Awesome place! We went at about 10am to avoid the heat and also meant we were there without the crowds that appeared as we were leaving at about 12:30. Took us about an hour and a half to walk through the whole place, useful paper guide in English as well. Highly recommend making the journey out!

Very beautiful place to visit, the viator tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and shows you around, there are toilets at the start and top part of the trail. There are many ruins and beautiful scenery. There is a fair sized car park at the start of the trail which is opposite a lovely restaurant which provided lunch for our tour. The trails are not suitable for wheelchair users or those with impaired abilities.

Great park to visit and spend 1,5 hours to walk along all main ruins and visit the museum at the top of the island hill. Good explanations in English text and graphics. We arrived at 09:30 Wednesday morning mid May and still easy to park and about 3 tour busses already in. When we left the car parks were completely full and certain chaos building with more and more tourists arriving by car and bus.

Lovely place to spend half a day or so wondering around the ruins through the trees enjoying the shade.

This place is full of history. Strategic location made this area important throughout the years, dating back to neolithic age. You will find some good spots to take some nice photographs and learn about the history of this site. You can cross to the other side with a small nostalgic ferry.

Great place to visit and learn about history and coexistence. Well preserved! Restrooms were well kept and clean. The only two things, in my opinion, that need to improve are the upgarde all signs to include more information and langauges. Also, the self-service for the prices that are charging needs to maintain the cleanliness of the place well. For the amount of what they they charge, this should be the minimal improvement.

Average experience, perhaps not worth the money is you've been to sites in countries like Türkiye, but but I'm glad I saw it. Nicely preserved basilica and other structures. Good walking paths but a bit muddy (went in April). Museum was simple but interesting artifacts! The very top of the castle is closed. Excellent coffee shop near the castle. Amphitheater was nice. Scenery around the area is stunning!

Excellent well-preserved historical site, where you can touch the walls and as a matter of speaking hug the statues. The area is very quiet, with lots of trees and beautiful views of the surroundings. Spent 2hours discovering this area. Entrance= 1000lek

Even after visiting many ancient sites in Turkey, Greece, Italy, and many other countries, this one is unique in its own way. It's beautiful hiking back through the forest, and it's small enough to be able to visit but large enough to not get bored.

100% recommend, so cool. Worth the ticket money, this place would cost so much more in other European countries. Learn about the history and see really awesome ruins. Good walk (2h?) but not hard. Super cool. So many little turtles in the water by the theatre and in some other locations ❤️

100% worth the visit, it’s really and interesting archeological site to know more about Albanian history. You can park the car just at the entrance, it seems crowded, but people arrive and leave constantly. The entrance is 1000 LEK.

it offers a nice stroll through the history of this place. We arrived shortly after 9 (opening time), was not too busy, even parked in the shade (free parking). Bring cash for the tickets, but you can use the cards for the refreshments in the bar. Bring a bottle of water, it gets hot though most of the walking pathway is in the shade.

The best site to visit in Albania. It combines nature, hiking, picnic and historical interest. The museum is excellent as it presents information well. Toilets at cafe near the museum. Docking one point as the famous mosaic floor was totally covered and the cafe could have more items. The restaurant just outside the site, near the bus stop is very good though.

The visit to Butrint National Archaeological Park truly stands out as a remarkable experience. Exploring this historical site offers a captivating journey back in time, allowing you to witness an array of ancient buildings and constructions that date back thousands of years. While the remains may not always be fully intact, they provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those who inhabited this area in ancient times. To truly appreciate Butrint, one must be prepared to engage their imagination and piece together the rich history from the fragments that remain. What makes Butrint even more compelling is the tapestry of civilizations that have called this place home over the centuries. From the Romans and Byzantines to the Ottomans, the layers of history are palpable as you wander through this archaeological wonderland. It's a testament to the enduring significance of this site throughout the ages. In terms of admission, the prices are reasonable, with a standard fee of 1,000 Lek (equivalent to 10 euros) per person. If you're traveling with a group of 12 or more people, you can enjoy a discounted rate of 800 Lek per person. One of the park's standout features is its natural surroundings. The abundance of trees provides ample shade, making it a comfortable destination even on sunny days. This harmonious blend of history and nature creates a truly unique and awe-inspiring atmosphere that sets Butrint apart. In conclusion, a visit to Butrint National Archaeological Park is a must for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. It offers a window into the past, allowing you to traverse the footsteps of ancient civilizations amidst the tranquility of nature. While you may need to engage your imagination to fill in the historical gaps, the experience is undeniably amazing and well worth the visit.

Easily done in a couple of hours, map easy to follow. Lots of buzzing around which are the insects as it is quite swampy so ideally cover arms and legs! Visited in April, very quiet but I can imagine peak times it is busy! Little wooden ferry next door to the ruins of the castle, 75 lek one way worth a ride

Great place if you love Roman history and ancient architecture. They have maps in a range of languages and it's a very beautiful place to visit.

Great experience in general. We visited in may 2024 the admissions were 10 euros and it was great value for for the money payed. But the park could have been better maintained. Inspite of the fact that the park get several visitors paying tickets every day, it's very likely that you're gonna see trash in many spots during your walk through the park. Really hope the administration read this review and do something about it. Local culture deserves better

Stunning archaeological site with various different points of interest from various different points of history. Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian. This is a must when in Albania. The down point is it isn't very well signposted, so I would recommend trying to book a guided tour. The real star of this place is the location. It's a lagoon meeting the sea through a narrow channel at the site, with the various colours of the water in different points backed by the mountains in the background. 5 stars alone for the site. But the natural beauty is phenomenal. Simply wow.

