What to do in Tirana for 2 Days

Tirana, the capital of Albania, is a hub of culture, history, good food, and welcoming locals. It’s often the landing point for those visiting the gorgeous southern coast, or the fairytale northern mountains, but many miss out on what Tirana has to offer. You don’t need long to see the sights – 48 hours in Tirana is the perfect amount of time to learn more about Albania’s long history before you travel through the country and see the main attractions. Tirana is also a fantastic city break – it’s one of Europe’s most affordable cities, there’s plenty to see and do, and the nightlife is great.

Let’s dive into our guide on spending 48 hours in Tirana. We’ll help you make the most out of your time in this city, from where to eat to where to stay.

Where to stay in Tirana

Mid-range: Hotel Restaurant Bujtina e Gjelit has a warm, rustic feel, with a traditional exterior and interior, and a sociable atmosphere. There’s a seasonal outdoor pool, outdoor dining area, and artwork throughout the hotel. It’s also a restaurant, but we recommend trying other restaurants in the area.

Boutique: La Suite Boutique Hotel has beautiful furnishings, sleek finishes, and modern touches. It’s centrally located but tucked away with beautiful gardens – the perfect place to relax with a drink after a day exploring the city.

Luxury: Want to splash the cash on a luxury hotel in Albania’s vibrant capital? Try the Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana. The five-star hotel has a spa with a sauna and hot tub, fitness facilities, and ultra-sleek, modern interiors. It’s also in a prime location, just 200 metres from Skanderbeg Square.

Budget: Find the best deals on hotels in Tirana with Enjoy Travel– opt for the Center Rooms Oresti for low-cost yet excellent quality accommodation in the city.

Where to eat in Tirana

Due to the longstanding Ottoman rule, much of Albania’s cuisine has Turkish influences. Börek, baklava, sarma (stuffed vine leaves), and kebabs are staples in Tirana, but tavë kosi is distinctly Albanian. It’s warm and comforting, comprised of lamb, yoghurt, rice, vegetables, eggs, and cheese. It’s a homely dish, so not many restaurants serve it, but you can try tavë kosi and other traditional Albanian dishes at low-key Restaurant Piceri Era.

Oda is another traditional Albanian restaurant, with a limited but curated menu of dishes, from fasule (white beans in tomato sauce) to lamb’s head for the brave eaters. It’s affordable and good fun, with authentic live music and dancers.

Tirana also has a wealth of Italian restaurants. Artigiano at Vila is one of the best Italian restaurants in the city – if you want slurpingly-good pasta, this is the place to be. The terrace is also charmingly pretty, especially in the evening light. And don’t forget to save room for their pistachio tiramisu – it’s a must.

Got a craving for good brunch? Head to MUGO. They serve Asian fusion food throughout the day, but their brunch menu is what we’re most interested in. Don’t miss their croque madame.

For incredible views over the city and delicious elevated Albanian dishes, try Kapelet. The interior design, views, and presentation make this one of Tirana’s most beautiful restaurants.

Where to get your culture fix

With a mix of Ottoman, Fascist, and Soviet architecture, you’re in the midst of culture just by walking around the city. After a 500-year rule, Ottoman architecture was widespread across the city. However, much of it was destroyed by Hoxha and Mussolini. But there are still some examples of beautiful Ottoman architecture, mainly in the Sheshi Skënderbej area, which makes the remaining buildings even more special. The Ottoman Clock Tower, Et’hem Bay Mosque, and Kaplan Pasha’s Tomb are some of the best-preserved buildings. In a similar vein, Mussolini’s Fascist-era architecture has resulted in beautiful baroque buildings in Tirana, while the Pyramid of Tirana, the National Historical Museum, and the Palace of Culture are stark reminders of Hoxha’s Soviet reign.

Not only is the National Historical Museum an example of Soviet architecture, but it’s also a must-visit for further understanding Albania’s history. It takes visitors back in time, all the way back to ancient Illyria, and up to the postcommunist era. For a deeper understanding of the communist regime in Albania, visit one of the bunkers built by dictator Enver Hoxha, out of fear of invasion and nuclear war. Bunk’Art 1 is an underground palace turned museum and art gallery.

