BEST THINGS TO DO IN TIRANA

Tirana is Albania’s largest and capital city, home almost 500,000 of the country’s 3 million inhabitants. It stands in the centre of Albania surrounded by mountains. Yet, it’s only 30km away from the sea, which gives it a nice Mediterranean climate. The current city dates back to the Ottoman times. Nevertheless, the area was previously inhabited by Romans and Byzantines among others and then rules by the socialists. Consequently, there’s lots of interesting things to do in Tirana.

Get ready to explore ancient ruins, churches, mosques, clock towers, museums, and bunkers. Tirana is small enough to walk everywhere. Yet, the differences among its neighbourhoods make it a unique, fun, and lively place. Additionally, it’s a very affordable destination and one yet to be discovered by the crowds. Something quite common in the Balkans, especially in Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Romania.

This posts contains the best things to do in Tirana. So you can tailor your very own Tirana itinerary and have the best possible holidays in Tirana. Keep it handy and check out this list of things to do in Albania if also exploring the wonderful countryside.

Best things to do in Tirana city centre

1. Skanderbeg Square

Every Tirana visit should begin at Skanderbeg Square, one of the largest pedestrian areas in the Balkans and the main square in Tirana. With over 40,000m2, this gigantic square hosts many places to visit in Tirana, such as the Palace of Culture, the National History Museum, the Et’hem Bey Mosque or the Clock Tower. It’s also the starting point of most Tirana Walking Tours and a place that should both be enjoyed during the day and at nighttime. Without question, Skanderbeg is the heart and soul of Tirana.

The square honours George Castriot, leader of the 1443 rebellion against the Ottoman Empire. His military successes birthed the ideas of an Albanian identity and an independent Albanian state, so he is an absolute national hero. Thus, at the centre of the square there’s a statue of him, although during the communist era this very spot belonged to Joseph Stalin’s statue.

When at the square, check ou the huge Albanian flag and walk along nearby pedestrian streets such as Rruga Murat Toptani. This beautiful promenade hosts many tourists shops, art museums, shopping centres, and Ottoman houses. Likewise, the shoe of its trees make the perfect spot where to eat of grab a coffee while people watching in central Tirana.

2. Et’hem Bey Mosque

Et’hem Bey mosque is one of the most famous Tirana tourist attractions. The mosque is relevant culturally and politically, let me tell you why. Firstly, this 19th century Ottoman mosque features paintings of idyllic landscapes, forests, bridges, and waterfalls which is pretty unusual in Islamic art. Thus, its decorations make the mosque culturally very unique worldwide.

Secondly, and from a historical perspective, during the communist era all mosques where shut down in Albania and most were destroyed and religion was banned. However, in January 1991 and despite being officially closed, over 10,000 muslims attended a prayer in the mosque pledging freedom of religion in Albania, with no interference from the local police. Consequently, the mosque is now a landmark of Islam in the city.

Thus, visiting this special mosque, one of the oldest and busiest in the country, is one of the best things to do in Tirana. And so are listening to the call to prayer and admiring its night lighting.

3. Climb the Clock Tower

Climbing to its top of Tirana’s clock tower for the best views over the city is one of the coolest Tirana things to do. Tirana clock tower is from 1822, although the current clock face wasn’t added until 1928. For the first century of its existence the only way of telling the time was listening to its bells. However, the clock itself has been replaced overtime and changed from its original Viennese design to a German-style one, and then to the current Chinese clock.

Standing at 35 metres high, it was for a very long time the highest building in the city, now overtaken by the new skyscrapers. Visitors can climb the ninety spiral steps to the viewing platform from 9am to 6pm on weekdays and 2pm on Saturdays, the entrance fee is $2. The tower illuminates at night, so do not miss it.

4. Hoxha Pyramid

The Pyramid of Tirana was built in 1987 to honour Ever Hoxha, Albania’s former dictator, and serve as a museum of his life and achievements. It stands on the main road uniting Skanderbeg Square and the Presidential Palace and is a weirdly beautiful Brutalism creation. However, after the fall of communism in 1991, the building was abandoned. Although it has served as a conference centre, NATO base, radio station, and even a film set, it’s now completely empty awaiting its new fate.

Nevertheless, there’s major disagreement on what the new usage of the pyramid should be. Some believe it should be destroyed, while others understand it can serve as a remembrance monument, a social centre, or perhaps a fun landmark. Notwithstanding, the place is now full of graffiti and smashed windows local kids love climbing. Although getting inside is not permitted, spotting the Hoxha Pyramid and reflecting on its past, present, and future is one of the best things to do in Tirana.

