Tirana, the capital city of Albania, is the epitome of perfection and an excellent place for digital nomads. With its low cost of living, coworking spaces, and abundance of cafes, it invites people from all over the world.
Albania has always been famous among short-term travelers and tourists but things have changed over the recent years. The country has been gaining popularity among remote workers and turning into a digital nomad destination.
If this beautiful city has convinced you to pack your bags and move here then keep reading this article. Let’s discuss what it’s like to live in Tirana and get an insight into the digital nomad lifestyle.
Where is Tirana located?
Tirana, the vibrant capital of Albania, is located in the Balkans region of Southeast Europe. This beautiful country lies between Greece, Kosovo, and Montenegro.
Fact: Did you know that Tirana was influenced by Italian architects during the reign of King Zog?
Why Choose Tirana as a Digital Nomad? Pros and Cons
Much like any other city, Tirana has its fair share of flaws. Before you make any permanent commitments, make sure to weigh the pros and cons of living in this city. Let’s delve into some major details and see if Tirana is a good place for you.
| Pros | Cons |
| Unique culture | Language barriers |
| Rich history | Power outages |
| Low cost of living | Cold winters |
| Friendly locals | |
| Central location | |
| Breathtaking landscapes | |
| Very safe | |
| Stunning architecture |
Apart from these pros, Tirana also has a great and well-developed digital infrastructure. Digital nomads are guaranteed to appreciate the reliable internet speeds, good coverage, and coworking spaces. If you are willing to look past some flaws, Tirana will offer you a great living experience.
While the public transportation system is pretty questionable at this point, relevant authorities are working on it. With growing popularity, the city will resolve this problem soon.
How to Get to Tirana?
Tirana has a very central location and you can get here through various means. Some of the best options include the following.
Air travel
Air travel is a viable option for those of you who are traveling abroad. You can land at Tirana’s Nënë Tereza (Mother Teresa) airport and go to the city center from there. This airport is located 17km (around 30 minutes) out of the city.
By car
You can drive your own car or rent in Tirana as well. The concerned roads are well developed and allow a seamless journey for the most part.
By ferries
In addition to road travel, you can also get to Tirana by ferry. There are multiple ferry services available in Albania that can take you to the capital in a short amount of time.
By a bus
Lastly, you can get to Tirana via public buses from nearby countries like Greece. Tirana has a well-developed bus network that connects to numerous other destinations. Bus travel also happens to be the most affordable option out there.
Transportation and How to Get Around Tirana?
Once you have made it to Tirana safely, here’s how you can get around on a daily basis.
Buses
You can also get around Tirana via public transportation. Buses are well-developed, connected, and maintained in the city which means you can rely on them. The mini buses are commonly known as “Furgons” Both are
equally equipped yet different in terms of their purposes.
Bicycle
Moreover, you can also get around via cycling. You can either rent a bicycle or buy a second-hand one if you come to enjoy it. It is a cheap and fun way of traveling around the city on a day-to-day basis. One tip is to purchase a strong lock alongside it!
Train
If you are covering a huge distance and perhaps traveling to nearby towns then consider going with train travel. Tirana’s railway network is reliable, convenient, and safe!
Car rentals
Lastly, you can rent a car in Tirana and drive yourself around. This is the best option for people here for longer stays.
3 Best Accommodation Options in Tirana
There are plenty of good options when it comes to accommodation in Tirana. If you know what you are looking for, house hunting shouldn’t be too hard.
Zone 1
Zone 1 is undoubtedly one of the best neighborhoods to live in for digital nomads. This area is located in the city center, allowing you easy access to various facilities. Zone 1 has a lot to offer and is home to seafood restaurants, coffee shops, and hang-out spots. This is a good place for people who want to immerse themselves in local culture.
21 Dhjetori
If you are a big fan of the coffee culture then consider seeking residence in 21 Dhjetori. This neighborhood is packed with amazing coffee shops and dainty Turkish restaurants. Digital nomads will enjoy the unique atmosphere of this area.
Ali Demi
If you are coming to this city for the historical charm then Ali Demi is a great place. Not only is it considered an affordable area but it’s also the historical capital of the city. You can admire the beautiful and stunning architecture while immersing yourself in local culture. This neighborhood is also home to a bunch of traditional restaurants.
Internet Connectivity in Tirana
The good news for remote workers is that Tirana has a great wifi connection. In fact, the Albanian government has highly invested in the internet infrastructure to enable reliable and high-speed Wi-Fi all over the region. Tirana experiences an average median download speed of 48.78 Mbps which is great for remote work. Digital nomads can easily maintain a good work-life balance thanks to these.
