Tirana, Albania. Anyone been?

[RichFN2]

Due to some very clean flights & accommodation 4 of us are off to Tirana for 4 days.

Have done some research and got the basics covered but always good to hear from people who have been, we are going with a reasonable budget so we are open to exploring nearby Albania

[loskie]

yes

I went in June and did a 10 day cycling tour.

The group met in Tirana.

I stayed in Hotel Austria which was ideal for two nights.

Great city to wander around. Felt quite safe.

Most places take Euros. But you will find loads of places to exchange GBP into local currency.

Taxi from Airport to City was 24 Euros for an official Taxi at 01:30

You'll be able to take some day trips from the city. Worth exploring the countryside. Lake Ochrid was nice.

Korca beer is the local brew. Blonde and Dark types.
Food is good but fairly simple and cheap.

[RichFN2]

Thank you for your feedback, really does sound like quite an underrated city

[StevieBee]

Yep - been working there on and off for the past year. Back in a few weeks.

I stay in the Hotel Colosseo which is very nice but plenty of others to choose from.

It's an interesting city, plenty of quirky bars and restaurants and some intriguing history to explore. The only trouble is that you'll probably be done in two days. The best bits are all in the centre and the peripheries are just urban sprawls.

If you have the time for a trip to the south of the country you'll be rewarded with some of the most stunning scenery, beaches, castles and the like.

Back to Tirana... if you like steak, give Lift a visit: https://www.liftrestaurant.al

And a few photos to whet the travel appetite.

Have fun.

[RichFN2]

Cheers for the tips StevieBee . We are staying in an apartment opposite Taiwan park, so bang in the middle of Skanderberg square and Blloku.

We all love our food and drink so looks like there is plenty of bars etc to choose from which will keep us occupied in the evening's.

I think we can pack a day out with bunkart 1 and a trip up the mountain after, another day with a stroll of the centre visit the mosque etc maybe the park but depends on the weather.

Day 3 is looking like a day trip somewhere. Kruje, Durres or even lake Ohrid although that might have to wait until the summer on a sperate trip to North Macedonia

[loskie]

I stayed in Durres the last couple of nights before flying home. It's not the nicest of places that I visited!! Although had an interesting Amphitheatre

[RichFN2]

Thought I should update this after our trip to Tirana.

Completely different to any city I have been to in Europe before, pleasant weather, very green (lots of small parts in the city and all treelined avenues etc). lots of redevelopment going on so very modern in places.

Managed to spend £260 in 4 days, with lots of food and a considerable amount of alcohol. This included taxi's, entrance fees to museums etc EVERYTHING! The flight was £47 and we had a 1200sqft apartment right in the centre for £180ish (paid in Euros) between 4.

I would recommend Tirana for anyone wanting to go to a lively city that's different to the usual Prague, Budapest etc. We had 4 days but if you not that fussed on nightlife I would reduce this to 2 days.

[StevieBee]

RichFN2 said:

Thought I should update this after our trip to Tirana.

Completely different to any city I have been to in Europe before, pleasant weather, very green (lots of small parts in the city and all treelined avenues etc). lots of redevelopment going on so very modern in places.

Managed to spend £260 in 4 days, with lots of food and a considerable amount of alcohol. This included taxi's, entrance fees to museums etc EVERYTHING! The flight was £47 and we had a 1200sqft apartment right in the centre for £180ish (paid in Euros) between 4.

I would recommend Tirana for anyone wanting to go to a lively city that's different to the usual Prague, Budapest etc. We had 4 days but if you not that fussed on nightlife I would reduce this to 2 days.

Ahh lovely stuff. I was there a couple of weeks ago and wondered if you made it there. Glad you did.

They do like a drink don't they! I discovered the most delightful Whiskey bar (I've no idea where, exactly - not from the Stadium I think). My detox is nearly complete - just in time for my next visit next week, though that will be to Vlore in the south!

[RichFN2]

StevieBee said:

Ahh lovely stuff. I was there a couple of weeks ago and wondered if you made it there. Glad you did.

They do like a drink don't they! I discovered the most delightful Whiskey bar (I've no idea where, exactly - not from the Stadium I think). My detox is nearly complete - just in time for my next visit next week, though that will be to Vlore in the south!

Yes there was some stunning bars in the city, not just in Blloku but by the stadium and in the centre too. Will go back in the summer when I bet it's buzzing. A few snaps now I'm back from work:

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