What to Do in Tirana, Albania? The Best Attractions for Your City Trip

Tirana is the bustling capital of Albania. It’s not yet overly touristy, which makes it a great place to explore. A city trip to Tirana offers an interesting mix of historical landmarks, vibrant culture, and unexpected surprises.

It’s a city where modern flair blends with centuries-old history, surrounded by beautiful nature. Does this sound like a city trip for you?

My Favorite Attractions & Activities in Tirana

There’s plenty to do in Tirana to keep you entertained for a weekend. When I first visited, I was pleasantly surprised. It’s truly an atmospheric city that’s a great base to explore the rest of Albania, which is definitely worth it as well. But even as a unique city trip destination, Tirana is, in my opinion, well worth the visit.

What to Do in Tirana?

In a few days, you can visit many attractions in Tirana, such as ancient ruins, castles, and stately communist buildings. Enjoy high-quality coffee in one of the trendy coffee shops, and taste the local Albanian cuisine. Other fun activities include going on a hiking adventure through nature or a zipline excursion.

Feast Your Eyes on Skanderbeg Square

Skanderbeg Square is the central square of Tirana, named after Gjergj Kastrioti, an important figure in Albanian history. He won 24 out of 25 battles during the Albanian-Ottoman war, freeing Albania from the Ottomans (now Turks). Due to his noble heritage, Kastrioti was also called ‘Alexander the Great.’ In Turkish, this was İskender bey, which was corrupted to ‘Skanderbeg.’ Kastrioti is considered a true folk hero in Albania, symbolizing courage, independence, and pride.

A Vibrant Square with Iconic Buildings

As a tourist, Skanderbeg Square is a fantastic place to experience the culture. It’s a lively square where locals and tourists mingle, creating a bustling atmosphere. I enjoyed sitting on one of the benches, simply watching people. You can also relax on a terrace at the National Opera and enjoy a drink or snack. Additionally, the square is surrounded by several important buildings, including the National History Museum, the Tirana Opera House, and the Et’hem Bey Mosque.

Visit the National Historical Museum

Another great activity in Tirana is visiting the National Historical Museum. This museum is housed in a large communist-era building and is entirely dedicated to the rich history of Albania, from prehistoric times to the modern era. The museum was built between 1979 and 1981 during Albania’s communist period. Although it’s somewhat dated, it remains very beautiful and impressive. A downside: all the information boards are in Albanian, so you won’t learn much if you don’t speak the language. My tip is to book a tour with a guide.

Climb the Pyramid of Tirana

One of the most striking landmarks in Tirana is perhaps the pyramid in the city center. Built in 1988 in honor of the former communist leader Enver Hoxha, the building now serves as a multifunctional center. It hosts exhibitions, conferences, and other events. Over the years, the building has had various functions, including a nightclub, a radio station, and a meeting place for young people.

Open to the Public Since Spring 2023

The pyramid is a controversial building, and its future is uncertain. Some Albanians believe it should be demolished due to its association with the communist regime, while others think it should remain as a piece of cultural heritage. For now, it seems the pyramid will stay. In recent years, the building has been significantly renovated, and since spring 2023, you can even climb it.

Visit the Et’hem Bey Mosque

The Et’hem Bey Mosque is another must-see landmark in Tirana during your city trip. This mosque is one of the few old religious buildings that survived the war, which aimed to make the country free of religion. The Et’hem Bey Mosque is open to visitors daily from 09:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 16:00. Keep in mind that it is a religious building, meaning that people will be praying. Additionally, you must remove your shoes and women should cover their hair with a scarf.

Visit the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania

Another special place in Tirana is the Resurrection Cathedral, also known as the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania. This church was built after the fall of the communist regime. During that time, religion was banned, and almost all religious buildings were destroyed. The Orthodox Church was re-established in 1992, and the construction of the church building began many years later, in 2012. The name ‘Resurrection’ refers to the ‘resurrection’ of the Orthodox Church, much like Jesus is said to have risen according to Biblical stories.

