Tirana

Tirana (Albanian: Tiranë) is the bustling and relatively modernised capital of Albania. It is the most important economic, financial, political and trade centre in the country. The city was announced as the European Youth Capital for 2022. Tourists often find the city charming, with both cosmopolitan and small town feelings, and a lively night life.

Understand
Sulejman Pasha Bargjini, a native feudal lord from Mullet, established the city in 1614. His first constructions were a mosque, a bakery and a hamam or Turkish bath. On 8 February 1920, Tirana was made the temporary capital by the Congress of Lushnje, and it was proclaimed the permanent capital on 31 December 1925.

Today, Tirana suffers from pollution problems mainly due to the rapid increase in cars in the city and continuous construction. Long gone are the days when Tirana used to be subject to power outages almost daily and this made Tirana a noisy city as the lack of power and lack of traffic lights had cars navigating by honking their horns. The situation has dramatically improved regarding power outages. Tirana is undergoing a major renovation from its totalitarian days. Many of the ugly dull buildings have been repainted (including many crossings), but a lot of work outside of center is still to be done. English is the second language of many younger population, with many older residents speaking Italian.

The main business and entertainment area (not by coincidence) has become "The Block" (Blloku), which is the area where in the past, the communist leaders used to live under strict protection. Tirana is a youthful and lively city of 528,000 people (2024) resonating constant energy. Locals prefer to hang out at the many cafes and main parks. A popular retreat is by cable car to Mount Dajti where one can get a panoramic view of the city from above.

Albanians are very hospitable towards foreigners, despite media frequently portraying them unfairly as thieves and mobsters. Tirana is very approachable if you're the adventurous type. Crime is rarely, if ever, directed towards foreigners and costs are very low by regional standards. The worst experience you may have is with the erratic driving style of Albanians.

By plane


Buses connect the airport to Tirana, Durres, Shkoder and Fier.

By bus
Tirana has several bus terminals, depending on where their buses go or come from:

In the following the times to leave Tirana from this terminal (as of Oct 2021). Return frequencies will be similar, but times will be different.

Northbound connections (left side of the terminal):
 * {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"

