Gjirokaster, also known as the City of Thousand Steps, is another UNESCO site in Southern Albania that offers a wide range of awesome things to do and see. From the mighty Gjirokaster Castle to the beautiful lush green landscape of the surrounding area, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Some may consider Gjirokaster as a twin city to Berat, another UNESCO site known for its thousand windows. However, if someone tells you that you can only choose one of the two to visit, do not believe them.
Both cities have their charms that cannot be substituted. The architectures are different, the things you can do are different, and even the local food is different, so I would recommend you visit both cities when you are in Albania.
Enough about Berat. Today, we are going to explore the beautiful historical city of Gjirokaster and all that the city has to offer with this complete backpacking guide on things to do in Gjirokaster for solo travelers. Without further ado, let's begin with the Gjirokaster things to do itinerary map:
Gjirokaster Things To Do Itinerary Map
Quick Summary
| ♥️ Must Visit: | Gjirokaster Castle |
|---|---|
| 🏛️ Best Museum: | Gjirokaster Museum |
| 💎 Hidden Gem: | Stone City Hostel |
| ☀️ Great Day Trip: | Gjirokaster |
8 Best Things to Do in Gjirokaster, Albania
1. Explore Gjirokaster Castle
- 📍 Location: Gjirokaster Castle [Map Link]
- 🕐 Opening Hours: 9 AM - 7 PM
- 💰 Entry Fees: 400 LEK
- ⚡ Pete's Take: "It's one of the most famous landmarks here, with a great view over the city, so you have to visit it. There are two museums inside that you can visit. I recommend Gjirokaster Museum over the Arms Museum."
One of the most iconic landmarks in Gjirokaster is the Gjirokaster Castle, the second largest castle in the Balkans that sits atop a hill overlooking Gjirokaster Old Town.
The citadel has existed in some form or another since the 12th century, but the two largest expansion and renovation efforts to the castle were done during the Ali Pasha and King Zog eras in the 19th and 20th centuries, respectively.
The castle is big, so spare at least 2-3 hours to walk around the castle and check out all the structures, like the Clock Tower, a church, museums, a captured United States Air Force plane to commemorate the Communist regime's struggle against imperialist powers, and many more.
- Stone City Hostel (Budget)
- Stone City Hostel (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- Hotel Bebej Tradicional (High-End)
- Amazing Horse Riding Experience at Vjosa National Park in Permet (4 hours)
- Rafting Vjosa River Gjirokastër Albania ARG (3 to 4 hours)
- Rafting Tour in Vjosa Wild River National Park (3 hours 30 minutes)
The castle was also built atop a dominating plateau, making it the perfect viewpoint to see Gjirokaster Old and New Town converge among the stunning landscape that surrounds the city.
The castle is generally open during the daytime, with longer hours in the warmer months, and I would recommend visiting early or later in the day to avoid the biggest crowds. The current entrance fee is 400 LEK. The museums inside are separate and require an additional ticket, so bring some cash with you.
There are 2 museums within the Castle Wall: one is the Arms Museum, which you can skip as it does not have English descriptions; the other is the Gjirokaster Museum, which I highly recommend.
Where to Stay in Gjirokaster, Albania?
2. Learn About the History of Gjirokaster in Gjirokaster Museum
- 📍 Location: Gjirokaster Museum [Map Link]
- 💰 Entry Fees: 200 LEK in addition to the castle ticket
- ⚡ Pete's Take: "You will learn about everything here, from the national hero Ali Pasha to the infamous communist leader Enver Hoxha, who built all these bunkers around the country out of paranoia. Highly recommended."
Gjirokaster Museum is a great place for you to visit if you are interested in the history of Gjirokaster and how it played a role in the conflicts around this region.
The museum delves deep into the legends surrounding the origin of the name, where the city acquired its "Stone City" name, what it was like under the rule of Ali Pasha, the Ottoman Lord, how the tug of war between empires impacted the city, and many more facts that will make you appreciate the city and its people even more.
Gjirokaster is also the birthplace of Enver Hoxha, the infamous communist leader who built over 170,000 bunkers across the country during his reign. The museum talks about his rise and fall as well.
