Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and imbued with a vibrant cultural heritage, Tirana — the capital city of Albania — offers an intriguing European getaway. As of 2019, this city has seen significant development yet remains an off-the-beaten-path destination for many travelers. From its colorful architecture to its historical sites and buzzing nightlife, Tirana is a city that promises an array of experiences. Here’s your tourist guide to exploring the best of Tirana in 2019.
#### Getting There and Around
Tirana is served by the Nënë Tereza International Airport, commonly known as Rinas Airport, located just a short drive from the city center. The city has also improved its public transportation system; however, taxis and car rentals are still the most convenient ways to navigate around. Recently introduced bike-sharing programs like Ecovolis are also a great way to explore the city at your own pace.
#### Attractions
**Skanderbeg Square**: This central square is named after the Albanian national hero Skanderbeg. It’s surrounded by important buildings such as the National History Museum which showcases artifacts ranging from ancient times to communist history. The square recently underwent renovations and now features pedestrian-friendly spaces.
**Dajti Ekspres “Cable Car”**: For breathtaking views of Tirana and beyond, take a ride on this cable car that travels up Dajti Mountain. At the top, you can enjoy nature trails, eateries, and even accommodation options.
**BUNK’ART**: Dive into history at BUNK’ART, a bunker turned museum that offers insight into Albanian life under communism. BUNK’ART 1 focuses on political history while BUNK’ART 2 delves into secret surveillance in Albania.
**The Pyramid of Tirana**: Originally built as a museum dedicated to Enver Hoxha, the former communist leader, this iconic but dilapidated structure is slated for transformation into a youth culture center.
**Blloku**: Once reserved for communist party elites including Hoxha himself, this neighborhood is now Tirana’s trendiest area packed with stylish cafes, bars, and shops.
#### Cultural Insights
Experience Albanian culture through various festivals such as the Tirana International Film Festival (TIFF), which showcases both local and international films every fall. The Kala Festival focuses on electronic music and takes place at different venues around the city.
Food lovers should explore traditional dishes like *byrek* (a savory pie), *tavë kosi* (baked lamb with yogurt), or *fërgesë* (a traditional dish made with peppers). For drinks, raki (a strong alcoholic beverage) is widely popular among locals.
#### Day Trips
Tirana’s location makes it easy to plan day trips:
– **Kruja**: Just an hour away lies Kruja Castle and its famous bazaar where you can shop for traditional Albanian handicrafts.
– **Durres**: Located about 40 minutes from Tirana by car, Durres offers beaches along with historical sites like Roman amphitheaters.
– **Berat**: Known as “the town of a thousand windows” due to its unique Ottoman architecture—this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers charming views along with rich history.
#### Tips for Travelers
1. **Language**: Although Albanian is the official language, young people usually speak English quite well.
2. **Currency**: The currency used is Lekë (ALL). Credit cards are increasingly accepted but carrying some cash is advisable.
3. **Safety:** Tirana is generally safe for tourists; however normal safety precautions should be applied especially at night or in less crowded areas.
Whether you’re looking for historical insights or contemporary urban experiences—or perhaps a bit of both—Tirana in 2019 stands out as an engaging European capital that combines tradition with modernity in unexpected ways.