This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Tirana.
Tirana is the capital of Albania and is a vibrant, bustling city full of attractions and many hostels and hotels no matter your budget.
Tirana is a great city to walk around and has many great markets to explore and interesting sights to see including the National History Museum and the clock tower; the popular and very distinct "Pyramida" (international centre of culture) is a building in the centre shaped like a pyramid that you can climb to the top to enjoy a good view of the city and also visit the cultural centre inside the building.
Another very popular attraction in Tirana is taking a cable car to the mountains above Tirana to enjoy a spectacular view across the city and surrounding areas. Mount Dajti offers amazing views plus the opportunity to do some great hikes, bike riding, or maybe just relax in the restaurant with a drink and enjoy the beautiful scenery and view.
Tirana hostels are mostly centrally located and in walking distance of many shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs, and clubs as well as the main areas where local and international buses depart and arrive. Tirana hostels offer a variety of accommodation options including dorm rooms, private rooms with shared bathroom facilities, and some private rooms with en suites. Some Tirana hostels are located in apartment buildings with balconies while others are in more residential areas with outdoor seating and gardens and some have cafes or pubs attached to the premises.
Tirana has many frequent bus connections within Albania and internationally as well as train services to other locations within Albania and an international airport seventeen kilometres from the centre connected by bus and taxi services.
Tirana is full of history and has lots of beautiful, grand old churches and squares to explore as well as friendly locals and a great restaurant, pub, and art scene. The pubs, clubs, restaurants, and cafes of Tirana are mainly located around the Blloku area in the centre (many Tirana hostels are found in this area also). Things have changed a lot in Tirana since the old Soviet days and it's a gem of a city and a great backpacking destination -- go and explore it while it's still off the normal backpacker trail!
Written by local enthusiast for Tirana hostels
michael cowgill
