Wondering what to do in Shkoder Albania? It’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe.
Since the Bronze Age, Shkoder has been a beacon of art culture and is well known for its intense history and religious diversity.
Currently, it’s an essential hub in the north of Albania, that acts as a key access point to the wild Albanian Alps.
If you’re planning your visit to Albania, you need to know the best things to do in Shkoder Albania.
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Top Things To Do In Shkoder Albania
There are some really fun things to do in Shkoder that I’d like to share with you as someone who lives here in “Albania’s Ancient City”.
To organize all of my tips, I’ve included what to do in Shkoder city – 12 ideas for you in the city center.
Then I separated the best things to do in Shkoder that are on the outskirts of the city in the following section.
These are a bit further out so you may need to rent a bike or car, hire a taxi, or join a tour.
There are also plenty of cool things to do in Shkoder County that you shouldn’t miss – so the last section has ideas for day trips from Shkoder and some 2 and 3-day trips as well.
In case you don’t have a lot of time, here are some of my favorite things to do in Shkoder:
- Cycle to Shiroka or further along the lake to Zogaj
- Day trip to the Albanian Alps (Boge & Theth)
- Visiting Rozafa Castle at sunset
- Kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding on Lake Shkodra
What To Do In Shkoder City
In case you’re wondering what to do in Shkoder city center, here are some great options if you don’t want to deal with any transport.
As long as you’re staying in the city center, these should 12 things should all be walkable things to do in Shkoder.
1. Get Your Caffeine & Cash
First things first – coffee and cash. If you are like me, and most other people, you’ll need a caffeine fix in the morning right?
Like the rest of Albania, Shkoder has SO many cute cafes – the coffee culture here is strong. And no I don’t mean Starbucks, chain restaurants aren’t really a thing in Albania (at least not yet).
These cafes are locally run and you can hardly step anywhere without being within breathing distance of a cafe.
So if you want to fit in with the locals, go to whatever place is closest and ‘nje express’ or ‘dopio express’ for a single or double espresso.
‘Nje’ is pronounced ‘n-ye’ the ‘ye’ should sound like you are about to say ‘yes’ but without the s.
You can also say that for getting a Cappuccino or Macchiato since it’s the same word in Albanian – just try saying it with an Italian accent (yes it does actually help).
If you want a specific recommendation, some of my favorites are La Mola, Gojë Gaditëse, or Nur.
Now for money – Albania has a dominating cash culture.
Buying snacks, coffee, bus tickets, museum tickets, getting bread at the bakery, etc, are all relatively small expenses that you won’t be able to use cards for.
It’s important to always have cash, preferably in smaller bills because people can’t always give change or they don’t want to for such small purchases.
Even places with cards can have problems. Like the machine is temporarily not working or the power is out (that’s more frequent in the winter though).
The places you can use card are large grocery stores (not the corner shops), fancier clothing stores, and electronic stores – so basically places that frequently have larger purchases.
For free ATM withdrawals, use Credins Bank. Look for the blue and yellow ATMs.
Want to access all of the Shkoder attractions in one convenient place?
Sign up for my exclusive newsletter and as a thank you, I’ll send my personalized Google map of Shkoder to your inbox. It has all of the locations discussed in this article.
2. Do A Historical Walking Tour
As a history lover, walking tours are one of my favorite activities in a new destination. Even if you’re not so crazy about historical facts, it’s still a great way to get a feel for a city.
I’ve done a lot of free walking tours on my travels. I’ve seen lots of different kinds as well, but I’ve never seen a romantic one before.
There is a specific walking tour for couples in Shkoder. It’s called the “Love Stories of Shkodra” walking tour.
3. Visit the Marubi National Museum of Photography
Before visiting, I’d never been to a photography museum even though I like to consider myself an amateur photographer.
So this was a unique experience for me, and it gave me a lot more insight into how deep Albania’s history is, especially Shkoder.
The photos show social, cultural, and political life in Albania from 1850 to the present.
It’s one thing to learn about what happened, but images open up your mind to understand in a completely different way.
“An image is worth 1,000 words.”
Frederick R. Barnard
Even if you don’t usually consider yourself a museum person, since it’s visual, you might enjoy it.
