I was quite surprised by a few things when I arrived here, things I was not expecting to see or experience in this country. I’ll try and cover the more prominent features so future visitors might have a little more awareness than I did. Here are some tourist tips and tricks for Tirana Albania.
Beggars
One thing that occurred on my very first day out exploring the city, and almost every subsequent day, was seeing and interacting with the beggars. I was not expecting this. I had seen a few elderly folks with their hands out in Sarajevo, but nothing like I see here in Tirana.
Not only are the older folks siting on the sidewalks, church steps and in doorways, either with a hand out or a small bucket, but they approach you in the shops as well.
In three stores, I was approached and spoken to in Albanian, for which I could not understand. With a hand out I had to assume they were asking for money. When you say no and shake your head, they don’t leave. The individual will stand right next to you and it can become uncomfortable very fast.
Children
The worst for me though were the number of dishevelled child beggars. With the hair in tatters and wearing filthy clothing, these little kids will approach you sitting outside a café. They will repeatedly come up to your table asking for money, and again, they won’t leave when you say no.
I had one child come approach me in the grocery store and ask me to reach up high for something for her. She was incredibly persistent and would not leave me alone. I knew she was going to try and pickpocket me as soon as I raised my arm and was distracted from my purse and pockets. Eventually the shop keeper came and showed her the door.
Touts
I’m not really sure what to call them but in several forms they are. Do not expect to take a photo of anyone, without being asked for money. It could be the guy selling corn cobs on the sidewalk, or a vendor at a fruit stand selling flowers. If you stop to take a photo of something, not even a human, you may be approached and asked for money.
Another group to watch out for and this is a little more nefarious, is the gents who are dressed quite average, but they approach tourists and lay their hand on your chest or actually sit down beside you at a café and strike up conversation. I watched two of these men, approaching several people and I really can’t figure out what they are after.
Groceries
Groceries are expensive here. I had read about this prior to my arrival. Conrad is particularly expensive to shop at. Spar is better and the small locals mom and pop places can be good too. If you are on a budget, you will need to shop around. If the prices are unlabelled at a market vendor, go to one with the prices advertised. You will be charged the tourist price for goods.
Dog Doo
It is everywhere. Be careful on the sidewalks but especially the parks. People here do not pick up the crap, at all. I saw a man walking two dogs, one pauses to do his business in the middle of the street in the crosswalk. The guy just keeps going, and the poop remained for the other pedestrians to navigate if they were lucky. Dog doo just does not get picked up here. Yes, I was a recipient of a shoe full.
Traffic
This is predominantly from the perspective of a pedestrian. Crossing the streets, watch out for the bikes more than the cars. I had a few close calls by the cyclists, they will not stop for you and they will cut you off so closely you will wonder how you haven’t fallen to the ground. There are designated bike lanes all over the city, and if you happen to step into one, be careful. 🚵♂️
The walking man at intersections has a count down, which is so nice to know when you have to start running to get across in time. There is no wiggle room, so if you are down to 3,2,1 RUN.
Local elderly people will simply walk out into traffic and the cars will honk like mad at them but they don’t seem to give a dam. I saw this repeatedly every single day. Its like the walking man crosswalks don’t exist for them.
I hope these few tidbits will make your trip to Tirana a little smoother than mine was. It is such a fascinating city, teeming with local and authentic neighbourhoods and with lots to see. I am so glad I decided to travel here and visit this capital city. I will return one day, to explore more of beautiful Albania.
