Amazing Things to Do in Shkoder, Albania | Travel Guide

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Last Updated on January 5, 2025 by sydabroad

Looking for the best things to do in Shkoder, Albania? Then keep reading! 

Shkoder is a lovely little city in northern Albania, known for its natural beauty and being a gateway to some of the most beautiful hikes and villages in the Albanian Alps. Northern Albania should not be missed during your trip to the Balkans – it’s a stunning destination. Shkoder has a fascinating history, gorgeous scenery, and so much to offer. Let’s get into how to plan your trip to Shkoder. 

In this guide we’re diving into the best things to do in Shkoder, how to get around, where to eat, the best places to stay, and more. I spent about 2 weeks exploring Albania in both the north and in Tirana (the capital). 

One of the best things to do in this country is the Valbona to Theth hike, it’s absolutely incredible. If you are visiting Shkoder, continue up north to hike, but for now, this travel guide will help you plan the rest of your time in Shkoder, Albania. 

Looking for more Balkans travel guides?

• Is Tirana Worth Visiting? + A 1 Day Itinerary
• How to Spend a Day in Kotor, Montenegro
• 13 Best Beaches in Kotor, Montenegro

Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Shkoder, Albania. 

Where is Shkoder? 

Shkoder (also spelled Shkodër) is a small city located in Northern Albania known for its rich history, culture, and close proximity to natural attractions. It’s often referred to as the “Gateway to the Albanian Alps.”

It’s very close to the border of Montenegro and is about 1.5 to 2 hours from Tirana International Airport. If you are interested in exploring Tirana check out my travel guide here. 

Shkoder Travel Guide | The Basics 

Currency = Albanian Lek

The currency in Albania is the Albanian Lek (ALL)

1 USD = 95.09 Albanian Lek

You will need cash in Albania. I found that very few places accept card payments so make sure you have bills handy and coins are very helpful too. 

ATMs are available in the city center of Shkoder and there are plenty of currency exchange places as well. I suggest avoiding the currency exchange at the airports because 9 out of 10 times the rate won’t be great. 

Alright, the currency in Albania is the Albanian Lek, but I found that many places accepted euros as well which was very convenient. While I was traveling Albanian about 100 lek was the equivalent to 1 euro. So if something was priced at 500 lek, they would pretty much always also accept 5 euros. 

Language = Albanian 

The official language in Albania is Albanian. There are two main dialects spoken in the country – one more popular in the north and the other in the south. You will find that you can get around fine as an English speaker, especially in touristy spots such as Tirana and Shkoder. 

It will be more difficult to get by in smaller towns and villages around Albania. However, Google Translate is always helpful and I never had a problem getting around in Shkoder.

I ended up making a friend who spoke Albanian, which helped us all out when we were in the tiny villages of Theth and Valbona. But don’t worry, you’ll be fine getting around this country as an English speaker. 

Phone & Internet 

From my experience, the phone and internet service in Shkoder was great. My hostel had wifi and so did some cafes. I used an eSIM which was super helpful during my time in the Balkans. Keep in mind that when you are traveling in smaller towns in Albania you probably won’t have great service or wifi. 

While traveling internationally, I suggest using an eSIM for affordable cellular data. Airalo makes it easy to purchase and install an eSIM suitable for the destination you are visiting. Purchase data with Airalo here.

Daily Budget 

Albania is an extremely affordable destination. Whether you are more of a luxury traveler or a budget backpacker you won’t have to compromise on experiences to make the most of your time. 

Expect to pay anywhere from €20 to €30 per day if you are a budget traveler. This includes your accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. For mid-range travelers expect to spend €35 to €60 per day and €75+ if you are a luxury traveler. If you’re from a Western country your money goes a long way here. 

Tipping in Albania 

Tipping in Albania is appreciated but not mandatory. When dining out at a restaurant or a cafe you can round up the bill or leave around 5%. If you are on a guided tour it is typical to tip. For instance, if you are taking a free walking tour leave your guide anywhere from €5 to €10 at the end of the tour.  

Can you drink the tap water? 

No, do not drink tap water in Albania, stick to water bottles.

Note: Up north the water is extremely fresh and clean, some will say it’s drinkable but do not drink it! Our western stomachs are not used to the water here. A couple of my friends drank a bit of the river water and ended up with the worst stomach bug. Stick to bottled water everywhere in Albania. 

The Best Things to Do in Shkoder, Albania 

Now that we’ve covered the basics about traveling in Albania, here are the best things to do in Shkoder. Depending on how much time you have here, pick and choose which activities to do. 

I honestly just loved wandering around the old town, it’s such a nice place. I highly suggest visiting the Albanian Alps during your visit. I’ve also included a section later in this guide with a lot of fun day trips from Shkoder.

