Byrek, raki and lamb baked in yoghurt. Look for these things on the menu in Albania!
Albanian cuisine is composed of many well-known flavors from several neighboring countries. You will find influences from Greece, Italy and Turkey. Many of the dishes are quite simple, with few, but high quality ingredients taking the center stage. Albanian food is not particularly spicy, but they use a lot of herbs and spices to add flavor.
Here are some local Albanian dishes you should try.
KEBAB: Different kinds of kebab is popular food in Albania.
Fërgesë
Fërgesë is a traditional Albanian stew and consists of tomato sauce, cottage cheese, paprika and garlic.
It’s delicious, and is usually served with bread.
Tavë Kosi
Tavë Kosi is one of the most distinctive Albanian dishes, and completely different from anything else I’ve eaten.
The dish is usually made from lamb, but you can also use chicken. The lamb is baked in the oven together with yoghurt, rice and eggs. The yogurt becomes almost like soured milk/kefir when it is baked for so long, and the meat becomes very tender and delicious.
This dish is really tasty, but a bit heavy and weird for my taste, so not something I craved every day. But you should definitely try it at least once!
LAMB IN YOGURT: Tavë Kosi is one of Albania’s most traditional and unique dishes.
Byrek
Byrek, on the other hand, I can happily eat every day. Albanian byrek comes in different shapes and with many different fillings. My favorite is spinach and feta, but they also come with chicken, meat, onions, tomatoes, vegetables, different types of cheese and herbs.
Fresh byrek from the bakeries is very affordable, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, a snack on the go, on the beach or on a longer bus or car trip.
AS A MAIN COURSE: If you order byrek at a restaurant, you get different types served with a yogurt dressing.
Grilled meat
Albanians are very enthusiastic about barbecue, so expect to be served food cooked over an open flame.
Tave Mishi is a plate of different types of grilled meat and sausages, and the menus often contain many different kebab and skewered dishes. The meat is basically served as is, so remember to order vegetables, rice or salad on the side if you want side dishes.
Grilled fish
Albania has a long coastline, and fish (peshk) is a popular dish. It is preferably grilled whole, topped with a little olive oil and salt and served with tomatoes and a slice of lemon. So simple, but so incredibly delicious!
At a small restaurant in Saranda, we got a tip from the waiter that they had just brought in a completely fresh fish of a different type than the one we had ordered. Maybe we would rather have the fresh one? Of course we would!
Stuffed vegetables
One of our favorites was grilled stuffed peppers – a delicious flavor bomb that you absolutely have to try.
You will also find other stuffed vegetables on the menu, such as squash, eggplant, cabbage leaves or vine leaves.
The filling consists of minced meat, lamb, cheese or just vegetables and rice together with wonderful herbs and spices.
ALBANIAN FAVORITE: Stuffed vine leaves are a popular dish in Albania.VEGETARIAN FAVORITE: Stuffed vegetables are packed with great flavours, and also come in vegetarian versions.
Baklavais one of my favorite desserts. The Albanian variety often comes with walnuts instead of peanuts.
Popular Albanian dessert: Baklava filled with pistachio cream.
Ashure
Ashureis a porridge-like dessert originating from Turkey. It consists of nuts and fruit, and is served cold.
Trilece
Trileceis a kind of milk cake. It actually comes from Latin America, but is also popular in Turkey and Albania. It is made from different types of milk and topped with caramel.
Trilece is very popular in Albania – you must try it!
Petulla
Petullais simply fried dough. We bought this crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside delight on the beach in Saranda, from an old woman who was selling sweets and corn on the cob. It comes with different types of toppings, such as chocolate, jam or honey.
Teshpishte
Pastries with nuts and dried fruit are a common in Albania. Here you see the cake Teshpishte, served with a dessert wine.
Kadaif
Kadaif is the Albanian version of Turkish Kunefe. On the outside, it consists of fried shredded phyllo dough, and on the inside, there is warm cheese. It is often served with pistachios and syrup or honey on top.
Kadaif: Albanian cheese cake with nuts and honey. Delicious!
Rakija/Raki
Raki is a popular drink among the locals. Many Albanians drink their morning coffee with a small glass of raki as it is supposed to be good for their health.
As raki consists of 40% alcohol, we weren’t quite ready for it during breakfast. After dinner, however, it’s perfect! Albanians are very open and friendly, and it is not unusual for the waiter at the bar to have a raki with you.
Gëzuar! 🙂
Considering a trip to Albania, but not sure which city to choose? Read our posts about Saranda and Tirana:
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Tirana is a colorful and unique European capital – perfect for those who are looking for a slightly different city vacation.
We had mixed expectations when our plane landed at Mother Teresa International Airport outside Tirana. The airport has been given this name because Mother Teresa was born precisely in Albania, one of the many things we did not know about Albania before our trip here. However, during our stay, we were pleasantly surprised by this small country by the Mediterranean Sea.
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BIG: Tirana is a big city with so much to offer.Tirana airport feels somewhat disorganized.
How to get from the airport to Tirana?
