Wondering, is Tirana worth visiting? – this article covers what you need to know before planning your trip to the “land of Eagles”.
Since Tirana has the largest international airport in Albania (there are only two), it is the most popular way to arrive. It makes sense that travelers want to know if Tirana is worth visiting or not.
Here’s my complete guide on why Tirana is worth a visit (or maybe it isn’t) for you!
I’ll go over the reasons for both so you can get a better feel for what to expect, a recommendation for how long to stay, and some thoughts on how affordable and safe Tirana is.
Is Tirana Worth Visiting?
After living in Albania for a few years here is my honest opinion.
No, Tirana isn’t worth visiting, at least not for a long period.
When compared with everything else that Albania has to offer, Tirana just doesn’t stack up. It’s always crowded, noisy, and incredibly hot in the summer, which is when most travelers come to visit.
Spending a short time learning about Albania’s past from the museums will help you to appreciate why things are the way they are.
Beyond that, I’d encourage you to leave and experience Albania’s historically rich sites and natural wonders (like the gorgeous Lumi i Shales).
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5 Reasons Why Tirana Isn’t Worth Visiting
Reading this, you might be thinking how cynical this viewpoint is. I want to emphasize that it’s not necessarily that Tirana is the worst place in the world – there are definitely some great things, read the following section!
It’s more about the fact that Tirana doesn’t do Albania justice. There are so many amazing places and delicious foods to try.
Only spending time in the capital (or a majority of your time) would do you a great disservice. Let me explain a bit more about this in these 5 reasons why Tirana is not worth visiting below.
Interesting Things To Do Elsewhere
For Albanians, Tirana has become a place for growth and opportunity. It’s where they can move to and have the chance of getting a better job or education.
From what many Albanians have told me, most don’t really enjoy Tirana but it’s a necessity to have a better life.
And for Albanians that live in other places, they don’t make it seem like they enjoy visiting because it’s noisy, expensive, and has bad traffic.
Since Tirana has a large population of young people, there is a big student vibe to the city.
Tirana has expanded a lot, with lots of building projects going on like large shopping centers, which is not something you can find anywhere else in Albania.
If you’re looking for interesting things to do as a tourist, it’s a little barren besides museums. Unless of course, you’re specifically looking to shop or hit up a nightclub.
Comparatively, Albania has really fun things to do elsewhere.
For starters, you can go white water rafting, canyoning, horse riding, ATV riding, go on beautiful boat and ferry trips, visit waterfalls, and even some hot springs (they’re better described as warm though). More info on activities in Albania here.
Of course, there are also historical UNESCO sites to see, beautiful beaches and lakes to swim in, and tons of amazing foods to try.
Local Immersion
If you’re looking to be immersed in local life in Tirana, it can be a bit difficult, like any large city. Like I mentioned before, Tirana has attracted young people from all over the country, so it has a different atmosphere.
Many other places, like Shkoder in the north, have pride in being from their city/area, whereas Tirana has kind of grown beyond that from the city’s modernization.
There are some areas that retain that feeling of local life, so it’s not completely impossible though.
Albanian Culture
If you’re wanting to experience traditional Albanian culture, it’s best to leave the more modern city of Tirana. The truth of it is that Tirana does not represent Albania by any means.
Most of the country is more rural and traditional. Seeing smaller, historic places like Shkoder, Berat, Gjirokaster, and Korca will help to immerse you in Albanian culture.
The Best Albanian Cuisine
If you’re looking to do a deep dive into Albanian cuisine, you’ll need to see other places beyond Tirana.
While you can still get some decent food in Tirana (in fact it’s great if you want international food), it will be better to try certain aspects of Albanian food in places that are known for it.
As an example, seafood from the coast and lakes (like Lake Shkodra) is amazing. You can also get Tave Kosi, one of Albania’s more famous dishes, in Elbasan where it is thought to have originated (and many claim that it also tastes the best).
Shkoder is known for Tave Krapi, Lushnje is known for having the best byrek, Gjirokaster is known for amazing qofte, and Berat is known for its wine. There are plenty more, but those are some top examples that come to mind.
Affordability
Like any capital city, Tirana is more expensive than the rest of the country by far. If you’re looking to explore on a budget, visiting other places will definitely be cheaper.
There are some exceptions, like traveling around the Albanian Riviera – that will be expensive. Generally, things will be more affordable though if you get out of Tirana.
6 Reasons Why Tirana Is Worth Visiting
What does Tirana have that sets it apart from the rest of the country?
As I mentioned before, Tirana has some incredible museums that have preserved artifacts and display the country’s history.
