Blloku

Join us on a vibrant journey through Tirana, led by passionate locals who are eager to share their city's unique story. This 2-hour walking tour delves into the heart of the Albanian capital, exploring its rich tapestry of history that stretches back centuries. We'll begin by unraveling Tirana's Ottoman roots, evident in the architectural gems like the Et'hem Bey Mosque. Then, we'll travel through time to the communist era, where you'll gain insights into this period through captivating landmarks like Bunk'Art, a former nuclear bunker transformed into a museum. Finally, we'll immerse ourselves in Tirana's exciting modern transformation, showcasing the city's contemporary art scene, lively squares, and vibrant energy.

Put on your clubbing clothes and meet your guide at the Skanderbeg Statue to begin your unforgettable night out in Tirana. Join a group of fellow partiers to start your night off on the right foot. Head to some of the hottest bars and clubs in the city and avoiding waiting in lines with the included VIP entry. Start your time in each bar with a free shot to keep you in the mood to party. Visit a cocktail bar that serves some tasty drinks along the route. Stroll thorugh town safely with the help of a guide that is familar with the local nightlife. End your tour in the vibrant Blloku district at a popular club where you can dance your heart out with your new friends. Code of conduct: Drink Responsible Don't drink before Pub Crawl Dress Code: No Hoodies No Sportswear No Tank tops NO STAG PARTY ALLOWED!

Discover Tirana with Open Bus Albania! Explore the city's rich history and vibrant culture on an open-top bus. Enjoy the comfort of the bus while an audio guide provides fascinating insights into landmarks like Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum, and the Pyramid of Tirana. Start your tour at Skanderbeg Square, the main square of Tirana. Listen to the audio guide to learn about the history and culture of the city. With multiple daily departures, you can easily fit the tour into your schedule. Your ticket is available for 24 hours, giving you the opportunity to rejoin the tour at your preference.

This food tour will introduce you to local Tirana and Traditional Albanian cuisine. Tirana is an urban metropolis, full of contrasts in which can easily be noticed the scars from the past and the present. Above all, it is the crossway of different periods of Albanian Modern History. It is a city where the fine delicate art of the beginning of the 20th century is mixed with the cold rectangular shapes of the communism period. In addition, the modern new buildings are blooming. Furthermore, in this food and city tour, we will discover some of the most interesting parts of the city. Everything combined with a lot of local flavors, interesting stories, and friendly locals. First StopTrying "Pace" an Albanian Traditional Soup After the pick up the first destination of the tour will be one of very few least typical breakfast restaurants, or “Mengjezore”. It is where we will have the chance to taste “Pace” a traditional thick, spicy soup made of cow head or bone marrow. Located at the “Bicycle Market”, a very typical local neighborhood this Restaurant, since 2004 has kept alive the tradition of “Breakfast Restaurant” and Pace. Second StopTrying Traditional Turkish Coffee Passing from the Old Part of the city and getting nearer to the city center we will spot the Communist Influence on the buildings and Architecture. It is time for some coffee and we will stop by a local coffee shop. It will be hard to choose as they provide more than 25 different types of coffee from all over the world. Of course, if you would like to sound local go with the small espresso or Turkish Coffee. Third Stop - Visit at Castle of Tirana and Olive Oil Tasting Walking through the “Pedonale” the pedestrian Artistic Boulevard we will visit the Castle of Tirana. Situated in the center of Tirana it has been an administrative point in different ruling systems. Recently renovated, it is one of the most interesting attractions with unique shops and bars. A unique center for olive oil and products. Fourth Stop Vist at "Blloku", Main Boulevard The tour continues on the Main Boulevard of Tirana “Deshmoret e Kombit”. You will learn more about its Architecture, Style, and History. It is where Piramida and the most famous buildings of Tirana are situated. Walking along the former communist part of the city, Blloku. It used to be the residential area of the Former Communist dictator, Enver Hoxha. Quick Stop for a very local specialty of Mase Drink mixed with Ice Cream. Fifth Stop at a Traditional Albanian Food - Grill Stop Visit a Local Restaurant where we would have the chance to try a full local Grill meal. Albanians and their Traditional Cuisine are famous for having plenty of meat on their menu and being vegetarian here is a hard job 🙂 It will be a full meal where you would be able to try Fergesa, a Tirana’s specialty, Meatballs, Suxhuk (Kosovo’s sausages), and more, all combined with local drinks. End of the Tour

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.

Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of a country that was under communist rule for almost 50 years. My intention is to give a warm welcome to all who decide to visit my city. I will do my best to provide you with a high-quality tour, engage you during the walking, and give insights into the history, culture, and daily life in Tirana. What is special about my tours is that I organise them in small groups which gives you the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the guide. We will start our impressive near the CAROUSEL, south end of the Skanderbeg Square. Our itinerary will be as follows, passing the main attractions: National Historical Museum️ Opera House Et’hem Bej Mosque Clock Tower BUNK’ART 2 Museum️ Promenade Murat Toptani Tirana Castle Lana River Saint Paul Catholic Cathedral ⛪️ Pyramid of Tirana Checkpoint- Postbllok Blloku Area Youth Park-Taiwan Park Orthodox Church ⛪️ We will finish our tour with the unique museum “House of Leaves” full of history and tragedy. To make your stay more enjoyable, I will recommend places to eat since Albania is a country distinguished by tasty traditional food. Follow on Instagram to see the sights of Tirana and the attractions we will cover on our Tour! Instagram: tirana_sights_albania https://instagram.com/tirana_sights_albania?utm_source=qr Thank you for your time and see you soon!