Additionally, you can get local SIM cards at your nearest convenience store or an airport when you arrive. Most cafes and coworking spaces offer fast wifi for free.
E sim
If you don’t like the hassle of a physical SIM card, then consider opting for Esims. They are a reliable and efficient alternative.
Make sure to compare these data packages before you make a decision.
Holafly
| Data allowance | Validity | Price |
| Unlimited | 5 days | 29$ (26.72€) |
| Unlimited | 7 days | 34$ (31€) |
| Unlimited | 15 days | 47$ (2€) |
| Unlimited | 20 days | 54$ (49€) |
Airalo
| Data allowance | Validity | Price |
| 1 GB | 7 days | 4.50$ (4.15€) |
| 2 GB | 15 days | 8.00$ (7.00€) |
| 3 GB | 30 days | 11.00$ (9.88€) |
| 5GB | 30 days | 15.00$ (13.47€) |
| 10 GB | 30 days | 26.00$ (23.34€) |
3 Best Places to Work from in Tirana
The good news for remote workers is that Tirana has a bunch of good places in regard to work. You can easily find a suitable coworking space in this city and work comfortably.
Coolab
Coolab is one of the best coworking spaces for digital nomads. They offer great value for money by providing a ton of facilities. Since it is designed to accommodate digital nomads, you can enjoy amazing memberships and hang-out spots. This is one of the best places to meet fellow digital nomads.
Destill
If you are looking for a contemporary coliving and co-working space that offers a good environment, Destill is the perfect place for you. They have everything from high-speed internet and comfortable seating to affordable packages and social networking opportunities.
Dutch Hub
The Dutch hub offers various facilities to remote workers. You can work here for hours while enjoying affordable rates, comfortable seating, and a great working environment. They also offer fast wifi, budget-friendly prices, and a great community experience.
Cost of Living in Tirana
One of the things that make Tirana popular among digital nomads is its affordable cost of living. You can enjoy great value for money here and lead a high standard of life. Here is a rough breakdown for you.
| Meal at a restaurant | 5.58$ |
| Coffee | 1.36$ |
| Beer | 1.86$ |
| one-bedroom apartment (in the city center) | 390.23$ |
| Fitness club | 34.68$ |
| Internet | 19.46$ |
| Basic utilities (per month) | 81.96$ |
As you can see, the cost of day-to-day expenses is highly budget-friendly. However, please note that these prices are mere estimations. Your cost of living will be defined by your lifestyle and spending patterns.
Currency fluctuations may also affect the costs.
Culture, Nature, and Food in Tirana
Tirana has a rich culture that is well depicted in art, music, and architecture. The city is known for its colorful and vibrant Soviet-era architecture. The locals are very friendly and welcoming as well.
Nature lovers would be happy to learn that Tirana is abundant in natural beauty. The city is surrounded by high hills and beautiful rivers which make it a perfect location for relaxing. You can engage in outdoor activities and reconnect with nature on a deeper level.
As for food, it is safe to say that Tirana is a foodie city. There is an abundance of cafes and restaurants in the city that offer delicious food and memorable delicacies. In addition to that, the Balkan cuisine from street vendors is simply unforgettable. Most food providers still make the traditional dishes which turns the cuisine here rich and flavorful.
Best Time to Visit Tirana
Since Tirana is somewhat of a mountainous region, the best time to visit is between the summer months. The city has nice weather all year long, thanks to its south-eastern Europe location. However, summer offers the best experience (especially for first-time visitors who want to explore Tirana properly).
Furthermore, July is the hottest month and January the coldest so make sure to keep that in mind. The best time to visit falls right between June and August when the city is perfect for exploration, water sports, and traveling.
12 Best Things to Do in Tirana
There is plenty to do in Tirana but here’s a list of the best 12 things.
1. Enjoy a city tour
Tirana is a city that has a lot to offer. If you happen to find yourself in this mesmerizing place, take advantage of the situation and explore it properly! We recommend you take one of the many guided tours and learn more about the place. City tours are also recommended because you get a chance to learn essential details.
2. Go hiking
If you are looking for a fun outdoor activity, consider going hiking and spending some time in refreshing nature. Since this city is mountainous, there are plenty of good hiking spots and well-maintained trails. You can go to Vineyard Way, Pioneers Trail, Obelisk Trail, Petrela Loop, Bride’s Tomb Trail, Three Lakes Trail, and Bunkers Trail. Hiking also allows you to see beautiful and scenic views once you have reached the top.
3. Take a food tour
Tirana has a foodie culture and the only way to experience the best of it is by joining a food tour. You can meet other people, interact with the locals, and enjoy amazing Balkan food all at the same time. While it is possible to explore the best food on your own, a professional guide will make it so much more interesting and easier.
