Tirana Guide 

The capital and largest city of Albania is located in the central part of the country, in a valley between the mountains and the Adriatic Sea. Culturally, Tirana is the heart of Albania - it is home to the most important museums, galleries and theatres, and important festivals are held here. And not only that - in the center of Skanderbeg Square, a statue of the national hero waves at you, while in the surroundings you will find a mixture of mosques, bunkers and cafes where coffee flows freely.

Sights and attractions - What should you see and visit in TIRANA? Skanderbeg Square, Edhem Bey Mosque, Bunk'Art 1 and 2.

Accommodation - Where to stay in Tirana? Tips for accommodation from a luxurious 5* hotel, to a classic hotel or guesthouse to an apartment and a cheap hostel.

Practical tips - How to get around Tirana and the surrounding area? What to visit and where to enjoy the most beautiful views of the city?

Typical food and drink - What to taste in Tirana? Vegetable fërgesë or lamb tavë kosi and wash it down with local wine or beer.

Celebrities - What famous personalities are associated with Tirana? Medieval hero Skanderbeg, Mother Teresa or modern politicians.

Weather - What temperatures and precipitation should you expect when visiting Tirana?

What was once a lackluster communist-era city is now a metropolis brimming with energy, art and surprises around every corner.

Tirana was founded in 1614 by Ottoman general Suleiman Pasha, who built the first key buildings here – a mosque, a bakery and a Turkish bath. Although it remained a small market town for a long time, it became the capital of Albania in 1920 and has since transformed into a dynamic center of politics, culture and commerce.

Today, Tirana will charm you with its diverse mix of architecture – from Ottoman monuments, to monumental buildings from the communist era, to modern cafes and colorful street art that give the city a unique vibe. Stroll along Skanderbeg Square, visit the Et’hem Bey Mosque with its beautiful frescoes, or enjoy the atmosphere of the lively New Bazaar, where the scent of fresh fruit and local specialties fills the air.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, take the cable car to the nearby Dajti Mountain, from where you will have a breathtaking panorama of the entire Tirana and the surrounding countryside.

Sights and monuments

Skander's Square (Sheshi Skënderbej) - The heart of Tirana and the largest square in Albania, where the main boulevards of the city converge. The square is dominated by an equestrian statue of the national hero Skanderbeg from 1968. Cultural events are often held here, and in the summer, children like to frolic in the water fountains.
Address: Sheshi Skënderbej, Tirana.

Edhem Bey Mosque (Xhamia e Et'hem Beut) - The oldest surviving building in the city, built between 1789 and 1823. It will enchant you with its beautiful frescoes with motifs of trees, waterfalls and flowers - which is very unusual in Islamic art. It also survived the period of communist atheism, when most religious buildings were destroyed.
Address: Skanderbeg Square, Tirana.

Clock Tower (Kulla e Sahatit) – 35 meters high tower, built in 1822, for a long time held the title of the tallest building in the city. After climbing 90 steps, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the center of Tirana.
Address: Sheshi Skënderbej, Tirana.

Bunk’Art 1 - One of the largest and most interesting museums in Tirana - and definitely the largest bunker you will ever see in Albania! This five-story underground complex with over a hundred rooms was built in 1978 as a secret nuclear fallout shelter for the communist elite led by dictator Enver Hoxha. Hoxha was obsessed with the idea that Albania was under attack from all sides, which is why he had over 173,000 bunkers built across the country! Today, Bunk’Art 1 offers not only a fascinating glimpse into the cramped world of totalitarian paranoia, but also a gallery of modern art and an exhibition dedicated to 20th-century Albanian history.
Address: Rruga Fadil Deliu, Dajt, Tirana (under the cable car to Mount Dajt).

Bunk’Art 2 - A museum in a former nuclear fallout shelter right in the city center. The exhibition brings the communist dictatorship and the activities of the secret police closer. You can get inside through a concrete dome, which enhances the experience even more.
Address: Rruga Abdi Toptani, Tirana.

Pyramid of Tirana (Piramida e Tiranës) - A futuristic building from 1988, originally a museum of dictator Enver Hoxha, which was founded 3 years after his death. Its official name is the International Cultural Center Pjetër Arbnori. Today it serves as a center of modern technology and a popular meeting place - you can go up to the roof and enjoy the view of the city.
Address: Bulevardi Dëshmorët e Kombit, Tirana.

