Tirana is a family friendly city, great for kids and plenty of fun activities for all. Here are some tips and inspiration to help you plan a family break to the colorful Albanian capital.
1. Skanderbeg square
Skanderbeg Square has been regarded for more than half a century as the very centre of Tirana. Scanderbeg square had a huge restoration and it was reopened in 2017. The Scanderbeg Square, The National Opera, National Museum and National Bank surround the stone pavement, while behind these buildings, there are planted trees from all over Albanian territory. Mini- parks, benches, flowers, platforms for taking photos are part of the square. Kids can enjoy a ride at the most famous carousel in Skanderbeg square.
2. Tirana Castle (Justinian Fortress)
The Fortress of Justinian, known simply as Tirana Castle is the only one found in the city centre. The fortress is where at one time the main east–west and north–south roads crossed, forming the heart of the town as it was then. The castle history dates back prior to 1300. The castle was reopened for the public on December 2018 and today the area inside the walls serves as a culinary environment for traditional cooking, but also as an area of culture and art. In this cultural and commercial space there are souvenir shops with a focus on Tirana's history, mosaics, traditional restaurants, etc.
3. Dajti Ekspres Cable Car + Dajti Adventure Park
One of the must-do’s while in Tirana is the cable car ride from Tirana to Dajti Mountain. After arriving in Dajti National Park you can enjoy a delicious lunch at Ballkoni i Dajtit restaurant. Kids can play in the playground or go to the Dajti Adventure Park. This Adventure Park is for all ages. For children up to 7 years old there were easy games and trails. The other games were for children above 8 years old and for adults. Neither climbing techniques nor special/specific physical fitness experience are necessary. It is a place to have fun, test your courage, and overcome your own fears and enjoying the beautiful nature in the forest.
4. Grand Park of Tirana + playground +bike rides
Grand Park in Tirana is a must for all visitors to the city, young and old. It is the biggest green area reachable by foot, and a perfect place to get away from the busy city. Families can rent a bike or buggy and ride alongside the lake. Children can play in the “Cherry Path” playground
Rinia Park is situated in the very heart of the city. It is one of the most popular places in Tirana, especially for families and the nearby residents. Rinia Park is today a popular meeting place for people since the Taiwan complex has nice cafés and very good restaurants.
6. Tirana Zoo
Tirana Zoo was established in 1966. As the only Zoo Park in Albania, it welcomes lots of visitors every day. On average, three hundred people visit the zoo every week. Zoo Park is in Tirana's Grand Park, next to the botanical gardens. Together with Grand Park and the Lake these comprise the green crown of the city. The zoo hosts only a few animals, but nevertheless it’s still worth visiting and children can enjoy a ride on a pedal car. It’s busier at the weekend, when most of the visitors are children.
7. New Bazaar
The New Bazaar is located at Avni Rustemi Sqaure, only 8-minute walk from the center of Tirana has quickly became the most popular attraction of the city. From the inauguration day back in 2017, visitors in this area are increased, not only for the beautiful buildings but for also for the nice café and open bars. Local market offers a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, seafood and meat. It is a nice place for people to spend time with their family or friends. During weekends various activities are organized here such as fairs, concerts and open theatres for kids.
If you are keen to know the turbulent history of the Albanians, this is the place to visit. The National History Museum is the most important museum in Albania and contains a well-documented history of the country.
The National Gallery of Arts is situated in the Boulevard of Martyrs. The gallery currently houses 4626 artworks and more than 600 registered artists in the archives. The Gallery of Arts is the only national institution that exhibits, conserves, studies, restores, publishes, documents and archives the works of art in the country. Families often prefer to take the kids here and there educative hours where kids can paint and have a good time.
10. National Archeology Museum
The National Archaeological Museum is situated in Mother Teresa Square. It was the first museum to open in Albania after WW2. Kids will be fascinated by the objects from prehistory, through historical times to the Middle Ages.
Daytrips in Tirana |
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| Cave of Pellumbas tour in Tirana |
| Communist Architecture tour in Tirana |
| Old Villas tour in Tirana |
| Tirana - Dajti Mountain Cable Car |
