Things to Do in Gjirokaster: Your Guide to A Charming City
Step back in time with a stay in the charming city of Gjirokaster.
Whether you’re meandering through the cobbled streets of the Old Town or indulging in some hearty Albanian food, there are countless things to do in Gjirokaster that will enchant you, inspire you, and leave you wanting more.
Gjirokaster was our first stop in Albania after a few days in Ohrid, North Macedonia.
We’ll share with you our own experience of the “City of Stone” – the best things to do in the city, where to stay, where to eat, and how to get to Gjirokaster.
Short on time in Gjirokaster? You’ll also find our one day itinerary for the best way to explore the cobbles during a quick visit.
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The Best Things to Do in Gjirokaster
1. Climb Up to Gjirokaster Castle
The impressive fortress keeps watch over this magical city. Whilst you’re there, you should take a walk up to the top to admire the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you.
The castle is open throughout the year (April to September 9am to 7pm) and (October to March 9am to 5pm).
For a very reasonable 200 LEK, you will be able to explore such attractions as Bektashi Turbe (tomb), the Artillery Gallery, and the prison.
2. Explore Gjirokaster Bazaar
You could spend hours wandering around the open air bazaar in Gjirokaster. There’s plenty to see and do.
Shop hand-crafted souvenirs from local artists who specialize in embroidery, wood work, and food produce. Or simply people watch – the vendors trying to make a living and the tourists searching for that special something.
If you can take your eyes off the pretty stone buildings for just a moment, look out for the neighborhood dogs playing or relaxing on the cobbled streets.
Gjirokaster Old Bazaar was a personal highlight for us as it was the first thing we did after checking in to Friends Hostel.
It had not long stopped raining, so for us the dull clouds provided brilliant lighting, adding to the beauty of the Old Town.
👉 Love the Bazaar in Gjirokaster? Check out Shkoder for an even more local experience.
3. Visit a Museum
Ethnographic Museum
Once home to Enver Hoxha, the former Communist leader of Albania, the Ottoman style building that houses the Ethnographic museum offers a glimpse into traditional Albanian life.
You will find clothing, furniture, household items and crafts on display as well as an insight into local customs and culture.
Cold War Tunnel Museum
The tunnel was built as a hideout to protect government officials from the threat of nuclear attack.
Nowadays, the tunnel is a museum that offers guests the chance to explore the long stretch with its many adjoining rooms.
Skenduli House
Another fine display of Gjirokaster’s history and architectural heritage, Skenduli House presents an opportunity to see inside the 18th century preserved masterpiece.
The house is owned by the original family from back in the day, and they kindly allow visitors to learn about traditional Albanian homes, from the unique design to the typical building techniques used.
4. Hike to Ali Pasha’s Bridge
Grab a snack and your daypack, and set off on an adventure to one of the best things to do in Gjirokaster. Ali Pasha’s Bridge is yet another impressive display of architecture built in a typical Ottoman style.
We think you should allow 45 minutes each way for this short hike from the Old Bazaar. It’s not too challenging, but it is uphill.
You will be rewarded with rolling hills and lush greenery that sit quaintly behind the bridge. Don’t forget your camera, and make sure you wear a solid pair of shoes as the surface is uneven in parts.
👉 Looking for more outdoor experiences in Albania? Check out our 1-week South Albania itinerary for beaches, hot springs & snorkeling in National Parks.
5. Walk Up to Gjirokaster Obelisk
For more unforgettable landscapes, climb to the obelisk to be rewarded with sweeping views of the town below and the valley in the distance.
It’s a great idea to get up there early in the morning, particularly just after sunrise. The lighting is great and the heat of the day is a long way away.
6. Eat Traditional Food
You can try incredible traditional Albanian dishes in Gjirokaster, as well as food specific to the region such as qifqis (Albanian rice balls).
The Old Bazaar is a wonderful setting to try locally sourced pies, meats, cheese and wine, at a reasonable price. From savory to sweet, you can find it all in Gjirokaster’s Old Town.
One of the best things to do in Gjirokaster (if you have time), is to book this cooking class with a local family. You can expect delightful company and delicious cuisine.
