How To Spend 2 Days In Tirana: Ultimate Itinerary 2025
Wondering how to spend two days in Tirana? We’ve got the ultimate itinerary below, with personal tips, accommodation and restaurant options, and everything you need to know for an awesome trip.
Tirana is the capital of Albania. It is one of those destinations that is often overlooked, but one we fell in love with. If you’re wondering how to spend 2 days in Tirana, we’ve got you covered.
When we visited Albania, many people told us to skip the capital as it was ‘boring’, but that is simply not true. Tirana is the most vibrant, colourful, interesting city we have ever visited. And it’s made it onto our list of all-time favourite places.
We spent a long time in the city, discovering all the best things to do, where to eat, and where to stay. We’ve put it all together into the ultimate 2 day Tirana itinerary for first-timers. So let’s jump right in!
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Tirana Itinerary: 2 Days Overview
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Day 1: City Centre Highlights
For your first day in Tirana, you’re going to spend it getting to know the vibrant centre of the city. You’ll see all the key attractions and visit a couple of museums we really think are worth seeing. You’ll end the day at my absolute favourite restaurant in Tirana, in my favourite area.
This is a jam-packed day, with so many fascinating and fun things to do. If you’re short on time, or want to learn more about Tirana’s history and hidden gems, we highly recommend this walking tour.
As you make your way around the city, make sure you stop to admire all the beautiful coloured buildings. The bright colours and vibrant energy make Tirana such a special city. Creativity is everywhere, so take a bit of time to admire it. You can also consider taking a street art tour to discover some incredible artwork.
Skanderbeg Square
Start your day in the beating heart of the city at Skanderbeg Square. Skanderbeg Square is honestly huge, spanning 40,000 square metres. At the very centre is a huge monument of Albania’s national hero: Skanderbeg riding a horse.
This square has a huge paved area, large colourful seating, a grass-covered area, and water fountains in the summer. It is a vibrant place, particularly in the evenings. This is where locals gather to enjoy the weather, chat, and people-watch.
The square is surrounded on all sides by impressive buildings. Straight ahead you have the beautiful National Historical Museum, with a mosaic depicting warriors, including women, heading off to battle. If you have a bit more time, it is well-worth a visit, though it can take up to 3 hours to see everything due to it’s sheer size.
To the right, you’ll see the beautiful opera house, and several up-scale cafés and restaurants.
Spend a while relaxing in the park, taking beautiful photos, and watching the locals go about their day.
Recommended Time – 45 minutes
Et’hem Bey Mosque & Clock Tower
To the edge of Skanderbeg Square sits a small but insanely beautiful mosque – the Et’hem Bey Mosque. Dating back to the 18th Century, this Mosque is symbolic of the resilience of the Albanian people.
Albania was under a communist dictatorship from the years 1944-1992. During this time, religion was abolished, and the vast majority of places of worship were destroyed or converted into gymnasiums or warehouses. Et’hem Bey Mosque was one of the few to be saved.
Whilst only small, this mosque is truly beautiful. The walls are filled with large arched windows, letting beams of light in. The cream walls, both inside and out, are covered in carvings of trees, waterfalls, bridges and wildlife, which is quite rare in Islamic artwork.
Tip – To enter the mosque, both men and women must be dressed modestly. Shoulders should be covered and women should also cover their knees. Women will also need to cover their hair.
Take some time to admire the mosque from the outside, before heading inside to see it from both perspectives. Entry to the mosque is free, but donations are always welcomed.
Recommended Time – 30 minutes
Just next to Et’hem Bey Mosque, and built by the same person, is Tirana Clock Tower. This clock tower was destroyed and rebuilt during both World Wars, making it look very fresh. Measuring 35m at its highest point, this was once the tallest building in Tirana.
Entry Fee – 200 Lek
You can enter the clock tower and climb to the top for incredible views over Tirana, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and Skanderbeg Square.
