I recently had the opportunity to visit the Pyramid of Tirana, and it was an interesting experience. The architectural design is unique and striking, creating a distinctive landmark in the city. The historical significance of the building is intriguing, offering insights into Albania's past. The surrounding area is vibrant, with bustling streets and lively atmosphere. Overall, the Pyramid of Tirana is worth a visit for those interested in architecture and history.

We visited the Pyramid of Tirana on a sunny day, and it was really hot! The structure has around 100 steps to climb to the top, which gives you a panoramic view of the city — although much of it is now covered by the surrounding tall buildings. The climb itself is a bit steep but manageable. It’s an interesting landmark with a unique design and some historical value, but honestly, there’s not much to see once you reach the top. You can visit if you’re nearby or curious, but it’s not something you’d miss out on if you skip it. To cool off we had a nice passionfruit lemonade at Mon Cheri.

It’s a truly beautiful spot with a stunning view of the surroundings. From up there you can see forests, meadows, and distant hills stretching all the way to the horizon. On a clear day the scenery seems to go on forever, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for taking a break and just soaking it all in.

We visited this place in the evening. The interior was already closed, but the surroundings were beautiful. Beautiful architecture of the adjacent "blocks" and the park. From the top of the pyramid there was a wonderful view in every direction. It is a free lookout tower. I definitely recommend visiting.

For some reason, everyone takes photos near the entrance, but from there you can’t see its scale or the amazing stair-like sides. Inside, it’s now a bright shopping center (we didn’t go in), but from the top, there’s a beautiful view over the city. Highly recommend. We like this place.

It’s a very pretty architecture especially at night. There is a wheelchair accessible path to get inside the building and you can use the lift to get up by asking the security. BUT once you are out of the lift there are three steps to get outside and the outside structure isn’t really wheelchair accessible. So all I could do was stand at the door and have a look outside before riding the lift down again.

Nice morning stroll and stumbled on the Pyramid. Decent amount of steps to get to the top but seating area for a breather before taking in the views which were very good looking out over Tirana. From here we got a cab to the Cable Car to get an even better look from the top of the mountain.

Small but beautiful Mosque completed in 1821. It was closed during the communist period but saw a rebirth of religious freedom in 1991. Restoration work was completed in 2018. It's worth visiting for its interior mural paintings and frescoes. You are encouraged to give a donation, I think €1 is quite acceptable.

Et'hem Bey Mosque – A Peaceful and Historic Landmark A beautiful mosque located right in the center of Tirana at Skanderbeg Square. It’s one of the city’s oldest and most important historical buildings, built in the late 18th century during the Ottoman period. The mosque is small but full of charm. Its interior walls are decorated with unique and colorful frescoes, which are rare for Islamic architecture. It’s quiet and peaceful inside, offering a calm break from the busy city outside. Visitors are welcome outside of prayer times, and there is no entrance fee. It’s a great place to learn a bit about Albania’s past and see a piece of its cultural and religious heritage. Definitely worth a short stop during your visit to Tirana!

A true jewel of Tirana and an absolutely essential stop for anyone interested in history and architecture. This small, elegant mosque stands out in the heart of Skanderbeg Square, with its delicate and beautiful frescoes that are a rare sight in Islamic art. The paintings of trees, waterfalls, and bridges are a unique and stunning detail that makes this place truly special. The mosque has a powerful history, serving as a symbol of religious freedom during the fall of communism in Albania. It's a peaceful and spiritual place that invites contemplation, and its blend of Ottoman and local design elements is a testament to the country's rich cultural tapestry. The craftsmanship is breathtaking, and the serene atmosphere makes it a perfect escape from the bustling city. Definitely recommended 👌🏼.

Small yet profoundly beautiful, the Et’hem Bej Mosque stands as one of Tirana’s most graceful architectural treasures. Completed in 1821, it embodies the delicate harmony of Ottoman artistry and Albanian devotion. Closed for decades during the communist period, the mosque’s reopening in 1991 marked not only a restoration of a historic monument but also the symbolic rebirth of religious freedom in Albania. Its walls and domes are adorned with remarkable frescoes and mural paintings, depicting natural landscapes, trees, and waterfalls—rare subjects in Islamic art—that make this intimate sanctuary truly special. Visitors are welcome to enter respectfully, removing their shoes before entry. There is a simple system to store them, though it could benefit from some improvement. A small donation (€1 is perfectly appropriate) is encouraged, and it helps preserve this serene and historically significant space.