The museum currently costs around 200 LEK on top of the 400 LEK entrance fee for the castle. With the content of the museum, as well as all the stories written in English, it is definitely worth the extra cost, in my opinion.
3. Explore Gjirokaster Old Bazaar
- 📍 Location: Gjirokaster Old Bazaar [Map Link]
- ⚡ Pete's Take: "This is the heart of the city's old town, and you will find all kinds of shops, cafes, and restaurants here. It gets quite lively at night, too."
Gjirokaster Old Bazaar has been the center of commerce in the city since the Ottoman era. Surrounding the area, you will find plenty of beautiful and charming Ottoman-style houses, as well as many great restaurants for you to indulge yourself in.
The Old Bazaar is especially lively at night, so be sure to spend some time walking around the streets of the Bazaar after sunset. If you are looking for a place to dine in the Old Bazaar, Odaja and Taverna Kuka are highly recommended. For more information about these two restaurants, check out our What to Eat and Drink in Gjirokaster section.
4. Take a Tour Around Skenduli Traditional House
- 📍 Location: Skenduli House [Map Link]
- 💰 Entry Fees: 300 LEK
- ⚡ Pete's Take: "A nice family-run museum you can visit. You will be guided by one of the family members there, and they are great and very informative."
Gjirokaster used to be home to one of the wealthiest families in the area, and there are several traditional houses that are still standing today. One of the traditional houses that is open to the public is Skenduli House where you will be able to have access to all the rooms, from the wedding room to the bunker.
The daughter of the family will be able to guide you through each room, explaining all the functions and unique features of the house. There is a dedicated room for the newlyweds, and it is definitely the highlight of the Skenduli house visit.
Unfortunately, they have no official opening time as the operation is mostly run by the family themselves. However, I was there at around 10:30 AM, and the daughter was available to guide us through each room.
The entrance fee is currently around 300 LEK, which I think is worth it as you will be able to learn what life was like back then. Plus, the view from the house overlooking the city is pretty epic.
5. Watch the Sunset at Gjirokaster Obelisk
- 📍 Location: Gjirokaster Obelisk [Map Link]
- ⚡ Pete's Take: "This is a great place to watch the sunset as it doesn't require you to hike at all. It's pretty accessible and the view is incredibly rewarding."
If you are looking for a great viewpoint for sunset, Gjirokaster Obelisk is a great place to be. It's not too far from the Old Town, and you do not have to climb to get to it like other viewpoints in the city.
From Gjirokaster Obelisk, you will get a 180° panoramic view of the mountains around Gjirokaster, as well as all the Ottoman-era houses, making it one of the best photo spots in the city.
6. Hike to See Shepherds Crossing the Old Ali Pasha Bridge
- 📍 Location: The Ali Pasha Stone Bridge [Map Link]
- ⚡ Pete's Take: "This old stone bridge is a bit outside the city, but you can get there by hiking only about 30 minutes from town. You can see the shepherd crossing at around 6 PM most days."
Away from the bustling city of Gjirokaster, there is an old Ottoman-era stone bridge that has been used by shepherds for many generations, and you can hike to it.
The Ali Pasha Stone Bridge is located only a 30-minute hike from Gjirokaster Old Town. The trail is marked only when you are already on the outer rim of the Old Town, so I would recommend you follow the route on Maps.me from your hostel to the trailhead.
If you are there at the right time, around 6 PM every day, you will be able to see a shepherd and his livestock crossing the stone bridge into the city, which is not something you see every day. You can also go on the "The Old Bazaar, Cfake, Dunavat, Ali Pasha Bridge" walking tour if you want to learn more about the history of the city and the stone bridge.
7. Go On a Free Walking Tour with Walter from Stone City Hostel
- 📍 Location: Stone City Hostel [Map Link]
- 💰 Entry Fees: Free
- ⚡ Pete's Take: "Walter is awesome, and you should stay at his hostel if you can. He runs these tours with his guests every day for free!"
If you are staying at the Stone City Hostel, which I highly recommend, ask about the free activities and city walks they organize for guests. When I stayed there, Walter took us on a free walking tour around the city at 5 PM, but the exact schedule and host can change.