Recommended Time – 30 minutes
Cafe Stop – Mulliri i Vjeter
When in Tirana, I made it my mission to discover all the best coffee shops. One of my favourite was Mulliri i Vjeter. It’s like Albania’s answer to Starbucks, but so much better. The coffee is good and cheap, the food is delicious, and the atmosphere is 10/10.
Grab a drink, sit outside with the locals, and people-watch. Drinking coffee is a pastime in Albania. Locals will spend several hours over a coffee, catching up with friends and watching the world go by.
Bunk’Art 2
Following a quick stop to refresh, it’s time to head to one of the most iconic places in Tirana: Bunk’Art 2.
Bunk’Art 2 is a museum sharing the secrets of the ‘sigurimi’ (or secret police) during Albania’s communist regime. This is a museum I highly recommend to everyone visiting Albania, and especially if you’ve got two days in Tirana. I think it is essential to understand more about the country’s recent history to appreciate how it has shaped the country and affected so many lives.
Whilst fascinating, Bunk’Art 2 is also incredibly haunting. We both left the museum in absolute silence, still processing everything we had read.
Entry Fee – For this itinerary, we recommend purchasing the combined Bunk’Art 1 and 2 tickets, costing 1000 lek per person. Entry to just one is 700 Lek.
It doesn’t shy away from the dark side. Topics such as torture are covered, and some images are graphic. However, any rooms that reveal such graphic information do have warnings before you enter, so if you are with young children or are sensitive to such details, you need not worry.
The museum is built into an underground bunker, replicating those that were built extensively across the country. This adds to the eerie atmosphere of the museum.
It is quite a large museum, with plenty of information to take in, so make sure you plan your time accordingly.
Recommended Time – 2 hours
Lunch Stop – Café Botanica
House of Leaves Museum
Following a stop for a bite to eat, it’s time to head to one of our other favourite museums in Tirana: House of Leaves. This museum is smaller than Bunk’Art 2, but still fascinating to visit.
Entry Fee – 700 Lek
The museum is all about secret surveillance in Albania during the communist regime, and is housed in the actual building used as the Sigurimi headquarters.
On display, you’ll find the actual equipment used for listening and spying on the public. There are rooms built to replicate the typical Albanian home, with hidden cameras for you to try and find. You can see the tunnels used by the sigurimi, and read stories of those that lost their life to the secret police.
It is another fascinating museum that we highly recommend.
Recommended Time – 1 hour
Rinia Park & The Cloud
Having spent a while in museums, it’s time to head outside into the fresh air again.
Opposite House of Leaves you’ll find the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral, a huge, modern cathedral. It’s kind of paradoxical, considering religion was abolished during the communist regime, and this magnificent cathedral has since been built opposite the Sigurimi headquarters.
Tirana is full of symbolism like this (which we learnt through our walking tour).
Continue along the street to Rinia Park, one of our favourite spots to chill in the sunshine and watch the world go by. Rinia Park is an open space with a beautiful fountain at its centre. There are low walls and steps that make the perfect place to sit and breathe in the fresh air.
Opposite Rinia Park is The Cloud, a cool and creative piece of artwork in the heart of the city. Tirana is a very creative and artistic city, and this is just one example of that. There’s not a whole lot of information on The Cloud, but it makes for a cool photo stop.
Recommended Time – 30-45 minutes
Pyramid Of Tirana
From The Cloud, continue walking south to the Pyramid of Tirana. This unique building is of huge historical significance, having been built as a memorial to Enver Hoxha, the communist dictator, upon his death.
Every adult in Albania was forced to go to the Pyramid of Tirana and cry. Yes, they had to cry, or they and their entire family would face severe punishment or exile. It’s crazy to think this happened just 40 years ago.
Over the last couple of years, the Pyramid of Tirana has been transformed into a bright and colourful cultural hub. There are stairs leading to the pinnacle of the pyramid, with incredible views over the city.
There are classrooms, workshops, and cafés in colourful ‘boxes’ around and inside the pyramid. It’s kind of symbolic to think that these are the things heavily restricted by the former dictator, and now the people of Albania are literally walking all over his memorial.
