2-Day Itinerary For Discovering Tirana, Albania’s Rising Hotspot.

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A few years ago, I probably wouldn’t have even thought about visiting Tirana. Honestly, I only knew that there was a country called Albania, but that was about it. I’m not proud of not knowing much, but it’s also because Albania seemed so hidden from the world.

It wasn’t until I listened to a BBC podcast about Albania’s rising popularity as a tourist spot that my curiosity about the country really kicked in. I started reading about Tirana and was amazed to learn how its people faced invasions from the Byzantines, Ottomans, Germans, and Romans. Yet, through it all, they showed such incredible determination and resilience. Then came communism, which really put their spirit to the test. But even then, they stood strong, and that strength has shaped Tirana into the city it is today.

2-Day Tirana Albania Itinerary

Moreover, Tirana, the capital of Albania, is a city located in the heart of the country, surrounded by mountains and hills. And that’s it! I could hear the mountains calling my name :)

We booked our flights to Tirana and mapped out an adventure heading south, stopping at the historic city of Berat, the beautiful blue waters of Vlora, Gjirokastër, and all the way to Ksamil. We definitely chose the south for its warmer temperatures!

Check out my other blog posts for detailed itineraries on each of the other magical cities of Albania.

Where to Stay?

Tirana’s accommodation prices are generally lower than in many other parts of Europe, so it's easy to find options that fit different budgets.

Tirana

WARNING ‼️ Hotel Deluxe: As for Hotel Deluxe, it was a total disaster! When we called them from the airport to check how late the restaurant was open, they casually informed us that our room wasn’t available anymore, and they’d be booking us into another hotel. Imagine arriving in a new country only to find out that the accommodation you reserved is no longer yours! Thankfully, we had booked through booking.com, and they were quick to step in, resolving the issue and securing us a different hotel with a 50% discount. To top it off, Hotel Deluxe even hung up when booking.com tried to contact them. So much for all those “amazing” reviews they flaunt! Located 6 km from the center, known for its comfortable accommodations and garden views, priced at €90 per night for 2 persons.

1. Hilton Garden Inn Tirana - The Hilton Garden Inn Tirana is an upscale hotel right on the lively Boulevard Gjergj Fishta, in the heart of the city. With prices usually starting around €85 to €120 per night, it’s surrounded by fantastic restaurants and bars, plus lots of money exchange spots and Vodafone stores.

2. Mondial Hotel - When we arrived in Tirana, we checked into our gorgeous hotel, Mondial, which was beautifully situated right in the city center. We booked a family suite that offered stunning views of the street below. The hotel featured a rooftop restaurant and bar, along with a restaurant on the ground floor. After settling into our room, we decided to spend the evening relaxing at the hotel. It was nice to unwind and enjoy the lovely atmosphere without feeling rushed. Everything about our stay felt special, making us excited to explore the city the next day!

   
   
   

   

   Hotel Mondial Luxury

   

   

   Suite Hotel Mondial Tirana

   

   

   Centrally located Hotel Mondial
   
   

3. Doanesia Premium Hotel & Spa: 8 km away, it features luxury spa facilities and fine dining, with prices from €110 per night.

4. Hotel Theatro-City Center: Just 0.5 km from the city center, this hotel boasts theater-inspired design, with rates starting at €75 per night.

Arriving in Tirana

✈️ Tirana International Airport (TIA) is just 20 kilometers from the city center. You can catch direct flights from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), as well as from Rome and London. There are also connections through major European hubs. BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS HERE.

🚖 Once you arrive, you can easily book a taxi using EASY AIRPORT TAXIS BOOKINGS.

‼️ Despite what you might read online, there’s no Bolt or Uber in Tirana. However, we found a cab service called Patoko that offers excellent mobility options at affordable rates.

🚌 If you prefer public transport, buses run from the airport to the city center, with the main bus terminal located at the Regional Bus Station.

🚗 For more flexibility, consider renting a car, which you can arrange by BOOKING CAR RENTAL HERE. As soon as you exit the airport, you’ll find a warm welcome from various car rental companies like Europcar, Enterprise, Alamo, National, Eurocar, and Thrifty. Just a heads up: the lines for Alamo and Enterprise were the longest, while the others had relatively shorter queues. Unfortunately, while we waited, we had to deal with the discomfort of smokers all around us.

So here we are in Tirana, having just landed in the vibrant capital of Albania. We rented a car via Booking.com to take us to our accommodation and kick off our adventure!

Getting Around Tirana

Buses are the main mode of transportation in Tirana, with fares around 40 LEK. Look for “Unaza” routes that loop the city center. You can also use “furgons,” unlicensed minibuses on untimetabled routes.

Staying Hydrated

Use bottled mineral water. While tap water is generally safe, bottled water is the preferred choice at every hotel, restaurant or pub. They insist that we drink from the provided bottles or to buy from the supermarket.

