Filled with historical and cultural spots, Berat is a must-see place in Albania. Located in the south of the country, it’s known for being surrounded by breathtaking mountains and hills. The river of Osum runs through the city and with its unique architectural style, it’s no surprise why Berat is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From beautiful Ottoman houses to great ethnographic museums, the city has a long list of amazing spots to visit.
Coupled with its rich culture and attractions that highlight the uniqueness of Berat, this city is perfect for travelers excited to immerse themselves in an authentic historical experience. There’s a ton of best things to do in Berat, Albania, that will undoubtedly give great memories for travelers.
1. Experience the beauty of Berat Castle
This impressive castle on the hill that lies above the Osumi river should be part of anyone’s list when visiting Albania. Berat Castle shows glorious cobblestone walls that overlook the town and surrounding it are gorgeous landscapes. What’s more interesting is that this ancient site is full of life. Inside, there are churches and mosques.
You can enjoy Albanian food before or after visiting the castle. Places such as Taverna Lazaro offer spectacular meals while also being beautifully designed. With its stone walls and eye-catching architecture, it surely is a wonderful experience.
Berat Castle
Address: Rruga Mihal Komnena 5001, Berat, Albania
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: from 3 USD
2. Explore the Old Town of Berat
Berat isn’t just called the city of a thousand windows for nothing. If you are a fan of exploring neighborhoods with admirable houses and wondrous views, the Old Town is definitely a destination you would love. It has a medieval aesthetic and plenty of restaurants and cafes. At night, the windows in the city’s houses light up magnificently, living up to Berat’s reputation.
Accommodations aren’t difficult to find in this neighborhood. There are plenty of hotels in the area and one of the popular choices for tourists is Hotel Osumi. The hotel has the same characteristic and beauty as the Old Town, serving traditional and homemade meals.
Old Town of Berat
Address: PW3X+WVJ, Berat, Albania
3. Immerse yourself in history in the Ethnographic Museum
To have an immersive experience of the history of Albania, the Ethnographic Museum in Berat is a great place to start. Since 1979, the museum gives visitors the chance to see diverse historical items displaying the culture and traditions of the country.
The exhibits showcase traditional Albanian clothing, tapestry, and daily household objects. The museum sets up different rooms that make tourists feel at home, plus they dedicate each room to depict the lifestyles of their ancestors.
Ethnographic Museum of Berat
Address: Toli Bojaxhiu Street, 5001, Berat, Albania
Website: Ethnographic Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
Price: from 90 ALL (0.8 USD)
4. Enjoy a food trip along Bulevardi Republika
There’s nothing like a good city tour paired with a food trip along a nice boulevard. If you enjoy eateries, sceneries, and shops, then Bulevardi Republika is the place for you. A popular activity for visitors here is going on a coffee tasting tour because of the wide selection of cafes found in the area.
Shtepia e Kafes Gimi has a wide variety of coffee choices and desserts. It also has a selection of crepes, and you can even get yourself a Turkish coffee. You can also head to Piccolo Grande Amore, serving healthy Albanian cuisine.
Bulevardi Republika
Address: Bulevardi Republika, Korçë, Albania
5. Take pictures of Gorica Bridge
Showcasing an architectural masterpiece, Gorica Bridge is one of Albania’s iconic monuments. This structure extends over the Osumi riverbed, standing at a proud 10 meters (32 feet) tall. The bridge also serves a historical significance as it was rebuilt in the 1920s after being damaged after World War I.
This seven-arch bridge proudly connects two different parts of Berat.
Gorica Bridge
Address: PW3V+7VJ, Ura e Goricës, Berat, Albania
6. Admire the architecture of the Church of the Holy Trinity
The Church of the Holy Trinity in Berat is made of incredible brickwork that has been well preserved over the years. It holds a lot of historical value since it was constructed during the late 13th century and it greatly features Byzantine architecture. The church is one of the most visited locations in Berat and you’ll be delighted by the pop of red from the Byzantine tiles along with the foundation made from white stone.
Church of the Holy Trinity
Address: PW5V+6P3, Berat, Albania
Website: Church of the Holy Trinity
7. Discover activities in the Quarter Of Gorica
Sitting on the side of Gorica Hill, the Quarter of Gorica is a peaceful and gorgeous part of town. The location is ideal for a variety of activities while offering a scenic view of the Osumi river and Ottoman architecture. You’ll find plenty of authentic Albanian restaurants nearby, such as Antigoni, Apsus Restaurant, and Bar Restorant Ajka.
Hikers can also find a trail behind the quarter overlooking a view of Berat Castle and Mangalem Quarter. With the rich history of the Quarter Of Gorica, you’ll find the Church of St. Spiridon and the church of St Thomas, which are approximately a six-minute walk from each other.
Quarter of Gorica
Address: Berat, Albania
8. Learn about the ruins of the Red Mosque
A cultural monument in Albania, the Red Mosque is a structure made out of red bricks and limestone. The 15th-century mosque has a minaret which is a traditional landmark in the Islam culture. There is also a staircase leading to the rooftop overlooking a 360-degree view of the castle and the city.
The location of the Red Mosque is also very convenient, only a 3-minute drive or a 20-minute walk to the Old Town. It’s also less than five minutes away from Gorica Bridge and Osumi Canyon Hiking Tour.
Red Mosque
Address: PW4W+R9F, Berat, Albania
9. Indulge your inner history buff in the Onufri Iconographic Museum
The museum showcases Byzantine art and iconography, mostly from Albanian painters in the 14th to 20th centuries. Amongst the collections are the works of Onufri Argitis and David Selenica. On top of that, they have woodworks by Albanian woodcarving masters along with historically significant codices. They even carry the works of Stefan Barka and Naum Ngjela. You’ll be amazed by the 200 objects within the museum, boasting a lot of value, especially in the history of Christianity.
Onufri Iconographic Museum
Address: Rruga “Toli Bojaxhiu”, 5001, Berat ALBANIA
Website: Onufri Iconographic Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: from 120 ALL (1 USD)
10. Taste exquisite wine at Nurellari Winery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This family-owned winery from 1995 holds a wonderful collection of red wine, white wine, rosé, and raki. The winery even sells organic olive oil perfect for any cooking recipe. They offer personal and group tours along with a full or partial wine tasting. The winery is located in gorgeous, picturesque landscapes which makes tours even more special. Nurellari Winery also accepts guests through reservations as well as offers a variety of food options on-site.
Nurellari Winery
Address: Nurellari Winery, Fushë-Peshtan, Berat Fushe peshtan, 5000, Albania
Website: Nurellari Winery
Opening hours: Sun: 9am - 1:30pm, 2:30pm - 9:30pm; Mon - Sat: 9am - 1:30pm, 2:30pm - 10:30pm
Price: Drinks and tour prices upon inquiry
Have fun in Berat, Albania
Berat is filled with engaging activities and beautiful sceneries. Tourists can have a memorable vacation from its rich culture to its tasty local delicacies. You’ll find that Berat is a blend of historical architecture, natural sites, and delicious cuisine. Make sure to peruse this list for your trip here.
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