Need to squeeze in a few hours of quality retail therapy on your trip to Albania? Our guide to the best shopping will tell you which spots are worth your time—and why.
Albania wants to keep its traditional character through the picturesque and distinct local markets and bazaars despite the globalization and the dazzling proliferation of high-end modern shopping centers and malls.
Whether you are looking for a traditional “qeleshe,” the local hat of Albania, a handmade rug, or you need a fun day with your family and friends, here’s a list of 11 unique shopping centers and typical bazaars you can’t miss when shopping in Albania.
Pazari i Ri – Tirana
In the heart of Tirana, there is a bustling market for you to explore. The Pazari i Ri is located in one of the oldest areas and has provided tourists and locals with fresh products since time immemorial. Even today, it continues to be one of the largest marketplaces for fresh meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit trade. Recently renovated by the Municipality of Tirana with the Albanian American Development Foundation (AADF) support, this area now features new investment models and community space that will provide entrepreneurs opportunities they’ve never had before.
But what’s amazing about this marketplace is that it’s been designed to be a 24-hour recreational space: shopping in the morning and leisure activities in the evening such as festivals, cultural gatherings, and artistic events.
Ring Center – Tirana
Tirana Ring Center is the newest and biggest shopping center in Tirana, Albania. With a strategic location and only five minutes from Skanderbeg Square, it offers its customers an innovative concept that will bring them to experience over 70 brands, hypermarkets, entertainment spaces, excellent restaurants & coffee bars, as well as four parking floors.
Located within minutes from Albania’s Capital City, the RING is extremely accessible from any part of the city by bus, train, taxi, or even by foot.
Toptani Shopping Center – Tirana
Toptani Shopping Center is the ultimate, family-friendly shopping destination. The building is an architectural masterpiece designed by the well-known Dutch architect Winy Maas as part of an international competition.
All the main city’s roads lead to this centrally located hub of commerce and entertainment that’s home to some of Tirana’s most important shops and restaurants. With more than 80 shops, it will be hard for you not to find what you’re looking for at Toptani!
Citypark Shopping Mall – Tirana
Citypark Shopping Mall is Albania’s second-largest shopping center, with 180 shops, a supermarket, a food court, a hotel, an ice-skating ring, Cartoonland, and other entertainment areas.
During summertime, this shopping center will make your shopping experience even more pleasurable. Indeed, one of the best things about this shopping mall is its proximity to the Blue Magic Water Aqua Park, only four minutes walking distance from the shopping mall.
QTU – Tirana
Located just 6 kilometers from the city center, this premier shopping destination is home to over 70 shops and restaurants. QTU offers everything you need in one convenient location with an easy-access layout. QTU features casual fashion to modern dining. The cinema and the many events held in this shopping mall will be the cherry on the cake to make you enjoy your shopping experience to the fullest!
TEG – Tirana
TEG is not just a mall; it’s a lifestyle center.
Located in the heart of Tirana, just 6 km from the city center, this premier shopping destination is home to over 150 shopping experiences and excellent dining options, and a wide range of events. What we love most about this shopping center is its incredible Blue Park, a true heaven for kids! While the children enter a world of magic and fun, adults can enjoy a relaxing break on one of the many veranda restaurants that Blue Park offers.
With all the trampolines, swings, worm tunnels, or face painting and drawing activities, your kids will surely have the time of their life!
Venice Art Mask Factory – Shkoder
The Venice Art Mask Factory in Shkodër is the largest mask factory outside of Italy. They specialize in Venetian masks, offering more than 1700 distinct models and producing more than thirty thousand masks annually.
In Shkodër, the passion, creative genius, and business acumen of Edmond Angoni have enabled the creation of one of the most important mask factories in the world!
Pazari i Vjeter – Kruja
You can’t miss a trip to Pazari i Vjeter, one of Albania’s oldest marketplace.
The Pazari i Vjeter was built over 400 years ago and is known as one of the most beautiful bazaars in Albania. This marketplace started a free trade tradition, and its excellent location on the main road leading up to Castle Krujë makes it the ultimate shopping experience when traveling shopping in Albania.
Whether you’re looking for a traditionally crafted rug or handmade copper products, the Pazari i Vjeter has something to offer to everyone.
Flagship Center – Durres
Flagship Center in Durres is the ultimate destination if you’re looking for budget shopping and a family-friendly environment. With its playground for your kids and many outlets’ shops, you can’t go wrong if you want to get more for your money.
Pazari – Gjirokaster
If you’re looking for an artisanal souvenir, Albania will not disappoint your shopping cravings. Walk through the cobblestone streets of Gjirokaster and lose yourself in the traditional bazaar. Originally built in the 17th century, a destroying fire impacted the bazaar, not leaving much of the original architecture. Luckily, the Pazari was rebuilt in the 19th century, letting local artisans offer their masterpieces of art and artisanal beauty to the many shoppers and tourists passing by. Gjirokaster is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pazari i Korces
Lose yourself in the picturesque old streets of the Pazari i Korces.
The old bazaar of Korces is an ancient and historic marketplace dating 500 years back and is home to the stunning ottoman and roman architectonic-style buildings.
The recent $4 million restoration project financed by the Albanian Development Fund and the Albanian American Fund for Development was conceived to bring back the ancient magnificent to this market, which will leave any visitor in amazement.
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It is no secret that Albania is one of the ultimate destinations for arts and crafts enthusiasts worldwide.
Just strolling around Albania’s bazaars and shopping centers is enough to keep you busy for the whole day when visiting this beautiful country.
With our guides to the best shopping spots in Albania, take a piece of your trip home with you.
Ready to start planning your travel shopping in Albania? Then discover all our travel tips and explore Albania like a local!
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