How To Spend A Weekend In Tirana Albania: 2 Days In Tirana Itinerary

There is still one metropolis in Europe that offers cultural treasures free from the tourist hordes: Tirana, Albania. Here is how to spend a weekend there.

Tirana Itinerary

There is still one metropolis in Europe that offers cultural treasures free from the tourist hordes: Tirana.

Visitors overlook Albania’s capital city. It’s understandable if you compare it to other Eastern European towns and the Albanian coast. Nevertheless, Tirana is worth stopping by – it’s a lively, colorful, and fascinating place.

If you plan to visit Tirana, you might be interested in knowing how to spend two days in the Albanian capital city.

Two days are enough to explore the town and get a taste of the old Albanian capital, Kruja, too.

Spend A Weekend In Tirana: Day 1

Morning

Start from Sheshi Skenderbej, Skanderbeg Square, the primary orientation point of Tirana, and take your time to gaze at the Mosque, Skanderbeg statue, and Clock Tower. Climb it for impressive views over the big square.

Then, take a tour of the Muzei Historik Kombëtar, National Historical Museum, the largest museum in Albania.

The excellent collection takes you chronologically from ancient times to the post-communist era. After the visit, stroll along the Pedonalja, the largest pedestrian street in Tirana, and then head into Kalaja e Tiranës, the capital’s new cultural, artistic, and gastronomic pole.

For a quick lunch, go to Luga e Argjendtë, where chef Dhurata Thanasi prepares tasty food with the best seasonal products.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring Tirana’s city center and the historic buildings in the town. Make sure to visit Pazari i Ri, the new food market in the city, Ura e Tabakeve (Tanners Bridge), a fascinating example of Ottoman architecture, Pyramid, the former mausoleum dedicated to the communist dictator Enver Hoxha, and BunkArt 2, the museum dedicated to the victims of Communism.

Evening

Finish off your first day in Tirana with a tasty dinner at Padam, a chic restaurant behind the Pyramid. The chef Fundim Gjepali prepares excellent dishes made with the freshest ingredients.

Then, go to Komiteti-Kafe Muzeum, one of the coolest bars in Tirana. This rummy café-museum is the perfect place to taste one of 25 varieties of craft raki, the local fruit-based liquor.

Brands We Use And Trust

---

Day 2 Of Your Stay In Tirana

Morning

Start your second day in Albania with a visit to Kruja, a historic town just 30 km from Tirana (take the bus connecting the two cities from Zogu I Zi in Tirana; tickets roundtrip 6 euro). Kruja is famous for being the home of the Albanian national hero George Kastriota Skanderbeg, who fought against the Ottomans to save Albania and the West from their domination.

Stroll through the old bazaar, admire the artisans who produce traditional clothes and textiles, and visit the Skanderbeg Museum dedicated to the warrior.

For a quick lunch in Tirana, go to Restaurant Panorama, which offers excellent dishes and a spectacular view of the town and castle.

Afternoon

Grab the bus and go back to Tirana. If you are not tired, don’t miss the chance to visit the Bunk’Art, a contemporary art museum located in a vast underground bunker built on the outskirts of Tirana to accommodate Hoxha and the elite in the event of the attack.

The museum sometimes hosts exhibitions that combine the modern history of Albania with pieces of contemporary art. Besides the museums, vibrant nightlife, and restaurants, Tirana has another popular attraction –its Grand Park. This place is perfect for relaxing and enjoying magnificent views of the artificial lake and town.

Evening

Mullixhiu is the perfect place for your last dinner in town: here, you’ll eat great traditional Northern Albanian food prepared by chef Bledar Kola, who worked at Noma, Copenaghen.

For after-dinner drinks, Blloku, the most famous Tirana area, is the right place to go. During the Communist era, Blloku was reserved for the elite, but now it is a vibrant neighborhood with murals, trendy bars, cafés, and restaurants.

Practical Tips For Tirana

When visiting a new city, having practical information in your back pocket can make all the difference, especially if it’s your first time in a place like Tirana. Here’s some no-nonsense advice to help you get around smoothly and avoid the usual travel headaches.