Spend a while exploring the pyramid, climbing to the top for insane views over Tirana.
Recommended Time – 1-2 hours
Saint Paul’s Cathedral & Namazgah Mosque
After visiting the Pyramid of Tirana, head back towards the main road and cross over to see Saint Paul’s Cathedral.
This modern cathedral was built in 1994, after the fall of the communist regime. Outside stands a beautiful statue of Mother Teresa, who called Albania her home. This is a fact Albanians are very proud of.
Just down the road is Namazgah Mosque, one of the biggest and most impressive mosques in Albania. It’s a very rare situation for two religions to live side by side so harmoniously in this way. We’ve never known a cathedral and a huge mosque to be so close together, but Albania does it in such style.
After being abolished for so many years, religion is something that is celebrated in Albania, no matter who you worship. We think this is so special.
Take some time to see both the cathedral and mosque. They are so beautiful and so impressive. Please remember to dress respectfully if you want to take a look inside.
Recommended Time – 30-45 minutes
Tirana Castle
Next stop on this two-day Tirana itinerary is Tirana Castle. Now, let’s not get your hopes up, this is not an actual castle… anymore.
Tirana Castle dates back to the 13th century and was originally a Byzantine fortification.
Nowadays, Tirana Castle has been transformed into a pedestrianised zone brimming with boutique shops and restaurants. The remnants of the original walls are still visible.
Tirana Castle is a beautiful place to wander. Whether you find yourself in a café, treat yourself to an ice cream, or discover a unique souvenir, it is well worth strolling through.
Recommended Time – 30-45 minutes
New Bazaar (Pazari i Ri)
Just before heading for dinner, it’s time to explore my favourite neighbourhood in Tirana: Pazari i Ri, or the New Bazaar. This feels like such a local secret, and we barely saw any other tourists there.
It’s the sort of place where children still play in the street while their parents watch from a café with their friends. It’s the sort of place where every local will smile at you as you pass them in the street. It’s the sort of place where shop owners are proud to show you their stalls.
The New Bazaar is also an incredibly colourful place, with the buildings painted in different colours and patterns. It’s impossible not to smile when you see them.
At the centre of the New Bazaar is a huge sheltered market, where you can purchase everything from fresh produce to local honey and handicrafts. It’s the perfect place to interact with the locals and pick up a souvenir.
Dinner At ODA
ODA is my absolute favourite restaurant in Tirana. If you’ve only got two days in Tirana, you need to go to ODA at least once.
The restaurant serves traditional Albanian cuisine in a peaceful hidden garden in the centre of the city. The tables are surrounded by trees and trailing flowers, with fairy lights and lanterns dispersed throughout. The atmosphere is so romantic and peaceful.
There are no bad options when it comes to dishes. Order a few different dishes to try, à la carte style. There are both vegetarian and meat options so there really is something for everyone.
The best part about ODA is at 8pm every night through the warmer months they have live bands playing. The music is generally traditional Albanian but it just creates this wonderful atmosphere. If you stay for the music, 220 lek per person will automatically be added to your bill, but it is oh so worth it.
Tip – Make sure to reserve a table in advance as it can get super busy. You can reserve a table via their website by clicking here.
Day 2: City Outskirts
After a busy first day, your second day in Tirana is more about enjoying the beautiful nature of the city. It’s time to slow down a little and breathe in the fresh air.
Dajti Ekspres
The first stop on your second day in Tirana is going to be one of our highlights of our entire month in Albania: the Dajti Ekspres.
Ticket Cost – 1400 lek per person
The Dajti Ekspres is officially the longest cable cars in the Balkans, with the journey to the top of the mountain taking 15 minutes. This is also the most tranquil cable car ride we have ever been on. It was so quiet and smooth, you could hear the crickets in the farmer’s field below and the cicadas in the trees.
