2 days in Tirana was all I needed to add this capital to the list of the most pleasant recent discoveries. Although the time is short, it’s enough to explore the most important attractions, mainly since most are centrally located.
When I shared my plans to visit Tirana with my acquaintances, I was met with reactions like, ‘Is Tirana worth visiting?’ There are indeed preconceptions about several cities in Eastern Europe, but Tirana is one place that shatters those notions. It’s where you arrive without expectations and leave with a newfound appreciation.
After the first hours spent in the city, I realized its significant transformations, especially after the fall of communism in 1991. Tirana is colorful and full of life, modern and eclectic, surprising and hospitable. I liked it much more than I thought I would!
Where to stay in Tirana?
I have already mentioned that most of Tirana’s tourist attractions are in the central area, specifically near Skanderbeg Square, which is dedicated to the country’s most important historical figure. However, we will talk about him later.
Therefore, finding accommodation in Tirana right here is ideal, as you can quickly and easily reach any place. I spent three nights at Hotel Comfort, a 4-star boutique hotel just a 5- —to 7-minute walk from Skanderbeg Square.
I had a spacious room with a large, comfortable bed and breakfast. Stay here if you are looking for hotels in Tirana that feel like home and provide easy access to any point of interest in the city.
TIP! If you have an early check-out and still have many hours until your flight, you can store your luggage in this place and explore the city at your leisure. This service lets you make the most of your time in Tirana without worrying about carrying your luggage.
If, by any chance, Hotel Comfort is unavailable or you’re looking for something else, here are some more recommendations, depending on your budget:
- Low budget: SIBB Hotel – restaurant, free parking, free Wi-Fi, large rooms, breakfast included
- Mid-range: Residence Inn Hotel – perfect location, restaurants, modern rooms
- Luxury: Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana – ultra-central, five stars, spa, two restaurants, bar, delicious breakfast
READ ALSO: Staying at Hotel Comfort in Tirana, Albania – Review
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2 days in Tirana, Albania – Is Tirana worth visiting?
DAY 1 | Two days in Tirana
Hang out in Skanderbeg Square
The central square, or the heart of Tirana, is named after Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, the national hero who fought against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. The square is dominated by his statue, depicting him on a horse, symbolizing independence and freedom for Albanians.
Skanderbeg Square, the first place you arrive at when visiting the city, is not just a historical landmark but a practical starting point for your Tirana itinerary. It hosts the most important events, and right beneath it, there is a spacious parking lot that is a boon for travelers. We also used it, and at just 500 lek for 24 hours, it’s a pocket-friendly option in the European capital.
In 2017, Skanderbeg Square in Tirana underwent a significant renovation, preserving its historical charm while adding a modern touch. The square, named after the national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu, is surrounded by a mix of old and new buildings, creating a unique architectural contrast.
It’s home to several must-see tourist attractions, each with its own historical significance, such as the Et’hem Bey Mosque, the National History Museum, the Clock Tower, the Palace of Culture, the Orthodox Church of the Resurrection, the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet, the Ferris wheel, the children’s carousel, and several administrative buildings.
Also, if you want to take a meaningful photo, there is a large letter, “T,” for Tirana, which is several meters tall. I crossed the square several times during my trip to Tirana: in the morning, at noon, and in the evening. Every time, it was super lively. Right next to it, on the ground floor of the Opera building, there are a few cafés where young people gather in the evening to socialize with good cheer and music from the speakers.
Et’hem Bey Mosque | 2 days in Tirana
One of the things you will instantly notice and appreciate in Albania, particularly in Tirana, is the presence of both mosques and churches almost everywhere, showcasing a rare harmony of religions. Skanderbeg Square is no exception, as it also features a functional Orthodox church and a mosque. You can learn more about each of them on this guided tour.
The Et’hem Bey Mosque stands out in Skanderbeg Square due to its distinctive architecture and single minaret. It started in 1791 and was completed in 1823 by critical Ottoman-Albanian leaders. It reveals fine details featuring natural elements such as rivers, trees, and waterfalls, which are unique in Islamic art.
Open to both Muslims and people of other faiths, the Et’hem Bey Mosque is a living testament to religious tolerance. However, it’s essential to respect the visiting hours. This mosque played a pivotal role in the fall of communism. In 1991, despite the communist authorities and without their permission, 10,000 people gathered here to pray, a powerful symbol of the beginning of Albania’s journey towards freedom.
Don’t miss a walk around the mosque before the call to prayer. The imam’s voice sounds so beautiful and resonates throughout the square.
