2025 Tirana Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

Memories from Tirana! It was beautfiul and fun. Also cocktails are good and cheap and if you don’t eat pork you should ask first. 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions Skanderberg Square Bunk’art 1 The pyramid of Tirana 🚇 Transportation If you stay at the close the center you can walk everywhere except bunk’art 1. There are buses for 40 lek.

#getgoing2025 📍Bovilla Lake, Tirana, Albania Bovilla Lake Overview⬇️ • Located 20 kilometers northeast of Tirana, Albania. • Nestled in a picturesque mountainous area with stunning views. • Accessible by road, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. • Artificially created as a reservoir for Tirana's water supply. • Contributes to the local ecosystem through nature and biodiversity conservation. • Known for its serene and picturesque location, ideal for hiking, photography, and bird watching. • Suitable for recreational activities like hiking, picnicking, and photography. • Environmentally important due to rich flora and fauna and conservation efforts. #albania #exploretirana #hiddengems #landscape

It was a trip to Tirana, Albania 🇦🇱 We arrived in Tirana, the vibrant capital of Albania, excited to explore its mix of history, culture, and unique modern charm 🙌 Our first stop was Skanderbeg Square, the heart of the city. The large open space, surrounded by impressive landmarks like the National History Museum with its striking mosaic and the Et’hem Bey Mosque, offered us the perfect opportunity to capture some iconic shots 📸 The morning light here is absolutely beautiful, with the square bustling with locals going about their day ✨ 📍Skanderbeg Square, Tirana, Albania We then explored Mount Dajti National Park. To reach the summit, we took the Dajti Ekspres Cable Car 🚠 The panoramic views of Tirana from the top were simply breathtaking, especially around midday when the sun ☀️ highlights the surrounding mountains ⛰️ and the sprawling city below. We captured the best photos here, a must-visit for anyone who enjoys stunning nature views paired with urban landscapes. 📍Dajti Ekspres, Rruga e Dajti, Tirana, Albania We also made our way to the colorful Blloku District, an area once restricted to communist officials but now one of the most lively parts of the city. We wandered the trendy streets lined with cafes ☕️ boutiques, and murals. The vibrant colors and artistic vibe made it a perfect spot for photos 📸 especially in the late afternoon when the light casts a warm glow on the buildings. ✨ We even stumbled upon some hidden gems, like small art galleries and quirky cafes☕️ 📍Blloku, Tirana, Albania We also visited the Pyramid of Tirana, an intriguing structure that was originally built as a museum dedicated to Enver Hoxha, Albania’s former communist leader. Though it’s now in a state of decay, the pyramid remains a fascinating subject for photography 📸 especially during the golden hour when the light casts dramatic shadows across its surface. I would recommend exploring this site if you’re interested in history and quirky landmarks 🙌 📍Pyramid of Tirana, Rruga e Dajti, Tirana, Albania Tirana is a city full of life, contrasts, and beauty , a perfect blend of history, nature, and modernity that makes it an excellent destination for photography. I would highly recommend visiting the city for anyone looking to capture a unique side of Albania 🙌🙌🙌 #europetrip #vacation #travel

🇦🇱 I am curious about what Albania, a country that China has helped for 20 years, looks like. Now that history has turned a new page, I have the opportunity to look at this country that is both familiar and unfamiliar. ⛳ In Tirana, the capital of Albania, Skanderbeg Square is the most lively place in Tirana, and the square showcases some of the most representative attractions in Albania. ✔️ Features and highlights: 1⃣️ The square is dominated by a bronze equestrian statue of Skanderbeg, completed in 1969. Skanderbeg was a national hero of Albania in the 15th century, who led the people in resisting the Ottoman Empire for more than 20 years, and his black double-headed eagle emblem evolved into today's Albanian national flag. 2️⃣ The Haji Ethem Bey Mosque was built in 1789 by an Ottoman official and is considered the most beautiful mosque in Albania. It was closed during the socialist period and opened free of charge after 1991. We happened to be there when the mosque was having an event, so we couldn't get in. 3⃣️ The Bunker Museum, located in the south of the square, is not very impressive from the outside, but once you go down, you enter this solid bunker. It was an underground shelter used by former communist leaders, including former leaders Enver Hoxha and Mehmet Shehu, and features rooms dedicated to them, showcasing the historical heritage of the time, including photographs, documents, videos, and artifacts. 4⃣️ Nearby are the National History Museum, the Opera House, the University of Tirana, the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, and more. 5⃣️ The nearby government office building was built during the time of Mussolini in Italy and is very beautiful. 6⃣️ There are many new shops, restaurants, and hotels around the square, and several tree-lined avenues extend in all directions, making it easy to get around. 📍 Address: Tirana, the capital of Albania ⏰ Opening hours: All day 💰 Admission: Free