Great place to learn about ancient culture, very beautiful nature with lots of trees and lots of well preserved archeological sites

Historical site worth visiting. You can wonder around at your own pace and see ruins from Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman civilisations. You can easily spend 2-3hrs wondering around. I would recommend starting at the museum. 1000 Lek entry fee.

A breathtakingly stunning place. Beautiful azure sea, lush landscape, historical ruins from the Hellenic, Roman and Medieval periods. I only wish I could have spent more time exploring here. I'd recommend getting a boat trip to the castle, it was very special to see and enjoy the view on the way. If you're anywhere near this you have to visit to experience its beauty and tranquility. I'd recommend spending a whole day here to fully enjoy in a relaxing manner.

Nice place for the walk. Parking right in front of the entry (next to river ferry). Be careful becouse there are A LOT of mosquitos, better get some spray for insects. Ruins from ancient Greek and medieval empire, described with the map and displays so you can easily follow what happened here. Well preserved walls. Small museum with few statues. Stunning views.

Amazing park with lots to see. There’s also locals with souvenir stands with hand crafted original items. There’s also a tiny museum with archeological finds and to top it all off there’s beautiful scenery to admire from the top of the old castle. Entrance costs about 10 euros (1000 lek).

This place is well worth a visit if you have any interest in history, archeology and/or culture. It's excavation has revealed an incredible progression through ancient Greek, Roman, Norman, Byzantine, Venetian and more civilisations in time. The additional construts are explained clearly in the different areas, and the learning and explanations of this has evolved and is also explained. The €10 in my perspective is well worth it, especially if you have traveled some distance to come to Albania.

A chance to wander ancient ruins, almost by ourselves. We visited on October 1st from 5-630pm. Outside of peak tourist season and during golden hour, this spot was perfect though we forgot to bring bug spray and the mosquitoes had their way with us. It’s a beautiful and historic place that you can explore at your own pace. Fun to imagine the large city that existed for hundreds of years here.

What an amazing place ,so peaceful and clean with the fresh air . And so many places to discover more about history. This park gives you the opportunity to see pure nature beauty with the lake, the trees.

It is a quite large square and several touristic attractions can be seen around it. Unfortunately the mosque and the clock tower became indistinct due to the building rising just behind them. I think this is a general problem in developing countries. Free wifi is available in the square which is wuite helpful for tourists.

If you are in Tirana by car you will have to go there anyway - the most convenient underground parking in the city:) Monumental. A natural orientation point for any kind of a city stroll.

Loved the place! Late November and they were setting up stalls, decorations and all things festive December. Lots of interesting places on and immediately round the square. Round a square! History Museum, a gorgeous mosque, statues, the opera house and more. I'm pretty sure you couldn't avoid the place if you tried. Airport shuttle goes from very nearby too.

Beautiful history to visit in Tirana. You are surrounded by all the famous sites which is worth seeing and getting a tour guide to show you around if you don’t know the history.

I LOVE THIS PLACE!! This large square, the symbol of Tiranya, is an amazing place. There are so many attractions for families to enjoy. It's better than any other amusement park. It's amazing to have a square like this in the middle of the city. Most of the children's favorite rides are equipped, and the fee is 3 euros per ride. In addition to the rides, popping balloons (it will empty your pockets) We have a variety of food trucks, cafes, and bars. Enjoy well-cooked sausages and draft beer!

The main square in Tirana. It's where most major events take place. There are imposing buildings surrounding thr outside, including the national museum, opera and government buildings. Some cafes also along the outside. Definitely a can't miss when in the city.

I can recommend to visit square. It’s modern and can give you lovely evening sun show like on the attached photos. Close to the swuare you can find small mosque, shops, cafes. That’s very nice place to visit during few days trip in Tirana 👌🏻

Enorme plaza pública en forma de pequeña colina para que fluyan las Aguas pluviales....construida con diferentes tipos de mármoles traídos de todas partes de Albania. Todavía quedan edificios comunistas en muy mal estado de conservación....al lado de los nuevos rascacielos...curiosa mezcla. Imprescindible visita al centro de Tirana...con agradables terrazas en el edificio de la Opera. (Translated by Google) Huge public square in the shape of a small hill for the rainwater to flow... built with different types of marbles brought from all over Albania. There are still communist buildings in a very poor state of preservation... next to the new skyscrapers... a curious mix. A visit to the center of Tirana is essential...with pleasant terraces in the Opera building.

At the heart of Tirana, the square is quite magnificent looking and fitting for a budding tourist city. See it as the centre point of new Tirana, resplendent with Albania imagery, from before communism and after.

A very nice place in Tirana. The area is large. The square is clean. No cars. Sometimes you can encounter for a local festivals. What do you need more?

Awesome place to sit and relax whenever you are in Tirana & visit the tourist sites which are around the square. In our 6 days stay in Tirana we visited the square everyday just to chill & enjoy the lively full of energy happenings around the square and enjoy the lovely food in the restaurants just a stone throw away from the square.

