Blloku
The former closed quarter of the communist leadership, now Tirana's boutique, bar and restaurant district, about 15 minutes' walk from Skanderbeg Square. Great for nights out; light sleepers should pick a side street.
Around Skanderbeg Square
The easiest place to stay: museums, the Opera, the Clock Tower and the airport bus are all on the doorstep. The trade-off is that it's busy and lively.
The New Bazaar (Pazari i Ri)
A pedestrianised market district east of the main boulevard, part of the old town, with the covered market built in 1931 at its heart. Lively around the market, quieter a few streets out, and about 10 minutes from the square.
Komuna e Parisit and the Grand Park
Newer residential streets with a green feel, next to the Grand Park, about 230 hectares of park around the Artificial Lake. Quieter, with longer walks into the centre.
Near the Lana and Tanners' Bridge
The Lana river and the main boulevard divide central Tirana into quarters that meet at the Pyramid. The residential streets south-east of the centre, near the 18th-century Tanners' Bridge, are quieter than Blloku and still a walk from everything.
If you're driving
Street parking in the centre is paid on weekdays and towing is common, so a place with its own parking saves a lot of hassle. See our guide to parking in Tirana.
Questions
- What is the best area to stay in Tirana?
- For a first visit, anywhere within walking distance of Skanderbeg Square. Choose Blloku for nightlife, the centre for convenience, the New Bazaar for a market quarter, or Komuna e Parisit and the Grand Park for quieter, greener streets.
- Is Blloku noisy?
- It can be: Blloku is Tirana's bar and nightlife district and stays busy late, so light sleepers should pick a side street or another area.
- How walkable is Tirana?
- Very. Most sights in central Tirana are within a 20-minute walk of each other.