Don’t skip Bunk’Art Museums
One of the most intriguing experiences you can have during your 2 days in Tirana is a visit to the Bunk’Art 1 and Bunk’Art 2 museums. These unique sites, once-secret bunkers built during the rule of the communist dictator Enver Hoxha, now offer a fascinating glimpse into Albania’s history.
These bunkers, a testament to the era of Enver Hoxha, were built to protect the dictator in case of war. Around 175,000 were constructed across the country, each one a symbol of a turbulent past. However, only those in Tirana have been converted into actual museums.
Bunk’Art 1 is located on the city’s outskirts and is much larger, spread over five stories, while Bunk’Art 2 is just steps away from Skanderbeg Square and more minor. The interiors have been preserved almost intact, but many elements related to the country’s communist history, especially the leader Enver Hoxha, have been added.
Visits to the two museums prove to be highly interactive and informative. You can see exactly how the spaces were arranged inside, including the offices or shops that were to be used in case of an attack.
Visit the National History Museum | Weekend in Tirana
Arriving in Skanderbeg Square, you will surely notice a colorful mosaic on the facade of a building. This artwork, titled “The Albanians,” depicts various scenes from the country’s history. The facade belongs to the National History Museum, the largest museum in Albania, which opened in 1981.
The museum’s vast collection is a testament to its comprehensive approach to history. While a significant portion is dedicated to the era of communism, themed halls delve into the Medieval period, Antiquity, the National Renaissance, Independence, and even the life of Mother Teresa, a figure of Albanian origin. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, ensuring a fresh and diverse experience for every visit.
If you want to add it to your Tirana itinerary, you must dedicate at least 2 hours, as it’s vast and full of captivating information. On this tour, you can learn more about the communist period in Tirana.
Admire the Ressurection of the Christ Orthodox Cathedral
Just a 5-minute walk from Skanderbeg Square is one of the most beautiful cathedrals I have ever seen. The exterior is impressive, but the interior will leave you speechless. The circular shape and the vividly colored paintings captivated me!
I arrived during a service, which only enhanced the effect. In the center of the dome is a painting of the Savior, while some biblical scenes are still being worked on on the edges. It’s the largest Orthodox church in Albania, both in size and religious importance.
The cathedral is relatively new, being only ten years old. Its height is 32 meters, but the bell tower is 46 meters and is built separately from the main body of the cathedral. You can visit anytime for free, and it is worth all the attention, thanks to its unique and modern design, which contrasts with the religious context.
Kulla e Sahatit – Climb the clock tower
I have already mentioned that almost all tourist attractions in Tirana are located in Skanderbeg Square or are very close to it. The same goes for the Clock Tower, situated right next to the mosque mentioned earlier.
You will certainly notice it in the urban landscape of the central area due to its relatively large and visible clock face and its 35-meter height. The tower has significant historical importance, having been built in 1822 by Haxhi Et’hem Bey, one of the leaders of the Ottoman era in Tirana.
You can see that it’s built of stone, but the initial material used was wood. The tower now serves as a decorative element and observation point for the city’s panorama from its terrace, but it served as a watchtower in the past.
The clock was originally brought from Venice, but a clock from Germany later replaced it. Surprisingly, the current clock is from China.
You can reach the top by climbing the 90 steps and paying a small fee.
Ride the Ferris Wheel
If it’s Sunday, the clock tower is closed. However, you can still enjoy the view of the central square of Tirana from above the observation wheel or Ferris wheel in Skanderbeg Square.
While the carousel is dedicated to children, the Ferris wheel is suitable for adults and can be a fun activity during your 2 days in Tirana. Make your weekend in Tirana more fun by riding it.
Admire the eclectic architecture
Few places have I seen such a well-balanced mix of architectural styles from different periods. Tirana’s architecture is a beautiful oddity.
Walking through the streets and squares, you can observe historical buildings, centuries-old monuments, impressive steel and glass structures, towers that defy gravity, colorful blocks, and some gray and peeling ones.
The ensemble of buildings is a very diverse mix, which you either love or hate. I can’t find a reason for the latter. I couldn’t assign a precise term to describe the city’s style, but it’s fascinating.
My suggestion is to wander the streets randomly, as you never know which Instagrammable corner you might encounter. 48 hours in Tirana are more than enough to let you do that.
Visit a bookstore | 2 days in Tirana
Stepping into the world of books is not a personalized suggestion for Tirana but for every destination in this world that you check off. By discovering more works and books written by authors from the respective country or dedicated to the place you are in, you can connect even more and better with history, people, and customs.
Such a bookstore is located, guess where? It’s still in Skanderbeg Square, which has it all. That’s why I told you from the beginning of the article that staying in this area is a must. The bookstore is called Adrion Bookstore.
