Tirana, a city that not many know. It’s not exactly what you picture when you think of a European capital but does that mean it isn’t worth it? Absolutely not.
In fact, it’s exactly why it’s so exciting. It’s a city booming with raw character and one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities. It’s perfect for history fanatics, budget backpackers, food lovers and travellers looking for real authenticity.
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth adding to your itinerary, here is the honest truth about Tirana with things to do, where to go and the best day trips to take.
Tirana isn’t a city with major world-famous monuments to check off the bucket list. It’s a city full of life with important history and interesting structures. Here’s my recommendation of must see stops during your time in the city:
Tirana has some wonderful things to see and do but it also acts as a excellent day trip base for places nearby. Here are some of the best:
The boring, but essential, logistics to help you decide if Tirana is worth visiting. Here’s some important things to know:
In short, YES, absolutely.
Tirana isn’t your typical European capital so it’s important you don’t go with expectations of it being like Paris or Prague. But that’s exactly why you should go. It’s a city full of life, where history is still raw and unfiltered, and where brutalist communist concrete blocks contrast against modern skyscrapers.
I stayed in Tirana three separate times during my Albania trip, and experienced every side of the city. The first time, I stayed in a lovely little apartment – perfect but not the most budget-friendly. The second time, I stayed in a rooftop tent at a great, central hostel which was a crazy, unforgettable experience. The last time? I stayed in a cheap hostel on the outskirts of the city that easily takes the crown for the worst place I’ve ever stayed in my life. I could tell horror stories about it for hours – I won’t because it makes me feel unwell to even think about – but it did teach me a valuable lesson: sometimes paying more than €2.50 a night for a bed is well worth the investment! This will forever haunt me.
Anyway, even if you only spend a day or two in the city, I would highly recommend you experience Tirana and everything it offers for yourself. If you need more help planning your Albania trip then check out some of my other Albania posts.
Welcome to The Untold Journeys, a travel blog with a focus on raw, authentic travels and finding those exciting hidden gems.
I’m here to share my experiences and stories to give you everything you need to explore the world and head on your own adventures.
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth adding to your itinerary, here is the honest truth about Tirana with things to do, where to go and the best day trips to take.
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