When in the are, make sure to also check out the nearby Bell of Peace. This is a monument made with 20,000 melted bullets recovered from the social protests that took over Tirana in 1997 when a pyramid scheme exploded and practically bankrupted the country.

5. New Bazaar

The new bazaar is a modern covered farmers market selling the best local produce in Tirana. Along its stalls you’ll find prime quality fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, cheese, oil, wine, and liquors at affordable prices. So if you have your own kitchen or would like to get some fresh snacks, make sure to stop by when you visit Tirana.

By the market stand lots of bakeries, cafes, and restaurants. There are also artisan, jewellery, and souvenir shops in the area. So this is a great place for shopping and people watching. Just as it was back in the days, when the old Ottoman bazaar stood in this very same spot supplying Tirana’s inhabitants for centuries.

6. Tanners’ Bridge

Tanner’s bridge is an 18th century Ottoman stone bridge, and one of the oldest Tirana places to visit. Back in the days this bridge was extremely useful to get livestock and goods in and out of the city. With somehow a funny shape, it makes a great photo opportunity when visiting Tirana.

However, later on, the stream it crosses was diverted and the bridge abandoned as it became useless. Nevertheless, the bridge was restored in the 1990s and is now a Tirana sightseeing spot. Some of the best cafes in Tirana are in the area, so consider trying some touring this site.

7. Orthodox Autocephalous Church

The Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania was built in Tirana in 2012 to commemorate 20 years of religious freedom and the consequent re-establishment of the Albanian Orthodox Church. Therefore, this Tirana must see attraction is a very modern building of huge arches, golden doors, and blue details. Moreover, it’s the third biggest Orthodox cathedral in the Balkans, right after those in Sofia and Belgrade.

It stands in the city centre, near the main square, in a wide-open space perfect for relaxing walks. The churches’ interior is very bright and decorated with traditional religious murals which strongly contrast its sparkling outside. The place is free to visit and open 24/7.

8. Cuisine

Food in the Balkans is amazing as it combines the freshest mediterranean ingredients with the nicest Eastern influences. And Albanian food is no exception to this rule. Therefore, sampling local cuisine is one of the best things to do in Tirana. The must-try Albanian dishes are:

• Burek: savoury pastry filled with meat, cheese, and/or spinach
• Tava e Kosit: baked lamb meat with eggs and yogurt
• Mbushura: peppers stuffed with ground beef, onions, tomato, and herbs
• Fërgesa: dip of peppers, onions, tomatoes, cottage cheese and spices
• Imam Bajalldi: Baked eggplants stuffed with tomatoes and onion
• Baklava: sweet pastry stuffed with nuts and honey

These dishes are widely available throughout the city and all of Albania. Yet, I know you are looking for recommendations on the best restaurants in Tirana where to sample authentic Albania cuisine. There you go. Te Eda Bakery serves some of the best burek, Rooms has amazing lamb dishes, and both Oda and Sofra Beraste are extremely popular among locals. Enjoy!

Best things to do in Tirana outskirts

9. Ride the Dajti Ekspres

Mount Dajti is the Albanian natural wonder closest to Tirana. This 1,613 metre-high-mountain offers stunning views over the capital and makes a great getaway from its hustle and bustle. One you won’t necessarily have to hike to enjoy.

The Dajti Express Cable Car takes visitors from BunkArt to the summit on a daily basis from 9am to 6pm in what many consider Europe’s most beautiful cable car ride. That is because it rides over a lake and a mountainous area really green and cool in the summer yet completely covered in snow during the winter months. It’s also the longest in the Balkans, a a return ticket on same is $8.

The summit on Mount Dajti is one of the best places to enjoy sunset in Tirana. At the top, there’s a hotel featuring a restaurant, facilities such as an adventure park and a mini golf, and many hiking trails. Enjoying same is one of the highlights of Tirana tourism.

10. Blloku district

Blloku is a district in Tirana famous for its history of hosting the country’s elite and its reputation as a party hub. Thus, what during the communist era used to be a neighbourhood off limits to anyone who wasn’t a party official, is now the place where enjoy some fine dining and fancy drinks.

Standing 20 minutes on foot from Skanderbeg Square, visiting this distinguished district is a must among cool things to do in Tirana Albania. If visiting during the day, check out the designer cafes, the vibrant restaurants and the unique shops. Although food and drinks here are pricer than elsewhere in the city, a visit to this epicentre of party and beauty is totally worth it. Some of the most famous places to enjoy are the Library Bar, Sophie Caffe, and the Sky Club.

