Tirana, Albania: Vibrant Capital on the Rise 20–22 August 2024
Tirana pleasantly surprised me. As Albania’s capital, it’s a lively, developing city with a young energy and a nice mix of Balkan charm and modern touches.
Hotel Stay
I stayed at the Plaza Hotel, which felt quite fancy and upscale for Tirana standards. It offered comfortable rooms, good service, and a solid central location — a great base for my short visit.
Food, Drinks & Nightlife
I enjoyed a meal at a nice local restaurant and later visited Spy Speakeasy Bar, which was easily the best bar in the city. It had a high-end, stylish atmosphere that I didn’t expect to find in Tirana — perfect for a relaxed evening drink.
City Impressions & Personal Note
As a Swiss person who had some rough experiences with aggressive Albanian guys during school years, I arrived with certain preconceptions. Interestingly, many locals I met in Albania were actually quite shy and friendly. It made me smile — perhaps the tough reputation only applies when they’re abroad!
I booked a GetYourGuide city tour with a local guide, which was excellent. He kept repeating (at least 10 times) how much Albanians love Mercedes cars and Switzerland — it became a running joke during the tour.
Final Thoughts
Tirana is clearly developing fast. You can feel the positive momentum, with new buildings, lively streets, and an improving hospitality scene. It’s not yet a polished tourist city, but that’s part of its authentic appeal.
Would I recommend Tirana? Yes — I would happily come back. It’s a great destination for a short city break, especially if you’re road-tripping through the Balkans. The people are welcoming, the food and drinks scene is getting better, and the city has a fun, youthful vibe. Perfect for those who enjoy watching a place grow and evolve.
A surprisingly enjoyable stop in Albania!