A truly beautiful mosque full of history and spiritual atmosphere. You can go inside to pray or simply enjoy the peaceful setting. They even offer free water to visitors, which is a kind and thoughtful gesture. A wonderful place to visit and reflect. 🌿🕌🙏

Lucky to have it inctacted and undemolished - considering Enver Xodha's temple demolitions. Looks even more beautiful at night. However, visiting inside of the mosque isn't allowed at late night. If you like painted ornaments of this mosque, you might consider visiting painted / colorful mosque in Tetovo, as well.

Very small Mosque. I'll take you maybe 10 to 15 minutes. It's great to be able to see a little bit of history. The staff were very helpful as we had my visually impaired father-in-law with us and they were helpful. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was because the staff member was suggesting how much to donate or at least that's how I interpreted it. Not a big fan of that. Usually when we go to visit churches, mosques, or other religious historic places of worship we donate generously.

I recently visited the National Historical Museum in Tirana and was disappointed to find it temporarily closed. However, the museum's exterior is impressive, and the location is central, making it a great starting point for exploring the city. I’ve heard the exhibits showcase Albania’s rich history, and I can’t wait to return when it reopens.

The National Historical Museum in Tirana is a captivating dive into Albania’s rich past. From ancient artifacts to modern history, every exhibit tells a story of resilience and culture. A must-visit for anyone wanting to understand the heart and soul of Albania.

I was really looking forward to visiting the National Historical Museum, but unfortunately, it was closed when I arrived. There was no clear sign or information about the closure, which was quite disappointing. The building looks impressive from the outside, especially at night, but that’s all I could experience. It’s a shame that such an important cultural site wasn’t accessible.

The National Historical Museum is the kind of place that reminds you a country’s story is never simple. The mosaic outside already sets the tone — proud, dramatic, full of struggle. Inside, the halls move you through Albania’s past step by step: Illyrian roots, invasions, resistance, dictatorship. Some sections feel heavy, especially the modern history rooms, but that weight is part of the truth they’re trying to show. It’s not flashy or over-designed; it’s honest. You walk out understanding the country better — not just dates and events, but the spirit that shaped the people.

Probably 4 stars but it is an extensive museum where you will surely learn things. Covers a wide time range, Bronze Age to WW2. Maps, objects, photos, clothing are all part of the museum. There is even an iconography section which includes stuff from Kosovo. Generally there is a bit too much writing in bunched up mega-paragraphs in each section. Not a great way to transmit the knowledge. People would walk right by a lot of it like “Sorry this happened to you Albania but I’m not reading all that.” Text is in Albanian and English only. Worth the 500 lek entry but hard to understand why they close at 4pm and don’t take euros or card. Definitely one of the best museums in the country.

Overall it was good experience. The ancient part is amazing. However there are some periods in the history are missing. It would have more variety sections and the museum can be more modernized. Nevertheless it is a must place to visit in Tirana.

It's worth visiting. The National History Museum includes the following pavilions: the Pavilion of Antiquity, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Independence, Iconography, National Liberation Antifascist War, Communist Terror, and Mother Teresa. They overleaped Ottoman Period. It is obviously political decision. You need 1 hour at least to see everything.

This restaurant has immense charm and character and super friendly helpful staff. We had the sampling menu which is excellent value, offering a good variety of dishes and reasonable portions, considering that one is having seven courses. There is an extensive a la carte menu as well. I have read reviews that complained of blandness. We felt that every dish had great flavour and balance, some with very nuanced flavours, rather than smash-you-in-the-face flavour bombs. The dessert of custard and ice cream could have had a bit more honey, but was true to the simple rural fare from which it is derived. In my pics I have posted the menu and the dishes in the menu sequence. All were delicious, the highlights being the pumpkin salad, meatball soup, beef cheeks rosnica, and trout. Mmmm that’s everything!

