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Best things to do in Berat, Albania’s City of Windows

10.14.25 | Hallie Pope Kielb | No Comments

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One of Europe’s hidden gem cities, Berat feels like stepping into a storybook with its cobblestone streets, iconic houses, and surrounding mountain landscapes. Known for its Ottoman-era white houses with many windows, this UNESCO-listed town is one of Albania’s most picturesque and atmospheric destinations. Whether you’re exploring the hilltop castle, getting lost in scenic neighborhoods, or venturing outside of the city to sip wine or go canyoning, Berat’s charm will stay with you long after you leave.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Things to Do in Berat: FAQs
    • Why should I visit Berat?
    • How long to stay in Berat?
    • When to visit Berat?
    • Where to stay in Berat?
    • How to book the best hotels in Berat?
    • How to book the best activities and excursions in Berat?
    • How to get to Berat?
    • Where else to visit in Albania?
    • Is Berat good for solo travelers?
  • Best Things to Do in Berat
    • Take a walking tour
    • Spend the morning or evening at Berat Castle
    • Get lost in the Mangalem & Gorica neighborhoods
    • Take a day trip to Osumi Canyon & Bogove Waterfall
    • Go on a winery tour
    • Eat local food
  • Discover the Balkans, seamlessly & stress-free

Things to Do in Berat: FAQs

Why should I visit Berat?

Berat is a must for anyone who loves history, charm, and authentic local culture. Its white Ottoman-era houses stacked along the hillside have (incorrectly*) earned it the nickname “City of a Thousand Windows,” while its cobblestone streets, riverside views, and castle ruins make it feel frozen in time. Beyond its beauty, Berat offers a slower side of Albania where you can wander through historic neighborhoods, taste regional dishes and wines, and take in scenic mountain and river views. With this list of the best things to do in Berat, you’ll see that it isn’t about checking off a list, but rather slowing down and experiencing the Albanian way of life.

*Fun fact: Berat isn’t actually home to a thousand windows – the nickname comes from a linguistic mix-up! The Albanian phrase “Qyteti i Një Mijë Dritareve” literally translates to “City of a Thousand Windows,” but “dritare” can also mean “openings” or “facades.” Locals say it really refers to the way the hillside houses seem to gaze out over one another, not an actual window count.

How long to stay in Berat?

Most visitors come to Berat for just 1-2 nights (or even just a day trip!), but I highly recommend staying for 3 nights. While you can knock out the main things to do in Berat in 1-2 days, it’s a nice place to slow down and just let yourself get lost. Plus, with this extra time, you can visit Osumi Canyon or do a winery tour.

When to visit Berat?

The best time to visit Berat is in the shoulder seasons before and after summer – April to June and September to October. It gets very hot in the middle of the summer, and almost all of the best things to do in Berat are outside, so you’ll thank yourself for planning your trip around milder weather. I visited in September and even then, I got pretty warm walking around Berat Castle for a few hours.

Where to stay in Berat?

The best place to stay in Berat is within walking distance of the two main neighborhoods, Gorica and Mangalem. This isn’t hard to do because Berat is small and compact. I stayed in the Gorica neighborhood and loved it because it was quiet and peaceful, while being just a short walk across the river from the main things to do in Berat. It also has a phenomenal view of Berat’s iconic Ottoman-era white houses stacked up the hillside with endless windows.

How to book the best hotels in Berat?

The best booking platform for finding and reserving great hotels in Europe is Booking.com. If you’re a backpacker staying in hostels, then Hostelworld is consistently the best hostel booking platform worldwide, and Berat is no exception. Book your Berat accommodation on Booking.com today:

Don’t want to search for the best option, or just don’t have time? That’s what I’m here for! As a professional travel advisor, I’ve vetted or personally stayed at these suggested properties. Properties marked with “$$$” are 4 or 5-star luxury properties, “$$” are 3 and 4-star mid-range hotels, and “$” are hostels.

$$$: Hotel Plaza Berat

$$: GrandView Hotel

$: Maya Hostel Berat

Hotel Plaza Berat
Hotel Plaza Berat

How to book the best activities and excursions in Berat?

The best activity and excursion booking platform for Europe is Viator. The website has thousands of trustworthy travel experiences with verified user reviews. I use Viator to book almost all my excursions in Europe, and you’ll find links throughout the article to great experiences I’ve personally vetted or experienced myself.

How to get to Berat?

Berat is reachable by car or public transport from any other major Albanian cities. It takes longer than it may look on the map because it’s located in an area that must be accessed by certain roads, making some drives longer than they appear they should be.

