Where to stay in Tirana: best areas and neighborhoods

Chaotic and colorful, young and constantly evolving, Tirana is rapidly becoming one of the most interesting destinations in the Balkans. Whether you’re planning a weekend exploring its recent history, local markets, or the modern cafés popping up everywhere, choosing the right area to stay can make a big difference in fully experiencing the city’s atmosphere.
Here are all our tips on where to stay in Tirana.

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In a hurry? Here are our recommended accommodations

Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay in

Areas to avoid: Tirana is generally a safe city, but some areas may be less suitable for first-time visitors, such as Kombinat, Kinostudio, or Kashar—outlying districts that tend to be poorly connected, lack tourist attractions, and are harder to explore on foot.

Tirana, the capital of Albania, is a compact and walkable city, perfect for a weekend getaway. If this is your first time visiting, excellent neighborhoods include Pazari i Ri and Tregu Çam, both located around Skanderbeg Square, the city’s main square. From here, you’ll be just steps from the main attractions.

If you’re looking for a peaceful, nature-filled area, ideal also for families, we recommend the Komuna e Parisit district, located south of the historic center and close to Tirana’s Grand Park and the lake. On the other hand, if you’re seeking nightlife and entertainment, there’s one area above all: Blloku.

Finally, even though Tirana is an affordable destination and you’ll find great prices in every neighborhood, if you want to save even more, you can look slightly outside the center and stay in the Don Bosco district.

Best accommodations: we’ve selected the best hotels, B&Bs, and hostels in Tirana. Check out our recommendations and book on Booking

Pazari i Ri: best for culture, foodies, and central convenience

• Pros: Extremely central, vibrant atmosphere, easy walking access to major landmarks, excellent for sampling local food and produce.
• Cons: Can be very crowded, accommodations might be slightly more expensive than outlying areas.
• Main attractions: The New Bazaar itself (for fresh produce, goods, and dining), easy walk to Skanderbeg Square, Et'hem Bej Mosque, and the Clock Tower.
• Average prices: from €60,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended Accommodation

East of Skanderbeg Square lies the Pazari i Ri district, one of Tirana’s most distinctive neighborhoods, recently renovated with great attention to aesthetics and functionality. It features a very popular covered market, now a true attraction filled with local restaurants and small cafés.

Pazari i Ri is suitable for all types of travelers, including families, and for anyone who wants all services close at hand. It’s also perfect for those who want to experience authentic Albanian daily life.

The location is truly excellent: Skanderbeg Square is less than a 10-minute walk away, while the nightlife district of Blloku can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot.

Average prices in this area start at around €60.00 – compare the selection of the best accommodations on Booking

Tregu Çam: best for history and cultural immersion

Foto di Andrew Milligan sumo.

• Pros: Directly adjacent to Skanderbeg Square, perfect for visiting historical and cultural sites, high religious diversity.
• Cons: Very central location means potential for noise and bustle.
• Main attractions: Skanderbeg Square, National History Museum, Et'hem Bej Mosque, Clock Tower, Bunk'Art 2 (nearby).
• Average prices: from €60,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended Accommodation

Next to Skanderbeg Square lies the Tregu Çam district, the cultural heart of Tirana. This small neighborhood is a true gem, a peaceful area that hosts several of the city’s most important museums: here you’ll find the House of Leaves Museum, the National History Museum, and a short walk away also Bunk’Art 2.

This district is ideal for those seeking peace and culture, for families who want attractions within easy reach, and more generally for travelers who prefer a central area without spending too much.

The district’s location is one of the best: you’ll be right next to Skanderbeg Square, while Pazari i Ri is about a 10-minute walk away and the Blloku neighborhood about 15 minutes on foot.

Average prices in this area start at around €60.00 – compare the selection of the best accommodations on Booking

Blloku: best for nightlife and trendsetters

Foto di Belgian man.

• Pros: Tirana's hippest district, dense concentration of trendy bars, cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, lively atmosphere day and night.
• Cons: Can be noisy late at night, generally the most expensive area for accommodation, once a restricted area (historical context).
• Main attractions: Enver Hoxha's former villa, Postbllok Memorial, and endless nightlife venues.
• Average prices: from €80,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended Accommodations

The Blloku district is the heart of Tirana’s nightlife and entertainment, symbolizing the city’s rebirth and transformation. Its lively character makes it especially popular among young people, and here you’ll find countless trendy restaurants, bars, cafés, nightlife spots, and shops. You’ll also be just a short walk from the main attractions, simply by crossing the Lana River.

Blloku is a perfect district for young travelers and, more generally, for anyone seeking fun and wanting to experience a dynamic, modern side of Tirana without giving up the convenience of moving around on foot.