Central large open square with the famous slanderbeg statue as well as the natural history museum, opera and the I love tirana. Because the square is so large it never seemed crowded eventough many people, both tourist and locals, crossing it every day. It's an good starting point to and from eitber busses to airport, the mountains or other parts of the city; to the parks and shopping streets; or to the suburbs. A central point like this really gives something extra to a city and there's a lot of history there. Esthetically maybe not the most beautiful square, however I loved the stones that were used and the square resembles the complex albanian history making it an important place and starting point of your journey in Tirana.

Tirana during the Christmas period is a festive delight, with the city adorned in colorful lights and lively decorations. Strolling through Skanderbeg Square, you'll feel the holiday spirit in the air, as locals and visitors alike enjoy the cheerful atmosphere. The city's vibrant energy, combined with seasonal markets and cultural events, creates a warm and welcoming experience. While it's a joyful time to explore Tirana's landmarks, keep in mind that the Christmas period can be bustling, so plan accordingly to make the most of the festive charm without missing out on the city's unique offerings.

What a square.. a huge space with such an eclectic mix of architecture and history surrounding it. From the mosque to the opera, the old and the new it really is worth walking around and sitting a while to absorb the atmosphere. Plenty of seating around the edges including the cafes outside the opera house.

Big, open area that can host a lot of people. There are some very comfortable sitting places around it, but other then that is just paved space. Is quite lively both during the day and the night. Many attractions can by found around it.

A mist visit place in tirana. The center of the city where all the business take place. Very big space and a lot of tourist. There’s the national history musuem and a beautiful mosque nearby.

This was the third time that I have visited here Albania, Tirana and Skanderbeg Square, but most likely on new year, I haven't seen such thing, especially that fireworks 🎇 Really amazing, mesmerizing, unbelievable. Couldn't even sleep that night, there were many activities and events during that week. But of course most important is Balkan atmosphere.. I wasn't expecting that much but really was cool. Even in summer and winter, only disadvantage is you need to do stock especially when you are visiting as tourist and will stay in hostel or in a flat. 😅 I highly recommend you to visit any time you want, although there are some restricted things to do in Tirana but certainly you will have great time, take every opportunity. Foods as well and many amazing cafés & restaurants. Try traditional cuisine as well :)

We only went at night when there was a Christmas market on. It was well set out with some stalls and rides. Especially good if you wanted to go on bumper cars or test your punching strength. It seemed like mostly locals but we didn’t feel out of place or uncomfortable as tourists.

Huge square of significance in the centre of Tirana. It is surrounded by places of interest such as Skanderbeg statue, the national history museum and Et hem bej mosque. There is underground parking at this location although entrance/exit points are very narrow. The parking is not free. Beware of the stray dogs as I nearly got by a pack.

Beautiful square with lots of open spaces. Good to try out rollerblade and scooter around here. Or just relax and people watching

The main square in Tirana. A centrally located well-known square with a monument to a national hero surrounded by historic buildings.

Museum is located in communist era building and it seems that much of exposition is also from this time. Building seems to be not heated and local supervisors are quite cold. Museum has a rich collection of antiquity, up to Byzantine/Latin struggles and there is not much after the conquest of Ottomans. I urge to visit souvenir store- lady there was very nice, helpful. She is selling some quite valuable, old ethnographic items and some items from local craftsmen.

The National Historical Museum in Tirana is a must-visit for anyone interested in Illyrian and Albanian culture and traditions. The museum does an excellent job of showcasing the different eras of Albanian history and telling the story of its people. It's a great place to visit with family, but be aware that there are exhibits about the communist era and its executions that may not be suitable for young children. Overall, the museum is beautiful and well worth a visit. The only downsides were the restroom conditions and no air conditioning.

Quite a disappointment to me. Although it started great, soon we realised most of the informative posters aren’t available in English at all. Although temperature inside was pleasant, I could feel very strong lack of any fresh air. Still, I consider it a must visit when in Tirana. Tickets were purchased via MyTicket platform. They offer a discount when buying tickets online, therefore, ticket was purchased for 400 LEK when it’s 500 LEK onsite.

Overall it was good experience. The ancient part is amazing. However there are some periods in the history are missing. It would have more variety sections and the museum can be more modernized. Nevertheless it is a must place to visit in Tirana.

The museum is actually quite detailed, dating from prehistoric times to the Communist period. Most of the older exhibits have English explanation, however the newer things are only in Albanian. Also, Hoxha is not really mentioned. The gift shop leaves something to be desired for. 5 eur for adults. Can spend as much time as you want. We walked rather quickly through, spending about 45 minutes. Unfortunately the nice Soviet Era mosaic on the outside of the building is undergoing renovations so you can't see it. Bathrooms on site.

Feel so bad about this museum . Really. If they change some things like the interpretation,new ideas or something similar it would be a very interesting one. They have the potential to do it and i hope they will do it soon. About the pros of this museum is that it has many pavilions for different ages and eras of our country history. Everything explained in a nice way. Also the staff very friendly and helpful!

Interesting exhibition of Albania’s rich history up to 1945, though most documentation is very old and only partly (and poorly) translated into English. A striking omission is that the post-1945 period of Communist terror is barely covered, with only a few exhibits in a single room and hardly any documentation in English. This leaves the impression that this museum is mostly intended to glorify Albania’s past, while brushing over the darkest chapter in the country’s history. For that reason, it is definitely worth also visiting the Bunk’Art exhibition on the crimes of the Communist regime. No card payment or payment in EUR possible.

