Where to Stay in Tirana
Tirana, Albania, is a great little city with a vibrant atmosphere and an interesting history. There are plenty of things to do in the city but it is also an amazing base for exploring more of Albania and the Balkans. Tirana is becoming more popular with tourists and travellers and it’s easy to see why! This handy guide covers where to stay in Tirana, including different types of accommodation. We also consider when might be the best time to visit Albania’s emerging capital.
Our guide is split into different types of accommodation – Hostels and Hotels – and we have included some out of town options too. We have also provided a neighbourhood guide so you can make the most of your trip! For now, Tirana receives far fewer tourists than other European capitals so this means accommodation in the city is very affordable.
Where to Stay in Tirana – Hostels
The hostels in Tirana are of a pretty high standard and can be very cheap. Here are three of the best staring from around €40 per room per night or around €15 for shared rooms.
Red Goat Hostel – Amazing accommodation with private rooms, shared bathroom (with the option of a private bathroom) and a shared sitting room. Breakfast is included and there is a free shuttle bus to the airport if you bill reaches a certain amount.
Vanilla Sky Boutique Hostel – This place has some seriously gorgeous décor, it’s near the Blloku district and has loads of different room options. There is everything from rooms with private bathrooms to 6 person dorms and all are at pretty low prices.
The Golden Rooster – Just a few minutes walk from Skanderbeg Square, this place is super central. Everything here is really clean and the staff can’t do enough for you.
Where to Stay in Tirana – Hotels
There are many great hotels in Tirana and there are very few of the usual international giants. This helps to make your stay in the city a bit more unique.
Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana – This hotel is visible from across the city and the building is a Tirana landmark. It has a very distinctive design and overlooks Skanderbeg Square. The 5 star hotel offers amazing amenities, a great location and impeccable service.
Rogner Hotel Tirana – This awesome hotel has a Mediterranean garden and a pool and is only a short walk from the Blloku region. There is also a spa and a gym on site and the breakfasts are to die for!
Ramel Hotel – If you’re looking for something simple and truly excellent value, this is your place. It is only 600 metres from Skanderbeg Square, its super clean and the staff are amazing.
Boutique Hotels in Tirana
These boutique hotels in Albania’s capital are so beautifully unique, you won’t want to leave! Make your stay memorable with one of these quirky rooms.
Allure Boutique Hotel – This place has an awesome art deco interior not to miss. Set back off the main road it is also pretty quiet, despite its central location. Skanderbeg Square is a 5 minute walk away.
Lot Boutique Hotel – This is a classy place! It is ideal if you are looking for a special stay in Tirana or you want to splash out a bit. The breakfast is delicious, its in a central location and there is a handy carpark round the back.
Moncafe Boutique Hotel Spa – Situated near Tirana Olympic Park, this hotel has sophisticated modern décor and really comfy beds. There is also a spa and gym and everything is super clean and new.
Where to Stay Outside Tirana City Centre
Hotel Villa Zeus – If you have an early or a late flight, this place is perfect. It’s only about 500m from the airport so you can just walk there. The rooms are clean and comfortable and the prices are great considering it’s so close to the airport.
Castle Konti – Around 9km from the centre of Tirana, this spectacular hotel offers something a bit different! Designed like a French chateaux, there is a pool, a small car park and nice mountain views. There is also the option of an airport shuttle making it super convenient.
Amansar Boutique Hotel – Situated in the llias area of Tirana, about 4.5km from the centre, this hotel is set in a pretty unique building. Off the main road and down a small lane, it is really quiet and secluded.
Tirana Neighbourhood Guide
Tirana is a small city and you can easily travel around it on foot. There are also plenty of buses and taxis to get you from A to B. Here is a short list of a few of the main, central neighbourhoods in the city. This will hopefully provide a clear picture of the city and help you decide where to stay in Tirana.
Zona 1
Zona 1 is the region in the very centre of Tirana between Skanderbeg Square and Lana River. This means you can walk to pretty much every tourist location. It is one of the busiest parts of Tirana.
Blloku
The Blloku region is perfect for foodies, coffee lovers and party goers. There are plenty of amazing restaurants, cafes and bars in this trendy and popular area in Tirana.
Tregu Çam
Tregu Çam is another central part of the city. It is home to many of the big cultural monuments of Tirana making it a really great base for your visit. The Orthodox Cathedral and the House of Leaves spy museum are in this area.
21 Dhjetori
Another region famous for its coffee culture. With cafes and restaurants on every corner this place has a great atmosphere. Stay here if you’re planning a relaxing city break.
Where to Avoid in Tirana
Tirana is a safe city. It is not a busy tourist town so there are not the usual scams and the locals are warm, friendly and welcoming. Take the same precautions you would in any city and you will be perfectly safe. Most areas of the city are safe but we would probably avoid Rruga Ura, Paskuqan, and Babrru.
When is the Best Time to Visit Tirana?
The spring is perhaps the very best time to visit Tirana. The weather is bright and sunny, but not too hot, and the days are long. Summer can reach scorching hot temperatures, autumn is often a little rainy and it gets cold in the winter.
If you’re not bothered about the weather, then you can visit at any time throughout the year. It is not a city that is busy with tourists yet so crowding is not an issue. Some attractions close in the winter so it’s always better to check in advance.
Albania’s capital truly is an underrated city with a lot to offer. You just have to look a bit harder to find it! It’s a fun city to explore, relax and enjoy the coffee culture, or use it as a great base to explore more of beautiful Albania. Either way this city deserves a place on your bucket list.
Where to go next
Ready for another adventure? Maybe you have some more time in Tirana, check out our guide to the city’s best places to eat!
Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.
Have you visited Tirana or Albania? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
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