Tirana Walking Tour
All You Need to Know About Kalemi’s Tirana Walking Tour
Tirana is a city with never-ending energy, full of interesting spots you need to visit. And what better way to get to know it than a Tirana Walking tour, organizing everything you need to see in just three hours!
This guide will lead you to some of the most significant parts of Albanian history, allowing you to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the city. From ancient mosques to markets and museums, you’ll know the city by heart after you finish this Tirana Walking tour!
To start with, here are a few basic pieces of information about the tour:
Tour Duration:
2 hours
Minimum Age:
0–99 years old
Departure Point:
Opera & Ballet Theatre, Skanderbeg Square
Departure Time:
9 a.m. / 10 a.m. / 2 p.m.
Arrival Point:
National History Museum
Arrival Time:
10 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Highlighted Sights:
Et’hem Bey Mosque, Clock Tower, Pazari i Ri, Murat Toptani St., National History Museum
Mode of Transportation:
Walking
Language(s) of Tour Guide:
English, German
Price:
€15 per adult, €5 per child
Is Tirana Worth Visiting?
Yes, Tirana is definitely one of the places you don’t want to miss visiting. Here are some reasons why you should consider it:
- Good Energy. Tirana is one of the most lively
Also, don’t worry about how to get to Tirana—if you don’t have your own car, there are direct bus lines from every city to the capital.
Tirana Discovery Highlights
Here are some of the discovery highlights you shouldn’t miss during your Tirana Walking tour:
#1. Et’hem Bey Mosque
One of the oldest buildings in Tirana, Et’hem Bey Mosque, was built around 1789 and managed to survive until the present day. It’s located right in the center of Tirana, on Skanderbeg Square. Although it closed during communist rule, the mosque reopened in 1991 as a house of worship, like it is today.
The mosque stands tall as a symbol of Albania’s religious freedom, even after the country was declared the first atheist country in the world. You can enter the mosque and admire the beautiful interior with stunning motives.
#2. Pazari i Ri
Established in 1931, Pazari i Ri was created because of the need for commercial activity in the city. It was demolished in 1959 but was reconstructed just in recent years as a big complex of markets, restaurants, and shops, where you can also find some of the best souvenirs in Albania.
The area is open 24 hours a day, with the first part of the day belonging to the fruit and meat markets and the second part to all the cafes and restaurants.
#3. National History Museum
As the most important museum in Albania, the National History Museum is located in the heart of the city. It was inaugurated in 1981, and it has been serving its purpose of providing knowledge about Albania’s history to the public ever since.
There are a total of about 6,200 objects in the museum, each of them showcasing different periods of Albania’s history, from the times of antiquity to the Middle Ages and communism. Every room in the museum belongs to a different era, so you can explore the whole building bit by bit.
Best Restaurants in Tirana
If you feel like grabbing a bite, here are some of the best restaurants in Tirana that you can visit after finishing the Tirana Walking tour:
#1. Era Restaurant
As one of the best places to taste traditional Albanian food , Era has become a very popular place for every tourist visiting Tirana. There are three Era restaurants in the city, each of them waiting to give you an unforgettable experience of trying the city’s best pasta, traditional meatballs, steaks, and pizzas.
Era is also the first business to implement delivery services in Albania since 1999.
#2. Serendiville
If you’re in the mood for something a little spicy, give Serendiville a visit. It’s the top place in Tirana for Mexican food, serving dishes like tacos, quesadillas, chimichangas, and more. The service is exquisite, and they also offer delivery.
Serendiville also has a very unique decoration, making you feel like you’re really in Mexico! They have bright and colorful tables, paintings on the walls, and Mexican hats everywhere you look!
#3. Arka Rooftop
Located in one of the most prestigious areas in Tirana, Kodra e Diellit, Arka Rooftop is one of the most beloved restaurants in Albania. It’s located on the top floor of the hotel with the same name, and the views are simply stunning.
The restaurant specializes in Asian fusion menus, with dishes carefully prepared by professional chefs looking to bring perfection to your table. The restaurant is open for lunch from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and dinner is from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Related Tours
From Tirana: Gjirokaster, Blue Eye & Saranda
Tirana Walking Tour of Bunkers and Gangs with Raki Tasting
A Comprehensive Guide on the Tirana Walking Tour of Bunkers and Gangs with Raki Tasting
Tirana is known for its interesting history of bunkers, which you can find in pretty much every corner of the country. In this Tirana Walking Tour of Bunkers and Gangs with Raki Tasting, you’ll get to explore every historically significant spot of the city, shedding light on this country’s dark past.
