Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Tirana, Albania

I included Tirana in my itinerary when I visited the Balkans. The city is a nice and laid back layover whenever you're visiting the region.

Learn more about what I did during my short visit to Tirana

Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Tirana

Barkinzade Süleyman Paşa (a Turkish general) founded the city of Tirana in the 17th century. He had various structures built such as a bathhouse and a mosque to attract settlers. The town grew and eventually prospered. It became a regional trading hub. It became the capital of the country during the congress at Lushnjë in 1920. The city expanded with the help of the Chinese and Soviets when it was a Communist republic. The collapse of Communism in the late 1980s led to the formation of a democratic government. In 1992, Albania elected its first democratic leader since the earl 1920s.

How to Get a Schengen Visa

Filipino passport holders need a visa to enter Albania. However, there are exceptions such as having a valid and used multiple entry Schengen visa, US visa or UK visa. You can also enter using a residence permit from the US, UK, or any Schengen member state. I have a US and Schengen visa which made entering Albania simple.

You can read about Albania's visa policies here.

You can read more about getting visas here:

How to Get to Tirana

You have options on how to get to Tirana.

By Airplane

The easiest way to get to Tirana is by flying into Tirana International Airport, which is about 17 kilometers (10 miles) from the city center. Direct flights are available from most major European cities and some from the Middle East. If you're flying from outside Europe, you may need to connect through a larger airport like Istanbul, which has many direct flights to Tirana.

Arrival in Tirana: Once you land at the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or arrange private transport to get to the city center. The drive usually takes around 20–30 minutes.

By Bus

If you're already traveling within the Balkans or Eastern Europe, you can take a bus or coach to Tirana from major cities like Skopje (North Macedonia), Podgorica (Montenegro), or Dubrovnik (Croatia). You might need to transfer depending on where you're coming from. There are regular bus services from these cities to Tirana. The main bus station is located just outside the city center, and from there you can catch local transport or a taxi.

Things to Do in Tirana

Tirana is a great place to relax and unwind in and experience the city's cafe culture. There are a few things you can do and see during your visit. The city is usually just a short stop to other destinations in the country.

Skanderbeg Square

Skanderbeg is the main square of the city. It's where many locals and visitors converge to hang out, eat, or take leisurely strolls in. The Skanderbeg Monument is its centerpiece. The square and the statue commemorate Skanderbeg, an Albanian hero.

Tirana Castle

Tirana Castle or also known as the Fortress of Justinian dates to even before the 1300s. Today, it feels more like a commercial space with plenty of shops and restaurants. It's a good place to dine in and hang out after a day of sightseeing.

Tirana Clock Tower

This cultural monument is a relic of the country's Ottoman epoch. It dates to the 19th century. The tower is just over 30m high.

Et'hem Bey Mosque

Molla Bey, a former governor of Tirana, envisioned a mosque that befits an Ottoman city. After his death, his son continued his vision. The Et-hem Bey Mosque dates to the 18th century. It showcases the city's architectural heritage. It has beautiful frescoes that display the creativity of Albanians. Despite the Communist government's suppression of religion, the mosque survived those tumultuous years. The mosque reopened and underwent restorations since the fall of the Communist regime.

Pyramid of Tirana

This strange looking building isn't an ancient architectural wonder but a modern creation built in the late 1980s (1988 to be exact). It was supposed to be the former dictator Enver Hoxha's museum. However, since the fall of the communist regime in 1991, it has been used as a NATO base and a conference center. It reopened in 2023 after its reconstruction.

Bunk'Art 2

BUNK'ART is a project that aims to preserve the memory and tell the stories of the events that took place during the Communist regime. This particular exhibit focuses on the political police that the government at the time employed to persecute opponents and suppress and control the lives of civilians.

Blloku

This neighborhood used to be only for the elite of the Communist party. However, since the fall of Communism, Blloku has become a trendy and pedestrian-friendly district lined with bars, restaurants, and other commercial establishments. This is where many locals go to when they hang out and dine out.

Sample Local Food

While you're in Tirana, try all sorts of local food and experience the city's cafe culture. There's plenty of local cafes in the city. I went to a few just for the experience. I'm no food expert but I do try local cuisine whenever I can. Some of the local dishes you might want to try include:

Byrek
Hashure
Fërgesë
Kofta
Tavë kosi

I felt that Tirana was a chill city and is a transportation hub to explore its beautiful beaches and mountains. You can also go on day trips to nearby destinations if you have the time or the interest.

Getting around Tirana

Tirana is a relatively walkable city, especially in the central areas, such as around Skanderbeg Square and the Pedestrian Zone. If you're staying in or near the city center, many of the attractions, cafes, and shops are within walking distance. Many parts of Tirana are safe and enjoyable to walk through. Walkable attractions include Skanderbeg Square, Et'hem Bey Mosque, National History Museum, and the trendy Blloku area are all accessible on foot.

Public Transportation (Bus)

Tirana has a public bus network, which is one of the more affordable ways to get around. Bus lines: There are several bus lines that connect different parts of the city. Tickets are cheap (around 40–50 Albanian lek). Buses are mostly concentrated around major hubs, like Skanderbeg Square or Tirana East Gate.

Taxis

Taxis are a convenient and comfortable way to get around, especially if you're in a rush or want to travel with more privacy.

Where to Stay in Tirana

You can find all sorts of accommodation in Tirana, regardless of your budget. You can stay in a nice hotel or in a hostel dorm, you have options. I often go to www.booking.com whenever I look for a place to stay.

Budget for Tirana

Tirana is an affordable destination even if you compare it with other cities in the Balkans. The currency they use as of this writing is the Albanian Lek (LEK). A budget of approximately LEK 5500 a day includes a bed in a dorm, food and drinks, use of public transportation, and a few paid attractions. I didn't exactly choose the cheapest option all the time and I was willing to pay a bit more. You can go lower than the budget I mentioned if you keep your purchases to the essentials. You can also spend more depending on your interests and travel style.

You might want to read my other posts:

Itinerary for Tirana

You don't need to spend along time in Tirana. It's a nice city but you can cover the highlights in a day. You can also use it as a base to visit nearby destinations, if you want to explore more of Albania.

Day 1

Skanderbeg Square

Tirana Clock Tower

Tirana Castle

Et'hem Bey Mosque

Pyramid of Tirana

Bunk'Art 2

You'll most likely want to spend most of your time along the coast and in the mountains when you're in Albania.