Are you travelling to Albania in 2026? Want to know the best things to do in Tirana?
Tirana is the capital city of Albania, a fascinating country that was closed off to the world for over 40 years under a communist dictator.
This vibrant city is full of surprises! From colourful buildings to hidden bunkers, a rich but sad recent history, and a buzzing café culture, this city is anything but ordinary.
If you love exploring unique cities and meeting friendly locals, you’ll love Tirana. The city centre is fairly small, and you can see most of the attractions in a day. It’s easy to walk around to all the main sites.
We visited Albania in early 2025 (and again in late 2025, and early 2026!), and fell in love with this country. Tirana is such a cool city, we hope you love it too.
Download our FREE interactive “Best things to do in Tirana, Albania” Map HERE
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Best things to do in Tirana, Albania
We suggest you visit these sites in the order they are listed here. This way you can see everything in one day.
1 Skanderbeg Square
Skanderbeg Square is the main square of the city. This square is HUGE! At 40,000m2 it is the largest pedestrian area in the Balkans.
You’ll notice all the different stone paving Skanderbeg Square, this was quarried from all the different regions of Albania. In the centre of the square some of the stones have the names of their regions stamped on them.
The square is lined with government buildings, the opera house, National Historical museum and a statue of Gjergj Skanderbeg, after whom it is named.
2 Skanderbeg Monuments
Skanderbeg is (was) the Albanian National Hero – he led a rebellion against the Ottoman empire in the 15th century. His equestrian statue is at the southern end of the square.
His face has also been immortalised in a new building, called the Skanderbeg Building (also known as the Tirana Rock) which is currently under construction.
3 National Historical Museum
The National Historical museum traces the history of the Albanian people from antiquity until the second half of the 20th century. The museum is currently closed for renovations until March 2028.
On the outside of the museum you can still see the mosaic mural called The Albanians. It was created by 5 artists in 1980 to tell the story of the Albanian people and their struggles.
It was “revised” after the fall of communism, with the yellow stars being removed. The man on the centre left is now holding a sack over his shoulder. Originally he was holding a red book.
4 Et’Hem Bey Mosque
The Et’Hem Bey mosque dates back the 18th century. The mosque was closed during the communist period, but remained standing as an historical monument.
The mosque is known for its frescoes inside and out, which depict scenes from nature, like trees and waterfalls.
It’s free to enter the mosque, although a donation is appreciated. You will need to remove your shoes, and women should consider covering their head.
5 Bunk’Art 2 Museum
After WW2, Albania became a communist state and it was ruled by the dictator Enver Hoxha from 1945 until his death in 1985. Albania became one of the most isolated countries in the world.
Throughout his rule, Hoxha became increasingly paranoid that the west would launch a nuclear attack on Albania. He had around 175,000 bunkers built and you can still see them, all over the country.
The bunker that was attached to the Ministry of Internal Affairs has now been turned into a museum. This museum, Bunk’Art 2 traces the growth of the secret police throughout the 20th century. In here you’ll learn that the main crime in communist Albania was trying to leave the country. This offence was punishable by death.
The museum details this dark period of Albanian history, with photos and video evidence of some of the atrocities that were committed by the Albanian government against it’s own people.
Bunk’Art 2 is open daily and costs 900 leke for entry.
6 House of Leaves
The House of Leaves is so-called because of the creeper vine foliage all over the walls. This house was originally built as an obstetrics clinic in the 1930s.
During the communist period it was transformed into the headquarters for the Sigurimi. This was the branch of the secret police responsible for gathering intelligence on suspected enemies of the state.
Within the house you can see documents (in Albanian), exhibits of surveillance tools, photos and video explaining the history of Albania during this period.
Photos and videography are not allowed within the house. Entry is 700 leke for adults. The House of Leaves is closed on Mondays.
7 Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral
The Orthodox Cathedral was opened in 2012, and it’s modernity is very evident. However, inside, you’ll see the typical Byzantine art, with Icons and mosaics.
The interior of the dome centres on a large image of Christ.
The bell tower outside stands 46m tall, and you’ll notice the 4 “candles” of the tower, that represent the four evangelists.
The cathedral is free to enter.
8 Tirana Castle
Only the walls and some foundations remain of the 13th century Fortress of Justinian. This was the heart of the city, at the crossroads of the main north-south and east-west roads.
Nowadays, a part of the castle is opened with souvenir shops and restaurants – a great place to grab some traditional Albanian Food – or a pizza!
