Things to do in Tirana
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Top 10 Best Things to do in Tirana For First-Timers

Although Tirana is the capital of Albania, it’s often overlooked on travel bucket lists, which I believe is a missed opportunity. There are so many great things to do in Tirana – something we only discovered during our visit.

But to be honest, Tirana wasn’t one of our top priorities when planning our trip to Albania either. We had heard from various sources that one day would be sufficient, leaving us uncertain about how long to stay.

We ultimately decided on two nights, giving us around 1.5 days to explore. Upon arriving at the end of our road trip, we were pleasantly surprised by how much the city had to offer.

Are you planning your trip to Tirana at the last minute?

Here are the best tours and accommodations in the city!

🇦🇱 Best Tours & Experiences in Tirana

🛌 Best Hotels in Tirana

Yes, Tirana exceeded our expectations with its modern, lively vibe and intriguing sights, but I don’t want to give too much away in the beginning already!

Keep reading to uncover all the best things to do in Tirana for an unforgettable first visit!

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)

1. Visit The Grand Skanderbeg Square

One place you can’t miss in Tirana, which serves as the heart of the city, is Skanderbeg Square.

Covering approximately 40,000 square meters, it’s impressively spacious and provides ample room for visitors to explore.

The square is surrounded by many famous sights that highlight Tirana’s rich history and vibrant culture such as the National History Museum or the Et’hem Bej Mosque.

At its center stands the iconic statue of Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero, symbolizing the spirit of the Albanian people – hence the name.

Things to do in Tirana – Skanderbeg Square

Skanderbeg Square often hosts various events and activities throughout the year. These can include cultural festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, and public celebrations.

During our visit, there wasn’t a specific event happening, but a Ferris wheel was set up, offering a fun ride with great views of the square!

2. Take a Glimpse at Et’hem Bej Mosque

Et’hem Bej Mosque is a small mosque in the southeast corner of Skanderbeg Square and one of Tirana’s most iconic landmarks.

When we visited, we witnessed a prayer taking place, which created a serene atmosphere filled with devotion.

Many people were kneeling and praying outside, so we couldn’t go inside, but watching the scene unfold from the outside felt pretty special.

Photo credit: Depositphotos

Even though we only viewed it from the outside, it’s intriguing how this historical site exists amidst the modern hustle and bustle of the city, reflecting the unique blend of tradition and contemporary life in Tirana.

If you go inside, be sure to remove your shoes before entering. Additionally, if you’re female, wearing a headscarf is required.

3. Climb on Top of The Pyramid of Tirana

The Pyramid of Tirana is a truly unique building that you won’t find anywhere else in the world and climbing on top of it is an unforgettable experience.

Originally built as a museum dedicated to former dictator Enver Hoxha, the pyramid has transformed into a unique landmark that reflects the city’s history.

The climb is fairly easy, with ramps leading to the top. Once there, you’re rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Tirana.

From this vantage point, you can see the vibrant streets below, the surrounding mountains, and the nearby Skanderbeg Square.

Pyramid of Tirana
Best Things to do in Tirana

All around the pyramid and the adjacent park, you’ll find an ensemble of colorful boxes that house cafés, studios, workshops, start-up offices, incubators, and classrooms.

These vibrant spaces not only offer various services but also serve as cool photo opportunities!

Pyramid of Tirana

Tours you might find interesting:

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4. Dive Into History at Bunk’Art 2

As a history enthusiast, one of my favorite things to do in Tirana was visiting the Bunk’Art 2 museum. This fascinating site is located in a former nuclear bunker and offers a unique insight into Albania’s communist past.

The museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and multimedia displays that tell the story of life during the regime, highlighting both the struggles and resilience of the Albanian people.

Walking through the various sections, you gain a deeper understanding of the country’s tumultuous history and the impact of totalitarianism on its citizens.

Bunk'Art 2
Things to do in Tirana for first-timers

Bunk’Art 2 is educational and creatively designed, making it a captivating experience for anyone interested in history.

However, keep in mind that it can also be a tough and daunting experience at times, especially with exhibits like the interrogation room and displays on torture methods.

Bunk’Art 2 is open every day from 9:40 am to 8:00 pm and the price of the ticket is LEK 500 for a standard ticket or LEK 700 for a ticket plus the audio tour. Plan at least 1.5–2 hours for your visit.

5. Cross Tanner’s Bridge

Tanner’s Bridge is one of the few remaining relics of Ottoman architecture in Tirana. This charming, though somewhat unassuming, stone bridge was once used by traders to cross the Lana River, bringing livestock and produce into the city.

While the river no longer flows beneath it, walking across the bridge today still evokes a sense of its historical significance along old trade routes.

Tanner's Bridge in Tirana, Albania

It’s a peaceful, quiet spot that contrasts with the hustle of modern Tirana and is definitely worth a stop during your visit!

