There are several different options or combinations of things to do and see in Tirana.  Here you will find a blend of some things you must try out as well as some… just… kinda cool things to add to the mix.

Le Bon

Of course, every day must start with coffee, right?!  Hands down, this is my favorite coffee shop in Tirana.  Although not only is it a coffee shop, but it is a bakery, and they serve delicious lunches – cafeteria style too.  

But, if you start your day here, get a coffee as well as a croissant, or other pastry of your choice (such as byrek – a savory filo pastry delight – I suggest the byrek), or even go for one of their sandwiches which are also delicious.

Location: 8RM3+84 Tirana, Albania

Walking time: 10 minutes between Le Bon + Mosaic

Mosaic of Tirana

Walk to the center by way of the Mosaic of Tirana.  Not a ton to see here, but why not go by it on the way to other sights. It is said to be the oldest object in Tirana. It is the remains of what they think was a Roman villa.

Location: 8RJ3+2MQ, Tirana, Albania 

Walking time: 20 minutes between Mosaic + House of Leaves

House of Leaves- The Museum of Secret Surveillance

This is probably my favorite museum here in Tirana. It’s a bit unusual yet fascinating. It gives you insight into what life was like in Albania while under communism. It’s not a museum you need to spend hours in.  You can fly through it in a very short time. Or spend a bit more time looking and examining every detail.

Location: 8RG8+MHG, Tirana, Albania

Walking time: 3 minutes between House of Leaves + Skanderbeg Square

Skanderbeg Square

Head to the epicenter of the city. This is the heart of the city, in the sense that it is the meeting point for all. You have the National History Museum. Also, a Mosque right at the square. And other points of interest very close by.  There is also a great little book shop that stocks English books – not a huge selection, but enough to keep you busy for a while, as well as cute notebooks and other trinkets.

Location: 8RH9+CG Tirana, Albania

Walking time: 11 minutes between Skanderbeg Square + Pazari i ri

Pazari i ri (New Bazaar)

Make your way to this market. This is a really cool little part of the city. You can find fruit, veggies, and other food items.  But, also you can get some souvenirs too.  This is a beautiful spot with colorful buildings -a very photogenic spot.

It is also a good place for a coffee break and/or lunch. You will find typical Albanian grills here.  Where you can sit out in the fresh air watching people walk by. It’s a very nice location tucked away from the loud bustling streets.

Location: 8RJF+2WH Tirana, Albania

Walking time: 7 minutes between Pazari i ri + Castle

Tirana Castle

Walk toward the castle – it’s not a typical castle.  You have just the walls left. But, inside the walls of the former fortress you can find shops, cafes and restaurants. It is worth having a stroll through.

Location: 8RGC+HV Tirana, Albania

Walking time: 4 minutes between the Castle + the Cloud

Pedonale – Shëtitorja Murat Toptani

Then head out onto Pedonale which is the pedestrian street  lined with cute little cafes and full of people going for a walk. As you get near the end of the street you’ll see The Cloud – which is a very cool structure, that’s worth looking at.

Location: 8RG9+6W6, Tirana, Albania

You’ll head toward the Pyramid which has been quite a visual delight or eyesore for some, depending on the individual.  I love it! But, currently, they are doing major renovations on it, so it will be completely different from what it once was.

Location: 8RFC+7J, Tirana 1001, Albania

Walking time: 6 minutes between the Cloud + the Pyramid

Walking time: 9 minutes between the Pyramid + Enver Hoxha’s house

Enver Hoxha’s house 

Take a wander through the area known as Blokku.  With taking note of Enver Hoxha’s (a former Communist politician) house.  As it’s worth seeing where he lived. 

Location: 8RC8+9W Tirana, Albania

Walking time:  14 minutes between Enver Hoxha’s house + the Lake

Artificial Lake of Tirana – Grand Park of Tirana

Head to lake -This is really a beautiful location.  There is a park you can wander through or just sit on a bench or the steps near the entrance to the lake.  There are also a few coffee shops right on the lake with a fantastic view.  And, by now it’s probably a good time for a coffee or even a beer.  My favorite beer location is a bit inside the park, Black Sheep (location: 8R7F+2V Tirana, Albania) and doesn’t have a view of the lake but is right in the middle of what feels like a forest. Totally worth it!

Location: 8R78+26 Tirana, Albania

Dinner by the lake at one of the top or must eat at restaurants.  It is such an experience to dine here. A bit of a fusion restaurant featuring typical Albanian food with an edge. It’s called Mullixhiu (location: 8R78+9J Tirana, Albania) Of course, there are several other restaurants nearby and in Blokku area. But, this is kind of a fun experience.

Walking time: 12 minutes between the entrance to lake/coffee + Black Sheep

Walking time: 13 minutes between Black Sheep + Mullixhiu

Walking time: 12 minutes between Mullixhiu + Wilson Square (just for reference to walk back into the center of Blokku area)

Drinks in Blokku 

After dinner, wander back through Blokku and pick any one of the bars to enjoy a nice drink to finish off your day.

And, that is one possible Day in Tirana!

121 minutes: Total Walking time just between locations according to Google Maps (start point: Le Bon endpoint: Wilson Square). Just to keep in mind, if you want to cut anything out, or add something.

This is quite a lot to do for one day. So it can be broken up into more than one day or just cut out what is uninteresting to you.  It can all be done in a full and busy day. But, there is definitely time for slowly strolling through the city and checking out what catches your eye. As many of the sights are just to take a look at, or don’t necessarily take much time.

There are many other things to do and see. But, this mixes some top sights with some that are just worth visiting.

Enjoy your one full day in Tirana!