DAY 2 | Two days in Tirana
Go at the top of the Pyramid of Tirana
One of the most versatile constructions in Tirana is the unmistakable pyramid. It’s versatile because it has been given so many roles that you almost don’t know its current purpose.
It was initially a museum dedicated to the communist dictator Enver Hoxha in 1988; later, it served as a nightclub or NATO base. Strange.
Today, the pyramid is one of the favorite spots for locals and tourists, which is why it’s also called the “monument of the people.” By climbing the steps built on multiple sides of the facade, you can reach the top and admire a 360-degree panorama of the city. From there, you can see all the buildings and mountains surrounding the area.
In addition to its attribute as a panoramic terrace, the building is also used for conferences or various social events. It’s free to climb to the top of the pyramid, and it’s an activity you must check off during a weekend in Tirana because it offers a superb and comprehensive view of the capital.
It wasn’t until I got here that I realized the city’s beautiful landscape.
→ Discover the city in the best-guided tour
Take the Dajti Express cable car
You must make room for a cable car ride during your 2 days in Tirana. If I had to choose just one activity to do in the capital of Albania, this would be it. Although I left it for day 2 and almost missed it, I managed to go up and regretted not doing it on the first day when the weather was much nicer.
Because yes, you need a clear day to admire the city freely from a height of 1613 meters. Dajti Express is one of the longest cable cars in Eastern Europe, with no less than 4354 meters in length. You cover the distance in 15 minutes one way and 15 minutes back. The view is divine! The city looks phenomenal from above, and let’s not even talk about the Dajti Mountains.
To feel like you’re flying above the beautifully sculpted ridges by nature, crossing lakes and meadows, green forests… it’s a unique experience. It’s one of the most excellent cable cars I’ve been on.
Only here did I realize how vast and green Tirana is and how beautifully the mountain range frames it? The view from the top and along the route is breathtaking!
On a clear day, you can even see the Adriatic Sea and the port of Durres. Take the cable car in the morning or, at the latest, at noon to enjoy the view as much as possible and the restaurants at the top of the mountain. Do I have to insist on including this activity in your weekend in Tirana?!
Tanners’ Bridge & Namazgah Mosque
Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to visit either of them, but I could admire the Namazgah Mosque from the pyramid in Tirana. It seemed impressive, especially with the mountains in the background, and it somewhat resembles the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.
The mosque, built in the 19th century, is known for its spacious courtyard, blue dome, and minarets that stand out in the city skyline.
Very close by, just a few tens of meters away, is Tanners’ Bridge, also known as Ura e Tabakëve.
It was built in the 18th century and is a perfect example of Ottoman architecture. The Bridge crossed the Lana River and was initially used by tanners to transport their goods to various parts of the city.
Murat Toptani Street – Toptani mall & Tirana Castle | 2 days in Tirana
Toptani Street is one of the main boulevards in the city. It has a vibrant atmosphere, cafes, and shops. Strolling around here, you’ll experience the authenticity of urban life in the capital of Tirana. It’s an ideal spot for shopping, socializing, and relaxing.
On this street, you’ll find two of the favorite shopping spots. One is Toptani Mall, a vast, vertically developed shopping center with numerous stores, both international and local brands.
Tirana Castle, also known as Kalaja e Tiranës, is across the street. The castle became a ruin over time but was later saved and restored. So today, it’s completely transformed into an open-air shopping center, with top restaurants and souvenir shops, some housing precious and authentic pieces.
Admire The Cloud
In addition to the skyscrapers erected in recent years in the capital of Albania, numerous works of art have also appeared distributed all over the city. One that remarkably captures visitors’ attention is “The Cloud” or “Reja,” a work created by a Japanese artist named Sou Fujimoto.
The artwork, which resembles a cloud, is made of steel bars and serves as a simple decorative element in the city’s urban landscape or as a platform for various cultural events. It’s exhibited outdoors, next to the National Art Gallery, and can be visited or admired for free.
Enjoy the nightlife of the city
The vibrant nightlife in Tirana, Albania, offers various bars, clubs, and venues featuring live music. Popular neighborhoods like Blloku have trendy bars and clubs where visitors and locals mingle.
Live music genres include modern pop, electronic beats, and traditional Albanian melodies. Rooftop bars and outdoor terraces offer stunning views of the city. Tirana also hosts numerous festivals and cultural events.
Where to eat in Tirana
Albanian cuisine is quite diverse, and so are the prices in Tirana. I was shocked to learn how inexpensive everything is here, especially eating out at restaurants. Although prices at supermarkets are similar to those in many other European countries, a meal at a restaurant will surprisingly save your budget.
