Things to do & places to visit in Tirana County, Albania

Tirana County #2 destination in Albania 2023. The average rating score is 4.06 based on 10.4k traveler reviews, of 47 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Tirane, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 9:38.

Top things to do (31)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Gallery 43 (18 reviews)
- A must visit in Tirana!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

Gallery 43 is the only one in Tirana with authentic artworks from the famous albanian artist Rakip Shabani. The gallery has 2 floors with 94 unique paintings. You can visit it for free just to take a glimpse of the Albanian history, culture and nature. The paintings represent different lifestyles of the Albanian culture and not only. The artworks timeline varies from 1969 to January 2020. See more..
5.0 Zipline Albania (5 reviews)
- Must Do experience
Friday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

Great experience with wonderfull views of the surroundings . The zipline is 1250 meters and speed can Go up to 100km p/h. Helpfull staff and for only eur 15 a must Do in Albanië! See more..
4.5 Dajti Ekspres “Cable Car” (1.124 reviews)
- An enjoyable Cable Car Ride in Rain
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Trams

Located just 15 mins from the centre of Tirana, “Dajti Ekspres” provides it’s visitors with an unforgettable experience. Take the 15 minute trip up Dajti Mountain on the longest cableway in the Balkans and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city. At the summit, relax and enjoy the surroundings, take a stroll and enjoy the view! Enjoy a hot or cold drink in our rotating bar/cafe, located on the 7th floor of the Dajti Tower Hotel. A 45 minute stay at the bar will ensure you get a full 360 degrees view of the beautiful surroundings, including the Dajti national park. Fancy a bite to eat? Head over to our on-site restaurant perched on the edge of the mountain! Serving both traditional & International cuisine, we're told that the food is great (we are currently rated 10th on Trip Advisor out of 300 restaurants in Tirana) but even we must admit, it's the panoramic view that is the main attraction, simply breathtaking! We look forward to welcoming you soon. See more..
4.5 Bunk'Art 1 (1.057 reviews)
- Very interestingly and informative
Friday: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • History Museums

After the inaguration, in June 1978 by the dictator Enver Hoxha, opened to the public the anti-nuclear bunker built by the communist government. A 5 floor palace underground, with 106 rooms and an assembly hall, now turned into an historical and art center called "BUNK'ART". The passageways, the areas provided for the meetings of the General Staff of the Army in case of war, the rooms where was thought would sleep the communist exdictator Enver Hoxha and the former Prime Minister Mehmet Shehu in case of a nuclear attack, the gigantic hall dedicated to the meetings of the political Bureau which contains also an albanian tipical Buffe are transformed into a video museum exhibition and into art. Starting from April 2016, BUNK'ART is now made permanent, turning into a unique attraction site for tourists in the region, showing the albanian life during the 45 years of communism. See more..
4.5 BunkArt 2 (641 reviews)
- Must visit for understanding Albanian history
Friday: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • History Museums

Bunk'art 2 reconstructs the history of the Albanian Ministry of Internal Affairs from 1912 to 1991 and reveals the secrets of “Sigurimi”, the political police that was the harsh persecution weapon used by the regime of Enver Hoxha. Bunk'art 2 is the first major video museum exhibition dedicated to the victims of communist terror. See more..
4.5 Grand Park (Parku i Madh) (350 reviews)
- The lungs of Tirana
Parks

I visit this lovely park every weekend to go walking. It’s a bit of a cliche but it really is an oasis in the city, somewhere to escape all traffic and hustle and bustle of Tirana. It’s very popular with walkers, runners, cyclists and people who just want to chill out. There are numerous paths and jogging trails plus plenty of cafes. If you want to walk around the lake it will take you approximately 40 minutes. The park is well maintained, I seldom see any litter. A lovely, lovely place. See more..
4.5 House of Leaves (175 reviews)
- Helpful Museum Staff
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

