Known as the City of a Thousand Windows, Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Albania’s most charming destinations. Its white Ottoman-style houses, stacked along the hillside, create a picture-perfect view that feels like stepping back in time.

But Berat is more than just beautiful architecture. From ancient castles and panoramic viewpoints to lively riverfront walks and local traditions, this city has so much to offer.

If you’re wondering what to visit in Berat, this guide will take you through the best things to do in Berat, including hidden gems and must-see attractions.

So, whether you’re planning a day trip or an overnight stay, keep reading to uncover all the top experiences that make Berat unforgettable!

Moreover, Berat’s location does not make the city a very strategic point when we are organizing our Albania itinerary, as it is far away from the main points of interest in the country. Therefore, one night in the city is the ideal duration to ensure that you visit it and continue with your Albania itinerary.

However, it is also possible to use the bus to make this trip (500 LEK). However, in that case, the journey duration increases to 2h45. The bus departs from here every 30 minutes from 5:40 am to 5:30 pm. Nevertheless, I recommend you check the most up-to-date information about this service here.

💡 EXTRA TIP: The bus terminal in Tirana is about 20 minutes drive from Tirana airport as well as from the city centre, so the best option to get there is by taxi. The bus stop in Berat is also slightly outside the centre, and you can choose to take a 2nd bus that runs every 15 minutes towards the historic centre.

Albania is a country that still operates very much on a cash basis. You will often hear “only cash”. So, one of the biggest recommendations is to get cash as soon as you arrive in the country and always carry some cash with you as you never know when you’ll be able to use a card.

Sometimes restaurants and shops also accept Euros (and other currencies such as Dollars or Pounds), but always check if the exchange rate they suggest is beneficial for you! In my experience, it rarely is.

However, although Revolut does not charge additional fees for withdrawing money in another currency, most banks in Albania charge heavy fees for such withdrawals (one of the highest fees I saw was 6.8€).

However, I found one bank that does not charge any fee – CredinsBank. Update 2023: I’ve been told that CredinsBank also started charging fees recently.

💡 EXTRA TIP: Since Albania is a country that works very much based on cash, you should still withdraw a considerable amount because you’ll need to use cash a lot. However, if you have subscribed to the most basic Revolut plan, be aware that the withdrawals without extra fees by Revolut have a monthly limit (the months are not fixed) of 200€. In my case, we had 2 Revolut cards and had to exceed the limit in one of the withdrawals.

At Tirana Airport, you’ll find Vodafone and One offering similar packages: 35GB for 2000 LEK (~€20). The stands are located near the airport entrance/exit, and the process is quick—just provide some personal details, sign a document, and you’re set!

During my trip, I found Vodafone’s coverage to be excellent across the country. If you’re travelling with someone, you can also buy one SIM and use a hotspot to share data. With 35GB, we travelled for 10 days and still had plenty of data left! 😊

The process of buying the card was also quite simple. It took less than 15 minutes, 10 of which were in the queue waiting. All we had to do was provide some personal details, sign a document, pay and voilà!

💡 Alternative Option: If your phone supports eSIM, buying an eSIM is an even more convenient option. You can set it up before arriving in Albania, avoiding the hassle of finding a physical SIM card. I recommend Airalo, which offers flexible and affordable eSIM plans tailored for travellers.

In addition, Tradita e Beratit has a small restaurant where we can try a degustation menu with regional products and also where breakfast is served the next day.

From Berat Castle to Gorica Bridge, the best things to do in Berat showcase its rich history and unique charm. Whether you’re exploring the old town or hiking to viewpoints, this city will surprise you!

Below is a complete list of the top things to do in Berat, including historical sites, local culture, and stunning viewpoints.

But the incredible views from this castle don’t stop there. You can also admire Osum River, the mountains Mt. Tomorr and Mt Shpirag. In fact, legend has it that these two mountains fought over a woman in Berat.

Although the castle is not very visible for those who are down by the river, its complex is huge and there is really a lot to visit. On the map below you can see the main points of interest inside the castle:

There you’ll find monuments that are very different from one another as this castle dates back to the 4th century and has passed through several empires, such as the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires.

So, I recommend you set aside at least 1h30 to visit the castle complex. And I suggest you do it at sunset. If it’s a clear day, I promise that the orange or pink tones in the sky won’t leave you indifferent 🥰.

Finally, and despite having read online that it was necessary to pay a small fee to visit the castle, I was not charged anything. Several people still live inside the walled city and there are also some restaurants, so maybe that’s why.

And if you want a chance to photograph the famous houses of Berat, this street is also the ideal setting.

Take the opportunity to cross it towards Gorica. Gorica is the calmest and quietest neighbourhood in Berat. Although it doesn’t have specific places to visit, I suggest you let yourself wander a bit in its streets.

You can also enjoy a walk by the river, this being one of the best places to observe the typical houses of Berat. For taking photos, I especially recommend this spot (in the photos below).

In reality, it is a tasting menu with quality products and all very well prepared. In addition, the atmosphere of the terrace at night (with the cute lights and soothing music) makes the experience even more pleasant.

Dining at Tradita e Beratit is a perfect way to enjoy Berat at night. The soft lighting, relaxing music, and traditional dishes create an unforgettable experience.

Berat is a city that blends history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. From exploring Berat Castle and walking across Gorica Bridge to experiencing the charm of Berat at night, this UNESCO-listed town offers something special for every traveller.

Whether you’re captivated by its Ottoman-style houses, intrigued by its ancient landmarks, or simply enjoying the laid-back atmosphere, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Berat.

If you’re planning a trip to Albania, make sure Berat is on your itinerary. This city may be small, but its unique character and rich history make it one of the most rewarding places to explore.

Have you visited Berat? What was your favourite part? Or do you have any questions about planning your trip? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you! 😊

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