7 Best Things To Do In Gjirokaster, Albania

1. Learn more about history at Castle of Gjirokastra and Arms Museum

The Arms Museum is located inside the Castle of Gjirokastra. It used to be a prison built by Italians where it held political prisoners. That was from 1932 until its closure in 1968, when it first started to serve as a museum developed by the communist regime. It now displays Albanian arms that were present from the country’s independence in 1912 until the end of the Second World War. For an entrance fee, you can access the museum, the former prison, and the museum of the castle altogether so it’s a great stopover to learn so much about this heritage site all at once.

Castle of Gjirokastra and Arms Museum

Address: Rruga Gjin Bue Shpata, Gjirokastër, Albania

Website: Castle of Gjirokastra and Arms Museum

Opening hours: Apr - Sep: 9am - 7pm (daily); Oct - March: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 200 ALL (2 USD)

2. Taste delectable traditional flavors at Restaurant Tradicional Odaja

Boasting a friendly atmosphere, this restaurant has been around since 1937 and has been entertaining customers with its homey vibe. Of course, great food is given and here you can enjoy some of the best traditional Albanian dishes in town. Try their famous moussaka, indulge in some qifqi (rice balls), and order Imam bajalldi (stuffed grilled and stewed aubergines) – dining at Restaurant Tradicional Odaja will make you fall in love with the many flavors of Albanian cuisine and a mixture of international flavors, all set against a stylish interior and homey ambiance that’s not at all intimidating.

Restaurant Tradicional Odaja

Address: Rruga Gjin Bue Shpata, Gjirokastër, Albania

Website: Restaurant Tradicional Odaja

Opening hours: 10am - 11pm (daily)

3. Tour the famous Zekate House

Considered to be the grandest example of Gjirokaster architecture in the Ottoman style, Zekate House is a distinct and important element of Gjirokaster’s status of being a UNESCO Heritage Site. The house is a fortified tower house, or kulle, as locally known, which belonged to wealthy people. These houses have a deck on walls design as defense and preparation for an enemy attack. Zekate House was built in 1811 to 1812 and it is a popular attraction in town, with its lovely exterior, picturesque façade, and historic interiors. From the top, you get a view of the stunning river valley.

Zekate House

Address: Rruga Bashkim Kokona, Gjirokaster, Albania

Opening hours: 8:15am - 8pm (daily, varies depending on season)

Price: 200 ALL (2 USD)

4. Explore the beautifully restored Skenduli House

The Skenduli House is another important architectural element in this historical town. It’s supposed to be one of the most important representations of 19th-century architecture, built in 1823 and preserved in its best condition. The 300-year-old house used to be the original ethnographic museum. Today it is owned by a descendant of the original family that built the house while still being open to the public. The architecture of this house represents the richest families in its era with 9 fireplaces, 6 bathrooms, 12 rooms, 44 doors, 64 windows, and 4 hammam (or Turkish baths). While it already existed for such a long time, it’s amazing how it still has preserved much of its original form without undergoing intense restoration.

Skenduli House

Address: Rruga Sokaku i te Mareve, Gjirokaster, Albania

Website: Skenduli House

Opening hours: Apr - Oct: 9am - 7pm (daily, varies depending on season)

Price: 200 ALL (2 USD)

5. Visit the Ethnographic Museum

Open to travelers all year round, the Ethnographic Museum is located on the western part of Gjirokastër, in the Palorto Quarter. Here you can see cultural artifacts and traditional homewares that were used by the wealthier families and that of the Ottoman administrators back in the 19th century. Before this, it was an Anti-Fascist Museum and was built on the site of a communist leader. If you’re interested to have a glimpse of how they lived in the 19th century, visiting the museum is a good opportunity to revisit the past, reflect, and appreciate the rich history of their culture.

Ethnographic Museum

Address: Ethnographic Museum, Gjirokaster, Albania

Opening hours: 8am - 12pm, 4pm - 7pm (daily, Apr - Sep); Wed - Sun: 8am - 4pm (closed Mon & Tue, Oct - Mar)

Price: 200 ALL (2 USD)

6. Unravel the secrets inside the Cold War Tunnel

An interesting element in this UNESCO World Heritage site that is a must-visit is literally a secret element. It was built in secret during the 1960s with over 50 rooms and it remained unknown to the public until the 1990s. The bunker was built deep down the Kruja Castle and was used by local authorities during the time when communists were at full-scale invasion. The tunnel is 800 meters (2,625 feet) long and was preserved in its original state. Although nothing much interesting can be found inside the tunnel, the “bareness” of this bunker is what makes it worth visiting – it will feel genuine and being in the tunnel itself presents the feeling that you’re actually in that era. Several personal guided tours are available if you want to gain more information. Tunnel tours take about half an hour long.

Cold War Tunnel

Address: Gjirokaster, Albania

Website: The Cold War Tunnel

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 2pm; Sun: 9am - 3pm (varies depending on season)

Price: 200 ALL (2 USD)

7. End the day at Classic Coffee Bar

Want to take a break from all the historical and cultural tours? Gjirokaster has more to offer than its important castles and museums. You can also enjoy the vibrant nightlife. Classic Coffee bar offers good food, cocktails, and other drinks to refresh you during the night with a warm and cozy ambiance. There are also kid-friendly drinks (think shakes loaded with sweet treats) so perhaps you might want to bring your kiddos here for lunch. Visiting this bar is a great way to end your whole day of touring and simply enjoy memorable Albanian nights with friends and/or loved ones.

Classic Coffee Bar

Address: Rruga Doktor Vasil Laboviti, Gjirokastër, Albania

Website: Classic Coffee Bar

Visit Albania’s best-kept secret

A distinct architectural example of the Ottoman period, the historic town of Gjirokaster, Albania is a place where you’ll be transported into a different era. The place has so much history and now it holds an outstanding universal value that’s worth way more than a pretty Instagram post. Plan your visit to this site with friends or family and have a great time while learning so much about culture and history!