Best Things to Do in Tirana, Albania

In this blog post you can read about all the best things to do in the Albanian capital, Tirana. As always, you’ll also be provided with useful information on how to get to the city and how long you ideally need to see everything it has to offer, so you can easily prepare your Albanian itinerary.

With its rich history, culture, religion and architecture, Tirana is definitely one of the best European city break destinations.

If you’d like to see what we got up to in the capital, then make sure to watch our dedicated Tirana Video on our YouTube channel. For more Albania videos, check out our Albania Series.

Introducing Tirana, Albania

The capital city of Albania is located pretty much in the middle of the country. It isn’t just the largest city but also the largest economic, administrative, political, social and cultural centre in Albania. The city has a rich history which we won’t delve into too deeply since there is so much information out there if you’re interested. However, it’s important to have a general understanding of the different time periods and events that played a big part in the Tirana that you’ll visit today.

The city is only about 400 years old and was founded in 1614 by Sulejman Pashe Bargjini who built a mosque, a hammam (Turkish bath) and a bakery. Although the population has grown over the years, it wasn’t an important city until it became Albania’s temporary capital in 1920. A few years later this status became permanent. Under King Zog I, Italian architects were employed to re-plan the city. During the Second World War the city quickly became a centre of anti-fascist resistance. In 1941 the Communist Party of Albania was established. Tirana was liberated in 1944.

After this Tirana was influenced by the Soviet Union, which had an impact on Tirana’s appearance as the city adopted a Stalinist style of architecture until the early 1990s.

Albania Travel Guide – Read This Before Your Visit

Check out our detailed blog post below before you start planning your 2 week Albania itinerary. The post answers common questions regarding safety, cost, what to eat and how to travel across the country.

How to Get to Tirana, Albania

By Plane – Tirana International Airport offers direct flights between many major European cities and a few countries in the Middle East. The airport is the largest and busiest airport in Albania. Once you’ve arrived, you can get to the city centre by a local shuttle bus, taxi or hire car.

If you choose public transport then you can hop onto the Rinas Express shuttle bus at the airport. It runs every hour between 8AM and 11PM and costs around 300 Leke (2.60EUR). The bus will then drop you off in the city centre.

By Bus – If for some reason you can’t reach Tirana by direct flight or you’re visiting from other European countries, you can take a bus to Tirana. There are regular direct Flixbus services from nearby countries such as Croatia (Dubrovnik), Montenegro (Podgorica, Budva, Kotor) and North Macedonia (Skopje, Ohrid). So it’s worth checking if you can fly direct to any of these places then take the bus to Tirana. The bus will drop you off at the International Bus Station, where you can take a short taxi ride to the centre or even walk if you’re staying close by.

Note that you can’t reach Tirana by train.

How Long Do You Need in Tirana, Albania

Depending on how much time you have in Albania, we recommend spending a minimum of two days in Tirana. As you’ll see, many of the city’s main attractions are concentrated around its main square, so you can see some of the highlights in just a day if you really want to.

However, spreading it over at least two days will allow you to spend more time visiting museums and other attractions that are scattered a bit further away from the centre. You can also gain a better understanding of Albania’s rich history and culture.

Note: It’s probably worth noting that many museums are closed on Mondays. Some attractions such as the Dajti Ekspres are closed on Tuesdays. So, make sure to plan your visit according to opening days to avoid any disappointment.

If you have a bit more time, spending three days in Tirana would definitely give you a much more relaxing way to see everything the city has to offer.

Best Things to Do in Tirana, Albania

1. Walk Around the Huge Skanderbeg Square

The best place to start exploring Tirana is at Skanderbeg Square. Located at the centre of the city, a stroll around this huge square will give you a chance to see many of Tirana’s important buildings.

You’ll see the National History Museum, the Palace of Culture, the Skanderbeg Monument, the Theatre of Opera and Ballet, the National Library, the Bank of Albania, the Clock Tower and the Et’hem Bey Mosque.