! Platform !! Destination !! Times
 * 1 || Laç || 05:30; 06:00; 06:30; 07:00; 07:30; 08:00; 08:30; 09:00; 09:30; 10:00; 10:30; 11:00; 11:30; 12:00; 12:30; 13:00; 13:30; 14:00; 14:30; 15:00; 15:30; 16:00; 16:30; 17:00; 17:30; 18:00; 18:30; 19:00
 * 2 || Shkodër || 05:00; 06:00; 06:30; 07:00; 07:30; 08:00; 08:30; 09:00; 09:30; 10:00; 10:30; 11:00; 11:30; 12:00; 12:30; 13:00; 13:30; 14:00; 14:30; 15:00; 15:30; 16:00; 16:30; 17:00; 17:30; 18:00
 * 3 || Peshkopi || 05:00; 05:30; 06:00; 06:30; 07:00; 07:30; 08:00; 08:30; 09:00; 10:00; 10:40; 11:20; 12:30; 12:40; 13:20; 14:00; 14:40; 15:20; 16:00; 16:40
 * 4 || Fushë Krujë (Kamza) || 05:00; 05:30; 06:00; 06:30; 07:00; 07:30; 08:30; 09:00; 09:30; 10:00; 10:30; 11:00; 11:30; 12:30; 13:00; 13:30; 14:00; 14:30; 15:00; 15:30; 16:30; 17:00; 17:30; 18:00
 * 5 || Burrel || 06:00; 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 10:00; 11:00; 12:00; 13:00; 14:00; 15:00; 16:00; 17:00
 * 6 || Kukës || 06:00; 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 10:00; 11:00; 12:00; 13:00; 14:00; 15:00; 16:00; 17:00; 18:00; 19:00
 * 7a || Bajram Curri (Qafa E Malit) || 08:00; 10:00; 10:30; 11:00
 * 7b || Bajram Curri (Koman) || 05:00; 10:30
 * 8 || Fushë Krujë (Rinas) || 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 10:00; 11:00; 12:00; 13:00; 14:00; 17:00
 * 9 || Lezhë || 06:00; 06:20; 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 10:00; 11:00; 12:00; 12:30; 13:00; 14:00; 15:00; 16:00; 17:00; 18:00; 19:00
 * 10 || Rrëshen || 06:00; 07:30; 09:00; 10:30; 11:00; 12:00; 13:00; 14:00; 15:00; 16:00; 17:00; 18:00
 * 11 || Bajram Curri (Kosova) || 05:30; 06:00; 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 10:00; 11:00; 12:00; 14:00; 14:30; 15:30
 * 12 || Bulqizë || 06:00; 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 10:00; 11:00; 12:30; 13:30; 14:30; 16:00; 17:00
 * 13 || Krujë || 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 10:00; 11:00; 12:00; 13:30; 14:00; 15:00; 16:00; 17:00; 18:00
 * 14 || Pukë || 05:00; 06:00; 07:00; 10:00; 11:00; 11:45; 13:00; 14:00; 16:00
 * 15 || Fushë Arrëz || 05:00; 05:30; 06:00; 07:40; 08:10; 12:00; 14:00
 * 16 || Krumë || 06:30; 07:30; 08:30; 09:30; 12:30; 14:30; 16:00; 17:00
 * 17 || Vau Dejës || 07:00; 10:00; 17:00
 * 18 || Koplik || 06:30; 07:15; 12:00; 13:00
 * 19 || Klos || 05:30; 08:00; 12:00; 14:00
 * }
 * 10 || Rrëshen || 06:00; 07:30; 09:00; 10:30; 11:00; 12:00; 13:00; 14:00; 15:00; 16:00; 17:00; 18:00
 * 11 || Bajram Curri (Kosova) || 05:30; 06:00; 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 10:00; 11:00; 12:00; 14:00; 14:30; 15:30
 * 12 || Bulqizë || 06:00; 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 10:00; 11:00; 12:30; 13:30; 14:30; 16:00; 17:00
 * 13 || Krujë || 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 10:00; 11:00; 12:00; 13:30; 14:00; 15:00; 16:00; 17:00; 18:00
 * 14 || Pukë || 05:00; 06:00; 07:00; 10:00; 11:00; 11:45; 13:00; 14:00; 16:00
 * 15 || Fushë Arrëz || 05:00; 05:30; 06:00; 07:40; 08:10; 12:00; 14:00
 * 16 || Krumë || 06:30; 07:30; 08:30; 09:30; 12:30; 14:30; 16:00; 17:00
 * 17 || Vau Dejës || 07:00; 10:00; 17:00
 * 18 || Koplik || 06:30; 07:15; 12:00; 13:00
 * 19 || Klos || 05:30; 08:00; 12:00; 14:00
 * }
 * 16 || Krumë || 06:30; 07:30; 08:30; 09:30; 12:30; 14:30; 16:00; 17:00
 * 17 || Vau Dejës || 07:00; 10:00; 17:00
 * 18 || Koplik || 06:30; 07:15; 12:00; 13:00
 * 19 || Klos || 05:30; 08:00; 12:00; 14:00
 * }
 * 18 || Koplik || 06:30; 07:15; 12:00; 13:00
 * 19 || Klos || 05:30; 08:00; 12:00; 14:00
 * }
 * }

Southbound connections (right side of the terminal):
 * {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"