Why is Tirana worth visiting?
There are also lots of places to enjoy the nightlife, shopping, and international cuisine. It’s also the main transport hub for Albania, so it’s a great place to start if you’re traveling by bus.
Plus, if any emergencies arise, Tirana has the best medical care.
Learning About History
Albania has lots and lots of history, so much so that it can feel overwhelming. Due to varying factors, many historical treasures in Albania were not preserved very well.
Even now, it can be hard to find information, and if you visit historical sites you will see them unfortunately still being neglected.
In this way, the information provided in Tirana’s museums is pretty important since they are the main way to learn.
Nightlife & Clubbing
One thing that Tirana has compared with the rest of Albania is a lot of nightlife. If you’re more into clubbing than hiking, Tirana is definitely worth visiting.
There are some neat bars to check out, some of the most popular being in the Blloku neighborhood. During the summer, Saranda is also known for its nightlife, but it’s entirely seasonal.
You can expect to find Tirana’s nightlife to be active at all points of the year.
International Food Scene
As someone who is living in Albania and eats Albanian food 99% of the time when going out, it can be nice to have international food every once in a while.
If you have an urge for some Asian cuisine, like sushi, Tirana is worth visiting. There are a few other places in Albania that offer different kinds of food, but the quality will undoubtedly be the best in the capital.
A lot of this has to do with importing the specialized ingredients, not necessarily how skilled the chefs are.
Main Transport Hub
Visiting Tirana is also great because you have access to Albania’s main transport hub – the Tirana bus station.
Though it’s not the most convenient since it’s quite far from the city center, it’s still the easiest place to get your trip started.
From there, you can find all the accessible routes that are offered. As an example, if you tried to travel from Saranda to Pogradec, it would be complicated. From Tirana, buses leave more frequently and reliably.
Tirana is also the best place to rent a car in Albania. There are a lot of good deals to check out, especially at Tirana airport.
If you’re looking to do an Albanian road trip, then this will be the easiest place to land and get a car straight away.
Shopping / Large Purchases
This might not really apply if you’re only visiting for a short time like a week or so, but Tirana is undoubtedly the best place to shop in Albania.
Not only will you have a lot of options, but the product quality will be higher. As someone who lives in Albania, this is one of the main reasons I go to Tirana.
The new Toptani Mall is located in the city center, it’s pretty nicely designed and even has a cool glass elevator.
Health Needs
Visiting Tirana is a good idea if any health-related issues come up. The capital has the best medical care in the country. There are plenty of great private facilities that you can visit if the need arises.
Of course, that’s not to say there aren’t good health providers in other parts of the country, but as a foreigner, it can be difficult with a potential language barrier.
Depending on where you are, an emergency response could be delayed because a lot of Albania is remote. In Tirana, you wouldn’t have that issue.
So if that is a concern for you, it could be better to stick to more populated areas. As an example, on my first trip to Albania, I hiked solo for one week in northern Albania.
Physically and mentally I was capable, but attempting that could be dangerous if you have certain medical conditions or needs since it was quite remote.
Need some more information? Check out Do You Need Travel Insurance For Albania? 8 Important Things To Keep In Mind
How long should I spend in Tirana Albania?
As you plan your itinerary for Albania, a common question arises: “How long should I spend in Tirana?”.
I recommended spending 1-2 days in the city. This timeframe allows you to visit the iconic Skanderbeg Square, home to the National History Museum and the striking Et’hem Bey Mosque.
You can also spend time in the Blloku neighborhood, where you can find cute cafes, boutiques, and the former residence of Albania’s communist leader, Enver Hoxha.
Visiting Tirana’s museums, such as the Bunk’Art Museum and the House of Leaves, requires additional time to appreciate the depth of their exhibits.
These museums will provide valuable insights into Albania’s past and present.
Places To Visit Nearby Tirana Albania
Tirana’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions. If you have additional time, consider allocating a day or two for day trips from Tirana.
For example, you can visit the picturesque town of Kruja Albania, located just 32 kilometers north of Tirana.
Explore the medieval fortress, immerse yourself in the local bazaar, and learn about Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg, at the Skanderbeg Museum.
For nature enthusiasts, I would recommend you visit the Dajti Mountain National Park nearby. Take the Dajti Ekspres cable car to the summit, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Tirana.
A great option if you’re not afraid of heights. The restaurant at the top is not a place I’d recommend, one of the worst meals I’ve had in Albania.
I’d suggest bringing snacks instead. There are also some outdoor activities, such as caving or cycling to take part in – hiking to Pellumbas Cave and Erzeni Canyon and biking to Dajti.