Where to drink in Tirana

Albania has an excellent nightlife scene, from neon-lit, smoky bars to thumping nightclubs. For somewhere extra special, sunset chasers will flock to LIFT Rooftop Bar, where you can enjoy some amazing signature and classic cocktails. For a relaxed drink, in a retro, unique space, had to Radio Bar. It’s old school and eclectic, with rickety chairs and a buzzing outside area. Hemingway Bar is another popular spot, known and loved for its colourful Cuban flair, jazz music, and delicious cocktails. If low-key wine bars are more your vibe, try out Vena Bar – you can sample local and international wines, best enjoyed with a plate of cold-cut meats, cheese, and olives.

If you are looking for a generic lively area to enjoy a few drinks, rather than seeking out specific bars, then we recommend basing in Blloku for the night. It’s lively, fun, and full of bars, including the previously mentioned Radio Bar. You’ll also find one of Tirana’s best nightclubs, Magic Club, in Blloku. The party really gets going around 12 AM here, when music performers take to the stage and the dancing goes on until late.

Where to shop in Tirana

You can find a range of shopping opportunities in Tirana, from modern shopping centres to markets. Toptani, Tirana East Gate, and the Ring Centre are the biggest shopping centres, with a mix of local and international brands. For the biggest range of international brands, Tirana East Gate (TEG) is your best bet. You can find Bershka, Zara, Adidas, Calzedonia, H&M, Mango, Massimo Dutti, Nike, Stradivarius, and other international brands here.

Tirana is also a hotspot for markets. Pazari i Ri (New Market) has a wide selection of vendors selling clothing, accessories, food, and other items. This is a good time to test out your haggling skills – the general rule of thumb is to go half-price and negotiate your way up to around 70% of the original price with the vendor.

Best Day Trips from Tirana

Krujë

Just a one-hour drive from Tirana, a day trip to Krujë is full of beautiful views and history. The beautiful hillside town is home to Krujë Castle, a bustling bazaar, and the Skanderberg Museum.

Spille Beach

Fancy a beach day? Tirana is around a 45-minute drive from the coast, but we recommend driving a little bit longer to reach Spille Beach, which is around one hour from the city. There are sunbeds, sun umbrellas, and daybeds for daily hire, as well as restaurants along the beach. The waves are relaxed and the water is clear – the perfect beach day.

Dajti Mountain

This might not class as a day trip, as you can get the cable bar up to the mountain in 15 minutes, but you can extend the trip to include hikes and more exploration. You can also hike up the mountain, rather than take the cable car, or you can drive yourself. It takes around 50 minutes to drive from Tirana to Dajti Mountain National Park, but the views are spectacular.

48 Hours in Tirana: The Itinerary

Day 1: Parks, mountains and museums

• Tirana is home to numerous renowned speciality coffee shops– why not start the day with an expertly made and delicious coffee paired with something sweet?
• Take a stroll or relax in Tirana Park and get your daily dose of nature in the big city.
• Meander through Skanderbeg Square and enjoy the sights.
• Head to Pazari i Ri market and bazaar and browse the goods and produce on offer.
• For a bigger dose of nature and an exhilarating experience, take the Dajti Ekspres cable car to the top of Dajti Mountain and enjoy birds-eye views of the city and Albania’s gorgeous countryside. We recommend staying here for sunset for a pinch-me moment.
• Grab dinner and bar hop in Blloku.

Day 2: Castles, sightseeing spots and cultural monuments

• Take a tour of Kruja Castle or Tirana Castle and learn more about Albanian history.
• Go sightseeing – the best sightseeing spots include the Pyramid of Tirana, Orthodox Cathedral and the Skanderbeg Statue.
• Yesterday you were high above ground, now head underground to BUNK’ART museum, a revamped Cold War bunker that is now the home of this trendy art & history museum. (And you might as well visit Bunk’Art 2 whilst you’re there)
• Pick up unique souvenirs at the street markets in the Tregu Çam neighbourhood.
• Round off your 48 hours in Tirana with dinner at Kapelet, which stands high on a hill. It’s the perfect spot for a special meal, with incredible food and even better citywide views.