Around Tirana in 3 Days

Tirana, the capital and largest city of Albania, is the country's cultural, economic, and political center. Established in 1614 by Sulejman Bargjini, a local Ottoman ruler, the city has grown rapidly, especially after becoming the capital in 1920. Tirana is known for its colorful buildings, vibrant streets, and rich history, blending Ottoman, Italian, and Communist-era architecture. Skanderbeg Square, the city's central plaza, is home to key landmarks such as the National History Museum, Et'hem Bey Mosque, and the Clock Tower.

The city's atmosphere is lively, with a mix of traditional and modern influences. Blloku, once an exclusive area for Communist elites, is now a trendy district filled with cafes, restaurants, and nightlife spots. The Grand Park of Tirana offers green spaces and a peaceful retreat, while Mount Dajti, accessible by cable car, provides stunning views of the city.

Tirana also boasts a growing arts scene, with museums, galleries, and cultural events celebrating Albania’s heritage and contemporary creativity.
In recent years, Tirana has undergone significant urban transformation, improving infrastructure and sustainability. The city is working to become more pedestrian-friendly, with new public spaces and bike lanes. It is also a hub for international diplomacy, hosting embassies and conferences. As Albania moves towards European integration, Tirana plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s future while preserving its unique identity and historical roots.

The list of attractions in the tour:
1.Scanderbeg Square  
"Skënderbej" Square is the main square of Tirana with an area of 40,000 m², which makes it the largest square in Albania.
"Skënderbej" Square is the main square located in the center of Tirana, Albania. The square is named after the Albanian national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu. The square is surrounded by the Palace of Culture, the Tirana Hotel, the National Museum and the Bank of Albania.

2.Et’hem Beu Mosque:
Et'hem Beu Mosque is located in the center of Tirana. It began to be built by Mulla Bey who came from Petrela in 1789. It was completed in 1821 by Mulle Bey's son, Haxhi Et'hem Bey. The mosque was in the final stages of construction and the erection of the tower next to the mosque was becoming an inseparable element of local tradition.

3.New Bazar: 
Visit of the new bazar and its surroundings of the street art and restaurants.
The New Market is located in Avni Rustemi Square, 8 minutes from the center of Tirana and has become the newest attraction of the city. Before the inauguration, the New Bazaar was not so attractive, where traders sold their products in not very good conditions. The New Bazaar was an investment the city needed, as the area had lost its beauty and authenticity.

4.Tirana Castle: 
The castle is located in the center of the capital of Albania, Tirana, and is one of its most frequented areas. Tirana Castle is a monument of cultural heritage, approved in 1973. It represents a fortification with a rectangular plan measuring 160x120 m. 

5.The San Pietro Cathedral: 
The cathedral was built at the end of 2001 and is one of the largest and newest cathedrals in Tirana. It belongs to the Catholic Archdiocese of Tirana-Durra. Its name recalls the Apostle Paul as the first evangelist of the Albanian lands, in 52 AD. In a letter addressed to the Romans, Saint Paul declares that: "he took the holy word from Jerusalem and around to Illyria". Inside the cathedral there is a monument to Mother Teresa and that of Pope John Paul II.

6.The Pyramid of Tirana: 
The "Pjeter Arbnori" International Culture Center, Pyramid or Former "Enver Hoxha" Museum was built and inaugurated as the "Enver Hoxha" museum in 1988 in Tirana, that is, three years after the death of Enver Hoxha.

7.Mother Teresa Square: 
The Mother Teresa Square (Albanian: Sheshi Nënë Tereza) is the second largest square in Tirana, Albania. It is named after the Albanian-born Indian Roman Catholic nun, missionary and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mother Teresa.

8.Beautiful murals Tirana:
Tirana,the capital of Albania,is known for its vibrant street art scene,incuding several impressive murals.Over the years,the city has embraced colorful murals as part of ani urban renewal effort to bring energy and art to publc spac.

9.Enver Hoxha former residence
As soon as he came to power, Enver Hoxha settled in the "Dajti" hotel in Tirana. A few days later he liked a house built in 1942 by an Italian, Velleda Lucia Costa. Koçi Xoxe lived in the next house next to it (to the east) belonging to the owner Qemal Biçakçiu.

