COD Tirana
Get into the Prime Ministry building!
Known as the Centre for Openness and Dialogue, COD is a new initiative in Albanian cultural life. It transmits a very important message, especially for a post-communist country, which amounts to having more transparency and collaboration between the government and the citizens. What’s amazing in this spot is that I can enjoy being in the most important governmental building of the country, the Prime Ministry, which a few years before was not just simply closed to the public, it was surrounded by a high and unwelcoming wall.
I find my way around COD in two ways: either using its vast collection of books & articles in the library or by being part of their cultural events that include expositions, discussions with artists or debates with domestic and foreign politicians. Thus, COD has a yearly calendar of events that is accessible on their official website. The library is completely open to the public and since few people are aware of the existence of this amazing place in the heart of Tirana, it also happens to be a beautiful quiet spot to read and work. I loved curling up with a good book and occasionally watching Tirana’s main boulevard through the window. There is also the possibility to watch films and projections in their “digital hall”, a functional exchange space.
With a large collection of books, also in foreign languages, and its irresistible appeal, I can imagine COD being high on the list of visitors!
About this spot
Find your way with 166 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Tirana
Duff
An awesome sports bar
"Duff" in Tirana is like one of those American sports bars you go to drink lots of beer (Simpsons fans will get it). I do love their beer...
by
Eri
Mataj
Natyra e Qetë Restaurant
Calm Nature
"Natyra e Qetë" Restaurant is a nice and relaxing outdoor spot which is a great place to stop by after a shopping spree to enjoy the nature, food and wine..
by
Matilda
Karçanaj
The House Tirana
Morning coffee or a night drink?
"The House Tirana" is a great, warm cafe. I love going there for its very good coffee and snacks. It has become one of my favorites in the city, easily!
by
Ardita
Puma
Postbllok - Checkpoint
Communist isolation
"Postbllok - Checkpoint" in Tirana is a memorial to Albanian communist isolation, conceived as an artistic installation. I like going down to the bunker...
by
Klea
Vyshka
Iliria'98
Money exchange
"Iliria'98" in Tirana is the currency exchange office I head to before going abroad. It's the cheapest in the city, so I recommend you use it, too.
by
Marinela
Gogo
Chilli Snack Bar
Snack and beer time!
"Chilli Snack Bar" in Tirana has all kinds of snacks and it looks and feels like Christmas all year long! I like having my morning coffee there...
by
Ardita
Puma
Bunk'art 2
Pieces of the past
"Bunk'Art 2" in Tirana is a museum that shows what happened inside the Ministry of Internal Affairs during communism. It's good we can learn these things.
by
Ardita
Puma
Shtepia e Gjetheve
Communism's dark secrets
"Shtepia e Gjetheve", 'The House of Leaves', used to be the espionage center used by the communist government in Tirana, now converted into a nice museum.
by
Ardita
Puma
Colonial Cocktails Academy
Cocktails anyone?
"Colonial Cocktails Academy" in Tirana is where I had the best vodka sour I've ever tried. I love the atmosphere the staff and of course its drinks!
by
Ardita
Puma
Painters on the Street
Artsy corners
Tirana has its fair share of "Painters on the street". I like how colorful they make their corners and the warm feeling looking at their art gives me.
by
Ardita
Puma
The New Boulevard
Simple aesthetics
"The New Boulevard" has taken the place of the old train station in Tirana. Its benches and white spaces make it perfect for walking and biking around...
by
Ardita
Puma
Chakra Jone
Our chakra
"Chakra Jone" is the only Indian restaurant in Tirana. The chefs can cook up a variety of over 130 dishes, so that's a huge issue for my indecisive soul!
by
Marinela
Gogo
Heading to Tirana?
166 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 166 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Tirana
Get to know our other Spotters from Tirana
As featured on:
