On the 13th day of our adventure on 10 September 2023: Our destination was Tirana, Albania, a journey Google Maps estimated to be approximately 4 hours on an apparently straightforward 170 km road. Upon reaching our accommodation, we were warmly welcomed by our host after the booking. The apartment left us pleasantly surprised, beautifully decorated and well-appointed.
After a brief rest, we set out to find a restaurant. Given the central location, we didn’t even have a chance to reach the end of the street before stumbling upon a delightful place to dine, Pizza Seni. The service was swift, and the food was delicious.
Following a coffee, we decided to explore Tirana on foot without any prior plans. Coincidentally, we found ourselves in the city on the day of the Poland vs. Albania football match. The streets were vibrant and filled with police to ensure public order. For a brief period, we even had an escort, likely interpreting us as speaking a different language and identifying us as tourists who might be Polish football supporters.
During our spontaneous exploration, we visited the Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral and the Pyramid of Tirana, both offering superb views of the city. We proceeded to Sheshi Skënderbej and climbed The Clock Tower of Tirana. Afterward, we headed to Bunk’Art, visited Mall Toptani, and stopped by AROMA1993 for some cake for the kids, who were delighted.
We returned to the city center along Shëtitorja Murat Toptani, a touristy pedestrian street lined with terraces and restaurants. At the end of a fulfilling day, we decided to visit the Pyramid of Tirana in the evening, and it was absolutely worth it. The panoramic view was extraordinary. On our way back, we made a stop in a park where the kids expended their energy. Tirana turned out to be a city that pleasantly surprised us. Thank you for the wonderful experience.