He will explain to you the significance of all these traditional houses, as well as take you to a real hidden nuclear bunker - not the one they made a museum out of, but a real hidden one that you might think twice before walking into.
He will also explain the history and tradition of Gjirokaster that you wouldn't have observed, such as the tradition of using flat dressed stones to construct the roofs. Some of the roofs of the stone houses can weigh as much as an airplane!
The tour is completely free, and it will take around an hour to complete. Unfortunately, he doesn't do it every day, and only the hostel guests are allowed to join. The more reason to stay at Stone City Hostel!
8. Explore the Surrounding Landscape of Gjirokaster in a Jeep
- 📍 Location: Gjirokaster [Map Link]
- 💰 Price: Ask the hostel for the current 4WD tour price
- ⚡ Pete's Take: "Walter from Stone City Hostel also likes to organize day trips, and he will take you out in his jeep to explore the surrounding area. It was incredible! They have limited spots, though, and often reserve only for guests! All the more reason to stay at Stone City Hostel!"
Another benefit of staying at Stone City Hostel is that they continue to organize 4WD and walking trips around the Gjirokaster region. When I stayed there, Walter took us out in his jeep to explore the surrounding mountains and remote places that would have been difficult to reach independently.
He also changes up the trip all the time, mixing activities so that what you experience may differ from what I experienced with them. But one thing is guaranteed: you will surely have an action-packed day.
When I did this trip, it cost 3,000 LEK per person, left the hostel at 9 AM, returned at around 6 PM, and included a delicious family-style lunch at a local restaurant. The hostel still advertises 4WD trips today, but the route, price, departure time, inclusions, and group size can change, so ask them what is running during your stay.
For my trip, Walter took us first to Hadrianopolis, a recently discovered ancient Greek ruin, before taking us into the mountains to explore the Zagori region, northeast of Gjirokaster.
We visited many remote ancient churches, an abandoned communist school, a beautiful stone bridge, and a hidden watering hole where one can jump off a waterfall.
A lush green forest, high mountains, and stunning waterfall that I had seen on this trip are something I would not have imagined seeing in a place like Gjirokaster.
From the outside, the landscape around Gjirokaster looked so dry and barren. However, once you hop in a jeep and go behind the facade, you will find all this beautiful nature tucked away in the mountains, waiting for you to discover.
This day trip with Stone City Hostel is what made it memorable, and if you are looking to really go off the beaten path in Gjirokaster, a day excursion with them is a must.
What to Eat and Drink in Gjirokaster?
1. Eat Traditional Food and Try the Rice Pudding at Odaja Restaurant
- 📍 Location: Odaja Restaurant [Map Link]
- 💰 Price Range: 300 - 500 LEK
One of the best local restaurants that I highly recommend is Odaja Restaurant, located in the Old Town of Gjirokaster. They serve delicious Albanian dishes like Musaka, as well as Qifqi, an Albanian Rice Ball that originates from here. It is something you should definitely try when you are in Gjirokaster.
Their traditional stuffed peppers and pies are also recommended, but there is one dessert dish that is to die for: the Rice Pudding. The sweet and tasty rice pudding served at Odaja is one of the best desserts I've tried in all of Albania. It was so tasty that they almost ran out when we were there at the end of a long day, looking to reward ourselves with some delicious dessert.
On top of all those delicious homemade dishes, they are also very affordable, with the food costing around 300 - 500 LEK per dish. With such a price and portion, I would recommend you come to the restaurant with people and order several dishes to share with each other, tapas-style.
2. Dine at Taverna Kuka
- 📍 Location: Taverna Kuka [Map Link]
- 💰 Price Range: 500 - 1000 LEK
Another great restaurant with a stunning view of Gjirokaster is Taverna Kuka. They serve local dishes such as Qifqi, Albanian meatballs, and Albanian Pie, as well as heartier options like grilled and garnished dishes such as Kebabs and grilled lambs, etc.
They are more expensive than Odaja, with prices ranging from 500 - 1000 LEK, but it has a nice vibe and a large selection of wine to choose from. Their outdoor seating with a view of the city is also a great place to sit at night and drink your night away in Gjirokaster.
