Things to Know Before Visiting Tirana 🇦🇱
Tirana doesn’t fit neatly into a box — and that’s exactly what makes it brilliant. It’s a city where concrete blocks are splashed with pastel paint, Cold War bunkers have turned into art galleries, and traffic feels more like chaos than order. Think café culture meets communist history, set against mountains, sunshine, and a big Albanian grin. It’s Europe’s underdog capital with a big personality and a surprising sense of warmth.
Where Is It?
Tirana is the capital of Albania, nestled in the Balkans region of Southern Europe, just a short drive from the Adriatic Sea and surrounded by dramatic mountains. It sits between Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo, making it a perfect base for exploring the Balkans.
Once closed off for decades under communist rule, Albania’s doors are now wide open — and Tirana, once grey and forgotten, has burst into colour.
How to Get There & Get Around
Getting to Tirana is straightforward; simply fly into Tirana International Airport (TIA), a stunning, newly built airport hub with easy access to the city centre. There are plenty of direct flights to TIA — Spain, the UK, and even the UAE. From the airport, you can take a taxi or the hourly shuttle that drops you right into the city.
You can also cross into Albania by land from neighbouring countries or by ferry from Corfu — a scenic option if you’re hopping along the coast.
Once in the city, walking is ideal for exploring the central areas such as Blloku and Skanderbeg Square. For longer journeys, or if your legs give out, try:
🚌 Buses — cash only, but cheap and surprisingly easy to navigate.
🚕 Taxis — often cash only too, but affordable (and yes, you'll survive the driving style).
Seasons & Best Time to Visit
Tirana enjoys a Mediterranean climate, meaning hot summers, mild winters, and plenty of sunshine — our kind of weather. We visited in July when the heat started to rise drastically; the sun can be intense, so pack a hat and sunscreen. Here’s what to expect throughout the year:
Spring (Apr–Jun): warm weather, green hills, fewer tourists.
Summer (Jul–Aug): hot, best to venture outdoors in the cooler mornings or late afternoons.
Autumn (Sep–Oct): warm, less crowded, perfect for day trips to the mountains.
Winter (Nov–Mar): cool temperatures with intermittent rain, and prices tend to drop.
🔆 Best for weather: May to early-June.
💸 Best for budget: November to March.
How Long to Stay
We stayed for four weeks (slow-traveller perks). For most visitors, three days is enough to see the main sights — but give yourself 7-10 days if you can; Tirana makes a great base for trips into the mountains or down to the coast. Albania’s variety will surprise you — it’s one of Europe’s best kept secrets.
Best Area to Stay
Tirana’s neighbourhoods are all unique — each offering something different. Here's a quick overview to help you pick:
Blloku: trendy, packed with bars, cafés, and nightlife. Once reserved for communist elites, now it’s where everyone wants to be.
Skanderbeg Square: central and convenient.
Pazari i Ri (New Bazaar): local markets, great eateries, and an authentic vibe.
Komuna e Parisit: quieter and modern, with tree-lined streets and plenty of Airbnbs.
We stayed just north of Skanderbeg Square, within walking distance of everything and with some of the best morning coffee spots nearby. For first-timers, we recommend the Blloku neighbourhood.
What to Do
Tirana blends history, art, and fun in the most unexpected ways. You’ll go from underground bunkers to mountaintop cable cars all in one day. Highlights include:
Skanderbeg Square: the city’s pulse — museums, fountains, and plenty of people-watching.
Bunk’Art 1 & 2: Cold War bunkers turned into underground museums about Albania’s communist past.
Mount Dajti Cable Car: a 15-minute ride up the mountain for sweeping views and a cool breeze.
Pyramid of Tirana: once a dictator’s monument, now a climbing playground and art hub — go for sunset views.
New Bazaar (Pazari i Ri): local market stalls and cafés.
Blloku District: stroll the streets, and café-hop like a local — Albanians take their coffee seriously.
Useful Tips
🗣️ Three words to learn: Përshëndetje = hello || Faleminderit = thank you || Mirupafshim = goodbye
💳 Money: it's still very cash-heavy (Albanian Lek), though most restaurants and grocery stores accept cards.
📱 eSIM: Saily offers easy-to-use eSIM plans.
💡 Bonus tip: many places also accept Euros, though you’ll likely receive your change in Albanian Lek.
Our Actual Costs
($AUD based on two people over 4 weeks — 2025)
✈️ Getting there: $175 (one-way from Dortmund)
🏠 Accommodation: $63 per night (Airbnb)
🍽 Food: $18 per day
🚇 Transport: $30 total
🎟️ Activities: $88 total
📱 Data: $12 total (eSIM)
Our Thoughts
Tirana’s beauty isn't polished — it's lived-in, spontaneous, and proudly authentic. The people are welcoming, the food is simple but delicious, and the city’s vibrant energy quickly grows on you. Come with an open mind and you’re bound to leave with a new favourite destination.
Without a doubt, we’ll be back — not just to Tirana, but to see more of this wildly underrated country.