Tirana Itinerary and Surroundings in 7 Days

The capital of Albania is not just a rich tapestry of history, culture, and attractions, but it is also a very vibrant and youthful city, a fantastic affordable destination easily accessible from Italy.

The city itself can be explored easily in a couple of days, and the best way to do it is through guided tours. Just a few kilometers from Tirana, you can find the sea, mountains, and charming villages that are still authentic and rural.

The geomorphological variety of Albania truly offers a lot.

Here's a 7-day itinerary to discover Tirana and its wonderful surroundings.

First time in Tirana? Free tour! Book a free walking tour with a local guide, perfect for a first approach to identify landmarks and discover many curiosities.

Distance traveled: 3.8 km

Places visited: Skanderbeg Square, Clock Tower, National History Museum, Et'hem Bey Mosque, Resurrection of Christ Cathedral, Hoxha Pyramid, and Bulevardi Deshmoret e Kombit, Blloku neighborhood.

Start this journey in the Albanian capital at Skanderbeg Square, the heart of the city (Get directions)!

Surrounded by many of Tirana's main attractions, here you can relive significant, even tragic, historical moments that have marked the local history.

Time to visit: 30 min

Take a photo in front of the I Love Tirana sign: located in front of the Palace of Culture, it's definitely a must-have photograph to remember your trip to the Albanian capital.

To reach this stop: 1 min walk (Get directions).

After admiring the square, head over to the Clock Tower, one of the city's most iconic symbols. Try to arrive not too late to avoid long lines: once you tackle its 90 steps, you can reach the top and enjoy an unrivaled view of the entire historic center.

Time to visit: 30 min

To reach this stop: 2 min walk (Get directions).

Return to Skanderbeg Square and visit the National History Museum, the most important and extensive museum in the country. Opened in 1981 and immediately recognizable due to its large mosaic on the façade, it will take about 2 hours of your time: inside, you'll discover the history of Albania through a collection of around 3,600 objects, with an unmissable section dedicated to the communist period adorned with valuable photographic evidence.

Time to visit: 2 hours

To reach this stop: 20 min walk (Get directions).

After the museum visit, walk for about 20 minutes to the lively Pazari i Ri market, an essential stop to immerse yourself in the locals' daily life. Here you will find all kinds of stalls and small eateries where you can taste traditional Albanian dishes: it's the ideal place to stop for lunch and have an authentic culinary experience, amid the flavors and colors of the tradition.

Time to visit: 1 hour

Stop for lunch at the market: the Pazari i Ri market is perfect for a lunch break, with all kinds of stalls and also places to try traditional Albanian dishes. Stop here to enjoy a journey within a journey, amidst the flavors and colors of traditional recipes.

To reach this stop: 5 min walk (Get directions).

Continue your discovery of the main attractions around Skanderbeg Square in the early afternoon by visiting the Et'hem Bey Mosque: although it does not have fixed opening hours, it is only closed during prayer times, but it is definitely worth a visit even just from the outside, as it represents the most important and refined Islamic place of worship in Albania, as well as one of the best-preserved buildings in the country.

Time to visit: 15 min

To reach this stop: 4 min walk (Get directions).

A few minutes walking from the mosque, reach the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral, the third largest Orthodox place of worship in the world. Admire the central dome towering at 32 meters and the bell tower rising over 40 meters, then step inside to discover the interiors adorned with beautiful mosaics depicting historical and religious moments.

Time to visit: 30 min

Visiting rules: since it's a place of worship, it is important to respect the rules of the religion. For the mosque, you need to take off your shoes before entering, and women must cover their heads and bodies. In the cathedral, you cannot enter wearing tank tops or short pants, so be sure to always have a jacket with you.

To reach this stop: 10 min walk (Get directions).

After visiting the cathedral, cross the Lana River and take a short 10-minute walk to the Hoxha Pyramid, a controversial symbol of the communist regime. Built at the request of dictator Enver Hoxha's daughter as a resting place for her father, it is currently undergoing renovation and will soon host a technology center for youth, which will become a vibrant event location. Before you leave, take a photo in front of the Pyramid and ring the Peace Bell nearby.

Time to visit: 15 min

To reach this stop: 2 min walk (Get directions).

