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Nestled in the mountains of southern Albania, Gjirokaster (also spelled Gjirokastra) is a city with so much history and culture to offer. Known as the “City of Stone,” its cobblestone streets, Ottoman-era houses, historic sights, and panoramic valley views make it one of Albania’s most charming destinations. Whether you want to try local food, learn about Balkan history, hike off-the-beaten-path, or simply wander somewhere that still feels untouched by mass tourism, there are plenty of things to do in Gjirokaster that make it more than worth a visit.
Things to Do in Gjirokaster: FAQs
Why should I visit Gjirokaster?
History and culture lovers, this one’s for you. Albania has so many diverse destinations, and including Gjirokaster in your itinerary ensures you won’t overlook learning about local life and Albania’s complex history. Not only is it a great place to expand your insight into the country, but its beautiful and charming Old Town will easily steal your heart. If you want to spend your days wandering around magical neighborhoods, stopping for authentic local food, and visiting important historical and cultural sights, Gjirokaster won’t disappoint.
How long to stay in Gjirokaster?
Too many people visit Gjirokaster on a day trip, but if you stay for just one night, you’ll experience the magic that is the city after the day trip buses leave. During the day, there are big groups of tourists everywhere, and in the evening, these disappear. I recommend staying at least 2-3 nights to not feel rushed and enjoy Gjirokaster’s magical atmosphere.
When to visit Gjirokaster?
The best time to visit Gjirokaster is the shoulder season during spring (April–June) and early fall (September–October) for mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is very hot and crowded, so avoid it if possible.
Where to stay in Gjirokaster?
The best place to stay in Gjirokaster is in the Old Town near the Old Bazaar. The Old Town is located on top of a significant hill, so staying up there means you only have to go up once. I can’t imagine staying at the bottom and having to climb up every day. Plus, you’ll be close to countless restaurants and shopping options, as well as within walking distance to the top things to do in Gjirokaster.
How to book the best hotels in Gjirokaster?
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 Gjirokaster is no exception. Book your Gjirokaster 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.
$$$: Kerculla Resort
$$: Hotel Fantasy
How to book the best activities and excursions in Gjirokaster?
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 Gjirokaster?
Here’s how to get to Gjirokaster from nearby major destinations in Albania:
- From Tirana: Around 4.5–5.5 hours by bus, with several daily departures from the South and North Albania Bus Terminal. Driving takes about 4 hours.
- From Berat: Roughly 3.5-4 hours by car or bus. A direct bus runs once a day from Berat Bus Terminal, but make sure to get there early because it fills up in the peak season.
- From Himare: About 2.5–3 hours by car or a 4-hour bus ride with a transfer in Saranda.
- From Saranda: About 1.5 hours by frequent local buses or 1 hour by car.
- From Shkoder: About 7–8 hours on the bus with a transfer in Tirana, or a 6.5-hour drive.
Where else to visit in Albania?
I spent three weeks solo traveling across Albania, and Gjirokaster 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:
- Berat: Another UNESCO-listed gem, known for its white houses with many windows stacked up the hillside.
- Read my guide to the best things to do in Berat 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 Gjirokaster good for solo travelers?
I traveled the entirety of my 3-week Albania trip solo, and Gjirokaster was one of my favorite stops. With such a walkable and charming Old Town, it was easy to get around on my own and feel comfortable while doing it. I enjoyed delicious solo dinners, explored historic sights on my own, and also met other travelers to watch the sunset with. As long as you practice standard safety precautions, as you should anywhere in the world, Gjirokaster can be a rewarding place to solo travel.
Top Things to Do in Gjirokaster
Visit Gjirokaster Castle
Perched on top of a hill overlooking the entire town and surrounding valley, Gjirokaster Castle is one of the biggest in the Balkans. The castle was first constructed in the 12th century and has remained a significant landmark throughout various eras and rulers. With five towers, a clock tower, and two teqe (Islamic religious buildings), anyone interested in Balkan history will enjoy the architecture and the stories it tells.
Gjirokaster Museum, located inside the castle for a small additional fee, provides an in-depth history of the castle and Albania in general.
Even if history and architecture aren’t your thing, the castle is still one of the best things to do in Gjirokaster. With an elevation of 336 meters/1100 feet, it provides the best panoramic views in town.
