View at Old City Berat
© Shutterstock / milosk50
Ura e Varur Bridge Berat
Mangalem Berat
Bulevardi Republika
Berat
Gorica Bridge
Aerial View of Berat
Berat Castle Aerial View
Berat Castle
View from Castle Ramparts
Holy Trinity Orthodox Church Berat
CITY
Berat, often called the “City of a Thousand Windows,” is one of Albania’s most beautiful and historic towns. Known for its white Ottoman houses, hilltop castle, and riverside setting, Berat offers a unique mix of history, culture, and scenery. Visiting here feels like stepping back in time, while still enjoying a relaxed modern atmosphere.
The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and Byzantine churches. Set along the Osum River and surrounded by mountains, Berat is as picturesque as it is historic. Most attractions are within walking distance, making it easy to explore the cobbled streets, old neighborhoods, and museums on foot.
Berat is less crowded than coastal towns, which makes it a perfect destination for those who want a slower pace. Whether you’re exploring its ancient fortress, tasting local wine, or simply admiring the traditional houses, there are plenty of things to do in Berat that suit both history lovers and casual travelers.
This 2026 guide to Berat includes a detailed map, practical travel tips, and the best places to visit for first-time visitors.
Below, you will find a complete list of the best things to do in Berat. For each place, you will see what to expect, how much time to spend, and practical tips for a smooth visit.
The castle is the city’s main landmark and one of the few in Albania still inhabited today. Inside its walls, you’ll find stone houses, churches, and cobbled lanes with sweeping views of the river and valley. Some families still live here, and there are small cafés and guesthouses inside the fortress walls, which gives it a special “living castle” atmosphere.
You can reach the castle by walking uphill from the old town (about 20–30 minutes), by taxi (5–10 minutes), or with your own car. There is a small parking area just outside the entrance, though spaces fill up quickly in high season. Many visitors choose to walk up for the experience and then take a taxi down.
Tip: Go in the late afternoon for cooler air and beautiful sunset light over the Osum River. Wear sturdy shoes, as the paths are uneven.
© Shutterstock / milosk50
These historic neighborhoods sit on opposite sides of the Osum River. Mangalem, climbing the hillside below Berat Castle, is famous for its stacked white Ottoman houses — the “thousand windows” view that gave Berat its nickname. Gorica, across the river, is quieter, with traditional stone houses and narrow lanes. Both neighborhoods are great for wandering, but the perspectives you get of each are different.
Tip: For the best view of Mangalem Quarter, go to the Ura e Varur (pedestrian suspension bridge) — this is the classic photo angle with the castle above. To see the Gorica Quarter, cross the Gorica Bridge, which offers a perfect vantage point of Gorica’s houses along the hillside.
The Gorica Bridge is one of Berat’s most recognizable landmarks. Originally built in the 18th century, it was later rebuilt in the 1920s to give it the stone form we see today. With its seven arches stretching across the Osum River, it connects the Mangalem and Gorica quarters and is still used by pedestrians and light vehicles.
Crossing the bridge offers a great perspective of the Gorica Quarter rising above the river. It’s also one of the best places to enjoy a calm riverside view away from the busier parts of town.
Tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset when the arches cast reflections in the river — it’s a favorite photo spot for locals and travelers alike.
Located inside the Church of the Dormition within Berat Castle, this museum is dedicated to the 16th-century icon painter Onufri. It houses a collection of religious icons, manuscripts, and liturgical objects. Onufri is famous for his unique shade of red, known as “Onufri Red,” which gives his icons a distinctive brilliance. The painted wooden ceilings inside the church are also worth admiring.
Tip: A combined ticket with other museums is available. Ask about photography rules — in some areas, photos are restricted.
Official Museum Website
This museum is housed in an 18th-century Ottoman residence, complete with carved wooden ceilings, stone foundations, and a traditional courtyard. It shows how wealthy families once lived in Berat, with displays of costumes, tools, furniture, and household objects.
Tip: Visit early in the morning before tour groups arrive so you can enjoy the rooms and courtyard in peace.
Official Etnographic Museum Website
One of Berat’s most photographed landmarks, this small Byzantine church sits on a hillside inside the castle. From here, you’ll get panoramic views over the town, river, and valley. The mix of Christianity and Islam in Berat’s skyline is especially visible from this spot.
Tip: Best visited at golden hour when the stone glows in warm light.
