Top five things to do in Tirana, Albania

Photo: TIRANA, ALBANIA - MAY 12, 2016: Monument to Skanderbeg in Skanderbeg Square in the center of Tirana, Albania on May 12, 2016 / Datsenko Maryna / Shutterstock.com

The unassuming capital of Albania offers Muslim visitors a taste of the Mediterranean at a fraction of the cost of other, more popular, tourist destinations in the region. Although its Ottoman past was buried under decades of Communist rule, the city still offers visitors a deep sense of its Islamic history.

1. Soak up the Mediterranean vibe while sipping an excellent espresso at one of Tirana’s many cafes. Due to its proximity to Italy, Albania’s most culturally influential neighbour, the capital city bears an unmistakable Italian influence in its food and fashion at much cheaper prices.

Photo: Espresso at a cafe in Tirana, Albania / Photo courtesy of Susan Muthalaly

2. Listen to the call of the muezzin for maghrib prayers from the Et'hem Bej Mosque as you stroll across Skanderbeg square surrounded by historical landmarks and dancing fountains. According to statistics, 70 per cent of Albanians are of the Islamic faith, though it is estimated that only about 4 per cent of the population are practicing Muslims.

Photo: Et'hem Bey Mosque at night in Tirana, Albania / Photo courtesy of Susan Muthalaly

3. Learn about Albania’s Communist past from its museums. Bunk’Art is a museum housed in one of the many bunkers built under Albania’s Communist dictator Enver Hoxha. A new museum named the House of Leaves, located in the city centre, was the former headquarters of the secret police, which kept tabs on citizens and foreign embassies through phone taps and other methods of surveillance.

Photo: One of the many bunkers built under Albania’s Communist dictator / Photo courtesy of Susan Muthalaly

4. Visit the city’s main market square to buy excellent fresh produce to take home as souvenirs or gifts. You’ll find the best Albanian table olives from Berat, fresh and dry herbs such as oregano and bay leaves, and pickled vegetables.

Photo: Tirana, Albania - 3 June, 2017: New Bazaar (Pazari i Ri) in Tirana, Albania. / mastapiece / Shutterstock.com

5. Take a day trip to the mountains. Get on a blue bus to Porcelan from the old clock tower and get off near the cable car station that sends visitors up to Mount Dajti National Park. For 400 LEK (USD 3.50), you get a return ride on the cable car with breath-taking views of the city and surrounding mountains. Mt Dajti offers plenty of entertainment for the whole family, with playgrounds, horse rides and restaurants. It is also a great picnic spot.

Photo: View of Mount Dajti National Park from inside a cable car / Photo courtesy of Susan Muthalaly

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