Is Tirana Expensive?

Tirana Budget Guide: What to Expect and How to Save Money

Tirana is Albania’s capital city, known for its colourful pastel buildings, art culture, lively shopping districts, and nightlife. However, it is quite underrated as far as dream travel destinations go. When it comes to costs, Tirana (and Albania as a whole) are much cheaper than other European destinations. However, like most other capital cities, Tirana may be a little pricier than other cities in Albania. Let’s take a closer look at the breakdown of costs and how much accommodation, food, and transport costs:

A Breakdown of Average Travel Costs in Tirana

How Much Do Things Cost in Tirana

*The currency for Albania is the Lek (ALL). £10 is equivalent to around 1,170 ALL.

Where to Stay in Tirana on a Budget

Compared to other European capital cities, Tirana offers some pretty affordable prices on accommodation, with mid-range and upscale hotels available at a reasonable rate. Tirana also has cheap neighbourhoods and districts to stay in, all of which have attractions and things to do. Let’s take a look at some of the cheapest places to stay in Tirana:

Airport Hotels: Airport hotels are a good option for budget-conscious travellers who are only in Tirana for a short trip. Airport hotels provide you with all the convenience and basic amenities that any regular hotel would, only at a much more affordable price. Try the Hotel Airport Tirana, Nerium Garden Inn, or the Hotel Verzaci for cheap, high-quality airport hotel options.

Boutique Hotels: Boutique hotels may be a better option for budget-conscious travellers, as they are a lot smaller in scale than regular hotels and have a more intimate and personal feel and service. Some of the top choices for boutique hotels in Tirana include the Amansar Boutique Hotel, La Voglia Hotel, or Dark Boutique Hotel.

The Best Options for Finding Affordable Accommodation in Tirana

Tirana has many affordable neighbourhoods among the more upscale ones. Blloku is Tirana’s most expensive suburb, with a hip and trendy vibe showcased through its many bars, vibrant nightlife, and upscale feel. Liqeni i Thatë is another flashy suburb and swimming lake in Tirana, while the popular Xhamlliku neighbourhood is characterised by the beautiful cherry blossom trees that grow there. While these neighbourhoods are popular, they tend to be expensive. The best neighbourhoods for those on a tight budget are:

• 21 Dhjetori: One of the cheapest neighbourhoods in Tirana, complete with its own range of bars, restaurants and things to do.
• Pazari i Ri: Another cheap neighbourhood. Here, you can find Old Town attractions, restaurants, bars, and a large market selling fruit and vegetables.
• Krrabë: A small, affordable town in Tirana County that is ideal for those who want an escape from central Tirana’s busy streets.
• Ali Demi: Historical attractions and colourful buildings adorn this popular neighbourhood of Tirana.

What to Expect from Tirana and How to Book a Cheap Room

Tirana is one of the most affordable cities to stay in or relocate to in Europe. Compromising on the cost of your hotel or accommodation doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be low-quality, as Tirana offers low-cost yet high-quality accommodation options across the city. Most hotels in Tirana are clean, convenient, and comfortable, with the necessities and amenities you need to have the best stay possible.

Here are some top tips and tricks on how to ensure that every hotel or accommodation option in Tirana remains in your budget, and what to expect and consider when booking a room:

• Book in advance: Booking in advance is the most important rule when booking anything in a large city like Tirana. The city can get busy during the peak summer season, and therefore the rates of hotel prices increase.
• Rely on travel platforms: Travel platforms like Enjoy Travel and our respective newsletter are your go-to for all things travel and accommodation. We compile all the relevant information, advice, and tips you need into one place, making us trustworthy and reliable for information on your chosen hotel and city. Plus, you can compare hotel prices using our trusty comparison platform.
• Travel at different times of year: Albania peak season is from July to September. If your dates are flexible, try to avoid booking a hotel during this time. If you must visit during the peak months, try to book around 2-3 months before your trip.

How to Get Around Tirana Easily and Cheaply

Tirana is known for being very walkable, with restaurants, historic monuments, and attractions around every corner. Tirana also has a very efficient bus system, which is one of the most popular and main modes of transport across the country. A single bus ticket in Tirana costs around 30-40 Lek (20-30p), so it is very cheap. Buses run across the city to various locations, including popular tourist spots.

Despite its efficient bus system, one of the preferred ways to get around Tirana is by car. If you can’t rely on public transport to get you around, why not consider hiring a car? You can pick up your car from most major areas of the city, including Tirana International Airport and Tirana’s city centre. Tirana is close to Durrës, a coastal city in Western Albania, with driving time being around an hour.

How to Eat Well in Tirana Without Spending a Fortune

Tirana is rife with markets and restaurants, all selling a combination of traditional Albanian cuisine and international cuisines you likely know and love. Local restaurants are your best bet for cheap eats, as well as food courts or street food. To make sure you don’t spend too much on food, here are a few tips:

• Stick to inexpensive restaurants: You can expect a restaurant meal in Tirana to cost you on average around 1000-3000 Lek, which is equivalent to around £10-£20.
• Opt for street food: Tirana has many street food stalls and markets selling traditional Albanian foods. You’ll also find international cuisines and dishes. Food stalls are less expensive than a sit-down restaurant meal, so stick to street food where you can.

Our Top Picks for Free and Cheap Activities in Tirana

Tirana hosts many cheap or free attractions, so let’s take a look at the top choices:

• Tirana Park: A refreshing dose of nature in the big city, and a perfect place for walking, fishing or bird watching.
• Bunk’Art Museums: A contemporary art and history museum located inside what was once a war bunker. Entry costs around 300 lek, which is around £2.50.
• Skanderbeg Square: One of the main tourist attractions in the city, this square is perfect for sitting, relaxing, walking or enjoying the amenities and sights, also featuring the Skanderbeg Monument.

The Best Places to Find Live Music, Shows and Events in Tirana

Arena Kombëtare: The main sports stadium in Tirana, with a seating capacity of around 20,000. Here you can see numerous sporting events and performances. It’s also the home stadium of Albania’s national football team.

Opera and Ballet Theatre: Showing a host of musical and dance performances all year round, this theatre is the largest of its kind in Albania. It has a capacity of 200-300.

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Tourist Board Info For Tirana