The Albanian music scene has undergone a recent transformation and is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic in Europe. But what’s phenomenal is that you can experience new, upcoming music from Albanian artists but still find places where you can appreciate authentic and traditional Albanian music.
It’s an up-and-coming country with a young population however, still very appreciative and proud of its long-standing history in Europe.
When you visit Albania, you can’t miss any opportunity to enjoy live music to truly experience the culture, so we’ve listed the top 10 must-visit live venues located all over the country!
Charl’s Bistro–Tirana
Charl’s Bistro in Tirana is a nearly 20-year-old landmark in the capital city with a reputation for a fantastic nightlife scene. An impressive venue with 500 seats, you can catch famous Albanian and international artists any time of the year.
There are a variety of music events, such as Latin Wednesdays, where you can enjoy a mix of your Latin favorites and its most notable tradition, live music weekends. Every weekend you can catch a variety of live musicians.
And this place couldn’t carry the title of a bistro without having a delicious menu of different plates and drinks. They carry an international selection of wine and beer, and you can even stop by during lunchtime and grab a mouth-watering lunch package for only 500 LEK ($5 USD).
Perla Tattoo Bar—Tirana
Perla Tattoo Bar in Tirana is your rock and roll live bar in the heart of the city. Just a few steps away from Skanderbeg Square, you’ll love hearing Albanian artists performing their versions of popular rock and roll favorites mixed in with some of their original songs.
And just like the name states, in addition, to live music, this venue also serves up tattoos, piercings, and various drinks and cocktails. Imagine the story you could tell about that one time you got a tattoo in Albania while drinking a tall cold pint of Jacobinus while rocking out like a local!
Illyrian Saloon—Tirana
When you visit Albania you’ll fall in love with the history of this incredible country. So when you want a combination of history, amazing local beer, and rock music, you’ll want to head to Illyrian Saloon in Tirana.
Illyrian is the name of the ancient ancestors of Albanians who were native to the Balkan region. Inside this saloon, you can observe Illyrian décor and learn ancient Illyrian stories celebrating the country’s ancient roots. Maybe if you’re lucky, you can try on an Illyrian warrior helmet and sing your favorite tunes during karaoke night!
You’ll see reviews on Trip Advisor and other reputable sites of people raving about the amazing beer selection, delicious sandwiches and platters, knowledgeable and friendly staff, and of course, the mix of rock music! This saloon is only a 15-minute walk from Skanderbeg Square in the middle of Tirana and only steps away from the Grand Park of Tirana, where you can explore Tirana’s Artificial Lake and also see the newly built Air Albania soccer stadium.
Cheers Irish Pub—Tirana
Cheers Irish Pub is a little slice of Irish fun with a rock and roll Albanian twist. If you were a fan of the hit U.S. TV show “Cheers,” then you’ll immediately notice the incredibly familiar Cheers logo walking up to this bar. But beyond that, this Albanian pub is pretty much different compared to the beloved fictional Boston landmark.
When it comes to Irish drinks, you can enjoy favorites like Guinness, McFarland, and O’Hara’s. You’ll also notice some familiar bar favorites on the menu, like a burger and fries. And while you sip on a tall pint, depending on the night, you can enjoy live rock and roll, karaoke, or unplugged sessions with local Albanian artists.
Also, not far from Skanderbeg Square, Cheers Irish Pub is known as one of the best Irish bars in the city. It’s worth checking out and come on, how many people can say they drank at an Albanian Irish pub?
Resto Café Hemingway—Durres
Durres is a popular beach city in Albania that’s only about a 40-minute drive from Tirana, so when you visit Resto Café Hemingway, you’ll love that it’s perfectly nestled right up to the Adriatic Sea with amazing views of crystal blue waters.
Not only is this a local favorite restaurant that serves up Albanian, Italian, Mediterranean, Vegetarian, and Vegan dishes, but it’s also known for get up and dance live musical acts. Don’t be surprised while enjoying your dinner that when an Albanian artist starts to sing, families will get up, hold hands, and start a traditional Albanian dance, valle.
