Experience in Tirane, Albania by Enio

What is it like to live in Tirane? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Tirana is a very nice city to live in, however there are a few flaws that is why I am traveling to Rotterdam. Albania is a very welcoming country and the people are very friendly. There aren't a lot of entertainment activities in Tirana, it is a city filled with coffee bars and restaurants, which is where people my age tend to hang out.

What is the student lifestyle like in Tirane?

The education system has room for improvement. The lifestyle isn't very student friendly, because it is a developing city and it is very easy to get distracted. There aren't a lot of student environments where you could go study.

How much does it cost to live in Tirane?

Albania in general is a very cheap country. When living in Tirana there are a lot of things to do even if you don't have a lot of money in your pocket.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Tirane? Is there any advice you can give?

It isn't difficult for families to find accommodation, however it is pretty hard to find rentals if you are a student. The rentals aren't in very good conditions and aren't very student friendly. One advice I'd give is to go to a real estate agency because they are the most specialized for this case.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food in Tirana is amazing. It is very cheap and tasty. There is a wide range of restaurants and a lot of local vendors. Traditional Albanian food is very famous throughout the Balkans. "Byrek" and "Sufllaqe" are some famous dishes found everywhere in the city and they are very cheap and tasty.

What places would you recommend visiting in Tirane?

The central square is a big touristic destination, filled with fun activities for children and young adults. The most frequented bars in the capital are near the center and that is where tourists and locals frequent the most.

Is it good to eat out in Tirane? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

The food is very good and so are the restaurants. Some of my favorite spots are "OPA", which serves the famous "Sufllaqe" and other Greek specialties. Another place I frequent a lot is "Artigiano" which is a very famous and good restaurant.

Is the nightlife good in Tirane? Where is good to go?

The nightlife is very popular in Tirana, and there are a lot of destinations in the zone "Ish-Blloku" where the young adults stay. There are a lot of places you can go out with your friends and have a good time.

What advice would you give future students heading to Tirane?

Don't get distracted by the rich night life of Tirana.