When we headed on a Football Weekend to Albania, things didn’t quite go to plan so we instead compiled a list of great alternative things to do in Tirana which is the Capital City.
Football in Albania
We noticed in the build-up to our trip that the football matches we were looking to attend were either not officially scheduled, had recently been re-scheduled, or had been postponed. In fact it was only the day we arrived that we found out that the match we were planning to attend had been switched to the Monday evening.
Albanian Bunkers
Of all the things to do in Tirana the favourite was exploring Bunk’Art 2 which is an old Nuclear Shelter turned into a museum in the centre of the city.
The BunkArt2 Museum
When you enter the building the dome shape from inside is fascinating. The inside walls are covered with the faces of victims of the Sigurimi. You descend into the bunker and pay a small fee to enter.
Inside the Bunk Art 2 Dome
Inside the bunker are several narrow passages all with multiple rooms coming off them, 24 in total. Each room explores part of the communist era, the Sigurimi secret surveillance agency and there are some amazing pieces of equipment on display. The bunker has concrete walls 8 feet thick!
One of many rooms under the dome
Skanderbeg Statue
Around the corner from Bunk’Art 2 is Skanderbeg Square and here you will find the bronze monument of an Albanian national hero from 1405-1468. Standing 11 metres tall it was placed here in 1968 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Skanderbeg.
The Skanderbeg Monument
Have an Albanian Breakfast
Both mornings we were in Tirana we went for breakfast at Cafe Botanica located on Skanderbeg Square in the centre of Tirana. We opted for the Albanian Breakfast which was fantastic and if it’s a nice day, sit outside facing the square.
Breakfast at Cafe Botanica
Cafe Botanica on Skanderbeg Square
Drink some Raki
Raki is the national drink of Albania and it is an extremely strong tipple around 40%. We were offered this as a gesture in a restaurant so be prepared to sample some when offered.
Try some Raki
Street Art
Whilst there are many things to do in Tirana, it is also a city of great street art so keep your eyes open and your camera ready.
Street Art on buildings throughout Tirana
Look out for great street art in Tirana
The Pyramid
The Pyramid of Tirana was originally built as a museum back in 1988 however that is no longer the case. In 1999 it became a NATO base during the Kosovan war and now it is simply a fantastic structure – climbing to the top offers some great views of Tirana. Albanian’s see this building as the symbol of the victory over the regime.
Pyramid of Tirana
Air Albania Stadium
Whilst we had no football to watch, we do recommend a visit to the Air Albania Stadium which is close to the Pyramid. Just a few days before our arrival the national Albanian team had beaten Poland 2-0 in their quest to reach the European Championships in 2024.
Inside the stadium is a cocktail bar called Arena which had friendly table service and not busy. You can grab a small table on the edge of the seating area overlooking the pitch. They also serve a good range of draught and bottled beers at good prices.
Arena Bar inside Air Albania Stadium
Radio Bar Tirana
If you want to head to a cool bar in Tirana we recommend Radio Bar. The colourful bar featured in an episode of The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan which is worth a watch, and houses items associated with Albanian culture. You will find yourself sitting opposite an old TV set, an old radio, and maybe see an old typewriter!
Radio Bar can be located in the Blloku area of Tirana which has many bars, restaurants and nightlife.
Radio Bar Tirana
Rruga Murat Toptani
Away from Blloku is another area of bars along a pedestrian street. These spill out onto the pavement and has a much more chilled vibe. Amongst the bars are cafe’s, ice cream vans and small gift shops too.
Rruga Murat Toptani
Grand Park of Tirana
Want to chill out? Head to the Grand Park of Tirana. Located in the City Centre it is a great location for a walk and sit down. The park has an artificial lake and you will find bars and cafe’s around the lake to get refreshments – there is even a Burger King!
Grand Park of Tirana
Dajti Express Cable Car
The Dajti Express Cable Car is our final recommendation of things to do in Tirana. The cable car takes 15 minutes swiftly rising 1613 metres above sea level to the mountain balcony. At the top you experience great views whilst you can grab a drink and play some mini-golf too!
Dajti Express Cable Car, Tirana.
We hope you enjoy our review of things to do in Tirana. We loved the City, the people are extremely friendly and we would recommend a visit.
