Last updated on February 19th, 2025 at 01:10 pm
Tirana, Albania might not be the first place that pops into your head when you think of European travel, but trust us – this city is about to steal your heart. As one of Europe’s lesser-visited cities, Tirana is buzzing with vibrant culture, incredible food, and great people.
Before visiting the Balkans, we didn’t know much about Albania, but Tirana completely surprised us with all it has to offer. We’re excited to share our 3-day Tirana itinerary with you, and if you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path travel, this guide will highlight the best things to do in Tirana.
Make sure to check out our YouTube video at the end so you can see for yourself exactly how we spent 3 days in Tirana.
Let’s dive into Europe’s hidden gem – you’re going to love it here.
3 Days in Tirana: Best Things to Do in Albania’s Capital City
In just three days in Tirana, we discovered so much to do, and while two days could be enough to see the main sights, we’d recommend giving yourself an extra day if you arrive later in the day to truly enjoy the Albania capital.
Here’s a breakdown of the best things to do in Tirana in a 3-day itinerary that will leave you feeling like you’ve explored all the must-see spots.
We’ve done the research for you and selected the best places to stay in Tirana, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly apartments. Whether you’re visiting as a family or a couple, we’ve got options to suit every need, so you can spend more time enjoying the city.
Tirana Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Tirana City
Skanderbeg Square
Start your first day in Tirana right at the heart of the city, Skanderbeg Square. This wide, open space is the perfect place to get a feel for the city. You’ll find a mix of historical landmarks and modern architecture.
The square is named after Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero, and features a large equestrian statue of him right at its center.
As you wander around Skanderbeg Square, you can easily view or visit several iconic Tirana attractions, including the National History Museum, the Skanderbeg Statue, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Tirana Clock Tower, the National Opera and Ballet Theatre, and the Sheshi Skenderbej Fountain, all offering a rich blend of history, culture, and architectural beauty.
Spending some time here is one of the most iconic things to do in Tirana.
Namazgah Mosque
From Skanderbeg Square, take a short stroll to the Namazgah Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Tirana, which is the largest mosque in the Balkan countries.
You won’t be able to miss it – the mosque’s stunning architecture stands out among Tirana’s impressive buildings, instantly capturing your attention with its striking presence.
Anticipated to boost tourism, the Great Mosque of Tirana is poised to replace the Et’hem Bey Mosque as the primary mosque in the city center and is now one of the top things to do in Tirana.
Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral
Not far from the Namazgah Mosque, you’ll find the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ. The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ is the Albanian Orthodox Cathedral in Tirana and it is the third-largest Orthodox church in Europe.
Its exterior is beautiful, but it’s the interior that really catches your attention. The cathedral is filled with stunning frescoes that depict scenes from Christian tradition. Visiting the cathedral is another one of the great things to do in Tirana.
Tirana Castle Walls
For lunch, make your way over to Tirana Castle, located in the city center. This is where you’ll find a mix of the old and new. The castle itself dates back to the Ottoman era, but now it’s home to a collection of cafes and restaurants.
It’s a nice, laid-back spot to enjoy a meal and grab a drink while soaking up the atmosphere. The walls of the castle offer a nice place to wander and explore, allowing you to catch a glimpse of the city through a more historical lens.
Visiting the castle walls is one of the more relaxed things to do in Tirana and where you will really slip into holiday mode!
Liqeni Lake
In the late afternoon, head to Liqeni Lake for a relaxing time by the water. This is the perfect place to take a stroll in Tirana after a busy day of sightseeing.
Liqeni Lake is popular with locals, and there’s always something going on – whether it’s people jogging, cycling, or just enjoying the fresh air – and more than likely drinking coffee. We have since learned that Albanians love their coffee!
If you’re visiting Liqeni Lake at sunset, the view is magical, with the sun casting a warm golden glow over the water and the city in the distance.
The best things to do in Tirana are often as simple as enjoying local life, and Liqeni Lake is the best place for this.
Dinner at TYMI Tirana
After a long day of exploring Tirana, enjoy a delicious dinner at TYMI Tirana. This cozy restaurant is a great place to reflect on your first day in the city and rest up those feet.
