Have you decided where to go for your next vacation? Consider visiting Albania and making a stop for a couple of days in Tirana, the capital city. The city is incredibly beautiful and colorful, thanks to the numerous buildings that display the architectural styles of Ottoman, Fascist and Soviet eras. There are plenty of interesting things that you can do to make your vacation in Tirana worth your time and money. From natural landscapes to castles and ultra-modern entertainment center to top-notch restaurants, all can be found in Tirana. Keep reading to learn more about the top things to do in Tirana, Albania.
1. Go birdwatching with a ranger (from USD 121.0)
Animal lovers, especially bird lovers, will not want to miss this birdwatching activity. You will be visiting lagoons to spot various kinds of birds that are waiting for your embrace. You will be accompanied by a ranger during the tour, so you would not have to worry about a single thing. To make your experience even more delightful, you will go on a boat ride to reach Pelican Island and admire the pleasant views of nature along the way. Once you get to Pelican Island, you will be served with local dishes and products.
Birdwatching Albania
Duration: 6 to 9 hours
2. Check out a historic mosque at Xhamia e Tabakëve
Situated within the proximity to Tanners’ Bridge, the historic mosque of Xhamia e Tabakëve is among the most beautiful mosques in Tirana that are worth admiring. Built in the 17th century, the mosque that showcases the stunning Ottoman architecture was once damaged by lightning but then has been restored and has stood elegantly until today. The strong minarets and the striking white color of the mosque can be seen even from afar.
Xhamia e Tabakëve
Address: Tirana, Albania
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
3. Admire a collection of Albanian artwork at Mezuraj Museum
When you reach a new destination, it is compulsory to learn a little bit about the city, such as culture, history or the art. That is why you need to find your way to Mezuraj Museum to admire a collection of Albanian artwork that will blow your mind away. The museum boasts an impressive collection of Albanian paintings, sculptures, and archaeological artifacts. Many of the art pieces that are being showcased in the museum are the work of a renowned Albanian sculptor Adnan Bushati. The museum also features a huge collection of objects that used to belong to the Mezuraj family.
Mezuraj Museum
Address: Kavaja St, Tirana, Albania
Website: Mezuraj Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 300 ALL (3 USD)
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4. Enjoy a breath of fresh air at Skanderbeg Square
Skanderbeg Square is probably the most crowded place in Tirana in that it is the main plaza of the people that is located right in the heart of the city. The local people love to spend time there whenever they have time to relax and you will be able to feel and breathe in the vibrant atmosphere of Tirana. Skanderbeg Square was designed by three Italian architects, resulting in a circular shape. Years later, the square was reconstructed and now boasts a unique shape that resembles a pyramid in the center. The square is also loaded with a lot of important buildings or landmarks. As you enjoy a stroll at Skanderbeg Square, you will spot Skanderbeg Statue and Palace of Culture, among others.
Skanderbeg Square
Address: Sheshi Skënderbej, Tirana, Albania
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
5. Learn the history of Tirana at National Museum of History
If you are interested in gaining some insights into the history of Tirana, the National Museum of History is the place where you should be headed to. Opened for the first time to the public in 1981, the National Museum of History is the largest museum in Albania. Inside the museum, you can admire a ton of archaeological treasures along with mosaics and statues that originated in the ancient Greek and Roman periods. The most prominent feature of the museum is probably the replica of the massive sword of Skanderbeg.
National Museum of History
Address: Sheshi Skënderbej 1, Tirana 1000, Albania
Website: National Museum of History
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 200 ALL (2 USD)
6. Stop by the Pyramid of Tirana
Pyramid of Tirana may not be the most appealing attraction to be visited in Tirana, but it is a must to spare some time to stop by Pyramid of Tirana as the monument was of significant importance in the past. The pyramid was initially built to honor a former Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha who believed in the ideals of Stalinism. It used to be the Enver Hoxha Museum but now has transformed into a convention center and nearby the pyramid, you can see many homeless people residing in tents. The white marble walls of the pyramid are starting to crumble. However, it is still not clear about what to do with the pyramid, whether it would be restored or destroyed. You can see graffiti all over the walls of the pyramid.
