6 Best Things to Do in Gjirokaster, Albania

Looking for the best things to do in Gjirokaster, Albania? It is definitely our favorite place to visit in Albania and we would highly encourage you add it to your itinerary! Considered an UNESCO Heritage gem, this “Stone City” offers a captivating blend of the Ottoman-era architecture, Balkan history, and warm Albanian hospitality.

While small in size, Gjirokaster has quite a few interesting spots to see. Therefore, whether you’re here for the history, the mountain air, or just to linger over a plate of qifqi (the city’s signature rice balls), Gjirokastër invites you to slow down, step carefully over its worn cobblestones, and let its old-world spirit sink in.

Here a few experiences you should consider while in Gjirokaster.

Ethnography Museum

If you are starting your trip in Albania in Gjirokaster or around and haven’t been to a museum yet – this might give you a few ideas on the country. Just as the name states it this museum will give you an overview of its culture, especially their outfits, foods, and music. Not mind blowing but definitely interesting to check-out!

Inside, you’ll find exhibits on clothing, household tools, musical instruments, and regional crafts. The displays offer a window into everyday life in Gjirokaster over the centuries. While it’s not the largest museum in Albania, it provides context that makes the rest of your trip through Gjirokaster even more rewarding.

Fun fact: This is the birth place of Enver Hoxhas – Albanian’s communist dictator (1944 – 1985). The museum briefly touches on this. 

Google maps: Link

Price: 500 Lek = $6 USD (July 2025)

Duration: While the shop keeper told me it would take 20 minutes, it took at least an hour (but I read 90% of the signs!)

Ali Pasha Bridge

One of the most unique things to do in Gjirokaster is hike out to the Ali Pasha Bridge. While it is a bridge, this is a the last remaining segment of the aqueduct commisioned by Ali Pasha in the beginning of the 19th century.

The walk itself is part of the experience, as you’ll pass through quiet countryside before reaching the bridge. While it’s just a fragment of the original aqueduct, the history combined with the scenery makes this a worthwhile excursion — and a perfect complement to visiting the city’s more famous landmarks.

Google maps: Link

Price: Free

Duration: 1 hour round trip + the amount of time you’ll stay admiring the structure. 

Skënduli House

This is one of the best preserved houses in Gjirokaster and it’s a must see if you like travelling through time and imagining the lives of a wealthy Albanian familiy from back in the day. This house was built in 1823 and still retains its original details.

We highly recommend hiring a guide for your visit as there is no information in the rooms. In our case, part of our tour was given by a descendant of the original owners of the house, Nasip Skenduli. While the experience is captivating, be prepared for a lack of set tour times and somewhat unstructured organization.

Google maps: Link

Price: 300 Lek = $3.60 USD (July 2025)

Duration: 30 minutes

Zekate House

This beautifully preserved stone house in Gjirokaster is a must for history buffs and lovers of authentic architecture. While there’s no official tour, informative signs in English guide you through its rooms and artifacts. The outdoor bar is worth the visit alone, with its stunning town and mountain views—especially in the golden evening light.

Inside, visitors can see how daily life was divided: the lower floors were used for storage and animals, while the upper levels hosted lavish living spaces decorated with carved wooden ceilings and painted alcoves. The grand reception room, with its panoramic windows, was specifically built to impress guests and showcase the family’s prosperity.

Google maps: Link

Price: 300 Lek = $3.60 USD (July 2025)

Duration: 30 min

Gjirokastër Castle

Exploring Gjirokastër Castle is a journey through centuries of Albanian history, shaped by occupation, resilience, and transformation. Now under UNESCO protection, this 12th-century hilltop fortress is one of the largest in the Balkans. Over the centuries, it has evolved through numerous additions, and today it offers breathtaking views of the city, the Drino Valley, and the surrounding mountains.

Inside you’ll also find a military museum, artillery displays, and remnants of the town’s folklore festival. With its size and variety of attractions, the castle is easily one of the best things to do in Gjirokaster and deserves at least a couple of hours.

Google maps: Link

Price: 400 Lek = $4.80 USD (July 2025) (There is an extra charge for a military museum inside)

Duration: At least an hour

Cold War Tunnel

One of the more unique things to do in Gjirokaster is step underground into the Cold War Tunnel. Built in the 1960s by dictator Enver Hoxha, this vast bunker complex was designed to protect government officials in case of nuclear attack. Hidden beneath the city, the labyrinth stretches for nearly 800 meters and includes more than 50 rooms, from command posts to sleeping quarters.

Walking through the dim corridors feels like stepping back into a different world. The concrete walls, simple furnishings, and lack of decoration capture the isolation and secrecy of the period. Guided tours depart on the hour and last about 20 minutes, providing insight into the political climate that shaped Albania for decades. Conveniently located near Gjirokaster Castle, it’s an easy and eye-opening stop that contrasts with the city’s more historic Ottoman-era sites.

Google maps: Link

Price:  200 Lek (children are free)

Duration: 20 min

Our Favorite Things to Do in Gjirokaster (and Why It’s Worth Visiting)

These six experiences capture the essence of Gjirokaster, from its stone houses and fortress walls to its hidden aqueducts and Cold War relics. Whether you’re here for a day trip or staying longer, exploring these highlights will give you a real sense of Albania’s “Stone City.” If you’re planning a wider adventure, don’t miss our Albania travel guide for more tips and inspiration.