9 New Bazaar (Pizari i Ri)
Located in the oldest part of Tirana you’ll find (ironically), the New Bazaar. In the centre you’ll find a traditional covered market, selling everything from fruit and vegetables, to handcrafts and souvenirs.
Surrounding the central market are some great cafes and restaurants. We ate at Oda’s Garden and also at Konak – both have great traditional Albanian food at reasonable prices.
10 Namazgah Mosque
In 2015 the muslims of Tirana were still praying in the street, so an empty block of land was given for them to build a mosque.
The Namazgah Mosque opened in October 2024 and is the largest mosque in the Balkans. It has a capacity of 10,000 worshippers.
You can visit the mosque. You will need to remove your shoes, and there is a separate area (upstairs) for women.
TIP: You’ll find one of the few public toilets in Tirana under the mosque on the left side of the entrance stairs.
11 Tanner’s Bridge
The Tanner’s Bridge is an 18th century Ottoman Bridge that once linked Tirana to the Eastern Highlands.
Be careful if you walk across – its’ steeper than it looks and the paving stones can be quite slippery!
12 Cathedral of St Paul
The Catholic Cathedral of St Paul was built in 2002. Outside you’ll see a statue of Saint Mother Teresa – the Albanian nun who became renowned around the world for her work with the poor in India.
The interior of the church also features a mosaic of Mother Teresa, a wooden crucifix and beautiful stained glass windows.
13 Peace Bell
After the fall of communism there was a period of economic uncertainty in Albania. People became involved in Ponzi schemes, some of which were even sanctioned by the government.
Inevitably, these dodgy investment schemes collapsed. Riots broke out when people started demanding their money back.
This bell is a monument to the people who lost their lives in those riots. It was cast from the shells of spent bullet cartridges used in those riots.
14 Pyramid of Tirana
Why does Tirana have a pyramid?
After his death in 1985, Enver Hoxha’s daughter commissioned the building of a monument and museum to his life. This pyramid was controversial from the beginning. It opened in 1988 and closed again in 1991 after the fall of communism.
The building was transformed into a Youth Training Centre and the steps were added later. Some comment on how ironic it is that the Albanians can now walk all over the monument to their fallen dictator.
15 Checkpoint Park
The Checkpoint Park marks the entrance to the Blloku District. This park is a memorial to the isolation of communism. You’ll find a couple of bunker entrances here, a piece of the Berlin Wall that was gifted, and concrete girders from the Spac Prison – a notorious labour camp.
To be honest, although the items in the park are kind of interesting, the whole park looks really unkempt. There are weeds everywhere and its really not well cared for.
16 Blloku District
The Blloku district was once the exclusive enclave of the communist party. Most Albanian’s couldn’t enter this neighbourhood. Nowadays it’s full of trendy bars and restaurants – a great place to grab a bite to eat… and a local craft beer!
17 Enver Hoxha’s former residence
As you walk from the Checkpoint Park into the Blloku District you’ll pass Enver Hoxha’s house. The interior of the house has been kept just as it was when Hoxha died in 1985. In fact, his wife continued to live in the house for years after his death.
For years there has been talk of opening this house as a museum, but to date it remains closed. You can, however, peer through the large windows – a lot of the furniture looks like it’s straight out of the 70s. Communist Albania 70s, not western hippy 70s!
18 “Hidden” communist statues
On one of our day trips into Tirana, we went hunting for a statue of Enver Hoxha. We’d read that there were some statues of communist leaders hidden away within the city. While we didn’t find a statue of Hoxha, we found statues of Stalin and Lenin, in plain sight, in the gardens of the residence of former Prime Minister Mehmet Shehu.
You can’t actually go into the grounds of his residence (it’s more guarded than Hoxha’s residence!) but you can see the statues, and photograph them, quite clearly from the Checkpoint Park, and the roadside.
19 Sky Club
The SkyClub is a revolving bar and restaurant on one of the tallest buildings in Tirane. It takes a full hour for one revolution. I went here with my friend Helen while Nigel was away at work. Sadly, when we went it was a bit too cloudy for a good sunset.
The Aperol Spritz was delicious, but very pricey at 1100 leke – that’s about double what you would pay anywhere else in town. But – we think it’s worth it for the view and the experience.
20 The Tap Room by Pan Brewery
It’s no secret that Nigel and Sue love a good craft beer. Whenever we visit a city we always try to find a craft brewery. In Tirana we found the Tap Room, Pan Brewery’s bar. We sat outside and enjoyed an IPA and a session ale. Definitely a cool place to visit, even if it’s a bit out of the way.