1. Explore the City Center | Rruga Kole Idromeno 

Rruga Kole Idromeno, also known as Shkoder’s pedestrian street, is a lively area with bars, restaurants, and cafes on every corner. You can’t miss it during your time in the city. There are plenty of good spots for people-watching with coffee and great boutiques to pick up souvenirs or gifts for friends. 

2. Visit the Museums in Shkoder 

Another one of the best things to do in Shkoder is to visit one of its many wonderful museums. I’ve listed a few of the best museums in Shkoder below. 

Marubi National Museum of Photography

For those interested in photography, I suggest visiting the Marubi National Museum of Photography. You’ll find a vast collection of photographs about Albania’s history, culture, and the evolution of photography that span over 150 years. The entry fee is 300 to 500 ALL (or 3 to 5 euros). 

Historical Museum of Shkoder

This museum is very close to the city center and takes you back in time to learn about the history of the city. It covers the ancient Illyrian times to the Ottoman period and beyond. The entry fee is 200 to 400 ALL (2 to 4 euros). 

Rozafa Castle Museum

We’ll get to the Rozafa Castle next, but the castle has a museum inside that’s well worth a visit. This museum explores the history and legends surrounding the castle and the region. 

Site of Witness and Memory

This is a museum dedicated to Albania’s communist past and the victims of political persecution. It’s located near the city of Shkoder and costs 200 to 300 ALL. 

3. Visit Rozafa Castle 

Rozafa Castle is one of Shkoder’s best attractions. It’s a place full of history where you can explore its ruins and learn all about the fascinating story of Rozafa, the woman who was sacrificed to ensure the castle’s stability. 

Read more about how to spend 3 days in Split, Croatia here!

4. Rent a bike and ride to Shiroka

Did you know that Shkoder is known as the city of bicycles? Well, there are plenty of spots to rent a bike at an affordable price in Shkoder. For a fun way to see the city and the surrounding area, I suggest hopping on a bike. 

Check with your accommodation about renting bikes. The Wanderers Hostel, where I stayed, offered daily bike rentals. If you want to get out of the city, ride to Shiroka, a village near Shkoder.

5. Enjoy Shkoder Lake 

Lake Shkoder is the largest lake in the Balkans. Not to be confused with Lake Ohrid, which is the deepest lake in the Balkans. 

Anyway, Shkoder Lake is shared by Albania and Montenegro and makes a wonderful spot for a leisurely walk or you can even rent a boat to enjoy the lake. This is a highlight of the city where you can go cycling along the lake, take a hike, or enjoy kayaking.

6. Markets in Shkoder

There are so many wonderful markets in the city. Check out Shkoder’s flea market — it’s massive with so much to look through. You’ll find handmade goodies, local produce, and many unique Albanian products. 

7. Mesi Bridge 

Ura e Mesit, also known as Mesi Bridge, is located just outside the city of Shkoder and is a beautiful Ottoman-era stone bridge. It’s a perfect photo spot in Shkoder and offers a glimpse of the traditional architecture of the region. 

8. Xhamia e Madhe – Ebu Bekr Mosque 

This is a beautiful mosque right in the city center of Shkoder. The mosque is a significant religious and architectural landmark in the city. It’s built in the Ottoman architectural style and is something you have to see while you are wandering around the city center. 

Where to Eat in Shkoder 

There are many delicious spots to eat around Shkoder but here are a few of my favorites. I suggest trying local dishes such as byrek, meat platters, and fresh fish from Lake Shkoder. 

• Puri: This is an Albanian restaurant that offers amazing dishes at a very affordable price. I had a local dish that consisted of meat, rice, beans, and veggies and it was absolutely delicious 

• Stolia Cafe and Coffeehouse: If you are looking for a classic breakfast spot, head to Stolia. This cafe has delicious coffees, toasts, smoothies, and bowls.

• Jaja’s Crepes: Seriously one of the best crepes I’ve had. You have to try Jaja’s in Shkoder. They also have freshly squeezed juices that are so good. 

• Fast Food Shkreli: If you are looking for something quick, you have to pick up a kebab from Fast Food Shkreli. I was amazed at house delicious this was. 

Check out my hostel packing list here.

Day Trips from Shkoder

Hiking Valbona to Theth 

The best trip from Shkoder is the hike from Valbona to Theth National Park. If you are a nature lover, this is seriously something you can’t miss. The hike from Valbona to Theth was one of my all-time favorite travel experiences. 

Theth is a stunning village in the Albanian Alps surrounded by stunning mountains and trails. The Blue Eye and Grunas Waterfall are both a short hike away. If you plan to do this hike, it is more than a day trip but it is one of the best things to do from Shkoder so I had to include it on this list. 

Rrjolli Beach 

This is a lovely beach located about 30 km from Shkoder. If you are looking to get a taste of the Albanian coast, head to Rrjolli Beach for the afternoon. This beach is typically not as crowded as beaches in the south. 