Tirana walking tour will show you a city with a never ending energy! You will get to know one of the most ancient populations in Europe. Our guide will take you to some of the most important traces of Albanian history & heritage. Experience the charm of Tirana on a walking tour through its vibrant streets. Begin at Skanderbeg Square, where the Et'hem Bey Mosque and National History Museum beckon. Explore the trendy Blloku district, filled with lively cafes and shops. Marvel at the Pyramid of Tirana and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city's eclectic neighborhoods. This walking tour provides a delightful blend of history, culture, and the contemporary allure of Albania's capital.

The tour guide will pick you up and drive you to Durres area, an area on the Adriatic Sea that is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Tirana. Once in Durres area, you will visit Cape of Rodon, a rocky peninsula that extends into the sea. This hidden gem features the ruins of Skanderbeg Castle and St. Anthony Church, both of which have historical significance and offer beautiful views of the surrounding scenery. After exploring Cape of Rodon, the tour offers free time for visitors to walk along the sandy beaches or swim in the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Then, the tour will head to the Duka Winery and Vineyard, where visitors can relax and enjoy the atmosphere while sipping on local wines. Finally, the tour will end with a transfer back to Tirana in the evening. Overall, this excursion offers a mix of history, natural beauty, and relaxation, making it a great option for those looking to explore Albania's coastline and enjoy some local wine.

Explore Tirana, the bustling capital of Albania, on a guided walking tour that blends modernism with centuries of rich heritage. After meeting at the orthodox cathedral **Ngjallja e Krishtit** for the first introduction, start the journey at **Skanderbeg Square**, the heart of the city, where you’ll see the iconic statue of Skanderbeg on horseback. Surrounding the square are key landmarks like the **National History Museum** and the **Palace of Culture**, a hub for art and culture. Visit the **Et'hem Bej Mosque**, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture, known for its intricate frescoes. Climb the adjacent **Clock Tower** for panoramic views of Tirana’s skyline. From here, walk to the **Pyramid of Tirana**, a striking structure that once served as a museum dedicated to Enver Hoxha. Today, it stands as a symbol of Albania's complex past and evolving present, hosting cultural events. Next, explore Tirana's Cold War history at **Bunk'Art 2**, a museum in a former bunker with exhibits on life under communist rule and Albania's political repression during the dictatorship, secret police operations, and the experiences of ordinary citizens during the regime. Head towards **Blloku**, once an elite district under communism, now a trendy neighborhood full of bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Stop here for breakfast at one of its stylish cafés, where you can enjoy fresh pastries and Albanian coffee. Visit the **Postbllok Memorial**, which offers a powerful reflection on Albania’s authoritarian past. Then, continue to **Mother Teresa Square**, home to the **Polytechnic University** and **Palace of Congresses**, with architecture reflecting both fascist and modernist influences. Nearby, visit the **Air Albania Stadium**, Tirana’s national stadium, which is a hub for sports, concerts, and dining. Then head to the **Grand Mosque** of Tirana (Namazgjah Mosque), which, once completed, will be a major spiritual and cultural center. Pass through **Sulejman Pasha Square**, historically significant for its Ottoman heritage, and visit the nearby **Kapllan Pasha Tomb**, one of the few remaining Ottoman structures. End your tour at the lively **New Bazaar** (Pazari i Ri). This vibrant market is perfect for exploring local life, sampling fresh produce, and shopping for souvenirs. Enjoy a delicious Albanian lunch at one of the traditional restaurants here to conclude your journey through Tirana’s history and culture.

Our journey begins at the Skenderbeg Square, the center of Tirana. Here, you will get an introduction on what the tour will include. The history of Albania consists of 4 important time periods: 1. Prehistory - The Illyrian Tribes 2. Albania and Ottoman Empire - Skanderbeg era 3. Renaissance - The declaration of Independence 4. Communism - Darkest time in Albanian history During the walk you will have the opportunity to visit landmarks that represent each time period, explaining how did each period shape the Albania we see today. Some of these landmarks include: National Historical Museum - exhibited 6293 museum artifacts Clock Tower & Et´hem Bey Mosque Selim Pashe Toptani´s Palace - 32 rooms in oriental style Tirana Castle - the heart of Tirana Blloku - Enjoying La Dolce Vita and the vibrant life of Tirana House of leaves - museum about the brutal regime of Enver Hoxha The tour also includes the tasting of Raki, a traditional alcoholic drink made in Albania.