21 Tirana Park
This beautiful green area has a lake and is a welcome respite from the busy city. When we were there the cherry blossoms were blooming.
Best Day Trips from Tirana
If you’re spending a few days in Tirana, and feel like getting out of the city, there’s plenty to see in the surrounding area. You could visit the beach city of Durres, take the cable car up the Dajti Mountain, or, take a day trip to Kruja.
Tirana, Albania Travel Guide – Essential Information
How to get to Tirana, Albania
By Air
There is an international airport 17km from the city centre. From here you can catch a taxi to the centre of town for around €25. The drive will take around 30 minutes, depending on traffic. There is also a shuttle bus which runs from the airport and costs around 300 leke.
By Car
Despite what you may have heard, the main highways in Albania are pretty good. If you’re coming from Montenegro in the north, you’ll pass through the city of Shkoder and then you’re on the A1 motorway down to Tirana.
From the south, there is the main north-south highway, which is quite good in most parts.
The road from Durres to Tirana, is in my mind, one of the worst to drive in Albania! It has large pot-holes in random places, and its been busy every time I’ve driven along there.
By Train
There are currently no trains running in Albania
By Ferry
There are several ferry lines servicing Albania – we caught the ferry from Bari (Italy) to Durres. We drove onto the ferry with our campervan and stayed overnight in a cabin. The crossing takes 9 hours.
We arrived in Durres early morning. Durres is a 40 minute drive from Tirana. Check out Direct Ferries for timetables and pricing.
Where to stay in Tirana?
We visited Tirana in our campervan, and stayed outside the city at a campervan stopover called Vila Lufi in the town of Kamëz. From here it is a 40 minute bus ride into the centre of town.
You’ll find a wide range of accommodation in the city centre, from large international hotels to smaller guesthouses. Check booking.com for availability and pricing.
Best places to eat in Tirana
During my time in Tirana I (Sue) ate at four different restaurants. Lezet in the Tirana Castle, Laveen in Blloku (which has since closed down), and Oda’s Garden and Konak in the New Bazaar. All of them were great and I would happily eat there again.
You can get great coffee in Tirana, as there’s a real cafe culture here. We had coffee in Skanderbeg Square at the cafe at the opera house several times. 200 leke (€2) for a cappuccino, sitting outside, is a great price!
You can find all of these restaurants and cafes on our FREE interactive Tirana Map
FAQs
Is Tirana worth visiting?
Oh yes! Tirana is one of the most fascinating cities we have ever visited. Especially given that it’s interesting (and somewhat tragic) history occurred during our lifetime.
Tirana is a small compact city, easy for walking around.
How many days do you need in Tirana?
While I (Sue) visited Tirana centre on four separate days, due to work commitments, Nigel only had one day in the city. That was a good test for us, as we determined it was, in fact, possible to get around and see all these places (with the exception of Tirana Park) in one day.
Is Tirana safe for tourists?
One of the most common questions we see asked about Tirana (and Albania in general) relates to safety. Sadly, too many people seem to believe what they see in movies like “Taken”.
After over two months in Albania, most of that as a solo female, I can definitely say Tirana feels like one of the safest cities I have ever visited. People here are generally very friendly and kind to visitors, even if they don’t speak much English (thank goodness for Google Translate!)
Of course, as always use common sense and I probably wouldn’t walk around alone after dark, but all the other tourists I met in the city agreed that we feel very safe here.
Is Tirana, Albania cheap?
If you’ve been travelling around Europe, you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised when you come to Tirana. It’s one of the most affordable cities we’ve ever visited. I do hear that prices have gone up in the last few years, but you can still eat for under €10, and a beer will cost around €2-3.
The most expensive museum we visited was the Bunk’Art 2, which cost 900 leke (around €9).
The local bus to and from the camper stopover is only 80 leke one way. That’s €0.80!!
Watch our “Best things to do in Tirana” video
Want to see more of Tirana? Check out our Tirana Travel Guide on YouTube.
Where to next?
Continue your Albania Road Trip with a visit to the beautiful historic city of Berat, or head for the beaches of the Albanian Riviera.
Enjoying your video series on Albania And the great detail you go to on your blog travel guide! Your videography and editing is very good.
Thanks Andre, we will be adding a lot more Travel Guides for Albania over the coming weeks, both on YouTube and here on the blog.