Not many people can tell you much about Albania and its capital Tirana. The country, isolated from the rest of the world during the communist era, has undergone massive changes in the past two decades. The city of Tirana was once grey and dull, but today boasts colors, charm and loads of fun. One day in Tirana surely isn’t much, but it’s enough time to fall in love with the city’s laid back style, great Albanian cuisine and vibrant cafe culture and to learn a bit about its, at times, rough past.
A FEW FACTS ABOUT TIRANA
The largest Albanian city and the country’s capital, Tirana was founded in 1614 by Sulejman Bargjini. It all started with the Old mosque, a small commercial centre, and a Turkish bath. During the 20th century, in the communist era, the city of Tirana and the country of Albania were under the strict rule of Enver Hoxha. During that time, the country was isolated from the rest of the world for half of century. Upon the dictator’s death, the country opened its borders and moved towards a free market.
Today, Tirana is the cultural, political and entertainment center of Albania. While the relics of its Ottoman, Italian and especially communist past are still present, the contemporary architecture is slowly transforming the appearance of the city into a modern European metropolis.
Visit the Skanderbeg Square
The main square, Sheshi Skënderbej, is the city’s central plaza where all the most important cultural buildings are placed: the National History Museum, the National Library, City Hall and the Et’hem Bej Mosque as well as the Skenderbeg statue. It’s also the main transport hub, so even if your accommodation is a bit further from the city center it’s the easiest point to reach by public transport.
The National History Museum
The National History Museum
The National History Museum is the city’s biggest museum and one of the most impressive communist buildings in the city. It’s where you can learn a lot about Albanian culture and its turbulent history. The museum is divided into nine pavilions that go from the antiquity all the way to the Pavilion of Communist Terror. The Pavilion of Mother Teresa, who was of Albanian descent, is particularly interesting. There is also a nice gift shop at the end with some nice traditional Albanian clothing and pottery. The entrance fee is only 200 Lek (1,5 Eur).
Walk the Murat Toptani street
Murat Toptani pedestrian street is a city’s tree-lined, lush and quiet oasis opposite to the traffic-clogged streets of Tirana. It starts from the National Art Gallery, goes through the Justinian castle remains and ends up with the newly opened Toptani Shopping Centre. A wide variety of restaurants, cafe bars and shops can be found along the street, but also a cinema and an experimental theatre. Even if you just do a quick stroll, you’re going to love its slightly different atmosphere. During the warm months, the trees form a nice shadow path, so it’s a great idea to have a drink there, too.
Do some shopping at the Myslym Shyri Street
Myslym Shyri is where many fashion and retail stores are located. This tree-lined street is basically completely filled with shops, so you can easily spend a few hours wandering the street, shopping or just window shopping. There are a few tailor shops that offer great deals on women’s or men’s suits.
Visit the lively Blloku area
This lively block called Blloku used to be a restricted residential area during the communist era, and ordinary citizens weren’t allowed in. Today, it’s pretty much the most exciting entertainment and shopping destination in all of Albania. The area is packed with boutiques, shops, trendy bars, cafes and restaurant. It’s a great area to spend a late afternoon and night, especially during the warmer months.
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