Finally, after taking a photo and ringing the Peace Bell near the pyramid, enjoy a stroll along Bulevardi Deshmoret e Kombit, the most famous avenue in the city.

Rich in shops and cafes, it's the perfect place to enjoy an aperitif or do some shopping in search of the perfect souvenir.

Time to visit: 30 min

To reach this stop: 10 min walk (Get directions).

Spend the evening in the Blloku neighborhood: the youthful quarter of Tirana, its liveliest and most vibrant side. Enjoy the night among the numerous local venues, like the iconic Radio Bar Tirana, one of the most famous in the capital.

Time to visit: 1 hour

Distance traveled: 1.9 km

Places visited: St. Paul's Cathedral, Rinia Park, Bunk'Art 2, House of Leaves Museum

Where to eat: Lunch at Oda - Traditional Albanian Cuisine (Get directions), Dinner at The Rooms Restaurant (Get directions)

Start the second day dedicated to art and history at St. Paul's Cathedral, one of the most modern religious buildings in Tirana (Get directions). The architecture plays with triangles and circles, symbols of the Holy Trinity and the Eternity of God: just ten minutes is enough to grasp the beauty of this sacred space.

A short walk away, immerse yourself in the greenery of Rinia Park: stroll along the paths, enjoy glimpses of the historic center, and look for the colorful "Tirana" sign for a memorable photo.

Time to visit: 1 hour

Stop at the Taiwan Complex: one of the most fascinating places in Tirana, housed within the park. It's a complex full of venues. Here you can have a coffee surrounded by wonderful fountains and a stunning view of the park and the city.

To reach this stop: 7 min walk (Get directions).

Proceed to Bunk'Art 2, less than a 10-minute walk from the cathedral. Behind the Clock Tower, you will discover a bunker transformed into a museum: you will walk through thick concrete walls and learn curiosities and harsh testimonies from Hoxha's dictatorship, from atomic shelters to daily life under surveillance.

Time to visit: 2 hours

To reach this stop: 5 min walk (Get directions).

In the afternoon, choose one of the many museums in the neighborhood: we recommend the House of Leaves, the Museum of Albanian Secret Services. Here you will explore rooms once occupied by the Gestapo and later by the police of the socialist regime. You will admire hidden microphones, recorders, cameras, and other tools used for spying and recording, all in a path that will make you relive the darker atmospheres of recent history.

Time to visit: 2 hours

Spend this evening in Blloku as well: it's filled with numerous venues and if you spent the first night at Radio Bar Tirana, it's time to explore all the other bars. For an elegant atmosphere and excellent cocktails, choose Pepper Lounge; for great beers, Cheers Irish Pub; for nightlife, Magic Club.

Distance traveled: 10 km

Places visited: Bunk'Art 1, Dajti Mountain National Park

Where to eat: Lunch at Ballkoni Dajtit (Get directions), Dinner at Artigiano Vila (Get directions)

Move away from the center to explore the immediate surroundings. The first stop is Bunk'Art 1, the first bunker converted into a museum (Get directions).

It is located about 5 km from the heart of Tirana, near the cable car station to Mount Dajti: you can reach it by the blue bus from Skanderbeg Square to the "Teleferiku" stop in about 20 min.

Inside Bunk'Art 1, you will discover five floors of corridors and 106 rooms, including those meant for the dictator, built to protect the regime and officials from a hypothetical nuclear attack. Today, the museum narrates the history of the Albanian army and daily life under the dictatorship, with compelling exhibitions that bring back the atmosphere of those times.

Time to visit: 2 hours

To reach this stop: 10 min walk (Get directions).

For lunch, reach the cable car station to Mount Dajti, less than 10 min walk from Bunk'Art. Dajti Mountain National Park is beloved by locals: here you can relax away from the traffic and spend an afternoon immersed in nature.

As you reach the top, stop to eat at one of the panoramic restaurants, then start exploring the area: follow the paths through the woods and terraces of the "natural balcony of Tirana", try the adventure park or extreme sports like paragliding, and if you're looking for fun, end with a paintball match at the dedicated field.

