I’d wanted to visit Albania for a long time after hearing so many good things about it, and then I noticed that WizzAir had opened a new route from Cyprus (Larnaca) to Tirana at very low prices. I found a round-trip ticket for just €50 per person and booked right away.
We traveled for four nights, two adults and our two daughters, Maya (6) and Sophie (3) , at the end of October 2025. The weather was perfect, around 21°C during the day and 13°C in the evening, with no rain at all.
At first, I considered exploring multiple destinations, but after researching Tirana, I decided to focus our trip on Tirana. On our next visit to Albania, we’ll explore more regions. What’s certain is that this trip made me want to return, it’s a unique, authentic, lively country with warm people and affordable prices.
The local currency is the Lek, and 100 Lek equals roughly one euro. Car Rental in Tirana
We decided to rent a car, which was a great decision since it allowed us to reach many places easily. I found our car through the Paapm Paapm search engine, which offered a great deal with Capital Rent Car, €109 for four days, including full insurance and a child seat. The car itself, a Nissan Micra, cost only €40.
Capital is located about a 10-minute walk from the terminal. When we landed, I sent my husband, Roman, to pick up the car while I waited with the girls at the airport. The process was quick; he came to pick us up after 20 minutes. They even upgraded us to a bigger, newer car! The deposit was only €200 compared to many other companies that require €1,200, so pay attention to that when choosing a rental. Returning the car was just as smooth, and the staff was friendly and didn’t charge us for minor issues; they even ignored a small fuel shortage. Highly recommended, both the company and Paapm Paapm.
It’s important to note that driving in Albania isn’t easy; people park in the middle of the road, overtake carelessly, and Tirana is quite crowded, with narrow streets and limited parking. Definitely get full insurance and drive slowly and carefully. If you’re staying only in Tirana and nervous about driving, taxis are an option, though less flexible.
A story from our trip: One day, we followed Google Maps out of our hotel, and it led us through an extremely narrow street. At one point, Roman scratched the side mirror, and it looked impossible to move forward or back. I got out to help guide him with the help of a few passersby. Somehow, we made it through with only a light scratch! When returning the car, the employee noticed it but didn’t charge us anything.
Where We Stayed in Tirana
We split our stay between two hotels, one in the city center and one inside a park for a quieter experience. The first was Areela Boutique Hotel, a small city-center boutique hotel, and the second was Hotel Restaurant Dreri, located inside a park, offering a peaceful setting with space for the kids. This combination was perfect; we enjoyed both the vibrant city life and the relaxed park atmosphere. Areela Boutique Hotel
A quiet, small hotel with friendly staff. We booked two double rooms (no connecting doors), each for about €50 per night, including breakfast served at the table. There’s free parking nearby, though you need the staff to open the gate. The beds were very comfortable, with blackout shutters. The rooms are small but functional; the bathroom isn’t very comfortable since the shower sprays water everywhere. There’s no elevator, but only one floor up and one down.
To book the hotel and read more reviews 
Hotel Restaurant Dreri
This hotel is inside a park, though Google Maps directions can be confusing, use these coordinates: [directions]. Paid parking costs €1 during the day. The hotel is peaceful and charming, with lawns, a playground, and even a deer enclosure. Rooms are basic but spacious and comfortable, and we booked two side-by-side rooms (€70 per room per night, breakfast included). Each room had a balcony overlooking the park. There’s no elevator, only stairs.
To book the hotel and read more reviews 
Dajti Ekspres Cable Car
We discovered this by chance, and it turned out to be the highlight of our trip. The ride lasts about 20 minutes and covers 4.6 km from the lower to the upper station. Tickets are only sold on-site, so arrive around opening time (9:00 AM), especially in peak season. It’s closed on Tuesdays (except on holidays). Check the official website for weather updates or maintenance closures.
There’s free parking (about 25 minutes from the city center), or you can take a taxi or bus. Directions
Prices:
Round-trip adult – €15
Child over 4 – €7
Under 4 – Free
The views are spectacular, the city, lakes, and autumn colors made it magical. At the top, there’s a whole adventure area with a ropes park, mini-golf (Maya loved it!), horseback riding, paragliding, paintball, and more. There’s also a hotel with a bar on the 7th floor, lookout points, and a restaurant with an amazing view and delicious food.
Tip: As soon as you arrive at the top, reserve a table by the window at the Dajti Balcony’s restaurant, it fills up fast. Next to it, there’s a lovely photo spot with a heart sculpture and a bench overlooking the mountains. 
