Is Shkoder worth visiting? In my opinion, yes it is.
If you’re traveling in Albania but you’re not sure why you should visit Shkoder or if you should include it on your itinerary, then this article is for you.
But why listen to me? Now I wouldn’t say I’m a full-fledged local of Shkoder – more commonly known as ‘Shkodran(e)’, someone born and raised in Shkoder.
Previously, I visited Shkoder in 2019 and 2020, before coming back a third time in 2022.
Now I have been living in Shkoder for the last few months and plan to stay for a while. I’ve gotten to know the city well and honestly, there is a lot more than meets the eye.
Is Shkoder Worth Visiting?
Is Shkoder worth visit – it’s a small but lively city in the north of Albania that honestly deserves more attention.
When most tourists hear about Albania, it’s because of the insanely beautiful coastline, nicknamed the Albanian Riviera.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the beach just as much as anyone, if not more so, but there is so much to discover inland (if you need convincing, check out the incredible Lumi i Shales!)
Shkoder doesn’t get as much spotlight on social media as the sandy beaches, but don’t let that sway you though.
I promise you that Shkoder is worthy of your affection in its own special way.
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What Is Shkoder Known For?
I have come to love not only the city center but also the fact that this city is placed in a truly unique position.
It’s located on the edge of the stunning and massive Lake Shkoder, while also residing on the edge of the Accursed Mountains, commonly known as the Albanian Alps.
In ancient times, rivers were essential for food, commerce, fortification, and more, so older cities are usually founded centered around them.
Shkoder is very special because is centered not by one, but three rivers – Drin, Buna, and Kir.
It is also conveniently close to the Adriatic sea – about a 30 min drive from the beach.
If you’re like me and you love the water, especially in hot weather, there are many wonderful swimming options if you drive 20-45 mins into the mountains too.
You’ll find plenty of lakes, rivers, and waterfalls to explore and swim in. Check out my swimming recommendations in the FAQs.
There is plenty to do if you enjoy nature, especially in the warmer months. Shkoder’s nightlife scene also doesn’t disappoint.
Whether you prefer sitting in a cafe having a nice dessert, listening to live music in the stone alleyway, or sipping a cocktail while hearing local house music, there is something for everyone.
8 Reasons Why You Should Visit Shkoder
So if you’re asking, is Shkoder worth visiting? Yes, there is a good vibe, great food, intense history, beautiful nature, and wonderful people.
If you need more convincing about why Shkoder is worth visiting, here are 8 things you should know.
1. Everyone Uses Bikes
One of the biggest things you’ll notice when visiting Shkoder, Albania, is that so many people use bicycles.
Even during the rainy winter season, you’ll see locals riding their bikes to do errands or go to work.
They somehow manage to navigate the (sometimes) crazy traffic all while holding an umbrella. It’s honestly impressive.
For Europe, most think of cycling stereotypes and their mind goes to the Netherlands or Belgium, but the Balkans… well not so much.
Geographically it makes sense. The Balkans are an extremely mountainous region, so cycling doesn’t usually bode well.
In Shkoder’s case, it is a flat city that rests on the Mbishkodra plain so it works.
It’s also one of the things that set Shkoder apart from other Albanian cities. Try cycling in Gjirokaster or Saranda and you’ll see what I mean.
2. Great Accommodation Options
There are plenty of accommodation options in Shkoder for all price ranges. There are quite a few hostels in Shkoder to choose from, usually 9-14 euros a night.
If you’re traveling with friends, you can find some reasonably priced apartments to rent.
They are 20-40 euros a night which will be cheaper since you’re splitting the costs.
If you’re wanting more traditional travel accommodation, there are some great luxurious and unique hotels in Shkoder to pick from.
If you’re on a budget, check out the best hostels in Shkoder.
3. The Pedonale Is The Place To Be
Pedonale simply means a pedestrian area in the city center. Sometimes it is called the boulevard, or for the British, it is the equivalent of the ‘high street’.
The Pedonale in Shkoder is so charming with its old-style lamp posts, stone walkways, and vibrant holiday decorations in the winter.
The main Pedonale near Ebu Bekër Mosque has a beautiful Venetian style and in recent years has become more developed.
