Shopping in Tirana: hidden gems

What and where you can buy in the Albanian capital city? Discover it in my guide about shopping in Tirana with tips for a cool experience.

I am going to mention some curious facts about the Albanian capital. Nothing related to attractions. I want to focus on shopping in Tirana, going to explore all the opportunities. There are some hidden gems you need to discover and to see. As it happens in many tourist cities shops and mall are increasing by quantity and quality. This place is still quite new in the tourism field. But it si growing fast with new luxury hotels and restaurants and also with better services for shoppers.

Tirana, Albania's capital, is a shopper's paradise, with a mix of traditional bazaars, modern malls, and unique boutiques. Whether you're looking for souvenirs, clothes, or groceries, you're sure to find it in Tirana. But where are the best places to shop? In this guide, I'll share our top tips and recommendations for shopping in Tirana.

I love buy souvenirs, precious objects, food and many other items traveling. Maybe you noticed reading my guides about Luxury shopping in Bologna or Luxury shopping in Rome.

Shopping in Tirana: overview

Around Balkan's opportunities for international buyers are a bit more limited. And, of course, it is more common to find local product and not so many famous brands. Tirana grown up in the last years, especially in the last two or three. The city changed its face and now modern shoppers can easily find what they search for. Entrepreneurs and international brands built new shopping centers around the central part of Tirana in Western-style. But also the prices grown up. Despite the well-known brands come from abroad there are also some Albanian goods, what is different is especially the cost.

In the Blloku neighborhood, the setting of the different shops appear modern, elegant, and quite similar to the ones present around Western Europe. You can find them close to cheerful shops trying to survive to modernity. Meanwhile, the malls are full of lights, innovative decorations, magnificent windows on clothes, jewelry, and some products that are more a dream. Locals consider those places more of an attraction because they don't usually go to walk inside those buildings.

Luxury started to be present in the city and this is good, but the process was too fast and somehow it looks like to lose the real Albanian soul of the small shops with some traditional objects. I love luxury and famous brands, as you know, but going around Eastern Europe I learned how to appreciate what they offer, so I am a bit surprised by how modern Tirana is trying to be. I think the shopping should be made alternating malls to shops, especially for the experience that clients can live keeping in touch with the local sellers with their interesting and creative products.

All the tips about shopping in Tirana

You should know few aspects before to go to buy something in the Albanian capital. That's why I resume here a few tips.

• Know where to shop: Tirana has a variety of shopping districts, each with its own unique atmosphere. For traditional Albanian souvenirs, head to the Old Bazaar. For high-end brands, check out the Toptani Shopping Center. And for a mix of everything, explore the pedestrianized streets of the city center.
• Don't be afraid to bargain: bargaining is common in Tirana's markets, especially the Old Bazaar. Start by offering around half of the asking price and be prepared to negotiate.
• Bring cash: many shops and stalls in Tirana only accept cash. It's a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially if you're planning to shop in the markets.

Places to shop

Now, let me give you some directions. If you like shopping in Tirana, you can't miss the following places.

• Old Bazaar: the Old Bazaar is Tirana's oldest and most atmospheric shopping district. It's a maze of narrow streets lined with stalls selling everything from traditional Albanian crafts to souvenirs to fresh produce.
• Toptani Shopping Center: Toptani Shopping Center is Tirana's newest and most modern shopping mall. It has a wide range of stores, including international brands like Zara, H&M, and Adidas.
• Pedestrianized city center: the pedestrianized streets of the city center are a great place to shop for a mix of everything. There are clothing stores, shoe stores, souvenir shops, and cafes.
• Pazari i Ri: Pazari i Ri, or the New Bazaar, is a large market where you can find everything from fresh produce to clothes to electronics. It's a good place to shop for bargains, but be prepared to crowd.
• Tirana Farmers' Market: the Tirana Farmers' Market is a great place to buy fresh produce, cheese, and other Albanian food products. It's also a good place to experience local culture.

Things to buy in Tirana

You can buy different items and have a good taste of 

Traditional Albanian souvenirs 

All know Albanian crafts for their intricate designs and vibrant colors. Some popular souvenirs include:

• Homemade ceramics: Albania has a long tradition of ceramic making. You can find a variety of ceramic items, such as plates, bowls, vases, and figurines, in the markets of Tirana.
• Cifteli: Cifteli is a traditional Albanian folk costume. It is made up of a long skirt and a waistcoat, and is often decorated with elaborate embroidery. You can find cifteli for sale in many souvenir shops in Tirana.
• Olive oil: Albania produces some of the best olive oil in the world. You can find a variety of olive oils to choose from, including extra virgin olive oil, infused olive oil, and flavored olive oil.
• Qilim: Qilim is a type of handmade rug that is popular in Albania. Experts know Qilims for their intricate designs and bright colors. You can find qilims for sale in many markets and souvenir shops in Tirana.
• Bunker ashtray: Albania has over 700,000 bunkers, which were built during the communist era. Bunker ashtrays are a popular souvenir that is made from recycled bunker metal. You can find bunker ashtrays for sale in many souvenir shops in Tirana.

Check out all the shops.

Food and drink

Albania has a delicious cuisine that is influenced by its Mediterranean neighbors. Some popular food and drink items to buy in Tirana include:

• Albanian coffee: people know Albanian coffee for its strong flavor and thick foam. You can buy ground Albanian coffee or pre-packaged coffee bags in many supermarkets and grocery stores in Tirana.
• Raki: Raki is a traditional Albanian brandy that is made from grapes, plums, or other fruits. It is a popular drink to enjoy with friends and family. You can find raki for sale in many supermarkets and liquor stores in Tirana.
• Wine: Albania has a growing wine industry. There are a variety of Albanian wines to choose from, including red wine, white wine, and rosé wine. You can find Albanian wines for sale in many supermarkets and liquor stores in Tirana.
• Halva: Halva is a sweet dessert that is made from tahini and sugar. In Albania, they often serve this popular treat with coffee or tea. You can find halva for sale in many supermarkets and grocery stores in Tirana.

Other items

Other items that you may want to buy in Tirana include:

• Clothes: Tirana has a variety of clothing stores, from high-end boutiques to affordable chain stores. You can find everything from traditional Albanian clothing to international brands in Tirana.
• Jewelry: Albania has a long tradition of jewelry making. You can find a variety of jewelry stores in Tirana, selling everything from gold and silver jewelry to traditional Albanian jewelry.
• Handicrafts: Albania has a rich tradition of handicrafts. You can find a variety of handicrafts for sale in the markets of Tirana, including wooden carvings, metalwork, and embroidery.

No matter what you are looking for, you are sure to find it in Tirana. With its variety of shops and markets, Tirana is a great place to shop for souvenirs, clothes, food, and other items.

Conclusion

Tirana is a great place to shop, with a variety of options to choose from. Whether you're looking for traditional souvenirs, high-end brands, or fresh produce, you're sure to find it in Tirana. So next time you're in Albania, be sure to check out the shopping scene!

FAQ

What to buy in Tirana?

You can buy Traditional Albanian souvenirs, like homemade ceramics, cifteli, olive oil, qilim, bunker ashtrays. Or choose food and drinks like Albanian coffee, raki, wine, or halva. Alternatively, you have the chance to purchase clothes, jewelry, and handicrafts.

Where to go for shopping in Tirana?

Among the recommended places for shopping in Tirana, you find Old Bazaar, Toptani Shopping Center, pedestrianized streets of the city center, Pazari i Ri or the New Bazaar, and Tirana Farmers' Market.