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Tirana is the capital of Albania.

[edit] Understand

Tirana is the capital of Albania.The city was established in 1614 by Sulejman Pashe Bargjini, a native feudal lord from Mullet.In the year of 1920, The Congress of Lushnja declared Tirana as the provisional capital of Albania. In 1925, it gained its full status.Located in Southeastern Europe, between Greece in the south, Montenegro and Kosovo to the North, and Macedonia in the Northeast. Tourists usually find Tirana a beautiful and charming city, with a lively night life. Tirana suffers from pollution problems, mainly due to the rapid increase in cars in the city. There are many excellent, inexpensive restaurants in Tirana serving all kinds of food (but good luck finding a taco!). Tirana also features many historical buildings, and a strange sensation of the meeting between Europe and the Orient. About 70% of Albania's population are nominally Muslim, but very few practice their religion. The BBC called Albania a rich blend of cultures and religions with breathtaking natural beauty and pristine beaches.

The city and country are very friendly to tourists. They are completely closing the central square to autos soon which will make the center of town even more pedestrian and tourist friendly. The average citizen speaks little English.

[edit] Get in

An Albanian visa used to cost €10, payable upon entrance to the country. This has stopped, effective 2009.

Tirana has no international train connections, so be ready to fly or for a long bus ride to or from the country. Tirana's makeshift restaurant/station is downtown, behind the Triana International Hotel, and costs €20 to either Skopje, Macedonia (about 300 km, 6 hours) or to Prishtina, Kosovo (It was a horrible 10 hour long trip for just 320 km - DO NOT, DO NOT take this route).(Honored to be the one to inform you this route being now probably the best in whole Europe. 1 billion investment of Albanian government, implemented by US company Enka, has shortened the time of a previously very difficult route from Kosovo border to Tirana from 10 hours to 2 hours in a 4+2 lanes, with an amazing scenery to be seen during this route. Being one the worst routes turned to one of the best in Europe)

[edit] By train

Railway service in the Balkans (former Yugoslavia, Albania and Bulgaria) was drastically reduced in the 1990s. Albania, which never had a particularly good railway service, is left with just about nothing these days. International train service does not exist. So, you can only reach Tirana from another Albanian city, and, until now, train service only operates to Durrës, Shkodër (Shkodra), Elbasan, Vlorë and Pogradec. Even though train services are very poor, when compared to West Balkan stadards, they are strangely frequent - with up to 8 services a day to Durrës.

While slower and perhaps more worn than the bus, the train ride from Tirana to Shkodër(or vice versa) makes up for this not only in cost (120 lek) but also in scenery. The 3 1/2 hour ride north enables you to enjoy the scenery of this unique country, sometimes even without the hindrance of glass between you and the world.

[edit] By bus

You can travel by bus to Tirana from other Albanian towns, or from Turkey, the Republic of Macedonia, Serbia, and Greece by international roads. There is usually one service per day from the afore-mentioned countries, in addition to several early evening departures from Pristina bus station that arrive in the Albanian capital at around 5AM. Get current information about Tirana at the bus station before you leave that country. There is no regular bus service to Tirana from other parts of Europe.

What may be the best crossing from Montenegro are the buses from Ulcinj, crossing at Muriqan to Shkodra. They depart at least twice daily, and drop you off at the Shkodër furgon station before entering the centre. There will always be a waiting furgon for Tirana. Buses to and from Kosovo depart from downtown (behind museum where one also can find buses to Rinas airport)

Buses are generally the best method for traveling in Albania, but the traveler should note that they are not in the best of shape. There are few bus companies - buses are usually private coaches. There are no set schedules - coaches depart when they are full, or at the whim of the driver (usually at 6AM).

In Tirana there are no bus stations, just simple bus stops (usually consiting of a bench and a pole, however sometimes not marked at all - you should just ask the locals where the stop is), even for international bus lines. Beware of pickpocketers when using the buses. Do not keep valuables and money on the easily accessible pockets. But remember, this is Albania, if you want to have fun here you need to take things with good humor and not get too annoyed.

