One Vibrant European Capital Is An Underrated Destination Full Of Color, Culture, & History

Not only is the capital of Albania relatively unknown, but it's also the ideal budget-friendly destination for your next European escape. Tirana is a colorful surprise of styles located in the heart of the Balkans. Not your average tourist hotspot, Tirana is ideal if you like your trips to include art and culture, topped with a splash of intriguing history. Albania sits next to the Adriatic Sea and borders Greece, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Montenegro, with Italy just across the water. Cheaper than many other popular European destinations, Tirana is less crowded but full of personality, making it ideal for curious travelers looking for a weekend getaway or as a base if you want to venture into the neighboring countries.

There are direct flights to Tirana International Airport from many other European cities, and hourly buses leave the airport for the city center, just 11 miles away, for roughly $4. Tirana is a walkable city with cheap public transport and taxis, but for around $100 per week, it's worthwhile renting a car for your stay. This will give you the freedom to head out to the coast to visit the underrated Albanian Riviera or explore nearby towns and villages worth visiting, like the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Berat or Prizren in neighbouring Kosovo. Or, of course, you could stay in the city and cycle your way around the many historical landmarks.

This colorful city surprises in all kinds of ways. The mix of Ottoman, Fascist, and Soviet-era architecture, layered with modernist and post-communist influences, is a feast for the eyes. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in its history is by taking a walking tour of the city, where you'll see bursts of color in the most unexpected of places, from electric boxes to entire buildings, as well as the striking street art and contemporary galleries. Albania was under Ottoman rule for over four centuries until 1912, when it became an independent country. Tirana became the capital in 1920, and the country stayed under a strict communist regime until 1991. Several structures reflect its complex past.

A visit to the grand Skanderbeg Square takes you to the heart of the city. Here you'll find a statue of Albania's national hero Gjerg Kastrioti (Skanderbeg), who, born an Albanian noble, is remembered for resisting Ottoman expansion in the 15th century. The Et'hem Bey Mosque and the National Opera House also surround the square. For a deeper and darker look at Albania's more recent history, the two Bunk'Art museums give an eerie insight into life during the communist regime. These Cold War-era bunkers are just two of the thousands scattered across Albania. Bunk'Art 1, just outside the city center, has a staggering 106 rooms, including a theatre. It serves as a sobering reminder of what life was like in those times. Another interesting landmark is the Pyramid of Tirana, built in 1988 as a mausoleum for the former dictator Enver Hoxha. It never served that purpose and has since been a radio station, a NATO base, and a nightclub. It's now a modern cultural and technology center, with a rooftop you can climb for panoramic views over the city.

The best time to visit Tirana is during the shoulder seasons. While summer temperatures average well into the 80s and low 90s, spring and autumn are ideal for wandering the city and stopping by the many street cafés. There's a strong coffee culture in Albania, so finding the perfect espresso shouldn't be too hard. Food here is strong in flavor, with Greek and Turkish influences found in many dishes. A couple of traditional Albanian dishes worth tucking into are tavë kosi, a baked dish of lamb and yogurt, and byrek, a pastry filled with cheese, meat, or spinach. There are restaurants aplenty as well as a buzzing nightlife scene in the Blloku district. Once off-limits to the general public, it was only open to communist party members, but it is now one of Tirana's liveliest areas.

Albania is still very much a cash-first society, but withdrawals from ATMs are expensive, so before you arrive, plan your budget and bring cash with you, as cards aren't accepted everywhere. You'll need it for a visit to the lively bazaar Pazari i Ri, where you can buy a variety of traditional crafts, handmade products, and local foods. If you can, time your visit with one of the festivals held throughout the year, where there are more explosions of color in the bright traditional costumes and local music. 

And when you're ready for some peace and quiet, the huge Tirana Lake Park is a welcome escape just a half-hour walk from the city center. It's ideal for taking a gentle stroll, boating, or just daydreaming about your next beach vacation in Albania. If you want to stay connected, it could be worth bringing a travel adapter for European plugs, and One Albania has good tourist phone packages starting from around $31 while you're on the move.