It's worth visiting. The National History Museum includes the following pavilions: the Pavilion of Antiquity, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Independence, Iconography, National Liberation Antifascist War, Communist Terror, and Mother Teresa. They overleaped Ottoman Period. It is obviously political decision. You need 1 hour at least to see everything.

Only a fifth of museum content is translated to English. I was interested to learn about the communist era but there was no english information. The ancient history section is interesting and updated. Nobody bothered to press play on numerous TVs that were supposed to show video material. 1-2 hour walkthrough. In the gift shop they are literally selling their 100 year old artifact clothing pieces for next to nothing.

Very interesting place to visit, has items from bronze age to war time. Disability friendly with lots of seating areas. I would recommend a visit, lots of renovation works are currently being carried out but this does not affect your visit

Museum about the full history of Albania. Has a lot of things to see. When you enter the museum it looks a bit empty and outdated. There’s a few rooms that are still empty. We got the tickets really fast which aren’t expensive, like €3. You can really take about 3 hours to go through the whole museum. Small downside is that not everything is translated in English, which makes you miss some information.

Nice museum with many different exhibitions. Quite big bit but lacks on English explanations (it has some but most big texts are in albanian). Needs some lighting improvements. Price 500 lek.

A well equipped museum with plenty of artefacts. Tickets are cheap priced at 500 LEK each. For an English only speaker such as myself, the first half is fine where English translations on descriptions are shown. However in the second halfish, only Albanian language is shown so it made it very difficult to understand the artefacts. Is very hot inside too so consider that if the day is hot, there is no air conditioners only pedestal fans. Would recommend going if you are in Tirana :)

Nice museum with a good collection reaching from ancient to modern times. Bigger than expected (1-2h). The first floor seems to be modernized. The other floors are mostly without any English translation. Cash only and no euro is being accepted.

The museum is full of excellent information, and is nicely laid out. I particularly liked the ancient history - artefacts from over 2,000 years ago, and a good explanation of the ancient Illyrians. It then walked through the middle ages through to the formation of the current Albanian state in the early 20th century, explaining the importance of language and how various people played their part. The second world war fight against fascism was also covered in detail, showing how the communist party led the fight. However, the museum's main exhibitions finished there, with nothing about the Hoxha years. The building was very nice, quiet but welcoming to children, and spacious. It gave me a lot of insight into the Albanian people. Some of the exhibits had English translations, but many did not. You need to give at least 2h to visit, but I think I stayed for about 5h. There was no food on sale.

The National Historical Museum in Tirana is a captivating institution that offers visitors a comprehensive journey through Albania's rich and diverse history. With its extensive collection of artifacts, exhibits, and multimedia presentations, the museum provides a deep insight into the country's cultural heritage, from ancient times to the present day. Visitors can explore various galleries dedicated to different periods of Albanian history, including prehistoric civilizations, medieval kingdoms, Ottoman rule, and the struggle for independence. The museum's engaging displays and informative presentations make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning about Albania's fascinating past.

This is one of the most fascinating museums in Europe. The displays are not sufficient for the quality of artifacts (including pictured mosaic) and the layout needs some serious investment and redesign, but it is fascinating for its presentation. It seems to have an issue with its identity as you move from room to room - ancient history is routine, the "Anti-Fascist" struggle is the largest single series of rooms and displays and the museum essentially ends with crimes of the Communist regime with almost nothing about the last 30 years. There is quite a bit of renovation underway, so this may all change.

It is cash only. Don't bother asking- there is no senior discounts for non-Albanians. Contrary to several of the reviews the artifacts were labeled and described well on the first floor. Most of the second and third floors did not have English descriptions, however. The first floor has artifacts ranging from the Stone Age to medieval times. Other exhibits cover the resistance to Ottomans and the communist regime, iconography from Orthodox churches and Mother Teresa.

From the outside it is very beautiful, but inside it is empty. Even though it is the National Museum, there is not too much to see and the thing I didn't like is that many objects didn't have captions in English. Trust me, a large part of the museum was incomprehensible because there was no translation. Be careful, you cannot photograph part of the museum, it is indicated where necessary. The entrance fee is cheap

I never expected to have an experience like this… Visiting this museum I learned even more than I thought I know from books or internet,also I found a lots of historical artcrafts that was amazing. The energy inside this museum is incredible. It felt like you were in another area of time. And for the last sunday of month entry was free from 10 am to 3 pm,you could just ask for a ticket and access all the exhibitions of museum.

located in the center of Tirana, and it’s huge. you can have so many information about Albenia. however, some of them lack english translations which we missed unfortunately. also, on thursday i think it is free to enter, because we visited on thursday and the lady said it’s free.

Probably 4 stars but it is an extensive museum where you will surely learn things. Covers a wide time range, Bronze Age to WW2. Maps, objects, photos, clothing are all part of the museum. There is even an iconography section which includes stuff from Kosovo. Generally there is a bit too much writing in bunched up mega-paragraphs in each section. Not a great way to transmit the knowledge. People would walk right by a lot of it like “Sorry this happened to you Albania but I’m not reading all that.” Text is in Albanian and English only. Worth the 500 lek entry but hard to understand why they close at 4pm and don’t take euros or card. Definitely one of the best museums in the country.

