Tirana’s attractions are diverse, ranging from a colossal pyramid to dual cathedrals, cutting-edge architecture, museums devoted to its communist past, and much more. The Albanian capital certainly earns its label as unique, and it’s clear that visitors either completely dislike the city or are thoroughly enchanted by it. As for us? We’re definite enthusiasts!
In this blog, we’ll delve into why we consider Tirana a must-visit destination. We’ll offer practical and enjoyable tips, and highlight the most exciting activities to do. Keep reading to learn more about this distinctive capital!
How to get to Tirana in Albania?
Tirana, the heart of Albania, is centrally positioned within the country. It’s an inland city, located between the Adriatic Sea and the Dajti Mountains. This central positioning makes Tirana an excellent starting point for exploring Albania’s diverse landscapes and attractions.
Near Tirana, there are plenty of sights to see, like the historical town of Krujë with its famous castle and bustling market, only 40 kilometers to the north. Additionally, the inviting beaches of Durrës are just 36 kilometers to the west and are easily reachable. For those who love the outdoors, the Dajti Mountains and their cable car offer stunning panoramic views over Tirana and should not be missed.
Why Tirana is worth a visit
Tirana is one of those cities that you either love or dislike. Some even call it the ugliest capital in Europe—a title we think belongs to Podgorica in Montenegro. However, we wholeheartedly disagree with that view. We were captivated by its pleasant atmosphere and the city’s distinctive charm. Tirana undoubtedly deserves a visit for its unique vibe.
Unlike most European capitals, which are dominated by historic city centers and major tourist sites, Tirana offers a different vibe. Here, the city is vibrant and primarily occupied by locals, with tourism not overshadowing the daily hustle and bustle. The city might not be filled with typical tourist landmarks, but it fascinates with its array of futuristic and ultra-modern skyscrapers under continuous construction. The city aims to construct ten significant skyscrapers and equip every street with bicycle paths. Although some describe Tirana as an unattractive and chaotic place, we saw a city that changes its face every year with new developments.
In between these modern structures are several lush green parks with playgrounds—a hit with families—trendy cafes, and restaurants that offer a nod to Albania’s dark, communist past. We embraced this mixture of experiences. Traveling with a young child, we found the blend of urban exploration and accessible playgrounds ideal. As vegetarians, we were delighted by the stylish, Instagram-worthy eateries offering a wide array of choices. Moreover, the affordability of dining and coffee in Albania made it even more enjoyable to indulge in the local culinary scene.
We also made time to delve into the stark and relatively recent history of Tirana and Albania. It was fascinating to learn that unlike most Balkan states, which were involved in the Yugoslav Wars, Albania was often likened to the “North Korea of Europe” due to its isolationist and dictatorial communist regime, which even considered Russian policies too lenient. Albania endured a profoundly dark era under Enver Hoxha that lasted for decades, only ending in 1991. In Tirana, there are many opportunities to learn about this turbulent history, with reminders scattered throughout the city.
The best areas to stay in Tirana
We believe that staying overnight in Tirana is crucial to fully experience this unique capital and gain a proper introduction to Albania’s complex history. Therefore, don’t rush to other destinations right after landing at Tirana Airport; instead, consider a brief city break first.
Booking.comWhen looking for the best areas to stay in Tirana, the center and Blloku district are top choices. The center houses many of Tirana’s key attractions, including the iconic Skanderbeg Square and the Pyramid, placing you right in the heart of the action. Blloku, located just south of the center, is bustling with numerous restaurants and bars, offering a lively, Western ambiance.
The best hotels in Blloku:
#1 Vanilla Sky Boutique Hostel is possibly Tirana’s most charming hostel. Vanilla Sky merges the design of a boutique hotel with the community vibe of a hostel. Its unique and memorable atmosphere makes this hostel an unforgettable stay, with both budget-friendly dorms and private rooms available.
#2 Xheko Imperial Luxury Hotel is a stunning luxury hotel boasting its own restaurant, rooftop terrace, wine bar, indoor pool, spa, and massage salon. The rooms are lavishly furnished in a classic, luxurious style, many featuring four-poster beds.
#3 Rogner Hotel Tirana is a delightful hotel featuring a gorgeous outdoor pool set within a lush 30,000 m² Mediterranean garden. It also offers a tennis court, spa and hammam center, sauna, and fitness center, ensuring a luxurious stay.
#4 The Wilson Tirana is a budget-friendly boutique hotel with vibrant, airy rooms. Guests consistently praise its comfortable accommodations, ideal location, and the exceptional hospitality of the host.
