2 Days in Tirana Itinerary: Europe’s Most Under-Rated Capital

Most of Europe’s capital cities are impossible to explore properly in 48 hours, but Tirana isn’t like that. You can see the best of Tirana in 2 days without feeling rushed, and still get a feel for this charming and quirky city.

While I usually stay in Tirana much longer than 2 days, it’s the perfect city for a short break when you’re arriving in or leaving Albania.

In this article I’m going to give you a realistic 2 day itinerary, and all the important info like how to get there, when to go, where to stay, where to eat, plus practical tips and suggestions.

I explored Tirana thoroughly when I stayed there for a month working remotely. Tirana is ideal for digital nomads, by the way. It’s a great city and does not get the appreciation it deserves.

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How to Get to Tirana from the Airport

If you’re arriving by plane, here’s how to get from the Tirana Airport into the city.

You can take a taxi or an airport shuttle bus. Both are available 24/7. There is no Uber or Bolt in Tirana.

Airport Shuttle Bus

The airport shuttle departs every hour on the hour from the parking lot at the airport. Cost is 400 lek ($4.60 USD) in cash. There are ATMs by the baggage carrousels.

In Tirana the airport shuttle leaves for the airport from behind the Opera House, across the street from the Friendship Memorial. Give yourself extra time. When I last used the shuttle the traffic was bad and it took over an hour.

Airport Taxi

There are always taxis outside arrivals. They charge 2200 lek ($25 USD). It may be a little less going from the centre to the airport.

When to go to Tirana

You can go to Tirana anytime. It’s the capital so it never shuts down the way other places do off season.

The best time in terms of weather is spring and autumn. Summer is very hot, and winter can be cold and rainy. December can be nice in Tirana with all the Christmas markets.

Spring is my personal favourite season in Tirana. The jasmine and almond trees are blooming and the air literally smells like flowers. Hotels are less expensive and there’s not many tourists.

2 Days in Tirana Itinerary

This itinerary will take you to all the highlights of Tirana plus a few lesser known gems.

Tirana is best explored on foot. It’s a very walkable city, and you’ll get to see all the amazing street art and experience the cafe culture this way.

Day 1 in Tirana

This looks like a long list, but everything is close together and none of these sites take a really long time to see. This itinerary won’t take as long as you think.

Skanderbeg Square

This is the ideal place to start your 2 days in Tirana. It’s the largest square and unofficial centre of the city. Several of Tirana’s things to see are right in the square and you can easily walk to the others from here.

The first thing you’ll notice is the huge mosaic above the National Historical Museum. The museum is closed for renovations until 2028, but the iconic mosaic, called ‘the Albanians,’ is plainly visible.

To the right of the museum is the Palace of Culture. The National Library and Opera and Ballet Theatre are in this building. Have a coffee at L’Incontro in front of the Palace of Culture for great views of the square.

Et’hem Bey Mosque

In Skanderbeg Square is this small mosque built in 1819. It’s one of the oldest in Albania. Inside are beautiful and unique frescoes featuring trees, vines, and flowers.

When I visited I was told I didn’t need to cover my hair, because they’re ‘progressive’. That was a first for me in a mosque. But you do need to remove your shoes.

Clock Tower

Beside Et’hem Bey Mosque is the Clock Tower. It was built by the same man who built the mosque (Molla Bey) in 1830. I found the climb very tight – 97 stairs and only room for one person at a time. The balcony at the top is small, but there’s great views.

Shtepite Studio Kadare-Agolli

It’s a short walk to this off the beaten path attraction.

I had never heard of Ismail Kadare or Dritero Agolli before visiting the communist era apartment building they both lived at. They are two of Albania’s most revered writers, particularly Ismail Kadare. I saw a massive mural of his face one day taking the bus in Tirana.

The apartments each writer lived in have been converted into museums. Sadly, the architect who designed the building was sentenced to a forced labour camp for the ‘subversive’ architecture of this building.

You can’t miss the building – it’s the one with huge book shelf mural. The entrance is a plain metal door around the side. It’s closed on Mondays.

Pazari i Ri (New Market)

This is the biggest bazaar in Tirana. To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of this market. I was expecting a really good fresh produce market, but it’s mostly souvenirs and flea market antiques. But it’s on every Tirana to do list, so go check it out and judge for yourself.

While you’re there stop at Te Met Kodra for the best qofte in Tirana according to the locals. This is one of the foods you have to try in Tirana! Qofte are lightly seasoned grilled meat balls, and that’s all Te Met Kodra make. They don’t even sell drinks! There’s always a lineup of locals.

If you want a really good traditional meal, head to Oda Restaurant (don’t confuse it with Oda Garden). It’s very close to Pazari i Ri. This is one of my favourite places for Albanian food in Tirana.

Friendship Monument & Tanners’ Bridge

Walk down Rruga Barrikadave, past the Friendship Monument (it looks like tiddly winks), over to Tanners’ Bridge, an 18th century Ottoman bridge. It’s not big, but still in use as a pedestrian bridge. It’s right beside the Lana River.

