Where to Stay in Tirana — Albania’s Vibrant Capital City

Albania’s capital city is a diverse and vibrant destination that offers something for everyone, but deciding where to stay in Tirana is no easy task. Truthfully, before moving to Europe, we never thought of Albania as a top place to visit on the continent. But when the Covid-19 pandemic hit and Albania was one of the few places in Europe allowing Americans, we decided to give it a try. We were hooked after just one visit.

Albania has a long and complex history that has in part defined what the country is today. After World War II, Albania became a communist state and put into practice unforgiving restrictions. Religion was outlawed, private property banished, borders sealed, and dissenters persecuted. This made it very difficult — and almost impossible — for foreigners to visit Albania and for Albanians to travel abroad. 

The communist regime collapsed in the early 1990s. Unfortunately, what followed wasn’t any better. In short, Albanians have really only known peace and the possibility of prosperity for the past couple of decades. For years, they were forced to live a very specific way and to stay quiet. But over the past 15 years, they have been able to transform a nation, opening borders and welcoming foreigners, and shifting silence for inspiration.

Today, Tirana is an example of that transformation, with buildings that have been painted from grey to bright colors and welcoming citizens, eager to help and show off their nation.  In hopes to inspire others to visit, we put together this list of where to stay in Tirana, aiming to suit every type of travel budget. 

And if you’re looking to visit this beautiful country, make sure to check out our full 10-day Albania itinerary for the best things to do, eat, and see in Tirana and around the country.

Where to Stay in Tirana, Albania

As the capital, Tirana is high on the list of the best places to stay in Albania. It’s an interesting and vibrant city that offers a mix of cultural, historical, and modern attractions. The city is rich in history and home to a number of museums, galleries, and historical sites, but it’s also a modern city with a thriving food and nightlife scene. When deciding where to stay in Tirana, there are a number of different neighborhoods to choose from:

Blloku — Ideal for Trendy Travelers

When deciding where to stay in Tirana, Blloku tops the list as it’s probably the most famous neighborhood in the city. It was once a restricted area where only high-ranking Communist officials were allowed to live, but today it is a trendy neighborhood known for its fashionable shops, cafes, and restaurants. This is a great place to stay for those looking for fun nightlife and a cool dining scene.

Best Places to Stay in Blloku

• Luxury — Arté Boutique Hotel: This is a contemporary and chic 5-star hotel, with a minimalist design and artistic flair. The rooms are comfortable, bright, and stylishly decorated with modern furnishings, providing a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere. It’s described by guests as the “fanciest hotel in Tirana” and almost “like staying in a museum.” The hotel has a lovely garden, a shared lounge, and a delicious restaurant and bar.

• Resort Style — Rogner Hotel Tirana: Described as “an oasis in the center of Tirana,” this hotel is perfect if you’re looking to stay on a large property, with a pool, tennis court, and beautiful Mediterranean gardens. The rooms are spacious with large windows overlooking either the garden or the boulevard and furnished with delicate natural wood. They offer a nice breakfast buffet, as well as Austrian and Mediterranean cuisine.

• Mid-Range — Boutique Hotel Kotoni: This is a luxurious, yet intimate hotel located in the center of Blloku. The rooms are spacious, with particularly large bathrooms, and decorated with modern furnishings, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It’s on a side street so it’s generally quiet. Guests rave about the breakfast, the restaurant offering delicious Albanian cuisine, and the personalized service they received during their stay.

• Budget — Vanilla Sky Boutique Hostel: This is a great spot, only a few steps away from the Bllok district, offering private and shared accommodations, as well as a lounge and free Wi-Fi access throughout the property. The dorm rooms feature a private locker for each guest, a bedside power socket, and an individual light. Some rooms have spacious balconies and everyone has access to a shared kitchen.

Tregu Çam ⁠— Ideal for History Buffs

Tregu Çam is located in the center of Tirana, about a 15-minute walk away from Blloku. It’s home to many of the city’s famous museums and landmarks, including the National Historical Museum in Skanderbeg Square and BunkArt2 (one of our favorite museums ever, located inside a bunker and dedicated to the victims of the dictatorship). This is the perfect place for those looking to stay in the heart of the city and explore its unique history.

Best Places to Stay in Tregu Çam

• Luxury —Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana: This is a great hotel for travelers wanting to be in the center of the city and enjoy a 5-star environment. It’s just 3 minutes away from many of the main attractions like the House of Parliament and the National Art Gallery. The rooms are comfortable and modern, and the property has three different restaurants on site, offering local and international choices, as well as a dreamy spa.