Tirana Castle (Kalaja e Tiranës / Justinian’s Fortress) – The history of the castle dates back to the Byzantine era, allegedly built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. Today you can find a promenade with restaurants and shops selling traditional products.
Address: Rruga Murat Toptani, 1001 Tirana.

Tanners’ Bridge (Ura e Tabakëve / Tanner’s Bridge) – A picturesque stone bridge from the 18th century, which served to cross cattle to the butcher and tannery district. Today it is a pedestrian zone and is one of the oldest buildings in the city.
Address: Rruga George W. Bush, Tirana.

Block District (Blloku) - Formerly a heavily guarded zone of the communist elite, today a center of nightlife, cafes and boutiques. It was here that Enver Hoxha also had his villa.
Address: south of Skanderbeg Square, on the left bank of the Lana River, Tirana.

National History Museum (Muzeu Historik Kombëtar) - The largest museum in Albania with extensive exhibitions from antiquity to the present day. The facade is decorated with a monumental mosaic "Albanians".
Address: Skanderbeg Square, Tirana.

Sheshi Nënë Tereza (Mother Teresa Square) - The second largest square in the city, named after the famous Albanian native and Nobel Peace Prize winner. It is surrounded by university buildings and museums.
Address: Sheshi Nënë Tereza, Tirana.

Accommodation

In the capital of Albania, you can choose from more than 3,000 different accommodation capacities. The largest selection is traditionally offered by apartments. You can also find many hotels, guesthouses, hostels, villas and even several campsites.

You can enjoy luxury in the city center, for example, at the 5* Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana, which is located just 200 meters from the main square. Guests can use the well-equipped fitness and wellness center with sauna, jacuzzi, beauty salon. It offers both transfers and parking garages. You will also find a restaurant or bar and a 24-hour reception with concierge service and currency exchange.

Classic accommodation in a 3* hotel in the center of Tirana is offered by the Ramel Hotel, for example. You can enjoy a view of the city from the mostly double rooms. The 24-hour reception will provide you with tourist information, arrange airport transfers or wash your clothes. In the morning, you will be pleasantly surprised by a great breakfast.

Pension 107 Dreams, 2 km from the city center, offers pleasant and cheap accommodation with private bathroom and refrigerator. Guests can use the parking garage, air conditioning, Wi-Fi.

For those who prefer to stay in an apartment with their own kitchen, we can recommend Moonlight Apartments Tirana. Great location, beautifully designed apartment, views of the city – even from the bathtub in the room.

Topo Hostel offers really cheap accommodation not only for backpackers. It is located near the center and you can stay here in private double or shared multi-bed rooms. As in any proper hostel, there is an evening entertainment program, a common room, a shared kitchen or a garden.

For a complete offer of accommodation in Tirana, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com. You can also use Booking.com offer for Tirana.

Practical advice

Start at Skanderbeg Square. This square is the heart of Tirana and an ideal starting point for all walks. You will find most of the monuments, government buildings and cultural institutions here. There is a pleasant atmosphere in the evening and street artists often perform here.

The center of Tirana is not large and you can easily walk through it on foot. If you need to move further, use the buses – they run daily from 6:00 to 23:00, but they do not have a fixed schedule. The ticket costs 40 ALL and is paid in cash to the conductor. All lines depart from Skanderbeg Square. To get to the airport or the Dajti Ekspres cable car, use line L11.

For more convenient transportation around the city, you can use the Up’s Taxi, VrapOn Taxi or Taxi.al apps. They work similarly to Uber – you know the price in advance and don’t have to worry about being “ripped off”.

We don’t really recommend trains for traveling around Albania. Instead, rely on buses or taxis.

You can’t pay by card everywhere – especially in smaller shops, museums and markets. You can only pay for the entrance fee to the National History Museum and the Clock Tower in cash in Albanian lek (ALL).

If you plan to visit the Edhem Bey Mosque, make sure you dress appropriately: shoulders and knees must be covered, and women must also cover their heads (scarves are usually rented on site). Admission is free, but only outside prayer times.

Head to the New Bazaar – the main market in the center, where you can taste fresh fruit, cheese, fish and local specialties. Around the bazaar you will find many restaurants and cafes, ideal for gastrotourism.

From the roof of the pyramid you will enjoy one of the best views of the city – an ideal place for sunset. Admission is free, you will find cafes and creative workshops around.

