Exploring Tirana: A Perfect Day in Albania’s Vibrant Capital

Welcome to our Tirana adventure! If you’re planning a trip to Albania’s bustling capital, this guide will walk you through the best sights, logistics, and costs to help you make the most of your visit. We started our journey at the heart of the city— Skanderbeg Square —and explored everything from history and religion to stunning mountain views. Let’s dive in!  

Starting Point: Skanderbeg Square

Our journey began at Skanderbeg Square, the central hub of Tirana. This is the perfect starting point because it’s close to the bus terminus and surrounded by key attractions.  

National History Museum (5-minute walk from the square) – For just €5, you can dive into Albania’s rich past.  

Bunk’Art 2 (another 5-minute walk) – This fascinating Cold War bunker turned museum costs €9 and offers a gripping look at Albania’s communist era.  

Exploring Tirana’s Religious Side  

From Bunk’Art 2, we took a short 5-minute walk to the Ethem Bey Mosque, a beautiful 18th-century mosque with free entry. Just 10 minutes away, you’ll find the Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral, another stunning landmark—also free to visit.  

The Pyramid of Tirana

A 10-minute walk from the cathedral brought us to the Pyramid of Tirana, a unique (and slightly controversial) relic from Albania’s communist past. Entry is free, and it’s a great spot for photos!  

Dajti Express Cable Car: A Must-Do Adventure! 

Next, we headed to the Dajti Express Cable Car for breathtaking mountain views. Here’s how to get there:  

Taxi: Around €10 (20-minute ride).  

Bus (L11 to Porcelan): Only €0.30 from the bus station near Skanderbeg Square.  

Once there, a round-trip cable car ticket costs €15, and the 15-minute ride up Dajti Mountain is absolutely worth it—not just for the views, but for the fun activities waiting at the top!  

Some things to Do at the Top of Dajti Mountain

1. Dajti Tower National Park – Enjoy hiking trails, picnic spots, and panoramic viewpoints.  

2. Adventure Park – Test your balance on rope courses and ziplines (great for families!).  

3. Restaurant Ballkoni Dajtit – Dine with an incredible view of Tirana below.  

4. Horseback Riding – Explore scenic trails on horseback.  

5. *Off-Road Buggy Tours – For thrill-seekers, this is a fun way to explore the mountain terrain.  

Where to Eat in Tirana

For lunch or dinner, we recommend the restaurants around Pazari i Ri (New Bazaar). You’ll find delicious Albanian cuisine at reasonable prices—expect to spend €10-€15 per person. Plus, the market is a great place to pick up souvenirs!  

Where to Stay in Tirana

During our visit, we stayed at Granda Hotel ([www.grandahotel.com](http://www.grandahotel.com)). While it’s located slightly outside the city center, Tirana’s efficient and affordable public transport system made commuting easy. The hotel offered great value with comfortable rooms and excellent service.  

Other Great Accommodation Options:

1. Boutique Hotel in the Center – For those who want to be in the heart of the action, hotels near Blloku Districtor Skanderbeg Square put you within walking distance of major  attractions.  

2. Budget-Friendly Hostels – If you’re traveling on a budget, Tirana has several clean and social hostels with great locations.  

3. Luxury Stays – For a more upscale experience, consider The Plaza Tirana or Rogner Hotel, which offer premium amenities and central locations.

Watch Our Tirana Vlog!

Want to see all these spots in action? Check out our Tirana vlog on YouTube for a full visual tour of the city! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more travel adventures.  

Have you been to Tirana? What was your favorite spot? Let us know in the comments! 

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