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From Wikitravel

Tirana is the capital of Albania.

[edit] Understand

Sulejman Pasha Bargjini, a native feudal lord from Mullet, established the city in 1614. His first constructions were a mosque, a bakery and a hamam (Turkish sauna). On February 8, 1920 Tirana was made the temporary capital by the Congress of Lushnja, and it was made the permanent capital on December 31, 1925.

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. Tirana is subject to power outages almost daily. Tirana is a noisy city as the lack of power and lack of traffic lights have cars navigating by honking their horns. However, They are completely closing the central square to autos soon which will make the center of town even more pedestrian and tourist friendly.Tirana is undergoing a major renovation from its communist days. Many of the ugly dull buildings have been repainted, but a lot of work is left to be done. The average citizen speaks little English.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By train

Tirana has no international train connections. You can only reach Tirana by train from the following cities: Durrës (55 lek, one hour, 8 daily), Shkodra (120 lek, 3.5 hours, twice daily), Elbasan (160 lek, 4 hours, 3 daily), Vlorë (210 lek, 5.5 hours, twice daily) and Pogradec (245 lek, 4 hours, twice daily). Even though train services are very poor, when compared to West Balkan standards, they may be more frequent, cheaper, and more scenic than taking the bus.

[edit] By bus & furgon

Buses can be used to reach Tirana from other cities in Albania and internationally. There is daily bus service from Turkey, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, Serbia, and Athens, Greece and multiple services per day to Pristina, Kosovo and other cities in Albania. Schedules change frequently so check the latest info in your place of departure.

From Montenegro, take a bus or taxi to Ulcinj, then take a bus or taxi to Shkodra in Albania, crossing the border at Muriqan. Buses leave Shkodra frequently for Tirana.

Buses to and from Kosovo depart from downtown (behind museum where one also can find buses to Rinas airport)

Buses and furgons(minibuses) are generally the best method for traveling within Albania, but they are not in the best of shape. There are few bus companies; many are operated by individual drivers. Bus lines have schedules, but are often delayed until the coaches are full or a the whim of the driver.

Some international bus stations are far from the center so it may be worth taking a taxi to the bus stop to save time and energy and avoid getting lost. Pickpockets are an issue on the buses.

[edit] By plane

Tirana is served by Mother Teresa Airport (TIA), 17 km from the center of town.

The following airlines offer service to/from Tirana:

Adria Airways (Ljubljana), Aegean Airlines (Athens), Albanian Airlines (Amsterdam, Athens, Bologna, Frankfurt, Istanbul-Atatürk, London-Stansted, Milan-Malpensa, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Prishtina, Rome, Turin, Verona, Zürich), Air One (Milan-Malpensa, Rome-Fiumicino), Austrian Tyrolean Airways (Vienna), Belle Air (Ancona, Bari, Bologna, Cuneo, Florence, Forli, Genoa, Milan-Malpensa, Milan-Orio al Serio, Parma, Perugia, Pisa, Pristina, Rimini, Rome-Fiumicino, Trieste, Venice-Treviso, Verona, Zurich), British Airways (London-Gatwick), Lufthansa (Munich), Malév Hungarian Airlines (Budapest), Olympic Air (Athens), Sky Express (Heraklion), Tafa Air (Berlin-Neubrandenburg, Dortmund, Friedrichshafen, Prishtina), Turkish Airlines (Istanbul-Atatürk)

Rinas Express operates an hourly bus between 6:00am and 6:00pm between the airport and Skanderberg Square. The bus costs 250 lek. A taxi to the center costs around 2,000 lek and takes 20-25 minutes. [1]

[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

[edit] By bus

Public transportation in Tirana consists of a number of intra-city bus lines. Buses marked 'Unaze' are for the ring road and travel in a loop around the city center.

[edit] By foot

The city center is small enough to be explored through walking.

[edit] By taxi

A ride across town should cost 400 lek during the day, 600 lek at night,approximately 4-5 euro. Negotiate a price before entering.