Namazgah Mosque

Very close to Tanners’ Bridge is the biggest mosque in the Balkans. It’s really beautiful inside, but unlike Et’hem Bey Mosque, women do have to cover their hair.

During communism most of the mosques were destroyed (religion was outlawed), and the Turkish government actually financed the building of Namazgah Mosque. It took 10 years to complete and opened in 2024.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

This is only a few metres down from Namazgah Mosque, so pop in quickly. It’s the largest Catholic church in Tirana. It’s also known as Mother Teresa Church, and there’s a statue of her outside and a nice mosaic inside.

Mother Teresa’s family were Albanian and her mother and sister lived in Tirana. There’s quite a few references to the saint in the city, and I always see nuns walking around Tirana in blue and white striped saris – Mother Teresa’s order.

Reja (the Cloud)

Around the corner is Tirana’s most famous public art installation, the Cloud. It’s an interactive piece, meant to be explored and climbed. Sometimes the city hosts live performances inside the Cloud.

Checkpoint Park

Directly across the street from the Cloud is Checkpoint Park. There are several reminders of Albania’s communist past, including a piece of the Berlin Wall, a couple of bunkers (that’s a whole other story – there’s over 175,000 of them across the country) and concrete support beams from Spac, the infamous forced labour camp.

Tirana Castle

Your last stop today is the site of a 12th century castle, which is now a fancy lane of touristy shops and restaurants. There’s an ATM machine right by the entrance, so it’s definitely geared for visitors.

There isn’t much left of the original castle except for parts of the fortification walls, but it’s still interesting.

The Castle is kind of nice in the evening, a bit more atmospheric. Good place for a drink and to end your first of these 2 days in Tirana.

Day 2 in Tirana

If you’re up early, go have breakfast or coffee at one of Tirana’s best brunch spots, because your first site doesn’t open until 9:30 am.

Today you’re going to explore Tirana’s communist past and visit Tirana’s equivalent of Central Park.

Albania was under communist rule for almost 50 years, and it was a brutal regime. The communist dictatorship didn’t collapse until 1991, so this is recent history for Albanians.

In Tirana the communist past and legacy are a major part of the vibe. In other parts of the country it doesn’t seem as prevalent (to a visitor).

Bunk’Art 2

Begin at one of Tirana’s most visited and important sites, Bunk’Art 2. It opens at 9:30 am (if you’re 60 or over make sure you tell them at the entrance because the ticket will be half price).

This is the bunker used by the Ministry of Internal Affairs during the communist dictatorship. It’s a now fascinating, but sobering museum about the crimes against humanity conducted by the authorities.

During the communist regime there was no freedom of the press or civil liberties. Many Albanians spent decades working in forced labour camps. This museum is a real eye opener.

Pyramid of Tirana

Designed by the daughter of Albania’s communist dictator Enver Hoxha, this was meant to be his mausoleum. Instead, after the fall of communism it was abandoned and fell into ruin. Teenagers used it as a daring skateboard ramp.

A few years ago it was restored and revamped as public space. Now it’s a popular lookout point and symbol of democracy over authoritarian rule.

Once you’re at the top there’s benches. The inside is open too and has some interesting views up and down the spiral staircase.

If you’re hungry stop at Tony’s Coffee Shop & Restaurant, which is just behind the Pyramid. The food is not Albanian, it’s American, but it’s really good! I’ve also had coffee at Komiteti Bar which is across the street from the Pyramid.

Grand Park (Tirana Park)

Walk straight down Bulevard Deshmoret Kombit to the biggest green space in Tirana. The park is 700 acres with a lake, cafes, various monuments and statues, an amphitheatre and all kinds of walking paths.

There’s a few cafes by the lake, and surprisingly a Burger King! Tirana doesn’t even have McDonalds, so I really wasn’t expecting Burger King.

Blloku & Enver Hoxha’s Residence

Today Blloku is a hip neighbourhood with lots of cafes, restaurants and bars, but during communism the public were not allowed to enter this neighbourhood. It was reserved for the political elite and guarded by armed militia.

This is where Enver Hoxha, the dictator, lived as well as other communist leaders. You can view Enver Hoxha’s former home very easily from the street. You can’t enter it, but it has big windows and the perimeter fence is low, so you can see right into the house.

Sky Restorant

Sky Restorant has an outdoor terrace on the 18th floor of the Sky Hotel. The food isn’t that good, so don’t eat here but do have a coffee or cold drink. The views of Tirana are great.

Optional Stops if You’re Interested

These are both very close to Sky Restorant, but if you’re tired are not interested skip them.

House of Leaves: It’s another communism museum, but this one is about the surveillance of the population. It doesn’t take long to go through and is well done – I preferred it to Bunk’Art 2. It’s open until 7:00 pm.

Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral: Built in 2011, it’s the largest Orthodox church in Tirana. There’s a beautiful dome of Christ (the Pantocrater). The church is directly across the street from House of Leaves.