6. Enjoy a Coffee at Hana Corner Café

Tirana is packed with trendy cafés, but Hana Corner Café quickly became our favorite spot. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring.

They offer a range of plant-based milk alternatives for your coffee along with delicious vegan and non-vegan sweets that are hard to resist.

What makes it even better is the variety of events they host, including live music performances, art exhibitions featuring local artists, and fun workshops on everything from coffee brewing to crafts. Occasionally, they even hold themed nights, like trivia or book readings.

Tours you might find interesting:

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7. Wander Around Tirana Castle

Compared to many other European cities with ancient origins, Tirana is relatively young.

It was officially declared the capital of Albania in 1920, whereas many European cities, such as Rome, Athens, and Paris, have histories that stretch back thousands of years.

Despite its youth, Tirana does have notable historical sites, particularly Tirana Castle Also known as the Fortress of Justinian, this ancient landmark dates back to the 5th century and has undergone various transformations over the centuries.

Not much remains of the original fortress though, as only the Ottoman-era walls are still standing today.

These walls have been seamlessly integrated into the newly pedestrianized Murat Toptani Street, which is lined with a variety of cafés and souvenir shops, creating a lively atmosphere around this historical site.

Tirana Castle

8. Admire The Stunning Resurrection Cathedral

We stumbled upon the Resurrection Cathedral almost by coincidence while heading to Skanderbeg Square. Noticing the crowds admiring the cathedral and entering, we decided to stop and do the same.

I’m glad we did because I later learned it’s the largest cathedral in Albania, featuring a blend of modern and traditional Orthodox architectural styles.

Inside, you’ll find beautiful frescoes and icons, showcasing the rich artistic heritage of the Orthodox tradition.

Resurrection Cathedral

The Ressurection Cathedral is not just a religious site, it also plays a vital role in the cultural life of Tirana. It hosts various events, including religious ceremonies, concerts, and community gatherings.

Plus, its location near Skanderbeg Square makes it easily accessible, so be sure to plan a stop there.

Tours you might find interesting:

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9. Enjoy Nature in Grand Park

I don’t know about you, but every now and then, I really appreciate a city escape when the hustle and bustle gets too overwhelming. In Tirana, the Grand Park on the southern edge of the city offers just that.

Spanning over 230 acres, this expansive park features winding paths and a variety of trees and plants, making it ideal for leisurely strolls, picnics, or simply unwinding amidst lush greenery.

Tirana Park
Photo credit: Depositphotos

One of the park’s highlights is the artificial lake, where you can enjoy activities like paddle boating or simply relax by the water’s edge.

There are also plenty of spots to sit and take in the scenery, whether on a bench or a grassy patch. Along the way, you’ll find lots of charming cafés perfect for grabbing a coffee or a snack.

In the evening, and especially on weekends, the lakeside promenade can get particularly crowded. We took an evening stroll along the lake after dinner nearby, and it was filled with people hanging out, chatting, roller skating, and enjoying the lively atmosphere.

10. Plan a Half-Day Trip to Kruja

Last but not least, one of the best things to do in Tirana is to plan a half-day trip to Kruja, often referred to as the “City Beyond The Sky”.

Located about 40 minutes away, Kruja is renowned for its deep historical significance, particularly as the home of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg.

On your half-day trip, a visit to the medieval Kruja Castle, which now houses the Skanderbeg Museum, is a must. The museum offers fascinating insights into Albania’s fight for independence and Skanderbeg’s enduring legacy.

Kruja Castle

My favorite place in Kruja was the charming bazaar, one of the oldest in Albania and a must-visit for anyone exploring the town.

Lined with traditional stone streets and colorful stalls, it feels like stepping back in time. The bazaar is packed with vendors selling handmade crafts, intricate rugs, traditional Albanian clothing, and unique souvenirs like copper items and antique trinkets.

I would consider a half-day trip of about 4 to 5 hours to be sufficient to explore Kruja’s main attractions, allowing time for a leisurely lunch and to soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Check out: Visiting Kruja as a Day Trip From Tirana

Tours you might find interesting:

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Do you want to travel like me?
Here are some of my favorite travel tips and resources:

Flights: I prefer using CheapOair or Skyscanner to book flights. The destination everywhere feature is perfect for finding some cheap deals!

Accommodation: Booking.com is my favorite site to find some great hotel deals. I do love staying at a local place as well, so I book an Airbnb every now and then.

Travel Insurance: There are many reasons why travel insurance is important and I never travel without one. I use the simple and flexible one from SafetyWing that protects me against unforeseen events.

Tours: I love taking tours to explore destinations like a local. My favorite website to book them in advance is GetYourGuide.

Camera Gear: I use a Nikon D5300 camera with an 18-105 mm and a 10-20 mm wide-angle lens to take my photos.

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