Tip – The Dajti Ekspres opens at 9am and we’d recommend getting there for opening to avoid queues. The last cablecar down is 6pm.
Once you’re at the top, you’re greeted with spectacular views over Tirana and the surrounding countryside. There is a café at the top where you can grab a cold drink with a view.
There are also plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy, including an adventure park, mini golf, roller-blading, mountain biking, and horse riding. It’s such a fun atmosphere.
Our favourite thing to do on Mount Dajti was to hike to the top of Maja e Tujanit. It was a quick 30-minute uphill hike, but the views over the mountains and lakes from the top were insane.
Recommended Time – There really is so much to do at the Dajti Ekspres, we would recommend spending at least half a day here.
How To Get To The Dajti Ekspres
Getting to the Dajti Ekspres is super simple. Catch the porcelain bus from just outside of the clock tower. Buses run every 5-15 minutes, and the journey takes 20-30 minutes. Bus tickets cost 40 lek per person, making it super affordable.
Lunch Stop – Restaurant Ballkoni Dajtit
Bunk’Art 1
After spending the morning in the mountains, it’s time to descend and head to Bunk’Art 1 for another glimpse into Albania’s troubled past. Bunk’Art 1 is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from the Dajti Ekspres lower station.
Bunk’Art 1 is a lot bigger than Bunk’Art 2, and a lot more immersive. In fact, it was a bit creepy at times. It is built into a real underground bunker that was the shelter of Enver Hoxha and his most trusted advisors.
The bunker is built over 5 floors and has 106 rooms. Many of the items found in the bunker have been retained from the communist era, including Enver Hoxha’s phone, which you can use to listen to the dictator speaking. Creepy, right?
The main difference in terms of content of Bunk’Art 1 compared to Bunk’Art 2 is that Bunk’Art 1 is more about daily life in Albania under the communist regime, including education and Enver Hoxha’s rise to power. In contrast, Bunk’Art 2 goes into more detail about the atrocities of the regime.
Both museums are incredibly powerful. We highly recommend visiting both when spending two days in Tirana.
Recommended Time – 2 hours
Grand Park & Artificial Lake
After visiting Bunk’Art 1, take the porcelain bus back to Biblioteka (near the clock tower). We’re going to be heading straight back out of the city to the Grand Park of Tirana.
It’s a gentle 30-minute walk from the bus stop, past a small park. Here you can find three bunkers, a piece of the Berlin Wall which was gifted to Tirana to show you can overcome anything when you work together, and a memorial to the exiled families working in the mines during the regime.
You can also detour to Enver Hoxha’s former residence if you’re interested in seeing it from the outside (though you can’t actually enter).
Tirana Park is beautiful. There are plenty of forested paths to walk along, a huge artificial lake, and grassy spaces to throw a ball around. The path around the lake has several cafés, which we recommend stopping for a drink at.
The park also has sports courts, an outdoor theatre, and bike hire if you want to explore in a different way.
It may sound cliché, but Tirana Park really is a peaceful oasis in the heart of a big city. We love it and think it makes the perfect spot to round off your two days in Tirana.
Dinner At Mullixhiu
For your last night in Tirana, we recommend visiting Mullixhiu, located on the edge of the Grand Park. This is a relaxed fine dining restaurant, at surprisingly affordable prices.
Tip – Book your reservation as far in advance as possible, as the restaurant is small and can sell out quickly.
Mullixhiu prides itself on its use of fresh Albanian-grown ingredients, meaning the menu changes with the seasons. The atmosphere is romantic, with solid wood tables and mood lighting. We would recommend the tasting menu to sample all the best the restaurant offers.
Note – Mullixhiu has virtually no vegetarian dishes. If you are vegetarian, we would recommend Fresh Garden Restaurant instead.
Where To Stay In Tirana
For this two-day Tirana itinerary, we would highly recommend staying in Tregu Çam, in the heart of the city. This is where most city-centre attractions are, making it super convenient.
