If you are thinking of traveling to Tirana, Albania, you are in the right place. Tirana is the capital of Albania and the heart of the country. It is the center of the country in various fields such as cultural, political and economic activities. It is located in western Albania, surrounded by Mount Dajti. Tirana, the capital of Albania, is also the largest city in the country. Welcoming many tourists every year, Tirana is one of the favorite cities for travel.
Where Is Tirana?
Tirana, the capital of Albania, is located in the Balkans. Tirana, located in the east of the country, is located very close to the Dalmatian coast, but has no coastline.
When To Go To Tirana?
Let us share with you some of the things you need to know when traveling to Tirana. Although close to the sea, Tirana has no coastline and has continental climate characteristics. The best times to visit Tirana, where winters are long and harsh, are May, June, September, and October.
Trip To Tirana
You can find many places to visit during your trip to Tirana, the capital of Albania. Considered one of the largest cities in the Balkans, Tirana offers its visitors a pleasant holiday with its historical buildings and natural beauties.
Skanderbeg Statue
The Skanderbeg Statue in Tirana’s city center is very suitable to start your tour. The statue of Skender Bey, the founder of the city, on a horse is located in the very center of Tirana. Skender Bey, who made important contributions to Tirana’s becoming a city, is a historical character loved by the people of Tirana.
It is possible to see the traces of the Ottoman Empire, which ruled the city for nearly 500 years, all over the city. The most concrete proof of this is the Skender Bey Statue. The statue is located in the middle of an area of approximately 40,000 square meters in the city center. This area was named Skanderbeg Square because of the statue. While this name was used only among the public at first, it was officially named Skender Bey Square in 1968.
The Tirana Palace of Culture, Tirana History Museum and Tirana International Hotel are located around the Skanderbeg Square, which is located in the center of the city. It is very easy to reach the square on foot. However, if the hotel you are staying at is far from the center, you can also use the public transportation that passes near Iskender Bey Square.
Skender Bey Square, located in the middle of the city, is also very close to other points of interest such as Clock Tower and Ethem Bey Mosque. Therefore, it is an advantage for you to start your Tirana trip here. The square, which consisted of only a few buildings in the first periods, was destroyed in the socialist period. The square, which was reorganized in 2012, now has a brand new look.
Skanderbeg Square, which is the heart of Tirana, is one of the first images of the city that comes to mind. We recommend that you do not return from your Tirana trip without visiting this place and having a photo taken in front of the Skanderbeg Statue.
Tirana National History Museum
The National History Museum, which is considered one of the symbols of Tirana, manages to attract thousands of people to Tirana every year with its valuable collection and magnificent building. The National History Museum of Tirana sheds light not only on the history of the city but also on the history of Albania. The history museum, which is the largest museum in Albania, has a very rich collection.
The museum, which was opened in 1981, has more than 3,000 artifacts. Antiquity, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Independence, Sculpture, II. There are 8 episodes in total, including World War II, Communism Period and Azize Terasa. The richest section of the museum is the section where ancient artifacts are exhibited. The section where artifacts from the 4th and 8th centuries are exhibited consists of 585 historical pieces.
The most interesting part of the museum is the section where artifacts from the Ottoman period are exhibited. Visitors show great interest in this section where manuscripts and maps are found.
In the section where the independence period is exhibited, it is possible to find many photographs and old Albanian newspapers. In addition to these, we are sure that you will enjoy visiting the museum, which has a very rich sculpture collection. It is also very easy to reach the museum, which is located in Skender Bey Square. After visiting the Skanderbeg Statue and its square, it will take you 5 minutes to reach the National History Museum.
Ethem Bey Mosque
One of the structures inherited from the Ottoman Empire to the city is Ethem Bey Mosque. It was built by Ethem Bey, who was accepted as an important politician and cultural person living in Tirana in the 18th century.
Eight great mosques were built in Tirana during the Ottoman period. However, none of them managed to survive, except for the Ethem Bey Mosque. We learn about Ethem Bey Mosque, which was built between 1793-1794, from the Ottoman plates on the walls of the mosque. After the mosque was opened for worship, it was reconstructed and the hand-drawn decorations were completed in this process.
In 1823, all the embroidery was completed and it was opened to worship again. It is known that the embroideries on the walls and ceilings of the mosque were made by different artists. The ornaments using different processing methods are mainly tree and flower motifs. These embroideries, which have managed to preserve the vividness and beauty of their colors until today, fascinate those who see them.
The architectural features of the mosque are also quite remarkable. The plan of the mosque, which has a single dome, is square. The dome of Ethem Bey Mosque is in an octagonal form. The minaret of the mosque, in which cut stone was used in the masonry, was also built with a very elegant and magnificent craftsmanship. II. The balcony part of the minaret was destroyed during World War II, but it was repaired in 1945.
Ethem Bey Mosque was closed to worship when Albania entered the communist era. It was turned into a museum in 1966 when Enver Hoxha was in the administration.
The political change in Albania also affected the Ethem Bey Mosque. With the country’s transition to democracy, it was opened to worship again in 1990. You can easily reach the mosque in Iskender Bey Square on foot.
Clock tower
The Clock Tower, which is considered another symbol of Tirana, is a place you must visit during your trip. With a height of 35 meters, the Clock Tower is the tallest structure in Tirana.
The clock tower was built by Ethem Bey after the construction of the Ethem Bey Mosque was completed. The Clock Tower, which was completed in 1822, attracts the attention of tourists visiting Tirana. The Clock Tower, which has a height of 35 meters, has a staircase consisting of 90 steps. If you wish, you can reach the top of the tower by climbing these stairs.
When you reach the top of the Clock Tower, you will encounter the breathtaking view of Tirana. We definitely recommend you to visit the Clock Tower during your trip to Tirana. From the top of the tower, you can both watch the magnificent view of Tirana and immortalize your trip with great photos.
When the clock tower was first completed, a clock brought from Venice was installed. This clock, which has a bell that rings every hour, was replaced in 1921. The watch brought from Germany by the Tirana municipality was replaced with the old one. This watch is also worn in II. It was damaged during World War II and became inoperable. The clock of the tower, which was in the process of being renewed after the war, was changed again. In 1970, a new clock made by the Chinese was inserted. The Clock Tower uses this clock today.
Except for the clock section, the tower underwent restoration in 1981 and 1999. You can visit the Clock Tower in Skender Bey Square, just across the Ethem Bey Mosque, at any time of the day.
Mount Dajti
Tirana is a city rich in natural beauties as well as its historical buildings. Around the land where Tirana was founded is Mount Dajti. This mountain, which is perhaps the only elevation that Tirana has, has a unique nature.
Mount Dajti is located in the east of Tirana and has an altitude of approximately 1600 meters. The people of Tirana are most interested in Dajti Mountain, which is covered with snow during the winter months. Since the city center of Tirana does not receive much snowfall, he enjoys the snow to the fullest by climbing the Dajti Mountain.
The general vegetation of Mount Dajti consists of oak, beech and various pine species. In addition, there are waterfalls, canyons, caves, a lake and a castle from ancient times in the land where Dajti Mountain is located. The land of Mount Dajti, which contains various natural beauties, gained the status of National Park in 1966. With the improvements made in the area, an area of approximately 30,000 hectares is now within the borders of the National Park.
Various plant species and animals live in the Dajti Mountain National Park. These protected creatures live without harming their natural environment. In the national park, there are natural underground water resources as well as valuable plants, species and animals.
After completing your tour in Tirana’s city center, you can visit Dajti Mountain. You can use the tour buses that go to the area away from the city center. When planning your trip to Tirana, we recommend that you spend 1 day at Dajti Mountain. Since it is far from the city center and spread over a fairly large area, you are unlikely to get around quickly. Dajti Mountain with its unique nature will add pleasure to your Tirana trip.
Transportation In Tirana
When you travel to Tirana, you should also know how to get there. Tirana city transportation is provided by buses and taxis. Due to the mountainous nature of the city and economic difficulties, there is no rail system.
Buses in Tirana are quite cheap. You can find the routes and stop information of the buses at each bus stop. You can also download the Tirana public transport application for mobile phones for such information and to buy tickets online. Taxi is also an option you can use for your transportation in Tirana. However, taxi prices vary considerably. We recommend bargaining before boarding to avoid any surprises.
You can also travel around the city without using public transport. Walking would be a good option, as the city center of Tirana is not too big and places to visit are close to each other.
Tirana Cuisine
Your trip to Tirana continues, if you can’t decide what to eat, then it’s time to talk about what to eat in Tirana. The fame of Albanian food has spread all over the world. You can also enjoy the best examples of Albanian cuisine, which has rich and delicious dishes, in Tirana. The cuisine of Tirana, which has interacted with states such as Italy, Ottoman and Greece throughout its history, was also affected by this situation. As a result of this interaction, delicious meals emerged. You can find some of the dishes that you should not return without tasting when you have been to Tirana.
Albanian liver: We say that you should not leave Tirana without eating this dish, which is unique to Albanian cuisine, which has become famous with its name. Contrary to popular belief, this famous flavor made with chicken liver will leave an unforgettable taste on your palate.
Byrek: This flavor, which we are familiar with from Turkish cuisine, is among the favorite dishes of Albanian cuisine. You can find Albanian pastry, which is prepared by putting various vegetables and cheese in homemade phyllo dough, on every corner in Tirana. Do not hesitate to try the peddlers to taste this delicacy. You can eat healthy and delicious Albanian pastries at a very affordable price at these stalls, which are frequently preferred by the young population in Tirana.
