If you’re looking for the best hostels in Tirana Albania, these top-rated hostels in this Balkan capital are definitely worth checking out.
From stylish and modern to cozy and comfortable, these hostels offer a range of options for budget-conscious travelers.
8 Best Hostels In Tirana Albania
Tirana has no shortage of places to stay. You should always be able to find a hostel bed because there are a lot of great options to choose from.
- Best for making friends – Trip’n’Hostel or Tirana Backpacker Hostel
- Best for partying – Milingona City Center Hostel
- A cozy hostel – The Bearded Dad Hostel
- My top pick – Vanilla Sky Hostel
There are places that are ultra-budget and some that have a more ‘luxury’ feel. First off, here are the super affordable hostels in Tirana!
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Super Budget Hostels In Tirana
These hostels in Tirana are less about luxuries and more about consisting of the bare essentials. They will be great if you’re looking for something simple and cheap.
BUFF Hostel Tirana
BUFF Hostel Tirana is a cozy and affordable hostel located in the heart of Tirana, a short 10-minute walking distance from Skanderbeg Square.
It offers a clean and comfortable dormitory and private rooms. The hostel has a friendly staff, a communal kitchen, a comfortable lounge, and an outdoor terrace.
Its central location is perfect for those who want to explore the city by walking. Dorm rooms start at €8 per night.
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Vertigo Hostel
Vertigo Hostel is a no-frills, budget-friendly place to stay in the heart of the city. It offers a comfortable dormitory and private rooms.
Located a 15-minute walk from Skanderbeg Square, Vertigo Hostel provides easy access to the city’s main attractions.
Vertigo Hostel Tirana is an ideal choice for convenience and affordability. Dorm rooms start at €9 per night.
Golden Rooster Hostel
The Golden Rooster Hostel in Tirana offers affordable and comfortable dormitory rooms for solo travelers.
There are common areas and a kitchen to cook in, plus a large circular staircase adds a unique vibe to the place.
Conveniently located, Golden Rooster Hostel is just a 10-minute walk away from Skanderbeg Square. Dorm rooms start at €10 per night.
Most Popular Hostels In Tirana Albania
Here are a few hostels in Tirana that have been around longer. They are more established and have more of a social feel to them. This also means that they will cost a bit more as well.
Trip’n’Hostel
Located in the heart of Tirana, Trip’n’Hostel is just a 5-minute walk from Skanderbeg Square. This hostel is probably one of the city’s most recommended hostels.
It’s clean and comfortable, with a social aspect for solo travelers who are looking to meet others. Dorm rooms start at €12 per night.
Tirana Backpacker Hostel
A 10-minute walk from Skanderbeg Square, Tirana Backpacker Hostel is known for its lively atmosphere, comfortable beds, and helpful staff.
This is another very popular hostel in Tirana that has been around for a while. They organize social events and tours, making it easy to meet fellow travelers. Dorm rooms start at €12 per night.
Milingona City Center Hostel
Located in the heart of Tirana, Milingona City Center Hostel offers spacious rooms, a shared kitchen, and a welcoming atmosphere.
It gives off a colorful and quirky vibe for travelers to enjoy. It’s also well known for being a party hostel so keep that in mind!
The hostel is just a 5-minute walk from Skanderbeg Square and dorm rooms start at €12 per night.
Higher-End Hostels In Tirana
When most people think of hostels, they don’t automatically think of luxury. As more and more people have started using hotel alternatives, hostels have become quite popular.
They were once known for being simple and affordable, but now there are some that even feel luxurious a little bit! If you’re looking to relax in style while visiting, then these luxury Tirana hostels are for you.
Vanilla Sky Hostel
Located a 15-minute walk from Skanderbeg Square, Vanilla Sky Hostel offers clean and comfortable rooms, a shared kitchen, and a friendly atmosphere.
The setting is beautifully decorated with hand-picked items that make the space feel unique and luxurious. The art pieces, comfortable beds, and nice linens really sold me.
This hostel has been my favorite (out of 3) that I’ve tried in Tirana. The hostel is known for its helpful staff too, plus it’s in a very trendy area of Tirana called Blloku that has nice bars. The dorm rooms start at €14 per night.
