City Guide: Tirana

Tirana, the capital city of Albania, is situated on the outskirts of the Dajti Mountain. Being the cultural and industrial center of the country, the city hosts universities, museums, international airports, and a variety of cultural institutions. Lying 27 km from the Adriatic coast, Tirana is surrounded by hills in the south and west. Tirana River flows to the north of the city and Lana Creek runs through the city center. Especially after the collapse of the communist regime, important migrations took place inside Albany. Tirana has had its share of these migrations. Meanwhile, the gap between the rich and the poor has widened. Rich people live in the downtown where the prices are extremely high. In newly established settlements around Tirana, thousands of people deprived of infrastructure continue their lives.

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• Tourist Attractions

  The great majority of Tirana are Muslims. After the communist regime, Catholics and Orthodox have moved to the city. Tirana is the center of Bektashism in Europe. The multicultural structure in the city is manifest in many mosques and churches. Ethem Bey Mosque, which is a prominent example, was built between 1789 and 1823. The mosque was closed down during the communist regime and opened again in 1991. It is one of the most beautiful structures in Skanderbeg Square. Another sacred structure in the city, Tomb of Kaplan Pasha was built for Kaplan Pasha at the beginning of the 19th century. This eight-pillared tomb is just opposite Unknown Partisan Monument. In the Bektashi tekke on the way to Dajti, there are the tombs of three important Bektashi dedes.
  
  It is possible to observe some traces of the Byzantine Empire which has an important place in the history of the city. The walls of Petrela Castle were built by Emperor Justinian in 500 AD. The castle which was used as a garrison by the Ottomans is located 15km southwest of Tirana, at the end of Farka Bridge on the way to Elbasan.
  
  Tirana Clock Tower is next to Ethem Bey Mosque at Skanderbeg Square. The tower was built between 1821 and 1822 by Ethem Bey and expanded in 1928. You can climb up the tower which is the symbol of Tirana and take a photo. Other places to visit in the city are Tanners’ Bridge built in the 19th century and Peace Bell which was built from melted bullets shot by Shkodran youngsters during the insurrection of 1999.
  
  The city is rich in museums and parks. Grand Park (Parku i Madh) in the southern part of the city is a recreation and picnic area. A botanic garden and a zoo can be visited there. There are many statues and monuments inside the park. To the south of the park lies Tirana Lake. Findings excavated throughout the country are displayed in the Archeology Museum which is open on weekdays. The Albanian history is narrated through photos and pictures in this museum located at Skanderbeg Square. The entry fee to both museums is 100 lek. You can travel to Dajti National Park 25km west of Tirana in half an hour. There are trekking paths and picnic areas in the park.
  
  The antique city of Kruja 47km north of Tirana is famous for its castle built by the Byzantians. The museum constructed to honor Skander Beg, a national hero who fought against the Ottomans, is next to the entrance to the castle. There is a restaurant serving traditional Albanian food inside the castle walls.
  
  Berat city which can be traveled to from Tirana in four hours by bus is known as “the city with one thousand windows”. With its historical mosques and churches, wooden and stone masonry houses, the city is one of the most beautiful settlements in the country. Another place to visit nearby is Shkodra located on Lake Skutari. The city hosting a medieval bridge, a castle, and historical houses decorated with wooden and traditional patterns is worthwhile to visit. You can travel to the city from Tirana in two and a half hours by bus.

• Culture & Entertainment

  Tirana is at the same time the cultural capital of Albania. There are countless cultural structures, congress houses, cultural palaces, state opera and ballet houses, and national libraries in the city. In addition, National History Museum, Archeology Museum, National Art Gallery, National Culture Center, Public Culture Display House and Museum of Natural Sciences are other important cultural sites.
  
  Youngsters and middle aged adults in the city frequent western style café-bars. In the evening, people spend their time in these boulevard cafés. Later in the evening, bars at a neighborhood which was once inhabited by the party elite and called restricted area are in demand. Live music is very widespread in these areas. Jazz clubs are perfect places to listen to live music. At the bars with electronic music, DJ performances are displayed.

• Food & Drink

  The Albanian cuisine is very similar to Turkish cuisine. For instance, they have a dish similar to Turkish casserole; the only difference being the kasar cheese inside Albanian casserole. They call it kiremit kebab. The dessert they call pie dessert is very similar to baklava. Albanian salad is a delicious dish with yoghurt and eggplant. Turkish restaurant Sofra is among the famous restaurants of the city.

• Shopping

  Tirana is one of the countries which suffered heavily while adopting market economy. Therefore, a great majority of the population is poor. Nevertheless, big shopping centers have been built in the city lately. Textile products and shoes can be found on Myslym Shyri Street. It is also possible to find Western brand boutiques on this street. If you want to buy something special belonging to Tirana, you may have a look at the ceramics.

Ticket Sales Offices: Tirana

• Tirana: Airport Map Information

  Rinas Airport

  Address	:	Tirana Rinas Airport, Tirana Aeroportit Civil, No. 202, Tirana, Albania
  Phone	:	+355 4363369

• Tirana: Airport Map Information