Komani Lake

If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, you should take a day trip to Komani Lake. They call this lake the “Norway of the Balkans” for its fjord-like landscape. I personally felt as though it was similar to New Zealand or Southern Thailand when I visited. 

If you want to take a day trip here you can ride a boat across Komani Lake to reach the beautiful Shala River. It will take you about one and a half hours to Koman and then the boat trip is one to two hours. 

Note: If you book the Valbona to Theth hike through the Wanderers Hostel, you’ll take a ferry through Komani Lake on your way to Valbona and it’s the most stunning boat ride.

Check out this Komani Lake and Shala River day tour from Shkoder!

Montenegro 

Shkoder is very close to Montenegro so if you’re looking to cross off another country, head to Montenegro. You can visit the Montenegrin side of Lake Skader National Park for boat tours and wine tastings. 

If you’re looking to experience Montengero’s capital, head to Podgorica which is just across the border. Just don’t forget your passport for this day trip. 

Read more about visiting Montenegro here.

Theth National Park

If you are not doing the Valbona to Theth hike, then I suggest taking a day trip from Shkdoer to Theth. There are guided tours you can book on GetYourGuide which are super nice and convenient. Theth is a gorgeous village in the Albanian Alps with waterfalls, traditional stone houses, and lots of wildlife. 

This is an amazing day trip from Shkoder where you’ll spend a full day in Theth and experience this stunning northern village.

FAQs About Visiting Shkoder & Travel Tips 

Where to Stay in Shkoder 

The Wanderers Hostel | If you are a backpacker, I could not recommend The Wanderers Hostel more. This was honestly one of the best hostels I stayed at during my European backpacking trip. It’s extremely affordable, I paid less than €20 a night and if you are booking the hike, they will organize every detail for you. 

The hostel has free breakfast every day (a good one too!), free dinners some nights (I will say their Mexican night was not that great), and it’s such a social hostel. They do free shots almost every night which is insane but it’s such a fun vibe. Wanderers is also centrally located, you won’t need a car to get anywhere. Check availability here! 

Atelier Boutique Hotel | If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale then check out this boutique property. This is actually a hotel and a restaurant. It’s centrally located right in town. Check availability here. 

Villa Teverde | You can book this property through Booking or Airbnb. It’s a unique spot with a pool and a cozy ambiance. The beautiful villas are right near the water. Check availability here. 

How to get to Shkoder?

I took a bus from Kotor, Montenegro to Shkoder, Albania. There are a few things you should know about buses around the Balkans. First, buses are pretty much your only transportation option around the Balkans unless you rent a car.

If you are coming from a nearby city like I was, book your bus online with GetByBus, Omio, or Flixbus. I used all of these sites and they were great. If you are traveling during peak season make sure to book your buses ahead of time online and know that some buses will require a printed ticket. This is annoying but you should be able to print it at your hostel.

Another thing to keep in mind about bus travel around the Balkans is that sometimes you will be charged a bus station fee and a luggage fee. So make sure you have cash and small coins. This is a tiny fee but just know even if you’ve already purchased your ticket online you will most likely have to pay the driver as well. 

You can book your buses in person at the station but I didn’t want to risk this since I was traveling during the busy season. The only bus I booked in person was my bus from Budva to Kotor, Montenegro. 

If you are coming to Shkoder from somewhere farther away, fly into Tirana’s airport (Tirana International Airport) and take a bus from Tirana to Shkoder. 

How to get around Shkoder?

Shkoder is a very walkable city. If you are staying in the city center you can walk or bike just about everywhere. If you are thinking of booking a day trip, you can usually find organized tours that will include transportation. 

On the other hand, you can rent a car if you want the freedom to explore the country. You can also take public buses and minibusses. These are great for traveling to nearby towns or villages. 

Is it worth going to Shkoder? 

Absolutely! Shkoder and the Albanian Alps were a highlight of my time in the Balkans. Shkoder itself is a lovely little city to explore. 

What is Shkoder known for? 

Shkoder is one of Albania’s oldest cities and is primarily known for its rich history and scenic beauty. It is a cultural hub with museums and vibrant festivals. And of course, it is a gateway to northern Albania – one of the most beautiful places I‘ve ever been. 

How long to spend in Shkoder? 

I suggest spending 2 days in Shkoder. If you are doing the hike up north, stay for at least a night before the hike and a night or two once you get back. If you are not doing the Valbona to Theth hike, stay in Shkoder for 4 to 5 nights to experience day trips from Shkoder. This way you’ll still get a taste of the gorgeous villages and Komani Lake up north. 

Can you swim in Shkoder? 

Yes! Shkodra Lake is easy to reach from the center of Shkoder and is the perfect place to swim during a hot day. It’s located at the border between Albania and Montenegro. 

Map | Things to Do in Shkoder

I hope this guide to the best things to do in Shkoder was helpful for your trip to Albania! If you have any questions about traveling the Balkans, comment below or DM me on Instagram.

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