Albania, one of the rapidly changing and transforming countries of the Balkans, is a country that has experienced the influence of Ottoman, Italian and Communist regimes in different periods of history. Today, Tirana, the capital city, is one of the destinations worth exploring with its colourful streets, vibrant social life and rapidly developing modern face.
One of Albania’s most remarkable historical events was its attempt to become the world’s first officially atheist state. Under the totalitarian rule of Enver Hoxha, religion was completely banned in 1967 and places of worship were closed. Mosques, churches and religious buildings were converted into factories, gymnasiums or museums of irreligion. The Ethem Bey Mosque, one of the symbols of this period, was used as a museum of irreligion. However, after Hoxha’s death, religion was revived in Albania and today the Ethem Bey Mosque is open to visitors and can be seen as a fascinating work of art with its artwork.
Today Tirana is a city that combines itscommunist past with the modernisation process. A city full of colourful murals next to old buildings , lively cafes and parks. If you are looking for a different route to explore the Balkans without great expectations, Tirana may surprise you with its energetic nature!
We had the best meat dishes of this trip at Restaurant DeviselD in Elbasan, an hour away from Tirana – Elbasan tava is very tasty, but be warned that this dish is suitable for 3-4 people to share.
What is Tirana like? Tirana is one of the fastest growing capitals of the Balkans. The city, which was ruled by a closed regime until the 1990s, has gained a modern identity in the last 30 years with its colourful buildings, parks, wide boulevards and vibrant social life.
Where to stay in Tirana? In Tirana, we rented a house on one of the streets leading to Skanderbeg Square on both of our visits. Since it is already a cheap city, we recommend you to stay in central locations. Architecturally, the buildings are quite old throughout the city, so it may also make sense to prefer a large hotel.
IsTirana safe? Yes, Tirana is generally a safe city. However, it is always a good idea to be careful in secluded areas late atnight. There is a low risk of theft or fraud in the city centre.
How many days to visit? 2 days is enough to explore Tirana. However, close regions (Elbasan, Berat, If you are considering day trips (to Kruja or coastal towns), It may be good to allocate 3-4 days.
When to go? Tirana has a Mediterranean climate. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October ) are the ideal months to visit the city without the sweltering heat. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 35°C.
Tirana is one of the most affordable capitals in Europe. Accommodation, food and transport are generally affordable compared toTurkey. Especially local restaurants and street food are quite affordable.
What is the Albanian currency? The official currency of Albania is the Albanian Leki (ALL).💱 Euro Equivalent (As of March 2025) 1 Euro (€) ≈ 100-110 Albanian Leki (ALL ). Euros are acceptable in some tourist places, but you usually have to pay in local currency. Credit cards are valid in big cities, but cash is preferred in small businesses and markets. Always pay attention to the amounts you pay, we almost paid 820 euros instead of 82 euros at a petrol station where we stopped for petrol. If we hadn’t noticed, the money would have been withdrawn from our account.
DoesAlbania require a visa? No! Citizens of the Republic of Turkey can visit Albania without a visa for up to 90 days.
How to get toTirana? Turkish Airlines and Pegasus have direct flights from Turkey to Tirana. Tirana International Airport (Nënë Tereza – Mother Teresa Airport) is about 20 minutes from the city centre. We travelled to Tirana with our own car, The roads are generally one lane round trip and the mountain roads are winding. Since the roads are dark at night , it makes more sense to go during the day. If you are travelling through the Balkans by land , like us, you will find other Don’t forget to take a look at the guides we have prepared for the cities. You can review our Montenegro recommendations here. You can find our Greece recommendations here.
Albania , which has become popular in recent years both because it is a budget-friendly route and because it is visa-free, is still in the development phase in terms of tourism. To go down to its beaches during the most vibrant summer season not a very good idea in our opinion. Small coastal towns like Ksamil can’t handle the traffic of tourists coming from everywhere. The feeling of this region is that construction is going on, An irregular holiday town where every space turns into a car park.The sea is beautiful but we felt that every centimetre was filled with umbrellas, sunbeds and businesses. It made me think that the mistakes made in our country for a while were also made here. Prices are very favourable compared to Turkey and Europe, Of course, this situation and the fact that it is visa-free is a very important reason for preference.
Two days in Tirana are ideal for exploring both the history and the modern side of the city. Here is a sample Tirana itinerary , from breakfast to dinner, from museums to nature getaways! If you wish, you can diversify this programme with day trips to Elbasan or Durres.
🗓 Day 1: History and Culture Discovery
☕ 08:30 – Breakfast: Antigua Specialty Coffee
Start your day with a great coffee at Antigua Specialty Coffee. You can have a light breakfast with it.
🏛 09:30 – Skanderbeg Square and Ethem Bey Mosque
Stroll around Skanderbeg Square, the heart of the city. Visit the Ethem Bey Mosque right next to the square and see the Ottoman-era pencil decorations.
🏺 10:00 – National History Museum
TheNational History Museum is located right next to the square. By visiting you can see important artefacts from Albania’s past.
🛍 11:30 – Pazari i Ri (New Marketplace)
Stroll around theNew Marketplace where locals shop. Here you can find fresh fruits, local cheeses and souvenirs.
🍽 12:30 – Lunch: Restaurant Piceri Era
For a taste of Albanian cuisine, Restaurant Piceri Era serves traditional Albanian dishes and meat stews.
🕵️♂️ 14:00 – House of Leaves
To discover the dark side of the communist era, visit the House of Leaves, the former secret police headquarters turned museum.
🏛 15:30 – Bunk’Art 2
Bunk’Art 2 , which is close to the city centre, An impressive museum about the repressive rule of Enver Hoxha.
🍹 17:00 – Afternoon Drinks: Komiteti Bar
Famous for its communist-era decoration and traditional Albanian drinks Take a coffee or local drink break at Komiteti Bar.
🌃 19:30 – Dinner: Artigiano
If you want to try Italian cuisine, Artigiano is a popular option with its cocktails and pizzas.
🍸 21:00 – Nightlife: Nouvelle Vague
Round off your evening with award-winning cocktails at Nouvelle Vague.
🗓 Day 2: Nature and Modern Tirana
🥐 08:30 – Breakfast: Pasticheri Nefeli 3
Start your day with Albanian pastry and sweets at Pastiçeri Nefeli 3, one of the best patisseries in Tirana.
🚡 09:30 – Dajti Mountain and Cable Car (Dajti Express)
Takethe cable car from the city centre to Mount Dajti and enjoy thepanoramic view of Tirana. Here you can take a walk or have a coffee.
🍽 12:30 – Lunch: Ballkoni Dajtit
While on Mount Dajti, have lunch at Ballkoni Dajtit restaurant You can taste traditional dishes accompanied bya unique view.
🏛 14:30 – Piramida ve Postblloku
When you return to the city , see Piramida, discover the traces of the period with Postblloku (Monument to the Communist Regime ).
🍹 16:00 – Afternoon Drinks: Millennium Garden
Outdoors at the Millennium Garden towards sunset take a break for coffee or a light drink.
🍽 19:30 – Dinner: Restaurant DeviselD (Elbasan Tour)
If you are ona day trip toElbasan, You can have a great meal at Restaurant DeviselD , famous for itsElbasan tava and meat dishes.
🎉 21:30 – Nightlife: Blloku District
Spend your last night exploring the bars and live music venues inBlloku!
