The back story
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The back story
Blloku: from forbidden quarter to the city’s living room, the back story
How the closed compound of Albania’s communist leaders became Tirana’s liveliest neighbourhood of cafés, restaurants and bars.
Neighbourhood guide · the former Block
Blloku: Our Favourites
The leaders’ former quarter, now Tirana’s liveliest grid of cafés, restaurants, bars and boutique hotels, from Postbllok to Hoxha’s villa.
What's onThis week in Tirana
What to see
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Bunker, Berlin Wall and Spaç
Postbllok – Checkpoint
A memorial on the edge of Blloku with a bunker, a piece of the Berlin Wall and pillars from the Spaç labour camp.
Rruga Ibrahim RugovaExplore View on map
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Now an artists’ residence
Former residence of Enver Hoxha (Vila 31)
The villa in Blloku where Albania’s communist leader lived, now used as an artists’ residence and cultural space.
Rruga Ismail QemaliExplore View on map
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Climb to the top
The Pyramid of Tirana
The 1988 pyramid, renovated and reopened in 2023 with steps to the top and a technology centre for young people.
Bulevardi Dëshmorët e KombitExplore View on map
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Tirana from above
Sky Tower viewpoint
A tower on the edge of Blloku with a panoramic bar at the top.
Coffee
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The Mulliri flagship
Mulliri Gourmet
The flagship of the Mulliri i Vjetër coffee chain, on a Blloku street corner, with rare single-origin coffees and signature cocktails.
Rruga Ibrahim RugovaExplore View on map
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Espresso, filter, cold brew
Rubi Specialty Coffee
A specialty coffee bar on Sheshi Wilson serving espresso, filter coffee and cold brew.
Sheshi WilsonExplore View on map
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Where Blloku meets
LaVeen
An unassuming Blloku café and restaurant, busy from morning to night with the neighbourhood’s professional crowd.
Where to eat
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A Tirana institution
Era Blloku
One of Tirana’s best-loved restaurants: Albanian classics, pizzas and salads at fair prices, always busy.
Rruga Ismail Qemali 13/2Explore View on map
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A garden in Blloku
Padam
Fine dining in a boutique hotel off Blloku, with a garden patio and a tasting menu.
Rruga Papa Gjon Pali IIExplore View on map
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On a quiet lane off Bogdani
À la Santé
A Mediterranean restaurant hidden down a side street just south of Rruga Pjetër Bogdani in Blloku.
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No fixed menu
Terracotta
A small Mediterranean kitchen whose chefs cook from what is fresh that day, with homemade pasta and salads.
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Named for the Ninja Turtles
Turtles Pizza
A Blloku pizzeria opened in April 2023, named after the cartoon heroes and their love of pizza.
Rruga Perlat RexhepiExplore View on map
Bars and nightlife
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Retro radios and cocktails
Radio Bar
A Blloku favourite decorated with old radios, photos and film posters, with a garden and cocktails.
Rruga Ismail QemaliExplore View on map
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Stylish Blloku bar
Nouvelle Vague
A chic Blloku bar for cocktails, including raki cocktails.
Rruga Pjetër BogdaniExplore View on map
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Talk to strangers
MyWay
The unofficial headquarters of Tirana’s alternative crowd, with cheap drinks, friendly staff and pets welcome.
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Down the steps
Birrari Ke Tori
A friendly beer bar a few steps below street level, with grilled meat, a small terrace and cold local beer.
Rruga Vaso PashaExplore View on map
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Vintage-cinema theme
Kino
A vintage-cinema-themed bar on Rruga Pjetër Bogdani that is one of the biggest party spots in Blloku.
Rruga Pjetër BogdaniExplore View on map
Where to stay
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In the heart of Blloku
Mulaj Hotel
A modern four-star hotel in Blloku with a bistro, ten minutes from Skanderbeg Square.
Rruga Donika KastriotiExplore View on map
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Colourful Blloku base
Triss Hotel
A comfortable hotel on Rruga Brigada VIII in Blloku, a few minutes’ walk from the main sights.
Rruga Brigada VIIIExplore View on map
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A retreat in Blloku
Grand Hotel & Spa
A deluxe serviced hotel with a spa on Rruga Ismail Qemali, in the heart of Blloku.
Rruga Ismail QemaliExplore View on map
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A garden hideaway
Padam Boutique Hotel
A boutique hotel off Blloku, with one of the city’s best restaurants in its garden.
Rruga Papa Gjon Pali IIExplore View on map
Share your Blloku tips
Been there? Share your experience and tips with other visitors.
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