Liqeni i Farkës Dam
We decided to visit the Liqeni i Farkës Dam, about a 20-minute drive from the city center. We parked on the opposite side of the dam [directions] and took a short, pleasant walk. The area is peaceful and family-friendly.
On our way back, we met an elderly woman selling popcorn. Maya ran straight to her. She bought a colorful popcorn bag for €1, and the woman gave us a plain one for free. Maya declared, “People in Albania are the nicest ever!”
The lake is artificial and covers about 75 hectares. It’s easy to reach by car, and the walk is great for kids, especially in autumn when the foliage colors are beautiful. Directions. 
Tirana Lake Park
Our second hotel, Dreri, was inside this lovely park. On one side of the hotel is the lake with playgrounds and food stalls. You can walk there (about 30 minutes), but we drove and parked nearby (€5 for 3 hours).
There were toy stalls, popcorn, and fresh juice stands. We sat by the lake and then went to a nearby playground. It’s a great place for kids to play safely. The lake is part of Tirana’s Grand Park, with walking trails, cafés, picnic spots, and scenic viewpoints. Arrive early or during quieter hours for a relaxed visit. Directions.
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Tirana Castle
Located in the city center, Tirana Castle isn’t really a castle but a historic complex with old walls, restaurants, cafés, bars, and souvenir shops. We visited on a Saturday afternoon, it was busy but pleasant. I read that evenings have a livelier vibe with open bars and music. It’s a great spot for coffee or shopping for souvenirs. Directions. 
Pyramid of Tirana Area
We stumbled upon this area by chance, and Maya was immediately drawn to the colorful architecture. The pyramid was built in 1988 as a museum for Enver Hoxha but has since been renovated into a cultural center. You can climb to the top for a great view. The weather was perfect, and we enjoyed exploring the colorful surroundings.
We ate at Tony’s American Restaurant & Coffee Shop Pyramid, serving Mexican-style food, burgers, and coffee , nothing special, but convenient. The area is accessible by foot or car, and it’s a nice stop for families and architecture lovers. 
Rinia Park
Located near the pyramid and the mall, Rinia Park is a small, pleasant park with a playground, fountain, and seating areas, perfect for kids. We spent about 45 minutes there, and the girls had a great time. Directions. 
Skanderbeg Square
The main square of Tirana , spacious, surrounded by important buildings like City Hall and the National History Museum. A great spot for photos or a short stroll, with cafés and restaurants nearby. It’s also a good starting point for exploring the city center or nearby attractions. Directions. Toptani Mall
I’m usually not a fan of malls, but one chilly evening, we decided to visit Toptani Mall to shop for a few things and enjoy the Halloween activities. The mall has six floors plus four parking levels. The top floor has a large food court and a children’s play area, very convenient for families.
Opening hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Directions
Recommended Restaurants in Tirana
We tried several great restaurants, all with excellent service and good prices. Blùa Fish Restaurant
Blua fish restaurant is located on the 5th floor (with a kids’ playroom one floor below). Stylish décor, good service, and great prices. We ordered fish soup, seafood risotto, and grilled sea bass with vegetables, all delicious. 
Dajti Balcony’s Restaurant
Dajti Balcony’s Restaurant is located at the top of the cable car, with traditional Albanian food and stunning views. We ordered about eight dishes, and the total was €55. The meatballs with tomato, onion, and pepper sauce were the highlight. 
Hotel Restaurant Dreri
We ate at the hotel restaurant Dreri twice because it was just that good. We tried sautéed mushrooms, spinach with cheese, grilled meatballs, veal, filet steak with mushrooms (our favorite), and salmon pasta. All were excellent and reasonably priced, even non-guests should come here. 
Vila Feliz Restaurant
Vila Feliz is right next to Dreri. We had a light meal of avocado and salmon bruschetta, pizzas the girls loved, and spinach with rice and egg. Great food, lovely setting, and good service. 
In conclusion, Tirana was a wonderful surprise for us. The city blends urban energy, culture, nature, and family-friendly attractions. From the bustling center with its square, mall, and castle to the peaceful cable car and parks, there’s plenty to enjoy, great food, relaxed vibes, and diverse experiences. However, it’s worth noting that Tirana isn’t a typical European city, parts of it feel more like the developing world, with chaotic traffic, tight parking, and old-fashioned shops. Still, that’s part of its charm. After this visit, we’re sure we’ll be back to explore even more.
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