Most travellers planning a trip to Albania often hear the same advice: Skip Tirana, there’s not much to see. But after spending one day in Tirana, I can confidently say that this city is full of surprises—and definitely shouldn’t be overlooked!
Sure, it’s not as postcard-perfect as Berat or as beachy as Ksamil, but Tirana has something unique: a fascinating mix of history, quirky Communist-era relics, colourful street art, and a buzzing café culture.
Walking through its streets, I felt like I was seeing a city in transition, moving fast towards modernity while still holding onto its past.
If you’re wondering what to see in Tirana in one day, this itinerary covers all the must-visit spots. From the iconic Skanderbeg Square and underground Bunk’Art 2 to the trendy Blloku district and the lively New Bazaar.
Whether you love history, food, or simply soaking in the local atmosphere, Tirana has plenty to offer.
So, is one day in Tirana enough? This itinerary will take you through the city’s most fascinating spots—from historic squares and Communist-era bunkers to vibrant street markets and trendy cafés. Let’s dive in and find out! 🚀
Best time of year to visit Tirana: When to Go & What to Expect
One of the great things about planning a Tirana itinerary is that the city is a year-round destination. While it doesn’t experience extreme temperatures, the weather can still influence your experience.
Below, I’ll break down the best time to visit depending on the season:
❄️ Winter (Dec-March): Tirana gets quite cool in winter, with temperatures dropping to around 0°C at night. However, this is also the quietest time to visit, with fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices.
☀️ Summer (June–Aug): Summers in Tirana are hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 22°C to 25°C. The heat can feel intense, but unlike other European capitals, Tirana doesn’t suffer from over-tourism, meaning you won’t have to deal with long queues or sky-high prices.
🌸 Best time? May, June & September – For the most pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and a great balance between warmth and comfort, these months are ideal for exploring the city.
How many days in Tirana?
Tirana is a compact and walkable city, making it easy to explore in a short amount of time. If you’re wondering what to do in Tirana in just one day, you’ll find that the city’s main attractions are close together, allowing you to experience a mix of history, culture, and local life without rushing.
1 day in Tirana is enough to visit its main attractions, soak in the local atmosphere, and get a feel for Albania’s capital.
However, Tirana is evolving fast, with a growing cultural scene, trendy cafés, and vibrant nightlife. If you want to dive deeper into its unique history, explore beyond the city centre, or take things at a slower pace, adding an extra day or two would be a great idea.
I explored Tirana entirely on foot, and it was very doable—the main points of interest are within short walking distance of each other, making it easy to navigate without needing public transport.
How to Get to Tirana: Flights & Travel Options
Getting to Tirana is fairly easy, with direct flights from major European cities. The main gateway to the city is Tirana International Airport (TIA).
Tirana has direct connections to cities like London, Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Berlin, and Zurich, among others. Budget airlines such as Wizz Air and Ryanair often offer affordable flights, making it a budget-friendly destination.
If you’re arriving from nearby Balkan countries, buses connect Tirana with cities like Pristina, Skopje, and Podgorica, but travel times can be long due to road conditions.
How to get from Tirana airport to the city centre?
Tirana International Airport (TIA) is located about 18km from the city centre, and if you haven’t rented a car, there are several ways to reach downtown Tirana. Here are the best options:
1 – Rina Express Bus (4€, ~30 min) – The most budget-friendly option, running every hour from 6 AM to midnight. The bus stops at Skanderbeg Square, making it a convenient choice for travellers staying in the city centre. Check the most up-to-date information about Rina Express Bus.
2 – Taxis (25€, ~20-25 min) – Readily available outside the terminal. While taxis are the fastest option, make sure to agree on a fare before starting your trip to avoid overcharging.
3 – Ride Apps – Although Uber doesn’t operate in Albania, local alternatives like Speed Taxi and UPs Taxi work similarly. You can request a car through the app, but keep in mind that payment is in cash.
When I arrived late at night, I used the UPs Taxi app. While the experience wasn’t as seamless as Uber, it was reliable, and we paid €20 as expected. The main advantage over regular taxis was that we could confirm the fare in advance.
💡 EXTRA TIP: Unsure if you’re being charged fairly? You can simulate the fare on this website before accepting a ride.
How to pay in Albania?
The official currency of Albania is LEK and as of February 2025, this is the exchange rate against the Euro: 1 EUR = 99 LEK. Albanian currency can only be purchased and exchanged in Albania!
