Experience in Tirane, Albania by Irida

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

Living in Tirana can be analysed in both positive and negative aspects.It is a good choice because it is already well-known that the capital city of Albania is one of the cheapest cities when it comes to the cost of living in Europe.There are plenty of shopping malls.
The difficulties you can face up to are mostly related to the public transport because Tirana lacks facilities like metro/underground or tramvay..The only mean of public transport are buses which can be quite useful as well and actually the tickets are quite cheap.Despite having problems with traffic jam,I would recommend Tirana.

What is the student lifestyle like in Tirane?

You can have a nice student life full of activities.You can spend your free hours hanging around with friends,relaxing in the warm coffee shops,tasting the delicious foods including traditional one and special sweets .You can join different clubs such as sportive,cultural ,charity ones,etc.In the recent years many international students are completing their studies in Tirana .Therefore,you can share many experiences and make more friends becoming further more active in the social life.

How much does it cost to live in Tirane?

Tirana is quite cheap and affordable when it comes to the student life.The average expenses of a student vary between 350-400 € including accomodation,food,clothes and other neccesary facilities.

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

It is a bit difficult to find accomodation in Tirana,because there are not many available rooms in the dormitaries and if you decide to study in Tirana ,you have to find your accomodation as soon as possible.
However certain webpages and offical newspapers publish different announcement for possible accomodation.

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

The food is traditional and quite delicious including specialities of both meat and fish products.There are many restaurants like Italian,Greek,French,Mexican,American,Chinese,etc which offer a variety of specialities.My favourite dishes are all the pastas and some traditional pies.

What places would you recommend visiting in Tirane?

I would recommend visiting the National Historical Museum,Mountain of Dajti ,which is a really pictoresque place,and some historical castles near Tirana such as the one of Peza,Ib,etc.

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

Yes,it is good to eat out in Tirane because high quality can be offered with a reasonable price.If you spend 2-5 € you can eat a good meal in a median restaurant.You need to spend 1-3 € in any of the fast foods.My favourite spots are :"King House","Taiwan","Pasta Da Pucci".

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

The night life is very good in Tirana.It is good to go to "The Code","Lollipop","Mumja","Matrix".

What advice would you give future students heading to Tirane?

I would highly recommend them to find accomodation as soon as possible,join different clubs and do their best to fullfill their attentions as well as enjoy their student life while living in Tirana !