! Platform !! Destination !! Times
 * 1 || Kavajë || 07:00; 08:30; 10:00; 12:00; 13:30; 14:00; 15:00; 17:00
 * 2 || Durrës || 06:00; 06:30; 07:00; 07:30; 08:00; 08:30; 08:45; 09:00; 09:20; 09:40; 10:10; 10:30; 10:50; 11:10; 11:30; 11:50; 12:10; 12:30; 13:00; 13:30; 14:00; 14:30; 15:00; 15:15; 15:30; 16:00; 16:20; 16:40; 17:00; 17:20; 17:40; 18:00; 18:30; 19:00; 19:30; 19:45; 20:00; 20:30; 21:00; 21:15
 * 3 || Rrogozhinë || 06:30; 07:30; 08:30; 09:30; 10:30; 12:00; 13:00; 14:00; 15:00; 17:00
 * 4 || Manëz || 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00
 * 5 || Himarë || 05:30; 07:30; 08:30; 12:30; 13:00; 18:00
 * 6 || Shijaku || 07:00; 10:00; 11:00; 12:00; 12:45; 13:30; 14:15; 15:00; 15:45; 16:30; 17:15; 18:00
 * 7 || Divjakë || 06:00; 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 10:00; 11:30; 13:10; 14:45
 * 8 || Sukth || 06:20; 07:00; 07:30; 08:00; 08:30; 09:30; 10:30; 11:30; 12:30; 13:00; 14:00; 15:30; 16:30; 18:30; 20:30
 * 9 || Fier || 05:00; 05:30; 05:55; 06:20; 06:45; 07:10; 07:35; 08:00; 08:25; 08:50; 09:15; 09:40; 10:05; 10:30; 11:00; 11:30; 12:00; 12:30; 13:00; 13:30; 14:00; 14:30; 15:00; 15:30; 16:00; 16:30; 17:00; 17:30; 18:00; 18:30; 19:30
 * 10 || Berat || 05:40; 06:30; 07:15; 07:45; 08:15; 08:50; 09:20; 09:50; 10:20; 11:00; 11 :30; 12:00; 12:30; 13:00; 13:30; 14:00; 14:30; 15:00; 15:30; 16:00; 16:30; 17:00; 17:30
 * 11 || Gjirokastër || 05:00; 06:45; 08:00; 09:00; 10:00; 11:00; 12:00; 13:00; 14:30; 15:30; 17:30; 18:30; 20:30
 * 12 || Lushnjë || 05:40; 06:10; 06:40; 07:10; 07:40; 08:10; 08:40; 09:10; 09:40; 10:10; 10:45; 11:30; 12:00; 12:30; 13:00; 13:30; 14:00; 14:45; 15:30; 16:15
 * 13 || Vlorë || 05:00; 05:30; 05:55; 06:20; 06:45; 07:10; 07:35; 08:00; 08:25; 08:50; 09:15; 09:40; 1 0:05; 10:30; 11:00; 11:30; 12:00; 12:30; 13:00; 13:30; 14:00; 14:30; 15:00; 15:30; 16:00; 16:30; 17:00; 17:30
 * 14 || Sarandë / Bregdet || 06:15; 21:00
 * 15 || Memaliaj || 07:15; 08:15; 14:00; 15:00; 16:45; 17:45
 * 16 || Përmet || 05:30; 06:30; 07:30; 08:15; 09:00; 11:30; 12:30; 14:00; 15:30; 17:00
 * 17 || Ballsh || 06:15; 07:45; 12:00; 13:00; 14:00; 15:00; 16:00
 * 18 || Libohovë || 05:45; 13:00
 * 18 || Këlcyrë || 12:00; 15:05
 * 19 || Kuçovë || 06:45; 09:00; 10:45; 11:45; 12:45; 13:45; 14:30; 15:15; 16:15; 17:15
 * 20 || Sarandë || 05:30; 07:30; 08:30; 09:45; 12:30; 14:15; 16:00; 22:00
 * 21 || Patos || 04:45; 07:45; 10:40; 11:00; 11:40; 12:40; 13:40; 14:00; 14:40; 15:40
 * 21 || Selenicë || 12:15; 14:15
 * 22 || Tepelenë || 07:00; 11:00; 13:00; 14:00
 * 23 || Delvinë || 07:30; 10:30; 13:00; 14:50
 * 24 || Dropull || 04:30; 07:00; 13:45; 18:00
 * 25 || Fratar || 14:30; 16:00
 * 26 || Peqin || 06:45; 13:00
 * 26 || Konispol || 11:00
 * 27 || Poliçan || 07:05; 10:35; 12:15; 14:00
 * 28 || Orikum || 10:00
 * 28 || Roskovec || 12:15; 14:15; 15:15
 * 29 || Cërrik || 13:50
 * 30 || Skrapar || 06:00; 11:10; 13:00; 14:30; 16:10
 * }
 * 18 || Libohovë || 05:45; 13:00
 * 18 || Këlcyrë || 12:00; 15:05
 * 19 || Kuçovë || 06:45; 09:00; 10:45; 11:45; 12:45; 13:45; 14:30; 15:15; 16:15; 17:15
 * 20 || Sarandë || 05:30; 07:30; 08:30; 09:45; 12:30; 14:15; 16:00; 22:00
 * 21 || Patos || 04:45; 07:45; 10:40; 11:00; 11:40; 12:40; 13:40; 14:00; 14:40; 15:40
 * 21 || Selenicë || 12:15; 14:15
 * 22 || Tepelenë || 07:00; 11:00; 13:00; 14:00
 * 23 || Delvinë || 07:30; 10:30; 13:00; 14:50
 * 24 || Dropull || 04:30; 07:00; 13:45; 18:00
 * 25 || Fratar || 14:30; 16:00
 * 26 || Peqin || 06:45; 13:00
 * 26 || Konispol || 11:00
 * 27 || Poliçan || 07:05; 10:35; 12:15; 14:00
 * 28 || Orikum || 10:00
 * 28 || Roskovec || 12:15; 14:15; 15:15
 * 29 || Cërrik || 13:50
 * 30 || Skrapar || 06:00; 11:10; 13:00; 14:30; 16:10
 * }
 * 25 || Fratar || 14:30; 16:00
 * 26 || Peqin || 06:45; 13:00
 * 26 || Konispol || 11:00
 * 27 || Poliçan || 07:05; 10:35; 12:15; 14:00
 * 28 || Orikum || 10:00
 * 28 || Roskovec || 12:15; 14:15; 15:15
 * 29 || Cërrik || 13:50
 * 30 || Skrapar || 06:00; 11:10; 13:00; 14:30; 16:10
 * }
 * 28 || Roskovec || 12:15; 14:15; 15:15
 * 29 || Cërrik || 13:50
 * 30 || Skrapar || 06:00; 11:10; 13:00; 14:30; 16:10
 * }
 * 30 || Skrapar || 06:00; 11:10; 13:00; 14:30; 16:10
 * }
 * }



