Should you solely have a day in Tirana, don’t fear. Albania’s capital is compact, full of life and extremely walkable, which means you possibly can pack lots into 24 hours with out feeling rushed. Right here’s my Tirana itinerary, and the way a lot it’ll price you.
Should you’re questioning what to do in Tirana in at some point, that is precisely how I spent my 24 hours within the Albanian capital – and what I’d suggest if you wish to see the highlights. Anticipate underground bunkers and putting structure, mountain views and full of life meals markets, oh, and a futuristic pyramid.
My flight left Gatwick at 14:40 on Sunday and arrived at 18:35 native time (they’re an hour forward).
It’s really easy to get the bus from Tirana Airport to Tirana – it price 200 LEK (£1.80) and took about 45 minutes. The taxi is about 30 minutes, and prices round €25.
Morning: begin at Skanderbeg Sq.
The very best place to start your 24 hours in Tirana is Skanderbeg Sq., the massive pedestrian plaza on the centre of town.
Named after Albania’s nationwide hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, the sq. is surrounded by a few of Tirana’s most essential landmarks. It’s additionally the proper place to get your bearings once you arrive within the metropolis.
On one facet you’ll see the putting Nationwide Historical past Museum, simply recognised by its big mosaic façade. Close by sits the Palace of Tradition, whereas simply throughout the sq. is the elegant Et’hem Bey Mosque, one of many few historic non secular buildings that survived Albania’s communist period.
It’s a superb place to begin your day slowly. Seize a espresso at one of many close by cafés and watch Tirana get up. Albania takes its espresso tradition significantly – locals linger over espresso for hours (particularly males it appeared).
A lot of Tirana’s prime points of interest are inside simple strolling distance from Skanderbeg Sq., making it the best place to begin for a day exploring town.
Go to Lake Bovilla for unimaginable mountain views
If in case you have somewhat flexibility in your at some point Tirana itinerary, probably the greatest excursions from town is Lake Bovilla. I completely cherished my time right here.
The reservoir is round an hour exterior of Tirana surrounded by rugged mountains. On the way in which you’ll have a number of stops, together with one at this superb gorge, and one other on the waterfall simply earlier than you get there. Simply be careful for the sketchy bridge – you possibly can see it within the Instagram carousel under in the event you click on by way of.
When you arrive, hike as much as the point of view for unimaginable panoramic views over the (at instances) turquoise water, surrounded by steep cliffs. Keep some time and have somewhat look around the caves on the prime. I simply sat and stared on the view for some time – felt prefer it’d been ages since I’d carried out one thing like this.
There’s a restaurant midway up, serving a spread of delicacies and a completely stocked bar. I didn’t really feel that hungry however did take pleasure in a glass of Albanian white whereas having fun with the surroundings.
Should you’re visiting Tirana for a few days, Lake Bovilla is completely value including to your itinerary. Even in the event you solely have 24 hours in Tirana, an early morning journey right here will be an unforgettable method to begin the day.
That is the Lake Bovilla tour I did with GetYourGuide – 100% suggest (and solely £8)!
Afternoon: Go to Bunk’Artwork 2 for a historical past lesson
You’ll be able to’t go to Tirana with out confronting Albania’s communist previous, and Bunk’Artwork 2 is without doubt one of the most fascinating locations within the metropolis to try this.
For many years Albania was dominated by the communist dictator Enver Hoxha. Throughout this era, the federal government constructed 1000’s of bunkers throughout the nation in preparation for potential invasion.
As we speak, a type of huge underground bunkers has been reworked right into a museum exploring Albania’s trendy historical past.
There are literally two variations you possibly can go to:
Bunk’Artwork 1, positioned exterior town close to Mount Dajti
Bunk’Artwork 2, positioned within the metropolis centre
Should you solely have at some point in Tirana, Bunk’Artwork 2 is the simplest possibility as a result of it’s only a quick stroll from Skanderbeg Sq.. That is the one I went to.
Be ready although – it’s fairly grim and traumatic down there. Particularly given the state of the world proper now. I couldn’t assist however assume how a lot historical past was repeating itself.
Strolling by way of the dimly lit tunnels and rooms offers a robust perception into what life was like in the course of the communist regime and the way remoted Albania as soon as was from the remainder of the world.
It’s not the lightest attraction in Tirana, however it’s positively one of the essential. Don’t spend too lengthy down there!
This was comparatively costly for Albania, at round £9. Nonetheless value it although.
Dinner: Discover Tirana Fortress
Simply off Shëtitorja Murat Toptani Pedestrian Road, you’ll discover Tirana Fortress (Kalaja e Tiranës). This can be a excellent spot to go after the trauma of the tunnel and bunker.
Regardless of the identify, this isn’t a standard fort with towers and battlements. As an alternative, it’s a historic walled space that has been reworked right into a full of life courtyard stuffed with eating places, artisan outlets and cafés.
