What A City
Tirana is the Capital City of Albania and is one of the least known European Capitals. And if you doubt if you should visit it, the answer is you should immediately. Tirana is the heart of Albania, it withholds so many treasures that make you put it on your bucket list.
Colorful, Stylish, and Vibrant, with great people, lots of cafes and restaurants, and a giant square in the heart of the city. This is Tirana, a place that is intriguing and tempting, a place that will charm you completely. The facades are colorful and painted by artists, street art on the electric boxes and people, people at every hour of the day and night. You will be wondering if the city ever sleeps because it apparently doesn’t.
A shop here, a café there, another shop a bit further and then a bunch of cafes one after another. People chitchatting and smiling, people who look you in the eye if you look foreign, probably they are going to introduce themselves and be as helpful as they can because that’s what Albanian’s do when they see foreigners. You will feel welcome immediately. A home you never had, will be opening its doors for you.
p.s GET USED TO THE STARES
What is Tirana and Why Tirana
Tirana is everything.
Moreover, Tirana is a trendy and young Metropol in southeastern Europe. Moreover, it is blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate. You can walk safely in the streets of Tirana, and of course, it’s less expensive than in other European countries. What more to ask for in a city? Museums? Tirana has plenty. Theatres? Well except the one that was ruined, it has plenty of them. Galleries? Absolutely. Cafes? No need to ask where to find one, cause they are everywhere. Lakes? It has lakes and green areas to enjoy. Mountains? Just look around. Bunkers? You asked for it, you’ll get it. Pyramid? This ain’t Egypt what are you asking for, but we have one.
Why Tirana
First of all, WHY NOT?
Then,
To learn about Scanderbeg Square.
Many think that the square is a small area, but it’s greater than you’ve imagined it. The square is divided into two parts, the green part, and the constructed part. The green part is behind the Scanderbeg Statue, and the other one that you see clearly as it’s a huge area made of tiles is in front of the statue. The tiled area is made of tiles from each corner of Albania. The name Scanderbeg Square derives from the Scanderbeg Statue that is located in the middle of these two areas. The Scanderbeg Square is a pedestrian space surrounded by the most important touristic buildings of the town, such as the National Historical Museum, the E’them Bey Mosque, the National Library, The ministries, the mayor house, the city’s opera house, the clock tower, the national bank.
Also, #Tirana100 is waiting for you in the middle of the square and #VisitTiranathroughfeelalbania (we made this one up but tag us)
To experience the hospitality of Tirana
Albanian’s will probably invite you for a coffee the 5 minutes they met you. They love making friends, and they do not let you pay. Albanian’s usually fight each other about who is going to pay. People may offer you things for free meanwhile in Albania because being a welcoming person is the same as being an Albanian.
Also, if you visit someone’s house, get ready to stay for lunch or dinner. Albanian’s never let people hungry. If you’re not hungry, well make some space cause you are going to eat no matter what.
To relax
Well in Tirana you can actually relax, the energy around is so good you’ll ask for the recipe. The Grand Park offers you a green space by the lake to relax and take a walk to clear your thoughts from being stressed to choose whether to come or no to Tirana.
Good Choice you came to visit Tirana and Albania.
For the Bunker Museums
The bunkers made history in Albania. More than other famous people probably. Under the dictatorial regime of Enver Hoxha, 170000 bunkers were built to protect the people from an unexpected war. Well, that is what made Albania poor, the fear of the unknown that was instilled in the people and the dictator himself by Enver Hoxha. So two of the biggest bunkers of Tirana are now museums. Moreover, these museums show you life in Albania during the communist years. Experience? 12/10, I bet you have never been into a bunker museum.
To see the colors
During the years of communism, everything that was build was of grey colors. So with the fall of communism, the grey facades were covered/ The municipality of Tirana, with mayor Edi Rama invited various artists to change the face of Tirana forever.
To hike or ride the cable car towards Dajti National Park.
The suburbs of Tirana are amazing too. Just 10 min drive from the center to Fresku, you will find yourself at the cable car. Take the ride and see Tirana from another point of view. We recommend you hike Dajti National Park before sunset. So you can enjoy the view, which is literally breathtaking.
To witness nightlife
We already mentioned the city that never sleeps, but we never mentioned what do we mean by that. Well, the city never sleeps, what else did you think of?
Blloku, or as the communists would say the Elite Area of Bllok. Even nowadays Blloku remains a place where the Elite is the only one that can afford it, it’s the Manhattan upper eastside of Albania. The biggest parties and nightlife events happening in this area.