Southeastern connections:
 * {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"

! Platform !! Destination !! Times
 * 1 || Elbasan (different companies) || 05:45–19:45 (hourly), 09:30, 12:30, 16:00, 20:00 & 06:00, 06:30, 07:00, 07:30, 08:00, 08:30, 08:45, 09:00, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:15, 14:30, 15:00, 15:15, 15:30, 16:00, 19:45, 20:00, 20:30, 21:00, 21:30
 * 1 || Belsh || 13:00
 * 1 || Cërrik || 13:00
 * 1 || Gramsh || 07:00, 09:00, 13:00, 15:00
 * 2 || Librazhd || 12:15, 14:00, 16:00
 * 3 || Përrenjas || 13:00, 14:00
 * 4 || Pogradec || 06:30, 08:30, 09:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30
 * 5 || Korçë || 05:45, 06:30, 07:15, 08:00, 08:45, 09:30, 10:15, 11:00, 11:45, 12:30, 13:15, 14:00, 14:45, 15:30, 16:15, 17:00
 * 5 || Ersekë || 06:00, 10:00, 14:30
 * 5 || Leskovik || 13:00
 * 6 || Bilisht || 06:30, 07:00, 11:30, 14:30
 * }
 * 4 || Pogradec || 06:30, 08:30, 09:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30
 * 5 || Korçë || 05:45, 06:30, 07:15, 08:00, 08:45, 09:30, 10:15, 11:00, 11:45, 12:30, 13:15, 14:00, 14:45, 15:30, 16:15, 17:00
 * 5 || Ersekë || 06:00, 10:00, 14:30
 * 5 || Leskovik || 13:00
 * 6 || Bilisht || 06:30, 07:00, 11:30, 14:30
 * }
 * 5 || Leskovik || 13:00
 * 6 || Bilisht || 06:30, 07:00, 11:30, 14:30
 * }
 * 6 || Bilisht || 06:30, 07:00, 11:30, 14:30
 * }