You should definitely include this tour on your bucket list because, in the end, you’re sure to feel like a real Albanian, properly immersing yourself in the culture and traditions.
Firstly, let’s learn some basic information you should know about the tour:
Tour Duration:
2-3 hours
Minimum Age:
18
Departure Point:
Skanderbeg Square
Departure Time:
9 a.m.
Arrival Point:
Blloku, Tirana
Arrival Time:
11 a.m.–12 a.m.
Highlighted Sights:
Bunk’Art2, Enver Hoxha Pyramid, Peace Bell, Postbllok, Blloku
Mode of Transportation:
Walking
Language(s) of Tour Guide:
German, English
Price:
Starting from €30 per adult
Is Tirana Worth Visiting?
If you’re
The main reason why tourists visit this city is the incredibly rich culture and traditions that can be seen in many souvenir shops, museums, and restaurants in Tirana . You can get a taste of Albania while trying some of the main traditional dishes or learn about the country’s ancient history at one of the many museums.
The climate is typically pretty good and stable in Tirana, although it can get hot in the summer, so be prepared! In the springtime, though, the weather is perfect for wandering around the city and exploring.
Of course, we can’t leave out the nice and inviting people of Tirana. Everyone is always smiling and willing to help tourists with directions or anything else to make their stay even better. As soon as you walk into a restaurant or cafe, you are greeted with a smile and nice words, making you feel at home.
Also, if you’re wondering how to get to Tirana, there are direct bus lines from every main city to the capital.
Tirana Discovery Highlights
During this Tirana day trip, you’ll get the chance to visit numerous spots, including the ones we listed below.
#1. Bunk’Art2
Do not miss your chance to visit Bunk’Art, the most peculiar museum you’ll ever see! It’s located inside a bunker, underground, consisting of 24 rooms. Ex-dictator Enver Hoxha gave the order for this bunker to be built, along with 173,000 other ones, but they were actually never used.
This museum is a cultural project, serving its purpose of preserving the history of the country, showcasing the story of the Albanian ministry, the secrets of the “Sigurimi” police, and the lives of the victims of communist terrorism.
#2. Enver Hoxha Pyramid
Situated very close to the main square, the Enver Hoxha Pyramid was just recently reconstructed by the mayor of Tirana, giving the place a whole new perspective by altering both its function and facade. It was built in 1988 and was initially opened as the Museum of Enver Hoxha, documenting his legacy.
Nowadays, it serves as a youth IT center called TUMO, with a focus on computer programming, robotics, and different start-ups. The Pyramid is one of the most unique structures in Albania, immediately catching your eye.
#3. Blloku
Going out to Blloku is one of the best things to do in Tirana , as this is among the most exclusive areas of the capital. The neighborhood used to be reserved only for the elite part of society back in the communist era.
Blloku is accessible from most parts of Tirana, as it’s very close to the center. There, you’ll find countless bars, cafes, restaurants, and shops of all kinds. It’s the part of the city that never sleeps, with the sound of music and people buzzing all night.
Best Restaurants in Tirana
Tirana is brimming with great restaurants where you can enjoy all sorts of dishes. Here is a short list of some of the best places to grab a bite while in the city:
#1. Artigiano at Vila
Located in the Blloku neighborhood, Artigiano welcomes its customers for a very special and elegant dining experience. The restaurant is built in a Tuscan-style villa, with decorative tiles, hand-painted glass, and beautiful trees and flowers all around.
Artigiano is known for its fresh Italian pasta, traditional Albanian food , oven-cooked pizzas, and Florentine steak. Everyone at Artigiano has one thing in common—a passion for good food and hospitality.
#2. LIFT Steak & Rooftop Bar
You can find LIFT on the top floor of the Tirana Business Center, standing tall over the city and providing breathtaking views. This restaurant is all about representing a classic and sophisticated style, perfectly combining fine dining and elegance.
They’re known to serve some of the best steak dishes in Albania, which the chefs cook to perfection. You can also choose from a wide array of wines and desserts to finish up with something sweet.
#3. MUGO Tirana
If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, MUGO is a perfect choice. It’s situated in the heart of Tirana and specializes in sushi dishes, Asian cuisine, and Mediterranean dishes.
From sushi rolls and tacos to pasta and salads, each dish is made with entirely fresh ingredients. You can also come to enjoy a cocktail or two, which are carefully crafted by the professional bartenders at MUGO.