TIRANA

One curiosity would be their peculiar way to use foreign languages: a mineral water company promotes with "Suffled how it gush" and every Albanian claim with an expression of surprise that it means, well "suffled how it gush". Or all those bunkers out on the fields and yards to defend the albanian state of labor and peasant. Most of the curvy roads - communistic dictator Enver Hoxha built them like this on purpose, for no aggressive aircraft to be able to land - are straightend meanwhile. Also Tirana has changed since the fall of communism like no other eastern or southeastern european city. Everywhere high risers rocketed high, mostlly illegal. The population figure doubled to 600.000, estimates even extinguish a million. Some of the streets in the suburbs are not even named yet. And at the "Blloku" quarter young Albanians party rompish in chic mansions, that until 1991 only used to be seen by party members and foreign diplomates. Back then foreigners were not allowed to move freely and Tirana was full of rumors about what was going on in the "forbidden city".

Airport
The airport Nënë Tereza is the only international one in Albania and is located approx. 17 km northwest of Tirana. The easiest way to get in town would be by bus or taxi.
www.tirana-airport.com.al

Airport transfers
The taxi stands are right in front of the terminal, a ride in the capital is about € 20,–. Only use official taxis that are marked by yellow varnishing and a taxi sign. Buses of the "Rinas Express" Company shuttle hourly between airport and center city (national museum), ticket price € 1,60.

Inner urban traffic
Inherently Tirana is not that big, that you couldn't explore the city walking. There are bus lines but you really have to watch out for pickpockets. In case of doubt always take a taxi (Tel.: 24 44 44, 37 77 77, 25 45 55).

Nationalmuseum
The nationalmuseum is the biggest museum in all Albania and houses the most precious art tresures of the country. It is dedicated to Albania's history and its population and communicates it in a very impressive way.
Muzeu Kombretar, Skanderbeg Place, Tel.: 22 83 89, 9 am -12 pm and 5 pm - 7 pm, entrance € 2,50

Et’hem Bey Mosque
The mosque is one of the central sights in town and one of Tirana's oldest buildings. The construction already started in 1794 but during communism it was partly destroyed. Since then it is a symbol for religious freedom. Particularly well worth seeing are the mosque's frescos.
Sheshi Skenderbej, Tel.: 22 37 01, summer 8 am - 10 pm, winter 8 am - 7 pm

Skanderbeg-Monument
The Skanderbeg-Monument placed on the homonymous place is the town's landmark. It is dedicated to Duke Gjergj Kastrioti who defended the country against the Ottomans in the 15th century.
Skanderbeg-Place

Trips
From Tirana there are a lot of interesting trips to go on. For example the Dajti National Park is only 20 km eastern of Tirana and easily reachable with a taxi. The park has an total area of 3.300 ha and ideal destination for hiking.
A trip to 15 km distant Petrela is also to recommend: the remains of illiric Presqopi were found here

Yes and No
In Albania there are reversed rules for the most important signal of bodylanguage: moving your head up and down combined with a short click with the tongue means explicitly "No!", shaking your head instead means "Yes". This mannersim leads e.g. in restaurants to eerie-comical scenes: a guest tries to order redwine in English helping himself with hand and feet. The waiter points to the desired bottle on the menu. The guest nods eagerly. The waiter looks confused and comes back a couple of minutes later with a glas of beer. The guest shakes his head distressed...

Serenata
Most people think of it as the best place in Tirana that serves typical Albanian cuisine.
Mihal Duri 7, Tel.: 27 30 88, 9 am - 11 pm

London
No English pub but one of the best pizzarias in town.
Bulrvardi Zogu I, Tel.: 23 88 51, 12 am - 11 pm

Sky Club
Located at the top floor of Tiranas highest tower, the Vodafone-Tower, you will get good food and a beautiful view over the city. The restaurant circels in such a way as to enable you to see in every direction.
Vodafone Tower, Deshmoret e 4 Shkurtit, Tel.: 22 16 66

Sheraton Tirana Hotel & Towers
The first and only 5-Star-Hotel in Albania, it is located centrally inside of a shopping and entertainment complex in Tirana. This is the place to go if you want luxury.
Sheshi Italia, Tel.: 27 47 07, DR ab € 175,–, www.starwoodhotels.com

Rogner Hotel Europark Tirana
The 4-Star-Hotel lies in the heart of the city and features a total of 137 rooms, among them are 6 suits and 4 luxurious appartments. Besides a gourmet restaurant there are several conference rooms which make the hotel very suitable for congresses.
Boulevard Deshmoret e Kombit, Tel.: 23 50 35, DR ab € 146,– www.hotel-europapark.com

Hotel California
One of the low-priced alternatives with a good location. The rooms are clean and have a balcony with a terrific view.
Mihal Duri 2/1, Tel.: 25 31 91, DR ab € 35,–, california@albmail.com

Rozafa Palace
One of the city's scene spots, popular DJs are frequently hosted.
Arkiteit Kasemi, Ish Maarkata, 8 am - 11 pm, Sat 8 am - 8 am

Living Room
One of the most popular and hip clubs in town. You can party all night long on different floors or just enjoy a cocktail at the bar.
Punetoret e Rilindjes, Tel.: 06 92 03 32 24, 7 pm - 3 am

Boom Boom Boom
A place for Jazz lovers, regular live performances.
Gjin Bue Shpata

30 over
For everybody who likes it smooth and calm: this cozy wine tavern has a convincing selection of albanian and international wines.
Rr. Pjeter Bogdani, Tel.: 069 207 43 16, 7 am - midnight

Univers Shopping Center
A relatively new, big shopping center that streches over 13.600m². You find anything you need from electronics to stylish clothing. It is approx. 6 km outside of Tirana but easily reachable with a shuttlebus from the nationalmuseum.
Durrës highway, Tel.: 38 01 00, 9 am - 9 pm, in the summer 9 am - 10 pm www.qtu-al.com/eng/vendndodhja.htm

Sheraton Shopping Center
If you don't feel like taking the shuttle just shop here immediately next to the homonymous hotel (Sheshi Italia).

Albania carries a long tradition of manufacturing handcrafts. Regardless if carpets, fabrics, silver and cupric filigrees, woodcarving or pottery - almost anything of that would be a great souvenir for your loved ones at home.

These and lots more souvenirs are sold in almost every touristic places in town, for example on Rr. e Durrësit, where you can purchase dolls in national dressing at "LLeshi". Another option would be the art trade "Art Forever" (Rr. Vaso Pasha 99, Tel.: 24 63 86, 10.30 am - 9 pm, Sun closed), who sells both old books and traditional costumes. Normally the price is negatiable.