Tirana Travelers Recommend

Planning a 3-day trip to Tirana means you can cover the city’s key sites with time left over for a day trip to visit a historic village or explore the countryside. Use these travel-planning tips to make the most of your trip to Tirana.

Day 1: City Sightseeing

The center of Tirana blends bright-painted buildings with Communist landmarks, and the popular Skanderbeg Square is the perfect place to start exploring. Here, spot the Skanderbeg Statue, then stroll over to Et’hem Bey Mosque and take in the imposing facade of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania. Spend the afternoon browsing one of Tirana’s museums. The National Museum of History follows the region from ancient times to the Communist era, while the National Gallery of Art has a lively mix of permanent galleries and rotating exhibits. Make a final stop at the Pyramid of Tirana (Enver Hoxha Pyramid), one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks.

Day 2: Day Trip from Tirana

Perks of a small country: Some of Albania’s most beautiful places are easy day-tripping distance from Tirana. One of these is the city of Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with pretty architecture and a dramatic mountain location. Visit Berat on a guided trip from Tirana for an afternoon of museums and religious landmarks. Homey restaurants here serve hearty Albanian cuisine, so pause for a leisurely meal before returning to the capital. Alternatively, visit Shkodra (Shkodër), with a gorgeous natural setting between the mountains and Lake Skadar. Often called the cultural capital of Albania, Shkodra has an Old Town with candy-colored facades, charming cafés, and the dramatic ruins of Rozafa Fortress, whose history reaches back to the ancient Illyrians.

Day 3: Art and Adventure

On your final day, the first stop is Bunk’Art, a 5-story bunker from the Communist era that’s been transformed into a museum. Now, rooms are packed with art from contemporary Albanian artists, making this the perfect place to get a taste of the country’s creative cutting edge.

For lunch, head to the Dajti Ekspres cable car up Dajti Mountain. At the summit, snag a seat on the mountaintop restaurant’s terrace or just enjoy the views from the panoramic windows. Since Dajti Mountain also has an adventure park, hiking trails, and horseback riding, it’s a great place to linger until the sun sets over the countryside.

From buzzing squares to edgy art and Communist monuments, Tirana is a colorful gateway for travelers exploring Albania. The city’s long history and traditional culture are fascinating, but Tirana’s young energy keeps the capital fresh—sample a little bit of everything to make the most of a day here. Here’s how to plan.

Morning: Tirana’s Communist Landmarks

While Communist rule in Albania ended decades ago, exploring that era’s landmarks is a great introduction to the city. Start with Skanderbeg Square, Tirana’s main plaza, then check out the quirky Pyramid of Tirana. The next stop is the nearby National History Museum; here, whole rooms are dedicated to the Communist era. After lunch, hop a taxi to Bunk’Art, a 5-story bunker that’s been transformed into a contemporary art space. If you’d like to go more in-depth, consider a Communist tour of Tirana—it’s a great way to hear the personal stories and context behind the historic sites.

Afternoon: Traditional Cuisine

There are plenty of culinary specialties to try here, so sample a few at a leisurely lunch in one of the city’s traditional restaurants. With a hearty mix of lamb, eggs, and yogurt,tavë kosi is a popular dish, or you can try fried kaçkavall, a salty cheese that makes a rich appetizer. Since Albanian wines are making international headlines, be sure to order a local bottle with your meal; some grapes are grown just a short distance from the Tirana city center. For travelers who’d prefer to whip up their own dishes, cooking classes are a fun, hands-on alternative to dining out.

Night: Tirana Nightlife

The walkable area near Skanderbeg Square is an energetic hub at night, as well—come here to join an after-work crowd loosening up over glasses of raki. Distilled from fruit and infused with anise flavor, raki is one of the country’s most beloved drinks, found everywhere from local bars to upscale restaurants. Night owls can stay up for a taste of the local party scene, which packs clubs and bars well into the early morning hours.