The location is truly excellent: Skanderbeg Square is less than a 15-minute walk away, and the area is serviced by several bus lines.

Average prices in this district start at around €80.00 – compare the selection of the best accommodations on Booking

Komuna e Parisit: best for families and relaxation

Foto di Flgraphy.

• Pros: Quiet, more residential feel, close proximity to the city's largest green spaces, popular with digital nomads.
• Cons: Slightly further walk (or short taxi/bus ride) from the main city center attractions (Skanderbeg Square, Blloku).
• Main attractions: Grand Park of Tirana, Artificial Lake of Tirana (perfect for walks and jogging), Zoo.
• Average prices: from €55,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended Accommodation

South of the historic center lies the district of Komuna e Parisit, a green, residential, and peaceful area, yet still not too far from the main attractions. The district is located near Tirana’s artificial lake, where you can spend a few hours surrounded by nature, strolling along the lakeside and enjoying the large park.

Given its characteristics, it is certainly a recommended neighborhood for families and for those seeking tranquility, while still wanting to enjoy comfort and essential services nearby.

You will be a little farther from the center, but not excessively: Skanderbeg Square is about 2.2 km away, reachable in just over 30 minutes on foot or by taking bus lines 1A and 1B, which take around 15 minutes to reach the center.


Average prices in this district start at around €55.00 – compare the selection of the best accommodations on Booking

Don Bosco: best for budget and local residential life

• Pros: Excellent value for money, strong local residential atmosphere, well-connected to the center by public transport, good for apartment stays.
• Cons: Not easily walkable to the main central sights (requires public transport or a 30-40 min walk).
• Main attractions: Experiencing authentic Tirana daily life, easy access to major roads for transport out of the city.
• Average prices: from €45,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended Accommodation

Northwest of the city center, Don Bosco is a growing residential area that in recent years has seen the construction of new apartment complexes, hotels, and services. It is less crowded and more affordable than the center, yet still accessible by car or public transport.

It doesn’t offer major attractions, but it can be a good option for those looking for low prices and a local atmosphere. It is indeed recommended especially for travelers who want to save money, for those traveling by car, or for anyone staying in Tirana for more than just a weekend.

The location is more decentralized: Skanderbeg Square is about 2.5 km away, reachable by car via Bulevardi Zogu I (10 minutes) or by public transport, particularly bus line 6 (20 minutes).

Average prices in this district start at around €45.00 – compare the selection of the best accommodations on Booking

Places Near Tirana to Stay

Although Tirana is a capital city, it is still a very compact and walkable destination, often visited during a weekend getaway. For this reason, the best solution is to stay in the city: as we have seen, the options are many and the neighborhoods are extremely varied, offering culture, nightlife, traditions, and accommodations for all budgets in every part of the city.

We generally do not recommend looking for accommodation outside Tirana, mainly for transportation reasons: you risk wasting valuable time commuting to the city center. This can be a reasonable option only if you are renting a car and planning an Albanian on the road itinerary. In that case, make sure to plan well for parking too.

Accommodation Price Map

Travel Tips

Based on what people commonly ask about Tirana and Albania:

• Tirana is very walkable. The central areas (Skanderbeg Square, Pazari i Ri, Blloku) are compact and easily explored on foot, making a central stay location very convenient.
• Plan 1.5 to 2 days for Tirana's highlights. This allows for a city center walking tour, and visits to major sites like Bunk'Art 1 or Bunk'Art 2, and a trip up the Dajti Ekspres cable car. Any longer is perfect for day trips to historic towns like Krujë or Berat.
• Albania is very welcoming to Americans and English-friendly. Due to historical and political factors, Albanians often hold positive views of the U.S. and many younger people speak English, especially in tourist areas.
• The nicest neighborhood in Tirana for visitors is often considered Blloku for its trendiness and nightlife, or Zona 1/Pazari i Ri for its central location and cultural vibrancy.
• What to avoid in Tirana: While street crime is rare for foreigners, take sensible precautions against pickpocketing in crowded areas. Be cautious of aggressive or erratic driving when walking or using the roads, as traffic can be challenging.
• For a coastal stay, the Albanian Riviera offers the prettiest parts of the country. Dhermi and Himarë are both excellent, with Himarë generally offering a slightly larger town feel and more amenities, while Dhermi is famous for its stunning beaches. Durrës is a beach resort town closer to Tirana, but Tirana is usually preferred for a cultural and city experience.

 Without internet when you need it the most? Don't take the risk! With Saily's eSIMs, you can connect instantly, anywhere, and stress-free! Use the code "Gigaspecial" to get your exclusive 5% discount! Find out more