The best hotels in the center:
#5 Hotel Elisa Tirana is highly popular. This hotel is renowned for its excellent spa, spacious rooms, comprehensive breakfast options, and friendly staff.
#6 ART Hotel Tirana is located near the famous Skanderbeg Square, in the heart of the city. The modern, colorful rooms and the hotel’s serene environment, despite its central location, receive high marks from guests. They also appreciate the friendly staff, private parking, and roomy accommodations.
#7 Hotel Boutique Restaurant Gloria is ideally situated in the center of Tirana, this hotel features its own restaurant, bar, and garden. Guests give Gloria rave reviews and high ratings for its overall quality and service.
17 best things to do in Tirana
#1 The Pyramid of Tirana
One of Tirana’s most fascinating attractions is the massive pyramid located right in the heart of the city. It was originally built in 1988 as a museum honoring the late dictator Enver Hoxha, with a design partially conceived by his daughter.
After the collapse of the communist regime in 1991, the desire to commemorate the dictator naturally faded. The pyramid has since undergone several transformations, serving various roles such as a conference center, a nightclub, and even a NATO base. However, finding a suitable ongoing use for this unusual structure has been challenging.
The Pyramid remains a symbolic icon of Tirana, deeply connected to the city’s identity, but glorifying a dictator is outdated. For a long time, it primarily served as a casual playground for climbing and sliding down its walls, decorated with graffiti and frequented by local youths.
During our recent visit, a new purpose for the Pyramid was unveiled: it had been transformed into a futuristic hub based on a design by the Dutch architectural firm MVRDV. This renovation turned the concrete edifice into a vibrant social space offering free workshops and classes for local youth, as well as cafes and bars. White stairs now encase its exterior, allowing the Pyramid of Tirana to be climbed safely and responsibly. One side remains smooth, so it can still be used as a slide. This extensive renovation began in February 2021.
#2 Bunk’art
In Tirana, the painful history of Enver Hoxha’s extended communist regime is evident, with numerous reminders throughout the city. The Pyramid of Tirana is a significant landmark, but we also recommend visiting the museums for a deeper understanding.
Bunk’art is the essential place to learn about this communist past. The paranoid dictator Enver Hoxha, fearing foreign invasions, filled the country with about 173,000 bunkers. These bunkers are mostly still present today, as removing them would be prohibitively expensive.
Some of these bunkers have been repurposed into memorials or art galleries. In Tirana, two such bunkers have been converted into museums. Bunk’art 1, located just outside the city and conveniently combined with a trip to Dajti Mountain, focuses on the communist era. Meanwhile, Bunk’art 2, located closer to the city center, delves into the secret police and the terror they inflicted on the population.
#3 House of Leaves
Another museum that reflects on the communist era is the House of Leaves, located opposite the Orthodox Cathedral of Tirana. During World War II, this building served as the headquarters for the Gestapo. Its more notorious reputation, however, stems from its role during the communist regime as the home of the former secret service.
The museum now offers insights into the surveillance tactics of the secret service, providing a window into Albania’s darker history. Since 2017, this building has been converted into a museum.
#4 Skanderbeg Square
The vibrant heart of Tirana is the expansive Skanderbeg Square, or Sheshi Skënderbej in Albanian. This large open area is the venue for many significant festivals and events. With numerous key attractions surrounding it, Skanderbeg Square is an excellent starting point for exploring the city.
Dominating the square is a large statue of Skanderbeg, the man it is named after. If Enver Hoxha is considered Albania’s national antagonist, then Skanderbeg is revered as the greatest hero in Albanian history. In the 15th century, he led the resistance against the formidable Ottoman Empire, achieving victories against their much stronger forces and securing his status as a national hero. Any statue of a man on horseback in Albania is likely depicting Skanderbeg.
Key buildings around the square include the opera house, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, a clock tower, and the National Historical Museum. Notably, the square itself has a convex design; it’s nowhere flat. This unique design incorporates hidden fountains that help keep the square cool in summer. The water from these fountains drains away due to the convex shape, where it is collected and recycled.
#5 The Trendy Blloku District
During the communist era, Blloku was already a posh neighborhood in Tirana, but it was entirely different from today. It was a gated community where the country’s elite lived in seclusion and luxury.