Berat is home to several Ottoman-era mosques, the most notable being the Lead Mosque (16th century) and the King Mosque (15th century). The Lead Mosque was once part of a larger religious complex with schools and baths, while the King Mosque is one of the oldest still active in Albania. Both remain open to respectful visitors.
Tip: Cover shoulders and knees before entering and visit outside prayer times.
This lively pedestrian boulevard is the social heart of modern Berat. It’s lined with cafés, restaurants, and shops, and in the evening, locals gather here for the traditional xhiro (evening walk). Try Albanian coffee, a scoop of ice cream, or a fresh byrek while people-watching.
Tip: Come after sunset, when the street fills with families and street vendors.
The Berat area has a long history of winemaking, with vineyards stretching across its fertile hills. Local wineries such as Çobo Winery welcome visitors for tastings and tours, where you can try indigenous grape varieties and learn about Albanian wine traditions.
Tip: Ask your hotel to recommend a winery tour — many can arrange transport if you don’t have a car.
Book Winery Tour
If you’re staying more than one night in Berat, the town makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding nature. Two of the most popular day trips are Osum Canyon and Bogovë Waterfall.
© Shutterstock / Damian Ryszawy
© Shutterstock / PeteVch
© Shutterstock / AlDigital On
Osum Canyon is one of Albania’s most dramatic natural sights, with steep cliffs, turquoise water, and lush greenery. It’s especially beautiful in spring and early summer when the river is fuller.
Most visitors join a guided tour from Berat, which includes several viewpoints and short walks along the canyon rim. In season, some tours also offer swimming or rafting, depending on water levels.
If you want to explore Osum Canyon more deeply, read full Osum Canyon guide.
Travel time from Berat: about 1.5 hours each way
Typical guided tour length: full-day (8–10 hours)
Why visit: canyon views, photo stops, fresh air, dramatic landscapes
Time needed: full day
Book Guided Tour
Bogovë Waterfall is a refreshing natural pool hidden in the forested hills near Berat. The trail to the waterfall is easy to moderate, taking about 30–45 minutes.
The water is cold year-round, making it a perfect stop on hot days. Many tours combine Osum Canyon and Bogovë Waterfall, but you can also visit it as a shorter standalone trip.
If you want to explore Bogovë Waterfall more deeply, read full Bogovë Waterfall guide.
Travel time from Berat: 45–60 minutes
Hiking time: 30–45 minutes each way
Why visit: swimming, nature, beautiful forest walk
Time needed: half-day or combined full-day tour
Book Bogovë Tour
Berat is about 120 km from Tirana (around two hours by car or bus). Direct buses also run from Durrës and Fier.
If you’re driving, it’s best to park near the old town and explore the historic quarters on foot.
Museums typically open from 09:00 to 17:00 and may close on Mondays. Entry fees are inexpensive. Carry cash, as not all places accept cards.
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer the most comfortable temperatures. Summer can be very hot, especially on the castle hill.
One full day is enough to see Berat’s main highlights.
Two or three days allow time for a winery visit, a slow evening on Bulevardi Republika, and a day trip to Osum Canyon or Bogovë Waterfall.
The old town has steep, uneven cobblestone streets. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water, especially in summer.
Try local gliko (fruit preserves), especially fig and cherry — a specialty of Berat.
Yes. Berat is one of Albania’s most atmospheric towns, with hillside Ottoman houses, a lived-in castle, and great river views. It’s compact, walkable, and easy to combine with other destinations.
Berat is famous as the “City of a Thousand Windows.” It’s known for its preserved Ottoman houses, inhabited hilltop castle, Byzantine churches, Ottoman-era mosques, and nearby nature such as Osum Canyon and Bogovë Waterfall.
Berat is generally very safe, even for solo travellers. The old town is relaxed and welcoming. Use normal precautions, especially at night or in remote areas.
No. The main attractions are walkable. A car or organized tour is useful only for day trips like Osum Canyon, wineries, or Bogovë Waterfall.
Yes. The atmosphere is calm, and there is little traffic in the historic areas. Keep an eye on children on steep cobbled streets and near castle edges.
Some places accept euros, but the official currency is the Albanian lek (ALL). Small shops and cafés prefer lek. ATMs are available.
Most travellers prefer bottled or filtered water for drinking. Tap water is generally fine for brushing teeth.