If You Have More Than 2 Days in Tirana

If you have an extra day or two in Tirana, I recommend doing one of these:

Dajti Ekspres

Dajti Ekspres is the longest cable car ride in the Balkans and climbs up the Dajti Mountain over the Dajti National Park. Once at the top there’s a restaurant, mini-putt and park.

It’s a bit of a long walk from the centre to the cable car station, but you can take a taxi or the blue bus no. 11 Porcelan. The bus stop is in front of the Friendship Monument behind the Opera House. Dajti Ekspres is closed on Tuesdays.

 Bunk’Art 1

Very close to Dajti Ekspres is Bunk’Art 1. If you’re still interested in seeing communist era sites – this is the personal bunker of dictator Enver Hoxha. You can easily walk here from Dajti Ekspres, so it makes sense to do both sites together.

Take a Day Trip from Tirana to Durres

Durres is the coastal city on the Adriatic Sea. It’s only 33 km from Tirana and it’s easy to take a bus or taxi from Tirana to Durres.

Durres has some interesting sites, including the largest ancient amphitheatre in the Balkans. It’s a nice small city with a totally different feel from Tirana. There’s also a good beach if you’re wanting a beach day.

Durres is a lot cheaper than Tirana, and the seafood is amazing!

Take a Day Trip from Tirana to Kruja

Kruja is a lovely historic mountain town and the birthplace of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg. It’s very easy to get to Kruja from Tirana, it’s only 40 km away.

I think Kruja is the perfect Tirana day trip. The mountain location is beautiful, and it’s a very historic and culturally important town in Albania.

Where to Eat in Tirana

There are a lot of wonderful places to eat in Tirana. Some of my favourites are:

• Era Picera: excellent traditional food in the Blloku neighbourhood
• Oda Restaurant: traditional food in Pazari i Ri area – nice outdoor terrace
• Tony’s Coffee Shop & Restaurant: Tex-mex, burgers and great breakfasts – near the Pyramid
• Pizzeria Saporita: the best pizzeria in Tirana – not far from Blloku

Where to Stay: Neighbourhood & Hotel Tips

There’s lots of great hotels and guesthouses in Tirana. It’s best to stay in the centre, within 1 km of Skanderbeg Square.

This is a nice part of the capital with tree lined boulevards, parks and outdoor cafes. It’s the perfect base for exploring Tirana in 2 days.

These are my favourite hotels in Tirana:

Luxury hotel: Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana
Mid-priced hotel: Hotel Colosseo
Budget hotel: Albanopolis
Hostel: Red Goat Hostel

How to Get Around Tirana

Almost all of Tirana’s sites are in the centre within walking distance of each other, so you probably won’t have to worry about how to get around.

Tirana is very walkable, and even though it is surrounded by mountains, the city itself is flat.

If you do want to venture further, you can either use a public transit bus or taxi. There is no metro system or Uber in Tirana.

Public transit – bus

Bus fare is 40 lek ($0.50 USD), and you pay the bus conductor in cash. He’ll give you a paper ticket.

I gave up trying to find reliable information on bus schedules and routes in Tirana. What I do is use the ‘directions’ feature in Google maps and select the public transit option. While not 100% all the time, it’s fairly accurate.

Taxis

Taxis are everywhere and easy to get, just ask the driver to use the meter. It’s almost always cheaper than the price he will quote you. In Tirana I use Taxi Lux when possible.

By law, taxis must post their rates (usually a price sheet inside the cab).

Practical Tips for Visiting Tirana

I have a lot of tips on visiting Albania, but these are the important ones for Tirana:

How Many Days Do You Need in Tirana?

If you want to see the highlights you can do to it with 2 days in Tirana. But if you want to take a more leisurely pace and do a relaxed deeper dive into the city, 5 days in Tirana is ideal.

How many days you need in Tirana depends on the type of trip you want. I spent a month there one time and thoroughly enjoyed myself. It’s a charming and quirky city that I still haven’t gotten tired of.

Where to Go Next

It’s easy to go anywhere from Tirana. There are two main bus stations in the city and from there you can go practically anywhere in Albania and several other countries.

Want a longer trip? This 14-day Albania itinerary shows one possible route and how to fit Tirana in.

There are three main regions of Albania I recommend after Tirana, although Albania is beautiful and you could go anywhere:

• Shkoder and the mountains: Shkoder is the main city in northern Albania and the historic capital. It is the gateway to the Albanian Alps and mountain villages such as Theth and Valbona.
• Pogradec and Lake Ohrid: The south-eastern area sees little tourism and is very picturesque. Highlights are the lakes and the cultural city of Korce.
• Albanian Riviera: Extremely scenic coastal area along the Ionian Sea in Albania’s south. Popular destinations are Saranda, the beach resort town of Ksamil, Himare and Dhermi. The area is famous for beaches, but busy in summer.

Last Words on 2 Days in Tirana Itinerary

Now that you know what to do in Tirana for 2 days, I hope you’ll explore this dynamic city. Personally I think Tirana is one of Europe’s most under-rated capitals.

Between its walkability, safety, cafe culture and interesting history Tirana has so much to offer. And compared to other European capitals, it’s extremely budget friendly.

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