Tirana
Visited in April 2017
At a glance
- Country
- Albania
- Region
- Tirana municipality
- Population
- 389,323
- Best time to go
- April to June, September to October
- Main airport
- Tirana International Nënë Tereza (TIA)
- Coordinates
- 41.33°N, 19.82°E
Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Tirana is a young-feeling capital that has painted over its grey past, quite literally, with brightly coloured apartment blocks. Cafés spill onto every pavement and the communist-era bunkers have been turned into museums.
The centre is small and walkable, with Mount Dajti rising behind it. It works well as a first stop in Albania, a few days of museums and good food before heading to the coast or the mountains.
Things to see
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Photo: Leeturtle, CC BY-SA 3.0 Skanderbeg Square
A huge pedestrianised square paved with stone from every corner of the country, surrounded by the opera house, museum and mosque.
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Photo: BBB2021, CC BY-SA 4.0 Bunk'Art
Two museums in former nuclear bunkers that tell the story of Albania's isolation and repression under Enver Hoxha.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Steffen Schmitz (more photos), CC BY-SA 4.0 Et'hem Bey Mosque
A small 18th-century mosque with delicate frescoes of trees and waterfalls, reopened for worship in 1991.
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Photo: Pasztilla aka Attila Terbócs, CC BY-SA 4.0 National History Museum
The giant mosaic on its façade is the city's best-known image, and inside is a good overview of Albanian history.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: BBB2021, CC BY-SA 4.0 Pyramid of Tirana
Built as a memorial to Hoxha, now reborn as a tech and youth centre whose steps you can climb.
Things to do
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Photo: TorbjørnS, CC BY-SA 4.0 Dajti Ekspres cable car
A long cable car ride up Mount Dajti for views over the whole city and walks in the pine forest.
Find tours -
Photo: Kleidieski, CC0 Evening in Blloku
Once reserved for the party elite, now the city's liveliest area for bars, restaurants and people-watching.
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Photo: Albinfo, CC BY-SA 3.0 Walk in the Grand Park
A large park around an artificial lake south of the centre, popular with joggers and families.
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Photo: Photo: Chris Walts, CC BY-SA 2.0 Day trip to Krujë
A hilltop castle town with a restored Ottoman bazaar and the Skanderbeg museum, about an hour away.
Where to stay
City centre
Around Skanderbeg Square, ideal for a short stay with everything on foot.
Hotels in City centreBlloku
Best for food and nightlife, with boutique hotels and apartments.
Hotels in BllokuPazari i Ri
The New Bazaar area, with a lively food market and a more local feel.
Hotels in Pazari i Ri
Getting around
The centre is easy to walk. City buses are cheap but there is no metro, and taxis are plentiful.
Airport buses and taxis reach the centre in about 30 minutes.
When to go
Spring and autumn are warm and comfortable. July and August can be very hot, and many locals head to the coast.
Plan your trip to Tirana
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.