[edit] By plane

Tirana is served by Mother Teresa Airport (TIA), 25 km from the center of town. Flights arrive from many European destinations, so in many cases if you are coming from Europe or even other continents, flying may be the most common and certain way to arrive in Tirana.You can fly to Tirana from Greece, Rome, Austria, Turkey and other countries in Europe.About 13 airlines have scheduled flights here and connect Albania to around 24 destinations. There is a city bus that runs from the airport, or you have to hire a taxi, which costs about 20 Euros. The bus is only 250 lek or $2.50. The journey last 1/2 hour normally. You can try and bargain with the drivers. The buses depart every hour until 18:00 after that usually you have to take a taxi.

[edit] By boat

Tirana is not a port, so you can't get there directly by boat. There are, however, reasonable sea routes from Italy (from the ports in Bari, Trieste, and Ancona) to Durrës, from where you can take the train (which comes approximately every two hours) or a bus to Tirana. You could also rent a car and be in Tirana in about 20 minutes. Traveling by boat is a pretty good alternative to traveling to Tirana, especially if you are arriving from Italy.

[edit] Get around

Public transportation in Tirana consists of a number of bus lines. The city center is small enough to be explored through walking. Taxis are available, and usually cheaper than in the West (about 500 lek for a ride across town).

[edit][add listing] See

• Sheshi Skënderbej (Skanderbeg Square). Tirana's city center. The National History Museum, Mosque and clock tower are all right off this square. A statue of Albanian hero Skanderbeg, stands in the square. Planned renovations will make the square a sight to see.The theater of Opera and Ballet, National Theater, Gallery of Figurative Arts, Palace of Congresses, the Natural Sciences Museum etc..  edit

• Kulla e Sahatit (Clock Tower). 09:00-13:00, 16:00-18:00. Closed Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday. Positioned in the city center, this tower has become a symbol of Tirana. It is one of the oldest constructions in Tirana, built in the 1820's. 10 lek.  edit

• Et'hem Bey Mosque. 08:00 - 22:00 (summer), 08:00 - 19:00 (winter). Construction of this mosque took about 28 years and finished in 1821. It is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in Albania with very interesting decorations and art-work within it.  edit

• Martyrs' Cemetery. This is the cemetery where the remains of partisans that fought for Tirana are buried. Here one can also find the 12m statue of Mother Albania.  edit

• National History Museum. The main museum in Tirana, it is in the center of the city, easily recognizable because of a huge mosaic standing on top of its front facade. It contains many artifacts ranging from ancient times through Hoxha's regime.  edit

• Petrela Castle. This is one of Albania's best preserved castles, found a short distance south of Tirana.It is known as an ancient settlement 2000 years old and was commanded by princess Mamica, the sister of the national hero, Skanderbeg.  edit

• Mount Dajti. A very relaxing area, mount Dajti can be reached through an Austrian-built express cable car. The view along the route is worth the cost even if you don't stay atop the mountain.A place where one can spend holidays and engage in various activities like trekking, excursions, sky sports,ski etc.The area has a limited number of hotels and restaurants, but it is great for taking a breath of fresh air, mountain sports, or to just get out of the city for a while. Unfortunately, litter is becoming a problem on Mount Dajti. This detracts from the experience somewhat, but the beautiful scenery still makes the trip worthwhile. 500 lek.  edit

• Piramida (International Center of Culture). The pyramid was built in 1987 according to the design of Enver Hoxha's daughter and was originally a museum of her father. Today it's a venue for many conventions and art events. US president George W Bush gave a speech in front of this building. The building was the most expensive erected under communism, and there are plans for future changes into it. The new designs are worked by architectural firm associated with Hoxha's daughter.  edit

• Ish-Blloku (The Block). This area, prior to the fall of communism, was reserved solely for government officials. It has since become the number one spot for Tirana's youth. Among the apartment blocks, one can find some of Tirana's best cafés, shops, and restaurants. The streets, especially in summer afternoons, are filled with Tirana's citizens. You can also find here the villa of the former dictator, Enver Hoxha.  edit

