Welcome to Tirana: an exclusive walking tour with castle and museums

The capital of Albania since 1920, Tirana is a youthful city full of life. Here, change is in the air. The areas that once were symbols of dictatorship have now been converted to artistic and cultural centers. If you’re asking yourself what things to see in Tirana, and you want to visit Tirana on foot with an expert guide, then this is the right tour for you.

Things to see in Tirana

Welcome to Tirana! The capital of Albania is waiting to show you the story of its past, present, and its vision for the future. Come with us on this 3 hour walking tour of Tirana and learn more about the city’s main attractions. Is there any better way to explore a city than on foot? Walking affords you the opportunity to see details that are otherwise difficult to see. In addition to the architecture and the colors that represent different periods of time, you’ll pass through picturesque squares and buildings, streets and parks. We’ll take you to visit the city’s castle as well as two main museums, where you’ll be immersed in the city's cultural atmosphere and you’ll see some of the best locations to experience Tirana’s nightlife.

What is included in this walking tour of Tirana

We’ll start in the morning and visit the old town. Your first stop is at Skanderbeg Square, named in honor of the Albanian National Hero. Gjergj Kastrioti, better known as Skanderbeg, is the only person in Albania that holds the title of Albanian National Hero, which he earned by fighting and preventing the Turkish invasion. Skanderbeg Square is special for one reason in particular: it was built with stones taken from all regions of Albania, including the territories of the “Greater Albania”. These lands consist of regions outside the actual Albanian border that are currently populated and have always been populated by an Albanian majority. You’ll then continue with a visit to the National Historical Museum, where you’ll learn more about the history of the Albanian people. The museum is divided into eight pavilions - Antiquity, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Independence, Iconography, Antifascist National Liberation War, Communist Terror, and Mother Teresa. During the ‘Welcome to Tirana’ tour, you’ll only visit museum’s main rooms. If you want to visit the rest of the museum, you are free to return on your own later, when the tour is finished.

After the National Museum, you’ll proceed to the Mosque di Et'hem Bey Mosque. Built between 1793 and 1830, Et'hem Bey is one of the most famous Ottoman mosques in the Albanian capital. From here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the clock tower Kulla e Sahatit (1811), which is located nearby. The tour continues with a visit to the ruins of the castle of Tirana, located in the center of the city. Nowadays, all that remains of the historic castle is a small city wall, 6 meters high. The Byzantines built in the VI Century B.C. for the Emperor Justinian. After a short coffee break, we’ll continue to walk along Deshmoret e Kombit boulevard, where many government buildings are located. For those who would like to continue, the tour will lead you to the Bunk’Art Museum, a Cold War bunker that has been converted into an exhibition space for contemporary art and history. At the end of the tour, your guide will also advise you on what other things to do in Tirana if you have more time to spend in the city.

•Due the moderate amount of walking to reach the main attraction sites could be better to wear comfortable shoes and clothes.

•We suggest this tour to customers who are able to climb and descend streets and stairs.

•This tour is not suitable for customers in wheelchair. 

•In case of hot weather we suggest you to bring a cap with you.

•Please reach the meeting point 15 minutes before the departure time.