When writing about a city and in particular about the capital of a country, it is more likely you'll talk about the city centre. In Tirana's case, as a local, I would not call a friend and say: "Let's meet in the city centre and then decide where to go". I would choose the Pyramid and then start telling them about the history of my country and the importance of dealing with the past.
The Pyramid is located in the middle of Tirana; hence it's close to everything. As such, it is already a meeting point for the locals and an orientation spot for many foreigners who choose Tirana as a tourist destination.
Furthermore, you can also grab a beer and climb it, and after that, you can choose your next spot. If you want to keep it cheaper, the Pyramid is one of the best places to hang out. After that, you can switch to the artificial lake of Tirana, which is not that far from the Pyramid.
The Pyramid also has interesting architecture, which means different things to different people in Albania. Therefore, there has been a lot of discussion from different political points of view on the Pyramid. All in all, it remains a very good orientation point, and it's easily accessible from different parts of Tirana via good public transportation, even though it's not the best. Every time I pass by, it makes me think and critically reflect on the difficult past of my country.
Find your way with 166 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"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..
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"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!
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"Postbllok - Checkpoint" in Tirana is a memorial to Albanian communist isolation, conceived as an artistic installation. I like going down to the bunker...
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"COD", or the Centre for Openness and Dialogue in Tirana, is a new initiative in Albanian cultural life. I love coming here to work or curl up with a book.
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"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...
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"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.
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"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.
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"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!
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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.
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"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...
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166 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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