Elbasan pan: Another dish that is the crown of Albanian cuisine is Elbasan pan. You should definitely try the Elbasan Pan, which is made by cooking the meat on the arm of the lamb in a casserole with flour, yoghurt and garlic, in Tirana.
Shopping In Tirana
Wouldn’t you like to beautify your Tirana trip with shopping? Shopping in Tirana often turns into a fun activity for tourists. Shopping center culture has just begun to develop in Tirana. There are not many shopping centers in the city. The stores on the main streets and in the streets are the places you can choose for shopping. Many shopping stores are concentrated on Myslym Shyri Street. When you visit this street, you will definitely find something according to your needs.
There are shops selling souvenirs in many parts of the city. If you want to return with a memory from your Tirana trip, we recommend you to visit these shops. Pottery and ceramic products of Tirana are very famous. On the way back from Tirana, you can buy small trinkets and various products made of ceramics. If you still want to go to the shopping center, you can visit the shopping malls called Galeria and City Park.
Another interesting place in Tirana is the neighborhood markets. You can get involved in the daily life of the people of the region by visiting the neighborhood markets where the people of Tirana often shop.
Tirana Nightlife
Tirana nights are quite dynamic. The entertainment life in the city is colorful and active. The growing young population of the city and the tourists coming to visit have a great share in this. It is possible to find places suitable for all kinds of entertainment in Tirana. If you want, you can have fun in the bars in the city center, or you can prefer larger and quieter venues that are a bit outside the center. There are various venues that appeal to different budgets in terms of price. Access to entertainment venues in the city center is also very easy.
In order to enter the majority of entertainment venues in Tirana, you must have a woman accompanying you. Unfortunately, many places do not buy roofless. Let us also remind you that you have to pay an entrance fee to enter some entertainment venues.
The most well-known of the entertainment venues in Tirana are those located near the parliament building. These places, which do not have transportation problems, are ideal for visitors who love luxury in entertainment life. These places have a very large area and some of them have terraces. If you don’t like cramped entertainment environments, you’ll love the spaciousness of these venues. In addition, you can continue your entertainment in a spacious environment by choosing the terraced sections.
Some of the entertainment venues in the city are located in an area called Blok. There are many bars, cafes with live music and nightclubs in this area, which is frequently preferred by Tirana’s young and student population. Some of the entertainment venues in this region are located in historical buildings. These places, which are especially preferred by the tourists who come to visit the city, invite you to have fun with a historical atmosphere.
The entertainment venues in the Blok area are not very big. They are smaller and have a calmer atmosphere. If you want to chat with your friends and listen to quality music during your night entertainment, the entertainment venues in this region are perfect for you. Let’s say that the entertainment venues inside the historical buildings have a completely different atmosphere.
You can have a drink and chat with your friends between the walls that have witnessed history. If you want, you can enjoy the entertainment life of Tirana by throwing yourself on the dance floor.
If you have a private vehicle or do not hesitate to take a taxi for transportation, you can also go to the entertainment venues that are a bit outside the center. But these places are not many. If you want to experience Tirana nightlife, the best time is of course on the weekends. Most entertainment venues are not open on weekdays. Open ones close early. Many places close around 12 on weekdays.
On the weekends, Tirana entertainment venues, which get their real action and excitement, are flooded with visitors. Entertainment venues in Tirana are open until the morning on weekends. The only point you need to pay attention to is the entrance conditions of the entertainment venue you want to go to. Knowing in advance whether they take the place without a roof and how much the entrance fees are will prevent the problems you will experience at the door.
We recommend that you do not finish your trip without experiencing the entertainment life of Tirana. When you travel to Tirana, do not leave without tasting the nightlife!
Tirana Festivals
Tirana, the capital of Albania, hosts various festivals every year. While planning your trip to Tirana, it is useful to take a look at the event calendar.
Tirana International Film Festival: The film festival held since 2003 is one of the two international film festivals in Albania. The festival, where films from all over the world compete, also accepts student productions. If you come across the Tirana International Film Festival, whose event calendar is announced at the beginning of each year, we definitely recommend you to attend.
Tirana International Guitar Festival: Guitar artists from various countries participate in the Tirana International Guitar Festival, which will be held for the fifth time in 2017. Especially young people and music lovers show great interest in this festival held in September.
Tirana Public Holidays
- New year: January 1-2
- Summer Day: March 14
- Nowruz: March 22
- Catholic Easter: April 20
- Orthodox Easter: April 27
- Labor Day: May 1
- Flag Day: November 28
- Freedom Day: 29 November
- Christmas: December 25
Useful Information For Tirana
- Emergency Aid: 17
- Fire: 18
- Police: 19