Time to visit: 3 hours

Enjoy a lunch with a view: as soon as you arrive at the top, stop for lunch at the Ballkoni Dajtit restaurant, located right next to the cable car station. Ask for a table near the large window, and you can taste traditional dishes while admiring a unique landscape.

Distance traveled: 1.9 km

Places visited: The Great Mosque of Tirana, National Gallery of Arts, Artificial Lake Park, Sky Tower.

The Great Mosque of Tirana, also known as Namazgah or Xhamia e Madhe, is the most recent and imposing mosque in the Balkans, inaugurated on October 10, 2024, in the presence of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Albanian Prime Minister Édi Rama (Get directions).

Constructed between 2015 and 2024 with an investment of about 30 million euros partly donated by the Diyanet (Directorate of Religious Affairs in Turkey), the building combines the grandeur of classical Ottoman architecture with modern elements: four soaring minarets of 50 m, a central dome 30 m high, and a wide square for 10,000 worshippers (8,000 inside, 2,000 outside).

On the ground floor, it houses a cultural center with conference rooms and an exhibition area, while the vast courtyard also serves as a public park. Thanks to its location next to government offices and its proximity to the center, it has quickly become a symbol of cultural dialogue and a tourist revival for the city.

Time to visit: 1 hour

To reach this stop: 8 min walk (Get directions).

The National Gallery of Arts (Galeria Kombëtare e Arteve) is the main fine arts museum in Tirana, founded in 1946 and moved to its modern building on "Martyrs of the Nation" boulevard on November 29, 1974. The complex spans three floors and houses a permanent collection of over 5,000 works, with a particular focus on socialist realism art and Albanian academic painting; featured artists include Kolë Idromeno, Sadik Kaceli, Nexhmedin Zajmi, and Gani Strazimiri.

Alongside the historical collection, the museum organizes temporary exhibitions of international artists and educational programs for schools and families. In 2009-2010, it underwent a major internal renovation that enhanced the exhibition spaces while maintaining the original architectural structure. The Gallery overlooks the picturesque Rinia Park, offering a pleasant stroll between art and city greenery.

Time to visit: 1 hour

To reach this stop: 15 min by taxi (Get directions).

The Grand Park of Tirana, locally known as Parku i Madh ose Parku i Liqenit Artificial, is an oasis of 289 hectares south of the city center, created in 1956 following a Bulgarian project on land that was once pastures.

The green heart is the 55-hectare artificial lake, surrounded by a dam 400 m long, and wooded areas where nearly 120 species of trees, shrubs, and flowers have been cataloged. Within the park are the Palace of the Brigades (presidential residence), the Church of St. Procopius, memorials to the fallen of World War II, the Botanical Garden, and the city's zoo.

Every morning, it is a destination for joggers and families, while in summer, it hosts cultural events in the natural amphitheater. A 10 km walking path allows you to explore hills, wetlands, and relaxation areas; near the south entrance is the Holocaust Monument, inaugurated in 2020.

Time to visit: 2 hours

To reach this stop: 12 min by car (Get directions).

Sky Tower is a multifunctional skyscraper inaugurated in 2001 along Rruga Ibrahim Rugova, in the vibrant "Blloku" neighborhood. With its 19 floors and 85 m in height, it houses offices, a Sky Hotel Tirana, and on the 18th floor, the Sky Restaurant: a full-rotation panoramic restaurant, unique in the Balkans, offering a 360° view of the city and the Dajti mountains.

The upper floor hosts the Sky Club, a rotating bar where you can enjoy cocktails at sunset. Entrance to the terrace is generally free, while reservations are recommended for dinner or drinks. The "suspended ship" effect and the view of the contrast between the historic center and the new skyline make the visit an unforgettable experience.

Time to visit: 2 hours

Distance traveled: 1.9 km

Places visited: Durres.

The port city of Durres is a perfect day trip from Tirana (Get directions).

It is about 40 km away, taking just under an hour to drive. We recommend opting for a guided excursion, which includes both round-trip transportation, a traditional lunch, and a guide who will share the history and curiosities about Durres.

