Old Bazaar in Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster Old Town
Old Bazaar in Gjirokastra
Old Bazaar in Gjirokastra
Old Bazaar in Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster Old Town
Gjirokaster
© Shutterstock / Lev Levin
View From Gjirokastër Castle
Gjirokastër Castle
Gjirokastër Castle
Gjirokastër Castle Aerial View
CITY
Gjirokastër is one of Albania’s most beautiful and historic towns, famous for its Ottoman-era stone houses, cobbled streets, and dramatic hillside setting. Often called the “City of Stone”, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels like stepping back in time. The stone rooftops, fortress walls, and old bazaar create an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in the Balkans.
Most attractions are close to the Old Town, which makes Gjirokastër easy to explore on foot. Be prepared, though — the streets are steep and uneven, so good shoes are a must. Compared to the coast, the city is quieter and more relaxed, making it a perfect stop for history lovers, photographers, and travelers looking for something authentic.
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit, when the weather is pleasant and the town feels less crowded. In summer, Gjirokastër can be very hot during the day, but evenings are cooler and lively, with cafés and tavernas buzzing.
Use the interactive map below to explore Gjirokastër and all the key locations mentioned in this guide. It highlights the main attractions, top-rated traditional restaurants, free and paid parking spots, and helpful walking routes — including the path from the Bazaar to Gjirokastër Castle and the route from the parking area to Ali Pasha Bridge. This map is designed to help you plan your visit efficiently and navigate the city with ease.
The map gives you a quick overview of the city. Below is a full list of the best things to do in Gjirokastër, so you can explore each place in more detail.
Gjirokastër Castle dominates the skyline and is one of the largest fortresses in the Balkans. It offers sweeping views over the Drino Valley and the surrounding mountains. Inside, you’ll find artillery, an underground prison, a small military museum, and even a U.S. Air Force plane that crash-landed during the Cold War.
The castle also hosts Albania’s National Folk Festival, a major cultural event held every five years, as well as concerts and shows in summer. Walking up is steep but rewarding, with picturesque alleys along the way. Allow 1–2 hours to explore.
Tip: Visit around 11:45 — the castle clock tower rings at noon and echoes across the valley, an experience most visitors miss.
The Old Bazaar is the heart of the city and one of the top Gjirokastër attractions. Its fan-shaped cobbled streets are lined with souvenir shops, artisan stalls, and cafés. The current look dates back to the 19th century, after several fires destroyed earlier markets.
Here you can shop for handwoven rugs, silver jewelry, antiques, and traditional crafts. In the evening, the bazaar lights up, and the atmosphere is magical.
Tip: Come around 10:00 when shops first open. Merchants are setting up, prices are friendlier, and the streets are less crowded.
Built in the early 1800s, Zekate House is one of the finest examples of an Ottoman tower house (kulla) in Albania. The three-story house belonged to a wealthy family and showcases painted wooden ceilings, frescoed walls, and original furniture.
The upper balconies offer some of the best views over Gjirokastër. The uphill walk from the bazaar takes about 10–15 minutes, and the small entrance fee is worth it.
Tip: Don’t rush through — the painted reception rooms are some of the most beautiful interiors in the Balkans.
Skenduli House is another traditional residence, smaller and more intimate than Zekate. It has been owned by the same family for generations, and often a member of the family gives personal tours. This makes the visit feel authentic and warm.
You’ll see hidden storage rooms, a unique underground safe room, and a traditional guest room with decorated ceilings. It takes about 30–45 minutes to explore.
Tip: Ask to see the “security room” in the basement — it was used to hide valuables and shows how wealthy families protected themselves in Ottoman times.
The Ethnographic Museum sits on the site where dictator Enver Hoxha’s birthplace once stood. The original house burned down in the 1960s, and the museum was rebuilt to reflect how life looked in Ottoman-era Gjirokastër.
Inside are household tools, clothing, and daily items that give a sense of traditional life. It’s small, so 30 minutes is enough.
Tip: Ask for the free English leaflet at the entrance — it explains each room and saves you from guessing.
Beneath the castle lies a vast Cold War bunker built in the 1970s for Albania’s communist elite. The tunnel has over 50 rooms, including offices, dormitories, and escape passages.
It stays cool even in summer and can only be visited with a guide, which makes the stories of nuclear fears and paranoia come alive. Tours last about 30 minutes.
Tip: Bring a light jacket — the underground air is surprisingly chilly, even on hot days.
© malenki @ Mapillary.com
The Ali Pasha Bridge is part of the aqueduct system that once supplied the castle with water. Today only part of it survives, but its stone arches stretching across a small valley look like something out of a fairy tale.
You can walk there in about 30–40 minutes from the bazaar or drive in 10 minutes. It’s rarely crowded, so it feels peaceful and hidden.
Tip: Start early in the morning to avoid the heat, and you may see tortoises and lizards along the path.
© MirelaAndoni
Food is one of the best things to do in Gjirokastër. The city is famous for qifqi (herb rice balls), pasha kofte (meatballs in yogurt sauce), and byrek (savory pies). You’ll also find gliko, a fruit preserve made from figs, cherries, or walnuts, often served with coffee.
Most tavernas are family-run and serve homemade dishes in old stone houses, making meals here cozy and authentic. Prices are affordable compared to the coast.
Tip: Skip tourist menus — ask for the daily specialties (usually seasonal and cheaper).
One of the most magical things to see in Gjirokastër is the old town in the golden light of sunset. The stone houses glow warmly, streets empty out, and the atmosphere becomes calm.
Start at the bazaar and wander slowly uphill toward the castle for the best experience. Photographers especially love this time of day.
Tip: Bring a camera or phone with good low-light settings — the old town at sunset is unforgettable.
