Tirana, Albania π¦π±
#1004
41.328148, 19.818443
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Capital city of Albania, known for its colorful architecture and vibrant culture. |
π₯ Population | Approx. 800,000 |
π» Internet Speed | Average speed of 30-50 Mbps |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 EUR β 118 ALL. Local currency is Albanian Lek. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type C/E sockets |
πΆ SIM Card | Providers include Vodafone and Albtelecom; prepaid SIMs available. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Banks such as Raiffeisen Bank and Alpha Bank. International cards widely accepted. |
π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and hostels. Average rental for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center is around β¬300/month. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in urban areas. |
π Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local sites offer various options. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Tirana Backpacker Hostel offer beds for around β¬10/night. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | TechSpace, known for a good community and reliable internet. |
β Best Cafe for Work | CafΓ© Bar Laci offers a cozy atmosphere with great coffee. |
πΌ Networking Events | Events organized by Tirana Business Network; check Meetup for updates. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Tirana' host regular meetups. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is widely used and reliable. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented from Tirana Bikes for cheap rates. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | DurrΓ«s Beach, approximately 40 minutes by car. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Albawings operates domestic flights. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Air Albania and Wizz Air serve multiple international destinations. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Access via SH1 and SH2 highways. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Tirana Bus Station; trains are less common. |
π Public Transport Passes | Public bus tickets around 40 ALL; monthly passes available. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Bus services connect Tirana with cities like ShkodΓ«r and VlorΓ«. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Mother Teresa University Hospital is the primary facility. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Tirana offers various classes. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness House offers memberships starting from β¬20/month. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundries like Wash & Go provide good service near the city center. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Bolt Food and UberEats are popular in Tirana. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Byrek, a traditional Albanian pastry dish. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Folk Tirana offers a solid vegetarian menu. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Kafe Flora is famous for its pastries and desserts. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | You can find fresh produce at Pazari i Ri market. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Local online shops like Albanian Market deliver groceries. |
π Grocery Delivery | Big Market offers home delivery service. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Blloku district is the heart of nightlife. |
π» Local Brewery | Birra Tirana produces popular local beer. |
π· Wine Bars | Wine Bar Vila are known for showcasing local wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street food near Skanderbeg Square is a must-try. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Casa Italia serves good pizza and pasta. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the National History Museum and Skanderbeg Square. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Bunk'Art is a fascinating museum set in a former bunker. |
π° Historical Sites | The Pyramid of Tirana is a notable landmark. |
π Religious Sites | Et'hem Bey Mosque is an essential visit. |
π Annual Events | Tirana International Film Festival happens annually. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Explore Blloku and its vibrant atmosphere. |
π Theater Venues | Teatri i Kukullave hosts various performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Pazari i Ri is a colorful market worth visiting. |
πΌ Music Scene | Mulliri I Vjeter is popular among locals for live music. |
π¨ Street Art | Street art in the area around Bunker 5 is impressive. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Albanian Culinary School offers hands-on cooking classes. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Galeria KombΓ«tare e Arteve showcases local artists. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Clock Tower of Tirana is a vital part of the skyline. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The flag of Albania reflects rich cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Dajti Mountain offers stunning views and hiking opportunities. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Dajti National Park is accessible for outdoor activities. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Tirana has several bike lanes and parks like Grand Park. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints on Dajti Mountain provide breathtaking scenery. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Lura National Park is known for unique bird species. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas around Dajti Mountain allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Companies like DHL and FedEx are available. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Several local shops in cities fix various tech devices. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis tables. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Language schools like 'Albanian Language School' are available. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The Central Library of Tirana is ideal for studying. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Places like the Tirana Youth Center host various activities. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Game On Tirana offers a fun environment for gamers. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Grand Casino Tirana provides various gaming options. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,600 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬64,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬48,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,700 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬102,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,300 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬78,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬144,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬120,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 15% |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
π¦ Tax System | Progressive tax rates for residents apply. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 23% |
π§Ύ VAT | 20% |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable regulations exist. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax based on value; generally low. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 2% standard rate during property purchases. |