There are three main options when you want to go from the airport to Tirana – taxi, bus or rental car. It will take about 30 minutes depending on the traffic and drop off point.
Taxi
If you go for a taxi, it is important to check that it is actually a real taxi. There are many pirate taxis in Tirana, especially at airports and major bus stops (one time we ended up in a pirate taxi without realizing it until we were inside). Make sure to agree on a price in advance, or check that the taximeter is switched on.
HERO: The Skanderbeg Monument.
Bus
The other option is the airport bus, which we chose to try. The quality of these buses does not compare with the airport buses we are used to in Norway. You sit tightly cramped together, there is no air conditioning, and the bus does not run until it is full, even though it is officially supposed to run once an hour. In addition, we had to search a bit before we found the bus, which only has a small paper sheet in the windscreen indicating the destination. Do not ask the taxi drivers standing right outside the terminal, as we did. The answer we got was “No bus. Two hours.” Of course, that was not true. The bus left as soon as it was full, which did not take more than 15 minutes.
Update 2025: This was our experience in 2022, now there is bigger and better buses with AC. 🙂
This is what the new buses look like!SCHEDULE: Departure times from Tirana city centre to the airport.
The bus operated by LUNA Travel is called Rinas Express. It cost around 4€, and you can pay with cash (Albanian LEK or Euro) on the bus. It stops at a park in the center of the city, near the National Theater and Skanderbeg Square. If you want to get off earlier, just let the driver know.
PLAYFUL: Tirana is a fun, interesting, and exciting city to visit. There is so much to see and do.
Rental car
A third option is renting a car. There is a wide selection of rental agencies at the airport, and driving in Albania is relatively straightforward. However, you should read our guide to driving in Albania first. Renting a car is especially useful if you plan to travel to other cities beyond Tirana. Below, you can compare rental car prices from available companies like Hertz, Sixt and Avis, and book a car if needed. It’s best to book as early as possible, as prices tend to rise the closer you get to your travel dates.
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Things to do in Tirana, Albania
Albania is among the poorest countries in Europe, but the country’s economy has picked up significantly in recent times. The contrasts are clearly visible in the capital, with beggars on street corners and buildings with peeling paint right next to shiny new skyscrapers, ultra-modern concept bars, and a vibrant cafe culture that brings together locals and tourists alike.
UNDER DEVELOPMENT: Many new skyscrapers are being built in Tirana. The photo is from 2022. But it’s still not finished! (2025)
The capital also has clear marks of being under renovation, with a number of new hotels, office buildings, and skyscrapers under construction around the city.
Tirana offers a vast selection of sights and exciting experiences. The city is an up-and-coming travel destination, and we predict its popularity will increase sharply in the future.
2025 update: Our prediction was spot on! Number of tourists has sky rocketed since our first visit. During peak season some beach destinations are getting a bit crowded, but Tirana still has tons of space. 🙂
Skanderbeg Square
Sheshi Skënderbej, or Skanderbeg Square, is a great place to start exploring the city. This is a large open square in the city center, covered in a mosaic of colorful tiles. The square gets its name after Albania’s national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu, who ruled in the 15th century. A number of interesting buildings surround the square. Among other things, you’ll find the City Hall, the National Library, Tirana’s Clock Tower, the Hajji Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the National History Museum here.
EXCITED: It is easy to fall in love with Tirana.HERO: Albania’s national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu.
When the Clock Tower is open, you can climb the 90 or so steps up the tower and admire a great 360-degree view of the city and Skanderbeg Square.
You should also check out the Hajji Et’hem Bey Mosque as you stroll through the square. This is Albania’s oldest mosque and one of the very few religious buildings that survived the communist era. The mosque with its Ottoman architecture has beautiful frescoes covering the outside walls. Since religion was prohibited, the building remained closed until January 1991, when more than 10,000 people participated in an illegal religious protest. This event marked the beginning of the fall of communism and was a rebirth of religious freedom in Albania.
The Resurrection of Christ Cathedral in Tirana is also worth a visit.FRESCO: The cathedral features an impressive ceiling fresco.The bell tower of the cathedral in front of one of Tirana’s iconic skyscrapers.
Albanian Night
The newest attraction in Tirana is also one of the coolest. Talented actors and dancers bring Albanian culture and traditions to life with passion, humor, and a touch of self-irony. The setting is an Albanian wedding ceremony – complete with all the drama and intrigue that comes with it!
FUNNY: Get ready to laugh as the main character shares the story!
The show is a wonderful mix of music, storytelling, and dance – and the audience is invited to join in. It all ends with a little surprise we won’t spoil here. So go ahead and book your tickets – Albanian Night is a unique and hilarious experience you don’t want to miss in Tirana!
You can choose between a show-only ticket or a show + dinner option featuring traditional Albanian food. The venue is located on Kavaja Street, just a short walk from Skanderbeg Square.
DANCE: Talented dancers add an extra dimension to the show!
