Albania may be a relatively new European hotspot to visit this summer, but its major attractions are already well-known. Whether you want to explore communist history at Bunk’Art 2, take a stroll along the lake in the Grand Park or marvel at Ottoman architecture in Et’hem Bej Mosque, Tirana is an eclectic and unique mix of cultures and attractions that are set to keep you entertained for days on end.
Explore our original blog post – The 15 Best Things to Do in Tirana – to discover Tirana’s conventional touristic staples.
But did you know the country is changing fast, with incredible, new tourist attractions in Tirana popping up every year? In this mini Albania itinerary, we’ll share the best restaurants in Tirana that have opened recently, as well as the best new things to do in the capital.
3 New Things to Do in Tirana
1. Albanian Night – The Albanian Broadway – Opened December 2024
What better way to explore authentic culture than through a local folklore show? Albanian Night, Albania’s first-ever ethnocultural center and entertainment venue, has a show every evening at 19:00 that lets you wear real, traditional Albanian clothes and join its professional dancers in a recreated Albanian wedding!
If you’re not sure what to do in Tirana, Albanian Night offers plenty of activities – from the nightly show (where you can also eat traditional Albanian food if you order the dinner option) to the daily classes where you can learn how to dance valle, the Albanian wedding circle dance, this venue, right next to Skanderbeg Square, offers plenty of experiences in Tirana to keep you busy! The center is also home to Albanian Bazaar, a gorgeous souvenir shop with over 10,000 unique, handmade products.
2. Namazgah Mosque (Xhamia e Namazgjasë) – Opened October 2024
This gorgeous mosque is an active place of worship that was opened just last year. And get ready – it’s the largest in the entire Balkans! Its inauguration saw the Turkish president and the head of the Muslim World League lend their presences to this massive structure located on the corner of Zhan D’Ark Boulevard and Rruga e Barrikadave, just a short walk from Skanderbeg Square and the Castle of Tirana.
This mosque is both a culturally significant addition to Tirana’s touristic landscape as well as an architectural masterpiece. It blends that Ottoman-style architecture you can see in Et’hem Bej Mosque with modern style; inside, intricate calligraphy, expansive domes and delicate tile work create a peaceful and awe-inspiring atmosphere.
3. Villa 31 – Enver Hoxha’s Former Residence – Opened April 2025
This villa, in the heart of the Bloku neighborhood, was the former home of Enver Hoxha, Albania’s communist dictator who ruled the army with an iron fist for 45 years. In a sign of the times, the government has converted it to an art residency that has invited artists from Europe and elsewhere in a bid to promote cultural exchange, quite the about-face from when the country’s leader forbade Albanians to even leave the country!
In conjunction with a French organization that has leased the space for ten years, the villa now hosts rotating exhibitions, installations, and events that critically engage with Albania’s past and present. Visitors can explore both the preserved elements of Hoxha’s private quarters and contemporary artworks that reimagine the meaning of power, memory, and identity in modern Albania.
Top Traditional Tirana Restaurants to Try in 2025
No Tirana travel guide is complete without some food recommendations, and boy, do we have them for you! Here are the best Tirana restaurants that have opened or expanded in the last year:
Gjelltore Sauku
Traditional Albanian Cuisine | New Location in 2024
Gjelltore Sauku is a family-run restaurant in Tirana that has been serving traditional Albanian food for approximately 20 years. In early 2024, the restaurant relocated to a new location on Rruga Xhoxhi Martin. This place serves up warm and hearty traditional food in a no-frills environment that’s perfect for people looking to enjoy traditional Albanian food in Tirana without spending a ton of money! Check out their stuffed eggplants (patellxhan te mbushur) and tave dheu (a mix of liver and ricotta cheese) in the new space right next to Pazari i Ri in the center of Tirana.
Baresha Farm
New Agrotourism | Opened in 2024
Located a bit of a drive out of Tirana in the picturesque and quiet villages of Baldushk, Baresha Farm is a brand-new agrotourism that’s worth the visit as part of a bike trip outside Tirana or as you explore the countryside. This cute farm-side restaurant offers excellent service and a variety of fresh salads and antipasto. The atmosphere is cozy and elegant, with a menu built around locally-sourced ingredients and beautifully presented on vibrant, stylish plates. Discover this one before it gets too touristy!
Era Blloku
Reopened in 2024
Want traditional Albanian food with a bit of flair? Era Blloku reopened in 2024 to great fanfare, as this local favorite serves up excellent local food in the heart of Tirana’s Blloku district. The ambience here is warm and stylish, blending rustic decor with contemporary touches that make it feel both homey and refined. It’s a great spot to try classics like fërgesë (slightly spicy ricotta cheese dip with peppers) or tavë kosi (typically, lamb casserole with yogurt) with a modern twist, all while soaking in the energy of Tirana’s liveliest neighborhood.
Mrizi i Zanave
Tirana Branch | Opened in 2024
Want to experience the hype of Mrizi i Zanave without driving all the way north? You’re in luck – this viral agrotourism has opened a spot in Tirana, right next to the Castle of Tirana, where you can try their signature farm-to-table dishes made with seasonal ingredients straight from the countryside. It’s the perfect way to get a taste of rural Albania right in the capital, with a modern twist on the traditional flavors that made the original so popular.
Whether you’re a foodie on the hunt for the best restaurants in Tirana, or simply curious about what to do in Tirana that goes beyond the usual landmarks, these new spots offer fresh and exciting ways to experience the Albanian capital. As Tirana continues to change, it still remains one of the best places to visit in Albania – so make sure to add these spots to your Albania travel guide!