Summaries in Albanian and English, but I recommend having the staff guide you through, he showed me things I wouldn’t have noticed otherwise, as some exhibits are not-so-obviously labeled. Personally, I enjoyed BunkArt2 better, but the staff informed me that one is privately funded, whereas House of Leaves relies on state funding - understandable. Don’t miss the bunker they have in the front terrace, very cool! See more..
4.5 Petrela Castle (54 reviews)
- Beautiful Venue
Spent < 1 hour Castles

The castle of Petrela is located on a rocky hill at the height of 400 m above sea level. Since antiquity, this fortress controlled the crossroads with economic and military importance, as Via Egnatia. It is thought that was built in the late antique period (III-IV century AD) and was rebuilt during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (527-565). See more..
4.5 The Cave of Pellumbas (40 reviews)
- Hiking up to the cave
Spent More than 3 hours Caverns & Caves

JUST DO IT! Easy to find, put pellumbas into google maps it will take you to a small village where there is a local shop/guide/lamp hire. The man in the shop was very helpful, gave lots of information map and guidance. A lamp is 400 lek to hire and is definitely recommended! The hike itself is relatively easy hiking would reccomend hiking boots for grip but we done it in normal trainers. The hike up took us about 40 minutes and about the same back down. We went all the way to the back of the cave, it is slippery in places but not too difficult to navigate once you have a lamp. Inside the cave there are lots of bats which is cool to see. Allow 2 hours from start to finish. Afterwards at the souvenir shop they do food which is traditional Albania food fresh from the local farm! PS lordi is the dog who will guide you up to the cave See more..
4.5 Preza Castle (24 reviews)
- Nice fortress
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Castles

This castle is near Tirana and you can enjoy there even a meal or a coffee. If you want you can make a picnic in the large area. The fortress is nice and the strange thing is that there is a mosque inside the castle See more..
4.5 Things to Do in Tirana County (17 reviews)
- Incredible scenery, fantastic host!
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water

The lake of Bovilla lies on the northeastern side of Tirana, between two mountain ranges. This is probably the closest area to practice climbing on the rocks near the capital. In this area some tour operators offer a save itinerary for walking, hiking and climbing on rocks. The itineraries vary in difficulty degrees, from simple ones to more difficult ones. See more..
4.5 St. Paraskevi's Church (2 reviews)
- Worthy
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Churches & Cathedrals

Small but Interesting church cause there are not many of that style in Albania. Its the only preserved of a roman-gothic style. Pretty old since the XIII sec. And its only 1.5 km from city centre. See more..
4.5 Things to Do in Tirana County (17 reviews)
- Incredible scenery, fantastic host!
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water

The lake of Bovilla lies on the northeastern side of Tirana, between two mountain ranges. This is probably the closest area to practice climbing on the rocks near the capital. In this area some tour operators offer a save itinerary for walking, hiking and climbing on rocks. The itineraries vary in difficulty degrees, from simple ones to more difficult ones. See more..
4.0 Skanderbeg Square (1.430 reviews)
- ALL ROADS LED TO ROME...
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

...but today all paths seem to lead to the square, the heart of the touristic part of Tirana. The National Museum of History [north side] is having its facade renovated but it is still open. The Opera House dominates the northeastern corner with edgy modern architecture. The Et’Hem Bey Mosque can be found in the southeastern corner and the imposing Skanderbeg Statue anchors the south of the square. Grab a seat and do some people watching. Music was pumping out loudly on a Saturday night. There are many nearby places of interest for tourists, mainly south and east of the square. You will pass near or through it on several occasions if here for more than a day. See more..
4.0 Muzeu Historik Kombetar (1.023 reviews)
- Nice experience
History Museums

Feel so bad about this museum . Really. If they change some things like the interpretation,new ideas or something similar it would be a very interesting one. They have the potential to do it and i hope they will do it soon. About the pros of this museum is that it has many pavilions for different ages and eras of our country history. Everything explained in a nice way. Also the staff very friendly and helpful! See more..
4.0 Et`hem Bey Mosque (621 reviews)
- Cultural gem and active mosque
Religious Sites