3. Try a Lime Tart at Sweet Cellar
- 📍 Location: Sweet Cellar [Map Link]
If you are looking for a Western-style cafe with a cozy atmosphere, a friendly owner (Brenna, the Busy Baker, is what I called her 😂), and pastries that are to die for, Sweet Cellar is the place to be.
Brenna bakes everything herself, and she serves many delicious cakes, ice cream, as well as the best lime tart in the biz. Seriously, the tasty yet not too sweet lime tart is like heaven in your mouth, especially after a long day exploring the city.
The café also has WIFI if you are looking for a place to relax a little and stay connected with your friends and families at home. If you are there, say hi to Brenna, the Busy Baker for me 😄.
Other Things to Do in Gjirokaster
1. Visit the Blue Eye
The Blue Eye is a natural water spring located between Gjirokaster and Sarande. It is a good place to visit, although a little crowded for my liking if you have an extra day in Gjirokaster.
The clear turquoise water is the main attraction here, but swimming in the spring itself is now prohibited and actively enforced. When I visited, I still saw people ignoring the signs and jumping in, and the crowds made the place feel almost like a music festival rather than a natural spring. If you want to swim, there are spots farther downstream rather than in the protected spring itself.
There are also restaurants and short walking paths around the area, but I would still treat the Blue Eye as a short nature stop rather than a hiking destination. Today, vehicles stop near the entrance and visitors continue roughly 1.8 - 2 km to the spring on foot, or use the seasonal tourist train when it is running. The current entrance fee is only 50 LEK per person.
That said, the nature around it is still very impressive, and if you are looking to get there from Gjirokaster, you can follow these steps:
Getting from Gjirokaster to the Blue Eye
To get to the Blue Eye independently, take one of the Gjirokaster-Saranda buses from Gjirokaster Bus Stop and ask the driver whether they can drop you near the Blue Eye turnoff. The full Gjirokaster-Saranda fare is currently 400 LEK one way, but departures are not hourly all day, so confirm the day's schedule before relying on this option.
From the entrance, you can continue and walk along the dirt track for about 2 km, and you will arrive at the Blue Eye. I do not recommend doing this if you have luggage. The road is long, dusty, and in the summer, it can be blazingly hot.
To get back, you will have to walk back the same way and flag down a bus going to Gjirokaster from the same road where you were dropped off upon your arrival. You can also flag down a bus going to Tirana, as they will often pass through Gjirokaster. To be sure, ask the driver before you get on.
2. Tour Around Zekate Traditional House
Zekate House is another traditional Ottoman-era house that is open to the public, and you can visit it in case it gets too busy at Skenduli House or if it is not open on the day you are there. From what I've heard, they are both quite similar, so either one is fine if you do not have a lot of time. The current entrance fee is 300 LEK.
3. Learn More About Gjirokaster Tradition at Ethnographic Museum
The Ethnographic Museum is another great place to visit if you are looking to learn more about the history and traditions of the people of Gjirokaster. The museum contains traditional dresses, household items, and artifacts that show what life was like for a wealthy family in 19th-century Gjirokaster.
I would say, if you have already visited the houses I recommended above, you can easily skip this one. Otherwise, the current individual entrance fee is 500 LEK. The museum stands on the site of Enver Hoxha's birthplace, but the original house burned down. The present building was constructed in the 1960s as a model of a traditional Gjirokaster house rather than as a replica of Hoxha's home.
Where to Go After Gjirokaster?
Himara
Himara is a great place to use as a base for you to explore the Albanian Riviera. It is located right by the beach, and its quiet and less crowded nature of this seaside town makes it a much more attractive destination than Sarande.
There is currently no direct bus from Gjirokaster to Himara, so you will have to take a bus to Saranda and get a bus from Saranda to Himara. There are only 2 buses from Saranda to Himara (10 AM and 1 PM), so you will have to take the 8 AM - 11 AM bus from Gjirokaster, which will take about one hour.
Once you arrive at Saranda Bus Stop, you can then get on the 1 PM bus to Himara, which should take around 1.5 hours.
