Tirana (Tiranë of Tirana) is the largest city of Albania. Even with its size and the fact that it has been a city since 1614, Tirana only became the capital city in 1920. It has also undergone a major transformation through the painting of its dreary streets and buildings with brilliant colors, such as purple and orange. Tirana went through its makeover despite the fact that it is not exactly wealthy. It even went on to be called Europe’s version of New York. According to the latest measurement, the city of Tirana has a population of 620 thousand.
What makes Tirana fascinating is its rich history. You can find not only signs of communism but also Italian and Ottoman traces. Though its history is definitely noticeable during a walk around the city, you do not have to look far for ultra-modern settings such as boutiques, bars, and clubs. These are the places where you can find the hip, newly-rich Tirana crowd. You can also enjoy the mix of old and modern in the city’s theaters.
You can reach Tirana through a final stop at the Nënë Tereza International Airport. This airport is a mere 25 km away from Tirana. Within the city, you can travel by bus or by train. You have to be extra patient with the various transportation modes, however. This is because the city’s mad traffic will ultimately decide the schedule of your travel. This means that if you do not want to miss a flight, you have to leave your accommodation early. Tirana is Mediterranean in climate. The temperature can dip as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit or rise as high as 88 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are an American planning to visit Albania, you need to bring along your passport. However, you do not really to need to have a visa if you are visiting for a short vacation. You also need to present a return ticket to be allowed entry into Tirana.