We only had 1 day in Tirana but omg it was breathtaking! We started off in Skanderbeg Square where there was a cool Roman Mosaic mural and drinking water taps. It was the day of the Tirana marathon so there was local entertainment on many streets. Our first stop was the House of Leaves. It is a gem, honestly, a super engaging museum with an immersive insight into the servailance state that the area had become and the effects it had on the locals. Subsequently we visited the orthodox church which was guilded in sublime decor throughout! After that we went to Bunk'Art 2. Honestly, after the House of Leaves, it felt underwhelming, and a bit of a tourist trap but it did give a real sense of what a larger scale inner city bunker would have felt like. We then went to try and find Tirana Castle, only to find out that it was an area of restaurants, and promptly went to Dajti. Upon reaching Dajti, we visited Bunk'Art 1, which was a breath of fresh air after our earlier disappointment. Bunk'Art 1 felt much more immersive into the juxtaposing lives of the commanders and the commoners in that time. We then scaled the mountain in the Dajti Express which had breathtaking views! There's plenty to do at the top, with a restaurant, zipline adventure, mini golf, hotel and more! It was a satisfying end to our day with a view of the sunset down the cable car and a 40min bus back to the city centre. I'm not gonna lie, I don't think there was anything else that we wanted to see in the area that would've warranted another day in the city but it's a good place to stay is you also want to visit Durres and the Cape of Rodon. #daytrip #travel

Tirana is the capital of Albania, a city full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Here is a detailed introduction to Tirana: I. Location and Transportation Location: Tirana is located in the central and western part of Albania, on the banks of the Skanderbeg River, surrounded by mountains. Transportation: Tirana is a transportation hub in Albania with an international airport, but international direct flights mainly come from Europe and the Middle East. To travel to Tirana from China, you can only transfer flights, and the flight prices are relatively high. In terms of domestic transportation, Tirana is the center of Albania's railway and highway network, but the train station is located in the suburbs and is inconvenient for transportation. Therefore, buses have become the main means of transportation connecting Tirana with other cities in the country. II. Tourist Attractions Tirana has many attractions worth visiting. Here are some popular recommendations: Skanderbeg Square (Piazza Scanderbeg): The largest square in Albania and the city center of Tirana. The square is surrounded by a statue of Skanderbeg riding a horse, surrounded by important buildings such as the National History Museum, the Palace of Culture, and the Mosque. National History Museum of Albania: Located on the north side of the square, the exhibits are rich, from ancient Roman times to Hoxha's cultural relics, it is a good place to understand Albanian history. Palace of Culture of Tirana: Completed in 1963, Russian-style architecture, often holds various cultural activities, performances, and exhibitions. Et'hem Bej Mosque: A 500-year-old mosque, now a place of prayer, free for tourists. Pyramid of Tirana: The museum designed by Hoxha's daughter in memory of Hoxha is one of the landmark buildings in Tirana. Tirana Castle: A historic castle, now converted into a leisure shopping center, with restaurants, cafes, etc. inside. Orthodox Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ: The third largest Orthodox church in Europe, Byzantine-style architecture, gorgeous interior. Taiwan Park: A beautiful park with various activities on weekends, a good place for citizens to relax. III. Food Recommendations Tirana's food is rich and diverse. Here are a few local specialties worth trying: Tave Kosi: A traditional dish made with yogurt and mutton, delicious. Byrek: A traditional Albanian food similar to a pie, with a variety of fillings, including meat, cheese, or vegetables. Kapama: Similar to pilaf, made from rice, mutton soup, and raisins, etc., with a unique taste. IV. Accommodation and Shopping Accommodation: Tirana offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. The hotels in the city center are conveniently located and close to major attractions, suitable for short-term travelers. Shopping: New Bazaar is the largest market in Tirana, with a wide variety of goods and affordable prices, but please note that only cash can be paid. In addition, Tirana's markets and art districts are also good places to buy Albanian handicrafts and souvenirs. V. Travel Tips Language: Although English is widely used in the tourist areas of Tirana, learning some basic Albanian vocabulary will be helpful. Dress: Dress appropriately and respect local customs. Safety: Pay attention to safety when going out at night and avoid going to areas with few people. Public transportation: There are multiple bus lines operating in Tirana city, but there are few public toilets and most of them are paid facilities. Tourists need to be prepared in advance. Tirana is a charming city. Whether you are a cultural explorer, a nature lover, or a traveler seeking urban adventure, you can find your own fun here. Pack your bags and go on a trip!

