The Truest Face of Communism: How to Plan Your Tour in Tirana

If you’re looking to discover the fascinating history of Tirana, Albania, we highly recommend taking the Truest Face of Communism tour. Led by knowledgeable guides, this private tour provides an exclusive opportunity to explore the country’s communist past and the unique landmarks of Tirana. Below, we have put together a comprehensive guide on how to plan your tour in Tirana.

Overview of the Tour

The Truest Face of Communism tour is a comprehensive historical and cultural exploration of Albania’s communist past, offering a great overview of Tirana. It is an excellent option, especially for first-time visitors, as it covers all of the significant landmarks in Tirana.

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel followed by a visit to the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. Next, you’ll head to the National History Museum, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the country’s highly eventful past.

Throughout the tour, you’ll also visit several other significant landmarks, including the House of Leaves, the Clock Tower of Tirana, and the Enver Hoxha Pyramid. The highlight of the tour is getting to know these landmarks and understanding their significance in the history of Tirana.

A break for lunch is included in the tour, along with a sampling of rakia, a traditional Albanian alcoholic beverage.

The Tour Details

Comprehensive Tour of the Capital City

One of the most significant advantages of the Truest Face of Communism tour is that it covers a comprehensive range of landmarks in Tirana. As mentioned above, you’ll visit the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet, the National History Museum, the House of Leaves, the Clock Tower of Tirana, and the Enver Hoxha Pyramid, among other sites.

Private Tour Exclusively for Your Group

The Truest Face of Communism tour is a private tour exclusively for your group, ensuring a more intimate experience with your guide. The tour is conducted in English, and the guide will be more than happy to answer any questions you have throughout your visit.

Lunch Included

The tour includes a break for lunch, which features Albanian cuisine. The restaurant selected for the tour is well-liked for providing high-quality food, making it an excellent way to try some traditional dishes.

Hotel Pickup and Drop-off Included

The tour includes a pickup and drop-off from your chosen hotel in Tirana. This provides added peace of mind, ensuring you will arrive at the meeting point on time and be returned to your accommodation safely after the tour.

The Meeting Point and Pickup Details

Meeting Point

The meeting point for the Truest Face of Communism tour is Skanderbeg Square, where you’ll be able to find the guide and the rest of the group. Skanderbeg Square is one of the most well-known landmarks in Tirana, and even if you’re not taking this tour, it’s still worth visiting.

Pickup Points

If you’re not directly starting from your hotel, you can request pickup at your chosen location. Areas where additional pickup can be requested include the Blloku area, the new-market area, and the Tirana University area.

Start Time and End Point

The tour usually starts at 9:00 am and finishes back at Skanderbeg Square, the meeting point.

Booking Your Tour

To book your Truest Face of Communism tour, head over to Viator’s website at https://www.viator.com/tours/Tirana/Communist-Face-of-Tirana/d23957-111832P3?pid=P00070472&mcid=42383. Once there, you can select the date and confirm the availability of the tour. Payment can be made through a secure online portal, and you will receive your tickets on your email.

Conclusion

The Truest Face of Communism tour is a must-do when you visit Tirana. This tour will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the history of Tirana and Albania as a whole. With a comprehensive tour of the city, private guide, traditional food, and pickup and drop-off included, the Truest Face of Communism tour is a great value for your money. Book the tour here and enjoy an unforgettable experience in Tirana.

The Top FAQs about Tirana Answered

Are you planning to visit Tirana, the capital city of Albania, anytime soon, but have some doubts or questions? Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions about Tirana, along with their answers, to help you plan your trip better.

1. What is the best time to visit Tirana?

The best time to visit Tirana depends on what interests you the most. The peak tourist season in Tirana is during summer, from June to August. The weather during this period is pleasant, and you can participate in various summer festivals and events, but it can get crowded.

If you prefer to visit when the crowds are fewer and the weather milder, it is best to visit Tirana in spring (April to May) or autumn (September to November). During these seasons, you can enjoy the colorful autumn leaves or the blooming flowers and gardens of the city, along with pleasant temperatures.