4. Visit the art galleries.
Whether you are an art enthusiast or not, make sure to visit the popular art galleries in Tirana. This city is a creative hub filled with unique talent and innovation! You can visit the art galleries to appreciate art, support artists, and see some of the best exhibitions. Here are some great options:
- Gallery 43
- Gallery Of Contemporary Art Tirana
- Vila Sali Shijaku
- Art Gallery E.RIRA
- VivArt Gallery
5. Visit the museums
If you want to learn about Tirana’s rich history, make sure to visit the historical museums in the city. They are a great way to appreciate the heritage and understand the city. Some of the best options include:
- Bunk’Art
- House of Leaves
- Muzeu Historik Kombetar
- Bektashi World Center
- Museum of Secret Surveillance
6. Attend the cultural festivals
For those of you who want to experience Tirana’s rich culture to its very core, attend the local events and participate in the cultural festivities. This city houses friendly locals and welcoming people who make you feel right at home. You can blend in with them at such events. Some of the best ones include the following.
- Gjirokastër National Folk Festival
- Korca beer festival
- South outdoor festival
- Kala
7. Visit the markets
Tirana’s markets are popular tourist areas and something else entirely. With a bustling environment and colorful aura, the local markets are simply vibrant. Some markets offer delicious street food, fresh produce, and clothing while others are known for their architecture. The popular options include:
- City Market
- Pazari i Ri
- New bazaar
8. Enjoy the nightlife
Tirana is somewhat famous for its vibrant nightlife so make sure to enjoy that during your time here! You can find amazing bars, tons of nightlife activities, and live music in this city. Albania’s bustling environment and cultural diversity make nightlife so much more interesting. Make sure to visit the popular spots as well.
9. Go cafe hopping
Another great thing to do in Tirana is go cafe hopping. Almost every Digital Nomad and remote worker has a special inclination and liking towards cafes. You’ll be happy to learn that this city houses tons of them. The cafe culture is pretty big around here and offers a variety of options.
10. Go bar hopping
Another interesting thing to do in Tirana is go bar hopping. There are tons of good cocktail bars, wine bars, and breweries in the city and each offers a good experience. For a fun night out, consider visiting them and enjoying the lively environment!
11. Connect with the digital nomad community.
One of the best things you can do in any destination is to connect with fellow digital nomads. They can provide a sense of community and companionship, making your trip much more fulfilling. You can meet digital nomads the old-school way (at coworking spaces and cafes) or you can also join Facebook groups.
12. Take a day trip
When you are done exploring the beautiful city of Tirana, take advantage of your convenient location and visit nearby cities. Albania is a stunning country that has a lot to offer so consider taking a day trip and exploring as much of it as you can. You can go to Durres, Vlore, or Saranda.
Is Tirana safe?
Yes, Albania is considered a safe country overall and its star city Tirana is also secure. While Tirana experiences a low crime rate in general, petty crimes are not unheard of. Pocket-picking, scams, and theft are occasional yet possible so make sure to take necessary precautions. Other than that, the locals are friendly and welcoming. You can trust the people around you and spend your time with ease of mind. All in all, Tirana is a good place for digital nomads (even if they are traveling solo).
As safe as it is, digital nomads in a foreign country are recommended to follow some general safety tips.
- Look out for tourist scams.
- Trust reputable companies
- Stay away from isolated areas
- Stay on your guard
- Stay away from shady neighborhoods
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash on hand
- Don’t carry flashy items
Visa Requirements in Tirana
Despite being a European country, Albania isn’t a part of the EU/Schengen agreement. This means that the European Union terms don’t apply to this country and they have their own visa policies. There are around 88 countries that can enter Tirana visa-free and stay comfortably. Other than that, Tirana has a reciprocal visa-free policy with most countries (you can enter Albania without a visa if Albanian citizens can enter your home country)
Other than that, Albania offers a type D visa which is pretty much the same as a digital nomad visa. You’ll need a working visa to acquire paid work though.
While you can find basic information online, we recommend you visit an Albanian embassy or consulate for proper information. They can guide you about your home country’s visa policy with Albania and help you through the process. Embassies can also help you with the application process and forms.
Conclusion
Upon evaluating all the relevant details about Tirana, it is safe to say that this city is a great place for digital nomads and remote workers. You can enjoy a high quality of life, modern amenities, and a beautiful culture while remaining on a budget.
Tirana offers a great deal to its visitors and promises a great living experience. If you have decided to pack your bags and move here, we wish you good luck on your journey. We hope this ultimate guide helped you understand what it’s like to live in Tirana as a digital nomad. If you have any more questions or doubts, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
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