• Kopshti Zoologjik Tiranë (Tirana Zoo). 09:00 - 18:00. Visiting this zoo is an odd experience; there are few animals but you will see them at remarkably close range. 50 lek.  edit

• Rruga Presidenti George Bush (Bush Street). This street was named after US President George W. Bush in honor of his recent visit.  edit

Grand Park of Tirana is always very pleasant. The Park lies in the southern part of the city.An artificial lake, lies in the middle of the Park and has over 120 type of plants.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Tirana International Film Festival (Tirana Film Fest), [1]. This annual film festival highlights the work of ethnic Albanian artists.  edit
• Tajvani (The Taiwan). This beautiful place in the heart of downtown Tirana. It includes restaurants, casinos, bars, a club, etc. It is surrounded by a huge lit water fountain with a glowing bridge that reaches to the restaurant, and is an ideal place for all ages. Children enjoy gourmet ice cream and iced European soft drinks, whilst adults and teens can enjoy fun casinos. This is an excellent tourist attraction, and many Albanian celebrities can be found in the area.  edit* Take a ride on top of Dajt mountain, known for its breathtaking view of all Tirana. Travel there is both easy and affordable.
• Biblioteka Kombëtare e Shqipërisë (National Library of Albania). The library holds over a million books and is known for its ancient collections.  edit

• There are many parks in Tirana worth going to. People have picnics and have fun, and the natural beauty allows it because of the huge trees, open spaces, and mountains surrounding them.
• There is an artificial, yet very beautiful lake in the heart of Tirana that shines during the day and sparkles during the night. It is popular with locals and tourists as a place to walk around and enjoy a lunch or coffee at one of the restaurants or cafés.

[edit] Infrastructure

The Tirana sportive infrastructure has been developing rapidly due to Municipality and Marketers investments. More than 80 sport gardens have been build up by the Municipality after 2007 and on.

Internet connectivity and the telecommunication infrastructure in Albania was discussed with the IRPO delegation. The IRPO set their assignment about the telecommunications infrastructure in Tirana and in the northern city of Bajram Curri, where most refugees reside.

EBRD is lending the Albanian government €14.6 million to work and fix roads in the capital, Tirana Part of the loan will be used to upgrade the Tirana ring road.

There has been an urgent local infrastructure investments including water and wastewater services of the city.

The Mother Teresa International Airport's modernised infrastructure includes new water and electricity supply networks and a sewage system, including a wastewater treatment plant and a new state-of-the-art fire hydrant and sprinkler system.

[edit] Work

[edit][add listing] Buy

There are plenty of ATMs accepting Cirrus/Maestro and VISA around the city (and there is one at the airport). Just be on the lookout for the branch office of a foreign bank (e.g. Raiffeisen Bank), there are a lot of them in Tirana.

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit] Budget

Small shops and roadside vendors throughout the city sell foods such as sufllaqe, doner, and gjiro for less than 200 lek. Also try the local specialty, byrek.

[edit] Mid-range

• Gloria. Excellent food (Italian and Albanian) with incredible service. Prices are very reasonable.  edit

• King House. Combination of excellent Albanian and Italian food. Always very popular with expats and locals. Prices Reasonable.  edit

[edit] Splurge

[edit][add listing] Drink

Raki is Albania's national alcohol; try boza for something non-alcoholic.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• Hotel Brinker, Email: hotelbrinker@hotmail.com. A great hotel that is very close to the town center (5 min walking). It has clean, safe, nice private rooms with private bathroom and shower, well maintained, friendly, all of the staff spoke English, they take credit cards, their prices are very good (35 euros per night for two people (low season)).

• Hotel Meg Klaus: Rr. Asim Vokshi 141, tel. +355 4 223 92 14, fax +355 4 225 92 36. in a courtyard, street off Rr.Mine Peza. Basic room for 25-30 euro. TV, air-con and bathroom worked fine. No restaurant (and no breakfast included) but a hotelbar. Some staff had trouble speaking english.

