We recently spent two weeks in Albania, our first trip there. While we visited some other parts of the country, we spent over a week in Tirana, the capital. Exploring Tirana was easy, given that it is very compact and easily walkable. Personally, I really enjoyed geeking out over all the history of this once-mysterious place. Read on to discover more about the sights, hotels, food and culture of this vibrant city.
Tirana: A Brief Overview
Tirana, the vibrant capital of Albania, is a city brimming with history, culture, and a dynamic modern energy. Nestled between Mount Dajti and the Adriatic Sea, Tirana offers a unique blend of Ottoman, Italian, and communist-era architecture, bustling markets, and lively cafes. The city’s colorful buildings, wide boulevards, and lush parks provide a scenic backdrop for exploring its many attractions. Exploring Tirana over a few days is optimal. Hence, this timeframe allows you to discover the best sights while getting a feel for the culture and spirit of Albania.

A Bit About Albania
Traditionally Europe’s poorest country, Albania also suffered through a brutal communist dictatorship for thirty years before achieving its freedom in 1991. Despite such a dark period, the people are incredibly friendly and welcoming. Culturally, they have a long tradition of “besa,” a sort of honor code that makes them generous, helpful and trustworthy. Indeed, everyone we have met all around the country have been incredibly friendly. It’s a very tolerant place. English is widespread. Their long history is a mix of Illyrian, Byzantine and Ottoman, with a side of Greek and Italian. Albanian food is a delicious blend of the same – more on that below!
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The Top Sights in Tirana
- Skanderbeg Square
The heart of Tirana, this large plaza is named after Albania’s national hero, General Skanderbeg. He is credited with uniting Albanian tribes and repelling the Ottoman invaders. It’s surrounded by key landmarks like the National Historical Museum, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the Opera House. - Et’hem Bey Mosque
One of the oldest buildings in Tirana, this mosque is renowned for its beautiful frescoes depicting trees, waterfalls, and bridges. - National Historical Museum
The largest museum in Albania, located on Skanderbeg Square, showcases the country’s history from antiquity to the modern era through a vast collection of artifacts. - Blloku District
Once restricted to the communist elite, this area was immediately reclaimed by the people of Tirana in the 1990s. As a result, it is now a vibrant neighborhood full of cafes, bars, restaurants, and boutiques. - Pyramid of Tirana
Originally built as a museum dedicated to the former communist leader Enver Hoxha, it lay in ruin for years. It’s now been transformed into a unique architectural landmark and event space that invites your interaction.

- Downtown One: This iconic new mixed-use tower near Skanderbeg Square features a pixelated map of Albania on each side.

- Grand Park (Parku i Madh)
A large green space perfect for relaxation, it features a lake, playgrounds, loads of trails and paths, and several cafes. Albanians have a lovely tradition of evening walks known as xhiro, and this park is ideal for such strolling.

- Bunk’Art 1 and 2
These museums, housed in former nuclear bunkers, provide fascinating insight into Albania’s communist past and the impact of the Cold War. FUN FACT: Over 600,000 bunkers were built in Albania during the communist regime. You’ll see them scattered in the countryside all around the country.

- Dajti Ekspres Cable Car
Offering stunning views of Tirana and the surrounding countryside, this cable car ride takes visitors to the top of Dajti Mountain. - House of Leaves
The former headquarters of the Albanian secret police, it is now a museum detailing the history of surveillance and political oppression during the communist era.
Introduction to Albanian Food
Albanian food is similar to what you might find in Greece or other parts of the Balkans. However, there are many regional variations and specialties. I recommend that you start with a food tour for a good introduction to Albanian food. The tour guide will also give you suggestions on where to eat locally. Better yet, take a cooking class and get to know the ingredients firsthand.
Here is a brief primer on Albanian food:
- Byrek – phyllo pastry pie filled with feta, spinach and other ingredients.
- Tavë Kosi – a sort of baked casserole with yogurt-based sauce and meats like lamb. This is a specialty of Elbasan but can be found around Albania.
- Petulla – this is a fried dough sort of like a doughnut or beignet, often served at breakfast with butter and fresh jam.
- Qifqi – these are sort of like arancini or rice balls
- Qoftes – these are meatballs and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are typically denser than meatballs we are familiar with in the U.S.
- Lakror – a regional pie (very similar to a quesadilla) with cheese and other fillings. A specialty from Korça.
- Musaka – similar to Greek moussaka
- Dollmas / Sarma / Japrak – these are grape leaves stuffed with rice and meat
- Kasata – a light fluffy ice cream with bits of nuts and fruit
- Oshaf – a creamy custard similar to cheesecake with ingredients like figs and sprinkled with cinnamon
- Tomato and Feta Salad
- Lakror
- Tavë Kosi
- Kasata
- Musaka
- Japrak
Beverages:
Soft drinks, lemonade, bottled water and çaj mali (mountain tea) are widely available in Albania. They have several popular beer brands you will see around, the most popular of which is Korça. Others include Elbar and Tirana, plus Peja (from Kosovo). The other drink you will see EVERYWHERE is raki, a fiery and very strong spirit made from fermented fruit. Proceed with caution!
Where to Eat: Restaurants in Tirana
- Era Restaurant Pizzeria: A popular spot with two locations offering both traditional and international dishes. Don’t miss the Cream Chicken Soup, a house specialty.
- Oda: Traditional Albanian cuisine in a rustic setting.
- Fresh Garden Restaurant: Modern interpretations of Albanian dishes using local ingredients.
- Padam: Fine dining with a focus on Mediterranean flavors.
- Sofra e Ariut: A blend of traditional and contemporary Albanian food.
- Restorant Tymi: This hip bar is packed to the rafters with popular culture, from Nirvana, to the Beatles, Pokémon, and Marilyn Monroe. There are dozens of imported beers on offer, along with delicious local food.