Currency and Payment

The official currency is the Lek (ALL). Major banks, supermarkets, and international hotels accept credit and debit cards, but smaller businesses and taxis typically require cash, so it’s wise to have some on hand.

Union Bank and OTP Bank are great options for low fees, making them a smart choice for banking. However, if you’re considering converting currency, it’s best to say no, as the commissions can be quite high. The same goes for ATMs, which often charge steep rates for withdrawals. To avoid these extra costs, consider downloading an app called ATMSAVER. It can help you find the best ATMs in the area, allowing you to save money on fees while managing your cash needs more efficiently.

What To Wear

I opted for a modest style during my time in Tirana since I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that both tourists and locals were dressed quite liberally. The younger crowd especially embraces fashionable clothing, often seen in short skirts, sleeveless tops, and trendy outfits. Their attire reflects a modern vibe, and you can feel free to wear whatever you like.

Day 1

First up, Tirana is a relatively small city. You can cover the city center which has all the main attractions in a day.

10:30 AM - Skanderbeg Square

We started with Tirana’s main square, the Skanderbeg Square. This square is named after the national hero Skanderberg whose bronze statue on a horseback commemorates this square. He briefly freed the nation from the Byzantine empire until it fell back again under the Ottoman rule in 1478. Some of the other notable buildings that preside in this square are the National History Museum with a huge socialist mural of the victorious partisans (The National History Museum will be closed to visitors from March 15, 2024, to March 15, 2028), Et'hem Bey Mosque which is a very prominent mosque from the 18th century, and the Clock Tower. The Tirana International Hotel looms large in this square and was built in 1979 during the communist period in Albania.

You can visit the Et'hem Bey Mosque and admire its beautiful architecture. You may also admire hte beautiful frescos outside. It's recommended to dress respectfully by covering your shoulders and head when entering the mosque. However, if you don't have a scarf, one will be provided for you. If you visit outside of regular hours, you may enter without a headscarf. This reflects the liberal and secular values upheld by the country.

12:00 PM - Tirana Castle

After spending about an hour here, we headed towards Tirana Castle (Kalaja e Justinianit) or Fortress of Justinian. Only a 6-metre (20 ft) high Ottoman-era wall, covered in vines is the remnant of this castle which was declared a monument of culture of first category on 10 June 1973 and the newly built walls of Tirana Castle were declared a cultural monument on 15 May 2008. Its history dates back before 1300 and is a remnant from the Byzantine-era.

However the current fortification is very tastefully done including restaurants, hotels, and cultural institutions. It’s in city centre right next to Toptani which is acting as downtown of Tirana. For lunch, we stopped at Oping's Cocktails & Beer inside the castle, where I tried their delicious chicken soup and Korça beer—this place also known for their cocktails!

You will stroll along Blvd. Deshmoret e Kombit (Martyrs' Boulevard), the most famous street in Tirana. This key cultural and historical artery is lined with important government buildings, museums, and notable attractions, including the castle. Several countries have made significant contributions to the city's development: China, Austria, and the USA have all made donations that have helped shape Tirana's modern landscape.

2:00 PM - FREE WALKING TOUR

We had an amazing and insightful afternoon with Clint on the free English walking tour, which runs daily at 10 AM and 2 PM. The tour kicks off from the steps of the Opera House in Tirana and takes you through highlights like Skanderbeg Square, the Vodafone Wi-Fi Bridge, Tirana Cathedral, the famous Pyramid of Tirana, and much more. Simply visit their website to reserve your spots!

4:30 PM - Pyramid of Tirana

After the tour, we visited the Pyramid of Tirana to explore it from within and get groegous views of the city from atop. A historical landmark of Tirana built in 1987 dedicated to the communist dictator Enver Hoxha as a museum is now a building for technology studies for the students of Albania. Surrounding the Pyramid are colorful structures of cafes, studios, workshops, simply colorful boxes setting off a modern vibe to the city. If you climb the 130 steps to the top, you will get magnificent 360 degrees view of the city.

6:00 PM - Bunk’Art 2

We returned to the Bunk’Art 2 museum, which is a 5 minutes walk from Skanderbeg Square. We decided to explore Albania's history under communist rule in this nuclear bunker. Yes, the fascinating thing was that all historical artifacts are placed in a nuclear bunker. This is a fascinating glimpse into Albania’s history, blending Cold War-era bunkers with exhibits about the country’s communist past. If you don’t get an opportunity to visit Bunk’Art 1, then definitely check this one out. The displays are informative, covering the secret police and the regime’s surveillance,. The dim lighting and narrow corridors add an eerie but fitting vibe to the experience. If you’re a history buff, then it’s a must-do!

