Tirana
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Updated, Feb 2023
City
Tirana, the capital city of Albania, is a vibrant and colorful destination that is still relatively undiscovered by tourists. The city features a mix of architectural styles, from the grandeur of the Skanderbeg Square to the colorful buildings of the Blloku neighborhood. Visitors can explore the city’s rich history at the National Historical Museum, or take a stroll through the lush greenery of the Grand Park. Tirana is also known for its bustling nightlife, with a range of bars and clubs that offer a taste of traditional Albanian culture. Overall, Tirana offers a unique and authentic experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Getting In & Around
Getting in
Tirana International Airport : Nënë Tereza is the main airport serving Tirana, with connections to several European cities. The Rinas Express Shuttle Bus departs from the airport every hour and takes about 30-40 minutes to reach the city center, costing around 250 Albanian Lek (2 USD) per ticket. Public Bus: line 1 connects the airport with the city center, with a one-way ticket costing around 60-80 Albanian Lek (less than 1 USD). The journey takes about 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis are readily available at the airport and cost around 1,500-2,500 Albanian Lek (12-20 USD) for the 20-30 minute journey to the city center. Car rental services are also available at the airport, starting at around 25-30 USD per day.
Bus: Tirana can be reached by bus from other major cities in Albania and neighboring countries. The cost of the bus ticket depends on the distance and the company, but a one-way ticket from the nearby city of Durres costs around 200-300 Albanian Lek (1.5-2 USD).
Train: Tirana can be reached by train from some cities within Albania, but the train network is limited. The cost of the train ticket depends on the distance and the type of train, but a one-way ticket from the nearby city of Durres costs around 70-100 Albanian Lek (less than 1 USD).
Drive: Tirana is easily accessible by car, with good road connections to other major cities in Albania and neighboring countries.
Getting around
Tirana has an extensive public transport system, including buses, trolleybuses, and minibuses. The cost of a single ticket is 40 Albanian Lek (less than 1 USD), while a monthly pass costs around 1,500 Albanian Lek (12 USD).The city also has a bike-sharing system, with a one-day pass costing 300 Albanian Lek (2.5 USD), and a three-day pass costing 600 Albanian Lek (5 USD). Taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber are also available in Tirana.
Discounted tickets for students and seniors are available for 20 Albanian Lek (less than 1 USD). The Tirana Card is a travel card that offers unlimited public transport rides and discounts on attractions, with a one-day pass costing 1,000 Albanian Lek (8 USD).
Tirana
See & Do
City Highlights
National History Museum is open every day except Monday, from 9 am to 4 pm, with tickets costing 200 Albanian Lek (about 1.5 USD). It showcases Albania’s history and culture through exhibits of archaeological artifacts, medieval art, and communist-era memorabilia.
Bunk’Art is open every day from 9 am to 8 pm, with tickets costing 500 Albanian Lek (about 4 USD). It is a former nuclear bunker turned museum that offers insight into Albania’s Communist past through interactive exhibits and installations.
The Skanderbeg Square is an outdoor public space.
Ethem Bey Mosque or Et’hem Bey Mosque – This mosque is open to visitors every day except during prayer times. There is no admission fee, but visitors are required to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering.
Museums and Galleries
National Gallery of Arts – This museum features a wide range of contemporary and traditional art from Albanian and international artists. It is open every day except Monday from 10 am to 6 pm, with tickets costing 200 Albanian Lek (about 1.5 USD).
Museum of Natural Sciences – This museum showcases the natural history of Albania, with exhibits of flora, fauna, geology, and fossils. It is open every day except Monday from 9 am to 4 pm, with tickets costing 100 Albanian Lek (less than 1 USD).
House of Leaves – This museum tells the story of the communist regime’s surveillance and repression of Albanian citizens through interactive exhibits and installations. It is open every day except Monday from 10 am to 6 pm, with tickets costing 200 Albanian Lek (about 1.5 USD).
Tirana Art Lab – This contemporary art gallery showcases local and international artists, with exhibitions and events throughout the year. Hours and ticket prices vary, so it’s best to check their website for the most up-to-date information.
Parks and Outdoors
Grand Park of Tirana – This is the city’s largest park, with walking trails, gardens, and a lake. It is open daily from dawn to dusk, and admission is free.
Rinia Park – Located in the city center, Rinia Park is a popular gathering spot for locals, with walking paths, fountains, and cafes. It is open daily from dawn to dusk, and admission is free.
Artificial Lake Park – This park surrounds Tirana’s artificial lake and includes walking paths, cafes, and water activities. It is open daily from dawn to dusk, and admission is free.
