Tirana is Albania’s gritty, yet vibrant capital located in the north of the country. Its rich Albanian culture, vibey art scene, and remaining relics from its communist past offer a completely unique experience that is far different from the capital cities of Western Europe.

There are plenty of things to do in Tirana for every type of traveler, from fascinating museums to beautiful parks, and LOTS of incredible restaurants. Tirana is a highly underrated European destination that is just waiting to be explored!

Here is your ultimate guide to visiting Tirana, Albania.

What to know before going to Tirana

Where to Fly Into

Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA) is the airport I suggest flying into and is located about 17 km northwest of Tirana city center. The drive into Tirana takes about  25-30 minutes by taxi or airport shuttle.

Language

The official language spoken in Tirana is Albanian. While most older locals may not speak English fluently, you’ll find that many younger people, especially in restaurants and tourist areas, can communicate in English quite well. I suggest downloading a translator app in case you run into a situation where you need to speak to any non-English speaking locals.

Currency

Albania uses the Albanian Lek (ALL). It’s a good idea to carry cash as not all establishments accept credit cards, especially smaller shops, street vendors, and cafes. Euros are often accepted, but it is best practice to have Lekë on hand. 

Safety

Tirana is a safe city for tourists. Violent crime is extremely rare, and locals are generally very warm and welcoming. I felt very safe during my solo trip to Tirana and had a wonderful experience exploring the city on my own and interacting with the locals. 

Of course, like with any European city, be mindful of pickpockets, particularly in busy areas like markets or on public buses. 

Getting Around Tirana

Exploring Tirana is pretty straightforward and quite budget-friendly, with several transportation options to suit your needs:

• Walking: Tirana is a very walkable city, especially in the central areas like Skanderbeg Square and Blloku. You’ll be free to enjoy the colorful streets, murals, and lively café culture on foot.
• Taxis: Taxis in Albania are plentiful and affordable. Most rides within the city should cost no more than 10 euros, but if you’re just taking a taxi around the city center it should be even cheaper and only cost a few euros. Look for official taxis or use apps like “Taxi.al” to ensure a fair price.
• City Bus: Tirana’s bus network is the main form of public transport, but you’ll only really need it for destinations a bit farther away, like the Bunk’Art Museum or the Dajti Ekspres cable car. Tickets are cheap and can be purchased directly from the driver.
• Rental Car: Unless you plan to take lots of day trips outside the city, skip the rental car. Tirana’s traffic can be chaotic and parking is limited. For excursions, consider booking guided tours, taking public transport, or hiring a private driver instead.

Where to Stay in Tirana

One of the best things about visiting Tirana is the incredible value for your money when it comes to accommodations. Whether you’re a luxury traveler or on a tight budget, Tirana has plenty of accommodation options for every type of traveler. Five-star hotels often cost less than $150 a night, making it easy to upgrade your stay without breaking the bank. Even if you’re usually a budget traveler, this could be your chance to splurge a little!

Here are some of the best options for every budget:

Luxury: ($100- $200/night)

• The Plaza Hotel: A sleek and modern 5-star hotel in the heart of Tirana. Features a luxurious spa, a fitness center, and breathtaking views of the city. 
• Xheko Imperial Hotel: Known for its lavish interiors and stunning rooftop terrace, this hotel nestled in the center of Tirana is perfect for a romantic getaway or special occasion. 
• Rogner Hotel Tirana: A favorite among business travelers and tourists alike, with an outdoor pool, lush gardens, and a prime location near major attractions. The on-site gardens are absolutely gorgeous here, and definitely worth checking out!
• Moncafé Hotel Etico Tirana: This chic and socially conscious hotel located in a wonderful neighborhood combines luxury with a cause, employing people with disabilities to create an inclusive atmosphere.

Midrange: ($60-$100/night)

• Lot Boutique Hotel: A boutique gem with beautifully decorated rooms, excellent breakfast, and friendly staff. It’s conveniently located near Skanderbeg Square, and will have you feeling like you chose one of the luxury options for accommodation, even at its modest price point.
• Hotel Boutique Kotoni: A small family-run hotel that exudes charm and offers spacious rooms with a cozy, intimate vibe. 
• Dinasty Hotel: A stylish boutique hotel featuring elegant decor, an on-site restaurant, and live music events in the evenings. 
• Metro Hotel Tirana: A trendy, contemporary option in the Blloku neighborhood with comfortable rooms (with cool, colorful lighting) and easy access to the city’s main attractions.

Budget: ($30-$60/night)

• Starlight Hotel: Clean, modern, comfortable, and conveniently located near the city center. An extremely great value for its price!
• Ebel Boutique Hotel: A stylish yet affordable option with cozy rooms and a super friendly atmosphere.
• Hotel Town House: Perfect for travelers seeking simplicity and convenience in a central location, this hotel offers basic rooms at an affordable price.
• Urban Rooms: A modern and affordable choice with well-designed rooms and a welcoming ambiance.