It can be a somber experience since Albania’s past is filled with hardships, but it’s definitely an interesting thing to do in Shkoder while visiting.
Entrance to the Marubi National Museum of Photography is:
- 700 lek for adults
- 600 lek for groups over 12
- 350 for orphans, seniors, and people with disabilities
- 210 lek for students and pupils aged 12-18
- Free for children under 12, war veterans, former political prisoners, paraplegic and tetraplegic individuals
4. Check Out The Mosques & Churches
Shkoder’s long past has meant that different people groups have inhabited the area. This has greatly influenced religious diversity that you can still see displayed.
Shkoder is known for its religious tolerance as well as for being the beacon of Catholicism in Albania.
As you are walking around Shkoder, I’m sure you’ll notice various religious places of worship like the Franciscan Church, the Orthodox Church, the Cathedral of Saint Stephen, the Xhamia e Parrucës, and the Grand Mosque – Ebu Bekr Mosque on the pedonale.
5. Enjoy A Nice Brunch or Lunch
There’s a good food scene to explore whether you’re wanting to try modern or traditional dishes.
To be honest, eating at restaurants is one of the best things to do in Shkoder. There are a lot of great places to eat in Shkoder for lunch, here are some of my favorites.
Stolia Coffeehouse & Brunch serves modern and healthy brunch options and has an aesthetic interior and garden.
They serve great specialty coffees and fancy croissants so it’s a good breakfast stop. They also have air conditioning and strong wifi so it’s perfect for getting a bit of work done too.
My favorites are the Lotus latte, fresh antioxidant juice, and avocado toast.
Vila Bekteshi has a charming, traditional feel and is located near the pedonale. My favorite dish is the chicken soup and egg-lemon soup.
Many others places serve it but theirs is the best. If you pair it with a few other sides, it makes for a good, light lunch.
Cliche Bistro is both a cafe and bistro on the pedonale that has a modern Instagram feel. This is kind of the ‘cool’ place in Shkoder to go to.
They serve a good range of more modern dishes and have wifi if you want to work there.
PS – it’s the only place in Shkoder that I’ve found that has Asian style dishes (if you want that). I had the chicken noodle dish and it was good for a region that has 0 Asian influence – they even gave chopsticks.
Manifatura is a newer bar and restaurant in a nationally protected 100-year-old textile and carpet shop.
Three childhood friends renovated the historical building and opened Manifatura to pay homage to Shkoder’s historical legacy with the walls showcasing literary and cultural aspects of the city.
If you’re in the mood for some comfort food, their specialty is pizza and beer. After trying quite a few pizza places, this is my favorite in all of Shkoder city.
If you’re okay with having pork/meat, I’d suggest the ham feast pizza. You can see some photos from the renovations and menu on their website.
If you’re looking for something hearty and local, you should try Puri Restaurant. Their specialty is pilaf (cooked rice).
This is a common food for locals to get at lunchtime since it’s affordable and gives a large portion. I like their pilaf but I did venture away from the norm one time to try their soup.
I’m always on the hunt for good soup spots so I tried their broccoli soup and it was so thick, creamy, and flavorful. I would definitely recommend that too.
6. Visit Shkoder History Museum
The Shkoder History Museum was established in 1947 with donations from religious communities (the Jesuits and Franciscans) and some prominent families of Shkoder.
It was moved to its current residence in 1996, to the traditional Shkodran house of Osa Kuka.
While visiting you’ll get to take a step back in time to the Albanian Renaissance with the beautiful artwork that is displayed.
There are also ethnographic and archaeological displays. Entrance to the museum is 150 lek for adults.
7. Go Shopping At The Flea Markets
You can visit open-air shops in different parts of the city, though there are some areas like this market and this area that have more of a market vibe.
It’s common for people to do errands earlier in the day, so you will see more activities in the morning.
This is normal for other things too – people like to buy fresh byrek and bread in the morning so the earlier you go, the fresher/more options you might have.
8. Check Out The Small Parks
Though it’s not the most exciting thing in the world, there are some interesting historical monuments in green spaces around Shkoder city.
You can see some at Shatervani and Sheshi Isa Boletini. There’s also a green space on Hasan Riza Pasha road where older locals like to hang out at.