Getting From The Airport To The City

The easiest way to get from Tirana International Airport to the city center is by taxi. Expect to pay around 1,900–2,100 Lek (€17-€20) for the 30-minute trip. It’s smart to agree on the fare before hopping in, as this will save you from any surprises at the end.

If you’re looking to keep things budget-friendly, the bus is another option. You’ll find the Tirana-bound buses right outside the arrivals hall. They cost just 400 Lek, but make sure to have cash on hand since they don’t accept cards. The bus will drop you near Skanderbeg Square, right in the center of the city, which is super convenient.

ATM Access And Currency Tips

Here’s something important to note: you can only get Albanian Lek once you’re in Albania. So, you’ll either need to withdraw cash from an ATM at the airport or exchange some euros once you’re in the city.

Keep in mind, though, that most banks charge a fee of €5-6 per transaction. A good alternative is to exchange money at local exchange points in town, which tend to offer better rates without the hefty fees.

Water And Taxis

Tap water isn’t drinkable in Tirana, so you’ll need to grab bottled water during your stay. It’s sold pretty much everywhere, so this won’t be an issue, but it’s good to plan for.

As for getting around the city, there’s no Uber in Albania, but don’t worry, Tirana has its own local taxi apps. Some reliable options include UPS Taxi, Speed Taxi, and Taxi.al, all of which will get you where you need to go without the hassle of trying to flag down a cab on the street.

Basic Tips To Make Your Stay Easier

If you’re staying a few days, learning a few basic Albanian phrases can go a long way. While many people in Tirana speak some English, a little effort with the local language is always appreciated and can help make interactions smoother. Also, when you’re withdrawing cash or paying for things, always check prices in both euros and lek – this way you won’t get confused by conversions.

Having this practical info ahead of time will let you focus on enjoying Tirana’s vibrant streets and fascinating history, instead of worrying about how to get cash or whether it’s safe to drink the water. With a little preparation, your trip to Albania’s capital will go a whole lot smoother.

Best Time To Visit Tirana, Albania

When planning a weekend getaway to Tirana, timing can make all the difference in what kind of experience you’ll have. The good news is that Tirana is a year-round destination, but there are definitely seasons that stand out depending on your preferences for weather and crowds.

Spring (April to June)

Spring is one of the best times to visit Tirana. The weather is mild, with temperatures averaging between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F). You’ll avoid the scorching summer heat, and it’s perfect for exploring the city’s outdoor spaces like the Grand Park or taking a walk around Skanderbeg Square without breaking a sweat.

The crowds are manageable, and there’s a good balance of tourists and locals. Plus, if you’re into flowers, springtime brings a burst of greenery and blooms all over the city.

Summer (July to August)

If you love hot weather, Tirana in summer won’t disappoint, but be prepared: it gets really hot. Temperatures can hit 40°C (104°F), so sightseeing can become more of a workout than a leisurely stroll.

However, if you’re willing to handle the heat, summer also brings a lively atmosphere with festivals, events, and open-air bars in full swing. Just make sure to pack light clothes, stay hydrated, and plan your sightseeing for the cooler parts of the day—early mornings and late afternoons.

Autumn (September to October)

Autumn is another fantastic time to visit. Temperatures drop back down to a comfortable range, averaging between 18°C and 26°C (64°F to 79°F). The summer rush has tapered off, so you can enjoy popular spots like Bunk’Art or the markets without the crowds.

Plus, autumn brings a pleasant mix of sunny days and cooler evenings, making it perfect for outdoor adventures and enjoying a cozy meal at one of the city’s restaurants.

Winter (November to March)

Tirana in winter is quieter, and you might even get to experience the city with a dusting of snow, particularly in the colder months of January and February. Temperatures range from 5°C to 13°C (41°F to 55°F), so it’s definitely jacket weather, but not unbearably cold.

If you don’t mind bundling up, winter is a great time to visit museums, enjoy hearty Albanian cuisine, and experience Tirana at a more relaxed pace without the usual tourist foot traffic.

---

When To Avoid A Long Weekend Tirana

If you’re not a fan of rain, you might want to avoid early spring, especially March, as it can be a bit unpredictable with showers. But even if you do get caught in the rain, there are plenty of indoor activities, like visiting the House of Leaves or trying out some cozy cafes.

Comment below and let us know what else you’d add to this 48 hours in Tirana guide