• Mid-Range — Art Hotel Tirana: This is a unique and stylish hotel located in the heart of the city, within walking distance of all the main attractions. The place does a great job of fusing a modern design with artistic flair, offering creative art pieces along with colorful decor. The rooms are spacious and elegant, with comfortable furnishings and all the amenities you need. The hotel offers free parking and guests rave about the staff throughout their entire stay.

• Apartments — Retreat Apartments: These are beautiful apartments in the heart of Tirana, with private parking available on-site. The apartments are modern and clean, with a nice balcony, air conditioning, and a small kitchen with an oven and fridge. The location is right between the square and an area with lots of restaurants and cafes. It’s also conveniently right next to a grocery store. 

• Budget — Oda Hostel: This is a nice, clean hostel in the center of Tirana. All rooms have air conditioning and towels, and some units have a balcony. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast, as well as a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine, and a nice outdoor garden. The guests rave about the kindness of the staff and call it a “great value for money”.

Zona 1 — Ideal for City-Centric Explorers

Zona 1 is the area east of Skanderbeg Square and about a 25-minute walk from the Blloku neighborhood. Zona 1 is particularly popular for being the home of the wonderful Pazari I Ri market, which offers a wide variety of goods, including fresh produce, fish, meats, and cheeses. We ended up staying here during our visit to Tirana and found it to be a great spot for those looking to stay in nice, affordable spots that are still within walking distance of the major attractions.

Best Places to Stay in Zona 1

• Luxury — The Crown Boutique Hotel & SPA: The hotel is located in the heart of Tirana, featuring beautiful rooms, a spa, a lounge, and a restaurant serving breakfast and even a yummy tasting menu of 9 courses. It also has a magical rooftop terrace, offering a 360° view of the center of Tirana. The rooms are quite unique, with custom-made beds, high ceilings, and great insulation to keep the noise out.

• Mid-Range — Hotel Boka: This is a comfortable and clean spot in the center of Tirana, with plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby. It offers daily breakfast, which guests can enjoy indoors or in the nice outdoor garden. The rooms are cozy and the bathrooms are well-stocked with everything you might need. Guests rave about the kindness of the reception staff, and their eagerness to help.

• Apartments — Tirana Experience at the New Bazaar: These are nice apartments very close to the Pazari i Ri Market and within walking distance of the main square. The units have air-conditioning (essential in the summer!), a well-equipped kitchen, and a nice terrace. The beds and the couch are comfortable, the bathroom is spacious, and the apartment also provides laundry service.

• Budget — Trip’n’Hostel: This is a cool property, resembling an old Italian-style villa, constructed in 1910, with two green gardens on both sides. The house has a kitchen on the underground floor that’s connected to one of the gardens, where guests can enjoy breakfast. There are two chimneys, a nice common area, and a solarium terrace on the roof. Guests particularly like the communal feel of the hostel.

Komuna e Parisit — Ideal for Traveling Families

Best Places to Stay in Komuna e Parisit

• Luxury — Moncafe Boutique Hotel Spa: This is a sleek and modern hotel, focused on the small details. They’ve selected quality brands from the fabrics to the air conditioning system, and have a nice bar and lounge open 24/7. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, abiding by a minimalist style that gives it all a quite serene feeling. The property offers a nice breakfast and a beautiful spa and jacuzzi whirlpool baths.

• Apartments — Miku Apartment: This is a beautiful and spacious 1-bedroom apartment close to the Grand Park of Tirana and with a supermarket right next door. The place has a nice balcony, a fully-equipped kitchen, and air-conditioning, making it the perfect spot to visit as a couple or with a small family. Guests particularly appreciate the hosts for their kindness and hospitality.

• Mid-Range — Venis Hotel: This is a modern, well-decorated property offering free parking and a daily continental or a la carte breakfast. The rooms are quite spacious and some even have a balcony, overlooking a beautiful view of the city. The location is a bit away from the center, but still within walking distance, and it does have easy access to the highway, making it ideal for those planning to drive during the trip.

• Mid-Range — Home Hotel: This is a nice, affordable, and simple hotel with a garden, free private parking, and a bar. The rooms are classic, clean, and comfortable, and the property is about a 20-minute walk from both the city center and Tirana Lake. They offer daily breakfast and the staff is friendly and welcoming. Overall, it’s a great value for the price.

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