 * Bus times (to) as of October 2021 include:
 * Thessaloniki – 04:00 (Liko & Kosta Tours), 05:00, 08.30 (Alpar, Alvavel), 07:00 (Start Travel, uneven days) ... €40
 * Skopje – 08:00, 09:00, 13:00, 19:00, 21:00 (Dajani Tours), 08:00, 09:00, 19:00, 21:00 (Start Travel), 08:00, 19:00 (Drita/Deva Tours), 09:00, 21:00 (Hak Bus, cheapest) ... €15-20
 * Checkout this schedule for a hopefully more reliable schedule on international connections.
 * Checkout this schedule for a hopefully more reliable schedule on international connections.

Buses and furgons (minibuses) are generally the best method for travelling within Albania, but they are not in the best of shape. There are few bus companies; many are operated by individual drivers. Bus lines have schedules and drivers are supposed to leave when it's time, but sometimes they may leave earlier or later, depending on how full they are. So, arrive sufficiently ahead of time.

A good website to find the latest bus times is gjirafa.com. Prices are indicative and each bus (driver) should have a proper stack of tickets with him where you can identify the right price.

International
Buses can be used to reach Tirana from other cities in Albania and internationally. There is daily bus service from Turkey, Serbia, North Macedonia, Athens (Greece) and multiple services per day to Pristina, Kosovo (€10, 4½ hr). Schedules change frequently so check the latest info in your place of departure.

From North Macedonia, buses come from Skopje, Ohrid and Struga. Definite departure times from Skopje Bus Terminal are 09:00 and 21:00 (as of Oct 2021), ден600.

From Montenegro, take a bus or taxi to Ulcinj, then take a bus or taxi to Shkodër in Albania, crossing the border at Muriqan. Buses leave Shkodër frequently for Tirana.

Daily buses also leave from Kotor to Tirana directly at 09:00 and every other day in summer at 10:40 (via Budva, Podgarica, Shkodër but without changing buses).

By taxi
To calculate and book your journey you can use the Taxi Trip Calculator by MerrTaxi Tirana, which is the biggest taxi company in Albania, operates 24/7 in the capital city and they always use meter. To call a taxi use the national toll-free phone number, or the international phone number. Also there are private companies which offer good offers, like Blue Taxi Tirana

Your hotel can also arrange a taxi to the border but it is usually more expensive. For example, a taxi from Tirana to the Macedonian border, a distance of 110 km (70 miles), will take 2½ hours and cost about 9,000 lek with MerrTaxi Tirana. A metered Macedonian taxi from the border to Struga is €10 and to Ohrid about €16 (1,000 denars) but you might get it for less if you haggle. The trip takes 15 min to Struga and 25 min to Ohrid (July 2018). Passport control will take about 30 min.

Another traveling alternative is by Mobile App. VrapOn Taxi Albania is a Uber-like App in Albania that makes your trip to the city safer. Through VrapOn you save time and money, book a ride in advance, no need to explain your destination, track your taxi location in real time etc. The app is the best solution to go from Tirana Airport to Tirana city center or to other cities of Albania.

Get around


There are no metros or online taxis, like Uber, available in Tirana. Feet, buses and taxis are the only options to get around in the city if you do not have private transportation.

