Any of these days can be swapped around. They could also be done as a 1 day in Tirana, or 2 days in Tirana. They’re also very fluid days, depending on how early or late you wake up, if you have an early or late night, or if you want to move a little slower during the day, there are always places here to sit, relax, rest, and take in the place by watching people and the day go by.

Day 1

Breakfast at Le Bon – Try byrek and espresso, or my personal favorite, the Freddo espresso.

House of Leaves Museum – it won’t take much time to go through, but it’ll give you a good history lesson.

Quick Lunch souvlaki, maybe at Capitol or Opa, both near the square.

Visit National Historical Museum at square or look through bookstore also at Skanderbeg Square or do both.

Afternoon Coffee at the Square or head toward Pazari i Ri and have coffee there.

Wander around the market – the New Bazaar/Pazari i Ri.

Dinner at Pazari i ri, I recommend a grill, but there are other restaurants here too. The atmosphere is great, it’s not a big square so it’s a nice relaxing ambiance with delicious food and people watching.

Drinks at Si Dieli – I recommend  the local beer on tap.

Day 2

1/2 day – full day trip to Kruje or Durres. If you want to be near the beach and maybe you aren’t able to head further South to the Albanian Riviera, it could be worth it to go to Durres. It’s not a top beach destination in Albania, but I did it several times because I wanted to see the sea and have a nice seafood meal.

It has some nice little cafes, restaurants and spots for drinks as well as some Roman ruins.

Kruje reminds me of Mostar or another small Balkan town, I find these kinds of towns well worth it.  If you head to Kruje, the street leading to the castle is wonderful for shopping, take time here if you want to get a good feeling for Albanian handicrafts. There’s a nice spot for lunch on the right side, right before you get to the castle area.

Dinner back in Tirana – try a grill depending where you’re staying- maybe on Rruga Kavaja.

Drinks at Oborri.

Day 3

Coffee and pastry at Mulliri near friendship Park. Sometimes there are book kiosks or people selling books along Friendship Park going toward Pedonale… in case you want to pick up a book here.

Maybe BunkArt Museum near square or wander around Pedonale.

Wander through castle area, they have beautiful trinkets to take home.

Lunch here if you want some ambience.

Continue on to see pyramid and stop by Komiteti for a coffee, raki or another drink just to relax and take in the atmosphere.

If you’re up for it head toward the lake and Park..have a wander in the greenery.

Enjoy a meal at Grill near the lake.

Drinks in Blokku after

Optional Day that is really focused on a Slow Travel Day in Tirana

Coffee at Hana Corner Cafe. A slow morning here reading, journaling, people watching.

Lunch at Era Vila – one near Stadium one in Blokku. Both great options.

Wander around Blokku, maybe check out Wilson Square, a piece of the Berlin Wall, slowly make your way back to Rruga Kavaja area.

Dinner at Restaurant Tymi.

Drinks at Hemingway Bar.

This is specifically created for a slow travel experience in Tirana. Any days can be swapped around easily. Or mixed and matched. This is for a relaxed visit to Tirana, but taking in the city’s culture and vibe.