Hm, great food (We had the menu), mediocre service. You’ve got an expectation when visiting this place as it’s well know outside Albania. The dishes were tasteful & made an interesting choice of herbs & spices. About the best we had in 2 weeks Albania. The service on the other hand was mew… The barman was great: Nice wine, good Raki. The table waiter gave us a feeling that we‘re not customers but a nuisance. He did his job, but without passion and a customer related view. Table next to us wasn’t cleaned for more than an hour until we wiped the table & put the bread baskets together. Considering the variety of places in Tirana, we probably wouldn’t return…

Don’t be swayed by the 1 star reviews. There are many people on here with an expectation of what this place should be. For me it was everything it advertised and it was executed perfectly. Firstly, the food is a celebration of the rustic simple foods of Albania. For those who don’t live in Central Europe, maybe that means too much sour cream or ‘not enough flavour’ but I thought it was a beautiful blend of peasant dishes and seasonal quality with an elevated urban presentation. As many other reviews have mentioned the interior and the service were spot on and matched the concept excellently. I would strongly recommend for an authentic but elevated experience. Just don’t come with unrealistic expectations based on the head chefs prior experience. That’s an unrealistic and unhelpful approach to the diverse world of fine dining.

Absolutely divine dining experience here. The tasting menu is a delectable collection of traditional Albanian food with many standouts (the beef cheek, the quail, the trout). Attentive, friendly service with a rustic but refined feel. Our best meal in Albania, don’t miss it!

Georg from Big Ukraine🇺🇦 Everything was truly wonderful — the food, the service, the atmosphere — all very good and tasty. Yet something seems to be slipping somewhere. I can’t quite define what it is, but it needs to be found and corrected soon. Otherwise, the whole concept might lose its harmony. This is my sincere, personal impression. I really liked everything — the team, the quality, the effort. It’s just important now to stay attentive and bring in an outside perspective, to notice what you might no longer see yourselves. You’re not any worse than other well-known restaurants like à la Era Villa — you’re on that same level. The main thing is not to lose your spark. And everything I write here is on the level of feeling — something that should be trusted if you truly want success. P.S. Take a closer look — maybe someone from your team or one of the key people has simply grown tired. Sometimes that alone quietly changes the whole energy of a place. Besides that, maybe it would also make sense to look back at some of the previous reviews — and even the photo of the menu for 3000 lek — to reflect a bit. Perhaps what’s missing now is just a bit more energy, freshness, and playfulness. Wash off the routine, don’t let it become too monotonous, heavy, or “cotton-like.” The place deserves to stay alive, vibrant, and full of authentic Albanian soul — maybe even with a touch more fun, color, and mineral sparkle. I’ll definitely come again — and I’ll be happy to see how it evolves.

Review: What a gem of a find! This traditional Albanian restaurant serves a beautifully crafted 7-course tasting menu for just 3000 LEK, offering incredible value and authenticity. Each dish celebrates local flavors — from hearty soups and slow-cooked meats to homemade breads and seasonal vegetables — all prepared with genuine care rather than fuss. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, not pretentious at all, yet the service feels personal and attentive, as if you’re dining in someone’s home. Every course arrives with a short explanation and a proud smile. It’s the kind of place where time slows down and you can truly taste Albania’s warmth and hospitality in every bite. Highly recommended for anyone wanting an honest, soulful dining experience.

This place 'wants' to be fine dining but it is not... The service is stuccatto, and our plates were taken before the whole party had finished earing. It was tiny portions of local food. The quail must be huge in Albania as the piece of meat I had in my pasta dish was very large... 😉 The sauce on the white fish was extremely salty and not what was advertised. A long grey hair baked in my meatball... But for the price and experience was actually worth it. The house red was quaffable. Lots of staff milling around on their phone or outside making food for the next day.

What an incredible experience! The sushi was absolutely on point — fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The hot plates were nothing short of delicious, and every bite impressed us. The hostesses were warm and welcoming, and the entire staff went above and beyond to make us feel taken care of. We sat at the bar, enjoyed fantastic cocktails, and received 10/10 service from start to finish. Salt is the kind of place you leave already planning your next visit — highly recommend!

