Memorable Places to Visit in Tirana, Albania

With different stories of each unique and emotionally-charged monument, you don’t want to miss the memorable places to visit in Tirana, Albania. These age-old stories can be about the day-to-day life of Tirana during the Ottoman Empire or the oppression in the 20th-century. Aside from the rich chronological structures, these are also beautiful lakes to cool off during the summer. If you’re looking for picture-perfect destinations, Tirana will not disappoint you. Here are ten recommended places to visit in Tirana for a remarkable experience: 

1. Dajti Ekspres: 

One of the most memorable places to visit in Tirana, Albania, with your family is Dajti Ekspres. The cable car is a fun and exciting ride that takes you through the incredible mountain on Tirana’s eastern edge. It takes you up by the gondola and stretches across a kilometre before rising more than 800 metres up the mountainside. Apart from this, there are other thrilling activities, such as horseback riding during summer or skiing in winter. The breathtaking view of the city is also remarkable. 

2. Pazari I Ri (New Bazaar): 

If you are looking for the most amazing and picture-perfect spots in Tirana, Albania, Pazari I Ri or the New Bazaar is a great place to visit. It is a large food market which was altered two years to the incredible destination it is today. You can stroll around to explore the unique architecture and contemporary building facades in the neighborhood. Don’t also forget to enjoy some of the best fresh food in several restaurants nearby.

3. The Tirana Pyramid:

It might be a massive unattractive building, but it’s best to know that there’s a giant concrete pyramid in Tirana, Albania. It is one of the recommended attractions to visit whenever you stop by. Although it was designed as a museum to the old leader by Enver Hoxha‘s daughter and son-in-law in 1988, The Tirana Pyramid now symbolizes resistance to the country’s dark past. It is covered in graffiti and encampments of the homeless in Tirana. 

4. Et’hem Bey Mosque: 

Et’hem Bey Mosque is among the memorable places to visit in Tirana, Albania, with unique outer walls that illustrate a scenery with waterfalls and forests, unlike every other Islamic art. The place of worship is regarded as the site of one of the most remarkable events in Tirana that gave the people their religious freedom in Albania. It was completed in the early 19th century and is one of the top historical landmarks in the city.  

5.  Resurrection Cathedral Tirana: 

Primarily known as the third largest Orthodox church in Europe, the Resurrection Cathedral is undoubtedly a must-visit in Tirana, Albania. The cathedral was opened in 2012 and consecrated in 2014 to celebrate the renewal of the Albanian Orthodox Church, which the Communist regimes had significantly restrained for decades. Apart from being easy to find, you can catch a glimpse of its striking interior and the large bell tower beside it. 

6. Bunk’Art: 

Formerly used as a massive and secret Cold War bunker by Albania’s political elites in the 1979s, Bunk’Art was remodeled into a historical and contemporary art museum. It is one of the significant attractions in Tirana for a thrilling experience of a long and dark tunnel in the hillside. There are furnished with private rooms originally for the communist elites. You can explore it to see a detailed history of modern Albania and the overthrow of communism. 

7. Grand Park: 

Grand Park can be found in the south of the Blloku district and is the ultimate destination to breathe fresh air, relax and possibly do some exercise. The vast artificial lake also features the Presidential Palace, which was initially constructed as a home for King Zog I. You would also find several Albanian national heroes in the park. It offers outdoor swimming during summer and covers about 230 hectares. 

8. National History Museum: 

National History Museum is the largest museum in Albania. It is one of the most memorable places to visit in Tirana, Albania, with several archaeological treasures and collections. In addition, you’ll find a replica of Skanderbeg’s massive sword. There are many mosaics, statues and columns from the Greek and Roman times. It is undoubtedly a breathtaking view with essential highlights, such as those who suffered persecution under the communist regime.

9. Clock Tower: 

A must-see destination in Tirana, Albania, is the Clock Tower! It is undoubtedly one of the most photographed masterpieces in the city, which dates back to 1822 after being completed by the court poet Haxhi Et’hem Bey. However, the clock itself has been changed several times in its history. At first, it was in Viennese design, then in German-style and Roman numerals before it eventually became the current Chinese clock. It would be best to know that you can climb the tower’s spiral staircase for free and sight the beautiful scenery of the city.

10. Ura e Tabakëve: 

Also referred to as the Tanners’ Bridge, this iconic bridge is the only representation of an Ottoman bridge in Tirana that is still visible and existent today. Apart from this, the bridge is a 5-minute walk from the Tirana Promenade and is relatively easy to find. If you are a fan of historic architecture, the Tanners bridge will be one of the memorable places in Tirana, Albania, for you to see. Although it is well hidden between the recent buildings and hotels, the bridge remains in excellent condition.