  • From Tirana: About 2.5 hours by car or bus. Frequent buses run from the South and North Albania Bus Terminal daily.
  • From Gjirokaster: Roughly 3.5-4 hours by car or bus. A direct bus runs once a day from Gjirokaster Bus Terminal, but make sure to get there early because it fills up in the peak season.
  • From Saranda: Around 3 hours by car or 4 hours by bus. The direct bus runs only a few times a day.
  • From Himare: Around 4 hours by car or a 5-hour bus ride requiring a transfer in Saranda.
  • From Shkoder: Roughly 5 hours by car; there are no direct buses, so most travelers transfer in Tirana.

Where else to visit in Albania?

I spent three weeks solo traveling across Albania, and Berat is just one of many incredible destinations. Whether you want to relax on a beautiful beach or hike the Albanian Alps, it’s a diverse country with so much to offer. Here are some of the other spots I enjoyed the most on my trip:

  • Gjirokaster: Another UNESCO-listed gem, known for its stone architecture, fortress views, and traditional bazaar. If you like Berat, you’ll like Gjirokaster.
    • Read my guide to the best things to do in Gjirokaster here.
  • Himare: A laid-back coastal town on the Albanian Riviera with turquoise beaches, beautiful boat trips, and colorful sunsets.
  • Shkoder: The gateway to the Albanian Alps and Theth National Park.
  • Ohrid (North Macedonia): Just across the border, this lakefront town is famous for its crystal-clear waters, monasteries, and charming old town. It’s a perfect side trip if you’re exploring southeastern Albania.
    • Read my guide to the best things to do in Ohrid here.

Is Berat good for solo travelers?

The entirety of my three-week Albania trip was solo, and everywhere I went, I had a comfortable and convenient time exploring on my own. Berat is a great place to slow down and enjoy some alone time, but there are also plenty of hostels if you want to meet people (either by staying there or simply joining their tours). The locals were friendly, it’s convenient to get around, and there’s plenty to do on your own or with new friends.

Best Things to Do in Berat

Take a walking tour

I’m the biggest advocate of taking a food or walking tour on your first night visiting somewhere new, and Berat is no exception. On the day I arrived, I did this free walking tour with Bruno. I learned so much about the history and culture of Berat and Albania, plus Bruno gave us sightseeing recommendations and tips that set me up for an amazing time in Berat. With Berat being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is truly so much to learn that will enhance your experience here. And with the walking tour being free (tip-based), there’s no excuse not to do it. You’ll have a friend for the rest of your time in Albania – Bruno is so kind and willing to help.

Want expert support for your Balkans trip?

Berat is just one of the Balkans’ many underrated gems, and I can help you uncover them all. As a professional travel advisor with first-hand experience in this part of the world, I’ll design a custom Balkans itinerary that fits your travel style, interests, and pace.

Let’s plan your stress-free Balkans adventure together.

Spend the morning or evening at Berat Castle

Berat Castle is the number one reason tourists come to Berat, and for good reason. This castle, perched on the hill overlooking the town and surrounding mountains, is much more than just ruins and good views. It’s also a neighborhood with residents, restaurants, cafes, and more. You could easily spend a few hours here exploring the castle’s ancient ruins, churches, mosques, and the charming narrow streets of the medieval quarter. Here are the main spots to hit:

  • Berat Viewing Platform
  • Ruins of the Red Mosque
  • Ruins of the White Mosque
  • Holy Trinity Church
  • Onufri Iconographic Museum (400 lek/€4 entrance fee, 500 lek/€5 with audio guide)
Ruins of the Red Mosque
Holy Trinity Church

Berat is usually very sunny and hot during the tourist season, so I highly recommend waking up early to explore before the heat of midday or waiting until closer to sunset. If you want to see the sunset, plan to see it 30 minutes earlier than what the weather apps tell you, as the sun disappears behind the mountains at that point.

Berat Castle is a 15-25 minute walk straight uphill from the city center on Rruga Mihal Komnena (depending on how many breaks you take). Parking is free if you’d rather skip the walk, but keep in mind that the grade is 10%.

Insider tip: Halfway up Rruga Mihal Komnena, you’ll see stairs to the left of the road. If you take this path the rest of the way, the walk turns into a proper hike, but the distance is shorter and you avoid having to pay the 300 lek/€3 fee at the main entrance.

