✈️ TLV to Tirana (TIA)
Albania
Tirana
CityTIA
IATA1706.1 km
Distance2h 38m
Flight TimeCoordinates: 41.4147, 19.7206
Airlines:
About Tirana
Weather in Tirana
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 or Turkish bath. On 8 February 1920, Tirana was made the temporary capital by the Congress of Lushnje, and it was proclaimed the permanent capital on 31 December 1925. Today, Tirana suffers from pollution problems mainly due to the rapid increase in cars in the city and continuous construction. Long gone are the days when Tirana used to be subject to power outages almost daily and this made Tirana a noisy city as the lack of power and lack of traffic lights had cars navigating by honking their horns. The situation has dramatically improved regarding power outages. Tirana is undergoing a major renovation from its totalitarian days. Many of the ugly dull buildings have been repainted (including many crossings), but a lot of work outside of center is still to be done. English is the second language of many younger population, with many older residents speaking Italian. The main business and entertainment area (not by coincidence) has become "The Block" (Blloku), which is the area where in the past, the communist leaders used to live under strict protection. Tirana is a youthful and lively city of 528,000 people (2024) resonating constant energy. The city was the European Youth Capital for 2022. Locals prefer to hang out at the many cafes and main parks. A popular retreat is by cable car to Mount Dajti where one can get a panoramic view of the city from above. Albanians are very hospitable towards foreigners, despite media frequently portraying them unfairly as thieves and mobsters. Tirana is very approachable if you're the adventurous type. Crime is rarely, if ever, directed towards foreigners and costs are very low by regional standards. The worst experience you may have is with the erratic driving style of Albanians.
Get around
There are no metros available in Tirana. Feet, buses and taxis are the only options to get around in the city if you do not have private transportation.
Do
Go for a walk in the evening along the main streets or at one of the several parks and sit for a coffee or drink. Take part in the vibrant nightlife by visiting one of the numerous nightclubs. If you are adventurous and brave enough, try the peculiar experience of driving in the city's streets by renting a car, or rent a bicycle from a bike renting station. You can also cruise the city with a limousine or venture out in the picturesque suburbs either south or northeast/west of Tirana. A "free" walking tour starting daily at 10:00 (10:00 and 18:00 during the summer period) in front of Tirana's Opera house is a good start to discover the city and learn more about its history, art and daily life. Below are some venturing suggestions: 41.326416 19.819435 1 Murat Toptani Street . Murat Toptani Street is a pedestrian-only street east of Rinia Park constructed with stone near the Tirana Castle walls. Traditional houses, cafes, and a local park are found here. 41.327906 19.818458 2 Sheshi Skënderbej ( Skanderbeg Square ). Tirana's city centre. A statue of Albanian hero Skanderbeg stands in the square with the Albanian flag on the side. Renovations have made the square pedestrians and public transportation friendly. Government buildings featuring Italian architecture and some structures outlined below are all right off this square. 41.32207 19.82016 3 Stroll along Bulevardi Dëshmorët e Kombit ( Nation's Martyrs Boulevard ). A panoramic boulevard built by the Italians in the 1930s similar to the Champs de Elysee extending south from Skanderberg Square. The boulevard features Fascist, Communist, and modern architecture of government buildings, business centres and hotels. Many local parks are found here. This street runs from the south end of Skenderbeg Square, across the Lana River, to Mother Teresa Square. The sidewalks and crosswalks on this street are wider and more walkable than most in the city. If you walk southbound, the Polytechnic University of Tirana building is beautifully framed in the centre of the street. It's nice at night when all of the buildings, including the Polytechnic building, are lit up (and especially nice in December and early January when the trees and the buildings along the street are decorated with lights for the Holidays). The street passes by several Tirana landmarks, including the Park Rinia, the Pyramid, the Rogner Hotel, the President's Office, and the Palace of Congresses (event centre). 41.3247 19.8174 4 Taiwan Complex ( Kompleksi Tajvani ), Parku Rinia, Rruga Ibrahim Rugova , ☏ +355-4-225-1175 . 24 hours/day, 7 days/week . 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. ( updated Aug 2019 ) 41.31788 19.82126 5 Mother Teresa Square . Located at the southern side of Deshmoret e Kombit Boulevard, this square features typical fascist architecture. Buildings include the University of Tirana, Archaeological Institute, Academy of Arts and the National Stadium. 41.3139 19.8239 6 Grand Park along the Artificial Lake ( Parku i Madh ) ( 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. A popular swimming pool complex is nearby. 41.32732 19.83609 7 Ali Demi Skate Park ( go north-east on the Bulevardi-Bajram-Curri, and then take a right on the Ruga-Ali-Demi; you should go about 800 m on that road; the skate park will be directly on your right; it's next to a park with a fountain in the middle of it and a café with a jungle gym, there are many green ramps ). The Ali-Demi skate park is a great place to go with your family because there is a nice park on one of the sides next to the skate park, there are markets, and a beautiful café shop with a playground for small children with typical swings and benches and soccer fields in the back. The skate park is full of people on bikes, roller skates, and skate boarders. The Skate Park is very good for beginners, the ramps are all cement (there is coping on the ramps). The ramps have a good variety—there are small ramps along with big ones. Almost all the ramps are shaped like a plateau they are good for caching air. There are many places to do ollies and 180s off of and other places to grind if you are an experienced skate boarder. The skate park is slightly below the rest of the park so you shouldn’t go when it’s raining because it fills up with water. There are quarter pipes along the sides of the skate park. This skate park is very fun for skaters, bikers, and rollerskaters. 