Albania is still a cash-heavy country, and you’ll often hear the phrase “only cash” when trying to pay. Many small businesses, local markets, and even some restaurants do not accept cards, so it’s best to withdraw cash as soon as you arrive and always keep some on hand.
While some places may accept Euros, Dollars, or Pounds, the exchange rate offered is often not in your favour. If you choose to pay in a foreign currency, double-check the rate before handing over your money—in my experience, it’s rarely a good deal!
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Where to withdraw money without paying fees?
First of all, I recommend using a Revolut Card, since it will not charge you additional fees for using a different currency (either when you pay with the card or when you withdraw money). Read more about how the Revolut card works.
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 operates primarily on cash, it’s a good idea to withdraw a sufficient amount upfront, as you’ll be using cash frequently. If you’re using a Revolut card, keep in mind that the basic plan has a monthly withdrawal limit of €200 before additional fees apply. The monthly cycle isn’t fixed, so check your app to track your limit. When I visited, we had two Revolut cards and ended up exceeding the limit on one of them, so plan accordingly to avoid unnecessary fees.
How to have internet in Albania?
These days, staying connected while travelling is essential. Since Albania isn’t part of the EU, roaming charges can be high, so I recommend getting a local data package as soon as you arrive.
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.
Accommodation in Tirana
I stayed in a recently renovated flat relatively close to the city centre – 5-10 minutes walk to the main points of interest.
Studio Apartments Villa 24 is a set of flats that are equipped with everything we need for a good stay in Tirana.
Besides the comfortable bed and modern bathroom, it also had a living room and a small kitchen, in case we wanted to cook some meals. We were very well received at the accommodation with some fruit, some biscuits and water.
Activities & Tours in Tirana
How to spend one day in Tirana Map
Before diving into the top places to visit in Tirana, here’s a map of this Tirana 1 day itinerary to help you visualise the route.
What to see in Tirana in one day
If you’re planning what to see in Tirana in one day, the following list covers the highlights, blending history, culture, and some quirky spots that make Tirana so unique.
Whether you’re fascinated by its Ottoman past or intrigued by its Communist history, there’s plenty to explore. Here are the best things to do in Tirana.
» Tanner Bridge
Start your journey with a glimpse of Tirana’s Ottoman history. The Tanner Bridge, built in the 18th century, was once crucial for trade but has since become a charming relic of the past.
While the watercourse it once spanned has been diverted, the bridge remains an iconic symbol of the city’s heritage.
» Namazgah Mosque
Very recently built, do not fail to admire the splendour of this mosque. It is one of the largest mosques in the Balkan countries and was built to address the lack of mosques in Tirana.
» New Bazaar (Pazari i Ri)
No visit to Tirana is complete without stopping at the New Bazaar. This vibrant area is packed with restaurants, cafés, and colourful stalls selling everything from fresh produce to traditional Albanian carpets.
Originally built in the 1930s and recently renovated, it’s a perfect spot to soak in the local atmosphere and snap some Instagram-worthy photos.
» Skanderbeg Square
One place you can’t miss in Tirana is its main square. It is named after one of the country’s greatest heroes – Skanderbeg, who helped liberate this region from the control of the Ottoman Empire.
Don’t be surprised if you see several references to this name throughout the country!
The square is quite large and in its centre, we find the statue of Skanderbeg on top of a horse. But this square is also marked by other buildings that exist there such as:
- Palace of Culture
- National Opera
- National History Museum
» National History Museum
Albania is a country with a tough history and a good part of it still very recent. Furthermore, it is a complex history that went from occupations by the Ottoman Empire, and invasions during the 2nd World War to a Communist regime until the 90s that made this country almost isolated from the world.
Dive deeper into Albania’s complex past at the National History Museum. However, I personally did not find the museum extremely interesting.
In some sections, the exhibits feel overwhelming with an excess of information, while in others, the details are limited and available only in Albanian, which can make it challenging for non-Albanian speakers to fully engage with the content.
📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: A visit to the museum costs about 500 LEK (~4,3€) and the Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday.
» Clock Tower and Et’hem Bey Mosque
From Skanderbeg Square, we spot two more of the city’s important monuments. The first is the Clock Tower, which was once the tallest building in the city. Although I had read that the tower is open for visitors free of charge, every time I passed by, it was closed, making it unclear when access is actually available.
