Tirana Walking Tour: Hidden Gems, History & Local Life

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Muzeu Historik Kombetar

   The National History Museum is a historical museum in Tirana, Albania. It was opened on 28 October 1981 and is 27,000 square metres in size, while 18,000 square metres are available for expositions. Above the entrance of the museum is a large mural mosaic titled “The Albanians” that depicts purported ancient to modern figures from Albania's history.

   5 minutes here

2. Skanderbeg Square

   Skanderbeg Square is the main plaza in the centre of Tirana, Albania. The square is named after the Albanian national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu. The total area is about 40,000 square metres. The Skanderbeg Monument dominates the square.

   10 minutes here

3. Xhamia Et'hem Bej

   The Et'hem Bey Mosque is a mosque in Tirana, Albania. Closed under communist rule, the mosque reopened as a house of worship in 1991. Frescoes outside and inside the portico depict trees, waterfalls and bridges. We will have a visit inside the mosque which is very authentic and old.

   5 minutes here

4. Clock Tower

   The Clock Tower of Tirana was built in 1822 in Tirana, Albania by Et'hem bey Mollaj, a Bejtexhinj poet who also finished the Et'hem Bey Mosque next to the clock tower. Watchmaster Ismail Tufina was the first to assemble the Tirana clock mechanism in 1822. It is a monument of culture of first category, approved on 24 May 1948.

   5 minutes here

5. Bunk'Art 2

   An excellent re-imagining of a Communist-era nuclear bunker, Bunk’Art 2 museum and art space reflects Tirana’s initiative to use culture to celebrate the birth of a new era, whilst remembering its solemn past. Outside visit of this unique museum.

   5 minutes here

6. Reja "The Cloud"

   The Cloud is an art installation placed in front of National Gallery of Arts in Tirana, Albania. Since 2016, the Cloud has served as modern art space for cultural events in Tirana. The Pavilion is a delicate, three-dimensional structure. It was designed by Sou Fujimoto, a Japanese Architect.

   5 minutes here

7. Fortress of Justinian

   Fortress of Justinian or simply known as Tirana Castle is a castle in Tirana, Albania. Its history dates back before 1300 and is a remnant from the Byzantine-era. The fortress is the place where the main east–west and north–south roads crossed, and formed the heart of Tirana. Inside the fortified walls of the former fortress, there are many buildings that can be visited, including restaurants, hotels, and cultural institutions.

   10 minutes here

8. Saint Paul Cathedral

   St Paul's Cathedral is a cathedral in Tirana, Albania. It belongs to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tiranë-Durrës. The stained glass window to the left of the front door features Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa. Also a statue of Mother Teresa can be found at the entrance of the cathedral. It is a modern-looking building and does not resemble a traditional church.

   10 minutes here

9. Enver Hoxha Pyramid

   The Pyramid of Tirana is a structure and former museum of the dictator Enver Hoxha, located in Tirana, the capital of Albania. It opened as a museum in 1988 and became a conference center in 1991 following the collapse of Communism. During the 1999 Kosovo War, the building was used as a NATO base. In 2018, a new project was unveiled that would turn the pyramid into a youth IT center for Creative Technologies with a focus on computer programming, robotics, and start ups under the name of TUMO Center Tirana. The renovated structure, transformed by MVRDV, was opened to the public in May 2023.

   15 minutes here

10. Deshmoret E Kombit Boulevard

    The Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard (English: Boulevard of the Martyrs of the Nation) is a major thoroughfare in Tirana, Albania. Many buildings are located along this boulevard, including the Presidential Palace, the Prime Minister's Office, the Palace of Congress, the Rogner Hotel and the University of Tirana.

    10 minutes here

11. Rinia Park

    "Youth Park", is the central public park of Tirana, Albania. Built in 1950 during the communist era, it covers an area of 2.98 hectares (7.4 acres). It is also called Taiwan Park.

    5 minutes here

12. Museum of Secret Surveillance

    The Museum of Secret Surveillance, also known as House of Leaves is a historical museum in Tirana, Albania. It opened on 23 May 2017 in the building that served as the Sigurimi's headquarters during the communist era. The museum is "dedicated to the innocent people who were spied on, arrested, prosecuted, convicted and executed during the communist regime." Outside visit

    5 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Local Walking Tours of Tirana

Know before you go

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Photos

Traveler reviews

9 verified traveler reviews for Tirana Walking Tour: Hidden Gems, History & Local Life. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.