Tirana Essential of the Albanian Capital by Albanian Odyssey

5.0 (5 reviews) 4–5 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

5 reviews

5.0

Tirana Essential of the Albanian Capital by Albanian Odyssey — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Tirana Essential of the Albanian Capital by Albanian Odyssey, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Experience vibrant Tirana, Albania's heart, on this tour. Discover its political, economic, and cultural core. Amidst mixed aromas and East-West heritage, explore Scanderbeg Square, Peoples’ Martyr’s Boulevard, and New bazaar of Tirana. Visit landmarks like BunkArt 2 Museum, Haxhi Et’hem Bey Mosque, Clock Tower, New Bazaar, Pyramid, Tirana University, City Hall, Government Buildings, and Opera House. Embrace the dynamic fusion of history and modernity in this fast-growing hub.

Coffee/Refreshmets or Albanian spirit ''Rakia'' at Komiteti Bar Caffe situated in a communist era apartment , will add to the flavor of this tour.

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours City Tours Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: 4–5 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Albanian Odyssey Travel Agency

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–17 years) · Adults (18–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Access to Clock tower
Included: A Local Professional Guide
Included: All Fees and Taxes
Included: Access to Bunk Art 2 Museum
Included: Tea and coffee: Komiteti Museum Café Tirana

Not included

Not included: Anything not mentioned in the included section
Not included: Tips

Itinerary

Skanderbeg Square

45 min

This is where the tour starts. Here the travelers will hear about the history of Tirana, and the history of the buildings around the square like the Opera House, National History Museum, National Bank, City Hall, etc.

After the square we will walk to the New Bazaar area for some shopping and local experience.
Xhamia Et'hem Bej

15 min Admission included

This is the only remaining mosque from the 19 century in Tirana. Beautifully decorated it is a gem of architecture and art in the heart of Tirana.
Clock Tower

15 min Admission included

The Clock Tower is a cultural monument that has shown the time in Tirana since 1822. It stands beside Et’hem Bey mosque, built by the same person. You can climb its 90 stairs and on reaching the top have a magnificent view of the main square in Tirana and beyond.

The Clock Tower comprises a major part of the emblem of Tirana Municipality and together with the mosque forms a unique architectural ensemble.
Bunk'Art 2

30 min Admission included

The atomic bomb shelter of the Ministry of Internal Affairs was built between 1981 and 1986 and it can be considered as one of the latest “great works” carried out by the communist regime within the project of bunkerization which started in the early 70s and led to the building of 175.000 bunkers of various sizes across the country. This bunker, in code named “Objekti Shtylla”, consists of 24 rooms, an apartment reserved for the Minister of Internal Affairs and a large hall dedicated to intercommunications. Like many other bunkers of this size, this too was built to withstand a potential chemical and nuclear attack. Actually the bunker was never even used for trainings. The entrance and the exit of the bunker were built only recently, because on the initial project the entrance into the tunnel was possible only from within the Ministry.
Rruga Murat Toptani

15 min

Built near the old Justinian fortress, one of the few archaeological remains still present in the heart of the Albanian capital, the Castle is owned by the Toptani family.

Toptani is one of the richest families in Albania and the Balkan area, originating from the beautiful city of Kruja.

This family moved to Tirana in the seventeenth century. Some members of the prestigious family, during the years of Ottoman rule, were ordered by the Empire to govern the then Ottoman territories in the Albanian land.
Stop 6

35 min Admission included

Café-Museum located inside one of the communist era apartments. Communist era artefacts like old radios, furniture, tools, kitchenware, silverware, cups and glasses are only some of the objects that can be seen. Here the travelers will have coffee, refreshments, or rakia the Albanian famous spirit.
Enver Hoxha Pyramid

25 min

This iconic building was a museum dedicated to the Albanian communist leader (dictator). After the fall of the communist regime in Albania, the building was used as a discotheque, cultural center, radio station, and fair exhibition area.

Now, the pyramid has been reconstructed with a modern architecture and will be the largest technological center in the Balkans focusing on Information and digital technology.
Deshmoret E Kombit Boulevard

15 min

This is the main boulevard in Tirana, build in 1930s. Along this boulevard the travelers will see the main government buildings and will learn about the modern history of Tirana and Albania.

At the end of the boulevard we find the Mother Theresa Square: This is the second largest square in the center of Tirana. Here the travelers will get to see the Tirana University Building, Art University, Air Albania Arena, and other iconic and historical buildings.
Blloku

20 min

Leafy, residential Blloku is an upscale nightlife and shopping hotspot, with hip bars and cafes, and trendy global restaurants alongside luxury boutiques. During the era of Communist rule, it was a closed-off precinct for the party elite, and the villa of long-ruling dictator Enver Hoxha still stands.
Stop 10

30 min

The Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral in Tirana was inaugurated in 2012 and is one of the largest cathedrals in the Balkans. It is beautifully decorated with mosaics and paintings and has become one of the most visited attractions in Tirana.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

We will gather at the iconic Scanderbeg Square in the heart of Tirana to begin our unforgettable journey. Near the prominent statue of Skanderbeg, the national hero. Look for a staff member holding an "ALBANIAN ODYSSEY" white clipboard/flag. Please ensure you arrive 15 minutes before departure.

End point

We will gather at the iconic Scanderbeg Square in the heart of Tirana to begin our unforgettable journey. Near the prominent statue of Skanderbeg, the national hero. Look for a staff member holding an "ALBANIAN ODYSSEY" white clipboard/flag. Please ensure you arrive 15 minutes before departure.

Using your ticket

We will gather at the iconic Scanderbeg Square in the heart of Tirana to begin our unforgettable journey. Near the prominent statue of Skanderbeg, the national hero. Look for a staff member holding an "ALBANIAN ODYSSEY" white clipboard/flag. Please ensure you arrive 15 minutes before departure.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We can accommodate dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please kindly indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.
Under 18 years old must have a photo ID (Digital Copy Accepted)