Right next door, we find a very tiny mosque – Et’hem Bey Mosque. The exterior and interior details of the mosque are wonderful.
📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: Outside prayer hours, it is possible to visit the mosque free of charge. Men and women may enter together, and it is compulsory to take off your shoes at the entrance. The dress code is quite relaxed. For example, they did not require me to wear a scarf covering my hair. The only thing they asked was to cover my legs and they lent me a kind of cloak they had there.
» Bunk’Art 2
One of the most peculiar and strange things about Albania is the astronomical amount of bunkers they have scattered around the country.
Their dictator at the time of communist rule lived in fear of a possible nuclear attack (which never happened!) and built THOUSANDS of bunkers. There are estimated to be over 170,000 bunkers in the whole country 😱.
And if you’re curious to learn more about two of the most important bunkers in the country, then you must add Bunk’Art 2 to your list of places to visit in Tirana. The interactive exhibits delve into Albania’s Communist-era secret police and life under dictatorship. The visit should take 1h-1h30.
Alternatively, you can also visit another bunker (Bunk’Art 1) which is even bigger as it was intended to be occupied by the dictator and his government. However, it is located outside the historic city centre.
Each bunker offers a distinct experience, not only in its design but also in the themes explored through its exhibits.
Bunk’Art 1 provides a deeper look into the construction of Albania’s bunkers and the broader history of the Communist regime. Meanwhile, Bunk’Art 2 focuses on the Albanian secret police and their role in persecuting those who opposed the regime, offering a chilling insight into the country’s past.
📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: Bunk’Art 2 is open from 9.30 am to 6 pm from Monday to Thursday and until 8 pm from Friday to Sunday. The visit costs 500 LEK (~5€).
» Murad Toptani Street and Tirana Castle
Continue towards the city’s best-known pedestrian street – Murad Toptani Street. The spirit of the whole street is quite friendly, full of bars, cafes and restaurants where locals come together.
Further on, you will find Tirana Castle. Although the castle walls still remain, its interior has been transformed into a kind of open-air market, where in addition to some shops, we find several restaurants and cafes. It is a very interesting place and well worth a visit in Tirana 😊.
💡 EXTRA TIP: While you’re in the area, check out the quirky Cloud Sculpture, a modern art installation that’s perfect for photos.
» Piramida
The Pyramid of Tirana was built in the late 1980s as a museum in honour of Enver Hoxha (Albanian dictator) and is named after its shape.
It has now been transformed into a modern youth and technology centre. This revitalised space now features classrooms, co-working areas, and cultural hubs, symbolising Albania’s shift from its Communist past to a creative and innovative future.
One of its standout features is the climbable exterior, offering a unique way to experience this iconic structure.
» Mother Teresa Square
After Skanderbeg Square, this is the second largest square in the Albanian capital. It’s dedicated to Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who has Albanian roots.
It’s a peaceful area to reflect on the country’s history and admire the surrounding architecture.
» Grand Park of Tirana
For a bit of nature, head to the Grand Park of Tirana, a sprawling green space with an artificial lake. It’s the perfect place to relax and recharge after a day of sightseeing in the bustling city.
Don’t miss the artificial lake located inside the park.
» Blloku
And we end this Tirana tour, visiting one of Tirana’s most emblematic neighbourhoods – Blloku.
Once restricted to Communist elites, it’s now a hub for cafés, restaurants, and nightlife. While here, visit Postblloku, a memorial to Albania’s Communist past, featuring a piece of the Berlin Wall and an old bunker.
In fact, this is where you can find the former residence of Enver Hoxha – the lunatic dictator of the Albanian communist regime.
💡 EXTRA TIP: Don’t miss the rainbow houses on Rruga Abdyl Frashëri for a colourful and unique view of the city.
For one of the best views of the city, you can try climbing to the top of the Sky Tower (warning: when I visited in September 2022, this was under renovation and it was not possible to go up).
» [optional] Dajti Express Cable Car
If you have extra time, consider taking the Dajti Express cable car. This 15-minute ride offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains. It’s an excellent escape for nature lovers looking for something different.
I have to admit, I skipped this trip for two reasons—I was short on time and a bit hesitant about the cable car’s height. However, if you’re interested, you can learn more about the Dajti Cable Car opening hours and rates.
