Shkodër, Albania 🇦🇱
#1724
42.068137, 19.512143
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Shkodër is one of Albania's oldest cities, known for its rich history and cultural heritage, located in the northwestern part of the country. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 77,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed around 30-50 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD; ATMs are widely available, and credit cards accepted at most establishments. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not considered drinkable; it is recommended to drink bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Vodafone, ALBTEL, and One Telecommunications are popular providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as Raiffeisen Bank and Intesa Sanpaolo offer services for expats, and services like Revolut are widely used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and short-term rentals at affordable rates. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in most places, but keeping cash for small purchases is advisable. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and local websites. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Shkodra is a popular and affordable lodging option. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Shkodra provides a conducive working environment with reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Bar Miku offers a relaxed atmosphere and free Wi-Fi, suitable for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups and community boards for meetups and networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Local expat groups often organize monthly meetups, including expats in Albania on Facebook. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is available and widely used for easy transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented at various local shops; getting a scooter rental is recommended for ease of travel in the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Velipojë Beach is approximately 30 minutes away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Wizz Air operates flights to Tirana, the nearest main airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Tirana International Airport serves major international carriers. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected to the E851 highway leading to Tirana and Montenegro. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Shkodër has a bus station with connections to major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transportation is mainly by bus; passes are available for frequent travelers. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses link Shkodër to Tirana, most major cities, and border towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital of Shkodra provides general healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Center Shkodra offers classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Club Shkodra is well-equipped for workouts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available; many accommodations offer laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and Uber Eats operate within the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local specialty, 'tave kosi' (baked lamb and yogurt). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Green Corner offers great vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pasticeri Blerina is known for its delicious Albanian pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like Pazari i Vjetër provide fresh produce at lower prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Aliexpress and local marketplace websites are common for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarkets like Big Market offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rruga Kolonje is known for bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Birra Korça is a popular local beer brand. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar Shkodra offers a great selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Shkodra Castle serve delicious fast food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various dining options include Italian and Greek restaurants, such as La Roche. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Shkodër Castle offers panoramic views and historical significance. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Marubi National Museum of Photography showcases a unique art collection. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Lead Mosque is a key historical site in the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Catholic Cathedral of Shkodër is a prominent landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Shkodra Festival is celebrated yearly, showcasing local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The pedestrian area around the city center is vibrant with local shops and cafes. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Migjeni Theater offers various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Pazari i Vjetër is a bustling market worth visiting. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Check local listings for live music at cafes and small venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | There is a growing street art scene, with murals located in various city spaces. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes are available for learning traditional Albanian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery 28 is known for showcasing contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old Ottoman-style houses in the city center display beautiful architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Shkodër has a rich cultural heritage reflected in its traditions and local festivities. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The stunning Lake Shkodra offers various outdoor activities and nature trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Theth National Park is approximately 70 km away and is great for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Beautiful paths along the river and through the countryside are perfect for cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint from Shkodër Castle provides breathtaking views of the city and lake. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Shkodra is an ideal spot for birdwatching, especially migratory birds. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | There are designated areas at Lake Shkodra for bonfires and gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local post offices provide reliable services for shipping and deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics shops in the city can assist with device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Albanian language classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The library in the city center is a quiet place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers in Shkodër host various community events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Although limited, some cafes offer gaming spots with good internet. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are a few local gaming halls and casinos in the area. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €40,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €750 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €30,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €54,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €88,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €64,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax rates apply to individuals. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Highest personal income tax rate is 23%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Albania does not have CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is set by local authorities based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate for property transactions is 3%. |