With all the buzz about Albania as Europe’s newest tourist hotspot, daily flights to its capital, Tirana, are filling up fast.
If you’re curious how to spend 24 hours in Tirana, we’ve got you – Albania’s vibrant capital is a perfect destination for a day trip filled with culture, history and natural beauty. You won’t need more than one day in Tirana, which is a small city whose touristic center is easily accessed by foot in one day. This guide outlines how to get to Tirana from Rinas International Airport and what to do on your Tirana day trip!
How to Get to Tirana
From Rinas International Airport, the easiest way to reach Tirana is via the Luna Travel bus, which drops you at Skanderbeg Square in about 25-30 minutes for four and a half euros. This iconic square is the heart of the city and a great starting point for your day. Alternatively, book a taxi with GreenTaxi via WhatsApp (+355698002000) for 12 euros or 1,200 ALL (as of April 2025), a cheaper option than the 20-euro airport taxi stand. Since Tirana’s center is compact and walkable, renting a car isn’t necessary for a day trip.
Morning in Tirana: Explore Skanderbeg Square’s Sites
Start your day at Skanderbeg Square, which constitutes the heart of Tirana’s touristic area. Visit the Et’hem Bej Mosque, a historic Ottoman-era site from the 1790s, known for its stunning calligraphy and architecture. You can enter respectfully outside of prayer times. Nearby, Bunk’Art 2, a converted nuclear bunker, offers a gripping look at Albania’s communist era under Enver Hoxha, with artifacts and recreated rooms taking you back to the darker times of Albania’s 20th century. Another option is the House of Leaves, a 10-minute walk away, which is a converted house that showcases spyware and interrogation rooms used by the widely-feared Sigurimi from the same period. Both museums provide a deep dive into Albania’s communist era. Note that the National Museum of History is closed for renovations (as of April 2025), but check for updates on its reopening.
Afternoon in Tirana: Nature and Food
Head to the Grand Park of Tirana for a relaxing break. This green oasis features a 6 kilometer trail around an artificial lake, perfect for a leisurely walk or coffee at one of its cafes. It’s a great spot to enjoy nature and people-watch.
For lunch, dive into Albanian cuisine, known for its fresh, diverse flavors influenced by Turkish, Greek and Italian traditions. Try Era Vila and Era Blloku for upscale Albanian fare. For a budget-friendly option, Taverna Amazona serves delicious, no-frills local food a bit further from the tourist center. Another great option is Xheni’s Fast Food, a traditional restaurant offering delicious and quickly served healthy food (“fast food” in Albanian means traditional food that’s already prepared). If you prefer international flavors, Amo Sushi or SALT offer sushi, OPA has quick Greek souvlaki, and Tirana Falafel or Arabesque serve Middle Eastern dishes like hummus and falafel. There’s something for everyone!
Evening in Tirana: Cultural Show at Albanian Night
Cap your day with the Albanian Night Dinner & Show at 19:00. This immersive cultural experience features traditional music and dance performances reenacted as part of a recreated Albanian wedding. Visitors have the option to dress in authentic local costumes and experience UNESCO World Heritage cultural items live! If you’re hungry, make sure to book the dinner option, which includes seven dishes from Albania’s regions, plus a dish from Kosovo. You’ll taste qofte me perime (veggie meatballs), japrak (stuffed grape leaves) and sulltiash (rice pudding). It’s a perfect way to end your day with a deep dive into Albanian heritage. Plus, Albanian Night offers the largest artisanal hall in the Balkans, where you can easily find handmade souvenirs made by 650 local artisans. Shopping here helps support the local economy and preserve Albanian craftsmanship.
Make Your Tirana Day Trip Hassle-Free
Tirana packs culture, history, and flavor into a compact, walkable city. From historic sites and museums to serene parks and delicious food, your 24 hour trip to Tirana will be unforgettable! If you’re looking for where to drop off your bags, head over to Albanian Night – we’ll hold them for you for free as you explore the city.
And if you’re considering spending more than a day in Tirana, check out our more detailed guides about the 15 best things to do in Tirana or how to spend a weekend in the capital of Albania. We’ve also written plenty about the best restaurants in Tirana, as well as its top bars and clubs.