41.365833 19.925556 8 Mount Dajti National Park & Cable Car , SH47, Rruga Mali Dajti, Fushe Dajt ( 25 km east ), ☏ +355 672084471 . W–M 09:00-18/19:00 . The most accessible mountain in the country, and many locals go there to escape the city rush and have a spit-roast lamb lunch. A sky-high, Austrian-made cable car, Dajti express takes 15 minutes to make the scenic trip (almost) to the top (1,611 m). Visit the new Visitor's Centre near the radio&TV towers in Fushe Dajt opened in 2019. From the center (across the street from Luna airport bus) you can go to the Dajti Express by the blue bus line (11, direction Porcelani ). From the stop Bunk'Art 1 it's 5-10 minutes walk. Alternatively you can take the bus (lines Porcelani or Kinostudio ) to bus stop IKV and use a minibus shuttle to the Dajti Ekspres. (This is also explained in detail on dajtiekspres.com .). You can also hike (up) and enjoy the scenery, one way about 2–3 hr. Get off the Porcelani bus (11) one stop before Porcelani at Thesani (about 2-3 stops before Bunk'Art). There you will find the start of the hiking trail up to the upper cable car station and even further to Dajti. 700/1400 lek (cable car one-way/return) . ( updated Aug 2023 ) 41.3969 19.8697 9 Brar Canyon and Bridge ( Albanian: Ura e Brarit ), Brar village ( follow Myslym Keta Street, northeast of Tirana inside Mount Dajti National Park ). A panoramic canyon and Ottoman bridge just steps from the capital. Spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and Tirana. A cave and a beautiful waterfall is found near Shengjergj village. 41.2669 19.871 10 Southeast of Tirana ( Tirana's Garden (Bahcja e Tiranes) ), Rruga e Elbasanit (SH3) Berzhite, Farka ( south-east of Tirana along SH3 ). There are many small resorts and restaurants in Tirana's greenbelt areas of Berzhite, Petrela, and Farke along Rruga e Elbasanit and SH3. One locality features shooting range facilities, a modest golf club and horse riding, while others traditional food, wooden villa accommodations, and swimming pools. The area includes some gated communities with luxury villas and amenities. Additionally, you can visit Farka Artificial Lake Park in Farka where you can enjoy a splendid view of the Tirana Mountain Range. 41.36815 19.90545 11 Dajti Mini Golf ( next to the upper cable car station; visible to the right during cable car ascent ), ☏ +355 67 208 4471 , info@dajtiekspres.com . 09:00-18:00 . A fun mini-golf course, similar to what one would find in the U.S. It is the first 18-hole minigolf course in Albania. Suitable for players of all ages and with no previous experience needed. With a number of obstacles in your way, the aim of the game is to get your ball into the hole in the least amount of shots. The course is equipped with floodlighting allowing players to continue playing after sunset. The course is most easily accessed via the Dajti Ekspres cable car which is around 2 km from the centre of Tirana. The cable car journey to the top of Dajti mountain is around 15 minutes in length. Child 2-4 €2, child 5-11 €7, adult 12+ €10, family of 4 (2 adults & 2 children) €28, discounted combo tickets can also be purchased at lower station . ( updated Jan 2021 )
Coastal retreat
41.519 19.514 12 Lalzi Bay Beach ( Gjiri i Lalzit ), North of Durres near Hamallaj around Rodon Cape ( on the SH2 exit at Maminas, follow road and then turn left at Hamallaj ). Popular weekend beach retreat where small seaside resorts can be found. This is also where Albania's wealthy rest. Visit Skanderbeg Castle along the cost, and a small church at Rodon Cape nearby. ( updated Mar 2015 ) 41.1287 19.4496 13 General's Beach ( Plazhi i Gjeneralit ), Southwest of Kavaje at Bardhor village, Synej , ☏ +355 682067227 . A popular seaside weekend retreat. The name stems from an Italian general who used to rest at this beach during World War II. Accommodation is available in form of wooden villas. An international resort is also being build nearby at Kalaja e Turres. Visit nearby Bashtova Castle and Shenepremte Church. ( updated Mar 2015 )
Eat
Food is generally inexpensive, even in the more upscale places. The Italian influence is everywhere and most places will offer pizza and/or pasta along more elaborate dishes. A good rule of thumb is that the priciest or fanciest places rarely are the best ones, particularly in the Blloku. Notable dishes that exemplify the local cuisine include fërgesë (baked vegetables and cheese) and tavë dheu (fërgesë with the addition of liver).
Drink
41.33383 19.82494 1 Hotspot Tirana , ☏ +355688321066 . A coworking space, gallery, and sometimes club with open and L+ friendly people. A very unlike-Albanian place. ( updated Dec 2024 )
Stay safe
You should take some precautions when walking around the city. The main advice is to simply watch your step. Although many parts of the city are maintained, there remain holes and worn-down street parts. Cars also seem to drive more recklessly than in most European cities, and assume a right-of-way, so care is needed in crossing the street. Not even a green light is always a guarantee of safety! Try to see when the locals cross the street and cross with them.
Go next
Zall-Bastar – For hiking near Bovilla Lake and a hot sprint near Perkola village. The bus runs from the Myslym Keta bus stop in the northeast of the city, the latter which of can be reached by L7 or L15. About 100 lek to Zall-Bastar. Shkodër – Fourth largest city in Albania, close to Montenegro 's border. Albanian Alps Gjirokastra – Famous for its mulberry raki. Berat – City of the thousand windows with old Turkish buildings and a fortress. Saranda – Ferry to Corfu . Përmet – An interesting town with popular thermal springs nearby. Krujë - A fascinating historical town close to Tirana There are also many direct connections to nearby countries , like Prizren , Pristina , Skopje , Athens and Podgorica .