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Backpacking Tirana is a rich and delightful experience with so much to do and see. And in this travel blog I’ll share with you some of my top places to visit in Tirana.
An itinerary of 5 days in Tirana is enough to see the top attractions. So buckle on and let’s explore Tirana.
1. Skanderbeg Square
Skanderbeg Square is a public square in the Tirana city.
You can also get in on the walking tours that originate here. The square is quite a popular meeting point among the locals. A tall monument is erected on the square.
The square is surrounded by popular buildings. The square is truly one of the biggest in the area.
2. National Museum of History
National Museum of History is a museum of national importance located in the central Tirana. It is one of the most popular tourist places in Tirana.
The rich history of the National Museum is worth exploring. The art and culture collection of the National Museum is worth looking. On 1981 the National Museum was opened for the public.
3. Et’hem Bey Mosque
Et’hem Bey Mosque is an impressive mosque located in the city of Tirana.
The limited visiting hours are bit of bummer really. Interior design of the mosque is truly admirable. The dome looks absolutely beautiful on the mosque.
The notable architecture of the place is an attraction in itself. The mosque looks so wonderfully built. The mosque is built in a Ottoman architecture style.
On 1823 the mosque was opened for the public.
Getting there: AL, Sheshi Skënderbej, 1000, Albania
4. Pyramid of Tirana
Pyramid of Tirana is a modern structure with a unique architecture located in the city of Tirana. It is a popular tourist destination in Tirana.
The chief architect of the modern structure is Pirro Vaso. On 14 October 1988 the modern structure was opened for the public.
5. Dajti Ekspres
Dajti Ekspres is a beautiful but short ride that transports the travelers up to the top of the hill. Dajti Ekspres gives you an alternative if you don’t want to hike.
In the peak season you might have to queue up a bit.
6. Blloku
It is one of the popular attractions in Tirana.
7. Dajti National Park
Dajti National Park is a nature and animal reserve located not far from Tirana.
You can also stay in a lodge for the night. Animal safari is a popular activity here. The National Park consists of a diverse wildlife.
Plant species at the National Park are aplenty and varied. The mountains stand tall right in front of you.
8. BUNK’ART
BUNK’ART is a museum with unique collection situated in Tirana. It is one of the top things to do in Tirana.
The museum is certainly a unique place to visit.
Getting there: Rruga Fadil Deliu 1001, Tiranë, Albania
9. Kulla e Sahatit
Kulla e Sahatit is a historical clock tower present in the city of Tirana.
The clock tower stands tall at a height of 35 m. On 1822 the clock tower was opened for the public.
10. Skanderbeg Statue
Skanderbeg Statue is a statue standing tall in one of the major squares in Tirana. It is among the top places to visit in Tirana.
The statue remains very popular among the visitors. The list of designers who worked on the statue includes Odhise Paskali, Andrea Mano, Janaq Paço. The length of the place is around 11 m.
On 1968 the statue was opened for the public. The material used in the construction include Bronze on stone pedestal. The statue is dedicated to Skanderbeg.
Odhise Paskali is the famed artist behind it.
11. Grand Park of Tirana
Grand Park of Tirana is a public park located in the Tirana city.
The flowers are pure explosion of color. If you are a family, you will surely enjoy the park. The manicured lawn is really well maintained.
The park has a nice calm pond to sit by. And grab a cup of Java at the cafe located here. The park is spread in an area of 289 ha (710 acres).
Getting there: Rruga Herman Gmeiner, Tirana 1000, Albania
12. National Museum of Fine Arts
National Museum of Fine Arts is a museum of great national significance located in the central Tirana. Right among the top places to visit in Tirana is the National Museum of Fine Arts.
The National Museum has a long history to boast about. The National Museum has a great collection of art and cultural artifacts. On 1946 the National Museum was opened for the public.
Getting there: AL, Bulevardi Dëshmorët e Kombit, 1001, Albania
13. Tanners’ Bridge
Tanners’ Bridge is a pedestrian bridge over the beautifully flowing river in Tirana. The best way to enjoy Tanners’ Bridge is to take a slow walk and soak in the views.
The total length of the pedestrian bridge stands at around 8 m. Tanners’ Bridge is a magnificent example of a Footbridge.
Getting there: Bulevardi “Jean D’Arc, Tirana, Albania
14. Rinia Park
Rinia Park is a green space open for public in the city of Tirana.
The place is quite popular among locals as well. The attached cafe is quite chill. The flowers are pink and pretty.
