Experience Tirana Like a Local: 7 Essential Tips for Your Summer Visit Posted on May 20, 2024July 12, 2024 By Travelworldwide Albania has gradually become one of Europe’s favorite budget destinations. However, as more people discover its once-overlooked capital, Tirana, finding those great deals everyone talks about isn’t as easy. Mastercard recently named Tirana the third-fastest growing travel destination in the world, so I thought it was time to share some insider tips on how to make the most of the city. **Plan Your Day with Breaks** Tirana is bustling, larger than you might expect, and extremely hot during July and August, with temperatures often reaching 35°C – 38°C (95°F – 100°F). While spontaneity can be fun, it’s best to have a set itinerary with plenty of rest stops. Keep a list of backup places to visit and their locations on your phone to avoid wandering aimlessly in the heat. Here’s a sample itinerary for a first-time visitor: – **9:00 – 9:30**: Start your day with coffee and breakfast at Mon Cheri, Mulliri i Vjetër, or Sophie Cafe. – **9:45 – 10:45**: Visit Skanderbeg Square to buy souvenirs, admire the architecture, and people-watch. – **10:50 – 12:00**: Explore Bunk’Art 2, just a short walk from the square. – **12:05 – 12:30**: Grab a quick snack at a nearby supermarket or byrektore, where you can get freshly-made bureks for less than $0.8 each. – **12:35 – 13:45**: Visit Tirana Castle and the surrounding pedestrian area. – **14:00 – 15:30**: Have lunch at Restaurant Era Blloku, which offers traditional dishes at reasonable prices. – **15:50 – 18:30**: Return to your hotel or Airbnb to rest during the hottest part of the day. – **18:45 – 20:30**: Take the Dajti Express to the top of Dajti Mountain to watch the sunset. – **21:00 – 22:30**: Enjoy dinner back in the city at Pizzeria Deliziosa (Italian), Sakura (Japanese), or Serendiville (Mexican). – After dinner, you can either call it a day or head to the famous Blloku neighborhood for a drink. **Budget-Friendly Tips** You can manage on less than $60 a day if you’re careful. For example, a $2.5 breakfast sandwich at Mulliri i Vjetër, a $0.7 burek for lunch, and a $6 combo meal at OPA for dinner will keep your food costs low. The Dajti Express ticket is about $2.2, entry to Bunk’Art is around $7, and you can find hotels in great locations for just over $40. **Finding Affordable Accommodation** Finding a cheap place to stay in Tirana is easier than you might think. I recommend opting for an Airbnb over a traditional hotel. Airbnbs in the city center often have excellent reviews and cost less than $50 a day. **Avoid Public Transport During Peak Hours** Navigating public transport in Tirana can be tough, especially during the hot summer months when buses are crowded and uncomfortable. It’s worth spending a bit more on a centrally-located Airbnb and using Green Taxis for places you can’t walk to. **Enjoy the Food Scene** Tirana’s food scene is diverse and delicious. Traditional Albanian dishes are a must-try, but you’ll also find great international cuisine. Some of my favorites include OPA’s gyros, Deliziosa’s pizzas, Era’s fërgesë, Sakura’s sushi, and Cioccolatitaliani’s tiramisù. **Day Trips from Tirana** If you have extra time, consider a day trip to one of Albania’s other amazing cities. You could relax on the beaches of Durrës, enjoy the fairytale-like views of Berat, or explore the historical sites of Krujë. **Nightlife in Blloku** For a night out, head to Blloku, Tirana’s liveliest neighborhood. It’s packed with upscale restaurants, high-end boutiques, and Irish pubs where you can enjoy a specialty beer and a snack for less than $10. Duff and Meduza are great spots to check out for a fun evening. Blog
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