Tirana, the capital and the largest city of Albania, is a fascinating and dynamic destination that offers a contrast of old and new, traditional and modern, communist and democratic. Whether you are interested in history, art, architecture, or gastronomy, you will find something to suit your taste and mood in Tirana. Here are the top 5 things to do in Tirana in 2024, based on popularity, beauty, and diversity.
1. Climb the Pyramid of Tirana
The Pyramid of Tirana is one of the most iconic and controversial buildings in the city, and one of the most adventurous and fun things to do in Tirana. The Pyramid of Tirana was built in 1988, and was originally a museum dedicated to the former dictator Enver Hoxha. After the fall of communism, the pyramid was used as a conference centre, a nightclub, a radio station, and a NATO base. Now, it is mostly abandoned and dilapidated, but it still attracts locals and tourists who climb its steep and slippery walls to enjoy the view and the thrill. The Pyramid of Tirana is open every day, and is free to access. You can walk around the building, or join the crowds who scale its sides. Be careful, though, as the pyramid can be dangerous and slippery, especially when it rains. You can also learn more about the history and the future of the pyramid, which is planned to be transformed into a youth centre by 2024.
2. Visit the Bunk’Art Museum
The Bunk’Art Museum is one of the most unique and impressive museums in Tirana, and one of the most informative and immersive things to do in Tirana. The Bunk’Art Museum is located in a former bunker, which was built by Enver Hoxha in the 1970s, and was meant to be a shelter for the political elite in case of a nuclear attack. The bunker has been converted into a museum that showcases the history and the culture of Albania, from the Ottoman era to the communist regime, to the present day. The museum has more than 100 rooms, decorated with original furniture, artefacts, photos, and videos. The museum also has interactive exhibits, such as a simulation of a nuclear blast, a torture chamber, and a secret tunnel. The Bunk’Art Museum is open every day, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The admission fee is 500 lek for adults and 200 lek for children and students. You can buy your tickets at the entrance, or book online.
3. Explore the Blloku District
The Blloku District is the most lively and trendy neighbourhood in Tirana, and one of the most popular and attractive areas to visit in the city. The Blloku District was once the exclusive and restricted area where the communist leaders lived and was off-limits to the public. After the fall of communism, the district was opened up and transformed into a vibrant and cosmopolitan area, with cafes, bars, restaurants, shops, and galleries. The Blloku District is also a place of contrast and creativity, with colourful and graffiti-covered buildings, and modern and minimalist architecture. The Blloku District is open every day and is free to access. You can walk around the neighborhood, or take a bike, a bus, or a metro to explore its sights. You can also join a guided tour or a pub crawl to discover the best spots and the hidden gems of the area.
4. Enjoy the pastries and the coffee at the Çoko
The Çoko is the most famous and the most delicious pastry shop in Tirana, and one of the most indulgent and irresistible things to do in Tirana. The Çoko is located in the city centre, near the Skanderbeg Square, and has been making and selling the byrek, the traditional and exquisite savoury pies, since 1941. The byrek are made with a thin and crispy pastry, filled with cheese, spinach, meat, or potatoes, and baked in a wood-fired oven. The byrek are best enjoyed hot and fresh, accompanied by a cup of coffee or tea. The Çoko is open every day, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The price of a byrek is 100 lek, and the price of a coffee or tea is 50 lek. You can buy your pastries and drinks at the counter, or sit at one of the tables in the cozy and elegant rooms.
5. Discover the art and the culture at the National Art Gallery
The National Art Gallery is the main art museum in Tirana and one of the most important and beautiful museums in the country. The National Art Gallery is located in a modern and elegant building, near the Tirana International Hotel, and displays more than 5,000 works of art, from the 13th century to the present day, with a focus on the Albanian, Balkan, and European schools. The museum is famous for its collection of paintings, sculptures, and prints by artists such as Onufri, Kolë Idromeno, Vangjush Mio, and Ibrahim Kodra. Some of the most celebrated works in the museum include the Icon of St. George by Onufri, a 16th-century masterpiece of Byzantine art, the Portrait of a Lady by Kolë Idromeno, a 19th-century example of realism, and the Spring by Vangjush Mio, a 20th-century impression of nature. The museum also has temporary exhibitions, workshops, and events that showcase the contemporary and emerging art scene in Albania. The National Art Gallery is open every day, except on Mondays, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The admission fee is 200 lek for adults, and free for children and students. You can buy your tickets at the entrance, or book online.