Even though I stayed for two days in Tirana, I tried some traditional Albanian dishes and visited a few places that served delicious food. Here are my recommendations when it comes to restaurants, cafes, and brasseries to try in Tirana:
- LeBon – hundreds of different sweets
- Fure Buke Eukhenio
- Capitol Meat & Chichen
- Zgara Tirones
- Rossini Restaurant
→ Take part in an Albanian cooking class
Best day trips from Tirana
There are many places within relatively short distances from Tirana that you can see on a day trip. Here are some of them:
- Kruja, a short drive from Tirana, with its craft shops and Kruje Castle, offers a window into Albanian history.
- Mount Dajti – you can go for hiking trails and mountain biking.
- Durres is an ancient city with stunning beaches, an archaeological museum, and a Roman amphitheater.
- Lake Bovilla – a beautiful lake nestled among mountains
- Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Ottoman architecture, the old fortress, and stunning views of the Osum River valley.
- One of Albania’s oldest and most diverse cities, Shkodra, is worth seeing for Rozafa Castle and the Marubi National Museum of Photography.
Things to know before visiting Tirana
How to get to Tirana?
Tirana is easily accessible thanks to Tirana International Airport Nene Tereza, located 17 kilometers northwest of the city center. Major European cities offer direct flights, and from the airport to the city, you can take taxis, transfers, or rent a car from DiscoverCars.com.
The city is also easily accessible from nearby countries such as Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. Regular bus routes connect Tirana with other Albanian towns. The railway network is not very developed, but buses are convenient.
→Buy a bus transfer from the airport to the city center
How to get around in Tirana?
If you’re only spending 2 days in Tirana, you might not even need to use public transportation, although it does exist and is quite okay. That’s because most tourist attractions are located in the central part of the city, and you can easily walk to them.
However, Tirana offers an extensive public transport system with frequent and affordable services on critical routes for longer journeys. I recommend using authorized taxis or ride-sharing services like Bolt. Unfortunately, Uber doesn’t exist in Albania.
Renting a bike can also be a good idea. If none of the above options appeal to you, you can rent a car from the airport throughout your trip. We rented from the DiscoverCars.com website, and everything went smoothly. We didn’t have parking at the hotel but parked in Skanderbeg Square for 500 lek/24 hours.
What is the best time to visit Tirana?
Spring and autumn are the best times to spend a weekend in Tirana. The weather is quite friendly during these seasons, with temperatures perfect for exploring the city extensively and not too crowded.
However, Tirana is never too crowded since the Albanian capital is only now starting to be indeed discovered by mass tourism.
Summer can be pretty hot here, but it might be perfect for those not bothered by high temperatures, and winter isn’t too harsh. You can visit the capital of Albania at any time of the year, but I recommend spring and autumn for lush vegetation, pleasant temperatures, and fewer crowds.
Is Tirana safe?
I had come to Tirana with exaggerated expectations regarding the safety it offers. I had heard all sorts of stories and opinions, but the reality once again proved that it’s best to experience things firsthand. During my two days in Tirana, I never felt in danger for a moment; quite the opposite.
The capital and everything else I saw in the rest of the country were friendly, not dangerous.
Everyone has a different experience, and unforeseen events can occur. Still, these can be successfully avoided with extra caution and a few basic rules to follow wherever we go.
How many days should you spend in Tirana?
The answer can vary depending on how deeply you want to explore the city. Initially, I would say that a minimum of two days in Tirana should be enough to visit the most important tourist attractions, but you could spend even a week there.
In two days, you can see everything I’ve suggested in this article, while in a week, you can visit places more thoroughly, at a much slower pace, experience the city’s social life, and hike in the surrounding mountains. Tirana enjoys a dreamy landscape that I’m sure is worth exploring.
Cash or card?
One thing worth knowing is that only cash payment is accepted in many places in Tirana. It’s good to keep that in mind before coming here.
You can also generally pay in euros, so either bring a lot of currency and exchange it here, pay directly like that, or withdraw money from ATMs.
ATMs are widespread, but the fees are pretty high. If you prefer this option, try to withdraw as much money as possible in one transaction because the commission fee is generally the same regardless of how much you want to withdraw.
Is Tirana worth visiting?
I wanted to leave the conclusion at the end and answer this question firmly convinced that Tirana is a city worth seeing—as soon as possible because tourists will probably storm it in a few years. The good and cheap food, the streets, the architecture, the atmosphere, the historical sites, the museums, the relief—all these elements make up a superb capital from my point of view.