The 40,000 square metre plaza is apparently the biggest in the Balkans. Although it’s still a wee bit smaller than the 57,600 square metre Constitution Square in Mexico City. It’s named after the Albanian national hero Gjergj Kastrioti, commonly known as Skanderbeg, whose statue is located in the middle of the square. He led a 25-year rebellion against the Ottoman Empire before his death in 1468.

Skanderbeg Square was initially designed in a circular shape, however in recent years it was fully pedestrianised and re-shaped like a pyramid with a slope of 2.5% and a height of two metres. There’s a fountain at the top where the water runs down from to enhance the colours of the mosaic paving which is made from stones from different parts of the country.

The square is really the heart of the city, where many locals and tourists hang out or use it as a meeting point.

2. Visit One of the Most Important Museums: the National History Museum

Whilst you’re wondering around Skanderbeg Square, you can visit a few unmissable places such as the National History Museum. It is one of the most important museums in Albania and occupies a significant amount of space around the square.

There’s a huge mural above the entrance which you can see from far away. It is called The Albanians and portrays different figures from Albania’s history. Of course, due to some ongoing construction, we couldn’t see the original mural, but at least they put a copy of it on a canvas which was greatly appreciated.

The museum itself has quite a few different pavilions such as the Pavilion of Antiquity, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Independence, Iconography, National Liberation Antifascist War, Communist Terror, and Mother Teresa. It’s definitely the best place to learn about Albania before you start travelling around the rest of the country.

Entry fee to the museum is 500 LEK (4.40 EUR). The museum is open every day but Monday, between 9AM and 5PM from Tuesday to Saturday, and between 9AM to 2PM on Sundays.

3. Learn About Albania’s Past in Bunk’Art 2

There are many places you can visit in Tirana to learn more about Albania’s past. Bunk’Art 2 is one we think you shouldn’t skip visiting.

Located next to the Ministry of Agriculture, Bunk’Art 2 is one of thousands of bunkers built across Albania under the rule of the communist dictator Enver Hoxha. He built these bunkers so people could hide there in case of a nuclear attack. Bunk’Art 2’s purpose was to shelter elite police and ministry staff and it was actually finished a year after Enver Hoxha died.

The museum opened in 2016 and has photographs, equipment and interrogation cells that detail the political persecution of thousands of Albanians and the names of those who were executed from 1945 until 1991.

Entry fee is 500 LEK (4.40EUR) per person. You can combine a visit to Bunk’Art 1 and Bunk’Art 2 which would then only cost 800 LEK (7 EUR). It is open between 9:30AM and 6PM Sunday to Thursday and until 8PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Note that you’ll be spending some time underground and the place can get pretty busy and muggy in case you suffer from asthma, claustrophobia or have any other breathing problems.

4. Get Some Great Views from the Clock Tower

Another must see landmark in Tirana is the Clock Tower. Since it’s located around the main square, you can easily pay a visit.

The tower was built in 1822 but only opened to tourists in 1996. You can climb its 90 stairs to the top for some lovely views of Skanderbeg Square and the surrounding area.

Initially the tower was only 30m tall and had a bell on top which chimed every hour. Unfortunately, it was damaged during World War I. The clock tower you see today was changed in 1928 when a new mechanism was added. For that to be installed the height of the tower was increased by 5m. Even today you can see the tower’s bottom half representing the Ottoman style whereas the top part is more in the western style.

Entry fee to the Clock Tower is 200 LEK (1.75EUR).

5. Visit Et’hem Bey Mosque

Located right next to the Clock Tower is another must see place in Tirana: the Et’hem Bey Mosque. This small mosque was built in the Middle Ages during the time when the Ottoman Empire ruled in Albania. The mosque is unique since it’s the only surviving one out of the eight that were built between the 18th and 19th centuries.

It somehow also survived the communist period where many religious buildings were destroyed. Although the mosque was closed, in 1991 thousands of people entered to practice religion which also marks the beginning of the fall of communism in Albania. This also led to religious freedom in the country.

You can visit inside the mosque to see its beautiful interior. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing that covers your knees and shoulders and cover your head if you’re a female.

