Tirana has long been known as a place for coffee lovers, with Albania recording the highest number of cafes per capita in the world! Influenced by Ottoman coffee culture, this affinity for the caffeine-infused bean can be attributed to Albanians tendency to meet up with friends and family to sip on a tiny espresso shot or Turkish coffee, sometimes multiple times a day.
This is why one of the best ways to explore Tirana and discover Albanian culture is to simply sit at a cafe and people-watch on your next trip to Albania.
Tirana is home to some beautiful, trendy and very fun bars and cafes. Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot to shoot some photos, enjoy an extra-strong brew or to just relax somewhere with a book, Albania’s top cafes provide plenty of options.
Here are the 7 top cafes in Tirana you to need try on your next trip:
1. KINO
Talk about a cafe with history – this popular bar in the heart of the Blloku neighborhood is across the street from where Enver Hoxha, the infamous Albanian communist dictator, used to live. It once housed the country’s cinema, giving it a unique and atmospheric feel you’ll notice the moment you step inside.
This hip bar in the heart of Tirana’s party-street is open day and night, serving up delicious coffees in an outdoor garden as well as indoors. In the evenings, this place gets a party vibe, with DJ’s playing house music on weekends and dance parties erupting on a regular basis inside. This establishment attracts plenty of young visitors looking for a sophisticated and modern vibe while still soaking up Tirana’s history.
2. Radio Bar
Also located in the Blloku neighborhood, this retro bar features colorful communist-era furniture that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a 1960’s Albanian living room. Full of transistor radios, sewing machines and other funky furnishings, this bar serves up delicious cocktails, teas and coffees in its indoor section as well as in an outdoor shaded area. The vibe here is also slightly alternative, drawing in plenty of young and creative people, as well as Albanian professionals looking for a quick coffee in the middle of the day.
3. Destil Creative Hub
This coworking space, cafe and restaurant is located just north of Skanderbeg Square and offers roomy spaces that give you the option to work and stay caffeinated all day long. Expats and professionals typically flock here, and in the evenings the venue oftentimes hosts events run by NGOs, some of which call this space their home, or different government officials. The prices here are slightly higher than in the rest of Tirana but well worth it for the sleek, quiet and modern feel the space evokes.
Fun fact – this building used to be the home of Gazeta Bashkimi, one of Albania’s leading newspapers during the communist era. It was the official publication of the Democratic Front, heavily aligned with the regime, and played an important role in shaping public opinion at the time. Visitors can still see printed versions of the newspaper in the cellars underground, where they are on display.
4. Hana Corner Café
This newish cafe is a welcome addition to Tirana’s coffee scene, offering a boheme, outdoor vibe in Blloku. Prices here are also slightly higher, but the quality of the coffee and artisanal pastries are well worth it! Vegans will also find plenty of non-cow milk options here, somewhat of a rarity in Tirana. A charming outdoor area offers plenty of room for people with pets or children to enjoy the usually-sunny weather in Tirana, and young people tend to meet up here after school or between classes to catch up with friends. Hana also has a thrift shop that sells handpicked vintage items, and hosts events like speed dating and musical performances.
5. MUGO
Mulliri Gourmet, or MUGO, as it’s called, is another trendy spot to get coffee in the center of Blloku. This leafy establishment offers comfortable patio chairs and tables in an outdoor/indoor setting that feels both exposed to the lively Tirana scene yet also protected, giving a relaxed yet high-energy vibe to the establishment.
MUGO is especially good for brunch in Tirana, serving up avocado toasts and delicious English breakfasts alongside cappucinos, machiatos and traditional Albanian coffees. This is a great spot to stop and grab a bite as you explore Blloku or after you’re done snapping pictures of Enver Hoxha’s former residence, which is on the same block as the cafe.
6. The Tea Room
As you could probably guess from the name, this place offers up teas rather than coffees. This charming and serene tea joint offers an incredible array of teas for you to sip, as well as baked goods like cheesecakes that are simply to die for. This place is popular among writers and artists looking for a quiet place to reflect and enjoy an afternoon cup of hot or iced tea as they type away on computer keyboards or brainstorm their next big ideas. The flowery wallpaper and unique cups in which the tea is served make this place a charming and rustic stop on your trip to Tirana.
7. Mulliri i Vjeter
Looking for a quick coffee to take with you as you explore the city? Mulliri i Vjeter is basically the Starbucks of Albania, offering a consistent standard of high-quality coffees that hit the spot every time. This coffee chain offers multiple locations throughout the city, with the location on Kavaja Street offering roomy and well-decorated spaces to sit and relax and people-watch. The cafe also serves up baked goods, sandwiches and prepackaged specialty drinks, making it a convenient and reliable option if you’re also looking for a snack to take with you on your trip.
Whether you’re a caffeine addict, a writer looking for somewhere quiet to journal or just want to stop mid-day as you explore the city, Tirana has plenty of cafe options for you on your next trip to Albania.
