TIRANA
COUNTRY CODE: AL
Currency:
1 Lek = 100 qindarka
1 Euro = app. 120 Lek
1 U.S. Dollar = app. 101 Lek

TIRANA

Tirana is truly a cross between Western Europe and old
Russia, with a sprinkling of the Middle East thrown in. It has
triumphed over its recently troubled past to emerge as a
jewel in Eastern Europe. Its population has nearly doubled in
the last eight years, and Tirana has reinvented itself to
become an energetic, vibrant, cosmopolitan city, worthy of
exploration.

THE CITY

The 1992 elections in Albania ended 47
years of communist rule. The shaking off of
the restrictive weight of the communist
regime is expressed in the attitudes of
freedom and fun found in the Albanian
people. The untamed color schemes of the
newly redecorated buildings here are a
visual demonstration of this energetic
rebirth. The oppression that stifled life here
for years has been discarded and a "new
lease on life" attitude is evident in this city.
Tirana itself is an enticing mix of stern
Soviet Bloc cement buildings, Ottoman
minarets and 1930s Italian architecture,
which juxtapose the wild color schemes of
newer buildings that have been
redecorated by local artists. The religious
buildings in Tirana are a wonderful mix of
Christian and Muslim shrines, which speaks
to its varied heritage and multi-cultural
present. There is also a pulsing nightlife
scene and Tirana is famous for its all night
café culture.

DO & SEE

Old Communist Regime relics have become
popular tourist attractions and are a severe
reminder of the recent past. Street signs
are still up and coming as tourism develops
here. If you ask a local for directions they
are given in terms of landmarks. The
addresses listed in this guide are often
street names only – building numbers do
not exist universally here.

Skanderbeg Square

The social and cultural center of Tirana,
this is an excellent place for people
watching and absorbing the daily life of the
denizens of this city. The famous
Equestrian Statue is located on the
Southern Side of the Square.

Central Market

A gourmet food haven, which captures the
spirit of the culture. Local cheese, meat.
fruit, honey and homemade raki can be
found. A spectacular place to stroll, nibble
local food and absorb the vitality of
Albanian life.

Clock Tower
The tower is the symbol of Tirana and is
nicely lit at night. You may climb the stairs
for an excellent view of the bustling life in
the square below.

Et’hem Bey Mosque
This small, elegant mosque is one of the
oldest buildings remaining in the Tirana.
Many of the various religious shrines were
destroyed in the atheism campaign and
demonstrations of the late 1960s.

Tanners’ Bridge
A newly restored, elegant Ottoman stone
footbridge, with colorful Soviet style
housing serving as a backdrop.

National Museum Of History
The largest museum in Albania holds most
of the country’s treasures. There is a
gallery on the top floor dedicated to the
severe miseries of the communist era.

International Centre Of Culture
Popularly known as the Pyramid, this
museum, opened in 1988, was a tribute to
the Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha when it
was erected. After the regime collapsed,
the memorial was converted into a disco
and conference center. It is no longer an
official museum, but is well worth a look.

Prime Minister’s Residence
Once was the Communist Party
headquarters. During official parades and
demonstrations this is where Enver Hoxha
would have stood to wave to the masses
below.

Fortress Of Justinian
The last remnants of a Byzantine castle.

Food

Tirana has an array of versatile dining
options. European food, particularly Italian,
is a heavy influence because of Italy’s
proximity to Albania. There are many
traditional Albania cuisine choices as well.
Prices in restaurants are usually listed in
lek.

BARS & NIGHTLIFE

Have a drink at one of the bars in Tirana.
As with the cafés and clubs, bars are open
very late.
There is wide variety of choices for
nightlife in Tirana – from bars and clubs to
live music and ballet. It is very popular in
Tirana to put the word "Disko" in the title
of a nightlife establishment. The "Disko"
settings indicate DJ music and dancing.

Airport

Nend Tereza (Mother Theresa) airport, also
known as Rinas Airport, is 26 km
northwest of the city in the town of Rinasi.
The only public transport to and from the
airport is a bus service for airport
employees. A taxi is the best option for
getting to and from the Airport. Be certain
to fix a price before you get into the taxi.
20 Euros is the average price for a taxi ride
form the Airport to the city center.

Public Transport

Busses in Tirana can be confusing. It is
best to check the bus schedule to various
destinations in Albania once you arrive, as
the schedules change frequently. There are
shared buses/mini-vans called "furgons"
that depart for a destination once they are
filled with passengers. Because of the
ongoing construction in Tirana the bus and
furgon depots change regularly, so it is
very important to check the locations with
your hotel.
Taxi
There are taxi stands scattered across the
city. There is a fixed price for a ride
anywhere inside Tirana: 400 lek during the
day, 600 lek at night.


Telephone
Country Code Albania: +355
Area Code Tirana: 04