11. Grand Park of Tirana

Grand Park is one of the best places in Tirana to walk around, drink some coffee, exercise, and enjoy some fresh air. You’ll find it south of Blloku district, in one of the most beautiful and tranquil parts of Tirana. Therefore, if you are wondering what to do in Tirana on a sunny day, visiting the Grand Park is a great answer.

The park is home to the Presidential Palace, Saint Procopius Church, Tirana Zoo, and the Botanical Gardens. Within its 298 hectares also lie the tombs of several national hero, including politicians, philosophers, and writers. Moreover, the park features an artificial lake where to go fishing and swimming, have a picnic, or refuel in one of the nearby restaurants.

Best museums to visit in Tirana

12. Bunk Art 1

The best museum to visit among the many Tirana attractions is Bunk Art 1, which showcases an exhibition on the country’s communist past and its atrocities. It’s located inside a huge bunker at the base of Mount Saint, about a 20-minute drive from central Tirana and unmissable among the things to see in Tirana. It’s open from 9.30am to 5pm Monday-Thursday and 6pm Friday-Sunday and the entrance fee is $4.25.

Albania’s former socialist leader, Enver Hoxha, was afraid of a nuclear attack and ordered the construction of thousands of bunkers across the country. Including the current one now hosting Bunk Art 1. This massive military bunker was built to host government and military elites in the event of a foreign invasion or nuclear war. It features over 100 rooms fully prepared to survive a nuclear attack, a meeting hall with 200 seats, and a huge office. Visitors can now wander around most of these, hear Hoxa’s voice on tape, and see a movie of his funeral. Thus, learning about the country’s past in such a unique scenario is one fo the best things to do in Tirana.

13. Bunk Art 2

Bunk Art 2 is another nuclear bunker that has become a museum. This one stands near the Clock Tower at Skanderbeg Square in central Tirana so it’s really accessible to those visiting Tirana. It’s open from 9.30am to 6pm Monday-Thursday and 8pm Friday-Sunday and the entrance fee is $5.

This museum showcases the cruel communist regime that ruled the country. Its exhibition explains the rise and fall of Albania’s communism, focusing on the Albanian Ministry of Internal Affairs. This ministry was in charge of Sigurimi, the political police that controlled the life of Albanians during the regime. So it’s a great place to learn about their surveillance techniques and political prosecutions. Moreover, her one can witness personal stories of those persecuted and imprisioned. Additionally, visitors will get to see some of the bunkers’ 24 rooms, including the one for the Minister and the decontamination room.

14. House of Leaves

There’s many activities in Tirana related to the city’s communist past and the House of Leaves is yet another one of them. The sole appearance of this museum perfectly explains what its exhibition is about. That’s because the museum is purposely hidden behind a dense tense of leaves, a typical way the Albanian secret service used to spy its citizens. The place is open daily from 9am to 7pm and the entrance fee is $7.

Visitors to the House of Leaves will discover what Albania looked like during the communist times. Especially how the state controlled the population and how locals had to live. The exhibition includes equipment used to gain information listening to private conversations and plenty of real stories from its victims. Certainly a must among history and politics enthusiasts.

15. National History Museum

Tirana’s History Museum is not about the country’s communist times, but about the millennia long history of this country. It’s the most important museum in the country and stands on Skanderbeg Square showcasing a colourful mural of soviet-style propaganda. It opens from 9am to 6pm Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 3pm on Sundays, and is closed on Mondays. Its entrance fee is $5.

The building contains eight pavilions, each covering a different topic and/or time period. These are antiquity, middle age, renaissance, idependence, anti-fascism war, communism, iconography, and Mother Teresa of Kolkata. Yes, the famous nun whose parents where Albanian despite being born in Skopje, North Macedonia.

Among its 18,000m2 of exhibits, make sure to visit the 4th century BC Beauty of Durres at the antiquity pavilion. Likewise, there’s videos, photographies and documents from the communist times well worth a visit.

Recap on the best things to do in Tirana

Tirana is quite an interesting city to visit as it offers sights to entertain every kind of traveler. From churches to mosques, bazaars to clock towers, main squares to alternative neighbourhoods, and museums to parks, the list of best things to do in Tirana could be endless. Make sure to prepare a Tirana itinerary according to the length of your stay. And allow some time to savour the country’s delicious cuisine, cafe scene and nightlife if you fancy.

Hope this post on what to see in Tirana is helpful to those traveling to the city. Feel free to leave a comment below with any questions on your upcoming Tirana to do list. Or reach out to me directly via my Instagram and Tiktok pages. Wish you the best possible trip to Tirana and hope you’ll enjoy this wonderful city.