7 Best Kept Secrets for Visiting Tirana

Some visitors decide to include the visit of the beautiful National Art Gallery, with its interesting paintings of the communist-era, in their Tirana tour. What most of them don’t know is that behind the gallery, in the backyard, are hidden two giant statues of Lenin and Stalin, once situated in the main squares of the capital. This is one of the best-kept secrets of Tirana, no doubt.

Ok, let’s be honest, today Oda is pretty well known, at least by locals, but this cozy restaurant is still one of the best-kept secrets of Tirana. The menu offers a selection of traditional Albanian dishes, such as local cheeses, byrek, yogurt sauce, pilaf rice, and a wide variety of veggie plates. If you want to taste typical Albanian gastronomy, Oda is the right place.

Rruga e Durrësit, or Durrës’ street, is one of the main streets of Tirana that leads from Durrës’ highway to Skanderbeg Square, the heart of the city. During the day, the street is always crowded with cars and buses, and people don’t take the time to admire the beauty that it offers. The best thing to do is to come here in the evening and see the ancient villas like the former Jugoslav embassy’s palace. You’ll also find beautiful street art made by local artists.

For breathtaking views over the majestic Skanderbeg Square, the best thing to do is reach the terrace of Tirana International Hotel. The hotel is one of the landmarks of the city, but only the guests know about the magnificent view of the square. Order a coffee, enjoy it and admire Tirana from above.

Tirana doesn’t lack in museums: the capital city is home to many interesting museums, such as BunkArt 1 and 2, House of Leaves, the National Historical Museum and the National Art Gallery. However, for those who are interested in contemporary art galleries, Galeria FAB is a not-to-miss place in town. It is located near the Art University, in Blloku district, and hosts temporary exhibits with works realized by local artists.

In the heart of Blloku (or Bllock) you’ll find a huge house that belonged to the dictator Enver Hoxha. Blloku, during the Communist regime, was a restricted area that only the members of the Communist Party were able to be in. Today, it is the liveliest neighborhood of Tirana, with plenty of restaurants, bars and boutiques. Enver Hoxha’s house is often open for temporary exhibitions.

Mozaiku i Tiranës, or Mosaic of Tirana, is a secret gem hidden in the western area of the Albanian capital city. It is located just a few minutes from the city center and only a few tourists know about (and visit) it. The mosaic, which has been declared a cultural monument since 1973, is believed to have been part of a third century Roman villa. Then, around the villa, in the fifth and sixth century, a Paleo-Christian basilica was built. Its ruins were discovered in 1972.

Discover Tirana’s hidden gems with Culture Trip’s curated adventures. Explore the Mosaic of Tirana, a third-century Roman villa remnant, and visit Enver Hoxha’s former residence in the vibrant Blloku district. Art enthusiasts can admire contemporary works at Galeria FAB, while history buffs will appreciate the concealed Lenin and Stalin statues behind the National Art Gallery. Savor authentic Albanian cuisine at Restaurant Oda, and wander along Rruga e Durrësit to admire historic villas and vibrant street art.