The menu is a mix of traditional and contemporary Albanian dishes, offering a taste of local flavors with a modern twist.
TYMI is where we got our first taste of delicious Albanian food and we couldn’t recommend it higher. It’s the perfect place to wrap up your first day in Tirana.
That is the end of day 1 of our 3-days exploring Tirana, how are you holding up so far?!
For another unforgettable European city break, check out our trip to Tallinn, Estonia, for a truly unique European getaway.
Tirana Day 2: Museums, Views, and Adventure
Bunk’Art 1
Day two is all about diving deeper into the history of Albania, starting with a visit to Bunk’Art 1, a Cold War-era bunker turned museum and a must-visit when traveling Albania.
This is one of the most fascinating things to do in Tirana if you want to understand Albania’s communist past. The bunker was built during the Enver Hoxha regime as part of a vast network of bunkers across Albania – over 175,000!!
*Enver Hoxha was the communist leader of Albania from 1946 until his death in 1985, known for his strict authoritarian rule and the establishment of a deeply isolated, one-party state.
Tirana Travel Tip: There are two Bunk’Arts in Tirana so consider purchasing a combination ticket for both bunkers (€13 per person for entry to Bunk’Art 1 and Bunk’Art 2).
Inside, you’ll find exhibitions that explore Albania’s political history, the isolation the country experienced, and the people who lived under the regime.
Visiting Bunk’Art 1 is one of the most educational things to do in Tirana, and you should plan to spend around two hours here – this structure spans over 5 floors!
Dajti Express Cable Car
After your trip to Bunk’Art 1, it is time to continue our 3-day Tirana itinerary with a visit to the Dajti Ekspres Cable Car, which is located just a few minutes from the museum (600 meters).
For €14 per person, you can take a round-trip ride up to Mount Dajti, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Tirana city and the surrounding mountains.
Dajti Ekspres is one of the best ways to experience Tirana’s stunning natural surroundings, and the view from the top is absolutely breathtaking. This is another one of the more exciting things to do in Tirana.
Once you’re at the top, enjoy lunch at the rotating bar/lounge with spectacular views over the city of Tirana below. The food is great, and the view is even better – definitely one of the top things to do in Tirana if you want to have a meal with a view.
At the top of Mount Dajti, if you want to go for a wander after your meal you’ll find MANY bunkers scattered around the landscape, and are very interesting to explore. There’s also a mini-golf course and a shooting range if you’re looking for something a little more fun and interactive.
Exploring Tirana’s bunkers is up there when it comes to unique things to do in Tirana. When in Albania and all that!
Discover Tirana on a 4-5 hour walking city and food tour, where you’ll journey through Tirana’s rich history, culture, and traditions, all while enjoying plenty of Albanian food, drinks, and local stories at various stops along the way.
Tirana Pyramid
For a stunning sunset view, head to the Tirana Pyramid, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Originally built as a museum dedicated to Enver Hoxha, nowadays the Tirana Pyramid has been transformed into a more modern space with colorful boxes scattered around and serves a variety of purposes, hosting conferences, workshops, entertainment venues, and even bars and restaurants.
The public is invited to climb the stairs, symbolically reclaiming the monument, and offering a chance to view the city from a fresh perspective. At the top of the Tirana Pyramid, as the sun sets, the city lights up in a golden glow – definitely a Tirana attraction worth seeing.
The Tirana Pyramid is one of those touristy things to do in Tirana that gives you a different perspective on the city.
Dinner and Drinks in Tirana Castle
End day 2 in Tirana by heading back to Tirana Castle for a relaxed dinner and drinks. The area comes alive in the evening, with plenty of people out enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Whether you want to sit outside and enjoy the breeze or find a cozy indoor spot beside a fire, there’s no better place to unwind after a full day of sightseeing in Tirana.
Relaxing in Tirana castle is one of the best things to do in Tirana at night, with the castle offering the perfect settling for a Tirana night out!
If you plan to explore Albania further afield, consider renting a car in Tirana. Albania offers some of the most affordable car rental deals we’ve ever seen, trust us some of these offers will blow your mind!
Tirana Day 3: History, Shopping, and Local Food!
Bunk’Art 2
For your last day, day 3 in Tirana, start by visiting Bunker 2, located just off Skanderbeg Square. (Don’t forget your combination ticket bought at Bunk’Art1!)