TOP TIP: Wherever your travels may take you, always take a local cooking class if the opportunity presents itself. We find the knowledge we gain is super useful for the rest of the trip when trying new foods.
👉 Curious about the best Albanian dishes to try on your visit? Check out our Albanian food guide here!
7. Visit The Blue Eye
You can reach the Blue Eye in South Albania from numerous locations, with Gjirokaster being one of them.
Within the hour, after a drive through some amazing Albanian scenery, you will reach the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Blue Eye.
If you’re feeling brave, jump in for a swim but be prepared for VERY cold waters. There are a few restaurants and a shop should you decide to just admire the natural wonder from afar instead.
TOP TIP: To get to the Blue Eye by bus from Gjirokaster, you will need one headed to Sarandë BUT make sure you check with the driver that it’s going via the Blue Eye.
A lot of people drive to the Blue Eye, but if you don’t have a car or don’t fancy the bus journey, you can grab a taxi.
You will pay between 50-60 Euros for a taxi driver to take you, wait for you, and bring you back to Gjirokaster. Split the cost with some friends to make the trip more affordable!
8. Take Part in a Wood Crafting Experience
Spend three hours creating your very own masterpiece to take home as a souvenir. You’ll craft your art piece from start to finish, under the supervision of a friendly local host.
Whilst you’re there, you can try some homemade rakia (for the 100th time if you’ve been in Albania a while) or sample a local wine.
Don’t worry about being able to pack your creation if you’re short on bag space! You can choose to make a variety of woodworks of varying sizes – signs, jewelry, key hangers or mirrors.
📌 Experience Gjirokastra offers a Wood Crafting Experience that you can book here.
One Day Gjirokaster Itinerary
Sometimes, things might not go to plan, or you’re on a limited schedule.
If this sounds like you, follow our one day Gjirokaster itinerary to make sure you cover all of the main things to do in Gjirokaster – and where to find the best food, of course!
- Early morning – Take a walk up to the Gjirokaster Obelisk. The lighting just after sunrise makes for fantastic pictures.
- Breakfast time – Most accommodation options provide breakfast, but if not, try Te Kubé in the Old Town for an affordable and delicious morning meal.
- Mid morning – Head to Gjirokaster Castle before it gets too hot. After some exploring, take your pick of a museum. We recommend checking out the Ethnographic Museum, the Gjirokaster Museum, or The Cold War Tunnel.
- Lunch time – Have lunch at Taverna Brahimi. The staff here is known for their hospitality – be sure to ask for some local recommendations on what to do around town!
Make sure you save room for dessert, though. After you’ve finished lunch, take a stroll over to GLIKO Snack Bar & Pastisserie to try Oshaf, a Gjirokaster special dessert made from sheep’s milk, sugar, and dried figs. It’s so delicious!
- Evening – Wander around the Old Bazaar of Gjirokaster before the night draws in and see what local goodies you can find.
- Dinner time – After you’ve worked up an appetite exploring Gjirokaster all day, head to Taverna Kuka for an amazing dinner. Snag a seat on the outdoor patio if you can and watch life in Gjirokaster go by.
Where to Stay in Gjirokaster
Hotels in Gjirokaster
Relax in the cute gardens, surrounded by pretty flowers in full bloom – a great spot to eat breakfast! The owners are very attentive without being intrusive and are always on hand to help.
The hotel is located perfectly close to the Old Bazaar so you can do all the things to do in Gjirokaster by foot.
If your budget is a little higher, you won’t be disappointed with a stay at this hotel. Rooms are comfortable and clean, and you’re treated to panoramic views of the old city.
All rooms have a stylish decor housed within the traditional Albanian walls.
Hostels in Gjirokaster
We stayed here and highly recommend it.
Come for the outstanding views from the terrace, stay for the gigantic 5 euro breakfast cooked by Grandma. A lovely, family-run hostel, with very clean, comfortable dorm beds.
All beds have curtains so you can be as social as you like with fellow travelers.
