The Best Things to do in Tirana
Tirana is one of the most vibrant cities to visit in the Balkans. Albania’s capital is steeped in a deep and fascinating history and full of diversity. A stroll through the streets will provide an unusual blend of architecture and culture from past and present, East and West. As far as Balkan cities go, Tirana has remained relatively undiscovered by tourists and still has a rather mysterious reputation. However, that is changing very fast as more and more people are becoming seduced by it’s charms. Now, many airlines fly to Tirana International Airport from Europe and the city is an easy taxi ride from there. In this post, we highlight some of the very best things to do in Tirana, including our practical tips and local knowledge.
A very brief history of Albania
Before we begin, lets have a quick introduction to this amazing country. Albania became an independent state in the early 20th century after hundreds of years of Ottoman rule. Since then, the country has been occupied by the Italians from 1939 – ‘43, the Germans from 1943 – ‘44 and later became a Communist State, until the late 1980s, when the Eastern Bloc capitulated. This dramatic timeline provides an intriguing charm to the city which is evident throughout its architecture, culture and people.
The Best Things to do in Tirana
There are tonnes of amazing things to do in Tirana. The city is evolving so quickly and every time we visit there is something new. We have highlighted a few of our favourites and included addresses and entry fees where we can.
Things to do in Tirana – Bunk’Art 1 and 2
If you’re in to history, politics or something a bit creepy, then this is one of the best things to do in Tirana for you! Bunk’Art is a museum exhibition that you must not miss.
The museum is set inside the atomic bunker built under the command of Dictator, Enver Hoxha. The exhibit clearly displays fascinating videos, images and memorabilia from Albania’s recent history. It shows a terrifying insight into the paranoia of Enver Hoxha and the propaganda and violence used during his rule.
Entry to Bunk’Art costs 500Lek – about €4 and is well worth it. We visited during the Easter holidays and only saw two other people in the whole complex. This certainly upped the creepy factor!
We spent hours exploring this eerie, underground bunker and we could have stayed longer. So, to read more and find out some practical tips (like how to get there) click here.
There is another Bunk’Art museum in the centre of town – Bunk’Art 2. It is much easier to get to, but we found Bunk’Art 1 more interesting and definitely worth the trip if you can make it.
Things to do in Tirana – Dajti Ekspres Cable Car
Take a trip to the very top of Tirana on the longest cable car in the Balkans. The Dajti Ekspres climbs the Skanderbeg Mountains which are located just outside Tirana. In 15 mins you travel up Dajti Mountain whose summit reaches 1,613m.
Along the way, the views of the city are incredible (as long as you’re not afraid of heights!). You will pass over small, rural houses and farms, a little lake and you can see the entrance to the Bunk’Art bunker below. Upon reaching the top of the cable car you can take a break at the Dajti Tower Hotel. This has a rotating bar and a viewing terrace where you can gaze over Tirana and beyond.
A return ticket on the cable car costs 800Lek which is around €7.50. There are also concession options. The Dajti Ekspres is a great way to experience nature just outside Tirana. There are a few hotels and restaurants at the cable car terminal but, to get closer to nature, take one of the many trails further up the mountain.
The cable car runs 09:00-18:00 but it is closed on Tuesdays.
Again, we spent a while up here so we’ve put another blog together with more detail. As Bunk’Art is in the same area, we visited the two together. Click HERE to check out how we did it and for practical tips. The Dajti Ekspress is definitely one of the best things to do in Tirana!
Things to do in Tirana – Pyramid of Tirana
Some call it a mausoleum, others call it an eyesore and many use it as a playground. The “Piramida” was built in the 1980s as a museum of the Dictator Enver Hoxha, who had died 3 years earlier. Since the fall of communism, the museum has not been used for this purpose and lies mostly vacant.
Stumbling upon it one spring evening, we were surprised to see people running up the rather steep sides of the structure. One brave chap made it to the top resulting in much celebration. Apparently, this is a thing – scrambling to the top and posting your triumphant video online. However, we were more than happy to admire the Brutalist architecture from the ground.
