All destinations Exploring · Destination Read the Tirana guideTirana turned concrete into colour.
Tirana
Tirana is Albania's vibrant capital, a city that has transformed itself into one of Europe's most dynamic and youthful destinations. Once grey and shuttered, it has erupted into color—literally, with its famous painted buildings in bold reds, yellows, and blues that line the streets. The energy is infectious: a mix of Ottoman-era mosques, Italian Fascist-era architecture, and cutting-edge galleries and restaurants sitting side by side. You'll feel the pulse of a nation looking forward while staying rooted in its complicated, fascinating history.
CountryAlbania
RegionTirana
LanguageSQ
CurrencyALL
7 placesIts placesEverything worth stopping for, by category: what to see, where to eat, where to sleep. Explore the places Its itinerariesDays already sorted, hour by hour, for when you would rather follow a route than build one. See the itineraries
From the magazine
What we wrote about Tirana
The map tells you where. These pieces tell you when to go, whether the place is for you, and what nobody mentions.