This is the highest rated hostel in Gjirokaster. The atmosphere is just what you’d expect from a hostel in Albania – welcoming social common areas and hostel-run day trips to nearby hidden gems.
It is a little pricier than Friends Hostel, but with such great guest reviews, they have the luxury of charging a little more.
➡️ RELATED – Theth: Another beautiful Albanian mountain town
Where to Eat in Gjirokaster
Our top picks for traditional eats in Gjirokastër. These spots seriously hit the mark.
- The Barrels
- Book a table under the grapevines
- Order the Mix Traditional from the menu
- 10-15 minutes drive from the Old Town
- Taverna Kuka
- Tranquil courtyard setting
- Take recommendations from the staff on what to order
- Try qifqi – a super tasty dish specific to the Gjirokaster region
- GLIKO Snack Bar & Patisserie
- Order oshaf, a traditional Albanian dessert made from sheep’s milk, sugar and dried figs.
- It’s rich, creamy, and has a naturally sweet flavor
- Taverna Brahimi
- Typical Albanian dishes cooked by local women
- Enjoy the warm welcome and the scenic view
- *Check Google Maps for opening times as it closes in low season
How to Get to Gjirokaster
Important Information about Gjirokaster Bus Station
The Gjirokaster bus station is about a 25 minute walk from Old Town Gjirokaster, which is where the majority of tourist accommodation is located.
The walk is fairly easy – we walked to the bus station with our bags when leaving Gjirokaster. Be warned, though. Old Town Gjirokaster is on top of a steep hill!
Your other option is to hop in a taxi to the Old Town. We took a taxi when we arrived as it was pouring rain and we didn’t feel like getting soaked. Split between 4 people, we paid about 700 LEK (7 Euros) each, but you can definitely negotiate.
👉 Worried about traveling by bus in Albania? We’ve got you covered with useful hints and tips for Albanian bus travel.
Buses from Tirana to Gjirokaster
There are many buses throughout the day from Tirana to Gjirokaster (and vice versa). The first scheduled bus leaves at 10am and the last at 6:30pm.
The trip should cost about 1200 LEK (12 Euros) but prices seem to change each year we have visited, so take this with a grain of salt!
Afternoon Bus from Berat to Gjirokaster
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.
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 scheduled departure.
Buses from Sarandë to Gjirokaster
The bus between these two southern cities will only take you about an hour. Buses run multiple times throughout the day in the high season.
It’s worth considering a day trip to Gjirokaster from Sarandë or elsewhere in Albania. Many tour companies offer this.
It means you get to see the best things to do in Gjirokaster and some even offer a stop off at the Blue Eye too!
Common FAQs about Visiting Gjirokaster
What’s the best time to visit Gjirokaster?
The best time to visit Gjirokaster is in spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and perfect for sightseeing.
TOP TIP: Avoid July and August if possible. Temps often soar above 30°C (86°F), which makes walking the steep streets and exploring the stone city less enjoyable unless you’re cooling off at the Blue Eye.
How long should I stay in Gjirokaster?
Two days is ideal to see the top things to do in Gjirokaster, especially if you’re focused on the Old Town.
If you want to explore more thoroughly or take a local day trip, plan for up to four days total, but no more is necessary to enjoy the full experience.
Is Gjirokaster Worth Visiting?
100% yes. Gjirokastër was our first stop in Albania, and it set the tone for a trip we fell in love with. From cobblestone streets to misty mountain views, the city feels like a well-kept secret.
Our most vivid memory? Arriving in the rain, ducking into the nearest Old Town restaurant, and stepping back outside to find the clouds had lifted, revealing the dramatic mountain backdrop for the first time.
Gjirokaster is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason. It’s one of the few cities in the Balkans that has preserved its Ottoman-era soul. If you’re wondering whether to go, don’t hesitate.
Keep Exploring Albania
Got more time to spare in Albania?
- If you’re short on time, check out our 5 Day Albania Itinerary. A perfect route that includes Gjirokaster and other must-sees.
- Planning a longer trip? Our 2 Week Albania Itinerary dives deeper into the best of the country, from the Alps to the coast.
Albania’s just getting started. Let us help you see more of it.