The Tirana Pyramid
A short distance from the square you will find Tirana’s Pyramid, a legacy from the communist era in Albania. The pyramid was originally a museum in honor of Enver Hoxta, the former communist leader of the country. Since its construction, it has served several purposes. One time a nightclub, and during the war in the former Yugoslavia, the pyramid was actually used as a NATO base. Now the building has received a massive facelift and is now a center for technology, art, and culture. Of all the things to do in Tirana – this is absolutely a must. It’s a bit quirky, but also pretty cool!
AT PEACE: Sitting on top of the pyramide at night is a very peaceful experience.
Blloku
BLLOKU: A colorful neighborhood in Tirana with innovative bars and fine-dining restaurants.
A short distance from the pyramid, you enter Blloku, Tirana’s most popular and well-developed urban area, with stylish bars and trend-setting restaurants. In the past, the district was closed to ordinary citizens, it was exclusively members of the Communist Party who worked and lived here. You can still see the former house of the dictator Enver Hoxha, now turned into a museum.
UNIQUE DRINKING EXPERIENCE: At Nouvelle Vague in Tirana, a selection of super creative drinks are served.
Blloku has now become the nicest (and most expensive) place to live in Tirana. If you want to enjoy a vibrant and exciting nightlife, this is where you go! Quench your thirst with unique and innovative drinks at one of the colorful bars, or sit down at a finer restaurant and eat everything from well-known international dishes to the fine dining version of Albanian cuisine.
ARTIFICIAL LAKE: Beautiful nature in the middle of Tirana.
Should you need a little break from the noisy car traffic (yes, the Albanians are a bit impatient while driving) and the bustling life of the city, Tirana’s artificial lake is a nice place to relax. Here you can find a place under a palm tree and read a book, or get some work done on the laptop. If you are an ornithologist, you can study the exciting birdlife at the lake.
POPULAR: Tourists and locals alike flock to Tirana’s artificial lake.
If you like to walk the whole way round, it is probably a good idea to set aside an hour or two, as it is a five-kilometer walk. If you do not feel like walking that far, you can settle down at one of the many small cafes in the area around the park. If your stomach rumbles, you will also find many nice places to eat nearby. Be aware that there are a number of stray dogs in the park, and the water quality is not at its best, so swimming is not recommended.
CALM AND BEAUTIFUL: Relax in beautiful nature or keep fit by jogging around the water.
Bunk’art 2
There are two Bunk’art museums in Tirana. While number one is slightly on the outskirts of the city, the other one is right in the city center. The museums are former underground bunkers intended as refuges for the dictator and the political elite in case the Cold War developed into a nuclear war. Now they’ve been converted into history museums with interactive art.
Bunk’art 2 is the smallest and newest of the museums and is located a short distance from Skanderbeg Square. If you have several days at your disposal, we recommend you also take a trip to Bunk’art 1, but if not, you should at least make time for Bunk’art 2. Here you get a glimpse into the dark and paranoid times Albania found itself in after the Second World War, and what life was like for the military and communist police.
BUNKER: One of Tirana’s many thousands of bunkers has been converted into a history museum.
Tirana Castle (Kalaja e Justinianit)
A short distance from Skanderbeg Square lies Tirana Castle, the ruins of a former Byzantine fortress. The fortress was strategically located at the intersection of the main roads connecting east to west and north to south.
In 2018, a bazaar was opened aiming to create a fusion of traditional and modern elements in Tirana. A narrow pedestrian street winds its way between restaurants, bars, and small, charming shops selling authentic Albanian handicrafts and souvenirs.
Tirana New Bazaar
As the name suggests, Tirana’s New Bazaar is relatively new in the Albanian capital. This area is located a 10-15 minute walk from Skanderbeg Square and includes a large food market and flea market, along with cafes and small taverns serving traditional Albanian cuisine.
At the flea market, you can find a variety of interesting items.
This was just a small selection of everything Tirana has to offer. Do you have more time on your hands, and want to go on a fun and exciting day trip?
For example, a three-course dinner for two including a large carafe of wine cost 30-45€ at a midrange restaurant (2025). Despite the reasonable prices, the quality is excellent. We recommend that you try out some of the local dishes.
The standard of the hotels in the city is probably a little variable, but you get acceptable accommodation in a double room in a three-star hotel at prices from 30€ and up. The English skills of the employees at the hotels also vary. But knowing a few Italian words will come in handy, as many Albanians have it as their second or third language.
One thing to keep in mind is that Albania is mostly a cash-only destination, so it’s a good idea to either bring cash from home or hit the ATM at the airport. There are a few ATMs in Tirana, but they are often out of order and hard to find.
NEON SIGN: It’s easy to be happy in Tirana! 😀
Why Travel to Tirana?
It’s warm and sunny in the summer season
One of Europe’s cheapest travel destinations
Innovative, but at the same time traditional food scene
Modern cafes and concept bars
Historical attractions and art from the Communist era
Travel guide to Tirana.
Tirana Might Not Be Suitable If You:
Expect consistent standards in hotels
Want comfortable local transport that is easy to find
Want to communicate easily in English
Other Cities in Albania
If Tirana sounds exciting, but you perhaps desire beaches and a more Mediterranean atmosphere, then Saranda or Durres might be better alternatives. If you love history and ancient architecture, read about Berat and Gjirokaster.