On foot
The city centre is small enough to be explored through walking. Walking is a rewarding experience, but beware that there is no continuity in sidewalk width, construction material or condition. Sidewalks frequently end abruptly, have large holes or are very narrow. Pay attention while walking or you may end up spraining your ankle or falling in a hole. Street names are subject to change, so locals rarely know them. It is advised to learn a to navigate via landmarks instead of addresses or street names. You can orient yourself using the Lana River and "Dëshmorët e Kombit" street, which roughly bisects the central part of Tirana into four sections. At this intersection of the Lana River and Dëshmorët e Kombit is very recognizable "Pyramid" and "Taiwan Center".

By bus
Public transportation in Tirana consists of a number of intra-city bus lines. A single trip costs 40 lek, there are only single tickets available as of 2023, and tickets are sold in the bus by a conductor. Buses marked Green Line - Unaze are for the ring road and travel in a loop around the city centre. Though, not all Green Line buses are for Unaze. There are also lines serving suburban shopping centres.

A useful web and Android application regarding Tirana's public transportation such as lines, directions, times and costs can be found at GetJar.

For bus routes consult OpenStreetMap, which is used by this travel guide and by many mobile Apps like OsmAnd or Mapy.cz. Bus lines on the webpage of the city.

By bicycle
There are combined bus and bike lanes on some main streets. However, cycling in the street can be quite dangerous as lanes are narrow or occupied by parked vehicles (but car drivers have become more careful during the last years). There are bike-only lanes however on Skanderbeg Square, Deshmoret e Kombit Boulevard and on sidewalks along Lana River and Kavaja Street.

For all other bike equipment or repair, Rruga Qemal Stafa is Tirana's unofficial "bike street" with lots of little, inexpensive bike shops.

By taxi
A ride across town should cost 400 lek during the day, 600 lek at night. Negotiate a price before entering. Official taxis have a list with fare prices inside the vehicle. During the day flag-fall starts at 250 lek and 300 lek during the night or holidays.


 * merrTAXI offers authorized taxi reservation:
 * GreenTaxi offers very competitive rates and has a fleet of e-cars:
 * Blue Taxi, another option:
 * Speed Taxi: This taxi company is also a good taxi company which has taxi fare meters, so you are sure that they won't charge you a random price. Speed Taxi's number is:
 * VrapOn Taxi Albania is a Uber-like mobile App in Albania that makes your trip to the city safer. Through the app you save time and money, see prices in advance, and travel smoothly to your destination. Download the app here.
 * VrapOn Taxi Albania is a Uber-like mobile App in Albania that makes your trip to the city safer. Through the app you save time and money, see prices in advance, and travel smoothly to your destination. Download the app here.

These latter taxi companies do not differ much in price in downtown Tirana. However, the airport is a different story, and you can get price quotes that differ by 50% easily (1,000–2,500 lek).

Most informal taxis or irregular ones do not use the taximeter. You can negotiate the price before entering the cab, or ask them to use the taximeter and save money.

By car
Parking is a major problem. Driving offers a unique experience in Tirana for those willing to brave it. Driving aggressively and seizing opportunities will help you get around at normal pace. Timid and passive drivers should avoid driving in Tirana as they will likely be frustrated.

The city still misses road signs with directions (for example how to get out of the city). In case you have troubles just ask people (don't show them a map because Albanians are not used to seeing maps and even policemen don't know how to handle a street map.) Also, keep in mind that the word "car" sounds identical to the Albanian word for "penis" so do not be surprised if you get stared at if you say it. "Auto" or the Albanian word, "makina" are suitable stand-ins.

Car rentals in Albania are available from multi-national firms such as Hertz, Avis and Europcar, and can be booked online. However, local companies often have cheaper rates, examples include Eagle Rent, Noshi Rent-a-Car and Albarent—some have a website where you can do the reservation. It is best to always verify their ratings with Google Maps before deciding.

Holy places




Museums

 * As of March 15, 2024, this museum will be closed for renovations until March 15, 2028.

Landmarks




Do


Go for a walk in the evening along the main streets or at one of the several parks and sit for a coffee or drink. Take part in the vibrant nightlife by visiting one of the numerous nightclubs. If you are adventurous and brave enough, try the peculiar experience of driving in the city's streets by renting a car, or rent a bicycle from a bike renting station. You can also cruise the city with a limousine or venture out in the picturesque suburbs either south or northeast/west of Tirana.


