Welcome to Tirana - Walking Tour with castle and museums

Tirana, the capital of Albania since 1920, is a youthful city full of life. Change is in the air. Areas that were once symbols of dictatorship have now been transformed into artistic and cultural centres. If you're wondering what there is to see in Tirana and would like the opportunity to explore the city on foot with an expert guide, then this is the tour for you!

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 walking tour and learn more about the city’s main attractions. Is there any better way to explore a city than on foot? Walking gives you the opportunity to see details that are otherwise difficult to see. In addition to the architecture and the colours that represent different periods of time, you’ll pass through the 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.

We’ll start in the morning and visit the old town. Our first stop is at Skanderbeg Square, named in honour of the Albanian National Hero. Gjergj Kastrioti, better known as Skanderbeg, is the only person in Albania that holds the title of an 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. We´ll then continue with a visit to the National Historical Museum (entrance included), 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 tour, you’ll only visit the 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, we’ll proceed to the Mosque di Et'hem Bey(entrance included). 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) (entrance included), which is located nearby. The tour continues with a visit to the ruins of the castle of Tirana (entrance included), located in the centre 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 (entrance not included), 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 there are to do in Tirana if you have more time to spend in the city.

Tickets include:

National Historical Museum, Et'hem Bej Mosque, Kulla e Sahatit clock Tower ticket and Tirana Castle.