Just wow and highly recommended! They really know hospitality here. We had a great evening and everything was taken care of in the best way possible. From the welcoming (including taking the allergie in account), showing the beautiful bar, restaurant and lounge area till the really good service and food (delicious sushi and filet mignon). Our compliments to the whole team and greetings from the Netherlands!

What a fantastic meal at Salt tonight. We had not booked but we're accomodated with minimum fuss. The food and wine were amazing and the staff very attentive. Wonderful atmosphere made the experience very memorable. Thank you.

In the heart of Tirana Salt is more of a exclusive restaurant than most. Great selection of food and drinks, very well presented and clean. Although it is more expensive than most places i thought the bill was quite reasonable. Would definitely use again.

Food is lovely . Udon noodles; calamari; goat cheese; mushroom croquette; sea bass; Klaus is so really friendly and knowledgeable about wines. He spent a good time at our table teaching us about the different wines and grapes offered. We really enjoyed our time.

The sushi and beef tartare were absolutely amazing — fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The service was outstanding, easily the best we experienced during our entire stay in Albania. The staff were so friendly and attentive, making the whole meal even more enjoyable. Highly recommend this restaurant!

Took my lovely wife here for dinner on a random Tuesday. The sushi was very good. And the baklava was incredible. We had a very nice night thanks to Salt Tirana.

A very atmospheric place, very popular and highly promoted, everyone recommends it. We really liked the atmosphere and the interesting concept of two residential buildings, with many tables in each apartment. It was packed with people, every spot was taken. Musicians walked from room to room playing traditional music. The food, however, we didn’t like at all — it was tasteless and not enjoyable. We didn’t even finish our dishes. We do not recommend this place.

We had a mixed experience at this restaurant. If you’re looking for a nice, flavorful salad, I wouldn’t recommend it. Ours had zero seasoning and felt like we had to do the work ourselves as it also wasn’t cut properly. The bread was also quite dense, with more of a cake-like consistency. On the other hand, the traditional lamb was excellent — very well prepared and truly delicious. Because of this, I’d suggest going with a larger group and ordering a variety of dishes to share, which I think would make the overall experience much better. Service fee was 20%!! not the 10% that are indicated on the bill. We unfortunately only saw that when we were back at the hotel. As for the atmosphere: the traditional live music was a nice touch, but also quite loud. When the musicians were in our room, it was difficult to talk, and you could only listen. After about 10 minutes, they moved on to the next room. Overall, I’d recommend visiting if you’re looking for this kind of cultural dining experience, but be mindful of what you order and the lively atmosphere.

The food just isn’t worth the price. I’m keeping it simple. The ambience is lovely — I’m sitting under a pomegranate tree with lemon trees in the yard, and the vibe is definitely nice — but the food is lacking. You can look at the photo of my salad before I seasoned it… it says a lot. The meat quality isn’t great either. I’ve had better homemade-style meatballs from a fast food spot. Total tourist trap. Take my word for it — skip this on

We had an incredible experience! The service was excellent, the servers were very pleasant and attentive. The musicians provided us with an immersive musical performance! And to top it all off, the food we had was delicious. We highly recommend it!

The place feels very traditional. Old cinema posters on the wall, with a nice English explanation, hand woven tablecloths that they protect with paper ones on top, very typical Albanian food. Perfect place to experience a traditional Albanian meal!

Food was delicious! We ordered the sour cream, eggplant, lamb cooked in an oven and vine leaves. We did not like the Meatballs as we found them extremely salty. Service was friendly although a little slow but we didn't mind. Atmosphere was beautiful and open in a cute courtyard with live traditional music.

Cozy place with really good traditional Albanian food. We tried the sarma (a bit dry), sour cream, stuffed eggplant (our favorite), and the stuffed peppers. The place is definitely a tourist favorite, but still worth a visit for the warm vibe and hearty dishes.

A great surprise that the reviews don’t lie! A really nice place, full house, very nice and funny waiters. But especially the food is great!! The pancakes with feta cheese were an amazing discovery. All the plates look and taste great. Had a lovely time!

One of the Best Traditional Restaurants in Tirana Restaurant Ira is truly a gem in Tirana and one of the best places to enjoy authentic traditional food. The lamb shanks are absolutely outstanding — a dish that everyone must try. The mutton cutlets were also amazing, packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. Yes, the wait time can be a little long, but trust me, the reward is worth it — every bite is pure delight. The food here feels homely, comforting, and authentically Albanian. Located right around the corner in the heart of the Blloku/Padam district, it’s easy to find and definitely worth the visit. Highly recommend Restaurant Ira if you want to experience the very best of Tirana’s traditional cuisine.

Had a wonderful dinner here, food was great, very well presented and staff was professional. Tried the dolmates, some Albanian pie, the meatballs and lamb. All incredibly tasty. Came with a nice bottle of Albanian red which I also enjoyed. The chocolate and pistachio baklava was great, too! Make sure you have a reservation as queues can get quite long.

Great place. We wanted to try some Albania cuisine but also wanted some vegetarian options for myself. My husband enjoyed his meatballs and I enjoyed my stuffed egg plant. We were lucky enough to sit down stright away but very soon there was a queue of people waiting (it was moving fairly fast though), so if you can book in advance.

Our most favorite restaurant in Tirana! The food is delicious and authentic. The dishes are not so big so if you are hungry order 2 dishes. It can get full quickly at the rush hours

Absolutely perfect experience in the resturant. Great menu, with a wide selection of Albanian dishes. Simply loved to taste different things, but also be able to understand the details and stories. Absolutely recommend the aubergine and the baklava dessert.

I had an absolutely wonderful experience at Era Blloku. That’s not my first time at this place, but every time people there are incredibly attentive and knowledgeable. We had an excellent recommendations that made our dining experience even better. The food was spectacular. Every dish was beautifully presented, full flavor, and made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. I particularly loved Tirana traditional casserole, Traditional braised beef casserole and selection of salads, which was cooked to perfection. The dessert selection was equally impressive.

Five stars for these guys no need to overthink it. The food was absolutely delicious, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Everything we ordered was top quality and seriously good value for money. On top of that, the service was amazing—friendly, fast, and made us feel truly welcome. Definitely coming back again!

A famous restaurant in the old town. It has both indoor and outdoor tables. The set menu costs around €24 per person and includes: • Salad • Cheese • Chicken kebab • Falafel • Appetizers • Beef ribs or lamb The service is excellent, although the restaurant is always crowded. The food is delicious and tasty, and I liked the ribs more than the lamb 🙂 I recommend this restaurant. Very good food and a nice atmosphere.

A refined and memorable gastronomic experience in Tirana. We chose the tasting menu, which offers a journey through traditional Albanian cuisine. The flavours are genuine and balanced, with each dish revealing the freshness of local ingredients and careful preparation that respects them. The staff was efficient, attentive and well-coordinated — discreetly elevating the entire experience. The setting immerses you in Albanian heritage, with traditional costumes displayed on the walls, warm lighting, and the subtle scent of wood that enhances the sense of place. A must-visit for those seeking authenticity with a touch of sophistication.

The menu at the time we went is a set menu only with 4 additional dishes to choose from. The set menu is very filling with varied dishes from the country. I liked the lamb and the chicken skewers the best.

The food at Ceren Ismet Shehu was overall excellent. The meat was a little cold, but aside from that, everything else was perfect — from the atmosphere to the service and the prices. It’s a great place to enjoy a nice meal, and I would definitely recommend it!

Amazing food, made in true albanian style with fresh ingredients from local farmers. With their standard menu you'll get a ton of different dishes so you can try everything. Super cool atmosphere too. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

The staff were incredibly kind and polite. The restaurant has a lovely atmosphere with a warm cultural touch. I asked the waiter about the name “Cemile,” thinking it might be a Turkish name, and he explained how many Albanian names have Ottoman and Muslim origins. That little conversation made the place feel even more welcoming. The food was delicious, the portions were generous, and the prices were very reasonable. I even tried to take a photo before eating, but the waiter kindly warned me that more dishes were coming and the table wouldn’t be enough. I truly enjoyed my time here and definitely recommend it.