[edit] By car

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

[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

• Bulevardi Deshmoret e Kombit. Potholed-filled street extending south from Skanderberg Square. This street features many magnificent government buildings.  edit

• National Art Gallery, Bulevardi Deshmoret e Kombit. 9:00am to 7:00pm. 13th century pieces, modern art, socialist art. 100 lek.  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 900 partisans that fought for Tirana are buried. Here one can also find the 12m statue of Mother Albania (1972). Hoxha was buried here in 1985 but exhumed in 1992 and moved to the other side of the city.  edit

• National History Museum, ☎ +355 4 222 34 46. 10:00-17:00, closed Mondays. 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. Repeated looting in the 1990s has robbed the museum of many artefacts, but it remains the best place in Albania to learn its history. Harrowing exhibition about Albania's gruesome labour camp system. Not enough English. 300 lek.  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. 1,612m high. Offers great views of Tirana. 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

• Blloku (The Block). This area, prior to the fall of communism, was reserved solely for government officials and was not allowed to be entered by the commoner. Opened to the public in 1991. 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 aka Parku Kombetar (and Other Parks), (southern part of the city). People have picnics and have fun, and the natural beauty allows it because of the huge trees, open spaces, and mountains surrounding them. An artificial lake lies in the middle of the Park. 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. Over 120 types of plants.  edit

• Biblioteka Kombëtare e Shqipërisë (National Library of Albania). The library holds over a million books and is known for its ancient collections.  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

[edit] Festivals

• Tirana International Film Festival (Tirana Film Fest), [2]. This annual film festival held at the end of November and beginning of December highlights the work of ethnic Albanian artists.  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

There are plenty of ATMs accepting Cirrus/Maestro and VISA around the city (and there is one at the airport).

• Adrion International Bookshop, Palace of Culture, Skanderberg Square, ☎ 235 242. 8:30am to 9:30pm. Magazines and newspapers from around the world. English books available.  edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

There are many excellent, inexpensive restaurants in Tirana serving all kinds of food (but good luck finding a taco!).

[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

• Restaurant Paulo @ Hotel Mondial, [3].  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

Raki is Albania's national alcohol; try boza for something non-alcoholic, the most famous of which is Pacara Boza, ☎ + 355 692481122, [4]. 1 bottle of 1.5 litters~100 lek.  edit

• Sky Tower, Rr Dëshmorët e 4 Shkurtit, Blloku, ☎ 221 666. Rotating bar offers great views of the city. This is a must! The rotation is a bit jerky and may leave you slightly seasick.

• Spirit Bar @ Hotel Mondial, [5]. Beautiful views of Tirana with a swimming pool.  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• Freddy's Hostel, Ground Floor, 75 Bardhok Biba Street (200m from the National History Museum), [6]. Most rooms contain en suite, air conditioning, and cable TV. Dorm rooms contain only 2 or 3 beds and no bunk beds. Free wifi. Dorm bed: 1,770 lek; Double: 4,700 lek.  edit

• Hotel Brinker, (close to the town center (5 min walking)), (hotelbrinker@hotmail.com). Clean, safe, nice private rooms with private bathroom and shower, well maintained, friendly, all of the staff spoke English, they take credit cards. Double: €35.  edit

• Tirana Backpackers Hostel, Rruga Elbasanit 85 (Near Skanderberg Square), [7]. Small hostel, with just 25 beds, situated in a beautiful villa built in 1940. Dorms are spacious and well lighted, back garden. Dorm bed: 1,770 lek.  edit

[edit] Mid-range

• Hotel Baron Tirana, Rruga Elbasanit (near Mother Albania Statue, Qemal Stafa Stadium, and University of Tirana), ☎ (0)4 2467649, [8]. Meeting facilities include conference rooms, a ballroom, and banquet facilities. Single: €35; Double/twin: €50; Triple: €55; Quad: €65.  edit