 * A "free" walking tour starting daily at 10:00 (10:00 and 18:00 during the summer period) in front of Tirana's Opera house is a good start to discover the city and learn more about its history, art and daily life.

Below are some venturing suggestions:



Sports and events



 * Football – The city has two teams playing soccer in Kategoria Superiore, the top tier. KF Tirana play at Selman Stërmasi Stadium, capacity 9500, southwest side of city centre. FK Parizani play at Arena Kombëtare, capacity 22,500. This is also known as Air Albania Stadium and hosts the national team's home games. It's southeast corner of city centre towards the Grand Park.
 * Summer Day celebrations in Mid-March, and Independence Day festivities on November 28.

Money
There are plenty of ATMs accepting Cirrus/Maestro and Visa around the city. They charge 500–1,400 lek (abi, UnionBank vs. otpbank) per withdrawal with international cards.

ProCredit Bank on Bulevardi Zogu I north of Skanderbeg dispenses euros and charging €5 for it.

Exchange bureaus are abundant around the city. The ones at also exchange odd currencies like BAM—just ask the guys standing around there or head straight into the exchange office.

Markets
Locals open-air markets are available in most quarters of the city, and vegetable and fruits are often sold just around the next corner. Proper markets, which sell all sorts of things, tend to be more busy before noon and are barely open late—vegetable and fruits stands are an exception. In the following the larger markets in Tirana:

















Shopping






Eat
Food is generally inexpensive, even in the more upscale places. The Italian influence is everywhere and most places will offer pizza and/or pasta along more elaborate dishes. A good rule of thumb is that the priciest or fanciest places rarely are the best ones, particularly in the Blloku. Notable dishes that exemplify the local cuisine include fërgesë (baked vegetables and cheese) and tavë dheu (fërgesë with the addition of liver).



Budget
Small shops and roadside vendors throughout the city sell foods such as sufllaqe, doner and gjiro for less than 200 lek. Also try the local speciality, byrek.











Mid-range




Drink
Blloku is the main nightlife spot in the city.

Converse, Charls, Steel Wings (Bikers club), Unit, Mos Fli are clubs in Blloku frequented by die hard rock and metal fans.









Mid-range






Splurge




Stay safe
You should take some precautions when walking around the city. The main advice is to simply watch your step. Although many parts of the city are maintained, there remain holes and worn-down street parts. Cars also seem to drive more recklessly than in most European cities, and assume a right-of-way, so care is needed in crossing the street. Not even a green light is always a guarantee of safety! Try to see when the locals cross the street and cross with them.

Embassies

 * 🇨🇳 China
 * 🇨🇿 Czech Republic
 * 🇪🇬 Egypt
 * 🇬🇷 Greece
 * 🇮🇷 Iran
 * 🇮🇹 Italy
 * North Macedonia
 * 🇵🇱 Poland
 * 🇷🇴 Romania
 * 🇷🇺 Russia
 * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
 * 🇺🇸 United States

Go next

 * Zall-Bastar – For hiking near Bovilla Lake and a hot sprint near Perkola village. The bus runs from the Myslym Keta bus stop in the northeast of the city, the latter which of can be reached by L7 or L15. About 100 lek to Zall-Bastar.
 * Shkodër – Fourth largest city in Albania, close to Montenegro's border.
 * Albanian Alps
 * Gjirokastra – Famous for its mulberry raki.
 * Berat – City of the thousand windows with old Turkish buildings and a fortress.
 * Saranda – Ferry to Corfu.
 * Përmet – An interesting town with popular thermal springs nearby.
 * Krujë - A fascinating historical town close to Tirana

There are also many direct connections to nearby countries, like Prizren, Pristina, Skopje, Athens and Podgorica.

By air
Tirana has ultra-low-cost flights to some European countries and to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. (updated May 2022)