Things to Do in Berat: 10 Impressive Must-See Spots
We spent 4 days in Berat discovering everything it has to offer. While there are plenty of things to do in Berat, we’ve curated a list of our favorites for you to do as well.
Berat’s Ottoman architecture, the warm hospitality of its locals, and the green hillside tranquility leaves visitors pleasantly surprised by this Albanian city.
It is often called “The City of a Thousand Windows”, but this is actually a mistranslation! Our guide on the free walking tour told us that Berat is actually named “The City of One Over the Other Windows”.
There may not be a thousand windows, as the common nickname states, but there are still scores of white, windowed houses that appear to sit atop each other surrounding the city.
We learnt so much during our time in Berat and we can’t wait for you to do the same during your visit.
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book or buy something through them – at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we’d actually use ourselves. Read more in our Privacy Policy.
The Best Things to Do in Berat
1. Explore the Grounds of Berat Castle
Berat Castle is one of the most magnificent castles in all of the Balkans. Berat Castle is also the only castle in Albania still inhabited – how cool is that?!
We recommend joining a walking tour that leads you up to the castle. This is the best way to learn about its history and get a local’s perspective and insider knowledge you wouldn’t learn otherwise.
We took a GuruWalk tour and absolutely loved it. We got to take an alternative path up to the castle and chatted about life in Berat with our guide Bruno along the way.
2. Xhiro on the Shesh (Bulevardi Republika)
In Albania, “xhiro” refers to an evening stroll or leisurely walk. It’s a popular social activity in Berat where people gather to enjoy the cooler evening air, socialize, and take in the local sights.
The “shesh,” or main street, is the place to see and be seen in Berat. Spend your evening like a local and meander up and down Bulevardi Republika, stopping for an ice cream or coffee along the way.
3. Sample Traditional Albanian Dishes
Berat is the perfect spot to try incredible traditional Albanian dishes. In many cities, the restaurants on the water are expensive and not the best quality, but this isn’t the case in Berat!
We had the most delicious, affordable traditional dinner at Eni Traditional Food Berat.
Perched right on the river, snag a table on the edge of the balcony, and watch the sunset over River Osum as local men and women stroll by and chat to each other.
👉 Curious about the best Albanian dishes to try on your visit? Check out our Albanian food guide here!
4. Visit the Iconography Onufri Museum
Housed in a historic church, the Iconography Onufri Museum highlights Albania’s rich heritage through its impressive collection of icons and artifacts.
The museum holds artwork and icons dated from the 14th to 20th centuries, created by many of Albania’s most renowned painters and silversmiths.
The museum is open between 9am and 6pm during high season (May 1 – September 30) and 9am to 4pm during the winter (November 1 – April 30).
Tickets cost 400 LEK (4 Euro) for an individual ticket, or you can pay 100 LEK (1 Euro) more to rent an audio guide.
5. Buy Gifts to Take Home at Solidarity Shop
Looking for a unique souvenir and don’t know where to start? Check out Solidarity Shop Berat! This shop is home to local and organic products made in Berat and the surrounding region.
Solidarity Shop sells a variety of handmade goods like textiles, jewelry and bags, but also has local foods and wine.
TOP TIP: Head over to the shop for a wine and local cheese tasting or just purchase some to remember your trip once you return home.
6. Get Lost in Gorica
Gorica is Berat’s second historic neighborhood, located across the river from Berat Old Town on the left bank. As the oldest community in Berat, it would be a mistake to miss exploring Gorica.
The best part of Gorica? The views, of course! From the opposite side of the river, you are rewarded with unobstructed views of Berat’s traditional houses climbing up its hills.
The sun also sets from the right bank, making Gorica an excellent spot to catch the sunset.
We also recommend staying in Gorica. Accommodation on this side of the river is not only more affordable, but you are treated with unparalleled views of the old town from your guesthouse.
We recommend Ana’s Rest House in Gorica for amazing views and warm hospitality.
7. Hike up to St. Michael’s Church
Tucked into the side of a mountain below Berat Castle, we bet you’ve never seen a church like St. Michael’s.