Modern Byzantine Architecture

The Orthodox Autocephalous Church is a modern building with a striking dome, marble facades, and beautiful stained glass windows. On the facade of the church is a large cross with grain stalks. This cross is also known as the Byzantine Cross or the Orthodox Cross. The grain stalks symbolize the bread and wine of the Last Supper. Together, they represent the body and blood of Christ, which are central to the faith of the Orthodox Church. The building is worth a visit and is particularly special in the evening when the blue windows light up.

Go Shopping at Tirana Castle

Do you love shopping? Then you’ll enjoy shopping at Tirana Castle, also known as the Fortress of Justinian, located right in the city center. The castle has existed since the 13th century, and while the original 6-meter-high city walls remain largely intact, it is now a very modern shopping center. You’ll find many small boutiques and nice eateries here. It’s a great place to pick up some souvenirs, enjoy a coffee, or have a nice lunch.

Ride the Mount Dajti Express

The Mount Dajti Express is a popular attraction in Tirana. This cable car takes you to the top of Mount Dajti in just 15 minutes, reaching an altitude of about 1,600 meters. The trip itself is quite an experience: as you ascend to great heights, you literally float over rocks, waterfalls, and the lush nature surrounding Tirana. Once at the top, you are treated to a breathtaking view of the city and its wide surroundings.

Hiking, Ziplining, or Just Having Coffee

At the top of the mountain, there are plenty of activities. There is a café at the top of the cable car and a restaurant. There are also several playgrounds for children and a hotel where you can stay. Numerous hiking trails start here, perfect for a good hike, and you can also go horseback riding. On top of Mount Dajti, there is also an adventure park where you can enjoy outdoor activities like ziplining. It’s the perfect spot for those who want an active city trip in Tirana.

Stroll Through the Blloku District

The trendiest district in Tirana is undoubtedly Blloku. This area was once exclusively accessible to the communist elite. Now, Blloku has been transformed into a trendy nightlife district with plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars, coffee shops, and stores. You really shouldn’t miss this district during your city trip in Tirana. Blloku is also home to one of Tirana’s most architecturally interesting landmarks: the Blloku Cube. It’s beautiful to see from the outside, but also fun to check out the inside, which houses shops, offices, and a lovely rooftop restaurant.

Pazar Meydanı Market

The Pazar Meydanı Market is a lively and colorful market in the heart of Tirana. It is also known as the Bazaar of Tirana, and for good reason. You’ll find all kinds of local products here, from fruits and vegetables to handmade souvenirs like woven rugs, honey, and homemade raki liqueur. When you’re about to make a purchase, keep in mind that it’s customary to negotiate prices here.

Go Around Lunchtime or Just Before Dinner

The Bazaar of Tirana is also a great place to discover Albanian cuisine. There are many cafes, restaurants, and eateries around the square where you can enjoy local dishes and specialties. Therefore, it’s a good idea to visit around lunchtime or at the end of the day so you can also have lunch or dinner here, hitting two birds with one stone.

Sunset at Liqeni Artificial i Tiranës

A nice activity on a clear day in Tirana is to watch the sunset at Liqeni Artificial i Tiranës. This lake was created by damming the Lana River and serves as an important recreational area for locals. It’s a great place to escape the city’s hustle and bustle and enjoy a beautiful palette of colors at sunset.

Running, Cycling, or Relaxing

A park has been laid out around the lake, and locals love to go there to relax and unwind. It’s a wonderful place for running or cycling. There are also a few eateries around the lake where you can grab a bite or a drink. On warm days, you can even visit the artificial beaches and the ‘beach clubs’.

Bunk’art Museum

Contrary to what the name suggests, Bunk’art is not an art gallery but an impressive history museum. Here, you get a unique look into the communism of the past. Before you reach the entrance, you have to walk through a long tunnel towards the old bunker, where communist leaders and their families stayed when there was fear of a nuclear bomb. Despite its small and cramped interior, it feels like an underground village. You can see the original office of Enver Hoxha, the former communist leader, up close. The museum mainly features photos from that era.