Pyramid of Tirana
Address: Tirana, Albania
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Stroll across Tanners' Bridge
Another exceptional example from the Ottoman period is Tanners’ Bridge. There are not too many Ottoman buildings or structures left in Tirana, so be sure to take a walk on Tanners’ Bridge, a beautiful bridge made of stone. Built in the 18th century, the bridge used to be part of Saint George Road, an important road that allowed produce and livestock to enter the city of Tirana. Keep in mind that you need to be careful when crossing the bridge and the surface may be slippery as it is rather smooth.
Tanners' Bridge
Address: Bulevardi “Jean D'Arc, Tirana, Albania
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
8. Wonder at the marvelous Et'hem Bey Mosque
Another mosque that will take your breath away is Et'hem Bey Mosque, which is located in Skanderbeg Square. The mosque was built in the early 1970s but it was banned when the communist ruled the country. It was in 1991 that the mosque began its operation again when around 10,000 Muslims decided to attend the mosque for worship. That time was believed to be the time of the rebirth of religious freedom in the country. You are welcome to enter the mosque to pray. But, you can also simply wonder at the architecture and the motifs of the mosque.
Et'hem Bey Mosque
Address: AL, Sheshi Skënderbej, 1000, Albania
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
9. Board a cable car to get to Mount Dajti
Perched at 1,613 meters (5292 feet) above sea level, Mount Dajti is the easiest mountain to be accessed and among the most beautiful national parks in the country. There is no need for you to visit the other mountains or national parks in Albania, but you cannot miss Mount Dajti. To get to the top of Mount Dajti, you can take a cable car that will present you with scenic vistas for as long as 15 minutes. Other than the stunning views of nature, you should also have lunch in the restaurant and order the roast lamb. It will surely satisfy your appetite and keep you energized for the rest of the adventure for the day.
Mount Dajti
Address: Tirana, Albania
Website: Mount Dajti
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 738 ALL (6 USD)
10. Take a trip to the 15th century Petrela Castle
Nestled on a hill that offers the sweeping views of the city, Petrela Castle is worth hiking. All you need to do is hike approximately 400 meters (1312 feet) and before you know it, you will reach the top and can marvel at the beautiful 15th-century castle. In addition to the castle, you can also take a look inside a 5th-century tower and indulge in local cuisine at restaurants near the castle.
Petrela Castle
Address: Rruga Petreles, Petrelë, Albania
Website: Petrela Castle
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
11. Enjoy entertainment at Blloku
To enjoy the ultimate entertainment in Tirana, you can never go wrong with Blloku, an upmarket area with the liveliest atmosphere in the city. In Blloku, you can visit as many boutique shops, restaurants, pubs, bars, and cafes as you want.
Blloku
Address: Tirana, Albania
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
12. Explore Mother Teresa Square
As the second-largest square in Tirana, Mother Teresa Square is surely something you do not want to miss exploring. The square was named after Mother Teresa to honor the Catholic nun. There used to be a Mother Teresa statue on the east side but then removed. Nowadays, the square is often used to hold outdoor activities as well as live shows and performances.
Mother Teresa Square
Address: Tirana, Albania
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
13. Relax at the Botanical Gardens of Tirana
Colorful flowers and lush trees are what you need to recharge your energy and treat your mind and soul right. Make a stop at the Botanical Gardens of Tirana, which is located inside the University of Tirana. Discover the botanical treasure through a collection of more than 2,000 species of Albanian exotic plants.
Botanical Gardens of Tirana
Address: Rruga Selita e Vjeter, Tiranë, Albania
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 2pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: 50 ALL (0.5 USD)
14. Enjoy recreational activities at the artificial Farka Lake
Drive to the southeast of Tirana and the beauty of Farka Lake will stop you. Although an artificial lake, Farka Lake is just as charming as a natural lake and many local people escape to this paradise to come back refreshed. Farka Lake offers not only magnificent vistas but also recreational activities such as paddling and kayaking.
Farka Lake
Address: Tirana, Albania
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
15. Meet friendly animals at Tirana Zoo
Set in the southern part of Tirana not far from the Botanical Gardens, Tirana Zoo is the place where you can meet face to face with a variety of animal species from around the world. Get ready to have a close encounter with ducks, lions, wolves and many more.