The bus from Gjirokaster to Saranda costs 400 LEK, and from Saranda to Himara is an additional 500 LEK.
Saranda
Saranda is a big city and the main hub for traveling in Southern Albania, as well as a place to stop before going to Greece. The city is busy, with not a whole lot of places to chill in my opinion, so I would skip it. However, if you are planning to travel further to Greece, Saranda is a required stop after Gjirokaster.
There are several buses from Gjirokaster to Saranda Bus Stop each day. One current operator lists departures at 8 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, 3 PM, and 5 PM, so I would not rely on the old assumption that buses run hourly throughout the day.
The bus from Gjirokaster to Saranda costs 400 LEK and takes one hour for the trip.
Albania Travel Video
When to Visit Gjirokaster, Albania?
The best time to visit Gjirokaster is generally from April to June and September to October, when you can explore the steep Old Town more comfortably without the strongest summer heat.
July and August are also popular months to visit, but the weather can get quite dry and hot, and Gjirokaster's stone streets and steep hills make walking under the midday sun more tiring. If you are visiting in summer, start early, take a break around midday, and carry plenty of water.
Gjirokaster can still be visited in winter, when the Old Town is much quieter and occasional cold or snowy weather can make the cobblestones slippery. Some tourism businesses operate reduced hours outside the main season, but I would no longer say you need to avoid winter altogether if you prefer fewer visitors.
How to Get to Gjirokaster, Albania?
How to Get to Tirana?
For most international travelers, the easiest gateway to Gjirokaster is Tirana International Airport (TIA), followed by an overland trip south. Depending on where you are coming from, you can find direct flights from many European cities or connect through a larger European or regional hub.
From the US or Asia, you will usually need at least one connection to reach Tirana, so compare complete itineraries rather than relying on a specific airline or hub, as routes change regularly.
From within Europe, Tirana has a large network of direct and low-cost flights, including services from airlines such as Wizz Air and Ryanair. If Tirana is expensive from your departure city, it can also be worth comparing nearby regional gateways and continuing overland.
To find a cheap flight to Tirana, I would recommend you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so that you can compare and pick the best one.
How to Get to Gjirokaster, Albania?
From Tirana, several buses and vans run daily from Tirana Southward Bus Station to Gjirokaster. Current operators list departures throughout the day and a fare of around 1,200 LEK one way. The trip generally takes around 3.5 - 4 hours depending on traffic and stops, so check the current departure board when you arrive rather than relying on the old timetable photo above.
From Berat, the consistently published direct service leaves Berat Bus Terminal at around 2 PM each day. The current fare is 1,000 LEK, and the trip takes around 3 hours. Schedules in Albania can still change, so confirm the departure locally the day before.
The bus will drop you off at Gjirokaster Bus Stop (more like a gas station), and from there, you have a few options to get to Gjirokaster Old Town.
How to Get from Gjirokaster Bus Terminal to Gjirokaster Old Town?
From Gjirokaster Bus Stop, you can walk up to the Old Town. Keep in mind that even though it is a 20-minute walk, you are going up a steep cobblestone road for about 60% of the time. If you have a lot of luggage or if it is hot outside, you might want to rest halfway, as my travel friend TJ almost did 😅.
You can also take a local bus from one of the bus stops along Bulevardi 18 Shtator road to get from the New Town toward the Old Town. When I was there, the fare was 30 LEK; local fares can change, so carry small lek notes and confirm the current price when you board.
Keep in mind that the bus will take you to the Old Town on a different road that goes directly to the castle than the one you can walk up through the Old Town, so be sure to stand on the left side of Bulevardi 18 Shtator road.
How to Get Around Gjirokaster, Albania?
Once you are in the Old Town, all the tourist attractions in Gjirokaster are within walking distance, so there is no need to take a bus or taxi.
As mentioned earlier, local buses are also a viable way to get between the New Town and the Old Town. I paid 30 LEK per trip when I visited; bring small cash and confirm the current fare on board.