The park even has a gazebo, great for those pictures. Pond at the park looks pretty charming.
15. Petrela Castle
Petrela Castle is a medieval fortified castle perched over the top of hill. If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Tirana trip. Checkout the dark underground wine cellar, which adds an interesting character to the place.
Petrela Castle has dungeons underneath, something quite cool to explore. There is a moat surrounding the walls from all sides. The castle’s compound is large and well spread out.
The castle tower is pretty tall. The interiors of the castle look impressive spceially the spiral staircase will catch your eye.
Getting there: Rruga Petreles, Petrelë, Albania
16. Fortress of Justinian
Fortress of Justinian is a beautiful medieval castle located on a hill. The castle offers sweeping panoramic of the entire area.
The castle also has a moat, which was once needed to secure the city. The fab views are something to be seen though. The fortification here at the castle is well liked by the people.
You can reach the castle on foot or by car. The castle has had a long standing journey through time. Some of the architectural styles that the castle reflect are Byzantine architecture, Ottoman architecture.
It was designated as world heritage site in 10 June 1973.
17. Lana
Lana is a beautiful meandering river in Tirana area. Add it to your Tirana trip if you have time.
The length of the place is around 25 km.
18. National Museum of Archaeology, Albania
National Museum of Archaeology, Albania is a museum collecting archaeological artefacts in the Tirana city. The museum displays several ancient artefacts from the nearby digs.
On 1948 the arch museum was opened for the public.
19. House of Leaves
House of Leaves is a museum with unique collection situated in Tirana. If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Tirana trip.
The museum is truly a unique place you would visit.
20. Museum of Secret Surveillance
Museum of Secret Surveillance is a museum with unique collection situated in Tirana.
This museum is a unique place to visit, indeed.
21. Resurrection Cathedral
Resurrection Cathedral is an interesting church that can be found in Tirana. Add it to your Tirana trip if you have time.
The church looks imposing as if staring right back at you. Climb up, and up and up to get to the top. The religious paintings at choir are worth second look.
The views from up here are just fabulous. There is a cute little chapel here as well. The style in which the church is built is Contemporary architecture.
The church stands tall at a height of 46 m.
Getting there: Katedralja Othodokse” Ringjallja e Krishtit, Tirana, Albania
22. Botanical Gardens of Tirana
Botanical Gardens of Tirana is a large botanical garden located in the city of Tirana.
The botanical garden is spread in an area of 15 ha. On 1964 the botanical garden was opened for the public.
23. Tirana Zoo
Tirana Zoo is a great city zoo housing a myriad of animals. Add it to your Tirana trip if you have time.
A great place for a day out and have a picnic. A good place for families to visit. The many animal species of the zoo will keep you entertained.
Many animals from other regions can be also find here. There is a small cafe attached to the zoo. On 1966 the zoo was opened for the public.
Getting there: Kopshti Zoologjik, Tirana, Albania
24. Saint Paul Cathedral
Saint Paul Cathedral is a beautiful church located in the Tirana city.
The choir is decorated with beautiful religious paintings. I’d recommend the guided tour, it looks good. The ancient relic is more than noteworthy.
Views from the top are simply gorgeous. I usually look for altar, it usually tells you how beautiful the church is. And you won’t be disappointed here. On 2002 the church was opened for the public.
25. Kapllan Pasha Tomb
Kapllan Pasha Tomb is a historical tomb located in the city of Tirana. Add it to your Tirana trip if you have time.
The style in which the historical tomb is built is Ottoman architecture. On 1820 the historical tomb was opened for the public. It was designated as world heritage site in 1948.
26. Farka Lake
Farka Lake is an alluring lake, a drop from heaven with clean, clear water.
Nature lover will find it a true paradise. Locals throng to the lake as well. Make a visit on a sunny day to have a better experience.
The lake is surrounded by lush green trees. The lake is a good choice for some family time. The lake is spread in an area of 75 ha.
27. Shëtitorja Murat Toptani
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Tirana trip.
29. Mezuraj Museum
Mezuraj Museum is a museum in Tirana housing fantastic pieces of art. If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Tirana trip.
31. GALERIA E. RIRA
GALERIA E. RIRA is an art gallery with an impressive set of collection. If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Tirana trip.
Thanks for reading the Tirana Backpacking Guide, hope now you know plenty of top things to do in Tirana. There is something about Tirana, that pulls you back to this place again and again, to explore more and more.
If you have any questions or suggestions, I would love to answer them in the comments section below.
