Our most recommended things to do in Tirana

From Tirana: Gamti Mountain and Bovilla Lake Hiking Tour

1. From Tirana: Gamti Mountain and Bovilla Lake Hiking Tour

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Albanian countryside on a tour to Gamti Mountain and Lake Bovilla from Tirana. Enjoy round-trip transportation by air-conditioned vehicle. Begin your tour with pickup from your accommodation in the morning and set out on a scenic drive to Lake Bovilla. Discover the patterns of life in suburban Tirana as you pass through the city on your way to the countryside. As you approach Lake Bovilla, see the lake's impressive dam. Admire the lake's shimmering teal and turquoise waters, nestled at the base of Gamti Mountain. Head up to the hiking track to begin your ascent of the mountain, soaking up the nature atmosphere. After about 40 minutes of hiking, reach the balcony of the mountain and observe the expansive, rolling forest and hills stretching out before you. At your feet, gaze in wonder at the stunning views of Lake Bovilla. Breathe in the fresh mountain air on your cheeks in a setting of pure natural beauty. Pause to sip water and chat in the shadows of a mountain cave before descending the mountain along the same route. Once you've finished your hike, round off your trip by visiting the shore of the river and admire the unique, canyon-like scenery as you splash and paddle in the cool waters. Note: Swimming on the lake is available only from: May to September.

From Tirana: Berat City UNESCO Heritage and Belshi Lake Tour

2. From Tirana: Berat City UNESCO Heritage and Belshi Lake Tour

Embark on a cultural and artistic pilgrimage. See master painter Onufri's work in the churches of Berat. Visit Berat Castle, Onufri Museum, Mangalemi and Gorica neighborhoods, and Gorica bridge. Meet your guide at your hotel and start the tour of Berat city. Berat is one of the most visited and characteristic towns in Albania. It is under the protection of UNESCO and considered a World Heritage site due to its unique architecture. Visit Berat Castle and the Onufri Museum. The Berat castle is of particular interest because people still live within its walls in their traditional houses, just like their ancestors did for centuries. Explore this fortress overlooking the town of Berat and its many Byzantine churches. The castle used to have over 40 churches of which 7 still remain today, including the Church of the Dormition of St Mary. The latter was converted into Onufri Museum, honoring the 16th-century Albanian master painter who painted many orthodox churches in Albania and Greece. Witness some of the most beautiful shades of red and gold you have ever laid eyes on in the museum. Then, continue to your next stop in the old quarters of Mangalemi and Gorica that connect with each other by the Gorica Bridge over the Osumi River. On the way back you will visit Belshi, a very small town, with a small lake in front of the buildings.

From Tirana: Komani Lake and Shala River Day Trip

3. From Tirana: Komani Lake and Shala River Day Trip

Komani Lake and Shala River Day Trip is ideal for people seeking a fresh peaceful day with scenic views of Komani Lake and Shala River. You will get a chance to do the Boat Trip in Komani Lake and then swim and relax in the fresh crystal clear waters of the Shala River with views of dreamlike nature. The tour starts in Tirana at 6:00 AM and involves a 3-hour and 20-minute car ride with a short stop on the way to the Komani Lake, which was formed in the 1970s by damming the Drini valley. Visitors will then board a boat and embark on a ride through a series of deep gorges and interconnected lakes, passing between high mountains and enjoying the tranquil beauty of the natural surroundings. The ride will continue for approximately 1 hour until reaching the Shala River, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking scenery. Visitors can even take a dip in the river's cool waters if they wish. Additionally, there is an option to go on a 45-minute hike up the mountain at the Shala River to reach a beautiful viewpoint. Afterward, visitors will return to the boat and head back to the Komani Dam by 3:30 PM, followed by a drive back to Tirana. Overall, this tour offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors to explore the stunning natural beauty of Albania's Komani Lake and Shala River, making it an excellent option for nature lovers and those looking for adventure.

From Tirana: Kruja Castle, Old Bazaar & Sari Salltik Tour

4. From Tirana: Kruja Castle, Old Bazaar & Sari Salltik Tour

Join a guided tour of Kruja city to explore all its iconic attractions. Visit Kruja Castle, Skanderbeg’s Museum, National Ethnographic Museum, the Old Bazaar, and Sari Salltik Cave. Meet your guide at 9 AM in the hotel lobby. Start your tour at the Castle of Kruja, which houses Skanderbeg’s Museum. It was the epicenter of the legendary Albanian resistance to the Ottomans, led by national hero Skanderbeg in the 15th century. See a copy of the helmet and the sword of Scanderbeg in the main hall, and the flags and stems of prominent families of that time who supported the national hero. Continue to the National Ethnographic Museum, containing a diversity of everyday objects from all eras of Berat's history. Gaze at original murals, ceilings carved in wood, rare furnishings, old-style rugs, and traditional costumes from 250 years ago. Inside the house is a steamy Turkish bath, one of the only ones left in Albania. The museum also has 1,200 objects that are living proof of ancient Albanians’ lifestyle and traditions. After soaking in the culture and history, discover the current arts and crafts in the Old Bazaar. Look for souvenirs, including intricate local handicrafts. Finally, pay a visit to the holy site of Sari Salltik. Head to this cave located on the edge of a mountain 1176 meters high. Afterward, head back to Tirana.

