Tirana is the capital city of Albania, founded in 1614 by Ottoman Albanian general Sulejman Pasha Bargjini. It is the biggest city in Albania which is still expanding and growing due to the high demand especially of young families, who see Tirana as the place of opportunities. Many post graduate students decide to stay and work in Tirana rather than going back to their hometown, even if this means having a job unrelated to their major.

Tirana is a city of big contrasts, as the new and old cohibit together. It is not unusual to find a very modern skytower next to a simple apartment block from Communism. According to wikipedia, in 2016 Tirana surpassed even Spain by becoming the number one city in the world with the biggest number  of coffee houses, r 654 coffee houses per 100 000 habitants. In my previous article I mentioned the coffee culture in Albania, where having a coffee is more than that, it is about friendship and quality time.

Some of the most Albanian popular coffee houses are Mon Cheri, a coffee chain that has opened its coffee houses in Budapest in the last couple years.  Mulilliri i Vjeter and Sofia are two other popular coffee houses. These coffee houses are known for their unique design, a blend of the modern and traditional style, western & traditional, a very friendly enviorement, great coffee and deserts. 

There are many places that you can visit in Tirana, I would start by recommending three of those today.  

Blloku area is one of the most popular neighborhood in Tirana, once the home of the Communist Party leaders, this area was forbidden to be accessed by common citizens. You can visit the house of the dictator Enver Hoxha as well enjoy a great coffee or drink in the coffee house build in one of the parts of his house. 

Pazari i Ri or New Bazzar is a new touristic attraction. This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Tirana. The area went under a total restructuring 4 years ago in partnership with the American Fund Development Project. If you would like to bring unique or old antique tokens, gifts, here is the place where many souvenirs shops are located. If you are a lover of olive oil, olives, white cheese, you can find a variety of great fresh products at the local vendors located in this area. Besides that there are many traditional grill shops where you can try the traditional Albanian qofte (meatballs) and beer, or fresh grilled fish at the fish restaurants. 

Bunk Art 1 & 2- These are the underground tunnels built during Communism. There are two of them, one located near the Tirana Munipacility Building at the center of Tirana. The other one is located in east of Tirana, at Fresku neighborhood, on the way to Dajti Mount. Both museums exhibit items that the Communist leader Enver Hoxha used. If you visit the Bunk Art at Fresku, don't miss Dajti Mount. 

Dajti Mount is flooded every weekend by many families who want to escape the noise and smoke of the city, and enjoy the quitness, fresh air and  nature that this area offers. The area is known for many nice restaurants that serve organic food, as well some of the popular pools built at the feet of the mountain or further, offering a breathtaking view. You can take the cable cabin for $5.2 which will take you to the touristic destination at Dajt.

 Dajti Adventure Park is 10 minutes from the cable cabin station. It offers several outdoor activities, which makes the experience fun and richer. For those who love hicking or bicycling they can take the Shato Linza bus at the center of Tirana and then walk up the mountain. The local authorities have done a great job in the recent years to develop the hicking paths, which lead to the ruins of one of the oldest churches in Tirana. The path has milestones that will guide you all the way up and back to the national road where you can take the bus back to the center. Locals though would advice you to be cautious and careful as there are bears on the forest. 

So, from what you read, which destination you would pick up to visit, if you would visit Tirana, and why? What would you like to be mentioned that I did not mention? If you notice food and coffee are important in our culture, as they are related to relationship. We say that once you break bread with someone (meaning sharing a meal) your relationship can not be the same anymore.