There is a bit of debate about the future of Tirana’s Pyramid and it’s unlikely to be there forever. So if you like communist architecture, history or running up the steep sides of buildings (probably illegal), then take a stroll passed this one. It’s right in the centre of Tirana and you can easily walk from Skanderbeg Square to explore its dilapidated charm.
*Update – work has started to convert the building into a city hub. However, they intend to preserve the exterior. You can read more HERE*
Things to do in Tirana – Walk over Tanner’s Bridge
Tanner’s Bridge is a quirky 18th century Ottoman structure that sits in the centre of modern Tirana. The bridge was originally constructed to connect Tirana to the Eastern Highlands of Albania. It has recently been refurbished and is used as a pedestrian footbridge today. There are a few shops and cafes around so it’s a nice place to stop for a refreshment or to take a few pictures.
Bulevardi “Jean D’Arc, Tirana, Albania
Things to do in Tirana – Toptani Mall
For some retail therapy in Tirana, stop at Toptani Mall for seven floors of shopping heaven. This mall has around 100 stores, bars and restaurants and is right in the centre of Tirana. If you’re in need of a shopping spree or you want a good choice of convenient restaurants, check it out.
We didn’t buy anything but we did enjoy some FroYo on the top floor (and cruising up and down the 7 stories in the capsule lift). There are also some nice views of the city from the higher floors. The mall is located at Rruga Abdi Toptani 1001, Tiranë, Albania and is open from 9am – 10pm every day.
Rruga Abdi Toptani 1001, Tiranë, Albania
Skanderbeg Square
Skanderbeg Square is named after the Albanian national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu and is in the very heart of Tirana. An imposing monument of Skanderbeg watches over the crowds from the edge of the plaza. This was originally a statue of Stalin but was later replaced. The square is vast, open and practically immaculate giving a feeling of space and freedom in a growing city.
Other noteworthy buildings around the square are the Palace of Culture, the National Opera, the National Library, the National Bank, the ancient Ethem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, the City Hall, quite a few Ministries and the National Historical Museum.
Tirana is not known for its architectural beauty. However, on show here are examples from the Ottoman era, Italian influence, Communist designs and modern Albanian structures, like the TID Tower Hotel. Well worth a wander.
Namazgjah Mosque and Et’hem Bey Mosque
Namazgjah Mosque is Tirana’s newest and largest Mosque and is a seriously impressive structure. Islam is the most commonly practiced religion in Albania. But, unfortunately, a period of communist rule resulted in only 8 mosques remaining in Tirana.
Namazgah Mosque is large enough for 5,000 worshipers inside and another 5,000 outside in the compound. When completed, it will be the largest Mosque in the Balkans. It’s interesting to see both the ancient Ethem Bey Mosque and the modern, colossal Namazgah Mosque within 5 minutes walk of each other.
Namazgjah Mosque sits next to the Parliament building and it’s definitely worth a look if you’re in the centre of the city. As of May 2023, it is still not fully open. However, it is still very impressive from the outside.
Practical tip – Skanderbeg Square, Tanners Bridge, The Great Mosque, The Pyramid and Toptani Mall are all within easy walking distance of each other. To be super-efficient, you can complete a tour of all of them in a day or a long afternoon.
Where to eat in Tirana
We have some great recommendations for where to eat in Tirana. So many, that we had to put it in a whole other post – check it out HERE. If you still can’t decide, head to the Blloku area of town, there are tonnes of great bars and restaurants on every street. If you’re looking for traditional try Era, for something more contemporary, Salt is a great place to go.
Why you MUST visit Tirana
If you’re already planning a trip to Tirana, you won’t be disappointed! This complex and intriguing city has a lot to offer for lovers of history, politics, architecture and food. If you’re looking for a trip that’s off the beaten track, great value and saturated in history, I would recommend a trip to Tirana.
Want to read a bit more about the city? Read our blog HERE to find out why you MUST visit. If you’re already in Tirana, then you MUST read our blog about bus travel to Podgorica HERE.
More Info
Where to go next
Got more time in Tirana? Why not go north and explore the Accursed Mountains and their many hiking trails. Or perhaps you will head south and visit the mysterious, natural spring Syri i Kalter. Click HERE to see why you should visit and how to get there.
Final note: Things change in Albania all the time and there is not much information in English online. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.
Have you visited Albania? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
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