Tirana Airport: Bus Transfer from/to Tirana Central

5. Tirana Airport: Bus Transfer from/to Tirana Central

Relax with a shuttle service from Tirana International Airport (TIA) to Tirana and vice versa. Travel with ease on a regular bus line that offers 24-hour service, 7-days a week. Avoid the hassle of navigating the public transportation system before or after a long journey, instead, relax and enjoy the views of Tirana from the comfort of your seat. Be greeted and supported by staff who will help you onboard. Board a modern bus to leave your worries behind, and arrive on time at your destination at the airport, or in the city in an only 20-minute ride. You can freely plan your departure time with a ticket valid up to 24-hours on purchase date.

Quick Tour of Tirana

6. Quick Tour of Tirana

Embark on a walking tour through Tirana, the vibrant capital city of Albania. Discover its rich history and culture as you explore iconic landmarks such as Skanderbeg Square, the National Historical Museum, and the Et'hem Bey Mosque. Follow your guide through the Pedestrian Road, experience the charm of the Castle of Tirana, and marvel at the unique architecture of the Pyramid. Explore the city's religious diversity with visits to Saint Paul's Church and Namazgah Mosque. Delve into the intriguing past of communist Albania at the Post-Block Checkpoint memorial and the former museum of Enver Hoxha. Experience a fascinating blend of the old and the new, leaving you eager to uncover more hidden treasures in this captivating city.

A Walking Tour of Tirana, OR exploring the City's Museums.

7. A Walking Tour of Tirana, OR exploring the City's Museums.

Widely known for its contemporary 'Dolce Vita' atmosphere of cafes and restaurants, Albania's capital city of Tirana is like no other Balkan capital cities. Following its recent rapid transformation, it now vividly showcases iconic high-rise architecture and redesigned public spaces, created by renowned architects whose work attracts international attention and is winning awards worldwide.  Manifesting Albania's delayed capitalism is the unprecedented construction boom that also embodies the quality of the designs and professional finesse of the ultramodern Belgian and Dutch architects, much like the Austrian and Italian architects who a century ago transformed Tirana from an oriental town into a western city. We will meet at the designated hour in front of the Tirana International hotel. Our half day walking tour will start at the very heart of the city's Monumental Center, where we will observe the strong differences between the overbearing communist buildings of the Palace of Culture and the National History Museum, versus the Italian governmental buildings of the 1920s by the Italian architect Armando Brasini. As we will walk by the statue of Albania's national hero Skenderbeg, we will initially head to the Et’hem Bey Mosque and the Watch Tower - reminders of Tirana's 17th and 19th centuries expansion, and later its twentieth century turbulent history. Prior to exploring what remains of Tirana’s historic heart - the old bazaar, we will have a chance to walk on by the newly reopened Toptani castle, and the stone Tanner's Bridge. We will have a quick stop at the repurposed Pyramid, and visit the Blloku area, along with the dictator's Enver Hoxha villa. Afterwards we can enjoy some time together in a fashionable Blloku cafe to address any additional questions about our history, the local restaurants, customs, or other things of interest you may have while in Albania. OPTION(s) - AM vs PM tour: Be it day or night, Tirana is beautiful in its chaotic and lively energy. In our AM tour there's a yummy coffee or cappuccino that awaits you. On the PM tour we will go to a bar to taste a cocktail at the end of it. OPTIONAL: Museum tour (Tuesday through Saturday only) While many of our art institutions are being reconstructed due to the horrible November 26th, 2019 earthquake, our Tirana's MUSEUM TOUR - available until October 15th, 2023, Tuesdays through Saturdays, is the most unique. Designed as a walking tour with a professional and experienced guide, it presents three diverse museums of our capital city: The National History Museum, Albania's Nobel nominee "Ismail Kadare Studio Museum", and The Sali Shijaku House - showcasing the oeuvre of one of our most celebrated painters in his 300 years old house. It will be our pleasure to enhance your knowledge and share with you these treasures of Albanian culture.

From Tirana: Berat Day Tour

8. From Tirana: Berat Day Tour

Depart for Berat at 8:30 am and you will be transferred to this beautiful city for around 2.5 hours. This is one of the oldest cities and the pride of Albanian architecture. The three major neighborhoods of the old city are Mangalemi, Gorica, and Kala where the castle itself is located. You will start our tour with the castle area. Visiting the 'Kala' involves a steep walk up a cobbled path, but those who make it to the top will be rewarded with a fine view of the surrounding area. You will visit the Museum of Iconography 'Onufri' which bears the name of the renowned fresco and icon-painter Onufri, who has left a rich inheritance. This museum is located within the cathedral of St. Mary’s Assumption. You will also visit the Red Mosque, recognized by its lonely minaret and St. Trinity Church. After the fortress you will visit the Mangalemi quarter and the National Ethnographic Museum. This museum is located in one of the most characteristic and interesting houses of the town, a rich assemblage of traditional objects (more than 1000) and is one of the greatest examples of Berat’s long history and culture. Across the Osumi River lies the Gorica neighborhood, whose houses face those of Mangalemi. The arched bridge of Gorica, built in 1780, is a beautiful architectural monument constructed to link Gorica with Mangelemi. Enjoy some free time to stroll on the bridge. After the tour, there will be optional lunch in a restaurant with traditional cuisine (at extra cost) Return to Tirana.

