The Best Things to do in Tirana, Albania in 2022!

In this short article, we will learn some of the leading issues to do in Tirana, Albania in the Balkans.

Tirana is the funds city of Albania and is located 12 miles east of the Adriatic Sea. It is the greatest town in the country with a inhabitants of just about a single million. Thinking of the overall populace of Albania stands at about 3 million, that is quite spectacular.

Despite the fact that Tirana has not always had a excellent heritage, tourism has commenced to raise. Following the collapse of communism in 1992, criminal offense started to rise and the city attained an even even worse name. On the other hand, today Tirana is a pleasant metropolis entire of society, tasty dishes and loads of record.

This posting will go as a result of all the details you need to pay a visit to this magnificent town such as the top points to do in Tirana, the dishes you need to consider and the most effective strategies to get close to the town.

Scanderbeg Square

Skanderbeg Square is the most important plaza in the city of Tirana and is essentially named immediately after Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu. He was a military services commander and a national hero of Albania, and so had this square developed in his honour. His nickname was ‘Skanderbeg’ and there is a Skanderbeg monument found in the center of the sq..

Skanderbeg sq. is home to lots of crucial and historical properties which include the Nationwide Opera, National library, the Clock Tower, the Town Corridor, the Palace of Tradition and the National Historic Museum. If you are an architecture buff, then checking out Skanderbeg Sq. is a person of the best things to do in Tirana.

The Nationwide Historical past Museum

The National Background Museum found below is actually the largest museum in Albania and is the put to go if you want to find out all about the background of this lovely state. The museum is divided into 8 sections which include data about the renaissance, communist terror and the Countrywide Liberation Anti-fascism war.

This museum holds numerous amazing artefacts and archaeological treasures which include a replica of Skanderbeg’s sword. If you want to make the most of this location, then it is very best to give yourself about 3 hrs.

Pyramid of Tirana

Browsing the Pyramid is a single of the far more one of a kind things to do in Tirana. It actually opened as a museum in 1988 and was devoted to the legacy of Enver Hoxha, who was the chief of Communist Albania.

At the time this exceptional framework was really explained to be just one of the most costly structures at any time crafted in Albania.

Afterwards, the Pyramid of Tirana then grew to become a conference centre in 1991 soon after the collapse of communism. Then the making was used as a NATO foundation all through the Kosovo War. The creating has loads of historical past and is now just one of the most common Tirana attractions.

BunkArt Museum

Bunk’Art is observed beneath the town of Tirana and was when applied as a chilly war bunker to shield the communist leader Enver Hoxha. The shelter was developed in the 1970s, and its supposed use was to protect Hoxha and the cabinet if a nuclear assault was to ever consider spot.

The ironic factor is that Hoxha actually died ahead of the shelter was totally finished, so it was in no way in fact employed whilst it did remain a mystery to the public for many years.

Right now, having said that, the shelter is utilised as a museum and modern day artwork shelter to keep in mind the dark historical past of Albania. The bunker is actually created up of 5 tales and around 100 rooms, and the residing quarters and assembly rooms are staged as they would have been through that time.

You will also get to see photographs and important paperwork, whilst finding to understand much more about Albania’s background. This exceptional attraction is a person of the most effective areas to visit in Tirana and a single you shouldn’t miss out on.

Dajti Ekspres

The Dajti Ekspres is Albania’s most popular vacationer attraction, and it isn’t really hard to see why. The Dajti Ekspress is a cable car or truck that requires you up to the top of Dajti Mountain. It is the longest cable vehicle journey in the Balkans and offers extraordinary sights on the way up to the top rated.

Getting to the prime will take about 15 minutes, and the moment you arrive at the Dajti Mountain balcony you will be at a top of about 1613m.

As soon as you get to the top of Dajti Mountain you will find a complex with lots of locations to check out. You can opt for to continue to be at the Dajti Tower Lodge if you would like or have a delicious food at the Cliff-top restaurant.

Other pursuits up here include things like paragliding, mini-golfing and an adventure park that is property to nets, ropes and zip lines. If you are on the lookout for a simpler practical experience when achieving the major, then why not hike to Tujani peak. If you are on the lookout for fun factors to do in Tirana, then this is it!

The Grand Park

The Grand Park of Tirana is positioned in the south of the town and is an spectacular 289-hectare park for the public to enjoy. There is a enormous artificial lake identified here, and numerous other locations to visit which include the Presidential Palace and the Saint Procopius Church.

There are also memorials situated right here for fallen soldiers that sadly gave their lives throughout Globe War II and a Holocaust memorial to keep in mind those who protected the Jews from the Nazi’s and to honour the lifeless.

