Explore Tirana, the Exciting Capital of Albania

Tirana, the capital of Albania, was once a dull, gray city but thanks to some great paint-work it has changed beyond belief with buildings that are orange with red stripes, pink with purple circles and many many more color combinations.

The grand central boulevards of Tirana are lined with captivating relics of the city's Ottoman, Italian and communist past ranging from delicate minarets to socialist murals.

Top Sights in Tirana

Et'hem Bey Mosque

This elegant mosque is one of the oldest buildings in the city. In the late 1960s this mosque was spared during the destruction of the atheism campaign due to its status as a cultural monument. Please remember when visiting the Et'hem Bey Mosque that it is a 'no shoe' zone

The Clock Tower

The Clock Tower can be climbed on Mondays and Thursday admission costs 50 leke.

The Statue of the Unknown Partisan

It is here that day laborers gather waiting for work. Some of them will even have their own jackhammers with them.

Theater of Opera and Ballet

The construction of this theater began in 1960 and was begun as a gift from the Soviet people. Construction was completed in 1966 after the Soviet-Albania split of 1961.

The National Museum of History

It is here that you will find most of Albania's archaeological treasures and a replica of Skanderbeg's enormous sword.

On the top floor is a somber gallery devoted to the Hoxha era's miseries.

The museum can be visited 9am-1pm 7 4-7pm Tues-Sat and 9am-noon -Sunday. Admission is 300 leke.

The National Art gallery

Time your visit right to the art gallery and you will catch some modern art by Albanian artists in the temporary exhibition space.

The National Art gallery is open 9-1 & 5-8 Tues-Sat and admission is 100 leke.

The Pyramid

This 1988 sloping white-marble and glassed wall building has been used for conferences to discos.

Clubbing and Drinking

The Sky Club bar

This venue is a great place to start your evening out in Tirana. You will enjoy fantastic views of the city from the revolving bar.

The Living Room

This is the hippiest place to drink and dance and when you have danced until you drop then fall back on the 70's style sofas. If you love a fun time then this is the place to find a good crowd to mix with.

The Charl's

This bar is particularly popular with the students of Tirana simply because of its ever- changing live music. Bands come to play here from Cuba and Serbia.

The Buda Bar

Here you will enjoy an incensed relaxed atmosphere, subdued lighting and an abundance of comfy chaise longues and armchairs.

Tirana is loud, crazy, colorful, dusty and frankly totally fascinating.

Source: Europe on a Shoestring - The Lonely planet