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This collaboration between one of the trendiest venues and one of the most popular cocktail bars in Tirana, Tulla Culture Center and Nouvelle Vague, was bound to be a huge success from the get-go. Located in the iconic terrace of the Palace of Culture in Skanderbeg Square, this place is a rare opportunity to experience Tirana in its entirety, all at once. What do we mean by that? Firstly, you get to enjoy beautiful panoramas of the city center. Secondly, the décor here is nostalgic, combining varying styles and time periods. Part 90’s grunge graffiti culture, part contemporary urban space, part disco, the vibe here is cool, original, international but also very, very Albanian. Live shows on weekends are the best time to visit, as a chance to dance in a beautiful terrace does not come by that often. However, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, you can also catch a well-selected movie under the stars. The big bonus? The cocktails are some of the best in the city. Trust us, this is a win-win situation.
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The most upscale hostel in Tirana, Destil takes its name from the architectural and artistic Dutch movement of De Stijl, which emphasizes both extreme abstraction and universality. Faithful to its namesake, the space is composed of clean lines and uncluttered areas. Yet, lest one think of the place as a bare and austere area, let us assure you that it is anything but. The hostel includes a bar, club and large art space below. Its beautiful garden adds a soothing and natural touch and the interior is usually adorned with the latest art exhibition. Destil continuously promotes up-and-coming artists, both visual and musical. A work-space by day and a cultural hot spot by night, the interesting and welcoming space offers a selection of great raki alongside other delicious drinks. Try a weekend garden party, set to the tunes of trendy DJs, or bring a pillow for their movie nights.
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Housed within a traditional villa, this place is anything but traditional. In fact, it is a beautiful merging of the traditional with the new. Part art space, part tattoo parlor (with perhaps the best tattoo artist of the entire capital), cinema, bar, and a general all-inclusive hangout spot, this place gathers a certain very loyal clientele to its bosom. More than just a hang-out spot, Ironbrush Tirana was conceived as a lifestyle movement and, as such, the environment reflects it. It is as pleasant as it is raw. Glass-stained windows adorn the walls while shelves and counters hold traditional Albanian instruments, pottery and other decorations. Located in one of the most highly populated residential areas of the capital, this will be a chance to get a glimpse of a vibrant. non-touristic part of the city.
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Do not miss the jazziest and most nostalgic venue in town! A bit off the beaten path, even the road to get here is worth experiencing. It will take you through some of the most historic parts of the city where you’ll find abandoned Italian-style villas with ornate doors and surrounding walls. Though Hemingway has an exclusive feel to it, it is a friendly bar that is truly open to everyone. The perfect combo! Not to mention, the best gin and rum selection, a whirlwind of concerts and events, jazz, blues, tap-dancing, film projections on dilapidated walls, and more. If you find yourself in Tirana on International Jazz Day, you can hop on the rarely-used, nostalgic Tirana-Shkodra train. The annual event organized by Hemingway, transports hundreds of people to Shkodra, where the jazz and swing party culminates.
With a name that literally translates to “by the garden,” this former villa garden has been turned into a cozy hangout spot. A spin-off of the original “alternative art space” called Tirana Ekspres, this place is much smaller, more intimate and less industrial than its previous version. The venue hosts a variety of events with movie nights on Mondays, live music on Wednesdays, selected DJs on Fridays, and karaoke on Saturdays. Located in an alley, very close to the bustling New Bazaar neighborhood, this place is small but powerful.
For the map click here.
For visitors and locals alike, Teduktu (in Albanian it translates to “I want you here”) provides the long-sought brunch, that perfect meal combining breakfast and lunch. Recently introduced in the Albanian cuisine, customers of the beautifully-designed space will finally get to enjoy the perfectly-cooked eggs benedict, the exquisite pancakes or the both healthy and filling avocado burgers. The creative food will be served on one-of-a kind plates and bowls attesting to Teduktu’s aim at enticing the eye and mind as well as the stomach. Located in one of the most popular and most beautiful areas of the capital – that behind the Pyramid – the space offers an artistic oasis both within and removed from the hustle and bustle of the busy city.
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