It is 1 of the most relaxing places in the metropolis and is the ideal spot to consider a picnic. There is a Botanical Yard situated at the southern close of the park, in which you will discover nearly 120 species of flower, bushes and trees with several becoming popular to the Albanian ecosystem.

Bektashi Earth Centre

The Bektashi Entire world Centre is an essential spiritual centre and is the household of the Bektashi purchase. The Bektashi purchase was launched by Balim Sultan and attracted men and women from all walks of existence.

Nevertheless, it was banned briefly in 1826, and then once more in 1923 just after the Republic of Turkey was established. This prompted them to move their headquarters to Albania in 1925.

The Bektashi Globe Centre is observed in the north of Tirana and features attractive architecture, so is a must-stop by during your excursion. It has an extraordinary tekke with a museum which will give you the option to understand all about the background of the Bektashi.

Go up the Clock Tower

The Clock Tower of Tirana was crafted in 1822 by Haxhi Et’hem Beu. Until finally 1970 the clock tower was essentially the best setting up in the money city at a height of 30m. Initially the clock tower’s bell was from Venice until finally it was changed in 1928 by a German clock.

In the course of Globe War II the clock tower was damaged by bombs, but it was then restored in July 1946. The tower has given that been through renovation in 1981 and again in 1999, and these days you can head up to the prime of the tower absolutely free of cost.

Wander by way of Tirana’s New Bazaar

The New Bazaar in Tirana is also recognized as Pazari I Ri and has been through substantial renovations not too long ago. The sq. has been up to date with a modern day seem with the market getting positioned in the centre.

Listed here close to 300 farmers from the surrounding parts of Tirana occur to promote their contemporary fruits, greens, meat and seafood amongst other items, so you will discover a great deal of awesome food items below.

Traveling to the New Bazaar is one particular of the top rated points to do in Tirana as it’s a hotspot for equally tourists and locals. Aside from the markets, there are countless bars and restaurants that provide incredible genuine cuisine and freshly brewed beer.

Walk throughout Tanner’s Bridge

Tanner’s Bridge is an Ottoman period footbridge bridge that was created during the 18th century. This bridge was at the time part of the Saint George highway which related the metropolis of Tirana and the Jap highlands, and this is where deliver and livestock used to enter the metropolis.

Just after the bridge fell into disrepair, it was renovated in the 1990s and is now just one of the most well-known spots to stop by in the city.

Day Visits from Tirana

There are loads of other locations you can stop by as a day journey from Tirana. In this article are just a couple of the well-known kinds!

Acquire a dip in the Adriatic at Durres

The Coastal resort town of Durres lies 40km west of Tirana and is easily reachable by bus and taxi. Durres is not the most gorgeous coastal town in Albania as there is a substantial docks nearby and the vacation resort alone feels somewhat down at heel.

On the other hand, if you extravagant a dip in the Adriatic there is a enjoyable swimming seaside and a number of beachside cafes, bars and restaurants, producing it a worthwhile day trip from Tirana.

Kruje Castle

Kruje Castle is located within just the town of Kruje, which is just over an hour’s travel from the city of Tirana. This castle is famously known as the centre of Skanderbeg’s riot towards the Ottoman empire, and so is deemed to be a single of the most significant historic internet sites In the state.

There are loads of matters to see within Kruje Castle together with the Countrywide Skanderbeg museum, a Turkish bathtub, the stays of the Religion Sultan Mehmed mosque and the Teqe of Dollme of the Bektashi. General public buses operate from the metropolis centre of Tirana to Kruje very routinely, so it’s an uncomplicated vacation spot to get to.

Berat

The metropolis of Berat is located in central Albania and lies on the Osum River. It is recognized as the ‘town of a thousand windows’ many thanks to the row of Ottoman houses that can be discovered on the hill up to Berat castle. As you walk up the avenue it is difficult not to see the infinite row of windows – consequently the nickname.

There are two areas of Berat the outdated town and the new town, on the other hand, most of the sights that you will want to see are found in just the outdated city. Some of the most well known locations to pay a visit to in the town include things like Kala Castle, the Saint Demetrius Cathedral and Bachelors Mosque. Berat is a town of historic worth and was built a UNESCO World Heritage Internet site in 2008 since it is a rare example of a properly-preserved Ottoman city.

Kepi I Rodonit

Kepi I Rodonit is a rocky cape observed just to the north of Durres on the Adriatic coast. Or else acknowledged as the Cape of Rodon or the Cape of Skanderbeg, this location is well-liked with vacationers and locals alike. Rodoni castle is also identified listed here and was developed by Skanderbeg in 1463.

These days, aspect of the castle is even submerged in the h2o which delivers an fascinating practical experience.

If you love nature, visiting this place is a should. This area of Albania offers spectacular views, wild landscapes and loads of nature for you to delight in. There are a good deal of climbing routes in the area, lots of destinations to consider a bicycle and you can even kayak close to the cape if you are sensation adventurous.