Restaurants in Tirana Offering Non-Albanian Cuisine
There are some options if you are in the mood for different types of cuisine:
- Artigiano: Renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine, this restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu filled with classic Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, and seafood.
- Delibros: Fresh American-style burgers with beef and even pastrami, plus loads of fries.
- Opium Sushi: A top choice for sushi and Japanese cuisine lovers, Opium Sushi provides a stylish setting and a menu featuring a wide range of sushi, sashimi, and Japanese-inspired dishes.
- Salt Restaurant: Known for its fusion of Mediterranean and Asian flavors, Salt Restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience with a diverse menu that includes everything from fresh seafood to innovative fusion dishes.
- Ginger Sushi Bar & Lounge: This trendy venue specializes in sushi and Asian-inspired cocktails, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a menu that caters to fans of Japanese cuisine.
- Colonial Cafe: While primarily known for its extensive cocktail menu, Colonial Cafe also offers a variety of international dishes in a relaxed and stylish setting, making it a popular spot for both food and drinks.
Hotels in Tirana: Where to Stay
- Tirana Marriott: The nicest Marriott we’ve ever stayed at, this new hotel is adjacent to Air Albania Stadium, located in the heart of the city.
- Hotel Boutique Kotoni: Nice and friendly boutique hotel centrally located in Blloku.
- Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana: A luxurious hotel located in the heart of the city.
- Rogner Hotel Tirana: Known for its beautiful gardens and spacious pool, in a central location.
- Tirana International Hotel & Conference Centre: Features panoramic views and upscale facilities.

Day Trips from Tirana
When you’re done exploring Tirana, there are loads of great day trips from the centrally-located capital. Here are the most popular:
- Mt Dajti: Just outside of Tirana, let the cable car whisk you to the top for a magnificent panoramic view of the city. You can even do tandem paragliding.
- Bovilla Lake and Mt Gamti: Spend time out in nature with this day tour to Lake Bovilla and hike up Gamti Mountain. It’s not too long or strenuous and you’ll get some fantastic views.
- Kruja, Durres and Berat: Visit Kruja Castle, the Old Bazaar and the fantastic Skanderbeg Museum in Kruja; visit the largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkans in Durres, on the Adriatic coast; see the distinctive and UNESCO-listed Ottoman houses that give Berat its nickname, “city of a thousand windows.”
- Albanian Alps and Shala River: This day trip takes you to the hard-to-reach Shala River, where you will take a boat ride and spend the afternoon exploring the area. The Komani Lake Ferry from Koman to Fierze is one of the most beautiful ferry rides you will ever take and it is on the popular hike from Shkoder to Theth.
- Albanian Riviera: Visit the gorgeous southern beach towns of Ksamil, Sarande, and Vlore.
- North Macedonia: This country east of Albania is really worth a visit, especially the town of Ohrid, perched on Lake Ohrid (which both countries share). The lake and entire region are UNESCO-protected.
NOTE: Be sure to bring your passport. Also, before you go, check your phone’s eSIM to make sure North Macedonia is part of its program. We were using Airalo‘s Eurolink eSIM (which covers 39 countries in Europe), but North Macedonia wasn’t on the plan. No worries; you can easily add an eSIM for North Macedonia for about 5 euros (as long as you have an available slot). - Montenegro: Visit beautiful towns on the Montenegrin Riviera, such as Kotor, Sveti Stefan, and Budva.

Summary: Tirana is Worth a Visit
Tirana is a city that seamlessly blends its rich history with a modern, cosmopolitan vibe, making it an exciting destination for travelers. Whether you’re exploring Tirana’s historical sites, dining at its diverse restaurants, or staying in one of its top hotels, Tirana offers a unique and memorable experience.