Albania/Europe: eSim Mobile Data Plan

9. Albania/Europe: eSim Mobile Data Plan

Make your trip to Albania hassle-free with your convenient eSIM. Stay connected on your travels with high-speed coverage in Albania and another 43 European regions (full list below). Purchase and install your eSIM anytime and anywhere, and choose from a variety of data packages, validity options, and coverage in additional countries. Simply scan the eSIM QR code to access all your essential apps on your trip. Avoid the trouble of managing multiple SIMs with this zero-waste solution. Get one eSIM per device and top up by simply buying and activating additional eSIM plans as you go. Once activated, your coverage will begin according to your selected duration. Most devices released after 2019 are compatible with eSIM (e.g. iPhone XR, XS of models beyond, Google Pixel 4 and beyond). If you are unsure, please check the compatibility guideline photo to confirm eligibility. If you can not connect to the internet after install this eSIM, please follow the Self Help Troubleshooting Guide in your GYG voucher. Network coverage: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Jersey, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovak, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, and Vatican City. Carriers to use in Albania: Vodafone

From Tirana: North Macedonia, Lake Ohrid and Saint Naum Tour

10. From Tirana: North Macedonia, Lake Ohrid and Saint Naum Tour

Discover Europe's second oldest lake that borders the southwestern part of North Macedonia and eastern Albania. Drive along Lake Ohrid which inspired NASA in 2010 to name Titan's lakes after it, and its unforgettable serenity no matter what season you book your tour! One of Balkan's best kept secrets maintains its picturesque identity thanks to being declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979, with its Albanian side also being designated world heritage status in 2019. We will depart from your Tirana hotel early in the morning with an air-conditioned vehicle, tracing the same itinerary as the Romans did, when they traveled towards the Constandinopole. We will have a quick coffee break by the Shkumbin River (15 minutes), prior to reaching the Albanian-North Macedonia border - two hours after leaving the capital of Tirana. In our full-day tour we will first visit the Ohrid city once known as "Jerusalem of the Balkans" for having 365 churches, one for each day of the year. Tourism is predominant in this pristine old town which is one of only 28 sites worldwide that is part of UNESCO's World Heritage as both a Cultural and Natural site. The first mention of Ohrid was 2,400 years before the new era, when the town was called Lychnidos, probably meaning "city of light" or literally "a precious stone that emits light". We will walk were Via Egnatia road once passed - the most significant Roman traffic route of the Balkans, and visit the Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Ohrid, the Church of Saint John the Theologian, and the Byzantine Church of Holy Mary Perybleptos build in 1295 and renown for its elaborate wall murals. There will also be a chance to find among the well preserved cable stones windy roads, original freshwater pearls jewelry that are locally made - a perfect gift for your loved ones. In those three hours, there will be pleanty of time to explore the Old Town and take in its breathtaking panoramas. You will also have the chance to take fantastic photos and enjoy local food and free time, prior to heading to the quiet and magnificent Saint Naum Monastery. We can stop briefly at the Bay of Bones Museum - a reconstructed village of stilt houses that displays Bronze & Iron Age items recovered from Lake Ohrid. You can take photos, and if you wish to visit it - there will be 30 minutes time, but tickets are not included. Then we will have one hour time to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of The Monastery of Saint Naum, an Eastern Orthodox monastery named after the medieval Bulgarian writer and enlightener Saint Naum, who founded it in 905. St. Naum of Ohrid who is buried in the church was one of the Seven Apostles of the First Bulgarian Empire, and is associated with the creation of the Cyrillic script. Following the visit to this iconic destination that still operates as a school, we will head back to the Albanian border in late afternoon, and then you will be dropped off in the Tirana hotel that you were picked up from.

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What people are saying about Tirana

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 312 reviews

This tour is a MUST if you arrive in Tirana. The guide was knowledgable about many topics and it felt as if it was customized to me and my questions. I couldn't recommend this tour enough. Travel from the past to the present and get a terrific overview of all things Albania. Don't hesitate to book this!

It was a fantastic day. Our guide Ilir was kind, helpful and very knowledgeable and accompanied us with competence and sympathy throughout the journey. Berat is an incredible place and must be visited if you visit Albania. Highly recommended

He was a good guide and a good group. Berat is worth visiting and from Tirana you need to go by car, so this is the best option. The explanations were very good and so was the chosen route.

Illyria is an excellent guide, very knowledgeable about Albania's landmarks, as well as the history and heritage behind them. Highly recommended, and would tour with him again.

A great City tour to see it all best of Tirana in half a day