What's up guys!
We're here in Tirana and in this video we're going to show you the best things to do in
and around the city.
It's actually the capital of Albania, so there's a ton of culture and history here.
So hope you enjoy the video!
Located in central Albania, Tirana has been the country's capital since 1920.
And although it experience political turmoil until 1991, the city has now evolved into
the cultural and entertainment center of the country.
In fact, it's often referred to as one of the most underrated cities in all of Europe.
And while we agree that it's not one of the most beautiful capital cities in Eastern Europe,
it's certainly one of the most interesting ones.
So if you're starting your trip around Albania in Tirana, then make sure to spend at least
a day or two here.
Now let's explore the best things to do in and around the fascinating city of Tirana.
We're Zac and Ine.
We make helpful videos about destinations around the world so you can easily plan your
own adventures.
The first and foremost thing you should do in Tirana is go on a free walking tour.
During the two and a half hour tour, you explore Tirana's downtown area while learning about
the city and country's turbulent history, art, and everyday life.
The tour is offered in English or Spanish and starts in front of the Opera House at
Skanderbeg Square.
Other highlights include the Clock Tower and various mosques and cathedrals.
It's not only a great introduction to the country, but also provides a deeper understanding
of Albanian culture.
You can book your own free walking tour via the link in the description below.
Tirana's New Bazaar is a newly renovated market that offers fresh fruits, vegetables, as well
as souvenirs, local wine, and raki.
Around the bazaar, you'll find several bars and restaurants to eat and drink at.
Many of these places are called "zgara's", which literally translates to "grill".
And as the name suggests, these local grill houses offer a variety of grilled meats and
other dishes.
If you're looking for a nice day trip outside of the Albanian Capital City, then the picturesque
town of Kruja might be for you.
Located only 20 kilometers north of Tirana, Kruja can easily be reached by public bus
from the "South and North Albania Bus Terminal".
Kruja played a crucial role in the 15th century when it was the center of the Albanian opposition
led by the national hero Skanderbeg during the Ottoman invasion.
Skanderbeg is still celebrated here today and there's even an entire museum dedicated
to him.
You can find this museum inside the beautiful castle that overlooks the town.
Just walking through the bazaar here and they have a lot of cool trinkets, so if you're
in Albania looking to bring something home this is a good spot to get it.
Tirana also has its very own castle located in the heart of the city.
Only this fortress has been transformed into a commercial space filled with restaurants,
wine bars, art, and souvenir shops.
It's actually a really great place to have dinner with a glass of wine, and we found
it quite affordable as well.
The pedestrian street right next to the castle is one of the most charming streets you'll
find in the city.
Another great area for entertainment in Tirana is Blloku.
This small neighborhood really comes alive at night and is a trendy spot among locals.
In addition to a variety of hip bars, nightclubs, and cafés, you can also find some of the
best restaurants in Tirana here.
This area became very attractive after the fall of communism because during that period
only communist elites were living there.
Today, you can still find the former residence of Albania's communist leader Hoxha.
Located in the outskirts of Tirana, the Dajti Ekspres cable car takes you to the Dajti National
Park, which is 1,613 meters above sea level.
It's easy to get to the cable car station by public bus.
Just hop on the blue bus near the clock tower next to Skanderbeg Square.
You can find more details on how to get there by public transportation via the link in the
description below.
Once you're in the cable card, the ride offers panoramic views of Tirana and the surrounding
nature.
So the cable car is actually really quite long because it's over four kilometers and
takes about 15 minutes to get up on the mountain.
We recommend combining your visit to Mount Dajti with a visit to Bunk'Art 1 as they're
basically right next to each other.
Bunk'Art 1 is a large bunker with five levels, which was meant to be used by communist leader
Hoxha and his regime in case of a nuclear attack.
Videos weren't allowed inside, but pictures were.
The bunker has now been converted into a museum which covers the history of Albania's past
century in great detail.
But it's the preserved rooms, conceptual art, and sound effects that really bring the story
to life here.
This was our favorite museum in all of Tirana.
And though the history is heartbreaking, it's absolutely worth visiting.
Alternatively, you can visit other communist museums closer to the center such as the House
of Leaves and Bunk'Art 2.
We kept the most beautiful sight for last Lake Bovilla is a stunning reservoir that
lies within Dajti National Park.
Surrounded by two mountain ranges, hiking is the best activity that you can do here.
Gamti Mountain offers the most spectacular view of the lake and doesn't require any experience.
There are even some man-made stairs that help you get to the top.
To get to Lake Bovilla from Tirana, you need your own rental car.
And if you don't have one, we suggest booking a guided tour.
You can find a tour link in the description below.
Organize your Albania trip with our interactive travel planner.
Find a discount code below.
We also included important links that you'll need for your visit to Tirana in the description,
such as an interactive map to get to each spot that we mentioned.
We'll catch you on the next adventure!