Bunk’Art 2 focuses on the role of Albania’s national police during the communist regime, offering a different perspective than Bunk’Art 1. It’s a small but impactful stop, and we recommend spending around two hours here to fully explore the exhibits.
Visiting Bunk’Art 2 is a must for anyone interested in Albania’s history – another of the top things to do in Tirana.
*We recommend visiting Bunk’Art2 early in the day as this Tirana museum can get quite busy and crowded inside.
Postbllok Memorial The Postbllok Memorial in Tirana is located nearby Bunk’Art2, just off Skanderbeg Square, and is a powerful tribute to Albania’s past, consisting of three significant elements.
The first is a set of concrete girders taken from Spaç Prison, where Lubonja was once imprisoned. Arranged in a row, they mimic the original structure of the prison halls. The second part of the memorial is a section of a bunker, one of the most iconic symbols of Albania’s communist dictatorship. The third and final element is a piece of the Berlin Wall, a gift from the Berlin state government to Tirana, symbolizing Albania’s isolation during the regime.
Together, this memorial is a striking and vital reminder of Albania’s history, making the Postbllok Memorial one of the most thought-provoking things to do in Tirana.
We loved how places like this are scattered throughout the city, often stumbled upon unexpectedly. It’s one of the reasons Tirana has quickly become one of the best cities in Europe – its charm is in the surprises you find around every corner.
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New Bazaar
Next up on our Tirana itinerary, it’s time for some shopping. The New Bazaar is a great place to pick up unique souvenirs, from local handicrafts to Albanian wines and cheeses.
It’s a fun spot to explore and gives you a taste of Tirana’s market culture. Shopping in New Baazar is one of the most fun things to do in Tirana, especially if you’re looking for something uniquely Albanian to take home.
Of course, this is where we picked up our must-have magnet. While traveling full time getting a magnet from each country has kind of become a thing!
Toptani Shopping Centre
If you’re looking for a more traditional shopping experience while visiting Tirana, head over to Toptani Shopping Centre. This modern mall offers a wide range of shops, from international brands to local boutiques. We are not ones for shopping, however this place looks like it has it all!
It’s perfect if you want to indulge in a little retail therapy before heading back home. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Tirana for those who enjoy a bit (or a lot!) of shopping.
Wander Around Trendy Blloku
After 3 days exploring Tirana, it’s worth spending some time in Blloku, a lively and trendy neighborhood that’s become one of the city’s most popular spots.
It is crazy to think that Blloku was once off-limits to the public during the communist era, because now this area of Tirana is full of cool cafes, shops, and bars, making it a great place to enjoy.
*If you haven’t yet tried, but we hope you have, the tradition Albanian dish of Byrek – this is the place.
You can wander around for some casual market shopping or just enjoy the vibe of the entire area. When you’re ready to relax, grab dinner or drinks at one of the many restaurants or bars – it’s the perfect spot to reflect on all the cool things you have seen during your 3-day Tirana visit.
Blloku is definitely one of the best things to do in Tirana when you’re looking for a fun, chilled atmosphere. Just make sure you don’t enjoy TOO much if you have to catch an early flight in the morning!
Alternatively, if you are continuing with an ultimate Albania itinerary, be sure to check out the stunning coastal town of Vlore. What a perfect addition to your already epic Albanian adventure.
To watch the full antics of our 3 days in Tirana check out our YouTube video below so you can see for yourself the beauty of Tirana that words cannot describe.
Enjoy the Best Things to Do in Tirana
If you are looking for a unique European city-break, Tirana Albania is for you.
Visiting Tirana really surprised us in the best way possible. It’s a city with so much to offer – from incredible history, cool modern buildings, rich culture, and not to forget the delicious Albanian food. There’s certainly no shortage of incredible things to do in Tirana.
We are certain that you will fall in love with this hidden gem of Europe as much as we did. We had such an amazing time exploring all the fantastic things to do in Tirana and hope you do too.
In fact, why not let us know how you get on visiting Tirana. We would love to hear how you get on visiting this European gem.
Feel free to leave a message below or contact us on our socials.
Slán go fóil
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