Very cool museum! I enjoyed visiting. Although some things were not provided in English I didn't mind, I got to work on learning some Albanian which was a good experience! They have a wide variety of items which I found unique. I would say to visit if you get the opportunity))

Nice little ride with great views. Seems a bit of a 'white elephant' though.

Loved the view 😻

15 minutes up but great views of the city and surrounding areas

Drive all the way just to find that it’s closed. To other people here, please note that it’s closed on Oct 3 (Tue).

one of the best experiences in Tirana. You can get there by public transport, there is a bus from the city center, next to Tirana tourist information office that takes to the foot of the hill, a few minutes walk uphill gets you to the cable car station. the windows of the Telefrik are scratched quite a bit, which makes photos a little hard, but it is a beautiful long ride that you should not miss, a few bumps every time the cable passes a tower should not scare you. if you don't sit still the telefrik will swing naturally. it was so much fun and i felt safe

Paying to sit in a blazing hot cabin, I think it’s great.

Beautiful way to see Tirana from above

Nice experience!

Berat Castle is a fortress overlooking the town of Berat. It is one of the few castles with houses and residents living in it alongside restaurants, cafes and multiple historic sites. It has many Byzantine churches and ottoman mosques. The entry is free. It is essentially a town inside another town. It is a steep walk up from the town below to the Castle (but this portion is accessible by a car) and requires a bit of up and down walking in the castle. As such comfortable shoes are a must. But overall it is absolutely worth it because it offers stunning views from various vantage points in the Castle and historic treasures abound. I suggest setting aside a few hours to enjoy as many cultural sites as possible and time your visit to take in the sunset.

We drove over an hour specifically for this place and it did not disappoint us. Beautiful site. Habitable ancient castle with narrow streets. Occupies top of the hill with strategic views on surroundings. Cozy inside. Below is an ancient village worth visiting too.

Beautiful castle and not yet too touristy. This does not mean you will be alone, not at all, there will be plenty tourist around. But you have the ability to fully discover the castle, its squares and all it has to hide with limited restrictions.

Impressive castle, impressive views. Beautiful buildings and homes within the walls. Nice to sit and enjoy a coffee and take in the ambience. I didn't eat there but was told by a local the restaurants do good 'home' food.

Easily accessible by car, parking right nearby, astonishing view, really admired the pavements and the walls as well the local houses inside. Small and coquettes restaurants inside with authentic cuisine. Dogs allowed, pet friendly!

Great experience no tickets needed it’s free. Well preserved castle so much history. Great views of the city from the castle. You can drive all the way to the top plenty of parking just be careful the streets are narrow.

We enjoyed the castle. The walk up there was a good workout. Most people drove their cars up there. It is more like a small village, a lot to discover. The panoramic view (360 degrees) was awesome. Toilet is 0,50€ and privately owned. There is a restaurant as well (we didn’t visit).

Berat Castle (Albanian: Kalaja e Beratit), also referred to as the Citadel of Berat and castle quarter, is a fortress overlooking the town of Berat, Albania. It dates mainly from the 13th century and contains many Byzantine churches in the area and Ottoman mosques.[1] It is built on a rocky hill on the left bank of the river Osum and is accessible only from the south. It is situated at an elevation of 214 metres. Wikipedia

You can conquer it on foot or by car. A short walk past the castle and the ruins of the mosque will take you to the viewpoint, where you will have an amazing view! Be sure to treat yourself with a glass of fresh pomegranate.

AMAZING loved the medieval citadel at the top of Berat. Enjoyed wandering the streets, getting slightly lost and finding my way again. Not suitable for wheelchair users or if you aren’t confident walking as it’s a town or trip hazards! The history is fascinating, the museum is well worth a visit and the views sublime. The cafes and handicrafts are all a fair price. The views sublime.

Beautiful castle with ruins left at the moment. The village inside the castle is worth a visit with the cobblestone street & local traditional house’s & restaurants. You can have a beautiful view of the city from the top.

Very nice and large castle. It takes more or less 2h to visit all the spots. The entrance was free and the restaurants inside are not overpriced. Inside there are some horses for tourist walk but please avoid.. To arrive there you have to walk 20 minutes from Berat on a steep road under the sun so just remember to bring a bottle of water.

It’s a free tour, which is already amazing! I highly recommend to go around 5-7pm, when the sun goes down and you can enjoy a nice sunset! Plus the hike up there, it’s pretty steep so if you do it under the heat, it’s tough! You can also go with the free local guided tour, they go up with you, walk you around the castle and show you a lot of spots: the mosque, the churches, the viewpoint and explain the whole story of the city from above. Highly recommend, it was very enjoyable

One of our favorite things we did while on vacation to Albania. The entire city is very charming with the way the homes line the hills. The castle was nice to walk around and explore. Highly recommend a visit.

For a brit such as I this is a completely different way of doing castles. On this craggy hilltop above Berat a whole village of homes, hotels, cafes and ruins is compressed into a delightful experience of Balkan history.