Tirana Zoo
Address: Kopshti Zoologjik, Tirana, Albania
Website: Tirana Zoo
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 100 ALL (1 USD)
16. Learn about secretive things at House of Leaves
Compared to the other museums in Tirana, House of Leaves is still relatively new. What is more, the House of Leaves is probably the most intriguing museum of them all because you are going to learn about plenty of secretive things once you step inside the museum. You may cringe as you discover the interrogation and surveillance methods used during the communist regime. Some displays are considered too violent that they are not suitable for younger children.
House of Leaves
Address: Tirana, Albania
Website: House of Leaves
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 700 ALL (6 USD)
17. Have an artsy time at National Museum of Fine Arts
Relax for a bit and indulge in some artsy time by visiting National Museum of Fine Arts that is famous for its collection of Albanian paintings that range from the 19th century up to the present day. You can learn more about Albanian life in different periods as well as the political point of view in the country. In addition to permanent exhibitions, the museum also hosts rotating exhibitions.
National Museum of Fine Arts
Address: AL, Bulevardi Dëshmorët e Kombit, 1001, Albania
Website: National Museum of Fine Arts
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 200 ALL (2 USD)
18. Discover the history of Albanian currency at Bank of Albania Museum
Bank of Albania Museum, also known as Money Museum, is the only museum in Albania that can help you to understand the history of Albanian currency. You can observe the changes of Albanian banknotes right from antiquity to modern times and through this observation, you can gain insights into the monetary history of Albania.
Bank of Albania Museum
Address: Sheshi Skënderbej 1, Tirana, Albania
Website: Bank of Albania Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 9am - 3pm (closed from Fri - Mon)
19. Feel heavenly at Grand Park of Tirana
Although you are on Earth, you will feel heavenly right after you set foot into Grand Park of Tirana, one of the prettiest parks in the city that offer plenty of green spaces, eateries, and playgrounds for children. You can just simply take rest on one of the available benches and soak up the greenery that is all around you.
Grand Park of Tirana
Address: Rruga Herman Gmeiner, Tirana 1000, Albania
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
20. Make a stop at the Clock Tower of Tirana
Having a height of 35 meters (115 feet), the Clock Tower of Tirana used to be the tallest building in the city. Now, it remains a popular meeting point for a lot of local people. The clock tower displays yet another Ottoman architecture and was built in 1822. It sounds like a bell every hour. If you like, you can get inside the tower to climb the stairs and enjoy the stunning views of Sheshi Skënderbej.
Clock Tower of Tirana
Address: Tirana, Albania
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
21. Go underground and go back in time at BUNK'ART
Finally, you need to go back in time in Tirana and you can do so by visiting BUNK'ART. Go deep into the underground space that used to be a bunker during the Cold War. As you are going underground, you will walk inside a dark tunnel and learn about the military base of the country through the objects and artifacts. In the other part of the bunker, you can enjoy impressive contemporary art pieces.
BUNK'ART
Address: Rruga Fadil Deliu 1001, Tiranë, Albania
Website: BUNK'ART
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 500 ALL (5 USD)
22. Take pictures in front of I Love Tirana Sign
As soon as you set foot in Tirana, you will be surprised at how fast you are falling in love with the city. To show your profound love for Tirana, you need to take a lot of pictures in front of I Love Tirana Sign that can be found in Rinia park, a public park that is situated close to Taiwan Pool. In fact, there are plenty of I Love Tirana paintings throughout the city, but none beats the popularity of this sign. Once you are done taking pictures, you are highly recommended to take a relaxed stroll around the park and enjoy the lush landscape. For your information, the park was built in 1950 when Albania was still under communist rule.
I Love Tirana Sign
Address: I Love Tirana Sign, Tiranë, Albania
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
Enjoy your vacation in Tirana
You cannot deny the charm of Tirana after reading through every attraction mentioned above. Before you fly to Tirana, make sure that you have planned your itinerary carefully and do not miss even a single attraction listed because only by doing most of the top things to do, you can enjoy the most wonderful time in Tirana.
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