10.The Autocephalous orthodox Cathedral: 
Is an Eastern Orthodox Church widespread in Albania. It ranks 13th in the diptychs of the Patriarchate of Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) and 12th in the diptychs of the Moscow Patriarchate. Its primate holds the title "His Beatitude, Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and all of Albania". Since 1992 this role has been played by Archbishop Anastas Janullatos.

11.The cloud “REJA”: 
The installation 'Cloud' by the Japanese artist Sou Fujimoto is a monumental work of art and a modern space for cultural life in Tirana. Since 2017, "Reja" has served as a space for cultural and artistic events in the capital.

12. Bunk'Art (extra 1 hour – Entrance fees: €4-5 Euros)
Such a bunker with 5 underground floors was built between 1972 and 1978, with 106 and an Assembly Hall, where objects that were used by former communist leaders in the years 76'-80' are exhibited, is located in the area known as Shish Tufina, in Tirana. 
 

Your excursion from Tirana to Lake Bovilla promises to be an unforgettable day, offering a perfect union of natural wonder and gastronomic pleasure.
After a short drive from the Albanian capital, you'll arrive at Lake Bovilla, a breath-taking sight for the eyes. Here, you'll be greeted by the crystal-clear waters of the lake, set against a backdrop of rugged mountains. The color of the water, varying from deep blue to clear turquoise depending on the angle of the sun and the vantage point, is a true natural wonder.
Start with a leisurely stroll around the lake to soak up the calm and serenity of the surroundings. The fresh air and soothing sounds of the surrounding nature provide a perfect counterpoint to the hustle and bustle of the city. As you progress, the path becomes steeper, leading to a spectacular viewpoint. From the top of this belvedere, you'll enjoy panoramic views not only of Lake Bovilla, but also of the expanse of central Albania. It's an opportunity to capture unforgettable images.
For food lovers, the excursion doesn't stop here. The region around Lake Bovilla is famous for its fresh local produce and traditional Albanian cuisine. A visit to a local producer can be arranged, where you can sample specialities such as handmade cheeses, olives and olive oils, and why not, grilled or smoked meats accompanied by seasonal vegetables. Meals are often prepared with ingredients grown in the region, offering you an authentic taste experience.
This excursion is ideal for those looking to escape the city for a day, eager to immerse themselves in Albania's natural beauty while discovering the culinary delights the country has to offer. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation or simply a good meal or breath-taking scenery, Lake Bovilla is a destination that never disappoints.
 

Get ready for a captivating escape to Shengjergj, an authentic gem nestled in the vibrant heart of Albania, a short distance from bustling Tirana. Shengjergj promises a day where rustic charm and history mingle with the splendour of nature.
Start your adventure with a visit to the iconic Shengjergj waterfall, a natural spectacle where water gracefully spills over rocks, creating a cool haven and soothing backdrop for visitors. It's the perfect place to take souvenir photos or simply enjoy the tranquil force of nature.
Then, let yourself be guided to the heart of the village, where time seems to stand still. Here, you'll discover traditions that have been passed down through generations. The locals, guardians of these customs, will share with you their way of life and perhaps even a few stories from the past.
To enhance your experience, Shengjergj is home to a number of restaurants and farms where you can sample local delicacies. These establishments, often family-run, serve traditional cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients, often from their own production. It's a unique opportunity to savour authentic dishes in a bucolic setting.
Don't miss a visit to the local animal farms, where you can interact with the animals and understand the importance of agriculture in the daily life of the village. It's a particularly rewarding experience for those wishing to connect with Albania's agricultural roots.
Shengjergj is more than just a village, it's a sanctuary of tranquillity set in a breath-taking natural valley. Its lush landscapes and breath-taking views make it the perfect escape for those looking to get away from the urban hustle and bustle for a day.
A day trip to Shengjergj guarantees unforgettable moments where nature, history, culture and gastronomy meet to create memories that will stay with you long after you've returned to city life.