Berat Castle stands as an unparalleled testament to Albania's rich history and cultural heritage, offering visitors an immersive journey through time. As one ascends the old road leading to the castle, flanked by the quintessential Berat houses, a profound sense of awe and reverence envelops the soul. The cobblestone path winds its way through a picturesque landscape, where traditional Ottoman-style dwellings, with their white stone walls and red-tiled roofs, stand proudly as guardians of the past. Each step along this ancient thoroughfare feels like a pilgrimage, honoring the generations of inhabitants who have called this enchanting city home. The emotion evoked while traversing this historic route is akin to stepping into a living museum, where the past seamlessly intertwines with the present. The scent of centuries-old stone mingles with the fragrant blooms of bougainvillea, creating a sensory tapestry that transports visitors to another era. With every passing moment, anticipation builds, culminating in the breathtaking sight of Berat Castle perched majestically atop the hill. As the castle comes into view, its imposing silhouette against the backdrop of the azure sky inspires a sense of wonder and admiration. The centuries-old fortress, with its formidable walls and commanding towers, exudes an aura of timeless grandeur. It serves as a poignant reminder of Albania's storied past, where empires rose and fell, leaving behind a legacy etched in stone.For those fortunate enough to visit Berat Castle in the afternoon, a truly magical experience awaits. As the sun begins its descent, casting a warm golden glow over the city below, the castle is bathed in an ethereal light. The interplay of shadows and illumination creates a mesmerizing spectacle, transforming the ancient stones into shimmering beacons of history. I highly recommend timing your visit to coincide with the evening hours, when the fading light gives way to the gentle twinkle of street lamps and the flickering glow of candles. This enchanting ambiance lends an air of romance to the castle grounds, inviting visitors to linger and savor the beauty of the moment.In conclusion, Berat Castle is a true gem of Albania, deserving of its five-star rating. From the emotional journey along the old road to the awe-inspiring sight of the castle itself, every aspect of the experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you're a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply a lover of beauty, a visit to Berat Castle promises memories that will last a lifetime.

That is really nice old castle/fortress area. They have there a bar, restaurants, gift shops, hotels. Its like a small village up there and amazing view to the city. The walk up there takes a bit time, but nothing too bad, and hey, you gotta earn that beer thats up there. There were no ticket, totally free to enter and you can spend easily couple of hours there.

Beautiful castle the unique thing about this castle is that people still live there inside the castle area there is also old houses same style of the whole village and some nice restaurants shops super cool to see them caring the culture and the history until today ✨ the castle take about 1h for a complete tour under the flag there is a really beautiful view of the whole village. On the other side there is also a beautiful view of the other side of the village with a beautiful church from the 1300. the sunset view with the mountains in the background is insane and that is also what is unique about Albania in general. The toilet were closed don’t forget your water and snacks. To get there there is a hike from the river side where you can see the church all the way to the castle. Amon good map you can find the normal road to get to the castle.

The castle in Berat is a fascinating place, exuding the rustic charm of ancient Byzantine times. Its ancient structures serve as a window into the past, allowing you to see how people once lived there. The family preserving traditions for five generations adds a unique spirit to this place. You'll delight in discovering homes preserved since Byzantine times and relish the view of 1000 windows in Berat, which once accommodated up to 800 families. It's truly a unique journey through history and traditions.

Such a different experience traveling to this historical and breathtaking place. Discovering beauty,nature and a futuristic view from the whole place. You can visit whenever you want and each season you will find something new to see and explore.

You cannot miss this castle! There is a whole town inside the castle walls. Go 1hr before sunset and walk around, visit the viewing platform to take in all of Berat below. Walk around to opposite side for the most beautiful sunset over the valley.

The castle walls and the houses inside have a historical structure. However, it is truly astonishing that ordinary people still live inside. There are cafes and restaurants inside. I also recommend you to visit the church inside. For those coming from the terminal, I do not recommend walking if the weather is rainy. Because the cobblestones in the side street become wet and slippery.

Best castle in Albania. Amazing history that is literally in the walls. The shops inside are mostly lovely and the views are insane. You need to visit if your in Albania!

Set aside three to four hours as it's a whole village within the castle walls including hotels, restaurants and cafes. It's a steep climb up a cobbled road to reach the castle but doable for the reasonably fit. You can drive up or get a taxi as there is car parking up there. The views from the top are spectacular.

Must see place in Berat! The castle ruin is beautiful and it tells the story of thousand years! As the castle resides on top of the hill, view of Berat city from the castle area is breathtaking! The view of Tomorr mountain from the castle hill is also amazing.

Amazing views over the city, one of Albania's many beautiful castles on top of a mountain, it's overall well preserved but in need of some maintenance here and there, many places to see inside the castle walls, coffee's, restaurants, souvenir shops and also small hotels or guest houses are available, you can also book guided tours in many languages. Definitely a must see when visiting the historical city of Berat

Very interesting castle site, including a ruined Fort, two ruined mosques, several churches with beautiful ruined frescos, and an Ottoman water cistern. Stunning views of Berat town.

The magnificent Berat Castle stands as a majestic fortress, gracefully overlooking the town. From the top of the hill, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, offering an excellent opportunity to capture Instagram-worthy photographs.

Super interesting but where was the art?? I quickly reset my expectations but either they should install more art or change the name. I could see some really cool site specific art works going in there. Otherwise was very interesting to read the history of modern day Albania. And of course the space is incredibly cool.

