Tirana is the city with the most lively life in Albania and the capital of the country. This is a city that surprises everyone and there are many things to do in Tirana. It might be considered as one of the most underrated destinations in Europe. Everyone that visits Tirana can also see colorful streets, impressing history, colors of the modern, friendly locals.
It doesn’t matter if you prefer to explore historical sites, enjoy mountain views, or hang out in cozy cafes and bars, there are many things to do in Tirana. And what’s the best part? Getting around Tirana is easy with ‘VrapOn Taxi Albania’ – the most reliable and affordable taxi app in Albania.
Below you will find some of the best things to do during your visit to Tirana.
Attractions in Tirana – Let’s start form the Heart Of The City
The ideal way to start things to do in Tirana is with the Skanderbeg Square, the main square of Tirana. Skanderbeg Monument in Skanderbeg Square has been for more than half a century as the centre of Tirana. Its name honors our national hero for resisting the Ottomans. The sculpture is 11m tall and the square that that has his name is a meeting place for all Albanians. In this square take place the most important cultural events of Tirana and Albania. Here are located—the National Museum, the Clock Tower, Et’hem Bey Mosque, Palace of Culture, National Library, Theatre of Opera and Ballet, and Bank of Albania—while at the back of Skanderbeg Monument are lined up most of the government buildings.
1.National Museum of History of Albania – First thing to do in Tirana
If you are keen to know the turbulent history of the Albanians, this is the place to visit. The National History Museum is the most important museum in Albania and contains a well-documented history of the country.
The museum is divided into eight pavilions: Antiquity, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Independence, Iconography, National Liberation Anti-fascism War, Communist Terror, and Mother Teresa. The Pavilion of Communist Terror hosts images, documents and videos of the persecution suffered by the Albanians during the communist regime.
A visit here can take up to three hours, so pace yourself!
Tickets
The National History Museum is also part of this platform.
Click here for more information.
Price Range Museum in Tirana
500 Lek/person since 1 January 2020
- 400 leke/person for groups of more than 12 visitors
- Free entry for children under 12 years old
- Reduced prize for students who have student card
- Reduced prize for children from 12-18 years old
- Reduced prize for orphans, disabled and retired people
Free entry days for all:
- 18 April, International Days of Monuments and Culture Heritage
- 18 May, International Days of Museums
- 21 May, World Day for cultural diversity for Dialogue and Development
- 29 September, National Day of Heritage/European Days of Cultural Heritage
- 28 November, Independence Day (only for albanian citizens);
- 29 November, Liberation Day (only for albanian citizens);
- The last Sunday of each month (only for albanian citizens
Operating hours
We would like to inform you that starting tomorrow, October 16, with the end of the tourist season in Albania, the visiting hours at the National History Museum will change.
The new hours will be:
Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 09:00 – 14:00
Monday: closed
Link to website: National Historical Museum
Location on Google Maps
2.Visiting Et’hem Bey Mosque – another things to do in Tirana
The only mosque in the heart of Tirana, which is near with the Clock Tower, the National Museum and the Opera House, near Skanderbeg Square. Et’hem Bey’s Mosque was created in the 18th century by Mulla Bey and was finished by his son Haxhi Et’hem Bey in the first quarter of the 19th century. The mosque was one of the few to survive a campaign during which many mosques, tekkes, monasteries and other religious institutions were closed or turned into warehouses, gyms or training places at the end of 1967.
On January 18, 1991, despite the opposition of the communist authorities, 10,000 people entered the mosque with flags in their hands. This marked both the fall of communism in Albania and the rebirth of religious faith in Albania. The magnificent architecture of the mosque is decorated with murals from the oriental tradition. The mosque’s frescoes, which depict trees, fountains and bridges, and peaceful nature, are rare for Islamic art. Tours of the mosque can be done every day, except for moments when there is prayer.
The mosque underwent a restoration in 2019 and was completed in 2021.
Operating hours:
Monday – Thursday
9 AM–12 PM
2–4 PM
Friday
2:30–4 PM
Saturday-Sunday
9 AM–12 PM
2–4 PM
Price: Admission is free.
Things to Do in Tirana, inside Et’hem Bey Mosque
- Take off your shoes, dress in special clothes and keep quiet inside
- Take photos outside the buildings and at the entrance
- Observe the paintings with natural motifs on the wall
- Visit the Clock Tower nearby for a historical experience
Location on Google Maps
3. National Opera and Ballet Theatre
The TKOB opened in 1939 and has played a key role in Albanian cultural life. Its modern Italian architecture represents a critical period in the country’s artistic evolution.
Formerly established as the National Theatre of Albania, it has gained recognition for hosting a wide range of performances and festivals. In addition to its historical significance, the building collapsed in 2020, highlighting the difficulties facing cultural heritage. By visiting the TKOB, you can take a look at the history of Albanian culture.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Price Range:
To see ticket prices at TKOB, click here.
