Tirana is the capital and largest city of Albania, with about 600,000 people in the municipality and a much larger urban area around it. Modern Tirana was founded as an Ottoman town in 1614 and became Albania’s capital in 1920, later growing rapidly through the communist period and the post-1990 transformation of the country. The city is best known for Skanderbeg Square, its colourful central boulevards, Ottoman and Italian-era architecture, and more recent landmarks such as the Pyramid of Tirana and the Blloku district, once reserved for the communist elite and now filled with cafés, bars and nightlife. Key sights include the Et’hem Bey Mosque, the National History Museum, the House of Leaves, Bunk’Art, the Grand Park and the cable car up Mount Dajti for views over the city. Getting in and around is straightforward via Tirana International Airport, intercity buses and local taxis and buses, with day trips to Durrës, Krujë and the surrounding mountains within easy reach.

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