Tirana is the largest city in Albania, located in the basin on the western side of Mount Kruja in the central region, by the Ishëm River, surrounded by mountains on three sides, and 27 kilometers west of the Adriatic coastline. When you come to Tirana, you must visit Skanderbeg Square. Skanderbeg Square features the Et'hem Bey Mosque built in 1819, the Clock Tower built in 1830, the National History Museum, the Opera House, Tirana University, and nearby government office buildings constructed during the Italian Mussolini era, which are very beautiful. There is also a bronze equestrian statue of Skanderbeg completed in 1969. Skanderbeg is a national hero of Albania from the 15th century, who led the people in resisting Ottoman rule for over 20 years. He used the black double-headed eagle as his emblem, which later evolved into today's Albanian flag. Several tree-lined avenues radiate from the square. There are many newly opened shops around the square, making Skanderbeg Square the liveliest place in Tirana. New buildings are being constructed everywhere, with the construction industry growing at a rate of 20% annually, changing the face of Albania and driving the development of the Albanian economy. Skanderbeg Square is fresh, beautiful, and very modern. The Albanians walking in the square are well-dressed and confident. The impression Albania left on me is not one of poverty, but of prosperity. This is a rapidly developing country.

There are not many attractions to visit in Tirana, the capital of Albania. Half a day is enough. You can save this landmark route! 🏞Route: Skanderbeg Square ~ Bunk'Art 2 ~ Reja Cloud ~ Great Mosque of Tirana ~ Tanner's Bridge 1⃣Skanderbeg Square (Sheshi “Skënderbeu”) In the center of Tirana, Skanderbeg Square features a statue of the national hero Skanderbeg. Children play around the fountain, and in the middle of the square is the National History Museum. Most of the city's attractions are nearby, and there are several good restaurants across the square. 📜Tickets: No tickets required. 🕰Opening hours: The square is open all day. 🏞Address: Sheshi Skënderbej, Tiranë, Albania 🚖Transportation: Located in the city center, within walking distance. 2⃣Bunk'Art 2 Bunk'Art 2 is a landmark in Tirana, now converted into a museum. The entrance is filled with photos of those who died during the war, and inside, there are many historical materials and spy stories on display. 🕰Opening hours: 9:30 - 17:00 🏞Address: Rruga Fadil Deliu Tiranë, Albania 📜Tickets: 7 euros, it is recommended to buy tickets online in advance. 🚖Transportation: About 100 meters behind Skanderbeg Square. 3⃣Great Mosque of Tirana The Great Mosque of Tirana is an Ottoman-style building located near Tanner's Bridge. You can visit it along the way without making a special trip. Free to visit, but please be respectful. Proper attire is required to enter the mosque, and women need to wear headscarves. 🏞Address: Xhamia e Et'hem Beut, Tiranë 1001, Albania 🚖Transportation: About 200 meters behind Bunk'Art 2. 4⃣Tanner's Bridge This stone bridge is the oldest building in the city, dating back to the Ottoman period. It is a witness to the history of Tirana. Walking on the bridge, you can take photos with a historical feel. 🏞Address: Bulevardi Jean D'Arc, Tiranë, Albania 🚖Transportation: About 600 meters from the Great Mosque, a 10-minute walk. 5⃣Reja Cloud (Reja “the cloud”) This modern art installation looks like a floating cloud, especially when lit up at night. It is a perfect spot for taking photos. It is recommended to visit in the evening for the best photo effects. 🏞Address: Bulevardi Deshmoret e Kombit, Tirana 1001 🚖Transportation: About an 11-minute walk from Tanner's Bridge.