Now, Blloku is the trendiest district in Tirana. It’s the go-to place for nightlife and fine dining. The streets are packed with eateries that would fit right into any Western European capital. Coffee lovers should not miss Antigua, the only specialty coffee bar in Tirana. For vegetarians and vegans, Veggies is a must-try, even though we found the portions to be somewhat small. Nevertheless, the variety of delicious options is impressive.
#6 The Villa of Enver Hoxha
Dictator Enver Hoxha himself once lived in a striking villa in the Blloku district. His house is still standing and has been well preserved, although it currently has no official use. There are plans to turn it into a museum, which has sparked some controversy, as some believe it would glorify the dictator.
The museum is not open for tours, but you can view the exterior from the street. If you’re curious about the interior, our guide referred us to the Dutch TV series, Who is the Mole? Albania was featured in one season, and participants visited Tirana, including Hoxha’s villa. During the show, the three finalists had to complete a thrilling task inside the villa. You can watch this episode online and get a glimpse of the original interior.
#7 The Ultra-modern Architecture
Those who describe Tirana as lacking historical charm due to its modern architecture simply don’t appreciate contemporary designs. We certainly do and found exploring the city a real treat. Most of the modern buildings are impressive skyscrapers.
After communism fell in 1991, Tirana began transforming into a modern metropolis. Under the leadership of Mayor and artist Edi Rama, who assumed office in 2000, the city was revitalized. Rama’s vision was to turn Tirana into a vibrant, modern city, a goal clearly reflected in the architecture.
The city center is filled with architecturally interesting skyscrapers, including the transformed Pyramid of Tirana. Aside from that, the city boasts many modern buildings designed by Dutch architects, reflecting Mayor Edi Rama’s admiration for Dutch architectural styles.
#8 The Cloud
Tirana is a canvas for vibrant street art, and “The Cloud” stands out as a masterpiece. Typically, when one thinks of street art, vivid murals and creative graffiti come to mind—Tirana has plenty of those. But what’s even more remarkable are the large art installations that dot the cityscape, like The Cloud, prominently placed in front of the National Gallery of Arts since 2016.
Designed by renowned Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, known for his cutting-edge designs, The Cloud is an extraordinary piece of interactive art. This structure, constructed from steel rods with a semi-transparent roof, is both massive and geometrically intriguing. It’s one of Tirana’s most photogenic spots, perfect for capturing memorable photos.
#9 The Castle of Tirana
The Castle of Tirana, also known as Justinian Fortress, is one of the city’s most intriguing sights, with a history that stretches back before the year 1300. Today, however, it is less a monument to history and more a hub of contemporary life.
Originally the central junction for Tirana’s main roads, this unique fortress has evolved into a blend of cultural and commercial spaces. Walking through its 6-meter-high walls, remnants of the Byzantine era, you step from the past into a decidedly modern setting. Since 2018, it has housed a bazaar, filled mostly with modern shops and restaurants aimed at tourists.
Expecting a historical site and an authentic market labeled as a ‘bazaar’, visitors might find the Castle of Tirana quite disappointing. It’s neither a traditional bazaar nor a typical castle. Outside of the ancient walls, little remains of the historical fortress, replaced instead by a tourist-centric area with restaurants and shops. Forewarned of this, we found no disappointment but rather appreciated the efforts to rejuvenate this ancient site.
#10 Et’hem Bey Mosque
On the bustling, modern Skanderbeg Square, one landmark stands out for its historical significance—the Et’hem Bey Mosque. Located on a corner of the square, this mosque is one of the few ancient religious buildings in the heart of Tirana, making it one of the most fascinating attractions and an absolute must-visit.
Its construction began in 1789 under Molla Bey, grandson of the reputed founder of Tirana. His son, Haxhi Ethem Bey, completed the mosque in the early 19th century. It suffered damage during World War II and was forced to close during Albania’s communist period.
The mosque reopened after 1991, having been declared a historical monument, and underwent significant restoration. This reopening marked a pivotal moment in Albania’s history, symbolizing a move toward religious freedom when 10,000 people gathered inside, heralding the decline of communism in the nation.
What sets the Et’hem Bey Mosque apart are its unique decorations. Adorned with vibrant frescoes depicting landscapes, trees, waterfalls, and bridges, these artworks grace not only the exterior and portico but also the interior. Visitors can explore inside the mosque, though it’s important to time your visit correctly, as it isn’t open to tourists all day.
#11 Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral
In our view, the Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral is one of Tirana’s most surprising landmarks. As we wandered through the city, we came upon this impressive, brand-new and very modern building. At first, it wasn’t even clear to us that we were looking at a cathedral. It is the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans, officially opened in 2012, though its interior is still being completed.
