Tirana 3-day itinerary

1. Stop 1

   Fortress of Justinian (Tirana Castle remains)

   The history of this castle in dates back before 1300 and is a remnant from the Byzantine-era. The fortress is the place where the main east-west and north-south roads crossed, and formed the heart of Tirana. About all that's left of the fortress above ground is a 6-m-high Ottoman-era wall, covered in vines.

2. Stop 2 · 4 min walk

   Bush Street

   This street was named after US President George W. Bush in honour of his 2007 visit.

3. Stop 3 · 6 min walk

   Piramid

   Completely renovated and reopened in May 2023, the pyramid was built in 1987 according to the design of Enver Hoxha's daughter and was opened as a museum dedicated to her father. In 2007 US President George W. Bush gave a speech in front of this building. The building was the most expensive erected under communism, but by 2017 it had been empty and derelict for some time and threatened with demolition, instead it was saved and rebuilt.

4. Stop 4 · 7 min walk

   Blloku or Ish-Blloku

   Among the apartment blocks, one can find some of Tirana's trendiest cafés, shops, and restaurants. Here is also located the villa of the former dictator, Enver Hoxha. During communism, the area was reserved solely for government officials and was not allowed to be entered by the commoner. It was opened to the public in 1991 and since became the number one spot for Tirana's youth. At night the area gets full of people especially on weekends when most night clubs are full.

5. Stop 5 · 14 min walk

   Tanners' Bridge

   This is an 18th-century Ottoman period stone footbridge. The bridge was once part of the Shëngjergj Road that linked Tirana with the eastern highlands. The Shëngjergj Road furnished the city with agricultural produce and livestock. The bridge went across the Lanë stream and was adjacent to the area of butchers and leather workers. The Lanë was rerouted in the 1930s and the bridge was neglected. In the 1990s the bridge was restored to its former glory and is now used by pedestrians only.

6. Stop 6 · 8 min walk

   National Library of Albania

   The library holds over a million books and is known for its ancient collections.

Eat · Flower's: Daily menu and à-la-carte. Free water and bread as locals are used to it. Muzaka, creamy egg plant ... feels like the try beyond the usual.

1. Stop 1

   National History Museum

   The largest museum in Albania holds many of the country's archaeological treasures and a replica of Skanderbeg's massive sword (how he held it, rode his horse and fought at the same time, is a mystery). The lighting might be poor but the excellent collection is almost entirely signed in English and takes you chronologically from ancient Illyria to the post-communist era. The collection of statues, mosaics and columns from Greek and Roman times is breathtaking.

2. Stop 2 · 7 min walk

   National Gallery of Arts

   Tracing the relatively brief history of Albanian painting from the early 19th century to the present day, this beautiful space also has temporary exhibitions. The interesting collection includes 19th-century paintings depicting scenes from daily Albanian life and others with a far more political dimension including some truly fabulous examples of Albanian socialist realism. The ground-floor part of the gallery is given over to temporary exhibitions of a far more modern and challenging kind.

3. Stop 3 · 11 min walk

   National Archaeological Museum

   Features ancient artifacts from Illyrian to Roman and Hellenic times: wonderful mosaics, Roman statues and illustrative maps. The collection here is comprehensive and impressive in parts, but there's only minimal labelling in Albanian and none at all in English (nor are tours in English offered), so you may find yourself a little at a loss unless this is your field.

4. Stop 4 · 22 min walk

   Natural Sciences Museum of Albania

   This museum features the fauna and geological composition of Albania.

5. Stop 5 · 5 min walk

   Tirana Mosaic

   The mosaic was discovered following excavations for an apartment complex. Various artifacts point to the presence of a village in the area thousands of years ago. This is the only archaeological site in Tirana.

6. Stop 6 · 70 min walk

   Bunk'Art

   This fantastic conversion, from a massive cold war bunker on the outskirts of Tirana into a history and contemporary art museum, is easily a Tirana highlight. With almost 3,000 m² of space underground spread over several floors, the bunker was built for Albania's political elite in the 1970s and remained a secret for much of its existence. Now it hosts exhibits that combine the modern history of Albania with pieces of contemporary art.

Eat · Gjelltore Dibra: Local dishes and central location.

1. Stop 1

   Orthodox Church

   Orthodox Church is a listed stop in this neighborhood.

2. Stop 2 · 4 min walk

   Catholic Church

   Catholic Church is a listed stop in this neighborhood.

3. Stop 3 · 11 min walk

   Et'hem Bey Mosque

   Construction of this mosque took about 28 years and finished in 1821. It is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in Albania with very interesting decorations and artwork within it. Reopened in 2021 after full restoration.

4. Stop 4 · 7 min walk

   Mosque 'Kokonozit'

   Finished in 1750 during Ottoman rule and one of the few that survived the Communist rule intact. During that time the building functioned as a storehouse and a tobacco shop, then in 1991 it was returned to its original use.

5. Stop 5 · 9 min walk

   Saint Paul Catholic Cathedral

   This modern cathedral features fascinating window murals.

6. Stop 6 · 5 min walk

   Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral

   This cathedral features fascinating architecture and rich interior iconography. The church covered with a 23-m-high dome

Eat · Tasty: An authentic and plain cantine-like restaurant with a great choice of inexpensive, genuine Albanian dishes.