Fall in Love with Tirana: Why Albania’s Capital Will Captivate You
After exploring Sarandë, our next stop was the vibrant city Tirana. The busy metropolis has lots of energetic vibes and countless coffee shops. It is also an excellent spot for various day trips! So it doesn’t matter if you come to study, want to explore the history and culture or enjoy Albanias beautiful landscape, there will be something for everyone!
Let me tell you all about why you should go and visit Tirana!
Fact Sheet
- City Name: Tirana
- Country: Albania
- Population: Approximately 557,000 (as of the latest estimates)
- Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL)
- Language: Albanian (English is commonly spoken, especially among younger people, and some Italian)
- Religion: Predominantly Islam and Christianity
- Landscape: Close to hills with nearby mountains; the city has both urban parks and scenic views of Mount Dajt
- Climate: Mediterranean; hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, with occasional snowfall in surrounding mountains
- Plug Type: Type C and F, 230V supply voltage and 50Hz











Getting to Tirana
Getting to Tirana is relatively straightforward. The Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza is just 17 kilometers northwest of the city and offers flights from various European cities. From the airport, you can easily reach the city center by taxi, airport shuttle, or rental car.
If you’re traveling by land, Tirana is well-connected by bus services from neighboring countries like Montenegro, Kosovo, and Greece.
Additionally, the city’s central bus station offers frequent connections to major Albanian cities (like Sarandë). So, no matter how you travel, Tirana’s strategic location and modern infrastructure make it pretty easy to reach.
(A map I created on google with my point of interests: sightseeing spots, beaches, restaurants with vegetarian options and more.)
Exploring the City
Wherever you decide to stay in Tirana, one place you simply cannot miss is Skanderbeg Square. If you arrive by airport shuttle, this would likely be one of your first stops.
At the square, you can find the statue of Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero, proudly standing in the center. From Skanderbeg Square, you can join some wonderful free walking tours that provide an excellent introduction to the city’s history and culture. Additionally, the square serves as a convenient starting point for exploring Tirana’s main attractions, such as the National History Museum and the iconic Pyramid of Tirana.
An interesting aspect of Tirana’s architecture is its colorful transformation, largely influenced by the city’s former mayor and current Prime Minister, Edi Rama, who is also an artist. Rama initiated a project to revitalize the city by painting over the communist-era buildings with bold, bright colors and patterns. This artistic intervention not only beautified the city but also instilled a sense of pride and optimism among its residents, significantly improving the city’s atmosphere and community spirit (TED Blog, 2013; Tadamun, 2013).
Weather Wise: What to Expect in Tirana
During our stay in Tirana in November, we experienced the city in its late autumn charm. The temperatures were mild (from 10°C to 17°C (50°F to 63°F), making it comfortable for exploring the city without the intense heat of summer. It was usually sunny with some occasional rain, so it’s wise to pack an umbrella just in case.
Again, we had the advantage of exploring Tirana off-season and were able to experience the local attractions and culture at a relaxed pace.
Must-See Historical Sites and Day Trips
Heading out from Tirana there are a lof of opportunities to explore Albania. Start at the “South and North Albania Bus Terminal” (Terminali i Autobusave) you can take a bus to several cities. There is no need to buy a ticket in advance (I am not even sure you can), so be there around 15-30 min earlier to make sure you get a seat. Once all seats are taken, the bus usually leaves and you have to take the next one. You can pay the ticket on the bus in cash. To ensure you get on the right bus, ask the locals where the bus usually stops and check the sign at the front window of the bus.
- Krujë: Discover the historic town of Krujë, home to the famous Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Albania’s national hero. Wander through the medieval castle and the bustling bazaar for a taste of traditional Albanian culture. A day trip is perfect for exploring this quaint town and its rich history.
- Durrës: Visit Durrës, one of Albania’s oldest cities, located along the Adriatic coast. Explore the ancient Roman amphitheater, the archaeological museum, and the beautiful beaches. This mix of history and seaside charm makes for a delightful half-day or full-day excursion.
- Berat: Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture. Spend the day exploring its historical neighborhoods, the Berat Castle, and the numerous churches and mosques that dot the city.
Eats & Treats: What to Eat in Tirana
Albanian cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean and Balkan flavors, and they do love meats, but also have hearty vegetables, and dairy. Vegetarian options are available, but finding vegan dishes can be more challenging (I actually gave up veganism in Albania because of this). If you are a foody, Tirana has a vibrant food scene to offer with a variety of restaurants and cafes. Here are some of our favorite spots:
The Tea Room: This charming cafe is perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Known for its great tea selection and cozy ambiance, The Tea Room offers a serene environment to enjoy a hot beverage and light snacks (more info on TripAdvisor)

Mon Cheri Cafe Chain: Ideal for studying or a casual meet-up, Mon Cheri Cafe is a popular chain with multiple locations throughout Tirana. It provides a comfortable setting with good coffee and a variety of pastries and light meals.
Oda Garden: For a traditional Albanian dining experience, Oda Garden is a must-visit. This restaurant offers an authentic taste of Albanian cuisine, featuring dishes like tave kosi (baked lamb with yogurt) and byrek (savory pastry). The rustic decor and friendly service add to the overall dining experience.

Oriental City Chinese Restaurant (东方城中餐馆): Best Chinese food we had during our journey in Europe was in Tirana! This restaurant offers authentic Chinese cuisine from various regions of China (make sure to ask for both menus!). Having lived in China for several years, we know the challenge of finding good Chinese food abroad, and Oriental City exceeded our expectations. The flavors and quality were truly remarkable (more info on TripAdvisor)
Local Bakeries: For snacks on the go or to accompany your daily adventures, don’t miss the local bakeries. Try traditional Albanian baked goods like ‘kifle,’ small crescent-shaped bread rolls, perfect for a quick and tasty treat.
Wrapping Up The Stay in Tirana
Overall, Tirana was a great surprise and became one of our favorite places. There was just so much to see in and around the city. Just a day trip to Kruje made you travel back in time.
And Tirana’s food scene was another bonus. We enjoyed the experience of a traditional meal at Oda Garden with the live band, but also the charm of The Tea Room and more than once we went to study at Mon Cheri Cafe. And I am still thinking about the Oriental City Chinese Restaurant with the amazing authentic dishes. And at every local bakery or tiny shop we could find a delicious on-the-go treat for our trip.
Visiting in November was ideal due to the mild weather and fewer crowds. Despite some rainy days, we enjoyed exploring the capital and surrounding cities.
So if you are considering Albania and don’t know where to start: you cannot go wrong with Tirana.
Sources
- TED Blog. (2013, June 3). 8 views of Tirana, Albania — with its bright, multicolored building. TED. https://blog.ted.com/8-views-of-tirana-albania-with-its-bright-multicolored-buildings/
- Tadamun. (2013). A champion of a tattered capital: Edi Rama as Mayor of Tirana, Albania. https://www.tadamun.co/a-champion-of-a-tattered-capital-edi-rama-as-mayor-of-tirana-albania/
Photos by Leonardo Peralta.