One of the best places to visit in Tirana if you want to understand the country of Albania, it's past, and present. This was the main bunker built into the side of a mountain during the Cold War to keep the Communist despot Enver Hoxha and his cronies safe during a feared nuclear bombardment. (He showed the same paranoia as the current bunch: Putin, Xi and Kim.) There are furnished rooms where the privileged would have lived underground. Mechanics of ventilation and protection shown. Room after room of history of Albanian conquest by Italians then Germans and the even worse treatment meted out by Albanians on their own people. Lots of other stuff including art installations. Easy to get to from Tirana's Skanderbeg central square bus depot (located between the big mosque and the cultural centre). Many buses to Porcelan direction where the bus terminates - about half an hour journey. Costs 40 lek each way (6/7/23). It is near this point, locals or Google can show you the way. Entry 700 lek or 400 for 60+. (Cable car to mountain top right next to it if you want to make a day of it.)

If you have a car, absolutely drive here. Bunk Art gives you a basic understanding of Albania’s tough history post WW2 while visiting a bunker! What more do you want?! Tickets are €7 for adults, €8 with the audioguide which I preferred (bring headphones). Free parking on premise (don’t let the guy in the tunnel tell you otherwise, he tries). Takes about 1h to visit.

Impressive facility, now a museum. Not actually much art inside, just the odd piece , in reality itis a museumabout Albania in the war and post war years. Chronicles the struggles during ww2 against the Italians and Germans. Then moves on to life under the dictatorship upto the early 1990s. Some rooms are laid out as per their bunker years including the leader and prime ministers rooms. Others have exhibitions showing a typical Albanian home during that period. Entry is 700lek and I spent about 1.5 hours in there. You can get a combined bunk art 1 and 2 ticket which saves some money.

Unexpectedly, this is not an underground bunker, everything is on ground floor inside the mountain. It is also a military bunker, not a fallout shelter, so it is built for government to hide only up to few weeks or months. Having said that, the museum is a must-visit for anyone entering Albania. It was kept secret until 2014 so everything is quite fresh and original. Best thing about it for me was the various unique smells of old things: funiture, paint, wiring. It really made it easy to get the vibe and imagine it being used for real. There are several dozens of rooms with varied random content not necessarily related to bunker, history, war or economy. Seems like they want this museum to be a one-stop-shop for Albania english speaking tourists, since their other museums lacked translations. Only about half of the rooms had expositions in 2022, so they have a lot of space for other content in the future. The bunker is linear and takes 1-2 hours to go through. The corridors are narrow so I advice going right after they open to avoid crowds. I recommend against buying audio guide, since the same text is easier to read next to rooms and the app is not comfortable and does not work well (no wifi during my visit). Some of the rooms were poorly explained and boring, it was hard to connect description with the material inside. I had trouble discerning which parts of exhibition were from bunker realities (bufet) and which from daily communist life (shop, apartment), but all of the staff was very helpful and answered my questions with fluent english.

So worth the bus ride out! The original Bunk Art is just amazing! The exhibitions and insights into how Albania lived since WW2, just incredible! You must visit this place!

Eventhough BUNK'ART seems far away from the city centre, it is incredibly easy to get there by useing the blue city busses. The museum has a lot of information about Albania during WWII and the period after the war. The bunker itself is very big but once you're inside everything feels the same and so it feels like you're just walking through a damp tunnel voor 1.5 hours. That's why I only gave 3 stars.

Great experience with detailed history of Tirana and Albania. I opted for this over the national history museum and purchased the 2-fer pass for bunk’art 2, although I thought 1 was much better / bigger / more interesting. Can be combined with the gondola and mountain top although don’t make the mistake I did and try the gondola on a Tuesday when it’s closed!

A very interesting historical place to visit to understand the history of Albania. I would recommend either taking a guide or going to any other city tour before visiting this place: you need to know some key info about Albania before going here if you want to visit this place on your own. The entry ticket is cash only!!! The whole concept is that you have some display in the building of the old bunker. However, there is very little difference from room to room and little interactions - only reading of the old documents. In the end was interesting to see a few rooms with art installations. Overall worth a visit, but there is huge potential for this place to be better. You can reach it with public bus too.

1 hour was spent here, could take 2 hours if I read all the placard. Lots of info mainly in the 30's and 40's. I thought it was interesting. Power went out for a little bit. Not recommended and nothing interesting for children in my opinion. Overall, I enjoyed it.

Wonderful place to learn a little about the history and culture of this wonderful country. I only ask that those who come to visit him, respect him and do not spoil anything. Respect the markings and don't mess with anything. Help maintain and preserve heritage.

A must see attraction. Old cold war bunker system built for 1000 of the most important political families of the time. Very interesting museum

I don't know where to start with this review...but I'll start by saying this was an incredibly sobering experience for me personally because of my own family's experience with communism in Fidel Castro's Cuba. Too many parallels with Enver Hoxha's Albania. I was emotionally moved especially realizing what the Albanian people have gone through and overcome. This "museum" is inside of a bunker that the Albanian dictator had built for himself and the political elite in case of an invasion,an invasion he kept assuring his people would soon happen. (He had Albanians build over 700,000 bunkers all over the country in fear of the promised invasion,part of his control came from keeping the populace in a state of fear.) There's exhibits from the world wars until his take over and implementation of strict Stalinist marxism,then his death and the eventual fall of Communism in Albania. Like my Serbo-Croatian friend said to me recently Enver Hoxha made Fidel Castro look like Santa Claus ...and after visiting this bunker anyone would probably agree!