In Durres, you will find the impressive Roman Amphitheater, one of the largest in the Balkan Peninsula, supported for a third by natural formations. You'll admire the ruins and learn their history and architectural details. Then proceed to the Sphinx Monument, a modern reinterpretation of the Egyptian Sphinx that offers breathtaking views of the coast. Afterward, explore the historic center of Durres: discover traditional cafes, centuries-old buildings, and vibrant markets that tell the millennia-old origins of the city.

In about 30 minutes by car, you will reach Duka winery, where a 40-minute tour will explain the winemaking process, the varieties of native grapes, and the peculiarities of the terrain. Finish with a traditional lunch: a selection of appetizers, a meat dish, seasonal salad, dessert, house wine, and raki.

Finally, enjoy some free time at the lake near the winery, where you can choose between a relaxing kayak ride or boating.

Time to visit: 8 hours

Distance traveled: 99 km

Places visited: Shkoder, Rozafa Castle.

Shkoder is a location on the shores of the lake of the same name, with a beautiful recently reconstructed historic center, where you can breathe the perfect mix of Eastern and Western culture (Get directions).

It is about 99 km away, taking just under two hours to drive. We recommend opting for a guided excursion, which includes both round-trip transportation and a visit to Rozafa Castle, along with a guide who will share the history and curiosities about Shkoder.

The first stop is Rozafa Castle: explore the ruins and museum of the fortress rebuilt by Venetians and Ottomans, enjoying the panoramic views of the rivers that embrace Shkoder.

Then descend to the city center to stroll along the main streets and taste typical dishes of Albanian cuisine.

Once you've regained your energy, visit the Lead Mosque, an Ottoman masterpiece with refined architectural details, and then the Cathedral of St. Stephen, which also served as a Sports Palace and was the venue for the Congress of Communist Women of Albania.

Finally, before leaving, freely explore hidden corners or choose a souvenir: you can discover the Marubi National Museum or browse the local craft stalls.

Time to visit: 9 hours

Distance traveled: 60 km

Places visited: Lake Bovilla, Kruja.

The city of Kruja is a perfect day trip from Tirana (Get directions).

On this excursion, you will pass by Lake Bovilla and then reach Kruja, covering a total of about 60 km, discovering a castle and a natural jewel not far from Tirana.

We recommend opting for a guided excursion, which includes round-trip transportation along with a stop at Lake Bovilla, a visit to a natural cave and tickets for the Kruja Castle.

Located just over 20 km from Tirana, Lake Bovilla is a freshwater reservoir at the foot of Mount Gamti. A 30-minute panoramic trail through green hills leads to a viewpoint overlooking the lake.

From here, it takes about 40 minutes to reach Kruja, where you can explore Kruja Castle and its museum, retracing the ancient history and past sieges.

Then stroll through the medieval bazaar, among stalls of carpets, jewelry, and local crafts.

Time to visit: 8 hours

Note: The prices shown in the table above are per person.

Certainly, Tirana falls among the budget destinations.

For accommodation, there are hostels offering dormitory beds for $15.00, while traditional taverns serve hearty and abundant dishes for just a few dollars.

Attractions are almost always free, and museum tickets cost around $4.00.

The only real drawback is the transportation, which is limited. For excursions to the surrounding areas to visit beautiful and characteristic locations that are still rural, the most convenient solution is to rely on organized tours. Otherwise, the alternative is to rent a car (from $25.00 a day).

Low-cost flights starting at $50.00 - check offers

Places to stay Hotels and B&B starting at $50.00

Total cost for a week, including flight from $600.00 per person

When to visit Tirana: summers are warm and sunny, while winters are mild and rainy. Spring is ideal, but you can go year-round depending on the type of vacation you have in mind - learn more

Getting there: Mother Teresa Airport (TIA) is served by numerous airlines and is 25 km from the center, reachable by taxi $15.00/20.00 or by Rinas Express bus for $2.00. Ferries depart from various Italian cities to Durres (from $160.00)

Where to stay: the most convenient areas are the central Pazari i Ri and Mujos; Blloku is upscale and only a 15-minute walk from the center; the Tregu Çam neighborhood is also a short walk from the center and has a high concentration of museums.

Getting around: the best method for the center is on foot. The alternative is the buses, which are efficient and punctual: 20 lines are in service from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM at a minimal price - learn more