If you are staying at Stone City Hostel, ask about the 4WD and walking trips they currently organize. I joined Walter on one of these trips when I stayed there, and it was a great way to reach the countryside outside Gjirokaster without renting a car.
How Many Days to Spend in Gjirokaster, Albania?
Two full days (3 nights) are recommended if you want to see Gjirokaster as well as all the nature in the surrounding area. Here is a breakdown of the itinerary:
Day 0: On your arrival day, rest at the hostel for a bit, and go on a free walking tour at 5 PM with Stone City Hostel, and end your day with local cuisine at Odaja Restaurant.
Day 1: On your first full day, you can go on a day trip with Stone City Hostel if Walter is organizing one.
Day 2: On your second day, you can spend the entire day exploring Gjirokaster itself, or you can squeeze in a half-day visit to the Blue Eye in the morning and come back to explore Gjirokaster Castle in the afternoon.
In the evening, you can hike to Ali Pasha Bridge to see the shepherd and his herd crossing this old Ottoman-era bridge just before sunset and come back to enjoy a nice dinner at Taverna Kuka Restaurant before retiring for the day.
How Much Money Do I Need for Gjirokaster, Albania?
Based on the 2-day itinerary above, we can calculate the minimum amount of money you will be spending in Gjirokaster as follows:
Accommodation: Budget around 1,700 - 2,000 LEK (21 - 25 USD) per night for a dorm bed at a well-rated hostel in the Old Town. For 3 nights, allow around 5,100 - 6,000 LEK (63 - 74 USD). Breakfast is often included at hostels such as Stone City Hostel.
Food: For inexpensive local meals, snacks, and drinks, allow around 1,500 - 2,000 LEK per day. For 2.5 days, that works out to roughly 3,750 - 5,000 LEK.
Transportation: Gjirokaster itself is very walkable once you are in the Old Town. Allow around 100 - 300 LEK for a few local-bus rides or small transport expenses during your stay. This does not include your intercity bus to or from Gjirokaster.
Activities: For the main paid sights in this itinerary, allow around 900 LEK for Gjirokaster Castle (400 LEK), Gjirokaster Museum (about 200 LEK extra), and Skenduli House (300 LEK). If you also visit Zekate House and the Ethnographic Museum, add another 800 LEK. The hostel's 4WD trips are optional and should be budgeted separately at the current price quoted by the hostel.
Total Budget for one full day in Gjirokaster: 9,850 - 12,200 LEK (121 - 150 USD) per person.
Is it Safe in Gjirokaster, Albania?
Gjirokaster is very safe, and we did not encounter anything out of the ordinary, except for the kindness of the Albanians who kept inviting us in.
We were in front of a house, trying to get a photo of the castle at night, when the owner saw us and invited us inside to check out the view. She also fed us her homegrown pears without asking for anything in return.
Even though we saw a few beggars in Berat, we didn't see any in Gjirokaster, and we found the locals that we have encountered to be genuinely friendly here. Not saying it wasn't friendly in Berat or anywhere else in Albania, but I found the people of Gjirokaster to be extra friendly.
Which tourist SIM card is best for Albania?
You can find reliable WiFi almost anywhere in Gjirokaster, from the hostel you are staying at to the restaurants in the Old Town. Sweet Cellar is also a great Western-style cafe to enjoy a cup of coffee and stay connected while you take a break from exploring the city.
A local SIM card is also a great option if you want to stay connected all the time. It is especially useful to have a local SIM card if you are planning to travel around Albania for a while.
Vodafone Albania's tourist packages have changed significantly since my trip. In 2026, the main tourist options start at 2,700 LEK for 15 days with 1 TB of data and 1,000 national minutes. There is also a 2,900 LEK / 21-day package with 1.1 TB and a 3,300 LEK / 30-day package with 1.2 TB, 1,000 national minutes, and some roaming data.
If you only need a small amount of data, compare the regular prepaid bundles as well rather than automatically buying a tourist package. Vodafone currently lists shorter 3-day and 10-day prepaid bundles, which can be enough for a brief stay.
Alternatively, if your phone supports eSIMs, you can set one up before arriving and have mobile data as soon as you land. You can browse through available eSIMs here.
Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.
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