The Bearded Dad Hostel
The Bearded Dad Hostel in Tirana is a new and unique hostel housed in a 2-story villa that holds nostalgic significance for the family, the wife’s childhood home.
Offering affordable and comfortable dorm rooms for solo travelers, the hostel gives a little something extra with its nice decorations. It is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk away from Skanderbeg Square.
With its central location and cozy atmosphere, The Bearded Dad Hostel is an excellent choice for those wanting to relax while visiting Tirana. Dorm rooms start at €13 per night.
Best Alternatives To Hostels In Tirana
If you’re looking for an alternative to hostels, you may want to consider staying in a guesthouse or renting an apartment. These options can be more affordable than hotels and offer a more local experience.
Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the season and availability, prices usually go up when there’s better weather, like late spring, summer, and early fall.
Check the available apartments and guesthouses in Tirana for your trip dates.
Top Tips For Budget Travelers In Tirana
Though Albania is already a pretty affordable destination, since Tirana has been developing quickly, plus other worldwide factors, prices have gone up.
Usually, people recommend Tirana (or generally traveling in Albania) because it’s seen as an ‘affordable’ European Capital, but that’s not so true anymore.
Here are some tips for being a budget traveler in Tirana.
Affordable Things To Do In Tirana
Tirana is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do, even if you’re on a tight budget.
You can experience the city’s culture and history without breaking the bank. There are plenty of options for affordable activities in Tirana.
Stop By Skanderbeg Square
Located in the heart of Tirana, Skanderbeg Square is the city’s main square and a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike.
Take a stroll around the square, enjoy the fountain, and admire the views of the surrounding architecture.
Explore The City’s Parks
When visiting Tirana is home to several parks that offer a peaceful respite from the busy streets. Rinia Park, located near Skanderbeg Square.
The Grand Park (Parku i Madh) is the most impressive with a large artificial lake. It is the largest park in the city and is a great place for a picnic or for getting some exercise.
Check Out Some Of The Museums
While there is an entrance fee for the museums in Tirana, they are well worth it. Learning about Albania’s turbulent past will give you a way better understanding of why things are the way they are.
The most cost-effective museum is the National Historical Museum – it’s massive so you get to see a lot. The most interesting to check out are the House of Leaves and Bunk’Art 2.
Visit The Et’hem Bey Mosque
Located in the heart of the city, the Et’hem Bey Mosque is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture.
While there is no entrance fee to go inside, remember to be respectful to others visiting for prayer.
Take A Free Walking Tour
There are several companies that offer free walking tours of Tirana, which are a great way to learn about the city’s history and culture.
Check out the Tirana Free Tour or if you want a more in-depth tour, check out the Communism & Street Food (paid tour) in Tirana.
Take A Day Trip
Getting out of Tirana will give you a better picture of what Albania is actually like, plus prices shouldn’t be as steep outside of the capital.
Though it’s remote, one place that you can’t miss in northern Albania is Lumi i Shales – a beautiful river in the Albanian Alps.
Some of the best day trips from Tirana are closer and more accessible, like going to Mount Dajti, exploring ancient Kruja or Shkoder, or the UNESCO heritage town, Berat.
It’s possible to take public transport for these that I listed, though doing an organized tour will save some hassle.
If you’re staying in the city center, you will need to take the bus or a taxi to get to the bus station on the outskirts of the city. In many places, this wouldn’t be an issue, but Tirana is known for lots of traffic delays.
It’s possible to waste a lot of the day just trying to get in and out from the bus station and of course the bus to whichever place you’re going.
It’s still doable if you want to make it ultra-affordable, but if you can spare an extra 10 or 15 euros, the guided tours will be less of a headache. Check out the most affordable Tirana day trips here.
Final Thoughts On The Best Tirana Hostels
These top hostels in Tirana, Albania offer a wide range of hostels for those that want to get familiar with Albania’s capital.
With prices starting as low as €8 per night for a bed in a dorm room, solo travelers can enjoy their stay in Tirana without breaking the bank.
I hope this guide has helped you pick from the best hostels in Tirana since there are truly so many options to choose from.
Make sure to check out these cool hostels in Shoder if you plan to head north to the Albanian Alps.