Fun and entertainment Albania

Timetable

As in neighbouring countries, you can easily go out late in the summer and have lunch and dinner whenever you want. Out of season, when it's cold, it's less true and the nightlife is more limited..

Night transport

Taxis are a useful means of transport in Tirana, especially after 10pm. Many companies use meters and can print receipts if necessary. In our experience, there is no need to remind drivers to use them. Fares start at 300 lek for the first two kilometres (sufficient for most city centre journeys) and 95 lek/km afterwards. Between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. the above-mentioned departure rate is 350 lek. Few drivers speak English, so it is a good idea to write down the address or call someone who can explain.

Age restrictions

Albanians often go out with children when it is convenient and let them play late at night in the summer.

What's very local

If you want to go out at night in Tirana, it's easy to find your way around, as almost all the bars are located in Blloku, just a few meters from each other. Since 2019, a new area has been fashionable, behind the pyramid, on the same bank.

The rest of the night takes place on the right bank, behind the National Art Gallery, with a few bars, a cinema and two of the three biggest nightclubs. As for local habits and customs, it's best to know, but generally speaking, Albanian revellers drink little and are rather shy on the dancefloor.

Smokers

Theoretically, since 2007, smoking in enclosed spaces has been banned in Albania. The law even provides for fines of up to 50,000 lek (€400). In practice, we have noted that the legislation is being followed rather well. Even though almost a third of Albanians smoke, they avoid doing so in bars and restaurants.

Tourist traps

Is this a "tourist trap" or simply common sense and basic prudence? In any case, even if you make friends with the locals, avoid buying them a joint, or even just consuming cannabis. Drugs are a serious issue in Albania, and possession can result in a heavy fine, or even prison..