Berat Viewing Platform

Get lost in the Mangalem & Gorica neighborhoods

Berat is a great place to ditch Google Maps and just let yourself wander. There are charming streets and buildings at every turn. Mangalem is Berat’s most famous neighborhood, home to many of the iconic white Ottoman-era houses with endless windows stacked up the hillside. Here are the best things to see as you wander around Mangalem:

  • Visit the Ethnographic Museum for insight into traditional life (temporarily closed as of 2025)
  • Step inside mosques like the Lead Mosque and King Mosque
  • Enjoy the river views looking across to Gorica

Meanwhile, Gorica is the quieter and more residential neighborhood across the river from Mangalem. It’s a bit calmer and less touristy, with plenty of local life and hidden corners to discover. Here are the best things to do as you explore Gorica:

  • Cross the iconic Gorica Bridge for panoramic views back to Mangalem
  • Visit the St. Spiridon Church and other old chapels tucked away in the hills
  • Stroll the peaceful streets and get a feel for daily life in Berat
  • Hike to the Gorica Castle Ruins for amazing photos of the city

Take a day trip to Osumi Canyon & Bogove Waterfall

Most people only visit with enough time to cover the famous things to do in Berat, but if you stay 3-4 days as I suggest, you’ll have time to see the beautiful Osumi Canyon. It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Berat with beautiful rock formations, hidden caves, and dramatic cliffs. It’s Albania’s largest canyon and is often called the country’s “Grand Canyon”.

The drive to Osumi Canyon is not for the weak – sit up front if you get motion sickness, and I highly recommend joining a tour instead of trying to make the drive yourself. The roads in Albania aren’t the safest, and it isn’t worth the risk. Plus, you’ll get a guide to take you hiking, swimming, and floating down the canyon without having to backtrack.

Bogove Waterfall is another popular addition to an Osumi Canyon day trip. If you’re brave, you can dive into the cold but beautiful natural pool.

Book your Osumi Canyon & Bogove Waterfall day trip on Viator today:

Go on a winery tour

Berat is in the heart of one of Albania’s top wine regions, so a tasting tour is a must for anyone who loves wine or is interested in agritourism. Just outside the city, you’ll find some of the country’s most respected wineries where you can sample local wines, tour the vineyards and cellars, and see how it’s made. Here are some of the best wineries near Berat:

  • Alpeta Agritourism & Winery
  • Pupa Winery
  • Nurellari Winery Cellar
  • Çobo Winery

Eat local food

Berat had some of the best and most affordable Albanian food of my whole trip. It’s a great place to try local cuisine while enjoying the ambiance at some very aesthetic and beautiful restaurants. Here are some of the best restaurants in Berat:

  • Eni Traditional Food Berat: Beautiful view of the Mangalem neighborhood and great vegetarian options
  • Homemade Food Lili: Berat’s most famous restaurant that always books out in advance
  • Friendly House: Affordable option with a great atmosphere and vegan and vegetarian options
  • Amalia Homemade Food: Affordable tasting menu for 2 people with 4 courses

Berat captures everything travelers love about Albania: rich history, stunning architecture, warm hospitality, and slow-paced beauty. Whether you’re exploring the historic neighborhoods, sampling local food and wine, or adventuring to waterfalls and canyons, this list of the best things to do in Berat will help it become one of your favorite stops in Albania.

Discover the Balkans, seamlessly & stress-free

Berat and much of the Balkans are still less discovered than the rest of Europe, which is exactly what makes them so special, but also more confusing to plan. I help travelers navigate these hidden-gem destinations with custom itineraries, trusted local connections, and stress-free logistics, so you can focus on soaking up the magic, not the research.

Click here to start planning your Balkans trip with expert support.

Read more:

  • Don’t miss these things to do in Ohrid, North Macedonia
  • Unmissable things to do in Gjirokaster, Albania’s Stone City
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About Hallie Pope Kielb

Hi, I’m Hallie - your travel-obsessed planning pal! I’m a travel advisor and blogger who’s lived in Seoul, solo traveled across Asia, and visited 33 countries. On the blog, I share destination tips, personal stories, and advice to help you travel smarter. As a professional travel advisor, I offer custom itineraries built around your travel style.

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Hi, I’m Hallie - your travel-obsessed planning pal! I’m a travel advisor and blogger who’s lived in Seoul, solo traveled across Asia, and visited 33 countries. On the blog, I share destination tips, personal stories, and advice to help you travel smarter. As a professional travel advisor, I offer custom itineraries built around your travel style. Learn more about Hallie...

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4️⃣ speaking of hiking, solo hiking safety is important to think about. always let someone know your plans (even if it’s the front desk worker at your hostel) like where you’re going, when you expect to be back, and how to reach you. pay very close attention to the weather (it can change in an instant) and ask locals if it’s safe to hike that day. many hostels will organize group hiking trips, so take advantage of those
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