To see ticket price discounts based on social categories, click here.
For any additional information, you can contact us at the phone number 067 6327313 / 069 870 3233 or by e-mail [email protected] / [email protected].
Tickets can be purchased every day at the TKOB box office from 10:00-14:00 and 16:00-20:00.
On performance days, from 10:00-14:00 and 16:00-18:10.
Link to Website
Location on Google Maps
4. A window to Albania‘s past – Bunk’Art 2
Bunk’Art 2 is a former Cold War bunker that has been turned into a museum. Step inside its concrete walls and you can get a nice glimpse of the communist past. It is one of those places that leaves a lasting impression on you long after you have visited it.
For more details click here.
Things to do in Albania, Tirana – Wander through the city and discover it
5.Pyramid of Tirana – The Symbol of Communism
The Pyramid of Tirana is the most unique attraction point in Tirana. It can be called the symbol of the history of Albania. The Pyramid was built as a mausoleum of the former dictator Enver Hoxha with the architecture of his daughter and hers. While today it serves as an entertainment and innovative center.
It is a structure in the shape of a pyramid or an eagle with spread wings, if you see it from a distance, which is located in the middle of the city’s main Boulevard, near the Prime Minister’s Office. There have been debates several times about whether to destroy it or not, but its destruction was stopped by numerous citizen protests
It was reconstructed and has now become more modern and turned into an entertainment space for people. Now the pyramid is used for conferences, studio seminars, technology centers such as Tumo, but also entertainment centers, bars and restaurants. The stairs give the public the opportunity to master the monument and see the city with new eyes. After climbing to the top of the pyramid, a special platform allows you to enjoy a full panorama of the city.
Click here for more information about the ‘Piramida Center’ and what it offers to curious visitors and tourists.
6. From ‘Pazari i Ri’ to ‘New Bazaar’
The ‘New Bazaar‘ neighborhood is located in ‘Avni Rustemi Square’, just a few minutes walk from the center of Tirana. ‘New Bazaar’ used to be not such an attractive neighborhood. Due to the merchants who sold their products in not very good conditions, the surrounding environment was always polluted.
‘New Bazaar’, the new investment that was made in the ‘New Bazaar’ area, was what this area needed to gain the beauty and uniqueness that it has now. It now has a very good organization of the market and the conditions in which merchants sell their products, thus adding to the value of this area as an attraction point for the city. Now people can also stay there to enjoy a good coffee or lunch, in the new restaurants that offer traditional dishes near this area.
A short drive will take you to the area, in this beautifully restored and vibrant area. You can stroll through the market, enjoy the fresh local food, buy what you want from them, and see the colorful architecture. It is a great place to stop for lunch, with many restaurants serving traditional Albanian cuisine.
7. Blloku – A cool place to have a drink
The neighborhood that perfectly reflects modern Tirana. Once forbidden to be visited by ordinary citizens, it is now a lively area, filled with rooftop bars, trendy cafes and stylish shops. In the evenings, this place comes alive with the music of the nearby bars that offer cocktails accompanied by the sounds of music in the background.
One of the best things to do in Tirana – Escape in Nature
If you want to escape from the city noise, book a taxi with ‘VrapOn Taxi App Albania’ and head to the ‘Dajti Mountain National Park’ only by taxi, or you can finish your ride at ‘Dajti Ekspres’ and buy a ticket of the cable car to go to Dajti and enjoy the view.
Price Range and Operating Hours
Link to Website
Number of Contact: +355 69 60 84 599
Location on Google Maps
Among many things to do in Tirana, you can also: Eat, Drink and Enjoy the Moment
Tirana has a variety of places offering food that combines traditional Albanian flavors with a touch of modern cuisine. Try classic traditional recipes at ‘Oda Restaurant’, or enjoy a warm homely atmosphere at ‘Era Restaurant’ photo, location, reviews. If you’re ready to try something more elegant, book a table at ‘Padam Boutique Hotel & Restaurant’ photo, location, reviews.
After dinner, go back to the Block or the city center for a drink. Whether it’s a rooftop cocktail bar or a laid-back pub, the nightlife scene here is vibrant but never overwhelming. And with VrapOn Taxi App Albania, you don’t have to worry about finding parking or walking long distances late at night.
Moving around Tirana becomes very easy
Tirana is not a very large city, compared to the number of attractions you can find in it. However, it is a city spread out enough to make moving around on foot difficult. Here comes the VrapOn Taxi App Albania, the easiest way to travel from place to place, through its neighborhoods and to other cities in Albania.
With VrapOn Taxi App Albania, you can:
- · Book a taxi instantly or in advance
· Track your driver in real time
· See the price before confirming the trip
· Travel in an electric taxi for a quieter and more environmentally friendly journey
· Use the same app across major cities in Albania such as Tirana, Durres, Vlora, Saranda, and Gjirokastra
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