The Hajji Et'hem Bey Mosque (Albanian: Xhamia e Haxhi Et'hem Beut) is a mosque in Tirana, Albania which is a cultural monument. The mosque is adorned with beautiful frescoes outside and in the portico depicting trees, waterfalls and bridges (typically walls are white and this is an exception). Tourists can go inside but need to take off shoes and comply with the dress code. Pictures without flash are allowed to be taken inside. The mosque construction was started in late 18th century and finished in early 19th century. It survived the years of communism and functions as a mosque today. It takes 10-15 minutes to complete the tour (i.e., go inside to appreciate the history and beauty of the building) and is highly recommended. Entry is free. Friendly staff inside could provide additional guidance /support. See more..
4.0 Skanderbeg Statue (534 reviews)
- Very impressive statue
Monuments & Statues

Very nice and fine beautiful statue of the national hero of Albania Skanderbeg with impressive height of several metres and nicely shaped realistic created horse and guy with also realistic accurate face features. Good beautiful material that still looks mint condition despite it being like 50+ yrs old and no rust. Nice position in the Skanderbeg Square that contributes to a positive environment and give pride and unity to the people living there or visiting one would assume. See more..
4.0 Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania (414 reviews)
- A beautiful church
Religious Sites

This beautiful church is located in the city centre and is a very short walk away from Skanderberg Square. I love the golden doors at the entrance. No surprise to hear that it’s beautifully decorated inside. The dome ceiling is particularly impressive. It is free to enter and you don’t need a lot of time to see everything. There has been some scaffolding inside for a while now but this doesn’t take away from the atmosphere. See more..
4.0 Clock Tower (302 reviews)
- GUARDIAN OF THE SQUARE
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Tucked in behind the Et'Hem Bey Mosque in the southeastern corner of Skanderbeg Square stands this 35m sentinel. Its lower half reflects the Ottoman period; the upper half, Western themes including a Venetian roof. The clock is from Germany. A sign of the times, its original wooden stairs have been replaced with metal ones. See more..
4.0 National Gallery of Art (210 reviews)
- Great? No. Intriguing? Yes.
This location was reported permanently closed Art Museums

**This place is temporarily closed** National Gallery of Art was founded on January 11, 1954, although its beginnings date back to 1946 with the functioning of Art Pinakoteka. The National Gallery of Art is a state museum, research, and scientific institution. Its objective is the enrichment of the collection, conservation, study and promotion of national heritage values in the field of visual arts. Also through temporary exhibitions National Gallery of Arts promotes significant trends to the public, from visual art tradition to the contemporary methods, which are now being applied in Albania and all around the world. The mission of The National Gallery of Arts is to inspire and educate the young generations to come closer to the visual arts. We want everyone to feel part of the extraordinary world of art. See more..
4.0 Rinia Park (173 reviews)
- Nice central park
Parks

Rinia park is a centrally located park spread between the main Skenderbeg Sq and the trendy Blloku district to the south. It's a small, yet nice oasis of greenery that the Albanian capital mostly lacks of. There's a Taiwan pavilion in the middle with some restaurants and bars, and in front of it is a pond with many fountains and water jets. While they look nice during the day, at nighttime they seem kitsch being illuminated. The Independence monument is also in the park. See more..
4.0 Rruga Murat Toptani (160 reviews)
- Pedestrian relxation
Historic Walking Areas

This walkway is where much of Tirana will walk of enjoy cafe culture. It starts by the castle area and the Toptani Shopping mall and goes towards the Mother Theresa square . Leafy and pleasant See more..
4.0 Toptani Shopping Center (105 reviews)
- convenience and a great view
Spent 1-2 hours Shopping Malls

Toptani is one of the new mall experiences in Tirana . It has 6 floors of retail wih 6 th beinga food court which is a little pricey compared to what you can find in Tirana if you know what you are looking for. However the views from up there are worth paying the extra. The gess unit has many English speakers and they are happy to help. The shops are a good mix with LC Waikiki and de facto at the more budget end and they are busy. CONAD supermarket is handy and offers a good range for its size and has the most helpful security guard in the world Well beauty store has some oustanding staff also. They is also a money changer near one exit wch is handy but I got a slightly better rate outside of the centre. Toptani is handy for many of the nicer hotels and the main buses to the airport and bus station. See more..
4.0 Saint Paul Cathedral (93 reviews)
- A VERY MODERN LOOKING CATHEDRAL
Churches & Cathedrals

