Have you ever thought of taking a vacation off the beaten track? Welcome to Albania, a land of culture, idleness and nature, where Tirana reveals its very special charm. Far from the gloomy capital that some people sometimes imagine, Tirana has jumped into modernity with both feet, after a difficult economic and political period. What's more, the city is full of surprises, from historic discoveries to the colorful buildings that brighten up its lively streets. Ready to go on vacation in one of Europe's 10 sunniest cities? Let's take a look at the 13 must-sees in Tirana, a capital of unmissable charm.
1. Skanderbeg Square, Albanian supremacy
This is not only the largest square in the city... but in the country! An excellent starting point for your discovery of Tirana. Skanderbeg Square is surprisingly large in a city of Tirana's moderate size, and inevitably reminds us of the communist era, even if the atmosphere today is much better... The square is named after a national hero, Skanderbeg, whose name literally means "Chief Alexander". From here, you have access to a wide range of activities and visits: mosques, cathedrals, stores, etc.
We recommend booking this guided tour of Tirana , which will introduce you to its history and culture as you explore landmarks such as Skanderbeg Square, the National Historical Museum and the Et'hem Bey Mosque.
2. The Blloku district, where street art is king
Long reserved for members of Albania's communist regime, the Blloku district has finally opened up to everyone... with joy, good humor and color! Dotted with adorable boutiques, bars and restaurants, the district reveals its bohemian ambience at every step. You'll find it easy to stroll through this now trendy district, which has become the place to be for party-goers in the evening. Sights to see include Villa 31, the home of dictator Enver Hoxha.
3. Parku i Madh, Tirana's green lung
Also known as Tirana's Grand Park, Parku i Madh brings a touch of greenery to the edge of the city. It's the ideal place to relax and walk in pleasant green surroundings. Between the artificial lake and the greenery, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll, punctuated by a number of bars and restaurants. There's also a church and a presidential palace. Visiting Tirana with the family? South of Parku i Madh, you'll find a zoo and a botanical garden. Enough to keep young and old happy, away from the hustle and bustle of the city!
4. Bunk'art 1 and 2, when art tells the story of Tirana
History buffs, this is one of the most exciting visits of your trip to Albania! Visit Bunk'Art 1built between 1972 and 1978, was a refuge for the elite in the event of a nuclear attack. This metal monster is made up of 106 rooms spread over 5 levels, under a mountain. This exciting tour takes you through a historical exhibition covering key events in Albania, from the Italian occupation to the end of the dictatorship in 1991. The modern art installations symbolizing freedom of expression are superb, but what really stands out are the old-fashioned installations, luxurious for their time.
For its part, Bunk'Art 2 opened its doors in 2016, exploring the history of the Albanian political police from 1912 to 1991. This bunker, whichEnver Hoxha never saw completed because he died before its construction was finished, today pays tribute to the victims of communist terror, exposing the misdeeds of the "Sigurimi" political police.
5. Tirana Free Tour, visit the Albanian capital for free
Albania, a hospitable country, invites you to discover its capital... for free! It couldn't be simpler: head for Tirana's Palace of Culture, where you'll find a guide wearing a blue badge bearing the tempting words "Tirana Free Tour". No, this is neither a scam nor a tourist trap! You can visit Tirana with a guide for free. For around two hours, you follow this expert, who explains everything there is to know about the city's main buildings. It's all worth a small tip in gratitude for such selfless dedication!
6. The Musée des Feuilles, revealing the secrets of history
Another visit focused on the communist dictatorship that Albania suffered for so long. Visiting Albania is a bit like memory tourism, while paying tribute to victims who are ultimately very close to us. The Musée des Feuilles, also known as the Musée de la Surveillance, was for 47 years the headquarters of the "Operational Technique" of the country's secret services. The museum reveals not only the secret operations that took place there, but also facets of Albanian society dominated by a regime obsessed with absolute control of the people. Dedicated to the victims of interception, surveillance and espionage, the museum is organized at the heart of 31 rooms.
Good to know: a French-language audio guide is available online, along with detailed floor plans, accessible via the link provided.
7. Tirana's main religious buildings
Discovering a city also means discovering its religious buildings, which are often rich in history. The Et'hem Bey mosque and the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ are just two of them! Located around Scanderbeg Square, these two main places of worship showcase the different aspects of religion in Albania. The Et'hem Bey mosque, open outside prayer hours, is Albania's largest and most beautiful Islamic place of worship. Nearby, the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ is the third-largest Orthodox building in the world. It boasts an impressive 32-metre-high dome and a bell tower over 40 metres high. Awe-inspiring! Inside, you'll admire precious mosaics depicting historical and religious scenes.
As the saying goes: two rooms, two atmospheres! But above all, two distinct places of worship to immerse yourself in Albanian religious culture.
8. The Pazari i Ri market in the New Bazaar district
We love markets, and we want more! And it's even better when they're nestled in the heart of an adorable, colorful and relaxed neighborhood. Welcome to the pedestrian district of Pazari i Ri, home to two main market halls:
- the "green market", a covered market selling fruit, vegetables, cheese, etc.
- the "Meat and Fish Market", which, in addition to butchers and fishmongers, also hosts cafés and restaurants since its renovation in 2016.
It's the perfect place to enjoy a tasty Albanian dish at lunchtime, after stocking up on local produce! After lunch, head to Avni-Rustemi square for coffee and ice cream.