You can find a lot of clothing boutique stores, jewelry shops, and places to buy books, wine, souvenirs, etc.
There are also some cute cafes to stop at for some dessert and coffee, and later in the evening, a few cool clubs to check out.
You can find some great restaurants – surprisingly they are still good. Check out my complete guide to the best restaurants in Shkoder!
And I only say that because many times, when traveling, the restaurants you find in touristy areas can serve overpriced, bad-quality food that lacks authenticity.
Thankfully it’s really not like that, of course, I would still encourage you to go beyond the Pedonale to eat too.
4. Unique Foods To Try
The most famous dish that Shkoder is known for is a delicious baked fish entree, Tavë Krapi.
The best place to eat this dish (and honestly any seafood products) is near Lake Shkoder, a village called Shiroka.
The restaurants there specialize in these dishes and have the freshest fish. One of my favorites is Blu Notte in the village of Shiroka.
Further outside of the village on the same road toward the Montenegro border is Pelikani Kaçurrel – it’s worth the longer drive I promise!
Another one of my favorite local dishes is egg-lemon soup.
Now I know what you might be thinking… it sounds like a strange combination right? For some reason, it works and is amazing.
Though it might not be recognized specifically as a Shkoder food, this soup is offered at most Shkoder restaurants as a side dish – far more than any other places I’ve lived/traveled in Albania.
My favorite place for this is in the city center, Villa Bekteshi.
5. Deep Historical Significance
As Albania’s ‘ancient city’, Shkoder is known for its deep historical significance, especially since it is one of the oldest cities in the Balkan region.
The earliest signs of civilization found are from the Bronze Age. Since then, there has been a turbulent history of invasions most notably from Roman and Ottoman forces.
Nowadays, you’ll hear Shkoder referred to as the ‘cultural capital’ of Albania. One great example of this is that it’s where many influential figures of the Albanian Renaissance originated from.
Northern Albania is also known as Gegëria, which has social and cultural differences from the rest of Albania.
When visiting, you’ll hear the Gheg dialect of Albanian being spoken, as well as even more localized words specific to the city/district of Shkoder.
6. Interesting Attractions To See
The most visited attraction in Shkoder is undoubtedly Rozafa Castle, the dominating fortress that greets you on the road to the city center coming from Tirana.
Rozafa Castle is steeped in history and has a very interesting origin story to learn about when you visit (no spoilers from me sorry!).
There are beautiful panoramic views from the castle to enjoy and also a museum within the castle to learn more about the history.
An obvious attraction is also Lake Shkoder, you could try out kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Check out this full guide on day trips from Shkoder for more inspiration.
Within the city, there are some really interesting museums to check out like the Shkoder History Museum and the Marubi National Museum of Photography.
Wander around freely, there are plenty of cute cafes and great restaurants to find.
A not-so-typical attraction a little way outside of the city is the Venetian Mask Museum.
It has interesting displays and masks for purchase that would make a great local handmade souvenir to take home.
7. Beautiful Mosques & Churches Everywhere
Modern-day Albania is extremely tolerant of different faiths. The main religious influence is Islam, with Christianity (predominately Catholic & Orthodox) following behind it.
Here in the north of Albania, it is known for having a foothold in Catholicism, while the south is known for being more Islamic.
In the city center, you’ll get to see a mix of both beautiful mosques and churches/cathedrals.
8. Great Place For Shopping & Souvenirs
Compared with other areas of Albania, Shkoder is a decent place for shopping. For me, the only better place would be the capital, Tirana.
In fact, I would say that shopping is a big attraction for locals coming from more remote parts of the north.
If you walk the streets in the morning and middle of the day, you will see plenty of shops with goods displayed outside, giving open market vibes.
You can find lots of great, unique used/secondhand finds for a good price.
There’s also a good range of indoor stores. For brand-new clothes on a budget, you can go to DeFacto or LC Waikiki.
If you’re wanting to get some souvenirs but also be a responsible tourist, I would recommend trying to find some handmade items at the open markets/shops.
You can find wonderful hand-knit items that are traditional for mountain life.