Best Day Trips from Tirana
If you’re looking to explore beyond Tirana, there are plenty of incredible day trips that you can enjoy.
For example, these destinations offer a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty and are some of the top options to consider:
Berat: The City of 1000 Windows
Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its stunning Ottoman-era architecture and unique hillside houses that seem to stack on top of one another. You can easily join a guided tour of Berat for a hassle-free experience, or if you’re planning a road trip in Albania, check out my detailed post on what to visit in Berat for tips on exploring this charming town on your own.
Krujë: The Medieval Gem
Krujë is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, offering a chance to walk through its cobblestone streets, visit the Krujë Castle, and explore the vibrant Old Bazaar filled with local crafts and souvenirs. Consider a day trip to Krujë to make the most of your visit.
Lake Bovilla: A Natural Escape
For outdoor lovers, Lake Bovilla is an ideal day trip. Located just outside Tirana, this scenic spot is perfect for hiking and enjoying breathtaking views of turquoise waters surrounded by rugged mountains. If you’re not sure where to start, joining an adventure tour to Lake Bovilla is a great way to explore the area safely and efficiently.
Must-try restaurants in Tirana
Tirana’s food scene is a delightful mix of traditional Albanian flavours and modern culinary creativity. Whether you’re craving hearty local dishes or something a bit more unique, these restaurants and cafés are sure to impress:
- Era Blloku (€): Very affordable prices and tasty traditional food. We tried the stuffed aubergine and the stuffed cabbage (sarme).
- Tartuf Shop (€): Truffle lovers, rejoice! This restaurant focuses on truffle-based dishes that are absolutely mouth-watering. We tried some truffle ravioli and a truffle and asparagus risotto, both of which were incredibly rich and tasty.
- Komiteti – Kafe Muzeum (€): if you’re looking for the coolest café in Tirana, then this one could well win the prize. With the most original decor, this is a place both for the first coffee of the day and for a drink at the end of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tirana
Is Tirana worth visiting?
Yes, Tirana is absolutely worth visiting!
The city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern development, with highlights like Skanderbeg Square, Bunk’Art 2, and the vibrant Blloku district.
It’s a budget-friendly destination with a lively atmosphere that surprises many visitors.
Is Tirana safe for tourists?
Tirana is generally safe for tourists, offering a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
At first glance, the city might seem a bit dodgy due to the many unfinished buildings and raw urban aesthetic, but don’t let that deter you. It’s simply part of Tirana’s charm and ongoing development.
As with any city, keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas and agree on taxi fares in advance to avoid any misunderstandings.
Do people in Tirana speak English?
English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. However, knowing a few basic Albanian phrases can be helpful and appreciated.
What’s the easiest way to get around Tirana?
Tirana is a very walkable city, with most attractions located within short distances of each other. For longer trips, taxis or local ride-hailing apps like Speed Taxi and UPs Taxi are convenient options.
What are the best areas to stay in Tirana?
The best areas to stay in Tirana are Blloku, known for its trendy vibe, filled with restaurants, bars, and cafés, and the City Centre, located near Skanderbeg Square, which offers easy access to the main attractions and is simple to navigate.
Is Tirana expensive to visit?
Tirana is very affordable compared to other European capitals. You can enjoy meals, accommodation, and transportation at a fraction of the cost, making it a great destination for budget-conscious travellers.
What are the best day trips from Tirana?
Popular day trips from Tirana include a visit to Berat, the UNESCO-listed “City of 1000 Windows,” which you can explore with a guided tour of Berat.
Another great option is Krujë, a historic town featuring a medieval bazaar and castle—check out this day trip to Krujë.
For nature lovers, Lake Bovilla offers stunning landscapes and hiking opportunities, and you can easily join an adventure tour to Lake Bovilla to make the most of your visit.
Final Thoughts on Tirana
Before visiting, I wasn’t sure if one day in Tirana would be enough—or even if it was worth stopping here at all. Many travellers suggest skipping the capital, but after exploring its lively streets, unique history, and vibrant café culture, I can confidently say that Tirana deserves a spot on your Albania itinerary.
This city is far from a traditional European capital—it’s raw, evolving, and full of character. Whether you’re fascinated by Communist history, love discovering hidden gems, or simply enjoy soaking up local life, Tirana has plenty to offer in just 24 hours.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! Have you been to Tirana? Would you visit, or do you think it’s worth skipping? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts! ⬇️😊
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