Backpacker Budget ($10-$30/night)

• The Bearded Dad Hostel: A unique and welcoming spot with comfortable dorms, private rooms, and a laid-back vibe. Definitely a hidden gem budget stay!
• Tirana Backpacker Hostel: The city’s first backpacker hostel, known for its vibrant atmosphere, lush garden, and great communal spaces. Located right near Skanderbeg Square, you’ll never find yourself far from the action here!
• Trip’n’Hostel: A cozy and quirky hostel with colorful decor and a lively bar perfect for meeting fellow travelers. It also has a great location and yummy included breakfast!
• Ladi Rooms: A budget-friendly guesthouse offering clean, quiet, and modern accommodations (with lots of on-site amenities) close to the city center.

Best Cafes & Restaurants in Tirana

Tirana has an amazing food and drink scene. Ranging from cozy cafés, restaurants serving delicious traditional Albanian dishes, and trendy bars, there’s no shortage of incredible places to eat and drink in Tirana!

Restaurants

• Era Restaurant: My personal favorite restaurant in Tirana and a must-visit for traditional Albanian cuisine. Era serves delicious Albanian dishes like fërgesë and byrek (must-trys) in a cozy local atmosphere. It has two locations, one in Tirana center and one in the Blloku district, and both are fantastic.
• EJA Restaurant: A charming spot offering a creative twist on Albanian classics and Mediterranean cuisine. They boast the best pasta in town and also offer the perfect menu for those seeking a modern take on local flavors.
• Te Muzeu: Set in the grounds of the National Museum, this restaurant combines history with dining. Enjoy traditional dishes in a historic and cultural setting. Such a fun restaurant and a no-brainer stop for before or after exploring the nearby museum!
• Mrizi i Zanave Tirane: Known for farm-to-table dining, this restaurant emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients and beautifully plated dishes, ensuring that you’ll have a delicious and uniquely local meal. 
• Odas Garden: Nestled in a serene garden setting, this hidden gem serves up delicious food and a tranquil vibe, perfect for a relaxing meal after a long day of exploring.

Cafes

• Komiteti – Kafe Muzeum: Just steps away from the iconic Tirana Pyramid, this unique café-bar feels like stepping back in time. Its retro decor, traditional raki (local alcohol that locals are sure to offer you at some point), and cozy atmosphere make it absolutely unforgettable.
• HANA Corner Café: A small and intimate spot with excellent coffee, perfect for a quiet moment amidst the city buzz.
• Antigua Specialty Coffee: For serious coffee lovers, Antigua serves some of the best specialty brews in Tirana, accompanied by good eats and a relaxed and stylish ambiance.
• Lunariaa.eu Flower Café: This café doubles as a flower shop, offering a whimsical and totally Instagram-worthy spot to enjoy your coffee or tea.
• Sophie Caffe: A local favorite, this chain is known for its cozy interiors and great coffee. This is the perfect spot for a quick break or light snack.

Bars

• Bufe Wine Bar: A cozy and intimate wine bar with an excellent selection of local and international wines. Great for a laid-back evening and definitely worth checking out if you are a wine lover!
• Radio Bar Tirana: This retro-themed bar is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Known for its quirky decor, great music, and creative cocktails, it’s a super fun spot to unwind!
• Sky Club: Located on the top floor of a skyscraper, this revolving bar offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tirana, along with tasty drinks. Definitely worth stopping by for the views alone, day or night!
• Mi-To Culture Bar Tirana: A lively spot with a blend of culture, music, and cocktails. Perfect for a night out with friends (or a great place to make some)!
• Small and More…: A trendy, low-key bar with great cocktails and a really cool vibe. It’s perfect for those who enjoy intimate venues.

Best Things to Do in Tirana

Take a free walking tour

I always recommend starting off your time in a new city with a walking tour to get yourself acquainted with your surroundings and learn about the history and culture of the location. Tirana has a wonderful free walking tour, where your local guide will take you through all of the main attractions of the city. While the tour itself is free, make sure to have lekë on hand to tip your guide at the end, as this is how the tour guides make their living.

The Free Tirana Walking Tour I went on was by far one of the best free walking tours I’ve ever experienced. Our guide was engaging and knowledgeable, and we even got the chance to go inside major landmarks like the Orthodox Cathedral and the Tirana Pyramid (free walking tours typically don’t go inside any attractions, at least from my previous experience in other European cities).

Skanderbeg square

Skanderbeg Square is the heart of Tirana and the place where the city truly comes alive. It’s a popular spot for locals, especially on weekends, where you’ll find families relaxing, friends catching up, and occasional live music or local events.

The square is also home to some of Tirana’s most famous landmarks, including the National History Museum, the Opera House, and the stunning Et’hem Bej Mosque, making it an excellent starting point for exploring the city.