Albania 🇦🇱Tirana Castle Except for the outer wall of Tirana Castle, the flavor of the castle can no longer be felt when walking inside the castle. Now it has become a busy shopping street and bar street with many specialty shops. This should be the most lively place in the whole of Tirana. Albania 🇦🇱, Tirana Castle Tirana Castle's outer walls still stand, but walking inside, you'll find a very different atmosphere from its historical past. What used to be a castle is now a bustling street of shops and bars. The shops here offer unique items, making this the liveliest spot in all of Tirana.

This attraction is not only a reminder of the country and city's dark past but also almost a commemoration of it. Throughout the communist era, there were bunks throughout the Albania. This one was smack in the middle of the city but was never used for its intended purpose. It stands today as a testament for that past, with informative displays, recreations and explanations of that time period. The attraction accepts cash only and you'll walk through the detailed explanations of the paranoia of the era. I find that at the end of it, you'll have a better understanding of how life was during that time and the tension that existed amongst compatriotes. Take an hour or two to visit this site, it's very interesting and easily accessible. #attraction #tourist #albania

【Backpacker2Businessman】lounge@Tirana Albania #businessman #2023travelwish #mytripvlog #beachlife #campingglamping #foodie #urbanexplorer

Roma won’t forget this stadium any time soon. Mourinho (The Special One) won Roma their first major European title in more than 60 years after a 1-0 win over Feyenoord here earlier in 2022. Had a good time in Albania. Looks like a small country. The weather was fine when I visited, I doubt it will be the same during winter season. The food was nice. As a big fan of Mojito, I’ll give them 5/10.#tirana #albania #europe #mojito

Located in Tirana's liveliest neighborhood, between Bllok Area and Artificial Lake, this house is cozy, spacious and welcoming on every side. It is only 5 minutes by walk from the Artificial Lake and 1km away from center of Tirana.

Getting There - Attractions - Hotels - Food & Restaurants - Shopping -

Happy New Year from Albania 🇦🇱

#tripaway Tirana, a city with never-ending movement and energy Tirana, the heart and capital of Albania, like all other European metropolises has never-ending movement and energy. With its clubs, bars, cafes, and taverns, Tirana is worth discovering by both day and night. The hospitality shown towards tourists is something that will mark your journey not only in Tirana but also all over the country. Tirana Attractions Your own journey might begin by visiting the museums and the key spots such as Sheshi Skënderbej, where you will be able to see the Mosque of Et’hem Bey (built between 1798 and 1812) and the 35 m high Kulla e Sahatit (the Watch Tower), built in 1822 with a San Marco style cupola. Next, you can visit the famous mosaic uncovered on the floor of an old Roman lodge. Its center configures the walls of the castle of the Roman emperor Justinian (A.D. 520). The monumental Tomb of Kapllan Pasha and the Ura e Tabakëve (a bridge constructed in the beginning of the 19th century, located on Bulevardi Zhan D’Ark) are also worth visiting. As a capital, Tirana has the country’s finest museums, theatres, and galleries representing the national arts. A visit to the National History Museum, the Archeological Museum, the Natural Science Museum, the private Mezuraj Museum, and the National Gallery of the Arts will leave wonderful memories. You can also pass a pleasant evening in the National Theatre or the Opera and Ballet Theatre. For dining, Tirana offers both a rich traditional cuisine and a variety of foreign fares, from Italian to Chinese, or even Indian. There are also several clubs and restaurants on Mount Dajti to discover and enjoy. The mountain is reachable by cable car, which provides a fantastic view of the city. In the Tirana region you may also visit the castles of Petrela and Preza, as well as some natural attractions, such as Pëllumbas Cave, Shkalla e Tujanit, and more #visitalbania #visittirana #tripaway

#awesomepic #tripaway

From Montenegro to Albania, the poorest country in Europe, you can clearly feel the gap. This is really the most boring country I have ever seen. The pyramid in Tirana in the capital is the third pyramid I have ever been to. Egypt and Mexico are simply incomparable. If it is not for the ring, Albania can skip it.