Typical food and drink

Fërgesë - Who wouldn't want to taste a culinary specialty straight from Tirana and central Albania? It is a mixture of tomatoes, peppers, onions and local gjizë cheese (similar to ricotta), sometimes with meat, which is baked to a creamy consistency. It is served with fresh bread, especially in the summer months.

Tavë kosi - An Albanian national dish that can be found on the menu of every traditional restaurant. It is lamb baked with rice and yogurt sauce, flavored with eggs, garlic and herbs. This creates a soft, creamy dish with a strong flavor.

Byrek - A popular savory pie made from thin pastry (filo) filled with cheese, spinach, meat or potatoes. Byrek is a quick breakfast, snack or dinner and can be found in bakeries all over the city.

Qofte - Albanian meatballs or patties made from minced meat, seasoned with garlic, herbs and spices. Qofte are often grilled or fried and served with bread and vegetables.

Speca të mbushura - Stuffed peppers, most often with minced meat, rice, onions and herbs, baked in tomato sauce. This dish is popular at family celebrations.

Kafe turke - Strong coffee brewed in a cezve, which is an integral part of Albanian social life. You can taste it on almost every corner in Tirana and the locals are rightly proud of its preparation.

Rakija - A traditional brandy made from grapes, plums or mulberries. It is served as an aperitif and can be found at every local celebration.

Boza - A thick, slightly fermented drink made from corn or wheat flour, popular especially in summer. It has a slightly sour taste and is wonderfully refreshing.

Wine and beer - Albania has its own winemaking tradition - red wines such as Merlot or Cabernet can be recommended. The most famous beers are Tirana and Korça, which you can taste in local bars and restaurants.

Mountain tea (çaj mali) - An herbal infusion made from mountain ash, which Albanians consider a panacea. In Tirana, you can often get it in traditional cafes or markets.

Famous personalities associated with Tirana

Mother Teresa (1910 - 1997, born Agnesë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu) - Although she was born in Skopje (now North Macedonia), she came from an Albanian Catholic family and never questioned her Albanian origin. Albanians consider her one of the most important figures of their nation and the international airport in Tirana bears her name, for example. In Albania, she is perceived as a national heroine and a symbol of humanity and solidarity.

Skanderbeg (1405 - 1468, Gjergj Kastrioti) - Albanian national hero. Although he was not born in Tirana, his legacy is closely connected with the city. His monumental statue stands on the main square, Skanderbeg Square, and locals commemorate his memory there every year.

Beqir Balluku (1917–1975) - A prominent Albanian communist politician, military commander and long-time Minister of Defense. He was born and died in Tirana. His career ended dramatically – in 1974 he was accused of attempting a coup and executed.

Erjon Bogdani (born 1977) - One of the most famous Albanian footballers, born in Tirana. He played for Partizani Tirana, played in the Italian league and is the all-time top scorer for the Albanian national team.

Albert Brojka (born 1958) - Former mayor of Tirana (1996–2000) and a prominent politician. He studied geology at the University of Tirana and also served as a minister in the Albanian government.

Fabiola Laço Egro (born 1963) - A prominent civil rights activist and women's rights activist who was born in Tirana and was at the birth of the women's movement in Albania after 1990.

Edi Rama (born 1964) - Current Albanian Prime Minister, former mayor of Tirana (2000–2011), painter and publicist. He significantly influenced the modern face of the city with his projects of colorful facades and public space.

Ismail Kadare (1936–2024) - Although he was born in Gjirokastër, he lived and worked in Tirana for many years. He is one of the most important Albanian writers and was also a candidate for the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Weather

Tirana has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild but rainy winters. The average annual temperature is around 15–22°C, with the coldest month being January with an average of 6.7°C and the warmest July with an average of 24°C.

Summers in Tirana are very warm to hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C and the maximum reaching 41°C. Winters are mild, with temperatures rarely falling below freezing. Tirana is one of the rainiest cities in Europe – approximately 1266mm of precipitation falls here annually, with the heaviest rain falling from November to March. In summer, on the other hand, there is less precipitation and up to 2500 hours of sunshine per year.

So if you are going here for hiking, we recommend spring and autumn – you will enjoy pleasant temperatures and not so much rain. If you want to swim in the sea, you will find ideal conditions from June to September.