Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster
Old Bazaar in Gjirokastra
Jonas
| CC-2.0
Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster
Castle of Gjirokastra
Castle of Gjirokaster
Castle of Gjirokaster
Castle in Gjirkokaster
CITY
Gjirokastër is one of Albania’s most beautiful and historic towns, famous for its Ottoman-era stone houses and dramatic hillside setting. It is often called the “City of Stone” because of its stone roofs, cobbled streets, and fortress walls. Unlike Tirana, it has a slower pace and a charming old-town atmosphere that makes it feel like a step back in time.
Most attractions are close to the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Because everything is within walking distance, you can explore it easily on foot. However, be prepared for steep hills and many stone steps, so comfortable shoes are essential.
Gjirokastër is much quieter than other tourist towns in Albania, which makes it perfect for a relaxing visit. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to come, as the weather is pleasant and the town is less crowded. In contrast, summers can be very hot and busy.
(Map of Gjirokastër)
Below is a complete list of the best things to do in Gjirokastër. For each attraction, you will see what to expect, how much time to spend, and useful tips for your visit.
Gjirokastër Castle sits on top of a hill overlooking the entire town. It is one of the largest castles in the Balkans and offers amazing panoramic views. Inside, you will find old cannons, a military museum, and even a U.S. Air Force plane from the Cold War.
The walk up is steep but beautiful, passing stone houses and narrow alleys. There is a small entry fee, and you should plan about 1–1.5 hours here.
Tip: Visit around 11:45 — the castle clock tower rings at noon and echoes across the valley, which is a unique experience most visitors miss.
The Old Bazaar is the heart of Gjirokastër’s historic center. It has cobbled streets lined with traditional Ottoman houses, small souvenir shops, and cozy cafés. It is the best place to experience the town’s local life and buy handmade crafts.
Prices are fair, and you can find everything from rugs to silver jewelry. In addition, the atmosphere is especially lovely in the evening when lights come on.
Tip: Come just before 10:00 when shops first open — you can watch merchants setting up and get better prices before the crowds arrive.
Zekate House is a grand Ottoman-era house built in the early 1800s. It belonged to a wealthy family and shows how rich families lived during that time. Inside, you will see wooden ceilings, painted walls, and traditional furniture.
It is a short uphill walk from the bazaar, and there is a small entrance fee. Because it is well preserved, it is one of the most impressive houses in the Balkans.
Tip: Take your time to enjoy the views from the upper balconies — they are stunning.
Skenduli House is another traditional Ottoman house, owned by the same family for generations. It is slightly smaller than Zekate House, but it gives a warmer and more personal feeling. A family member often gives the tour, which makes the visit even more special.
It is close to the bazaar and takes about 30–45 minutes to explore. Furthermore, it is less crowded than Zekate House, so you can look around calmly.
Tip: Ask to see the hidden security room in the basement — it was used to protect valuables and shows how wealthy families lived during Ottoman times.
The Ethnographic Museum is located on the site where the former communist leader Enver Hoxha was born. It now shows how daily life looked in Gjirokastër during Ottoman times, with traditional clothes, tools, and household items.
The museum is small, and 30 minutes is usually enough to see everything. Since it is near the bazaar, you can easily visit it on your walking route.
Tip: Ask for the free printed English sheet at the entrance — many visitors don’t notice it, but it explains each room clearly.
Underneath the castle, there is a long Cold War-era bunker built to protect the communist elite during possible attacks. It has over 50 rooms, including offices, dormitories, and storage rooms.
A guided tour takes about 30 minutes and explains how it was designed to survive a nuclear attack. Because it is underground, it stays cool even in summer.
Tip: Join a guided tour if available — they show secret escape routes and old communication equipment that are easy to miss on your own.
St. Sotirë Church is a peaceful little Orthodox church located on the hillside. It is simple but very charming, and it offers lovely views over the stone rooftops.
It is usually quiet, which makes it a relaxing break from the busy bazaar area. Entry is free, and you only need 10–15 minutes here.
Tip: Check if the caretaker is present — for a small donation, they often unlock the bell tower so you can climb up for a unique view of the old town.
Just outside Gjirokastër is the Ali Pasha Bridge, the remains of an old aqueduct built by the famous Ottoman ruler Ali Pasha. It stretches across a small valley and looks like something from a fairy tale.
You can walk there in about 30–40 minutes from the town or drive in 10 minutes. Because it is less visited, it feels very peaceful and untouched.
Tip: Start the walk early in the morning from the bazaar area — this way you can avoid the strong midday sun and also spot tortoises and lizards on the path.
Trying local food is a must while in Gjirokastër. The town is famous for dishes like qifqi (herb rice balls), pasha kofte (meatballs in yogurt sauce), and byrek (savory pies).
Many family-run restaurants serve homemade food for low prices. In addition, the old stone buildings make the dining experience even more atmospheric.
Tip: Try eating at least once at a small local “taverna” instead of a tourist restaurant — the food is often better and cheaper.
One of the best free things to do in Gjirokastër is simply walking around the old town during sunset. The golden light on the stone houses is magical, and the streets become very quiet.
It’s a beautiful and peaceful way to end your day after sightseeing. You can start from the bazaar and slowly walk uphill toward the castle as the sun goes down.
Tip: Bring your camera — this is when Gjirokastër looks its most photogenic.
Gjirokastër may be small, but it is full of character, history, and charm. Because everything is close together, you can see most attractions in one or two days. However, staying longer allows you to enjoy the relaxed pace and soak up the town’s unique atmosphere.
