the roundabout with the giant eagle.
It is the furthest away bus station from the centre.
North Bus Station: The bus station for the north buses is a bit closer to the centre. You will catch buses that go to Shkodra, Kukes etc. from here.
It is only a 15-minute walk between the South and North bus terminals. I also say the term terminals very loosely as it’s maybe not what a bus station would normally look like.
They are both giant carparks with tones of different buses in no order whatsoever. When you turn up there will be a lot of men asking where you want to go.
Tell them the city and they will show you which bus to catch. Don’t be afraid, they are very helpful!
Buses to the South-East: If you would like to go to places like Elbasan, Pogradec, Korca or Permet then you need to go to the bus station located on Rruga Arben Broci (outside the University of economics).
The international bus station (Stacioni Qendrore i linjave Nderkombetare) is located near the Tirana Ring Centre and is more organised than the other two terminals.
Bus to and from the airport: If you want to get to the airport then you will need to catch the Rinas Express which leaves every hour from 7am until 6pm. You can find the bus stop on Rruga Devijimi.
*Please be aware that timetables in Albania frequently change so the best way to find out when a bus departs is usually not online.
It is best to ask your accommodation hosts or even a local working at a café or restaurant.
Everyone in Albania is extremely friendly and is willing to help so one way or another you will easily find the time your bus leaves!
Frequently Asked Questions
This depends on what you like to do! I have plenty of suggestions in this guide, but I can recommend walking the streets and grabbing some traditional Albanian food!
Tirana is one of the cheapest cities to visit in Europe for anyone looking to travel on a budget. Many of the things to do in Tirana are inexpensive for tourists.
Yes it is! Many of the things to do in Tirana are near to each other in the central area of the city, there are plenty of green spaces and lots of clean air.
There’s your guide on all the great things to do in Tirana, and also where to eat, stay and drink! It really is your ultimate travel guide to Tirana.
Other articles you will love:
- Ultimate guide to transport through Albania
- A travel guide to Saranda
- The Most Beautiful Beaches in Albania
- The Charming Half-Abandoned Village of Old Qeparo, Albania
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The Comments
Ryan Biddulph
Interesting how you note its increasing popularity Anita; I see Tirana popping up more on the travel blogging circuit, as does Albania. We considered Albania a few years back during our Istanbul trip but had to cut that foray short. Fam stuff. Noted for a future trip.
Ryan
Anita Hendrieka
> Ryan BiddulphYes, finally people are starting to realize what a beautiful place Albania is. There is a lot of misconceptions about safety here which I think put people off coming here for years but I can assure you Albania is incredibly safe and the hospitality here is first-class!
Luna Sole
Beautiful Albania!