Not only in the scenery and people passing by, but even the hotel where I stayed was filled with a slow socialist atmosphere, and the whole house was dressed up as a socialist portrait of the landlord.

In the Albanian capital of the socialist country of Europe, the ancient Skanderbeg Square is also like the Tiananmen Square in China. Although it is not so grand, it is a place where local people gather daily. Scandpe is the democratic hero of Albania. In order to commemorate his great achievements, he built a 11-meter-high bronze statue in the square. and in front of the historical museum not far from the square, with a strong socialist style Marseille murals across the sky, the murals highlight the self-confidence of the Albanian people. As we walk through the colorful buildings that have been remodeled, all the time, the atmosphere of socialism, the inexplicable familiarity, the streetscape and the architecture seem to have met, it seems to have been here at some time. .

Not far from City center but must be recommended place to visit if you are a explorer.

EDT #4 for me and first one for my mum! Tirana, Albania 🇦🇱 London Luton-Tirana 06:05 flight out Tirana- London Luton 7:40pm flight back 🚩 Sightseeing Route Skanderbeg Square, Pazari i Ri Market, Et’hem Bay Mosque, Piramid Tirana, a delicious lunch, some mini souvenirs, a spot of shopping, Traditional Albanian Museum bus, The cloud, Orthodox Church of Albania, Taiwan Pool, A thrift market with handmade crafts, an Aperol Spritz in the sun and back home again! I think we did really well! Smashed it. Amazing amount done in less than 24 hours! Can’t wait to for the next one! ✈️ 🌍 🚇 Transportation Flights £39.80 return for both of us £16 airport parking at the Ibis hotel Taxi to Skanderberg Square €15 Walked round as everything was walking distance. Taxi to Airport €20 Can get bus but it’s on the hour and apparently around €4 each. Only trouble is time if you are doing a day trip! If not go for it! 📷 Photo Spots Beautiful parks and buildings. Pyramid Tirana has LOTS of steps but the view from the top is lovely and a great opportunity! 🍜 Local Cuisine €23 for two meals, a huge plate of extra chips and three drinks! Lots of traditional Albania cafes and restaurants in walking distance and in and around the market. Beer and coffee are main drinks with some places serving Aperol and wine. 💡 Tips Take GBP and exchange at the airport! Very simple to do and quick and easy! Only queued for about 5 mins. Exchange for Lek or Euros. Cash is king! Don’t be afraid to barter at the market or try traditional Albanian food and drinks! Most of all… take it all in and enjoy! ☺️

Visited #tirana #Albania for the weekend. we loved it and we had beautiful weather. Would recommend the #cablecars #dajti express amazing views. Very colourful city.

The Et'hem Bej Mosque, located in the heart of Tirana near Skanderbeg Square, is a must-visit for history and architecture lovers. Despite its small size, the mosque is rich in cultural and historical significance, dating back to the 18th century. The beautifully preserved frescoes, intricate artwork, and peaceful ambiance make it a standout landmark. Visitors are welcome to step inside and admire the delicate paintings of trees, waterfalls, and bridges—rare in Islamic art. It’s a serene escape from the city's energy, and the sense of history here is truly special. If you’re in Tirana, don’t miss this hidden gem. It’s not just a place of worship but a symbol of Albania’s resilience and heritage. #travel #friends