There are some nice shaded areas so people socialize there.
9. Have A Drink At A Rooftop Bar
Since Shkoder is surrounded by beautiful mountains and Lake Shkoder, it’s easy to find nice views.
One of my favorite things to do in Shkoder is watch the sunset while having a drink at one of the rooftop bars.
Some of the places that I like with a good view are the Meridian, the rooftop bar at Hotel Colosseo, and the 5th-floor rooftop bar at Hotel Chicago.
If you’re wanting to find good accommodation, check out the reviews of the best hostels or hotels in Shkoder.
10. Enjoy Baklava
Albania has been influenced by other cultures for hundreds of years, which is why it can feel like a mix of European and Middle Eastern influences.
Due to the Ottoman occupation, baklava is now found all over Albania. It’s eaten on special occasions, like Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
It’s nice to take a break from seeing things in Shkoder to have some baklava.
Just a warning though, if you’ve had it in Middle Eastern countries (where it’s made the best in my opinion), you might be disappointed – but it is still good.
My favorite place in Shkoder is a little ways from the pedonale here, about 10 mins walking away.
11. Teatri Migjeni
Teatri Migjeni is a cultural center and performing arts establishment near the main roundabout in Shkoder.
This roundabout is listed on google maps as Sheshi Demokracia but locally known as Ish 5 herojt – Qendra e qytetit – this is also where the buses arrive in the city and leave from).
There are different types of musical and performance events that happen at the teatri or theatre in English.
If you’re wanting to find out what’s on, stop in and ask, or you could ask your accommodation host to call them.
12. Kinema Millennium
Outside of Tirana, you’ll be hard-pressed to find places to watch movies. Kinema Millennium is located in the city center, so if you’re wanting to catch a film, it is possible.
Where I grew up, the only thing to do was go to the movies so it’s not that exciting to me – but if you want to watch a movie in Albanian for a unique experience, it is possible. Tickets will have to be purchased in person.
Things To Do In Shkoder City (On The Outskirts)
Most of the popular things to do in Shkoder that are always recommended in guides are actually located on the city outskirts.
I wanted to put these in their own section because they aren’t walkable, so you’ll need to rent a bike or a car, or hire a taxi.
Even with the extra effort, they are definitely worth it – the views from Rozafa Castle are incredible.
13. Venetian Mask Museum
Having a Venetian mask museum and factory in Shkoder might seem random.
It does make sense when you learn more about the city’s history, specifically the period of Venetian occupation.
It’s an interesting Shkoder attraction, to say the least. The masks are crafted beautifully and make a unique gift to take home, though it might not be the easiest to transport safely.
14. Visit Rozafa Castle
Rozafa Castle is a fortress on the edge of Shkoder, Albania. It was originally built in the 6th century and then was fortified more in the 15th century by the Venetians.
For almost three centuries, it served as an important military base for them until they lost control of Albania in 1797.
During the communist period, Rozafa Castle was turned into a museum and prison. Today, it has been declared a National Monument of Culture and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
There’s also an interesting story of how Rozafa Castle came to be, but you should wait to learn about it when you’re there in person.
If you want to visit, I’d recommend doing this guided tour of Rozafa castle because it includes some landmarks nearby and transportation.
15. Visit Shiroka & Zogaj
When visiting Shkoder, you’ll notice that the city center isn’t anywhere near the shores of Shkodra Lake.
Shiroka is kind of a second city center in some ways. It’s a small village directly on the waterside that has lots of guesthouses, hotels, and seafood restaurants.
It’s undoubtedly the best place to get seafood in Shkoder. Because of the restaurant’s proximity to the water, the seafood – or maybe I should say ‘lake food’, is super fresh.
In the high season, Shiroka is the place to be because there’s a nice walkway along the water, a place for kids to play. People usually come to have a drink or dinner and enjoy a sunset.
If you’re looking for a fun, active thing to do in Shkoder, you should rent a bike, cycle to Shiroka (or even further to Zogaj if you would like), and enjoy a nice seafood lunch.
Make sure to stop at Arbri Bar on the way to Shiroka, they make the best macchiato in Shkoder (I’m obsessed).