To see the pyramid
You have heard or seen the pyramid of Giza, right? Or the other pyramids in Egypt? Prepare yourself to see a pyramid that is not ancient and has lost its glory since the state wanted to destroy it and the people were against the destruction. The Pyramid was built during communism as a museum for the dictator of the country.
Where to eat in Tirana?
The order is random so you choose where to go.
Oda – Traditional Restaurant
A small restaurant that looks like an old Albanian house. The menu offers traditional plates that are very tasty. If you want a taste of an Albanian home then this is the right place. The staff is friendly.
Era – Restaurant
This restaurant is loved probably by many people. The food is amazing. The menu has a variety of dishes, including vegan and vegetarian food.
Kripe dhe Piper – Tirana
The dishes are a visual treat and it is fun to see what will come out next. The best thing though is that they are delicious. Great tastes across a variety of foods, carpaccio to steak to vegetables.
Ceren Ismet Shehu
This restaurant is a treat for meat lovers. The variety of food they bring you to try is really wide. Everything tastes really good and the staff is always polite.
Fustanella Farm
Just some km in the countryside of Tirana you will find Fustanella Farm. Agrotourism & Restaurant. An odyssey into Mediterranean & Balkan Cuisine. Seasonal food and recipes, local wine, local cheese, locally grown meat, and homegrown organic produce. Organic Farming & Slow Food.
Where to stay in Tirana
The order is random and a suggestion.
Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana
Of course, this would be first on our list. We did not choose this randomly. I myself would love to be a tourist and stay at this place. Rated with 9,5 out of 10 points on booking. The staff is very nice. The location? Couldn’t be better, just 2 minutes walk from the city center. The rooms? Heavenly. Cleanliness? Perfect, if you find an unclean spot I’ll come and clean it myself, promise. I mean for real, I’d love to see each floor. Rate 10/10
Arte Boutique Hotel
Featuring a bar, garden, and views of the garden, Arté Boutique Hotel is located in Tirana, 1.1 km from Skanderbeg Square. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Rooms have a balcony.
At the hotel, each room comes with a desk, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom. Guest rooms at Arté Boutique Hotel include air conditioning and a wardrobe.
This hotel looks like a palace, to be honest, so if you want to feel majestic, well manifest it here in this hotel.
La Boheme
La Boheme is as Boheme as it sounds. However, this hotel offers spacious rooms, a window view, and amazing and comfy beds. What stops one to book an amazingly comfy bed? Probably not being in Tirana to choose this place.
Tirana International Hotel & Conference Center
Located right on the well-known Skanderbeg Square, Tirana International Hotel & Conference Center features elegant accommodation and a spa center with a sauna, steam bath, gym, and indoor pool. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, as well as free parking.
It is conveniently located next to the Tirana Municipal Building, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Defence. The National Museum, the Opera House, and the Art Gallery are all located just steps away.
All rooms and suites at Tirana International are modernly furnished, feature wooden floors, and are fitted with a minibar and desk and Smart TV. Most rooms offer a magnificent view of the Tirana center.
I love this one, it has been a hotel forever, so that means they are doing something right. I’d book there for sure.
Best Tirana Tours
Communism History Tour in Tirana
If you would like to know and better understand Albania and Albanians this is the case to learn how the 45 years long Communism regime has influenced the person, the society, and the whole country. Communism in Albania can be compared only with North Korea, totally isolated from the whole world. During this Communism History Tour, we will visit some different places from each other but on Communism, theme centered. Come and discover it step by step with us.
Explore and Feel Tirana in a Walking Tour
This guided tour aims to show you the highlights of Tirana, the capital of Albania, the most controversial city you have ever visited. A city where nowadays use to live one-third of the population, a mix of culture between north and south Albania. A city with ottoman, Italian, and Albanian Communism regime influences. A modern city, similar to a European one and very different from all the other towns around Albania.
Bonus
Want to feel royal? Like the king/queen you are? Well, we designed this tour while having you in our mind. Let’s show you where you belong.
Kruja – Preza – Durres – Three Castles in a Day-Tour
This is a full-day tour that aims to show you the history of our country, the cultural heritage, the customs and tradition through the visit of three famous castles, Kruja – Preza – Durres. Stories that begin from the five-century AD to the modern times; the history of our national hero Skanderbeg; learn about the strategic position and influences in our country; enjoy the Albanian hospitality and the traditional flavored food.
Not so much about you right? Well, you still remain royal.