There are some good souvenir shops, but before purchasing try to make sure the items are made nearby or at least in Albania so you are supporting the local economy.
The only other place I’ve visited in Albania that would have better souvenirs would probably be Gjirokaster.
FAQS About Visiting Shkoder
Here are some frequently asked questions for those wanting to visit Shkoder, Albania.
If you have any other questions you would like answered, leave them in the comments and I can add them + the answer.
How do I spend my day in Shkoder?
First and foremost, you have to visit Rozafa Castle! Not only is it a crucial aspect of Skoder’s history, but the 360-degree views of the city, surrounding rivers, Albanian Alps, and Lake Shkoder are incredible.
My suggestion would be to go about 1 to 2 hours before sunset, it’s so beautiful.
It’s a long walk from the city center, it’s about an hour each way, which can be too much in the summer heat. If you don’t have a car, you can take a taxi or take a bike.
I’d recommend renting a bike (if you’re able to) since that’s how the locals get around and it’s just fun.
If you rent a bike for the day, you can also cycle along the Buna River to Shiroka for some gorgeous views and a delicious lunch on the water.
If you’re wanting to stay closer to the city center, I’d recommend visiting some of the markets, museums, and cute cafes.
How long should I stay in Shkoder?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Shkoder is a great place to spend a chilled-out weekend if you know where to go and what to do (aka following my guide).
Many people only stay for a day or just the night to go hiking in the Albanian Alps the next day, but I think there’s more to be discovered if you look deeper.
It is less busy and chaotic than Tirana, so if you are wanting more of a big city feel then the capital might suit you better.
Can you drink the water in Shkoder?
Technically, yes you can drink tap water in the city of Shkoder. The water comes from the mountains, which means it’s suitable for drinking.
I say this in comparison with many coastal Albanian towns where you should buy bottled water – not because the water has bad bacteria but usually because it has been treated with chemicals too harshly.
In Shkoder, you should be aware that some older buildings might not have the best pipes, so just ask the accommodation to double-check whether it is okay.
Can you swim in Shkoder lake?
When I was volunteering in a hostel in Shkoder, many people wanted to cool down from the relentless summer heat – we would get this question a lot.
My advice would be to avoid places that have a ‘swampy’ marsh area with long grass. These areas will be more likely to have snakes.
On the road to Shiroka near the Buna River, you’ll see what I mean by marshy.
Unfortunately, these marshy places are the ones closest to the city, so walking to the swimming spots won’t really work. You will need to cycle pretty far or take a car.
You can find some places in Shiroka and further down the road toward Montenegro in the village of Zogaj.
On the other slide of the lake, close to the mountains, there are some places as well – close to Stërbeq.
Just keep in mind, some of these areas aren’t the cleanest due to trash pollution and fishing.
On the side of the lake near Stërbeq, it’s also common to see cows or other livestock in the water/on the shore since it’s an agricultural area, so the water could have an elevated level of animal feces.
Where can I swim near Shkoder?
If you plan on renting a car in Shkoder, you have a lot of swimming possibilities. One of the most popular is the closest beach in Velipoja. It’s a small resort town with a modest beachfront.
During the high season (August and July), it is packed with vacationers, but during the shoulder season, it shouldn’t be too crowded (May, June, and September).
My favorite is to go into the mountains and enjoy freshwater swimming spots.
There are many close to Shkoder, like Urë e Shtrenjtë or these restaurants on the Vau i Dejes Reservoir that have nice allotted swimming areas – Zemra Ballkanit and Sarda Restaurant.
Is Shkoder Safe?
Since northern Albania and more specifically, Shkoder, has some damaging stereotypes, I wanted to touch on safety. From my perspective, Shkoder is very safe, but of course, things can happen anywhere. Check out my full breakdown of what to expect about safety in Shkoder.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide helped answer is Shkoder worth visiting for you. I know this was a lot of information but I hope it helps you plan your visit to the cultural capital of Albania.
Shkodran(e) people are proud of being from Shkoder and very welcoming and friendly. We can’t wait for your visit, see you soon!
Want to learn more about Albania? Check out these 7 things you should know about Albanian hospitality.