Day 2

10:30 PM - Bunk’Art 1 Museum

You should visit Bunk’Art in Tirana because it unveils Albania’s eerie history in the best way—through chilling underground bunkers and powerful stories from the past!

We drove 20 minutes from Tirana’s glamorous city center to the chaotic area of the former Block neighborhood, where we discovered an adventurous-looking tunnel entrance marked by a sign reading ‘Bunk’Art 1’ Museum. This is the main entry, for both pedestrians and vehicles, into Albania’s famous underground museum.

Bunk’Art 1 Museum in Tirana is a captivating underground site that was once a nuclear bunker constructed during Enver Hoxha’s regime. He was so paranoid that he built an extensive network of bunkers throughout the country, convinced that Albania was under constant threat from foreign enemies and spies. This fear-driven climate led to the oppressive control of the population. Bunk’Art 1 reflects this era, covering over 1,000 square meters and consisting of 24 rooms, each highlighting different facets of Albania’s history and culture during the communist period. One of the most striking rooms is the gas chamber, a chilling reminder of the oppressive tactics used to maintain control. Ironically, despite its ominous purpose, the bunker was never actually used.

1:00 PM - Traditional Albanian Restaurant ODA

Even before our guide highly recommended the traditional restaurant ODA, it was already on my list. I take my research seriously when planning an itinerary, and ODA consistently stood out for its rave reviews on both food and ambiance. As expected, it’s tucked away in a charming part of Tirana, just off the bustling Pazari i Ri (New Bazaar). The restaurant feels like a cozy villa, with its white-walled interiors adorned with beautiful Albanian art and décor. The outdoor seating area, bathed in sunlight, was perfect for a leisurely afternoon lunch.

The menu offers a variety of traditional Albanian dishes, including some great vegetarian and vegan options. We tried patëllxhanë të mbushura (stuffed eggplant), speca dhe domate të mbushura me oriz (stuffed peppers and tomatoes with rice), and the classic fërgesë me speca dhe djathë (a rich dish made with cottage cheese and peppers). For vegans, there’s supë me perime dhe oriz (vegetable and rice soup), which is simple but full of flavor. The meal ended on a sweet note with kos shtëpie me mjaltë dhe arra—yogurt with honey and nuts—a delightful finish to our authentic Albanian feast  .

3:00 PM - Pazari i Ri

We took a quick 20-minute stroll around Pazari i Ri before heading over to ODA. It was just enough time to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, admire the colorful facades, and get a feel for the local vibe. The New Bazaar, established in 1939, became a key trading center in Tirana after the Old Bazaar was demolished in 1959. Located in one of the city's oldest areas, it remains a bustling market for meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, ceramics, woolen shoes and so much more. We saw a few cute coffee shops and traditional restaurants tucked under the bright buildings, perfect for a later visit if we had more time. It’s such a lively spot, but easy to explore in a short window, especially if you’re on your way to enjoy a delicious Albanian meal nearby!

Optional: House of Leaves Museum

Very interesting museum! Not very catchy at first sight though, since you have to dig into all the facts presented to you yourself to understand the interesting points about how the communists remained in power for some decades. Definitely worth a visit if you got time to spend in the capital!

4:00 PM - Take a stroll through the colorful Blloku district.

Visit the colorful Blloku district, once reserved for the elite. When exploring the colorful Blloku district in Tirana, start by strolling down the main streets like Rruga Ismail Qemaliand Rruga Pjetër Bogdani, where you'll find trendy cafes, bars, and boutique shops. Look out for the vibrant street art, and make a stop at Komiteti - Kafe Muzeum, a quirky cafe decorated with vintage Albanian memorabilia.

If you have more time…

You can also visit Enver Hoxha's former residence, which is still there as a reminder of the area’s past as an exclusive neighborhood for communist elites. The residence is a huge villa or bunglow per se and is very unassuming, nothing grand. Walk around Wilson Square, a lively spot surrounded by more cafes and eateries, and end your tour at Mother Teresa Square, just a short walk away, where you can relax.

Tirana's Street Art Adventure

Throughout the city, especially in areas like the New Bazaar and Ura e Dajti, you’ll see a variety of murals. We saw some really awesome murals while walking and driving around the city. They added so much character to the streets, with everything from bold, colorful designs to portraits of famous figures.Some are politically inspired, while others are just artistic, including abstract designs and portraits.

Evening: Drive to Berat (approx. 1.5-2 hours).

We drove on winding roads in pitch darkness to get to the 2400-old UNESCO heritage city of Berat, layered in history and its streets lined in stones under yellow lights. We were absolutely mesmerized!

Closing Thoughts

What an interesting place this was! It’s incredible how a city with such a strong communist history has opened up to tourism so quickly and impressively!

I have to say, Tirana in autumn was absolutely amazing! The vibe, the weather and to-dos were perfect for a 2 to 3 day visit, and the food scene? So vibrant!

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