2. What are the must-see attractions in Tirana?

Tirana has plenty of attractions to offer, but some of the most popular ones include:

• The Skanderbeg Square – the central square of Tirana.
• The National History Museum – a museum that presents the history of Albania.
• The Et’hem Bey Mosque – a beautiful mosque located in the heart of the city.
• The Bunk’Art Museum – a museum that highlights Albania’s Communist past.
• The Pyramid of Tirana – an impressive architectural site.
• The Blloku Neighborhood – a lively area full of bars, restaurants, and hotels.

3. How is the weather in Tirana?

Tirana has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The average temperature in summer is around 30°C, while in winter, it is around 10°C. The wettest months are November and December, while the driest months are July and August.

4. What are the best places to eat in Tirana?

Tirana has a vibrant food scene, with many traditional Albanian dishes and international cuisine available in the city. Some of the best places to eat in Tirana are:

• Oda Restaurant – for traditional Albanian cuisine with a modern twist.
• Radio – for burgers, sandwiches, and craft beer.
• Pizza Lollipop – for some of the best pizza in the city.
• Speakeasy – for cocktails and bar food.
• Apollonia – for seafood and Mediterranean dishes.

5. What is the local currency in Tirana?

The local currency in Tirana is the Albanian Lek (ALL). You can exchange your currency at banks, exchange offices, or ATMs, which are widely available throughout the city. Credit cards are also widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops.

6. Is it safe to travel to Tirana?

Tirana is generally a safe city to travel to, with a low crime rate. However, as with any city, it is advisable to take some precautions, such as avoiding dark alleys at night, keeping an eye on your valuables, and being cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.

7. What is the best way to get around Tirana?

Tirana has a well-developed public transport system, including buses, minibusses, and trolleybuses. They are cheap and convenient to use, but they can get crowded during peak times. There are also taxis available in the city, but be sure to negotiate the price before getting into one.

Alternatively, you can rent a car or a bicycle to explore the city at your own pace. However, keep in mind that Tirana’s traffic can be chaotic, and the roads can be narrow and winding in some parts of the city.

8. What are some of the cultural events in Tirana?

Tirana hosts several cultural events throughout the year, such as:

• Tirana’s International Film Festival – held in November.
• Tirana Art Biennale – held every two years, showcasing contemporary art from Albania and beyond.
• Tirana Jazz Festival – held in June, featuring jazz musicians from all over the world.
• Tirana Book Fair – held in November, featuring local and international authors and publishers.

9. What are the best shopping options in Tirana?

Tirana has many shopping options, from luxury shopping malls to traditional bazaars. Here are some of the best places to shop in Tirana:

• Tirana East Gate – one of the largest shopping malls in the city, with a wide range of stores and restaurants.
• Toptani Shopping Center – another shopping mall with many local and international brands.
• The Grand Bazaar of Tirana – a traditional bazaar with vendors selling handmade crafts, souvenirs, and textiles.
• The New Bazaar – a vibrant outdoor market selling local produce and artisanal products.

10. What are the best day trips from Tirana?

Tirana is the perfect starting point for exploring the surrounding areas of Albania. Some of the best day trips from Tirana include:

• Berat – a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Ottoman-era architecture and beautiful landscapes.
• Durres – a coastal city located 33 km west of Tirana, known for its sandy beaches and ancient Roman ruins.
• Kruja – a historic town located 32 km north of Tirana, known for its medieval castle and traditional souvenirs.
• Shkoder – a picturesque town located 115 km north of Tirana, known for its impressive castle and vibrant nightlife.

The Bottom Line

Tirana, the capital of Albania, has a rich history, vibrant culture, delicious food, and stunning landscapes. I hope this FAQ guide helped you plan your trip to Tirana better. Remember to take precautions, explore the city’s hidden gems, and immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere. Enjoy your trip!