What to Do in 24 Hours in Tirana to Hold it Low cost

For those who solely have a day in Tirana, don’t fear. Albania’s capital is compact, vigorous and extremely walkable, which means you’ll be able to pack rather a lot into 24 hours with out feeling rushed. Right here’s my Tirana itinerary, and the way a lot it’ll value you.

For those who’re questioning what to do in Tirana in sooner or later, that is precisely how I spent my 24 hours within the Albanian capital – and what I’d advocate if you wish to see the highlights. Anticipate underground bunkers and putting structure, mountain views and vigorous meals markets, oh, and a futuristic pyramid.

It’s really easy to get the bus from Tirana Airport to Tirana – it value 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 most effective place to start your 24 hours in Tirana is Skanderbeg Sq., the massive pedestrian plaza on the centre of the 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 aspect you’ll see the putting Nationwide Historical past Museum, simply recognised by its large 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 an excellent 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).

Lots of Tirana’s prime points of interest are inside straightforward strolling distance from Skanderbeg Sq., making it the perfect start line for a day exploring the town.

Go to Lake Bovilla for unimaginable mountain views

If in case you have somewhat flexibility in your sooner or later Tirana itinerary, probably the greatest excursions from the 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 wonderful gorge, and one other on the waterfall simply earlier than you get there. Simply be careful for the sketchy bridge – you’ll be able to see it within the Instagram carousel under in the event you click on by.

When you arrive, hike as much as the point of view for unimaginable panoramic views over the (at occasions) 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 performed one thing like this.

There’s a restaurant midway up, serving a spread of delicacies and a totally 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.

For those who’re visiting Tirana for a few days, Lake Bovilla is completely price including to your itinerary. Even in the event you solely have 24 hours in Tirana, an early morning journey right here may be an unforgettable strategy to begin the day.

That is the Lake Bovilla tour I did








with GetYourGuide – 100% advocate (and solely £8)!

Afternoon: Go to Bunk’Artwork 2 for a historical past lesson

You possibly can’t go to Tirana with out confronting Albania’s communist previous, and Bunk’Artwork 2 is among 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 kind of monumental underground bunkers has been remodeled right into a museum exploring Albania’s trendy historical past.

There are literally two variations you’ll be able to go to:

Bunk’Artwork 1, situated exterior the town close to Mount Dajti

Bunk’Artwork 2, situated within the metropolis centre

For those who solely have sooner or later in Tirana, Bunk’Artwork 2 is the simplest possibility as a result of it’s only a brief 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 suppose how a lot historical past was repeating itself.

Strolling by the dimly lit tunnels and rooms provides a strong perception into what life was like through 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, nevertheless it’s undoubtedly one of the essential. Don’t spend too lengthy down there!

This was comparatively costly for Albania, at round £9. Nonetheless price it although.

Dinner: Discover Tirana Citadel

Simply off Shëtitorja Murat Toptani Pedestrian Avenue, you’ll discover Tirana Citadel (Kalaja e Tiranës). It is 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 a substitute, it’s a historic walled space that has been remodeled right into a vigorous courtyard full of eating places, artisan retailers and cafés.

It’s an amazing place to wander for half an hour, particularly if you wish to browse native crafts or cease for a drink.

I ended at Lezet Restaurant for the normal 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 needed.

Oda Restaurant, ERA Restaurant Pizzeria or Kapalet all appear to be good choices in line 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 fashionable rooftop bar is among the finest locations in Tirana to observe the sundown over the Namazgah Mosque – take a look at my TikTok publish about it.

The ambiance is relaxed, the cocktails are wonderful, and it’s the proper place to sit back after a day exploring the town. Had a stunning sit down.

My Aperol Spritz was 550 LEK (a couple of fiver).

Night: climb the Tirana Pyramid

One of the crucial 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 damage, however now it’s a renovated cultural and tech hub. Seemed like plenty of workplaces to me.

However the purpose Tirana vacationers go is to climb up the edges of the pyramid through staircases to succeed in the highest, for the nice views throughout the town.

It’s one in every of Tirana’s most distinctive landmarks and a strong image of how the town has reinvented itself because the fall of communism.

Stroll by 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 among 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’ll be able to sit down in your dinner.

It’s an amazing place to attempt conventional Albanian dishes similar to:

grilled meats

stuffed greens

contemporary salads

flaky pastries

Or just seize a drink and people-watch. Don’t count on distinctive sellers and quaint do-it-yourself objects – it’s extra mass produced Albania soccer shirts, and ‘Albania’ emblazoned drums, pens and luggage, nevertheless it’s nonetheless an amazing 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 cost effective, 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 truly 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 undoubtedly would – there are a few issues I’d add to my itinerary.

Firstly, I’d like to do a correct structure stroll round Tirana. The town has a captivating mixture of kinds, from Ottoman remnants and Italian-influenced buildings to stark communist-era concrete blocks and vibrant trendy structure, and I’d love some context and path to take pleasure in them extra.

I’d additionally find time for the Home of Leaves Museum – which a number of folks had advised me was one of the best museum. It’s concerning the spying and surveillance units 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 had been all on my record to go to. And I’d do the Djati Categorical too, oh, and get some wellness remedies. They appear nice worth right here in comparison with British costs.

Value of Tirana

Try my Instagram publish for all the prices, and the way a lot I ended up spending in whole!

24 hours in Tirana

Tirana genuinely stunned me.

Earlier than visiting, I didn’t actually know what to anticipate. Albania continues to be comparatively below the radar for a lot of travellers, and Tirana doesn’t usually 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 vigorous market and watch the sundown from a rooftop bar – all in the identical day?

For those who solely have 24 hours in Tirana, you’ll get an excellent introduction. However likelihood is, like me, you’ll go away already planning when you’ll be able to come again. I feel subsequent time I’d both mix with the seashores of the south or the beautiful lakes of the north.