Many travellers only visit Gjirokastër for a few hours, but staying one night gives you the chance to see more of southern Albania. The city is well placed for simple day trips to nearby nature and small towns. The options below can be done with your own car or by booking a guided tour, and each one has a full guide you can read.
© Shutterstock / illpaxphotomatic
The Blue Eye is one of southern Albania’s most famous natural springs. The deep turquoise water bubbles up from an underwater source, surrounded by forest and shaded walking paths. It’s a relaxing nature stop and an easy trip if you decide to stay overnight in Gjirokastër.
If you want to explore the Blue Eye more deeply, read the full “Blue Eye Guide”
Travel time from Gjirokastër: about 30–40 minutes each way
Typical guided tour length: around 6 hours (sometimes combined with other stops)
Why visit: crystal-blue spring, forest walk, cool natural air, great photo spots
Time needed: half-day trip or 2–3 hours at the spring
Book Blue Eye Tour
The Benja Thermal Baths are warm natural pools in a quiet valley near Përmet, with a historic stone bridge and mountain views all around. The water stays warm all year, and the area feels calm and natural, making it a great choice if you want a more relaxing day trip from Gjirokastër.
If you want to explore the Benja Thermal Baths more deeply, read the full Benja Thermal Baths Guide
Travel time from Gjirokastër: about 1 hour 20 minutes each way
Typical guided tour length: half-day to full-day (often combined with Përmet)
Why visit: warm natural pools, mountain scenery, stone bridge, peaceful atmosphere
Time needed: 2–4 hours or a relaxed full day
Book Benja Baths Tour
If you arrive in Gjirokastër by car, you can follow this short 2–3 hour walking route to see the main highlights of the Old Town. Before you start, park your car in one of the parking spots shown on the map above. This itinerary begins in the Old Town and does not include the long uphill walk from the bus station.
After parking, begin your visit in the Old Bazaar. Walk through the stone streets, browse the small shops, and enjoy the historic atmosphere.
From the bazaar, follow the uphill road to Zekate House. It is one of the best-preserved Ottoman homes, and the balcony has great views over Gjirokastër.
Walk back toward the bazaar area and enter the Cold War Tunnel. The guided visit takes about 20–30 minutes and shows the secret bunker built under the city.
Official Cold War Tunnel
From the tunnel, follow the steep stone path up to the castle. Explore the viewpoints along the walls, and if you have time, visit the Gjirokastër Museum inside the castle to learn more about the city’s history.
After visiting the castle, follow the downhill paths and walk to one of the traditional local food restaurants shown on the map above. Some restaurants are close to the Old Bazaar, while others are a bit farther away but still easy to reach when walking downhill from the castle. All of them are good options and a nice way to finish your visit.
Yes. Gjirokastër is one of Albania’s most beautiful UNESCO towns, known for its stone houses, steep cobbled streets, and a large hilltop castle with amazing views. It is smaller than Berat but feels more dramatic and unique.
Most visitors need half a day or one full day to see the main attractions. Stay one night if you also want to visit the Blue Eye or Benja Thermal Springs.
The best place to stay in Gjirokastër is near the Old Bazaar, because you can walk to the main attractions, restaurants, and viewpoints. This area has the most traditional stone houses and the classic old-town atmosphere.
If you travel by car, choose a guesthouse that offers private parking or is close to one of the parking areas marked on the map. The old streets are narrow, steep, and not easy for driving or parking.
For the best balcony views, stay in the upper part of the Old Town. This area is quieter and higher, but the walk is uphill. If you prefer easier access, pick a place just below the bazaar, where the streets are flatter but still beautiful.
Most travellers stay one night, which is enough to see the Old Town and the castle. If you plan to visit the Blue Eye or Benja Thermal Springs as day trips, staying two nights is more comfortable.
Yes, but the old town has very steep streets made from smooth stone. Wear good shoes, especially for the walk up to the castle.
You can reach Gjirokastër from Saranda, Tirana, Berat, or Himara by bus or by car. The bus station is in the lower part of the city, and taxis can take you up to the old town.
Public transport to Gjirokastër is good, and buses arrive from Tirana, Saranda, Berat, and other cities. All buses stop at the new bus station, which is located in the lower part of the city. From the bus station to the Old Bazaar (Old Town) is about 30 minutes of walking, and the walk is mostly uphill. The climb is steep, because the Old Town sits about 120–150 meters higher than the bus station. If you have luggage or arrive during the heat, it is easier to take a taxi, which normally takes 5–7 minutes and is inexpensive.
No. If you stay in or near the old town, you can visit everything on foot. A car is helpful only for day trips like the Blue Eye or Benja Thermal Springs.
Parking near the Old Bazaar can be more difficult in July and August, especially from late morning to early afternoon. The streets are narrow, and many people visit the Old Town during the high season. Paid parking areas usually have more space than the free ones, but they can also become busy during peak hours.
The easiest time to find a parking spot is before 10:00 in the morning or later in the evening. If you arrive in the middle of the day, you may need to try several parking areas or choose a spot that is a short walk from the bazaar. Even in high season, you can still find parking — it just might take a bit longer.
Gjirokastër is known for its Ottoman-era stone houses, the castle, the Cold War Tunnel, and traditional local dishes such as qifqi and oshaf.
Spring and autumn offer the best weather. July and August are very hot, especially when climbing to the castle.
The steep cobblestone streets are not stroller-friendly. For small children, a baby carrier is much easier.
The best place to stay is close to the Old Bazaar, where you can walk to restaurants, museums, and the castle.
Yes. Walking tours of the old town and castle are available, and some also include a visit to the Blue Eye.
Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, especially for the steep stone paths. In summer, bring water and sun protection.