Lake Ohrid

Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe and is the best working day trip to consider from Tirana. The Lake is located on the border in between Albania and North Macedonia and is the deepest lake in the Balkans with an impressive depth of 288m.

Due to its cultural heritage and conservation successes, both equally Macedonia and Albania’s sides of the lake were selected as UNESCO Environment Heritage web sites. This beautiful lake is not only a speculate to witness, but is of remarkable aquatic relevance with more than 200 endemic species.

The finest food stuff dishes to try in Tirana

There are loads of tasty food stuff dishes to consider in Tirana, but in this article are some of the most well-known types!

Kaçkavall – Kaçkavall is an Albanian cheese that is usually served as a side dish or snack. It is a single of the most popular cheeses in the place and can be served both fried or raw based on your desire.

Tavë Kosi – Tavë Kosi originally came from the town of Elbasan and is now 1 of Albania’s countrywide dishes. It is a quiche-like dish that is designed with eggs, rice, lamb and yoghurt, and when baked in the oven will have a soft creamy inside.

Fërgesë Tirane – Fërgesë Tirane is just one of the most well-known dishes in Albania and is a typical Tirana food items. It is manufactured from bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and cheeses which include feta and cottage cheese. Right after currently being seasoned with different spices, the dish is put in the oven right up until it has a thick texture. You will often uncover this dish served together with bread in dining establishments.

Having to Tirana

The metropolis of Tirana is uncovered inside the heart of Albania and is simply accessible from all directions. Tirana International airport is only 30 minutes absent from the metropolis centre, and you can also capture a community bus from neighbouring nations such as Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Greece.

If you are currently travelling as a result of Albania, every single city in the region has bus back links to the capital or you can employ a automobile.

Acquiring All over Tirana

The metropolis of Tirana is tiny ample to stroll around on foot but beware of the pavement listed here as they are not really well preserved so often have lots of potholes and can be incredibly slender.

If you want to vacation all-around working with public transportation then there are a handful of intra-city bus traces inside of Tirana and a bus line that does a loop all over the town centre. Taxis are out there but you have to choose thoroughly.

Official taxi businesses will have a fare sheet in the motor vehicle or will use a meter. Nevertheless, some taxi’s won’t so you will have to negotiate a cost 1st ahead of acquiring in.

The climate in Tirana

The weather conditions can range substantially all through the yr, but generally Tirana has a Mediterranean local climate as it’s located only 30km from the coast. Due to the higher-stress programs, the summer’s in Tirana are usually extremely dry and hot, with temperatures achieving up to about 31°C through the peak months of July and August. Tirana’s winters are recognised to be pretty long, cold and soaked with temperatures hitting lows of -5°C.

The most effective time to pay a visit to Tirana

The metropolis of Tirana features anything special to travellers whichever time you pick to visit. Based on the time of yr, you will be spoilt with festivals, markets and plenty of gatherings to enjoy.

Nonetheless, numerous individuals decide on to visit Tirana all through the summer months months when the weather is at its most popular, specially as the coast is only a 30-minute travel away.

Is Tirana Harmless to Stop by?

The city of Tirana is as safe to pay a visit to as any other town in Europe. Nonetheless, comparable to other metropolitan areas located within Europe like Barcelona and Paris, pickpocketing is typical alongside with other frauds. Apart from these mild troubles, Tirana is really secure to journey all over with crime prices getting low, and individuals currently being pretty pleasant.

Journey Coverage

Make sure you good deal with for your vacation. Whilst Albania is a really safe country, it pays to have a plan in spot to go over you need to the surprising take place. Our companions at Earth Nomads are professionals in journey insurance coverage for adventurous travellers. You can get a absolutely free, no-obligation quote right here.

Accommodation in Tirana

There are lots of accommodation selections in Tirana to opt for from, with lots of of the well known stays remaining found incredibly near to the city centre. I stayed at the Jolly Metropolis Centre Resort which experienced a charming loft-style room with a non-public rest room, and a ten-moment walk to Skanderbeg Square.

Below are some other accommodation options for every single finances:

Price range lodging: Tufina Hostel (A dorm bed within just a hostel for finances backpackers)

Mid-funds accommodation: Yard B&B (a minor B&B with breakfast provided)

Luxurious accommodation: Rooftop Tirana – Decide on Balkans (a excellent apartment with balcony)

Conclusion

So, need to you visit Tirana? If you are a supporter of lovely architecture, amazing food and loads of history, then this metropolis is certainly a will have to-go to. You can acquire a wander all-around the metropolis on foot, style some of Albania’s nationwide dishes and even get a working day trip out to a majestic castle. There are so numerous extraordinary items to do in Tirana, so you will not ever get bored!