It’s an ideal place to wander for half an hour, particularly if you wish to browse native crafts or cease for a drink.
I finished at Lezet Restaurant for the standard Albanian meals. I ordered the speciaility Fërgesë – purple peppers, tomatoes, and salted cottage cheese (regionally gjizë) or feta. Completely scrumptious with a sausage on prime. After which, baklava.
I do know I sound like a mega vacationer however I actually preferred the way you scanned the QR code and it took you to their menu in English, with photos. It simply helps!
I’d initially stopped at one other restaurant down the again however there was so many individuals smoking round me, I needed to transfer. And I’m so glad I did. The meals and repair at Lezet was simply what I wished.
Oda Restaurant, ERA Restaurant Pizzeria or Kapalet all appear to be good choices in keeping with all of the weblog posts about Tirana I learn!
Sundown drinks at The Monarc Lodge
As night approaches, head to The Monarc Lodge for a drink. This trendy rooftop bar is without doubt one of the finest locations in Tirana to look at the sundown over the Namazgah Mosque – try my TikTok put up about it.
The ambiance is relaxed, the cocktails are glorious, and it’s the proper place to sit back after a day exploring town. Had a beautiful sit down.
My Aperol Spritz was 550 LEK (a couple of fiver).
Night: climb the Tirana Pyramid
One of the vital uncommon buildings in Tirana is the Tirana Pyramid.
Initially constructed within the late Eighties as a museum devoted to Enver Hoxha, it’s additionally been a monument and an deserted spoil, however now it’s a renovated cultural and tech hub. Seemed like plenty of places of work to me.
However the motive Tirana vacationers go is to climb up the perimeters of the pyramid through staircases to succeed in the highest, for the good views throughout town.
It’s certainly one of Tirana’s most distinctive landmarks and a strong image of how town has reinvented itself because the fall of communism.
Stroll by way of Pazari i Ri Market
After exploring Tirana’s historical past, lighten issues up with a visit to Pazari i Ri Market, also referred to as the New Bazaar.
This vibrant market space is without doubt one of the liveliest locations within the metropolis. You’ll discover stalls piled excessive with fruit, greens, olives, nuts and native produce, alongside eating places and cafés the place you possibly can sit down in your dinner.
It’s an ideal place to strive conventional Albanian dishes comparable to:
grilled meats
stuffed greens
recent salads
flaky pastries
Or just seize a drink and people-watch. Don’t count on distinctive sellers and quaint selfmade objects – it’s extra mass produced Albania soccer shirts, and ‘Albania’ emblazoned drums, pens and baggage, however it’s nonetheless an ideal space with some good trying eating places round.
The place I stayed
I booked two nights at Villa Noem. Primarily as a result of it was the most affordable, finest trying one close to the centre I discovered – and it ended up being a superb alternative.
I felt secure and cosy, and it was quiet and spacious. I had a balcony which I imagined utilizing much more than I really did, and there was free juice and low within the morning. It was solely about ten minutes stroll from Skanderberg Sq. and had a number of nice cafes close by, and a standard, household run byrek store a number of steps away too.
What I’d do in a different way in Tirana subsequent time
If I visited Tirana once more – which I positively would – there are a few issues I’d add to my itinerary.
Firstly, I’d like to do a correct structure stroll round Tirana. Town has a captivating mixture of types, from Ottoman remnants and Italian-influenced buildings to stark communist-era concrete blocks and vibrant trendy structure, and I’d love some context and route to take pleasure in them extra.
I’d additionally find time for the Home of Leaves Museum – which a number of individuals had instructed me was the very best museum. It’s concerning the spying and surveillance gadgets used throughout Albania throughout communism.
I’d additionally plan my journey extra round meals – perhaps do a cooking class? Mugo Restaurant, Arka Restaurant and Salt Tirana have been all on my record to go to. And I’d do the Djati Specific too, oh, and get some wellness therapies. They appear nice worth right here in comparison with British costs.
Value of Tirana
Take a look at my Instagram put up for all the prices, and the way a lot I ended up spending in complete!
24 hours in Tirana
Tirana genuinely stunned me.
Earlier than visiting, I didn’t actually know what to anticipate. Albania continues to be comparatively underneath the radar for a lot of travellers, and Tirana doesn’t typically seem on the standard European city-break lists.
However that’s precisely what makes it attention-grabbing.
The place else are you able to climb a former communist monument, discover an underground bunker museum, sip espresso in a full of life market and watch the sundown from a rooftop bar – all in the identical day?
Should you solely have 24 hours in Tirana, you’ll get a superb introduction. However chances are high, like me, you’ll go away already planning when you possibly can come again. I feel subsequent time I’d both mix with the seashores of the south or the gorgeous lakes of the north.