Tirana

Mayor Edi Rama, internationally renowned as an artist before he took over the post of Tirana's mayor in 2000, decided to give the city a more welcoming look by painting old and Soviet block-style building facades in bright colours. The initiative certainly accomplished its goal of helping the city appear more attractive.

Skanderbeg Square is the social and cultural centre of Tirana, this is an excellent place for people watching and absorbing the daily life of the denizens of this city. The famous Equestrian Statue is located on the Southern Side of the Square.

The 35-metre tall Clock Tower is a symbol of Tirana, built in 1822 by the poet and architect Et'hem bey Mollaj, who also completed the nearby Et'hem Bey Mosque. You can climb the 90 spiralling steps for an excellent view of the bustling life in Skanderbeg Square below. At night, the tower is beautifully lit, making it a striking feature in the city’s skyline.

This small and elegant mosque is one of Tirana's oldest surviving structures. Closed during communist rule, it reopened for worship in 1991 after being shuttered for decades. Many religious sites were destroyed during the atheism campaigns of the 1960s, but this mosque was spared. Its distinctive frescoes, found both inside and outside the portico, depict nature scenes like trees, waterfalls and bridges, which are unusual motifs in Islamic art.

This building once served as the Communist Party headquarters during the regime of Enver Hoxha. From its balcony, Hoxha would wave to the crowds during official parades and demonstrations. Today, in addition to its primary function as the residence and office of the Albanian Prime Minister, it stands as a reminder of Albania's totalitarian past and is a significant landmark in Tirana.

Mount Dajti looms majestically over Tirana, offering a beautiful escape into nature with its national park, dense forests and panoramic views. You can reach the top either by taking the Dajti Ekspres cable car — the longest in the Balkans — or enjoy a scenic drive. Once at the summit, you'll find several restaurants where you can savour a meal while enjoying the serene landscape. The sense of standing above the city, with expansive views stretching in every direction, gives you a feeling of being on top of the world. Dajti Mountain National Park also offers an adventure park for kids and adults, a rotating bar, minigolf, hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as many romantic spots for picnicking.

The entire central market neighbourhood is a gourmet food haven, which captures the spirit of the culture. Local cheese, meat, fruit, honey and homemade raki can be found here. This is a spectacular place to stroll, nibble local food and absorb the vitality of Albanian life.

The Tirana National Archaeological Museum houses an extensive collection of archaeological artefacts from prehistory through to the Middle Ages. There is also a large exhibition that shows the history of Albania.

The grand Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral is one of the largest Eastern Orthodox churches in the Balkans. Its stunning architecture, with beautiful façades and an equally impressive interior, makes it a major attraction for visitors. Its grandeur and serene atmosphere offer a peaceful space for both religious and cultural appreciation.

This large public park, Tirana's "green lung", offers a peaceful escape from the city. You can relax on the grassy areas by the artificial lake, enjoy a jog along the scenic paths, or explore the beautiful flora at the Botanical Gardens of Tirana, where various plant species and flowers are showcased. It's an ideal spot to unwind and soak in nature within easy reach of the urban environment.