• Hotel City Tirana (Hotel City Tirana), Rruga Ismail Qemali, Nr8/1 Tirana Albania, ☎ +355 4 2247799 (info@hotelcitytirana.com, fax: +355 4 2247799), [9]. Family-owned hotel with exquisite service. Single: €34-€50; Double: €75.  edit

• Hotel Meg Klaus, Hotel Meg Klaus (in a courtyard, street off Rr.Mine Peza), ☎ +355 4 223 92 14 (fax: +355 4 225 92 36). 11 rooms. TV, air-con and bathroom worked fine. No restaurant (and no breakfast included) but a hotelbar. Some staff had trouble speaking English. singles €30, doubles €40.  edit

[edit] Splurge

• Hotel Airport Tirana (Hotel Airport Tirana), Rinas Tirana International Airport Mother Teresa Tirana Albania (near the Rinas (Tirana) Airport), ☎ +355 48300190 (hotelairportirana@live.com, fax: +355 4 48300191), [10]. Grand hotel with every modern amenity. Single: 8,850 lek; Double: 11,800 lek.  edit

• Hotel Brilant Antik, Rr. Jeronim De Rada (Just across the street from Parliament, about 5 minutes walk from Skanderbeg Square.), ☎ +355 4 2251166. Excellent rooms and helpful staff. €200, breakfast included.  edit

• Hotel Grand, Rr. Ismail Qemali 11 (close to the center of Tirana), [11]. A small, 3 star standard hotel. Single: €120; Double: €160.  edit

• Hotel Mondial. Prestigious 4-star hotel. 28 rooms.  edit

• Hotel Theranda (Hotel Theranda), Rr. Andon Zako Cajupi, Villa 6 & 7, Tirana, Albania (two minutes from the centre, Blloku District), ☎ +355 4 2273766 / 689, [12]. Boutique Hotel. Single: €70 to €100; Double/Twin: €90 to €130.  edit

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

• Rogner Hotel Europapark, [13]. 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. Single: €152 to €176 +tax; Double/Twin: €170 to €201 +tax.  edit

• Sheraton Hotel and Towers, (Near the stadium), [14]. One of Tirana's newest, largest, and most modern hotels. Single: from €161; Double: from €216.  edit

• Tirana International Hotel, (In Skanderberg Square), [15]. 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. Weekend: Single: €60, Double: €70; Weekday: Single: €112, Double: €124-€142.  edit

• Xheko Imperial Hotel Tirana, Rruga 4 Shkurti. Tirana, Albania, [16]. 48 luxurious rooms, equipped with all the modern amenities. Restaurant with Albanian traditional cuisine.  edit

[edit] Contact

• Main Post Office & Telephone Center, Sheshi Cameria. Mon-Fri: 8:00am to 8:00pm.  edit

[edit] Internet Cafes

• Center Internet, RR Brigada e VIII (Look for the yellow sign down the laneway). 24 hours. 100 lek per hour 100 lek per hour.  edit

• Internet Point, RR Deshmoret e4 Shukrit 7. 24 hours. 100 lek per hour.  edit

[edit] Stay safe

[edit] Medical

• ABC Family Health Center. Mon-Fri: 8:00am to 4:00pm. English-speaking doctors. Run by baptists. Consultation: US$60, Emergency Consultation: US$72.  edit

[edit] Cope

[edit] Laundry

• Drycleaning & Laundry, RR Hoxha Tahsim, ☎ 068-216-8268. Mon-Sat: 8:00am to 10:00pm; Sun: 9:00am to 1:00pm. 200 lek per large item.  edit

[edit] Embassies

• United Kingdom, British Embassy Rruga Skenderbeg 12 Tirana, ☎ (355) 4 223 4973 (fax: (355) 4 224 7697), [17].  edit

• United States, Rruga e Elbasanit No. 103, Tirana, Albania, ☎ +(355) 4 2247 285 (fax: +(355) 4 2232 222), [18].  edit

[edit] Get out

• Durrës
• Shkodra
• Elbasan
• Vlorë
• Pogradec
• Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
• Serbia
• Athens, Greece
• Pristina, Kosovo

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!