“The National”: Six things to do in Tirana in 48 hours

2025-08-03 19:16:00, Aktualitet CNA

The foreign online media 'The National News' has dedicated an article to Tirana, a destination for foreigners, not only as a place to stay due to being the capital of Albania.

The article highlights 6 alternatives that make Tirana attractive. The article focuses on these elements of the city.

Skanderbeg Square: The Heartbeat of the City

Most guidebooks will recommend starting an adventure in Tirana at Skanderbeg Square, the vast central square named after Albania’s national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. The military commander died in 1468 and is known for leading a rebellion against the Ottoman Empire.

This square that bears his name is surrounded by monuments such as the National History Museum and the Opera House. The equestrian statue of Skanderbeg himself is a focal point of the square, its backdrop of changing facades reflecting a city with a complex past and a vibrant present.

Et'hem Bey Mosque: A testament to sustainability

Adjacent to Skanderbeg Square is the magnificent Et'hem Bey Mosque, a testament to religious stability.

Built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, its intricate frescoes and delicate art are a rare sight in Islamic architecture, depicting natural landscapes and tranquil nature.

The mosque miraculously survived the atheist policies of the totalitarian regime, serving as a powerful symbol of Albania's resilient spirit and the revival of religious freedom. Admission is free and a look around takes no more than half an hour.

Bunk'Art 1: Uncovering a Hidden Past

It only takes a few minutes to walk from the mosque to one of the city's most interesting tourist attractions.

Bunk'Art 1, a network of underground bunkers originally built for the political elite in the event of a nuclear attack, has been transformed into a fascinating museum and contemporary art space.

Visitors can immerse themselves in Albania’s clandestine communist history and explore its eerie corridors and rooms. The exhibits detail the paranoia and oppression of Hoxha’s regime in the country, offering a powerful insight into a bygone era. Admission is 500 lekë and at least an hour is recommended to enjoy it all.

Climbing the Pyramid: A History with a View

After exploring below, it's a 10-minute walk to an attraction that offers views of the city skyline from above. Climbing the Pyramid of Tirana - another free activity - gives you the feeling of climbing a concrete relic of history, with its steep sides eroded but proud.

Originally built in 1988 as a museum to honor the early communist dictator Enver Hoxha, the once-grand structure now boldly symbolizes Albania’s changing identity. Each step up reveals more of the city’s chaotic charm, framed by graffiti. At the top, the panorama opens up, with the city sprawling below and the beautiful mountain range in the distance.

Air Albania Stadium Tour: A modern sports landmark

The national football stadium proudly represents the city's most modern architecture. For sports enthusiasts, a guided tour of the Air Albania Stadium is worth taking and is only a 10-minute walk from the pyramid.

The elegant stadium, opened in 2019, is located on the site of the former Qemal Stafa Stadium. Built as a compact English-style venue with spectators seated close to the pitch, it has a capacity of 22,000 seats and tickets are sold for every national team match.

The guided tour, which costs 1,500 lek (65 dh), lasts about two hours and includes access to the pitch, locker rooms and VIP areas. An enthusiastic English-speaking guide offers an in-depth look at the nation's passion for the sport.

Walk in the Grand Park and the lake: A green oasis

Tirana's Grand Park and its artificial lake are just a five-minute walk away, via Mother Teresa Square, from the stadium. This vast and peaceful space is a beloved retreat for locals, offering walking and jogging trails, cafes, and quiet places to relax and escape the urban noise.

The 5.3 km loop around the lake takes about 45 minutes. Formed by a dam in the mid-20th century, the lake offers picturesque views and the hum of chirping birds.