Tirana is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in Europe. There are plenty of things to see and do, ranging from funky cafes to fascinating museums.
One of the most interesting things to do is a walking tour. These tours are led by locals and give a great insight into Albania’s complicated history.
Skanderbeg Square
Skanderbeg Square is named after a national hero of Albania who resisted the Ottoman invasion. It’s the main square in Tirana and it’s surrounded by various important buildings.
This is one of the largest public spaces in the Balkans and it’s also one of the most popular attractions in Tirana. It’s a great place to hang out with friends and family as well as for sightseeing.
The Clock Tower on the square offers amazing views of the city. It was built in 1822 and stands 115 feet tall. You can climb the slender spiral staircase to reach the top for a panoramic view of the square.
National History Museum
The National History Museum is one of Tirana’s most impressive attractions, and if you’re in the mood for learning about Albania’s past, it’s an essential stop. Located on Skanderbeg Square, it traces the country’s history from antiquity through to the present day.
The largest museum in Albania, it opened in 1981 and contains a variety of exhibitions that are sure to fascinate visitors. There are eight pavilions, each covering a different era and topic.
The Antiquity pavilion features items from archaeological excavations, including sculptures and mosaics dating back to the 4th century BC. Among the most interesting are the mosaic of Beauty from Durres and the head of Artemis, as well as finds from the Monumental Tomb of Lower Selca, Pogradec.
Clock Tower
Tirana’s Clock Tower is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It stands on Skanderbeg Square, a focal point of the Albanian capital’s central district.
It was built in 1822 by Haxhi Ethem Bey, who also designed the mosque next door. Today it’s a cultural monument and an architectural landmark.
The tower is 35 meters tall and has a Venetian style roof and balcony. Its clocks have been changed several times over the years. First it had a Viennese design, then a German one and now a Chinese clock.
St George’s Church
Tirana’s Orthodox Autocephalous Church is one of the city’s main attractions, and it’s well worth a visit. The building was designed in an Orthodox and Byzantine style, incorporating huge curved arches, dazzling gold doors, and navy blue details.
St George’s Church played a prominent role in Albanian nationalism during the early twentieth century, establishing new parishes and assisting in the formation of an Orthodox Autocephalous Church in Albania. It also sponsored the publication of liturgical books in the Albanian language, a first for the Albanian-American community in the United States.
Tanners Bridge
One of Tirana’s lesser known attractions is Tanners Bridge, a stone footbridge built during the 18th century. It was originally a passage for local farmers to transfer livestock and fresh produce from Debar to Tirana.
The bridge used to cross a small river until it was diverted in the 1930s. Today, it is a pedestrian bridge and has preserved its original architecture.
Tanners Bridge is a cultural heritage monument in Tirana, preserving the elegance of the Ottoman era. It also features colourful Soviet style housing as a backdrop.
Grand Park
Located in the southern part of the city, Grand Park spans over 230 hectares and features an artificial lake. The park also houses several memorials to Albanian luminaries such as philosophers and writers.
The park is a popular recreation area for locals, and it offers lots of activities like fishing and swimming in the lake during summertime. It’s an excellent place to take a stroll and relax during your trip to Tirana.
The hotel is very clean and the staff are always friendly and helpful. They also offer a great breakfast! It is also very close to Skanderbeg Square and the center of the city.