Make sure to step inside the Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral. The circular design of the building is an unusual choice for a church and creates a unique atmosphere. A towering 32-meter high dome sits atop the building, enhancing its grandeur. Inside, the dome and walls are adorned with paintings depicting Jesus, interspersed with golden mosaics. During our visit, it was evident that work on these paintings was still in progress, with some areas not yet finished.
#12 St. Paul’s Cathedral
You might be wondering about another cathedral in Tirana, as the city actually boasts two. While the Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral serves as the Orthodox cathedral and is situated right across from the House of Leaves Museum, St. Paul’s Cathedral is the Christian counterpart.
Located in the heart of Tirana, St. Paul’s Cathedral presents a modern and sleek design, though we found it less visually captivating than the Orthodox cathedral. What distinguishes St. Paul’s are its modern stained-glass windows. One notable window commemorates a visit from Pope John Paul II, who laid the first stone of the church in 1993, immortalized in the colorful glass.
#13 Tanner’s Bridge
In the midst of Tirana’s modern cityscape stand several historic monuments, with Tanner’s Bridge being one of the notable examples. This bridge, dating back to the 18th century, crosses a small stream in the city center and is known locally as Ura e Tabakëve. As one of Tirana’s significant historical landmarks, it offers a glimpse into the city’s past.
Originally constructed near the Tanners’ Mosque and forming part of the historic Saint George Road, this bridge was crucial for transporting livestock and agricultural products into the city. By the 1930s, it had fallen into disrepair, partly because the Lanë stream running beneath it changed course. Interest in preserving historical structures like this revived in the 1990s, leading to its restoration and transformation into a pedestrian bridge.
Although its dimensions—8 meters long and 3.5 meters high—are modest, the bridge’s appeal lies not in its size but in its historical significance amidst a rapidly modernizing city, giving it a unique character.
#14 The Tirana Clock Tower
The Clock Tower commands a prominent spot on Skanderbeg Square, next to the Et’hem Bey Mosque. Erected in 1822, it has become a symbol of Tirana, standing at 35 meters and was once the tallest structure in the city until 1970.
Visiting the Clock Tower offers a unique opportunity: you can climb its spiral staircase to the top for a splendid view of Tirana’s city center. Surrounded by taller modern buildings and skyscrapers, it’s hard to imagine that this tower was once the highest point in Tirana just a few decades ago!
#15 Pazari i Ri, the New Bazaar
Don’t miss the Pazari i Ri when visiting Tirana. Situated in the heart of the old Ottoman quarter, this ‘new bazaar’ beautifully blends traditional market charm with a modern twist. Originally constructed in 1931 and thoroughly renovated in 2016, it sits on the historic grounds of the old market which once stretched to the current location of Skanderbeg Square.
Adjacent to Pazari i Ri is Oda Restaurant, highly recommended by locals and a tip we’re eager to pass on. Oda offers traditional Albanian cuisine at great prices, including vegetarian options. The restaurant’s charming courtyard setting enhances the dining experience.
#16 The Grand Park & Artificial Lake of Tirana
The Grand Park, located south of the Blloku district, is Tirana’s most expansive green space and revolves around an artificial lake created between 1955-1956.
This 55-hectare lake is set within a 230-hectare park that houses nearly 120 different species of trees, shrubs, and flowers, along with a 14.5-hectare botanical garden and a zoo. The park is also home to monuments and significant buildings like a church and the presidential palace.
Numerous restaurants and cafés dot the lake’s perimeter, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon, especially during the warm summer months.
#17 Dajti Ekspres and Dajti Mountain National Park
For a unique retreat from Tirana’s urban bustle, the Dajti Ekspres and Dajti Mountain National Park are perfect. Just a fifteen-minute drive from the capital, this 3300-hectare nature park features the prominent Dajti Mountain.
The Dajti Ekspres, an Austrian-built gondola lift, offers a fun and unique way to ascend the mountain. Starting from Tirana’s eastern outskirts, it transports you to Fusha e Dajtit at 1050 meters elevation. The ride alone is enjoyable, but the panoramic views from the top are truly breathtaking.
We also previously mentioned the Bunk’Art museums as excellent places to delve into Albania’s communist history. The most extensive and notable of these museums, Bunk’Art 1, is located here. We recommend combining your cable car ride and park visit with a tour of Bunk’Art 1 for a comprehensive experience.
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