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Tirana In Your Pocket
On the ground in Tirana, it's been a busy year with plenty of new restaurants and hotels opening up, all of them reviewed in this new edition. Tirana In Your Pocket enjoyed growing popularity in 2009 too, and we've fattened the guide by 12 pages this issue.
One exciting new story regards the building of the much-discussed Tirana Rocks project, several large blocks seemingly dropped on the lakeside in the city centre, which may well come to define Tirana's new look (if they don't run out of money first); read all about it here.
Our special feature this issue concerns Albania's veritable treasure trove of traditional costumes. There are 300 different types of dress in this small country, and these beautiful costumes and items can be viewed at Tirana's National Museum as well as at the private Spahiu collection. Read more about it here.
Like everything in the Albania, Tirana In Your Pocket is continuously under construction and your comments and tips are welcome at
OUR Tirana HIGHLIGHTS
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Era
Meaning 'wind', this popular and foreigner-friendly spot makes for a good casual lunch or dinner. The Albanian food is excellent; try the stuffed eggplant and peppers, and fërgesë (fried mi
Read on -
Et'hem Bey Mosque
Perhaps the only real sight in Tirana, this pretty mosque is right on the city's main square, making it hard to miss. Construction of the 'Xhamia e Haxhi Ethem Beut' mosque started in 1794 and was fi
Read on -
Lollipop
Latest Tirana Comments
At last something professional in Albania... at last more chances to improve your health... congratulations![...]
The ambiance at Bonaparte Wine bar is warm, personal, romantic and tres chic. It is conceived as an exciting urban destination to experience and explore the fascinating world of wine and spirits and it’s a number one destination for wine connoisseurs. The wine list is truly impressive. Servers and bartenders are well versed in the wine collection at Bonaparte, offering the guests an extensive and multifaceted range of choices. During the day, Bonaparte also operates as a gourmet coffee house, where you may enjoy a variety of coffee drinks, tea, fresh juices and traditional French pastries. It is by far the supreme wine bar in Tirana!
EDITOR - Now that Bonaparte's friends have commented, perhaps some other clients can add some feedback?![...]
Yes it is true, and besides Armagnac you can have the best French wines such as Chateau Latour, Chateau Cheval Blanc, Chateau Margaux, Pape Clement, Chateau Figeac etc. Tapas are served at happy hour and Jamon Pata Negra, a delicious product from Sp[...]
Dajti is the best place in Tirana for fresh air.[...]
My friend Alun and I planned a train journey from Tirana to Pogragec, we were then going on to Korçë for a few days, and then to our destination Ersekë. Our first observation was that every Albanian who we told simply laughed at us. Even the taxi driver who took us to the station for our 05.55 departure tried to convince us that the train would never leave! Upon arrival at the station, our host Gimi (similarly sceptical of Albanian train travel) searched out the ticket office and purchased our tickets. We then found our way down to the platform, and onto the train. It was battered and broken; after a few moments it edged out of the station into an amazing adventure. First to Durrës, where the route seemed to double back on itself, and then on to industrial Elbasan, and then we climbed high into the mountains. Through tunnels, over bridges, past forgotten station stops, catching breathtaking mountain and river vistas, and then down to the wonderful shore line of Lake Ohrid to Pogradec, arriving at 12.25 precisely. And if that wasn’t enough, on the train we enjoyed a wonderful array of Albanian company. Little groups of working men puffing away on cigarettes heading for their duties. Women of all shapes and sizes who seemed to occupy the train with easy familiarity, there was one pair who tore through a huge loaf of bread, enjoying every morsel. And then there were the children, running about and flashing cheeky smiles. Please do not heed the critical comments of Albanian tourist advisors – the train is a sheer delight. Make a big effort to enjoy it, before it receives a European makeover, and loses its adventure. Do contact me for more information, or to share your own experience.
EDITOR - Excellent report David, thanks![...]
It's a beautiful place.[...]
If you want to see a movie in Tirana frequent the Kinema Millenium located on Rruga Murat Toptani. They offer a new, usually American, film every two weeks with a large screen and comfortable seats. I would not recommend seeing anything at the Imper[...]
Wonderful restaurant! They have New York cheese cake direct from New York. They also have cold Starbucks coffee. They specialize in home-made pastas with mouth-watering sauces. You will be very impressed![...]
Friend's Book House is my favourite place to buy books, service is great, and coffee is the best. There are writen rules for clients who use the library, for all services, and price. I wish I had more time to spend there! I usually go at weekends wi[...]
I am happy to see the arrival of sushi to Tirana, and it was really tasty and fresh when I went there - the prices might be a bit hefty for Albania but sushi is quite expensive everywhere in the world. Recommend it![...]
A very good boutique.
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How do I find out the times of movies?
EDITOR: Imperial has a website that you can get to by clicking on the word 'website' beside their listing here at Tirana In Your Pocket. Showtimes and films are listed there - in Albanian but nevertheless clear enough. If that fails, they have a phone.[...]
Yamato is the best Asian restaurant in Albania! There are only two of this kind, what a pity. Best price, best service, best sushi ever! Thank you guys![...]
I do not agree with animals being imprisoned in cages just to attract people. But please do not generalise. If civilisation would only be measured from the way individuals treat animals or humans what would a great nation like the British one have to say, seeing how prisoners were treated in Iraq or at the way British gentlemen have treated animals and humans in Africa and elsewhere in the last 300-400 years. Please stay away from clichés!
EDITOR: Thanks. All points of view now represented - the discussion is closed.[...]
Looooooooooooooooooove it! Thanks for many many MANY great evenings![...]