Tirana is an exciting city located in the historically rich Albania, on the cusp of being the next hot destination to visit in Europe! Some might argue that it already is! Tirana's history combined with rapid modernization makes it attractive to backpackers and those wishing to experience a destination ‘off-the-beaten track'. With a wide range of accommodation in Tirana, no matter what you prefer, you'll be sure to find the best Tirana Hotels here!
Tirana is a modern and vibrant city with a youthful student population, a chaotic day life and a happening nightlife!
Though this is the largest city in Albania, it is small enough to be explored on foot. As you walk down the grand central boulevards of Tirana, enjoy the relics of the city's Ottoman, Italian and communist history that can be seen in the architecture of its buildings. From beautiful minarets that are a legacy of its Ottoman past, to socialist graffiti from its communist era and its impressive modern day developmental work, Tirana gives you a heady mix of the past and the present.
The daytime Mercedes Benz traffic is chaotic, and you have to carefully negotiate the perennially dug up roads and potholes as you wander around Tirana. The impressive tower blocks, all in their orange, red, pink, and purple splendour, and the historical sites guarded by soldiers all add to make Tirana a fascinating and heady mix that is colourful, confusing, and enchanting.
If you're looking for a destination that takes you a step away from the traditional tourist routes in Europe, you can be sure to find your inspiration in Tirana and greater Albania. Backpacking to Tirana is one option, or perhaps you're coming for business travel in Tirana, whatever it is you will find a great range of Tirana Hotels & Tirana Tours to keep yourself occupied!
Pick up a Map of Tirana, and wander around the chaotic streets of Tirana breathing in the fascinating history, monuments & local culture! You can take yourself on a self-guided tour of Tirana or join one of the group tours of Tirana as another great way to explore the cities highlights and bathe in the ambiance and intrigue of the city!
Today the centre of the town is dominated by the monument dedicated to the memory of the Unknown Partisan (Partizani i Panjohur). The Italian architects of Tirana are responsible for most of the beautiful architecture that you see today, right from Boulevard Dëshmorët e Kombit" (Martyrs to the Nation) built in 1930, to the Skanderbeg Square, named after Tirana's national hero, constructed in 1928-1929. In 1988, a monument with an equestrian figure of Skanderbeg was erected to commemorate his 500th death anniversary. However, it was destroyed by an angry mob on 20th February, 1991.
The extravaganza and excitement of shopping in Tirana has made the city a popular shopping destination and the fashionable Blloku district, well known for its boutiques, trendy European fashion and the latest in designer shoes, is the best place to update your wardrobe with the latest fashions and styles. As you see the nouveau rich in the bars, restaurants and boutiques of the Blloku district, you may wonder where all the cash comes from in this country which is economically lacking. However, as a tourist you are relieved that it does not take much to have an enjoyable time in the many Tirana bars and Tirana Nightclubs!
The city is located in central Albania and is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country. Situated at a height of 113 m above sea level, Tirana looks out to the Adriatic Sea in the west with the popular Durrës beach only 32 km away. The Dajti Mountain soars to a height of 1612 m and is 26 km to the east. The city was founded in 1614 by the feudal lord Suleyman Pasha Bargjini, who built the mosque, a hammam and a bakery that formed the core of the new town. The famous Toptani family ruled the town in 1816.
You can spend a day exploring the important buildings of the Albanian capital. Tirana, which is emerging fast as a major centre for convention, conferences, seminars etc, has important institutes, such as the International Centre of Culture, the Palace of Culture, the Theatre of Opera and Ballet, the Sky Tower and the Palace of Congresses. Hotels in Tirana are springing up rapidly in reaction to the cities increasing tourist and international business population. Families travelling with children can enjoy the large number of parks that dot the city like the Great Park (southern part of Tirana), Rinia, the Parliament Park, and more.
When travelling to Tirana don't forget to book your Tirana Hotels & Tirana Accommodation and check out our other destinations in the Balkans, including Montenegro & Bosnia & Herzegovina!
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Meet your local connection in Tirana - Laura, Gent, Zhujeta and Edion of Outdoor Albania. We are happy to assist you on your travels to Tirana and are pleased to give you any helpful information on your travels to this wonderful city! We are proud to be part of whl.travel and are working hard to implement sustainable tourism in our city and country. Feel free to ask us any questions while you plan your trip! We are happy to guide you and give you any information about Tirana, and all the hidden secrets of Albania!
