Location: Tirana
Top Things to do in Tirana
Countries
10 Things to Do in Tirana That You Shouldn't Miss
Tirana, the Republic of Albania's largest city, is blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate, a plethora of beautiful churches and lush parks. Founded in 1614, some striking Mussolini-era architecture dots the city center. Walk between sights such as Skanderbeg Square's 1789 Et'hem Bey Mosque, the 1830 Sahat-Kulla (Clock Tower) and the Puppet Theater, once home to King Zog's puppet parliament. Visit the Peace Bell, built with old cartridge shells, a reminder of Tirana's stormy past.
Restaurants in Tirana
1. BunkArt 1
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 535 reviews
After the inaguration, in June 1978 by the dictator Enver Hoxha, opened to the public the anti-nuclear bunker built by the communist government. A 5 floor palace underground, with 106 rooms and an assembly hall, now turned into an historical and art center called "BUNK'ART". The passageways, the areas provided for the meetings of the General Staff of the Army in case of war, the rooms where was thought would sleep the communist exdictator Enver Hoxha and the former Prime Minister Mehmet Shehu in case of a nuclear attack, the gigantic hall dedicated to the meetings of the political Bureau which contains also an albanian tipical Buffe are transformed into a video museum exhibition and into art. Starting from April 2016, BUNK'ART is now made permanent, turning into a unique attraction site for tourists in the region, showing the albanian life during the 45 years of communism.
Reviewed By Travelling_LindaG - The Netherlands
Worth a visit, great history and lots of stories about WWI, communist era and after. Underground and so chilly.
2. BunkArt 2
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Bunk'art 2 reconstructs the history of the Albanian Ministry of Internal Affairs from 1912 to 1991 and reveals the secrets of “Sigurimi”, the political police that was the harsh persecution weapon used by the regime of Enver Hoxha. Bunk'art 2 is the first major video museum exhibition dedicated to the victims of communist terror.
Reviewed By amandadavies43 - Brentwood, United Kingdom
We spent 2 hours viewing this exhibition which is located in an actual underground bunker previously accessible from one of the nearby government buildings.It is very well laid out with information in Albanian and English.
It records the history of the gendarmerie from the time of Albania’s independence but the really interesting but harrowingly part is the account of the secret police’ activities from 1945 to 1991.
Over 6000 dissidents were executed but that does not include the thousands who disappeared or died of starvation and disease while imprisoned.
Like a visit to Auschwitz it serves to remind us that totalitarian states are evil whatever their political inclination.
Europe would be wise to remember this as its political parties move further and further from the centre ground.Jeremy Corbin and John Macdonald I’m thinking of you!
3. Dajti Ekspres “Cable Car”
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 667 reviews
Located just 15 mins from the centre of Tirana, “Dajti Ekspres” provides it’s visitors with an unforgettable experience. Take the 15 minute trip up Dajti Mountain on the longest Cableway in the Balkans and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city. At the summit, relax and enjoy the surroundings, take a stroll and enjoy the view! Enjoy a hot or cold drink in our rotating bar/cafe, located on the 7th floor of the Dajti Tower Hotel. A 45 minute stay at the bar will ensure you get a full 360 degrees view of the beautiful surroundings, including the Dajti national park. Fancy a bite to eat? Head over to our on-site restaurant perched on the edge of the mountain! Serving both traditional & International cuisine, we're told that the food is great (we are currently rated 10th on Trip Advisor out of 300 restaurants in Tirana) but even we must admit, it's the panoramic view that is the main attraction, simply breathtaking! We look forward to welcoming you soon.
Reviewed By Alec M - Reading, United Kingdom
I have skied throughout Europe, in America and Canada and travelled on numerous cable cars. None have caused me concern as this one did. The reason was the wind which became worse as we got to the top and caused the cars to swing quite violently. In my experience when wind such as we experienced occurs cable cars do not operate.
4. Mount Dajti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
Reviewed By CFEIII - Austin, Texas
If you take the tram up the mountain, you will be rewarded with a great view of Tirana. There are trails to walk or ride by horse or ATV, shoot an air rifle, enjoy the restaurant or revolving bar. Its all good!
5. Et`hem Bey Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 494 reviews
6. Grand Park (Parku i Madh)
Overall Ratings
4 based on 226 reviews
Reviewed By Kevin A - London
A wonderful oasis in the middle of Tirana. There is an ongoing programme of improvement that is making a 'walk in the park' a real pleasure...new walkways through the trees and new facilities that just add to the ambience of the many, many people that take advantage of a good walk in the pleasant climate.
7. Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania
Overall Ratings
4 based on 256 reviews
Reviewed By CFEIII - Austin, Texas
If you travel from Skanderberg Square to Blloku area, you will likely pass by this church, Modern, but strikingly beautiful. I didn't go in.
8. Skanderbeg Square
9. National History Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 754 reviews
10. Skanderbeg Statue
Overall Ratings
4 based on 334 reviews
Reviewed By Sean K - San Jose, California
Skanderbeg's status sits at the center of the square. Its an impressive statue, and its worth pausing to understand how important Skanderbeg was to uniting the independent and inter-fighting Albanian groups to come together and fight off invading forces.
Its not worth a dedicated trip, but there are a number of sites/destinations on this same square - the National Museum, a mosque, the clock tower, etc. The House of Leaves and Bunk Art 2 are both only a block away.
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