Used during the cold war. People lived here, spent that period here, built a life, even a world underground. Under the leadership of Enver Hoxha, the things he used, the room he stayed in, he was a popular leader. We have a lot of information. We remember all the people of that period with respect and love. A place to see.

It's a must! Just amazing! It's a rare occasion to explore history and visit a unique place. You are going to see more than just military aspects, you are going to explore the Albanian life from the past!

Not to be missed when in Tirana! 2 hours full of recent Albanian history. Well worth it! 7 euros for the ticket, or 10 euros for the combined ticket (this bunker + the one in the city center). Only cash!

Such an intense experience! Definitely worth a visit! You don't only get to experience the Bunker itself, but also a big part of Albania's history, there are many stories told that will move you. I would visit again. Make sure you've got enough time to go through the whole bunker, I stayed there for nearly 3 hours.

I recommend this more than Bunk'art 2, it is more enjoyable for the average person. But if you are passionate about history you should definitely see them both, you can get a ticket for both for 10 euro

1 | A museum located in the atomic bunker, which focuses on the history of Albania. If possible, I recommend visiting it as soon as you arrive in the country. You will get a better understanding of Albania. 2 | The exhibition consists mostly of photographs with captions and copies of documents. Most of them are in Albanian only. 3 | Admission without an audio guide is 7 EUR / 700 LEK. Admission with an audio guide is 10 EUR / 1000 LEK. Payment can only be made in cash. 4 | The tour of the bunker took us approximately 2 hours. I read about 80% of the descriptions. A large part of the exhibition is dedicated to the events surrounding World War II, when the country was invaded by Italy and Germany. 5 | An interesting part of the museum are the accessible rooms of the commander, including the bedroom. The commander was the only one with a carpet on the floor. 6 | The museum is located outside the city, and can be reached from the city centre by bus number 11 (Porcelain line). You can buy your ticket once inside. The journey time from the main square is around 30 minutes. 7 | In the centre of Tirana there is also BUNK'ART 2, which is focused on the secret police.

This place is huge! Make sure you bring cash as they don't take card. You can get there from a bus in the centre for about 30p each and drops you outside. Inside there is loads of rooms and tunnels with lots of interesting info on Albania. Great place to visit

BunkArt was built under socialist Albanian president Hoxha due to his fear of nuclear fallout. As of today is it possible to visit most of it and goes several meters in depth and has 5 levels. There’re plenty of small rooms which used to be bedrooms, classrooms, studios, shop, playgrounds and whatever was necessary to live in case of emergency. There’s even a theatre. The museum offers numerous information regarding Albanian history and it’s filled with finds and documents. Very interesting and cool. There’s light everywhere but I believe it’s not recommended for disabled people to visit it since there’re stairs from the entry to the exit. The visit last around 1hour. I would suggest to visit this one first and then BunkArt 2 which is in the city centre which I didn’t find as cool as this one. Ticket for both goes for 10€ (as far as I remember) and it’s valid for 2/3 days. I’ve heard there’s a bus from city centre but taxi is 1000 lek (~10€) Very recommended!!!

The bunker itself is impressive and huge, but there was a lot to read - sometimes with mistakes in English. I found the museum not interactive enough and got tired of all the text at some point. Hence, 4 starts

Such an interesting place to visit. Here you can definitely learn more about the history of Albania. If you're in a car, you must drive through the tunnel and leave your car in the car park (free of charge). The tunnel is very narrow, so be careful when driving, and wait for the green light. It is better to visit Bunk'Art 1 early in the morning to avoid long queues. I paid 1, 400 Leke to visit both, Bunk'Art 1 and Bunk'Art 2. This place is definitely worth visiting. Here you can pay only with cash, so make sure you've got some.

Amazing museum in a former cold war bunker. It starts with a walk through a tunnel, then you buy tickets from a little wooden house and make your way walking up a narrow road towards the entrance in the bunker. There are a couple levels and each one has rooms with a thematic. It's mostly historical, from pre-WW2 to the comunist times. Most explanation is also written in English. It would have been nice to have more videos and interactive things, not just pictures and writing but I appreciate the work that was done to transform this former bunker in a museum and it's a must try experience. There's an unique feeling to it. Imagine having to live in a bunker after a nuclear apocalypse.

Massive bunker!! I never thought that a bunker could be this big.... Worth to visit if you like history, but is more about read and listen of the events that seeing stuff. The parking is free Tickets are 700Leke/7€ and they ONLY accept cash (May 2024)

7€ this bunker and 10€ including the one in the center but this is bigger. We couldn't even see everything because you need minimum 3 hours and we had only 1 before closing. The bad thing is that they only accept cash so we had to run through the tunnel and find the only ATM in that area that it's way less clean than Tirana center

A thought-provoking museum about Albania's history and its past communist dictatorship. The whole museum is a decommissioned bunker - just like BUNK'ART 2. It is close to Dajti Ekspress cable car. The entrance tunnel already has an eerie atmosphere - just like the museum itself. Very interesting experience, one of the highlights of Tirana! Tip: You can buy a joint ticket for both BUNK'ART museums for 10 euros.