Want expert support for your Balkans trip?
Gjirokaster 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.
Gjirokaster Castle is one of the very few places in Albania that I felt was overcrowded when I went. This is because it’s a very popular day trip from nearby areas, so I highly recommend visiting the castle either right after it opens or before it closes to beat the big bus groups.
Wander the streets of the Old Bazaar
Located in the heart of town and near the entrance to the castle, the Old Bazaar has endless shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s the perfect place to grab some authentic Albanian food or shop for souvenirs after a morning exploring the castle. Plus, its cobblestone streets and unique architecture make for some great shots.
Tour the Cold War Tunnel
Gjirokaster’s Cold War Tunnel is one of the 175,000 bunkers that communist leader Enver Hoxha built in Albania out of paranoia during his regime. It was meant to house the military and political elite from the castle in the case of a nuclear attack. After Bunk’Art 1 in the capital city of Tirana, the Cold War Tunnel is Albania’s second-largest bunker. And unlike Bunk’Art 1 and 2, the Cold War Tunnel is in its original state.
You must visit the Cold War Tunnel on a tour, which starts every hour on the hour. While it was cool to go inside the bunker, the tour had so many people that I could hardly hear any of the history the guide was giving. It also only lasted about 25 minutes. It’s only 200 lek/$2.50 USD, so I can’t really complain, but I think the tour needs a revamping.
This is also a great thing to do when you want to escape the heat because the bunker is nice and chilly year-round.
Visit an Ottoman-era house
When exploring Gjirokaster, you’ll notice some huge fortified houses (known as kullas). There are about 600 of them in the city that were built between the 17th and 19th centuries during the Ottoman rule for very wealthy families.
There are two notable houses to visit: the Zekate House and the Skenduli House. The Zekate House was my favorite because of its outdoor bar with beautiful views. Try to time your visit for sunset – you won’t regret it.
Learn about history & culture at the Ethnographic Museum
The Ethnographic Museum is located inside one of Gjirokaster’s fortified houses, which was built on the site of Enver Hoxha’s (the communist leader of Albania) former house. It’s now home to cultural artifacts, including traditional costumes, textiles, art, and household items. If you’d like insight into 19th-century Albanian life, this is a great thing to do in Gjirokaster.
Go on a walking tour
Going on a walking tour is my favorite thing to do on my first day in a new area, and Gjirokaster is no different. It’s such a beautiful town to wander around, from the historic buildings and cobblestone streets to the sweeping views of the nearby mountains and valley. Not only do you learn about local history and culture from a local guide, but it also helps you get oriented and sets you up for a successful visit. Ask your guide for restaurant recommendations and insider sightseeing tips!
Hike to the Ali Pasha Bridge
This was a highlight of my time in Gjirokaster, and it’s something that many people miss. If you hike 20-30 minutes uphill from the Old Bazaar, you’ll reach a valley behind the neighborhoods of Gjirokaster that’s home to aqueduct ruins. It’s not actually a bridge, but rather part of a larger aqueduct complex built to bring water to the castle.
The valley itself is beautiful and provides a peaceful getaway to nature after city exploring. The hike there is no joke, so I suggest going early in the morning before the heat of the day. It took me 25 minutes to get to the valley from the Old Bazaar (with a few stops), and then another 5 minutes to get up close to the bridge.
This is one of the best off-the-beaten-path things to do in Gjirokaster. It’s worth the sore legs!
Try traditional Albanian food
After 3 weeks traveling around Albania, I can safely say that I had some of the best local food in Gjirokaster. Not only is it all high-quality and delicious, but it’s very affordable. Here are some of the best restaurants in Gjirokaster:
- Taverna Tradicionale Kardhashi: Consistently ranked as one of the best Albanian restaurants in Gjirokaster
- Restaurant Tradicional Odaja: Get there early to get a table on their small outside balcony, and make sure to order the feta cheese with honey and sesame
- Byrektore Dauti: This small byrek (savory pastry) store looks unassuming but serves up a delicious and cheap snack
With these memorable things to do in Gjirokaster, your visit is sure to leave a lasting impression. Its rich blend of history, charm, and authenticity makes it one of the most rewarding stops in southern Albania. Just make sure to visit before the rest of the world discovers its magic!
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