The main Roman Catholic building in Tirana is more noteworthy for its unorthodox [no pun intended] exterior architecture, striking for being out of the ordinary. It is located east of Rinia Park on Bulevardi Bajram Curri. A statue of Mother Teresa, Albanian by birth, is on the grounds. See more..
4.0 Pazari i Ri (91 reviews)
- Nice area
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Farmers Markets

The New Bazaar was established in 1939 and through the following years it kept on prospering and developing. Its establishment came as a necessity, due to the continuous increase of the trade activity which could not be afforded any longer by the only Old Bazaar. After the demolition of the old Bazaar in 1959, the new Bazaar remained for a long time the only trading centre of meat, fish, vegetables and fruits in Tirana. The New Bazaar is located in one of the oldest areas of the city. Even today, it continues to be one of the largest markets for meat, fish, vegetables and fruit trade in town. It's a space that operates 24 hours, with the biggest focus on product trade in the morning hours and on culinary issues in the afternoon for the restaurants around and the development of artistic and cultural activities such as festivals, fairs, etc See more..
4.0 TEG - Tirana East Gate (64 reviews)
- all in one
Friday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Shopping Malls

At the heart of the most potential area of Tirana, lies the perfect reason to experience fashion, tasty food and enjoy the your free time. Explore 42,000 square meters of happiness with 150 stores offering the latest, from affordable fashion and home furnishing to entertainment and culinary delights. Be ready for choices when you visit our Mall as you will find variety in fashion, accessories, shoes, jewelers, gifts, souvenirs, books, health and beauty solutions, electronics and home furnishing. Opened in November 2011, Tirana East Gate is part of Balfin Group’s, the biggest financial group in the region. See more..
4.0 TID Tower (46 reviews)
- Iconic Tirana Skyscraper
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

The TID Tower is part of a plan to build 10 iconic skyscrapers marked by outstanding design which will create a new modern image for Tirana. It was designed by a leading Belgian architectural firm and has been nominated for architecture awards. The 24-storey building is an elegant tower which features hundreds of beautiful stone panels on its exterior to create a chequered effect. It is said to be designed to let in the Mediterranean light as much as possible and capture shadows. It is already an iconic Tirana building with a fine restaurant on the top level. See more..
4.0 Spille Beach (42 reviews)
- Lovely and quiet. Lots of nature. Nice beach.
Beaches

Really enjoyable family oriented beach not that far from Tirana. Not as busy as Duress. It is spread out so if one place is boring you can more to the next. Lower prices than Duress and good if you looking for something a little quieter See more..
4.0 Catholic Church of St. Marie (29 reviews)
- The official name of the church is Hearts of Christ Church
Religious Sites

I'm a Catholic and never missed to visit Sunday mass since my baptism. So, I wanted to visit the church on last Sunday also to check other Catholic churches in the city. I did not find The Catholic church of St. Marie as on the title. Instead, I find another Catholic church, Heart of Christ Church on Rruga Kavala. The church locates to the west from the big square with the horse riding hero statue. The bus heading to "Konbinat" stop almost in front of the church. The church has the mass at 7pm every afternoon and the Sunday mass at 9am and 7pm, both in Albanian. There is a newly built mosaic of Mother Theresa in the church. The church is open for the public everyday. See more..
4.0 Great mosque of Tirana (27 reviews)
- A STUNNING MOSQUE FOR THE FUTURE
Religious Sites

Known as the Grand Mosque of Tirana, its other name is the Namazgah Mosque. After Communist rule ended there were only eight mosques in the country. This one will be, once finished, the main mosque in the city, holding 5,000 worshipers plus other facilities like a cafeteria, a library and a conference center. It looks very impressive. See more..