6. See the Remains of Tirana Castle

Located close to Skanderbeg Square is the 14th century castle also known as the Fortress of Justinian. Now, if you’re expecting to see an actual castle, you’ll be a bit disappointed. Unfortunately, the castle doesn’t exist any more. What’s left is basically a 5-6m tall wall that runs along Murat Toptani Road and is referred to as the Justinian Fortress Wall.

Inside the remaining walls the space is filled with restaurants, cafes and a few shops. There’s also an old bazaar where you can buy some traditional and local products. Basically, the whole area was created to look like how bazaars looked in the Byzantine era. Also, don’t worry if you miss it; you’ll see your fair share of castles on your trip across Albania.

7. See the Colourful Buildings of Tirana

We were quite surprised to see many colourful buildings scattered across Tirana, but it quickly became one of our favourite things to do there.

The city used to be pretty grey thanks to the communist-era architecture. After communism fell, Tirana was given a makeover. Many of the communist building complexes were painted with bright colours and patterns. This was further encouraged by the city’s mayor Edi Rama, who is an artist himself, and designed some of the patterns. He also invited local and foreign artists and even children to help with the designs.

There are many places you can see colourful buildings but some of our favourite ones are the Ministry of Agriculture next to Bunk’Art 2, the houses around the New Bazaar and the rainbow building in the Blloku area. You can spot many buildings with different, fun geometric patterns. We also spotted a few murals too.

8. Learn About Spying in the House of Leaves

Another interesting museum to add to your Tirana itinerary is the House of Leaves or National Museum of Secret Surveillance. It only opened in 2017, and is the newest museum in the city.

The House of Leaves commemorates everything that Albanian citizens went through during the communist regime. Originally it was built in 1931 and was operated as a maternity hospital. Later, under German occupation, the building was under the control of the Gestapo. Post World War II, it was used as an investigative centre. From the 1950s the building was used as the headquarters of Albania’s secret police, Sigurimi.

As you walk through the 31 different rooms spread over two floors, you’ll see countless surveillance devices and original documents that detail the secret workings of the Sigurimi.

Entry fee is 700 LEK (6.10 EUR) per person. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday between 9AM and 4PM and on Sunday between 10AM and 3PM. It is closed on Monday.

9. Stop by at the Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral

Right across from the House of Leaves is a massive Orthodox cathedral that’s worth stopping at. Whilst the most common religion in Albania is Islam and the second one Christianity, around 7% of the population identify as Orthodox.

Only opening in 2012, the cathedral is considered one of the largest Eastern Orthodox churches in the Balkans. The complex comprises of the cathedral, the chapel of the Nativity, a bell tower, the residence of the Holy Synod, a cultural centre, a library, two other chapels and a small museum. It’s worth walking in to see its beautiful interior.

10. Check Out Namazgjah Mosque

Not far from Tirana Castle you can have a look at what is soon to be the largest mosque in the Balkans. Currently building on an area of 6000m2, the mosque has four 50m tall minarets and a 35m high dome.

It was still under construction at the time of our visit, but once it’s open, it’ll be a beautiful place to visit.

11. Walk Across Tanners’ Bridge

We accidentally came across this old footbridge from the 1700s. Located close to the new mosque it’s a very minor attraction. However, if you’re in the area anyway you can check it out, especially if you enjoy historical monuments.

Whilst nowadays you could almost walk past it without a second glance, at the time it was built it was the main route for farmers bringing their livestock into the area where butcher shops and leather workers were once located. It used to cross Lanë River which was redirected in the 1930s. It wasn’t until the 1990s that the bridge was restored.

12. Buy Something at Pazari i Ri Bazaar

If you’re a market lover like us, then make sure to head over to the new bazaar called Pazari i Ri. The New Bazaar offers a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables grown locally. They also have meat and fish sections and some stalls offer Albanian wine and raki. You can also find some typical Albanian souvenirs.

As a bonus, the market is surrounded by colourful buildings, restaurants and bakeries.

