Where to work in Tirana
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The capital city of Albania, Tirana, is fast becoming an alternative city destination for digital nomads and remote workers in Europe, and it’s easy to understand why. From location to community and ‘office’ options to leisure activities, Tirana has a lot to offer remote lifers. Having spent a little longer in Albania earlier this year, I honestly have a soft spot for this country in general and almost don’t want to share about it…!
It’s also home to the Tirana Digital Nomad Festival, which will be hosting another edition in November this year and is a great opportunity for the community to come together, exchange ideas and learn from each other. Albanians are also incredibly hospitable and it’s easy to feel welcome at events like these, so whether you’re a current or aspiring digital nomad, I do recommend considering your remote life journey here.
Never a dull moment in Tirana: from cafe work sessions to sunset at the Tirana Pyramid
Where to work in Tirana
I’ve been back to Tirana twice now and the number of remote work options has grown immensely, and while generally speaking you can ask for the wifi code in a lot of places, these are some of my preferred places to go:
Coolab Tirana
After you’ve joined the Digital Nomad Association Albania WhatsApp group, I recommend checking out Coolab. A cosy cowork space in the centre of the city that has great wifi and community to connect with. (Quick disclaimer, I’ve been provided press access). I always look forward to coming back here and know I can always get deep work done - my wifi also dropped in my apartment and fortunately I was able to come here and make up the time lost.
Antigua Speciality Coffee
Although this coffee shop was further away from my accommodation, I do wish I had found this spot sooner for the coffee alone. Generally I’m not a fussy coffee drinker, but every so often I do crave a flat white with oat milk and this was one of the few places in the Balkans that does it well. Coupled with the great wifi and atmosphere and I was able to catch up on so much here - before taking a lunch time walk in Tirana Park.
Mulliri i Vjetër
A popular café chain in Albania, Mulliri i Vjetër is known for its excellent coffee and comfortable seating. With several locations around the country, you can easily find a spot to work from. The Wi-Fi is dependable, and the lively atmosphere can be quite motivating - there are a couple of locations that are better than others, but that of course comes down to preference.
Sophie Caffe (Pazari I Ri)
According to fellow nomads, this square is becoming a little more touristy now, but for a couple of hours of work first thing in the morning, this was a great cosy spot to quick off the day in (it is also another smaller coffee shop chain, so you will find others around the country).
Where to stay in Tirana
The two times I’ve stayed in Tirana, I rented an Airbnb as it was the more budget-friendly option, but remember to read the reviews as one host I rented from was a headache to deal with.
Generally speaking, Tirana is a walkable city, but if you think you’ll visit the Park a lot then I would stay south of the Lana River so you’re not walking for up to an hour each way… On my last trip, I stayed in Zona 1 near Pazari I Ri and that was a good balance for me, so I was still relatively close to coffee shops and things, without spending too much per night on accommodation.
Never miss a chance to explore in Tirana
Tips for Digital Nomads in Tirana
Consider learning some Albanian phrases: while many Albanians speak English, learning a few basic phrases in Albanian can go a long way in daily interactions and endearing yourself to the locals.
Having an e-sim: like Airalo would go a long way. While I have a UK sim package that covers Europe, Albania is unfortunately not included and wifi can sometimes be patchy. So even having the back up was incredibly useful.
Get involved in local activities and explore beyond Tirana: enjoy amazing views of the city by visiting Observator for an after work aperitif and take a local cooking class to literally get a flavour of Albanian culture and history. But also schedule time to travel outside of Tirana. Whether for a long weekend to coastal towns like Durrës, historical sites like Berat, or natural wonders like the Albanian Alps and the lakes. Even taking a hike to Bovilla Lake was an incredible way to see just that little bit extra of country.
It sounds cliche, but I honestly still think Tirana is a hidden gem for digital nomads seeking a budget-friendly, culturally rich, and welcoming environment. With its growing infrastructure, friendly locals, and numerous work-friendly spots, the city provides everything you need to balance work and exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned digital nomad or new to the lifestyle, Tirana is definitely worth considering for your next remote work destination.
What do you think?
Han x