To get to the church, look for the stairs next to Lundra Restaurant. Head up the stairs to be received by the church caretaker. St. Michael’s is usually open to visitors between 9am and 1pm daily.
TOP TIP: Be careful as the path can be a bit overgrown at times. If you feel uncomfortable, it’s always best to turn around.
Day Trips from Berat (inc. Tour Recommendations)
If you have time, here’s a few more things to do in Berat that are a little further afield and therefore require more of a time commitment.
8. Taste Local Wine at a Nearby Vineyard
When we think of Albania, wine tasting is not the first thing that comes to our mind. This was a mistake, though.
Central Albania is home to a few highly recommended wineries – you can visit the vineyards on your own if you have a car, but otherwise a tour from Berat is your best bet.
Çobo Winery – The best winery in the Berat region. Come here for an authentic Albanian wine experience as well as some cheese and olives to pair.
There are no guided tours here, but if you have a car you can book an independent tour.
Other wineries worth visiting include Edoni, Alpeta, Pupa. You can book a tour independently, or opt for a guided tour including transport to and from Berat (our choice).
We suggest booking in advance, as these wineries are small! This wine tasting tour is highly rated and you can choose to visit any of the three previously mentioned wineries.
9. Go On an Adventure to Osum Canyon
A trip to Berat during warm weather isn’t complete without a visit to Osum Canyon.
Offering amazingly clear waters, majestic mountains, and lush, green flora, an adventure in Osum Canyon is worth your time and budget.
We recommend this tour to Osum Canyon – you’ll spend the day swimming at the foot of Bogove Waterfall, hiking across the top of the canyon, and visiting a few incredible viewpoints.
We especially recommend this tour in the summer – Berat gets HOT and this is a great way to spend a day in nature to escape the heat of central Albania.
10. Challenge Yourself and Go River Rafting
Looking for even more of an adventure? Opt for a rafting tour instead of just a visit and swim in Osum Canyon. Berat is one of the very best spots for river rafting in Albania.
Book a tour with a professional guide and immerse yourself in Albania’s natural landscapes as you see eight(!!) waterfalls on your trip down the river.
👉 Looking for more outdoor experiences in Albania? Check out our 1-week South Albania itinerary for beaches, hot springs & snorkeling in National Parks!
Where to Stay in Berat
Berat has an abundance of amazing hostels and guesthouses to stay in. Browse our recommendations below – we’ve either stayed there or had them on our list as options for this past trip or our next one!
Budget Hostel
The hostel is a small, family owned property offering a family room, private rooms, and a 6-bed dormitory.
The breakfast was great and the family were very friendly and hospitable. The views from the terrace are spectacular as well – truly a great place to rest.
Midrange Hotel
Gaze out of the window of your stone walled hotel room at the castle above you, peacefully keeping watch over the city.
Make sure you fill up on the generous breakfast items on offer each morning, before heading out to tick off activities on your list of things to do in Berat!
Luxury Accommodation on a Budget
Situated on Bulevardi Republika, Hotel Plaza has everything you need on your doorstep.
You’ll never run out of things to do in the surrounding areas, and can enjoy your time knowing you have a beautiful, modern, clean hotel room to come back to.
You can expect the highest level of service here from the friendly staff that are always on hand to assist you.
Restaurants in Berat
The food in Berat DID NOT disappoint. Here are a few of the best restaurants in Berat that we tried during our stay.
- Eni Traditional Food Berat
- Located right by the river
- Some of the best traditional options in town
- Reasonably priced
- We loved the stuffed peppers and the traditional lasagna
- Shtëpia e Kafes Gimi
- Prime people watching location
- Beautiful decor
- Go for an evening coffee or dessert during “xhiro”
- Moyo Food & Drink
- Located just off Bulevardi Republika
- Affordable traditional dishes
- Elevated feel if you’re looking for a nice evening meal
How to Get to Berat from Elsewhere in Albania
Important Information about Berat Bus Station
The Berat bus station isn’t actually in the center of Berat. When you are arriving in Berat, your driver will either drop you at the station out of town or will offer to take you into the center for an additional Euro or two.
