Just when I thought Tirana was running out of cool places that can catch my attention and that I would have nothing to write about, a friend of mine told me about this awesome, well-hidden place which apparently was on the street where I live. So close, yet so far! Vila Ironbrush, before it became what it is now, used to be a traditional Albanian, or rather Tirana, house, meaning: big garden and 2 floors with small balconies.

Now, the place, which is a coffee shop/bar/tattoo studio and a place for live art shows, belongs to one of the best and most famous tattoo artists in Albania, and Iron Brush is a well known community for tattoo lovers and artists. Vila Ironbrush is a two-floored house, with a big garden in front of it. During the day, the first floor and the garden are mostly open for coffee (or beer!). Meanwhile, most nights there’s live music played there. The second floor is divided in two parts: the first one is the tattoo studio and the second one is a small art gallery where exhibitions of young artists are held. The alcohol is pretty cheap and good.

I can’t really think of another place that has managed to gather so many great things in one. If you’re in Tirana, it’s a must-check!