Yes — very. Tirana is statistically safer than Rome, Paris or Barcelona for tourists.

Is English spoken in Tirana?

Widely under age 35, especially in cafés and hotels. Italian is even more common.

How do I get from Tirana to the Albanian Riviera?

Furgon van to Saranda (4 h, €15) or Himara (3 h). Departures from the South Terminal.

Tirana Travel Essentials — Emergency, Safety & Things to Do

🚨 Emergency help in Tirana

Tap to call. EU 112 routes to the right service in any Balkan country.

Tourist assistance: +355 4 222 3313 (Tourist Info)

Tirana is electric. Repainted in the 2000s, exploding with cafés, museums and new architecture. It's the natural starting point for the Albanian Riviera and the Theth–Valbona hikes in the Accursed Mountains.

Tirana on the map

Nearby emergency services

🏥 Hospitals

QSUT — University Hospital Center
Rruga e Dibrës
📞 +355 4 234 5000 📍 Maps

🚓 Police stations

Tirana Police Directorate
Bulevardi Bajram Curri
📍 Maps

💊 Pharmacies

Farmacia 7 — Blloku
Rruga Themistokli Gërmenji — 24/7
📍 Maps

Search nearest hospital on Google Maps →

Currency in Tirana

Currency

Albanian lek

Code / Symbol

ALL · L

Rate

~100 ALL = €1

· Euros accepted at hotels and tour operators.
· Cards in upscale venues only; carry cash.
· ATMs limit €200–€300 per withdrawal.

What to eat in Tirana

Tavë kosi
Albania's national dish — baked lamb with yogurt and rice. Oda restaurant.
Byrek
Albanian phyllo pie with meat, cheese or spinach.
Fërgesë
Peppers, tomatoes, cottage cheese stew — order anywhere in Blloku.
Raki
Grape brandy. Stronger than most expect.

Is Tirana safe? Travel safety tips

Very safe

Tirana is one of Europe's safest capitals for tourists. Violent crime against foreigners is rare.

Crossing the street

Tirana traffic ignores zebra crossings. Cross with locals, never alone.

ATM scams

Skimmers reported on standalone street ATMs. Use Raiffeisen, Credins or Tirana Bank ATMs inside branches.

Top things to do in Tirana

Bunk'Art 1 & 2
Museum
Cold-war bunkers turned into museums. Bunk'Art 1: 500 ALL. Don't miss.
Open in Maps →
Dajti Express cable car
Nature
15-min ride to 1,613 m — €8 return.
Open in Maps →
Blloku district
Quarter
Where the politburo lived — now Tirana's nightlife heart.
Open in Maps →
Skanderbeg Square
Landmark
Vast pedestrianised square with the Et'hem Bey Mosque.
Open in Maps →
Pyramid of Tirana
Landmark
Brutalist 1988 monument, recently transformed into a tech hub.
Open in Maps →

Useful Tirana info

Best time to visit

April–June, September–October.

Public transport

City buses 40 ALL (€0.40). Centre is walkable. Bolt is cheapest taxi.

Airport

Tirana Int'l Airport (TIA) — 17 km. Rinas Express bus €4 every hour to Skanderbeg Square.

Plug & voltage

Type C/F, 230V

· Vans (furgon) leave from the South & North Albania Terminal near the train station — no fixed schedule, depart when full.
· Bus to Saranda 4 h (€15), Shkodër 2 h (€6), Kotor 5 h (€25), Skopje 5 h (€20).

Get out of Tirana

Looking for transportation across the Balkans?

Buses, vans and ferries linking every Balkan capital and coastal town — book instantly through our partner.

Browse routes →Travel insurance

More in Albania

Sarandë

The Albanian Riviera's main hub — and 30 min by ferry from Corfu.

Tirana travel essentials