• Tirana Backpackers Hostel [2] The first backpackers hostel in Albania.

• Freddy's Hostel [3] Yet another hostel for the backpacker or for the backpacker with money

• Hotel Baron Tirana: Rruga Elbasanit ne Sauk Tirana Albanien. It is near Mother Albania Statue, Qemal Stafa Stadium, and University of Tirana. Another attraction in the area includes Selman Stermasi Stadium.Meeting facilities include conference rooms, a ballroom, and banquet facilities.

[edit] Mid-range

• Xheko Imperial Hotel Tirana, Rruga 4 Shkurti. Tirana, Albania. Xheko Hotel offers 48 luxurious rooms, equipped with all the modern amenities.The menu of the hotel's imperial restaurant is today one of the most modern in Albania, based on Albanian traditional cuisine.  edit

• Hotel Brilant Antik, Rr. Jeronim De Rada (Just across the street from Parliament, about 5 minutes walk from Skanderbeg Square.), ☎ +355 4 2251166 (info@hotelbrilant-al.com), [4]. Excellent rooms and helpful staff. Breakfast is included in the cost. €200.  edit

• Hotel Theranda (Hotel Theranda), Rr. Andon Zako Cajupi, Villa 6 & 7, Tirana, Albania, ☎ +355 4 2273766 / 689 (reservations@therandahotel.com, fax: +355 4 2273689), [5]. The newest boutique Hotel in Tirana is situated in the perfect location, two minutes from the centre, in the trendiest part of the capital “‘Blloku”. Theranda Hotel has been transformed into an idyllic hideaway right in the heart of Tirana. For rates look on [6]. Starting at about €70´s a night.  edit

• Hotel Grand, Rr. Ismail Qemali 11. A small, 3 star standard, hotel close to the center of Tirana.  edit

• Sheraton Hotel and Towers, [7]. One of Tirana's newest, largest, and most modern hotels. The Sheraton, located near the stadium, is also one of the most expensive.  edit

• Rogner Hotel Europapark, [8]. Part of the Rogner chain of hotels, this modern hotel is located where the headquarters of the communist party were planned to be built before the fall. Centrally located and very luxurious. Beautiful gardens and an outdoor swimming pool that is always freezing.The hotel is located in the centre of hospitality. The comfort has five stars. Security is unsurpassed.  edit

• Tirana International Hotel, [9]. Centrally located, this hotel was built during communist times and has recently changed hands. There are plans for drastic changes in its appearance, and it still remains one of the major and best hotels in Albania. If you have the time have a truly magical lunch on the covered balcony of their one restaurant, the food and service is excellent, the food prices very reasonable.  edit

• President Hotel. Small hotel located in the bllok area.  edit

• Hotel City Tirana (Hotel City Tirana), Rruga Ismail Qemali, Nr8/1 Tirana Albania, ☎ +355 4 2247799 (info@hotelcitytirana.com, fax: +355 4 2247799), [10]. City Hotel Tirana is a high standard, pleasant family-owned hotel with exquisite service located in the very excellent and confidential heart of Tirana. Only a few meters away there are the Main Governmental and Legislative Institutions, Palace of Congress and International Cultural Center.  edit

• Hotel Airport Tirana (Hotel Airport Tirana), Rinas Tirana International Airport Mother Teresa Tirana Albania, ☎ +355 48300190 (hotelairportirana@live.com, fax: +355 4 48300191), [11]. Hotel Airport Tirana is a prestigious luxury hotel situated near the Rinas (Tirana) Airport offering its guests the atmosphere of a grand hotel with every modern amenity.  edit

[edit] Contact

[edit] Stay safe

[edit] Cope

[edit] Embassies

• United Kingdom, British Embassy Rruga Skenderbeg 12 Tirana, ☎ (355) 4 223 4973 (fax: (355) 4 224 7697), [12].  edit

• United States, Rruga e Elbasanit No. 103, Tirana, Albania, ☎ +(355) 4 2247 285 (fax: +(355) 4 2232 222), [13].  edit

[edit] Get out

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