Why Albania’s affordable capital should be your next culture break

Listen to the word Albania and you will probably face a beautiful sea view, the Mediterranean sunsets or the Instagram feed from Dua Lipa.

For this reason, people who go to this underestimated Mediterranean country are usually looking for their beautiful rocky coast and accelerate through the capital Tirana. It is not considered a goal for themselves, with most people spending only one night there before escaping to the southern sea of Sarandë and Ksamil.

This is a shame, because anyone who is in Tirana for a long time will discover a city that is currently undergoing an extraordinary transformation. Freed from five decades of dictatorship and economic stagnation now flows the investments into the Albanian capital and leave fascinating new buildings, restaurants and cafes.

With a growing gourmet scene, a complex story and a relaxed attitude, Tirana rewards the traveler who takes the time to explore them correctly. Here you can find out how to get under your skin.

Visit in abundance

Albania is not a nation that has a lot of experience with independence. It was first conquered by the Ottomans (and occupied for 400 years); After they disappeared after the First World War, the Germans and Italians entered second place.

Afterwards, the Albanian army of General Enver Hoxha (supported by the USSR) swept a wave of populist enthusiasm at the end of the 1940s. In a depressingly predictable turn, he became a ruthless dictator who brutally on all forms of Dissens, sent rebels to concentration camps and dipped the country in decades of exhausting poverty.

As a result, not much of Tirana’s old town survives; Much of it was directed in a frenzy of communist and brutalist enthusiasm. However, the insights are still visible, especially around the Skanderbeg Square in the heart of the capital. To see them all, it is always a good option to jump on a free hike (book in advance on tiranafreetour.com).

It is also suitable for solo travelers. In addition to the modernist opera house, which frames the edge of the square, the old mosque of et’hem Bey, which sits next to it, also go. It was built by the Ottomans in the 17th century and is a beautiful, simple architecture that is framed by a watch tower on one side and the wide space on the other.

From there they continue through the old streets to the new bazaar, the tourist jewelry and woven carpets as well as fruit and vegetables and take the time to hike through Rruga Murat Toptani in the direction of the old castle. Much of it was paved by the communists, but the remains were filled with shops and are a nice place to sit and drink a coffee.

One of the nicest things about Tirana is how much thoughts have been put into his revitalization. It is not boring, soulless and full of skyscrapers as in many modern cities; Instead, architects from all over the world were commissioned to build quirky towers that give the skyline an interesting new dimension. Take a look at the Skandarburm near the main square as an example: built by Dutch studio MVRDV, his waves and curves, when they are viewed from the right angle, form a portrait of the national hero of Albania, Skander, from the national hero of Albania.

Relics from Hoxha are also visible in the form of the magnificent pyramid, which was designed by his daughter Pranvera as a shrine for the memory of her late father. Fortunately, it is a youth training center these days. The steps from outside can also be climbed, which offers a great view at the top. There are also the tiny two-man bunkers that Hoxha had installed in the capital in the capital (and in the country) in the event of an invasion in the capital, and his old house is now a museum in the neighborhood of BLLOKU.

For people who really want to learn more about Hoxha’s dictatorship, there is also Bunk’art. There is impressive in an old underground bunker (which was built in the nuclear war) and is impressive on a scale: over five floors. It has more than 100 different rooms, some of which were mocked to demonstrate how they had looked under the regime. The museum itself is initiated in detail about the extent of the police control in Albania, which ensures a strenuous reading. After that, it is a relief to explore the art gallery that is waiting near the bunker output (bunkart.al).

Where to eat

What do you think you have never had Albanian cuisine? For the uninitiated, it is a palate mix of Ottoman and Greek influences (which makes sense, since Crete is a mere half -hour boat trip from the Albanian coast).

At the top of the list of places you can go is Mullixhiu. Mullixhiu is in the huge Grand Park (which is worth a walk in itself) and specializes in surprisingly decent prices. When we went, a six -course menu cost 3000 LEK or about 30 pounds -not bad, especially if you look at the plates on plates on plates of QIFQI (fried rice balls), sensitive fish and traditional soups (mullixhiu.al).

Oda Garden by the New Bazaar is a hidden jewel for an interactive experience. When I visited, there was a funny mix of locals and tourists as well as a live band that played Albanian music (which led to a spontaneous Conga line in the restaurant). The offer includes local beer, huge plates from Kiftte, roasting, fascinating (bean -stew) and dolma: hearty and delicious dishes (Odagardenrestaurant.com).

And if travelers want something more scratched, there is a buoyancy. This steak restaurant is a bar on the roof and means some cocktails – and pretty much the best place in the city to eat meat. In addition, the view (from the top floor of one of the city’s skyscrapers) is unmatched (Lifetime -Sturant.Al).

Where to drink

Tirana has a booming café culture and locals is a deep love of coffee, which often maintain a cup of espresso in one afternoon when you chat with friends. To try some of the best, visit N’dritëro – a bookstore and a tribute to the famous writer Dritëro Agolli, who earns as a café. There is also Antigua special coffee in the area of BLLOKU, which operates an excellent cup -something about which the legions of the cafés from remote workers clearly know (instagram.com). The NORE-inspired NOJE bakery is also a must: it not only looks incredibly chic, but also offers an excellent pistachio croissant (instagram.com/nojetirana).

For those who need something stiff, Spy offers a funny mix of high-end cocktails with a The-the-the-the-know-touch (spyspeakeasy.com). As an American speakeasy, the bar is waiting for a simple staircase. The booking on the website gives you the entry code. In addition to the menu classic cocktails, the bartender is a whiz to produce new drinks during the running (I put it properly through his steps and delicious the results).

A mention is also nouvelle vague (nouvellevaguetirana.com): a café a day that turns into a cocktail bar with a high concept cocktail bar at night. The interior is plush and comfortably inspired. The menu is full of words: one of his rum cocktails, rum si Unë, is a view of the Albanian language: “Lum si unë” – which means “Lucky me!”

Do you need more? If you are ready to experiment, Radio Bar is both cozy and funny (radio bar.AL). It is located near the Grand Park and serves a funny selection of cocktails in a retro, colorful interior – as well as recordings of the local, strong spirit, Raki.

Where is staying

Tirana, a city that is primarily loved by backpackers, does not offer much in terms of high-end accommodation. If you prefer not to stay in a hostel (although the bearded father is always a good cry and offers separate rooms; instagram.com), the Kalté Boutique Hotel is available. The rooms are chic and minimalist, but the place is the main attract: it is in the heart of the city and near some of its best restaurants (instagram.com).

If you want to spend a little more, the XHEKO Imperial Luxury Hotel is adequately impressive. The palace-day interiors are 10 minutes on foot from the city center and, with a view over the city on plush bedrooms with four-hunter beds and balconies. Even better, the rooms start at £ 150 (xheko-imperial.com).