Of course in the dead of summer, it might be too hot, so you can take a taxi, each way will be about 500 -700 lek.
16. Go Kayaking or Stand Up Paddle Boarding
If you’re wanting to see more of Lake Shkoder while getting up close and personal, there is no better way than being directly on the water.
From Shiroka, you can do either kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding on Lake Shkodra.
I used to be a nature kayak tour guide myself for two summers. I can say with all my heart, being on the water is the best way to take in the lake’s natural beauty.
17. Visit Mesi Bridge
Mesi Bridge is a unique and picturesque landmark leftover from the Ottomans in 18th century.
You can find Ottoman bridges in different parts of Albania, but this is one of the longest in the region of northern Albania.
If you want to save time, it could be easier to take this combination tour of Mesi Bridge, Disht Castle ruins, and Rozafa Castle. It takes about 4 hours and would be good if the weather is really hot.
Walking up the steep hill to the castle is not ideal in the Balkan summer heat. Plus you don’t have to mess with arranging a taxi.
Day Trips From Shkoder
Shkoder is a great place to base yourself if you want to explore the north of Albania but don’t want to go completely into the rural areas for long periods.
That way you can enjoy the cozy vibes and amenities that the city offers while still seeing the stunning nature in the region.
Here are a few fun trips to take while staying in the city. If you want all of my favorite options, check out this guide on day trips from Shkoder!
18. Day Trip To Theth
One of the most famous villages in northern Albanian, Theth is a village high up in the Accursed Mountains, otherwise known as the Albanian Alps.
On my first trip to Albania, I solo hiked in these mountains for a week. It was gorgeous but also pretty intense.
If you’re not looking to be physically challenged, taking a day trip to Theth is a good option.
This allows you to see the beauty, learn about the interesting history there, see a cool waterfall, and an optional hike to the Blue Eye.
A different day trip to Theth offers to stop near Bogë to see a beautiful panoramic point and an ancient guard station as well.
19. Day Trip To Montenegro
Shkoder city is close to two border crossings into Montenegro, roughly a 30-minute drive to each. This means it’s very easy to visit Montenegro on a day trip from Shkoder.
One that goes close to Podgorica, the capital city of Montenegro, and one that goes towards the Montenegrin coast.
You can do this day trip to Montenegro that goes along the beautiful coast, but be aware the departure point is in Tirana.
Contact the company to see if they can pick you up in Shkoder if that’s where you’re staying.
Multiple Day Trips From Shkoder
If you’re wanting to spend some extra time sightseeing in Shkoder and beyond, then these multi-day trips are for you.
It’s a nice middle ground between going solely on day trips or planning everything yourself (which can be hard sometimes if you don’t speak Albanian).
By doing an organized multi-day trip, you can fully enjoy rather than worrying about arranging anything.
20. Three-Day Trip To Theth
Spending only a day in the village of Theth isn’t enough, especially because it is remote so a lot of time is spent on the road.
Those curvy, steep roads tire you out too – it is better to stay overnight. Trust me it is so beautiful and charming.
You will want to stay longer since there’s a lot of natural beauty to explore. So if you have the time, there is a three-day tour to Theth.
21. Two-Day Trip To Komani Lake & Shala River
Komani Lake is also a really good thing to do in Shkoder county. It’s similar to Theth though because it is remote, so it’s not the best for a single-day trip.
That’s why tours usually combine this with two other attractions nearby. One is the Shala River / Lumi i Shales, nicknamed Thailand of Albania because it looks so tropical.
Shala runs into Komani Lake, so you need a boat specifically going there. Check out the 2-day Komani & Shala River trip here.
22. Two-Day Trip To Komani Lake & Valbona
The other option is to do a combination, 2-day trip to Komani Lake and Valbona.
Valbona is a beautiful mountain village that is similar to Theth since it’s only on the other side of a mountain pass from Theth.
So this is a good trip that combines mountains and a boat tour.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ve found what to do in Shkoder Albania for your visit. Albania’s ancient city has a lot to offer for those who take the time to get to know it.
Hopefully, these tips help your upcoming trip. If you end up doing any of these 21 things to do in Shkoder, let me know below which was your favorite.
Want to know more about Albania? Check out 7 things about Albanian hospitality you should know.
