5 days in Tirana with @owenwillis

Southern Albania gets all the glory, but don’t sleep on its capital city. Tirana’s one of Europe’s most underrated destinations, serving up dramatic landscapes, super affordable prices and city vibes that feel way more modern and stylish than you’d think. I didn’t quite know what to expect before I arrived, but I ended up falling in love with it. Here’s how I spent five days exploring Tirana and the surrounding area…  

Day 1 – first impressions  

I landed in Tirana and headed straight to Unik Hotel, a sleek, modern spot right on the edge of Tirana Park. The location couldn’t have been better – peaceful and green, but just a short ride into the heart of the city. 

After dropping off my bags, I went out to explore and was genuinely surprised by how modern (and kind of boujie) the city felt – I’m talking cool cafés, clean streets and stylish locals everywhere. I had lunch at Millenium Garden, a chilled spot with great food and even better people-watching. Later, I spent the afternoon walking through Tirana Park in the glorious sunshine. It was the perfect way to settle in and get a feel for the city’s slower, more relaxed pace. 

Day 2 – mountains, brunch and city vibes 

I set my alarm early to head up Dajti Mountain, a famous peak in the national park just outside the city. After a quick taxi, I arrived at the cable car station. From there, it was a scenic ride up the top with absolutely stunning views over Tirana. I spent a couple of hours hiking around the top – totally worth it for the peaceful atmosphere and panoramic scenery.  

Once I was back in the city centre, I treated myself to brunch at Mugo. It was genuinely one of the most beautiful cafés I’ve ever been to and the prices were incredible for the quality. In the afternoon, I visited the Tirana Pyramid and soaked up yet another great perspective of the city – if you’re feeling adventurous, don’t miss climbing up.  After a busy day, I went for dinner at Iumentis – a beautiful steak spot just a short walk from my hotel – 10/10 would recommend. It was super stylish and felt quite fancy, but like everywhere here, the prices were really reasonable.  

Day 3 – a day trip to Berat 

This was the big day trip of the week – a guided tour of the old city of Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site about two hours from Tirana. Known as the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’, it’s a picture-perfect town with Ottoman-era architecture, cobbled streets and views that’ll have your phone storage crying. The tour guide went into the history behind it all and took us to see the castle, mosques and medieval museum.  If you’ve got time for just one day trip from Tirana, make it this one. 

Day 4 – hiking and hidden gems 

Another day, another early start – this time for a hike to Bovilla Lake. Whether you make your own way or join a group tour, it’s 100% worth it. The hike itself wasn’t too intense and there were unreal views the whole way. When we got to the lake, the water was seriously the bluest I’ve ever seen…  

On the way back, I visited Kruja Castle and the nearby Old Bazaar. The castle has a rich history, and the bazaar is full of traditional handmade crafts. It was my last afternoon here, so I spent a bit of time picking up souvenirs to take home. 

Day 5 – one last stroll 

With my flight in the afternoon, I had time for one last slow morning. I grabbed coffee near my hotel and took a final walk around the park before heading to the airport. Tirana was such a surprise. There’s not loads of info out there when it comes to  planning a trip here, but trust me – you won’t be bored. I packed my days and it still felt like there was loads I didn’t get to, so I deffo could’ve stayed longer. Between the views, the food and the insane value for money, I’m already planning my return…  

If @owenwillis’ trip sounds like a bit of you, have a look at our Tirana holidays and you can find all their picks on our Insiders Hub. 

Keep an eye out for the ‘Insider pick’ tag when you’re browsing our best deals and in your holiday search results, too. 

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Author: @owenwillis
Last updated: 03/06/2025