✅ Best Luxury Stay – Capital Suites Centre
Just a 2-minute walk from Skanderbeg Square, Capital Suites Centre offers a cozy retreat right in the heart of the city. With beautifully decorated rooms that radiate luxury, this is the perfect place to stay in Tirana for a great mix of comfort and convenience.
What makes Capital Suites Centre really stand out is the amazing hospitality and friendliness of its owner. Whatever you need, they’re there to assist and will make sure you go about your day with a smile.
✅ Best Mid-Range Stay – Night Inn Tirana
If you’re looking for a touch of luxury without breaking the bank, Night Inn Tirana is the spot for you. For as little as £59 a night, you can book a stylish apartment right in the heart of Tregu Cam, one of the top areas to stay in Tirana.
Each room features a cozy seating area, a separate bedroom, and a small yet fully equipped kitchen for preparing your own meals. With a balcony that looks out over the city centre, your stay is sure to be memorable.
✅Best Budget Stay – Hi5 Rooms
Hi5 Rooms in Tirana offers a fantastic central location, just a 5-minute walk from Skanderbeg Square. The National Museum of History is only 4 minutes away on foot, and the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet is just 300 meters from the property. Tirana International Mother Teresa Airport is 14 km away.
The homestay provides comfortable family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and free WiFi throughout. You’ll also find added perks like balconies, bidets, and a shared kitchen for your convenience.
Is Tirana Worth Visiting?
Tirana is one of the most incredible cities we’ve ever visited. It has this strange way of drawing you in and captivating you in a way you wouldn’t have thought possible.
The locals are so friendly and genuinely want you to have an amazing time in their city. The buildings are colourful, the atmosphere is vibrant. There is so much to do (we’ve only just scratched the surface). It is so easy to get around.
So yes, there are so many reasons why we think Tirana is worth visiting. We hope this itinerary has convinced you.
How To Get Around Tirana
Tirana is really easy to get around. The centre of the city is pretty compact and you can reach most places on foot. For this itinerary, day 1 can be completed on foot, whilst on day 2 you will need to catch a local bus to and from the Dajti Ekspres.
To get to Tirana from the airport, we recommend booking an airport transfer in advance. If you’re planning on exploring more of the country, we would highly recommend hiring a car and driving in Albania.
2 Days In Tirana: FAQs
Still have a few questions about spending two days in Tirana? We’ve answered the most common questions below.
How Many Days Should I Spend In Tirana?
We would say that 2 days in Tirana is the minimum amount of time you should spend exploring. There is so much to do in the city, and it is such a vibrant place, you could easily spend 3-4 days exploring.
Is Tirana Safe?
We found Tirana to be a super safe city. The locals are so friendly and we didn’t feel unsafe once, even with big camera equipment.
Of course, we would always recommend exercising the same caution you would in any major city, such as not going out alone at night, and keeping an eye on your belongings. That being said, it is highly unlikely you will face any issues in Tirana.
What Are The Best Day Trips From Tirana?
Tirana is pretty centrally located in Albania, making it a great base for day trips. We would recommend spending a day visiting Berat, the city of a thousand windows. It is a beautiful town, with plenty to see and do.
Alternatively, you could take a day trip to Gjirokaster, another of our favourite cities in Albania. Again, there are plenty of things to do in Gjirokaster and some beautiful accommodations if you fancy staying a night.
If you want to head to the beach, you could consider a day trip to Durrës, or even Sarandë.
Or, for something a little more local, head to Kruje to see the ancient castle.
How Far Is Tirana From Ksamil?
Ksamil is located a 3hr 45min drive from Tirana. If you want to soak up the sun on some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, we highly recommend extending your trip and staying in Ksamil.
Wrap Up
Tirana is one of the most unique and vibrant cities in Europe, with buildings painted in all different colours and patterns and the friendliest locals.
There is so much to do, you definitely need at least two days in Tirana to fit everything in. From fascinating museums to beautiful architecture and incredible green spaces, Tirana really has it all. So what are you waiting for?
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