All You Need to Know About Kalemi’s Tirana Walking Tour

Tirana is a city with never-ending energy, full of interesting spots you need to visit. And what better way to get to know it than a Tirana Walking tour, organizing everything you need to see in just three hours!

This guide will lead you to some of the most significant parts of Albanian history, allowing you to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the city. From ancient mosques to markets and museums, you’ll know the city by heart after you finish this Tirana Walking tour!

To start with, here are a few basic pieces of information about the tour:

Tour Duration: 2.5 hours
Minimum Age: 0–99 years old
Departure Point: Opera & Ballet Theatre, Skanderbeg Square
Departure Time: 9 a.m. / 10 a.m. / 2 p.m.
Arrival Point: National History Museum
Arrival Time: 10 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Highlighted Sights: Et’hem Bey Mosque, Clock Tower, Pazari i Ri, Murat Toptani St., National History Museum
Mode of Transportation: Walking
Language(s) of Tour Guide: English, German
Price: €15 per adult, €5 per child

Is Tirana Worth Visiting?

Yes, Tirana is definitely one of the places you don’t want to miss visiting. Here are some reasons why you should consider it:

• Good Energy. Tirana is one of the most lively cities in Albania , with the streets being busy with tourists all year long. It has a lot to offer when it comes to nightlife and fun—from chic bars to loud and vibrant clubs.
• Rich History. Being the capital of Albania, Tirana holds a lot on its shoulders. It’s home to the National History Museum, along with many other important historic sites, like the Pyramid or Castle of Tirana.
• Delicious Food. We all know that a vacation isn’t complete without good food, and in Tirana, you’ll get more than that. Traditional dishes like byrek, qofte, or tave kosi will surely sweep you off your feet, along with tasty wines and raki prepared by the locals.
• Affordable prices. Since it’s the capital, it’s true that the prices are slightly higher than in other cities in Albania, but on the other hand, they are much lower than in other cities in Europe. You can get accommodation for only €20-€50 per night and some delicious meals for just €10.

Also, don’t worry about how to get to Tirana—if you don’t have your own car, there are direct bus lines from every city to the capital.

Tirana Discovery Highlights

Here are some of the discovery highlights you shouldn’t miss during your Tirana Walking tour:

#1. Et’hem Bey Mosque

One of the oldest buildings in Tirana, Et’hem Bey Mosque, was built around 1789 and managed to survive until the present day. It’s located right in the center of Tirana, on Skanderbeg Square. Although it closed during communist rule, the mosque reopened in 1991 as a house of worship, like it is today.

The mosque stands tall as a symbol of Albania’s religious freedom, even after the country was declared the first atheist country in the world. You can enter the mosque and admire the beautiful interior with stunning motives.

#2. Pazari i Ri

Established in 1931, Pazari i Ri was created because of the need for commercial activity in the city. It was demolished in 1959 but was reconstructed just in recent years as a big complex of markets, restaurants, and shops, where you can also find some of the best souvenirs in Albania.

The area is open 24 hours a day, with the first part of the day belonging to the fruit and meat markets and the second part to all the cafes and restaurants.

#3. National History Museum

As the most important museum in Albania, the National History Museum is located in the heart of the city. It was inaugurated in 1981, and it has been serving its purpose of providing knowledge about Albania’s history to the public ever since.

There are a total of about 6,200 objects in the museum, each of them showcasing different periods of Albania’s history, from the times of antiquity to the Middle Ages and communism. Every room in the museum belongs to a different era, so you can explore the whole building bit by bit.

Best Restaurants in Tirana

If you feel like grabbing a bite, here are some of the best restaurants in Tirana  that you can visit after finishing the Tirana Walking tour:

#1. Era Restaurant

As one of the best places to taste traditional Albanian food , Era has become a very popular place for every tourist visiting Tirana. There are three Era restaurants in the city, each of them waiting to give you an unforgettable experience of trying the city’s best pasta, traditional meatballs, steaks, and pizzas.

Era is also the first business to implement delivery services in Albania since 1999.

#2. Serendiville

If you’re in the mood for something a little spicy, give Serendiville a visit. It’s the top place in Tirana for Mexican food, serving dishes like tacos, quesadillas, chimichangas, and more. The service is exquisite, and they also offer delivery.

Serendiville also has a very unique decoration, making you feel like you’re really in Mexico! They have bright and colorful tables, paintings on the walls, and Mexican hats everywhere you look!

#3. Arka Rooftop

Located in one of the most prestigious areas in Tirana, Kodra e Diellit, Arka Rooftop is one of the most beloved restaurants in Albania. It’s located on the top floor of the hotel with the same name, and the views are simply stunning.

The restaurant specializes in Asian fusion menus, with dishes carefully prepared by professional chefs looking to bring perfection to your table. The restaurant is open for lunch from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and dinner is from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Related Tours

From Tirana: Gjirokaster, Blue Eye & Saranda 

Half-Day Bovilla Lake Hiking Experience from Tirana 

3 UNESCO Sites in Albania