Tirana, we know, is the only airport for Albania , and as it was our first time, we were excited yet nervous as to what to expect , will we or won't we enjoy it, especially with 3 children We used 2 tour guides during our 2 days here, we stayed 1 night at the wonderful Mondial Hotel. We got the Luna bus from the airport and it is €4 each person. Where you get off is 2mins from Skanderbeg Square. We ate lunch in the Smokehouse & Grill and it was fantastic value, definitely look them up on instagram. There you can see pictures of the meat platters At 4pm, we took the Tirana Free walking tour, meeting each day by the Opera steps to the left hand side facing it. We had Abour as our guide. the tour is not strictly free, but to pay what you can, it is nice as it is done by locals. Once the tour was finished just after 6pm , we were close to the Sky tower bar, and decided to go in here before going somewhere for dinner. The Sky bar, on the 18th Floor, is a 1st come 1st served place , no reservations, you can pick any seat and slowly it actually turns so you get views 360° ! So everyone gets to enjoy the view. You can bring children up till any time , and the only thing not accepted is sports clothes and flip flops. You can enjoy cocktails, beers, coffee, juices , water, and some small food plates. If you would like to eat in the restaurant this is just below the Sky bar. After the skybar , the children wanted to go into the park on route back towards restaurants for dinner. there are fountains with lights and the play park was quite large various a pirate ship, wooden climbing area, slides , smaller kids area and swings. It is nice to see the city lit up of an evening too so definitely enjoy taking it all in. The hotel Mondial we had a family suite which had a entry hall and 1 bedroom to the left with twin beds , then a seperate bedroom to the right which has a double sofa bed and a king-size bed. Both rooms had their own seperate balconies too which were the length of the rooms. This hotel is a good standard 4* and the rooms were such a good size too. On the second day we had a buffet breakfast in the hotel, which was nice, usual options expected such as hot and cold options , cereals etc , and various juices. We were picked up by our private guide for the day and I'm so please I organised our tour with Rexhino. He was an absolute credit to us all day. Polite , knowledgeable and a true local. He was fantastic with us all, especially being a family group of 5. We explored the bridges , followed the river , had lunch by the dam with a gorgeous view which you can see, and extremely reasonable and friendly customs, along with delicious food! Try the local bread and cheese you will not regret it! plus a local village salad, great meat & also a fish 🐟 caught from the local lake ♡. From here we went to Kruje , visited the castle and the bazaar. After this we stopped at a hotel around 15mins away from the airport to see the sunsetting , grab a drink and our youngest played in the children park which is also here. The place was called Nord Park. We were then dropped off back to the airport. all in all we had a tour from 8am till 6pm and were treated with great respect , and felt safe at every point . Feel free to check out more on my instagram @ mummyessextravelagent #travel #travel #travel #tirana #citybreak #familytravel #myitinerary #travellingdreams #mummyessextravelagent #citydaytours

💞Reasons to Recommend:cheap and safe

I went to Durres for my birthday in February not sure what the weather is gon be like but I was glad I did. Woke up to the amazing view of the ocean and the waves were so cool. My partner and the hotel made an arrangement to make my birthday special by bringing breakfast to our room. I felt loved and special. Definitely going back again! #durres #albania #birthdaymeal

In "Stone City Chronicles", the great Albanian writer Ismail Kadare describes his childhood hometown, Gjirokastra, a stone city with an ancient history (built in the 4th century AD) and unique Albanian character, and records the weird and dark fairy-tale-like life in the small town during the war years in his eyes. If I were to design a travel guide for you to Kadare after touring Lake Ohrid - and to visit Enver Hoxha, once a "good European" friend of the Chinese people (they are from the same hometown) - it would be to take a bus from Ohrid directly to the capital Tirana, from there to the southern "museum mountain city" Gjirokaster, where 600 Ottoman-era houses are well preserved, then back to Tirana, and then to Shkoder in the mountains in the north. It is the birthplace of the first Illyrian (the ancestors of the Albanian nation) state and the setting of the cruel story in one of Kadare's most fascinating novels, Broken April. Without going to the mountains, you cannot understand ancient Albania and you cannot fully understand Kadare. Walking on the old town streets of Gjirokaster is like climbing a mountain. In what may be the world's most sloping city, the roof of a house may be connected to the foundation of the house above, covered with gray slate like scales of shells, and underfoot are the scattered bones of the things that grew these scales. Humans once generally believed in the regenerative power of stone. A stone city may naturally carry some kind of immortal self. From the Illyrians to the Albanians, the descendants of the "Mountain Eagle" have always been invaded, occupied and oppressed throughout history, but they have never surrendered.

📍 Itinerary Overview hike to lake bovila 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions view at top 🚇 Transportation get your guide suv 📷 Photo Spots view at top 🍜 Local Cuisine local restaurant 🏠 Accommodation 💡 Tips hiking gear