Exploring Tirana, the Pretty Town of Prizren

Tirana is a beautiful town located in south-western Kosovo, about three hours away from the capital city of Prizren. It’s a picturesque town with plenty of picturesque views and unique buildings, surrounded by stunning nature. There are many different activities and attractions you can explore while in Tirana.

History

Tirana dates back to the 6th century AD, when the Illyrian tribe known as the Daorsi first settled in the area. In the 8th century, a fortified tower was built by the Serbs in what is now known as the old town of Tirana. During the 18th century, Kosovo saw a period of prosperity and expanded its population. During World War I, Tirana was briefly occupied by the Austro-Hungarian Empire before it was liberated by the Serbian Army.

Things to Do in Tirana

If you’re looking for something to do in Tirana, there are plenty of activities that are sure to please. Here are some of our top picks:

Visit the Citadel of Elbasan

The Citadel of Elbasan is an impressive fortification from the 11th century AD. It was used as a fortress for the city’s inhabitants for centuries and is now a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the citadel and its 15 towers, along with other attractions such as the Clock Tower, which dates back to 1539.

Explore the Old Town of Tirana

The Old Town of Tirana is full of history and culture. It’s a great place to go to get away from it all and explore the ancient streets and monuments. You can explore St. Nicholas Church or visit Marubi National Museum of Photography. You can also wander through some of the oldest buildings in the city, such as Gavrilyuk Bridge and Sheshi Piazza.

Hike Through the Rugova Valley

The Rugova Valley is a stunning national park located near Tirana. It features breathtaking vistas of snow-capped mountains, crystal clear rivers and lush forests. Visitors can spend time exploring various trails and paths or take a break and have a picnic near one of the many scenic mountain lakes.

Visit Prizren

Prizren is located just a short drive from Tirana. It’s a small city with a rich history, dating back to the 8th century AD. Visitors can take explore the Ottoman influenced architecture or visit one of the many churches in the city, such as St. Paraskevi Cathedral or St. Nicholas Orthodox Church.

Rafting on the White Drin River

Located within easy reach of Tirana is the White Drin River. This beautiful river offers an abundance of rapids and is perfect for rafting for all levels of ability. Whether you’re looking for an easy ride or something more challenging, you can find it on the White Drin River. Check out GetYourGuide, which offers some of the best river rafting experiences in Kosovo.

Where to Eat in Tirana

Tirana is home to some great eateries, as well as some local spots that you won’t find anywhere else. Here are some of our favorites:

Albanini Restaurant

Albanini Restaurant offers some of the best traditional Albanian cuisine in Tirana. The menu features dishes such as handmade frike (like couscous) with grilled meats and vegetables, as well as grilled lamb chops and Albanian-style shish kabobs called qofte.

Kosovo Grill

Kosovo Grill is one of the best places for grilled meats in Tirana. There are different menus depending on what kind of meat you prefer, from lamb chops to beef shish kabobs and everything in between. The staff is also very friendly and helpful when it comes to picking out your favorites.

Štrudlarica – Bakery & Café

If you’re looking for a tasty snack or a light lunch, Štrudlarica – Bakery & Café is a great choice. This small cafe is known for its fresh-baked goods such as strudel, burek (puff pastries with meats and cheeses), pita (filled pastries) and more.

Where to Stay in Tirana

Tirana offers plenty of accommodation options for visitors, ranging from budget hotels to luxurious resorts. Here are some of our favorites:

The Sky Tower Hotel & Suites

The Sky Tower Hotel & Suites is one of Tirana’s most luxurious hotels. It features contemporary decor, stunning views from its rooftop terrace, an outdoor pool and spa, along with an excellent on-site restaurant. It also has easy access to many of Tirana’s best attractions, making it a great choice for a longer stay.

Kozmos Hotel

Kozmos Hotel is located in the heart of Tirana and offers comfortable rooms at reasonable prices. The hotel has spacious rooms with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and bar, as well as a 24-hour front desk service and free parking.

Best Western Plus Hotel

The Best Western Plus Hotel is a great budget hotel located in downtown Tirana. The hotel features modern rooms with comfortable beds and all the amenities you’d expect from a hotel such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and air conditioning.

Conclusion

Tirana is a beautiful town located in south western Kosovo that’s full of history and culture. There are plenty of things to do such as exploring the Citadel of Elbasan or hiking through Rugova Valley. There are also plenty of places to eat ranging from traditional Albanian cuisine to traditional grill restaurants that serve all kinds of grilled meats. Finally, there is also a wide variety of accommodation options ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts for you to choose from for your stay in Tirana. We highly recommend doing some research before your trip and make sure to book your activities ahead with GetYourGuide. So what are you waiting for? Hop on a plane and head to Tirana!