In our opinion, it’s worth the extra money to get to the center!
If this isn’t the case and you end your transit at the Berat bus station (‘Bus Terminal’ on the map), you’ll need to either walk the 30+ minutes into town, or hop on a city bus for about 40 LEK (40 cents).
The buses are light blue and run every 10 minutes or so. Just ask at the staff at the station, or look for a group of people waiting. The ride is about 5-7 minutes to the center.
If you are leaving Berat, you just take the same bus back to the station! There are bus stops around town that are labeled as such – we waited at this one as it was closest to our accommodation at Ana’s Rest House.
👉 There’s a few things we wish we’d known before traveling on Albanian buses. Read our guide to public transport in Albania.
Buses from Tirana to Berat
Berat is super easy to get to from Tirana – some people even choose to make it a day trip. To get to Berat, you first need to get yourself to the bus station in Tirana (Google Maps location here.)
There are regular buses daily between Tirana and Berat beginning at 5:40am for 500 LEK (5 Euros). The trip will last about 3 hours depending on the number of stops the bus makes and traffic.
TOP TIP: There are two bus stations in Tirana. Make sure you check which station your bus is leaving from so you don’t miss your bus!
Buses from Gjirokaster to Berat
There is one scheduled bus from Gjirokaster to Berat at 2pm each day. There may be more buses running depending on demand, but you’ll have to ask at the bus station.
The bus will take around 3 hours and cost 1,000 LEK (10 Euros).
You can also catch an earlier bus with a stopover in Lushnje if 2pm is too late for you.
Traveling from South Albania to Berat
If you’re coming from South Albania, you’ll have multiple options to get to Berat. You can either take a bus running directly to Berat, or hop on a bus heading toward Tirana.
If you catch a bus to Tirana, you’ll have to get out on a roundabout in Lushnje, then wait for a bus to Berat on the side of the road.
While this may sound a bit sketchy and complicated, don’t worry! This is what we did, and had multiple other travelers get off the bus with us.
The driver showed us exactly where to wait and a bus heading to Berat picked us up after about 5 minutes of waiting.
Locals do this all the time, so the buses know to stop for you!
TOP TIP: We use Travel Gjirafa to check bus timetables around Albania. You can buy tickets online for some routes, however we chose to use it as a guideline then just show up at the bus stop 30 minutes before departure.
Travel FAQs about Visiting Berat
When is the best time to visit Berat?
The best time to visit the historical city is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) seasons.
In these months, the weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures ideal for exploring the many things to do in Berat.
Avoid visiting in July and August as it tends to be well above 30C (86F). Unbearably hot summer days make the outdoor activities on offer in the city less enjoyable – especially with no beach to go and cool off on!
How many days to spend in Berat?
Berat is a perfectly sized city if you’re looking for somewhere to explore for a couple of days. In two days, you can see all the main things to do in Berat with time to spare.
You would need no more than five days if you want to do all the local activities AND day trips whilst you’re there.
Is Berat or Gjirokaster better?
Both locations offer the classic architecture you’d expect from historic Albanian cities, and are set amongst the backdrop of luscious, green rolling hills.
For us there were more things to do in Berat due to it being slightly larger. Also, the Old Town was more accessible in Berat since the Old Town of Gjirokaster was set atop steep cobbled streets.
If you have time, we urge you to visit both cities. They are situated within a reasonable distance of each other, with regular transfers available between the two.
On a personal note, Berat was a major highlight of our entire stay in Albania and it is a city we cannot wait to return to.
Explore Albania Beyond Berat
After you’ve finished exploring Berat why not head out on more adventures around Albania! Keep reading for inspiration.
🏰 Heading to Gjirokastër next? Don’t miss our deep dive into the best things to do in Gjirokastër, from castle visits to street snacks you won’t forget.
🗺️ Planning your first trip to Albania? Our 7 day Albania itinerary is the ultimate route for first-time visitors — it blends culture, nature, coast, and a few hidden gems.