9. The controversial Hoxha Pyramid in Tirana!
A controversial building for many years, the Hoxha Pyramid is proof that a people can rise from the ashes. Requested by the daughter of dictator Enver Hoxha as a memorial to her father, it was obviously not to everyone's taste. Yes, but... That was before the pyramid was given a facelift. Renovated, rehabilitated, it leaves behind the traces of an oppressive totalitarian regime, which the Albanians wish more than ever to forget. A digital school opens its doors in this reinvented space, offering young people courses in 3D modeling, design and programming. A beautiful revenge on life!
It's not possible to visit the interior, but you can admire the building as you stroll through the center of Tirana, or by booking this guided walking tour , which will take you on a tour of Tirana's architecture and history.
10. Take the Dajti Express cable car
Time for an unusual activity in Tirana! Would you like to take a 15-minute mini-trip in a cable car? It's possible if you'd like to visit Dajti National Park, around 25 km east of Tirana. Easily accessible by the Dajti Express cable car, it offers pleasant hikes in the heart of Albanian nature. At the top, the upper station complex offers a range of fun activities for young and old, including pony rides. The more adventurous can take to the well-shaded hiking trails. It's also possible to take part in organized hikes or mountain bike outings from Tirana (more tiring than the cable car, but rich in sensations!). You'll be rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view of the city and its surroundings!
Click here to book your half-day excursion to Mount Dajti, including cable car ticket.
11. The National History Museum, a concentrate of culture
Continue your cultural vacation at the National Historical Museum of Albania, also located on Skanderbeg Square. Open since 1981, it boasts an attractive facade decorated with a mosaic depicting the struggle for independence and Albanian identity. What a symbol! Inside, you can explore Albanian history through 6,200 objects spread over 18,000 m² of exhibition space. The various pavilions, dedicated to Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, Independence, the anti-fascist war and Communist terror, reveal a history as rich as it was turbulent. A wonderful visit, which we recommend as part of your trip to Tirana.
12. Family fun in Rinia Park
A perfect balance of nature and modernity, Parc Rinia is a haven for young people. You can feel the vibrations of a reborn city, opening up to the modern world with a taste of happiness. It's a great place to sit by the lake, sip a drink and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Nestling in the very heart of Tirana, this verdant oasis is adorned with modern buildings, such as the Taiwan shopping center, home to a casino, boutiques, a bowling alley and other eateries. A beautiful place to take a break from shopping and indulgence while exploring the city.
13. Discover local Albanian gastronomy
Albanian cuisine is strongly influenced by Turkish, Italian and Greek traditions. You'll find robust dishes based on corn and polenta, as well as Mediterranean-style cuisine. Start your meal with a typical appetizer, such as stuffed grape leaves and Greek salad. For the main course, mutton is the country's predominant meat. It is served as kebab, romsteak or qofte. Mediterranean vegetables are also a must, adding 1001 different flavors to any dish. For dessert, we invite you to try our baklava and semolina or rice cakes.
Where to stay in Tirana?
Ready to set sail for Tirana, a magnificent sun destination just a few hours' flight from Paris? To make the most of the city's charm, we advise you to pack your bags in the heart of town, close to everything. If you want to go out in the evening, it's best to head for the Blloku district.
- Best value for money
A little way from the city center, the Mondial Hotel is the perfect address, booked here, to enjoy top-of-the-range services at a very affordable price. The rooftop terrace, swimming pool and parking lot are just some of the plus points to add to the list.
- The best location
Located close to the main points of interest, the Rogner Hotel offers luxury services for couples looking for a great address in Tirana. The buffet breakfast and ultra-comfortable rooms make it one of the best hotels in town. Click here to make a reservation.
- The cheapest
For less than €40, you'll find atHotel Baron services worthy of 2 or 3-star establishments elsewhere in Europe. The cocooning rooms invite you to let go, while the upscale common areas invite travelers to feel privileged, without breaking the bank! An interesting address to book in one click here.
What to visit in Tirana in 3 days?
There are many good reasons to visit Albania, and your stay in Tirana will prove it with every step. Plan to spend at least 3 days touring this capital of 1001 colors.
Day 1: culture and history
Your visit to Tirana begins at the famous Place Scanderbeg. Take the opportunity to visit the Clock Tower, before heading for the National History Museum. Finally, your steps take you to the Et'hem Bey Mosque and the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, before ending the day at the Hoxha Pyramid.
Day 2: Remembrance tourism and relaxation
Stay in the city center and discover Bunk'Art 2. Your historical discoveries continue at the House of Leaves, before relaxing in the Parc Rinia, located in the heart of the city.
Day 3: Get out of the heart of Tirana..
Dare to leave the city for a moment, and take the cable car to Mount Dajti National Park. After a meal at the summit, we'll head back down to the famous Bunk'art 1. Got a little time left? Treat yourself to a shopping spree at the Toptani Shopping Center.
Against all odds, Albania is one of the trendiest destinations of 2024, so go for it! The country is so beautiful, we recommend you allow at least two weeks to explore it. Here are the 15 most beautiful places in Albania to help you plan your road trip. This is one budget destination you won't soon forget!
Tip: we recommend that you book your transfer from Tirana international airport to the center of Tirana here .
And don't forget to pre-book the trendiest things to do in Tirana below:
Tempted by our selection? Take a look at our airfares and book now !