Resto Café Hemingway is the perfect choice when you’re looking for a memorable evening filled with authentic Albanian food and music!
Oborri Gastro Club—Durres
Also, a must-go place for those visiting Durres is Oborri Gastro Club. Described by travelers as having a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, you can grab coffee, cocktails, beer, fast food, and snacks while enjoying live music. If you’re looking for more of a chilled evening with a little bit of nightlife, Oborri Gastro Club is a great pick.
Stop by in the late afternoon and take your pick from plenty of seating where there is an abundance of shade that provides a cool environment. When the sun sets, you can turn your attention to the outdoor stage and enjoy a mix of acoustic and plugged-in entertainment.
Gatsby Checkpoint—Elbasan
Located on the famous block in Elbasan, Gatsby Checkpoint offers various drinks, music, and décor that will make you feel like you’re part of one of Jay Gatsby’s famous parties.
Your eyes immediately look up to the colorful umbrellas hanging from the outdoor terrace cover. The colorful theme continues throughout the seat cushions to the rugs and even with the signature cocktails and food.
And when the sun goes down, the music starts! You can catch local Albanian artists singing trendy songs, both in Albanian and English. Just like you would if you attended a Gatsby party, you can document your memorable night like a movie star with one of the replica Hollywood clapperboards.
The Wave—Vlora
Further south in Albania is another popular beach city called Vlora. You will find the perfectly named bar called The Wave. There is plenty of outdoor seating under rustic, beach-worn wooden covers that allow the perfect amount of sun to shine through. You can enjoy various selections of delicious food, from freshly cut steaks and lamb, balsamic drizzled salad with avocadoes, and fire-roasted pizza. Pair your meal selection with any one of their signature drinks and enjoy the jamming turntables of a popular local Albanian DJ.
And when the sun starts to set, you’ll have a front-row view of burnt orange skies resting on top of beautiful waves from the Adriatic. It’s no wonder this location is a Vlora favorite for locals and visitors!
Bar Ristorant Premier—Korca
Korca is located in the Western part of Albania closer to the border of Greece. It takes about three hours by car to reach this picturesque city home to unique national museums, Albanian culture, and food.
Here is a nice apartment to stay in Korca. It is very easy to get around the center by foot.
You can get a dose of Albanian culture and Korca hospitality by spending the evening at the Bar Ristorant Premier in the city center. From oversized jar cocktails with generous slices of fruit, mouth-watering charcuterie boards, air-thin pizza, and smothered grilled cuts of lamb and steak, something is seriously wrong if you leave this place hungry. And while you enjoy your round after round of Korca delicacies, you can enjoy authentic Albanian singing. You don’t need to understand Albanian to feel and appreciate the history and culture weaved into every song.
Korca is worth a visit, but you can’t leave until you dine and hear music at Bar Ristorant Premier!
Pisha Lounge—Shkoder
Roughly an hour and a half north of Tirana is Shkoder, located near the border with Montenegro. And right in the center of the city is nightlife, music, and fun at Pisha Lounge.
You’ll be amazed by the variety of beautiful signature cocktails available; it will be hard to pick one! But you’ll want to stay and try a few different ones so you can keep enjoying the music from the evening’s live musician or DJ. If you jump up from your seat to start dancing, you probably won’t be alone. With plenty of seating inside and out, this is definitely the favorite spot for nightlife and fun.
Here are a few interesting places to stay Shkoder.
When you’re in Shkoder you’ll definitely want to visit Rozafa Castle. For more details see blog post: Relive History By Visiting These Ancient Castles Of Albania.
We recommend this tour that includes visits to Kruje Castle and Rozafa Cafe.
Albanian Nightlife, Music, and History
From up-and-coming Albanian rappers, well-known DJs, and folk music specific to certain regions and cities, live music is something you must experience during your visit to Albania. Whether you’re at a bar in the center of Tirana or a restaurant in Korca, the live music scene will lift your spirits and make you even more appreciative that you decided to visit this beautiful Mediterranean country. Because it doesn’t matter what language you speak, there is just something about music that moves all of us!
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