Pellumbas Cave – Located about 20 km from Tirana, this natural cave system is a popular spot for hiking and exploring. Timings and ticket prices vary, so it’s best to check with local tour operators for more information.
Tirana Zoo – Located within the Grand Park, Tirana Zoo features a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and bears. It is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm, and tickets cost 200 Albanian Lek (1.5 USD) for adults and 100 Albanian Lek (less than 1 USD) for children.
Parku i Madh (Big Park) – This park offers a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city and features walking paths, picnic areas, and a children’s playground. It is free and open to the public 24/7.
Botanical Garden of Tirana – This garden is home to a wide variety of plants, including a collection of cacti. It has an entrance fee of 200 lekë per person and is open Monday-Saturday from 9am-6pm.
Parku i Madh “Farka” – This park offers a large green space, a running track, and a playground. It is free and open to the public 24/7.
Zogu I Zi Park – This park features walking paths, benches, and a children’s playground. It is free and open to the public 24/7.
Tirana Park on the Artificial Lake – This park is situated on the eastern shore of the artificial lake and offers a variety of recreational activities, including paddle boating and kayaking. It is free and open to the public 24/7.
Parku i Liqenit (Lake Park) – This park is located on the western shore of the lake and offers a peaceful atmosphere for walking and jogging. It is free and open to the public 24/7.
Tregtia Park – This park is located in the Blloku neighborhood and features a children’s playground and a variety of plants and trees. It is free and open to the public 24/7.
Mount Dajti National Park – This large park is located just outside of Tirana and features hiking trails, stunning views of the city, and a variety of flora and fauna. Entrance fees vary depending on the mode of transportation to get there, but generally range from 1000-1500 lekë per person. Opening hours vary, but generally the park is open from morning until sunset.
Nightlife
Blloku – This neighborhood is known for its bustling nightlife scene, with a variety of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Entrance fees and timings vary depending on the venue.
Sky Club – This rooftop bar offers stunning views of the city and a lively atmosphere. Entrance fees and timings vary depending on the night and the event.
Folie Terrace – This popular nightclub features a spacious outdoor terrace and a variety of music genres. Entrance fees and timings vary depending on the night and the event.
Radio – This club is known for its high-energy dance parties and frequently hosts international DJs. Entrance fees and timings vary depending on the night and the event.
Hemingway Lounge Bar – This bar offers a more laid-back atmosphere with live music and a selection of cocktails. Entrance is free and the bar is open daily from 5pm-2am.
Albanian Caviar – This upscale lounge offers a selection of champagne, cocktails, and fine dining. Entrance is free and the lounge is open daily from 5pm-2am.
Havana – This popular bar features live music, salsa dancing, and a variety of drinks. Entrance is free and the bar is open daily from 7pm-2am.
Foli Fest – This annual music festival takes place in Tirana and features a variety of local and international artists. Ticket prices and timings vary depending on the year.
Tirana Jazz Festival – This annual music festival features a variety of jazz performers from Albania and beyond. Ticket prices and timings vary depending on the year.
National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania – This venue hosts a variety of performances, including opera, ballet, and theater. Ticket prices and timings vary depending on the performance.
Religious places
Resurrection Cathedral – This Orthodox church is open to visitors every day, but hours may vary depending on the day of the week. It is open to public.
Saint Paul’s Cathedral – This Catholic cathedral is open to visitors every day, but hours may vary depending on the day of the week. There is no admission fee.
Namazgja Mosque – This mosque is open to visitors every day except during prayer times. There is no admission fee, but visitors are required to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering.
Bejtul-Al Medve Mosque – This mosque is open to visitors every day except during prayer times. There is no admission fee, but visitors are required to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering.
Tabak Bridge – This Ottoman-era bridge is located near the city center and features a small mosque. There is no admission fee to visit the mosque.
Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Church – This is another Orthodox church in Tirana and is open to visitors every day. There is no admission fee.
Beit Israel Synagogue – This is the only synagogue in Albania and is open for visits by appointment only. Visitors are advised to contact the synagogue in advance to arrange a visit.
Tirana
Activities
Related Blogs
“Tirana Time Out“ – This blog provides a comprehensive guide to things to do in Tirana, including restaurant reviews, event listings, and travel tips.
“Visit Tirana“ – This blog offers a mix of cultural, historical, and practical information about Tirana, including suggestions for day trips and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
“Tirana Daily Photo“ – This blog features daily photos of Tirana, showcasing the city’s architecture, street life, and natural beauty.
“The Blonde Abroad“ – This blog provides a detailed travel guide to Tirana, including information on top attractions, food, and nightlife.
“On Tirana“ – This blog is written by a local resident and offers a unique perspective on life in Tirana, with posts on topics ranging from street art to urban planning.
