I’ll be honest.
The night before we flew to Tirana, I nearly changed the plan.
I’d read mixed things. I didn’t know what to expect. And when you’re travelling with kids, “not knowing what to expect” can feel like a terrible idea.
So when it came to booking accommodation, I went into full over-research mode.
I wanted somewhere central.
Somewhere practical.
Somewhere that would feel like a safe little base if the city felt overwhelming.
So we booked a centrally located apartment after reading many reviews.
And it turned out to be the best decision we could have made.
If you’re wondering what we actually got up to while we were there, you can read our guide to the Brilliant things to do in Tirana with kids.
Why Apartments Work So Well for Families in Tirana
As a travelling family, we often opt for apartments, and Tirana reminded us why.
We love:
- Having our own bedrooms
- A living space to relax after busy days
- A kitchen for simple meals when the kids are tired
- A washing machine (especially when travelling long-term or with hand luggage)
Our apartment ticked every box.
After a full day in the busy city, we’d come back, close the door, and it felt like a calm little sanctuary. It was surprisingly well soundproofed too, which we later realised is quite common here.
If you’re on a tighter budget, you can easily find smaller one-bed apartments that still give you that “home” feeling without the cost of a large place.
And our kids love apartments. Extra space, quirky layouts, places to play, hide and seek, and simply not having to sit still and “behave” like they would in a hotel room.
A Very Important Word of Warning (That Might Shock You at First)
This part is important.
The approach to many apartments and smaller hotels in Tirana can be confronting if you’ve never been to Albania before.
Some buildings are old. Not well-maintained. There can be litter. The lift we took to the 7th floor honestly felt like something from a horror film.
And this wasn’t unusual. It actually seemed to be the norm.
But here’s what we learned quickly:
Judge the apartment, not the hallway.
Behind those doors were beautifully renovated, modern, spotless living spaces that felt nothing like the entrance.
It’s just part of the city’s character and history, and after a short period, it starts feeling normal.
Don’t Be Surprised by Christmas Decorations in April
If you visit in winter, or even in April, as we did, you might still see Christmas decorations around the city.
Albanians tend to leave decorations up longer as part of enjoying the festive period for as long as possible, and because Orthodox Christmas and New Year celebrations happen later in January. It’s less about strict dates and more about keeping the atmosphere going.
The kids absolutely loved it.
Hotel Option We’d Choose Next Time: Hotel Colosseo Tirana
We popped in for coffee here one afternoon, and all looked at each other and said, “If we come back, we’re staying here for a few nights.”
It’s modern, welcoming, beautifully finished, and would be perfect if you prefer the ease of a hotel while still being central.
Best Areas to Stay in Tirana With Kids
Near Grand Park of Tirana (Parku i Madh)
If your kids love space, playgrounds and nature, this area is ideal.
You’re close to:
- Play areas
- The lake
- Beautiful walking paths
- Tirana Zoo
- Still only a short walk into the city centre
This was one of our kids’ favourite places.
Near the Dajti Ekspres Cable Car
If you like being closer to mountains and nature, this is another fantastic option.
You can head up into the mountains easily, enjoy cooler air, and still taxi into the city when you want to explore.
Central Tirana
Perfect if you want everything on your doorstep, restaurants nearby, and to walk everywhere without needing transport.
This is what suited us best for a first visit when we didn’t know the city.
Practical Things That Helped Us
- Many places say pay at property — this often means cash in Lek
- Hosts were incredibly friendly and loved sharing recommendations
- English was widely spoken
- Taxis made getting around very easy as a family
- There is also plenty of public transport
- Lots of beautiful nature day trips leave directly from the city
The Thing That Put Us Most at Ease
The people.
Everyone had time for the kids. Smiles. Conversations. Warmth.
We arrived unsure and quickly felt very welcome.
It reminded us why we love travelling as a family and why we choose this lifestyle. If you’re curious how we make this work, you can read more about How to create income whilst travelling without gambling your family’s security.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Tirana With Kids
If you’re feeling nervous about booking Tirana with children, I understand completely.
We were too.
But choosing a well-reviewed central apartment gave us exactly what we needed — comfort, space, practicality, and a calm place to return to after busy days.
Now, it’s somewhere our kids are already asking to go back to.
And next time, we might even brave that horror-film lift again.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It simply helps us keep creating helpful family travel guides like this.
For more on the best travel places to go and stay with children, check out A Little More Outdoor.