Visit Tirana’s Museums 

• National History Museum: Located in Skanderbeg Square, this is the largest museum in Albania, filled with exhibits that offer an in-depth look into the country’s history, from ancient times to the communist era. Again, this museum is huge, so make sure to dedicate a couple of hours here so you can really take everything in.
• Bunk’Art Museums: The Bunk’Art Museum was by far my favorite museum in Tirana, if not Europe! Set in a former Cold War bunker outside of the city center, the Bunk’Art Museum offers an immersive look into Albania’s communist past. There are two locations: Bunk’Art 1 focuses on the history of the dictatorship, while Bunk’Art 2 highlights the secret police and political persecution present in the Communist times. Both are worth visiting, but if you only have time to visit one, Bunk’Art 1 is by far the more fascinating of the two (at least in my opinion).
• House of Leaves Museum: This is another unique museum in Tirana. It was once the headquarters of the communist secret police and is filled with exhibits that showcase the surveillance tactics used by the government during the dictatorship. It also includes replicas of communist-era Albanian households, giving a really interesting insight into the country’s past.

Tirana Castle

Tirana Castle is a charming historical site tucked away in the city center. The castle walls date back to the Byzantine period and inside you’ll find a mix of quaint shops, cozy cafes, and restaurants. It’s a great place to purchase souvenirs or relax after a day of exploring!

Tirana Pyramid

The Tirana Pyramid is one of Tirana’s quirkiest buildings and was originally built as a museum for Albania’s communist leader, Enver Hoxha. Over the years it has been used as a radio station, a nightclub (how cool would it have been to party here?!), a conference and broadcast center, and even a NATO base during the Kosovo war in the 90’s.

After it was left abandoned for many years, the Tirana Pyramid went under renovation and in 2023 it was reopened as a community learning center for young locals. It’s such a unique building that’s worth checking out, and for a unique view of the city, feel free to climb up the steps to reach the top of the pyramid.

Explore the Blloku district

Blloku is Tirana’s trendiest neighborhood and my personal favorite area in Tirana. Once an exclusive area for communist elites, Blloku is now the city’s arts district where you’ll find Tirana’s best bars, cafes, and boutique shops. Whether you are looking to experience great nightlife, relax at a cozy cafe, or check out colorful street art, Blloku’s lively atmosphere makes it a must-visit during your time in Tirana.

I really loved strolling around the Blloku area and just taking in the vibes! This is definitely an area where young locals like to hang out, giving you an authentic look into day-to-day Albanian life.

Take the Cable Car to Mount Dajti

For stunning views of Tirana and the surrounding countryside, hop on the Dajti Ekspres Cable Car, which is the longest cable car ride in the Balkans! The scenic 15-minute ride takes you up the slopes of Mount Dajti, offering breathtaking views of the city, local farms, and lush greenery along the way. Tickets cost 1,000 Lek (around 10 USD) round trip for adults.

Once you reach the top, there’s so much to do! We really enjoyed exploring the hiking trails, but for those looking for a bit more activity, Mount Dajti offers plenty of recreational options like horseback riding, go-karting, and even paragliding if you’re feeling adventurous! After our hike, we treated ourselves to lunch at Ballkoni Dajtit, a panoramic restaurant at the top. Dining with a view like that is an experience you won’t want to miss.

The Dajti Ekspres Cable Car is located outside Tirana city center and can be reached by bus or taxi. A taxi from the city center to the Dajti Ekspres Cable Car station costs around 10 euros each way, making it a convenient and reasonably priced option for groups or travelers short on time. Be sure to agree on the price with the driver before setting off to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

If you prefer public transportation, you can take the Porcelan line bus from the city center. The bus will take you to the terminal at Porcelan, which is the closest bus stop to the cable car station. From there, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the cable car. Bus tickets cost around 40 Lek (less than 50 cents USD), making it a very budget-friendly option.

Whether you choose a taxi or the bus, getting to Mount Dajti is straightforward and absolutely worth it. With its incredible views and outdoor activities, Mount Dajti is absolutely a must-visit during your trip to Tirana!

The cable car is also close to Bunk’Art 1, so I suggest visiting the museum on the same day you visit Mount Dajti.

Take a day trip

Tirana is a great base for exploring more of Albania’s natural beauty and historic sites. Consider taking a day trip to places like Krujë, Durres, Berat, or Shkodra. You can visit via public transportation or rental car, or sign up for a guided tour that leaves from Tirana on Viator.

Conclusion

Tirana is a city that will surprise you at every turn. From its vibrant culture and fascinating history to its incredible food scene and outdoor adventures, Albania’s capital offers something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re exploring the streets, museum hopping, hiking Mount Dajti, or simply enjoying a coffee at a cozy café, Tirana has an amazing energy you can’t help but feel and enjoy when visiting the city.

Tirana is truly a hidden gem waiting to be explored, and even though it doesn’t necessarily feel like a “quintessential” European city, I can promise that when you go with an open mind, you’ll discover its charm amidst the hustle and bustle of the city’s everyday life.

Thinking about taking a solo trip to Albania? Check out my Ultimate Solo Travel Guide to Albania for my best tips on visiting the country as a solo traveler.

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