Tirana
Discover Tirana
Tirana (Albanian: Tiranë) is the bustling and relatively modernised capital of Albania. It is the most important economic, financial, political and trade centre in the country. Tourists often find the city charming, with both cosmopolitan and small town feelings, and a lively night life. Sulejman Pasha Bargjini, a native feudal lord from Mullet, established the city in 1614. His first constructions were a mosque, a bakery and a hamam or Turkish bath. On 8 February 1920, Tirana was made the temporary capital by the Congress of Lushnje, and it was proclaimed the permanent capital on 31 December 1925.
What to Experience in Tirana
Taste of Tirana...
Food is generally inexpensive, even in the more upscale places. The Italian influence is everywhere and most places will offer pizza and/or pasta along more elaborate dishes. A good rule of thumb is that the priciest or fanciest places rarely are the best ones, particularly in the Blloku. Notable dishes that exemplify the local cuisine include fërgesë (baked vegetables and cheese) and tavë dheu (fërgesë with the addition of liver). Small shops and roadside vendors throughout the city sell foods such as sufllaqe, doner and gjiro for 200–300 lek. Also try the local speciality originally from Turkey, byrek (50–80 lek), barely haut-cuisine but inexpensive. Many cantina-like local and inexpensive restaurant serve delicious regional dishes for lunch or throughout the day. The following are recommended: Otherwise, there are many meat-heavy fast food places all around the city: Converse, Charls, Steel Wings (Bikers club), Unit, Mos Fli are clubs in Blloku frequented by die hard rock and metal fans. You should take some precautions when walking around the city. The main advice is to simply watch your step. Although many parts of the city are maintained, there remain holes and worn-down street parts. Cars also seem to drive more recklessly than in most European cities, and assume a right-of-way, so care is needed in crossing the street. Not even a green light is always a guarantee of safety! Try to see when the locals cross the street and cross with them.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsBuses connect the airport to Tirana, Durres, Shkoder and Fier. Since March 2025 mobile boarding passes, e. g. airline apps, wallets and saved PDFs, have been accepted at the airport. If your airline provides an electronic boarding pass, there is no need to cue for a printed one anymore. Buses and furgons (minibuses) are generally the best method for travelling within Albania, but they are not in the best of shape. There are few bus companies; many are operated by individual drivers. Bus lines have schedules and drivers are supposed to leave when it's time, but sometimes they may leave earlier or later, depending on how full they are. So, arrive sufficiently ahead of time. Google Maps has most intercity bus connections and times available and can be used for quite reliable trip planning. Also, you can you the trip planner of the official website. However, don't rely on the very last bus to go anywhere especially for destinations further away like Saranda....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
There are no metros available in Tirana. Feet, buses and taxis are the only options to get around in the city if you do not have private transportation. The city centre is small enough to be explored through walking. Walking is a rewarding experience, but beware that there is no continuity in sidewalk width, construction material or condition. Sidewalks frequently end abruptly, have large holes or are very narrow. Pay attention while walking or you may end up spraining your ankle or falling in a hole. Street names are subject to change, so locals rarely know them. It is advised to learn to navigate via landmarks instead of addresses or street names. You can orient yourself using the Lana River and "Dëshmorët e Kombit" street, which roughly bisects the central part of Tirana into four sections. At this intersection of the Lana River and Dëshmorët e Kombit is very recognizable "Pyramid" and "Taiwan Center". Public transportation in Tirana consists of a number of intra-city bus lines.
Where to Stay
You should take some precautions when walking around the city. The main advice is to simply watch your step. Although many parts of the city are maintained, there remain holes and worn-down street parts. Cars also seem to drive more recklessly than in most European cities, and assume a right-of-way, so care is needed in crossing the street. Not even a green light is always a guarantee of safety! Try to see when the locals cross the street and cross with them. Crime, however, is not much of a problem. Tirana is a significantly safer city than most cities of comparable size in Europe, with people happily wandering through the city late into the night. There are also many direct connections to nearby countries, like Prizren, Pristina, Skopje, Athens and Podgorica. Tirana has ultra-low-cost flights to some European countries and to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. (updated May 2022)
Money & Budget
There are plenty of ATMs accepting Cirrus/Maestro and Visa around the city. They charge 500–1,400 lek (abi, UnionBank vs. otpbank) per withdrawal with international cards. ProCredit Bank on Bulevardi Zogu I north of Skanderbeg dispenses euros and charging €5 for it. Exchange bureaus are abundant around the city. The ones at 41.3275119.816121 the corner of Çamëria and Ibrahim Rugova also exchange odd currencies like BAM—just ask the guys standing around there or head straight into the exchange office. Locals open-air markets are available in most quarters of the city, and vegetable and fruits are often sold just around the next corner.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
You should take some precautions when walking around the city. The main advice is to simply watch your step. Although many parts of the city are maintained, there remain holes and worn-down street parts. Cars also seem to drive more recklessly than in most European cities, and assume a right-of-way, so care is needed in crossing the street. Not even a green light is always a guarantee of safety! Try to see when the locals cross the street and cross with them. Crime, however, is not much of a problem. Tirana is a significantly safer city than most cities of comparable size in Europe, with people happily wandering through the city late into the night. There are also many direct connections to nearby countries, like Prizren, Pristina, Skopje, Athens and Podgorica. Tirana has ultra-low-cost flights to some European countries and to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. (updated May 2022)
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Tirana
a group of people walking around a plaza with a clock tower in the background
This image showcases a vibrant cityscape, likely taken in Tirana, Albania. Dominating the foreground is an open public square set up with seating, a football pitch, and fan zones, possibly for a special sports event. A large Ferris wheel adds a festive element, while tents and banners give the area a lively atmosphere.
people walking on park during daytime
Skanderbeg Square Tirana Albania. When using my images, please cite me as follows: Dirk Pohlers / Adventure Albania Travel Blog and link to my website: www.adventurealbania.com
Gjirokaster Albania. When using my images, please cite me as follows: Dirk Pohlers / Adventure Albania Travel Blog and link to my website: www.adventurealbania.com
Palm trees in Durres, Albania
Tirana Albania. When using my images, please cite me as follows: Dirk Pohlers / Adventure Albania Travel Blog and link to my website: www.adventurealbania.com
people walking near white concrete building during daytime
Tirana, Albania
Tirana Albania. When using my images, please cite me as follows: Dirk Pohlers / Adventure Albania Travel Blog and link to my website: www.adventurealbania.com
a group of people walking around a plaza with a clock tower in the background
This image showcases a vibrant cityscape, likely taken in Tirana, Albania. Dominating the foreground is an open public square set up with seating, a football pitch, and fan zones, possibly for a special sports event. A large Ferris wheel adds a festive element, while tents and banners give the area a lively atmosphere.
people walking on park during daytime