13. Wonder Around Blloku Neighbourhood

Today Blloku or ‘Block’ is the liveliest neighbourhood in Tirana. However, in the past only the communist elite could cross it and it was restricted to others. It is actually still one of the most expensive areas in the city. There are a lot of nice cafes, restaurants, hotels and night clubs in this area so it’s definitely worth wondering around day or night. 

Many come here to see Enver Hoxha’s former house which still stands in the middle of the district. You can only view it from the street though as it is closed to the public.

14. Relax at Grand Park

We always enjoy a visit to a city even more if it has a few parks where we can get away from the hustle and bustle. So, if you’re like us, and want a bit of peace and quiet then definitely head over to Grand Park. It’s located just south of the Blloku neighbourhood, so it’s a great place to come to after you’ve wondered around that area.

Tirana’s park definitely earned its name because it’s massive. The 230 hectare park has a large artificial lake, walking and running paths and a few nice riverside cafes. Make sure to grab a drink or a snack and spend a few hours relaxing here.

15. Learn More About Albania’s History at Bunk’Art 1

Many people only visit Bunk’Art 2 since it’s conveniently located in the city centre. If you’re short on time or don’t want to venture out of the centre then it’s understandable.

However, if you’re heading up to the Dajti Ekspres anyway, then consider allowing some extra time and stop at Bunk’Art 1 too.

Bunk’Art 1 was also built on Enver Hoxha’s orders. It was supposed to accommodate him and his companions in the event of a nuclear attack. It is much bigger than Bunk’Art 2 and less crowded. You’ll have to walk through a long tunnel before entering the five-story bunker. Similar to Bunk’Art 2, it walks you through Albania’s contemporary history including the German occupation, Italian fascism, World War II and of course Enver Hoxha’s communist regime.

How to get to Bunk’Art 1? You can walk to the bus stop in the city centre and take the blue bus to Porcelan (Line 11) . The bus will drop you off somewhere here. You can also tell the bus driver that you’re going to Bunk’Art 1 and they will give you a heads up as to when to get off. They were very helpful with us. A one-way ticket is 40 LEK (0.35EUR). The journey takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

Entry fee: 500 LEK (4.40 EUR) per person. If you’re definitely visiting Bunk’Art 1 then consider getting a combined ticket for both Bunk’Arts for 800 LEK (7 EUR). It’s open from Wednesday to Sunday between 9:30AM and 4PM.

16. Take the Dajti Ekspres to Dajti Mountain

A must do thing when you’re visiting Tirana is to head up to Dajti Ekspres. This Austrian built cable car will take you on a 15-minute scenic ride all the way to the top of Dajti Mountain. Apparently, at 4.7km it is also the longest cableway in the Balkans.

Once at the top there are a few things you can do such as go for a hike in the park, go paragliding, play mini golf or visit the adventure park. If you want to you can even stay at the hotel or have a drink at the Rotating Bar. Of course you have to pay extra for some of these so you can just simply wonder around and enjoy the views.

How to get to Dajti Ekspres? You can walk to the bus stop in the city centre and take the blue bus to Porcelan (Line 11) . The bus will drop you off somewhere here. You can also tell the bus driver that you’re going to Teleferik and they will give you a heads up as to when to get off. A one-way ticket is 40 LEK (0.35EUR). The journey takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Once you’re there just follow this route to the entrance.

Entry fee for a return cable car ride is 1200 LEK (10.5 EUR) per person. It’s open every day apart from Tuesdays between 9AM and 6PM.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Tirana, Albania

We really enjoyed our time in Tirana. The city was never really on our bucket list, but after our visit we have been telling everyone to add it to theirs. Tirana is so full of history that even two days wasn’t quite enough to process it all. Our first taste of Albania was pretty positive thanks to the lovely and helpful Albanian people and their cuisine which we couldn’t get enough of.

Have you ever been to Tirana before? If so, how much of the city did you manage to see? What was your favourite place to visit? If not, would you like to visit Tirana in the near future?