Is Tirana cheap?
Is Tirana cheap? Many travel blogs suggest visiting Tirana because it’s labeled as cheap.
Though it might be affordable for those who make money in stronger currencies, locals struggle to compete with rising prices.
Affordability For Tourists
Tirana offers a budget-friendly experience for many travelers that come from Western countries with higher salaries.
It is cheaper when compared to other European capitals. Since Albania has seen a tourism boom, the prices in Albania’s capital have gone up tremendously.
It’s not the ultra-affordable destination that many blogs make it out to be. Tirana will still be much cheaper than the likes of Oslo, Munich, Edinburgh, etc.
There are some great hostels in Tirana to choose from, as well as guesthouses and mid-range hotels, providing a variety of choices to suit different budgets.
Transportation within the city is also relatively inexpensive. It’s 40 lek for a bus ride, which is a great price but it’s very hard to tell which buses go where.
This is tough especially if your Albanian isn’t very good, because you need to ask the bus driver where it’s going.
If you see a young person, chances are high that they know at least a little English so they can help.
Taxis are another convenient option, and while they may be slightly pricier, they are still affordable compared to other major cities.
There are even some online apps like Patoko (similar to Uber) that have started so that will make taxis easier as well.
Generally, Tirana isn’t very large so most tourist sites are walkable. Unfortunately, the bus station is far out of the center so you will need transport to access it.
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Affordability For Locals
While Tirana may offer a relatively inexpensive experience for tourists, the story is different for the locals.
The cost of living in Tirana has been rising steadily in recent years, fueled by economic growth and increased demand.
Prices for essential goods and services, such as housing, groceries, and certain aspects of healthcare, have increased, making it challenging for many locals to make ends meet.
Though many travel bloggers might encourage you to visit Tirana with phrases like, “You can get such cheap Airbnbs!” – this is very damaging for the locals.
Rent prices in Tirana have surged, particularly in desirable neighborhoods, creating affordability issues for residents.
While wages have increased in some jobs, they have not kept pace with the rising costs, exacerbating the challenges faced by the local population.
The influx of tourism has led to an increase in prices in certain areas, creating gentrification.
Popular restaurants, bars, and hotels catering to tourists often have higher price tags, making them less accessible to locals on the standard Albanian income wage.
This widening disparity in affordability can sometimes create a sense of exclusion for locals in their own city. As a visitor, these issues don’t necessarily touch you, but it’s important to be aware of them.
It’s crucial to not label a city as ‘cheap’ when that is definitely not the case for everyone.
To be a more conscious, responsible traveler, I’d encourage you to visit other places in Albania to help combat some of these issues and put your tourism money where it can do a lot of good.
Is Tirana Safe?
Safety is a significant consideration for travelers when choosing a destination and Tirana is no exception.
As the city continues to attract tourists, it’s important to address the question: Is Tirana safe?
Yes, in my experience of visiting many times, Tirana is very safe. Most people are honest and treat foreigners with the utmost kindness – Albanian hospitality is unmatched.
Tirana is generally considered a safe city for tourists. Like any urban area, it is essential to take basic precautions and remain aware of your surroundings.
The city has a visible police presence, especially in popular tourist areas, which helps maintain a sense of security.
Violent crime rates in Tirana are relatively low, and most visitors can explore the city without major safety concerns.
Albania has made significant progress in terms of political and social stability in recent years. In the early 2000s, violence was way more likely at protests but that has mostly changed for the better.
However, it’s always a good idea to stay informed about current events and be mindful of any potential protests or demonstrations that may occur.
There are protests that happen frequently, so it’s best to avoid these when possible. If you sign up to the US Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), the US embassy in Tirana will send email updates for safety updates.
There is always a chance of theft and pickpocketing anywhere you go, particularly in crowded areas or on public transportation (the intercity buses can get very crowded).
I’ve always felt very safe while visiting Tirana though, which is a nice change compared with many other European capitals I visited.
It’s also much safer than living in the US, Ireland, and Scotland – all places I’ve lived for long periods.
I’d still recommend using common sense and being a little careful, though it’s not something to be concerned about at all.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide has answered is Tirana worth visiting? for you.
Though it’s not my favorite city and I wouldn’t consider Tirana worth visiting if you’re short on time, everyone has different preferences.
There are incredible things to see and do outside of Tirana that I’d encourage you to experience.
There are some good reasons to visit Tirana though, especially if you’re new to the Balkans or want to learn more about Albania’s intense past.
