00:00Welcome to Tirana, the capital of Albania.
00:03It's a city of contrasts between the communist past and modernity, concrete and green space.
00:10Tradition and trendiness.
00:12Just a few years ago it was considered an insider destination in the Balkans.
00:17Now it's one of Europe's top destinations.
00:21I'm here to dive into Tirana's history, including some of its darker and hidden spots.
00:26And I want to find out why travelers love the city and what you should definitely do in just one day.
00:33Albania is located in south-eastern Europe on the Adriatic and Ionian coasts.
00:39Tirana in the center has about 400,000 residents.
00:44Tirana is best explored on foot. Most sites are in the center.
00:48My next destination is the new market Pazari Iri.
00:52Here you can buy typical souvenirs from traditional to quirky, like magnets featuring Albania's ex-dictator Enver Hoxha.
00:59Locals also shop here.
01:01I opt for a sweet souvenir, Albanian honey.
01:07That's echt good. That's really good. Sorry.
01:11There are many cafes and restaurants around the market.
01:14I try an Albanian specialty, Lakro Burek.
01:18Crispy filo pastry with various fillings.
01:24I'm having the classic combo of spinach and cheese.
01:27That's the best Albanian street food.
01:30It costs 80 leg, just under a euro.
01:33I want to learn more about Albania's history.
01:37The country was under communist rule from 1947 to 1991, led by dictator Enver Hoxha until his death in 1985.
01:46I visit a museum in a former nuclear bunker on the outskirts of the city.
01:52Enver Hoxha built lots and lots of these bunkers in communist times.
01:58And until today, Albania is the country with the most bunkers in the world.
02:02This one has 106 rooms, so I'm curious to see it.
02:07The entrance doors are made of four tons of reinforced concrete and designed to withstand heavy attacks.
02:15The complex was the underground headquarters of the Albanian general staff during the Cold War.
02:22The museum leads visitors through original rooms, including Hoxha's, with historical exhibits and multimedia installations.
02:30Paranoid about attacks from both the West and Eastern Bloc, the dictator often sealed off Albania.
02:37The museum captures the era's oppressive atmosphere.
02:46After the dark bunker, I need some fresh air and a change of scenery.
02:50The cable car station was just a five minute walk.
02:53Now let's see what kind of views we can get.
03:00The Daiti Express takes you up to over 1000 meters in 15 minutes.
03:05A return trip costs 1500 lakh, that's around 15 euros.
03:11Time to check out modern Tirana.
03:13I join a guided tour.
03:18Welcome to Tirana, guys.
03:19My name is Erind.
03:20I grew up here in the city, so let's say I'll be your local guide for today,
03:24where we cover some of the main attractions in Tirana about the street art scene and the modern architecture.
03:30Futuristic new buildings have been springing up in recent years.
03:35This striking one on Skanderbeg Square is inspired by the national hero Skanderbeg.
03:41It's an abstract design that will have a few details that will make it look like a bust or like a head,
03:46where you might be able to see the nose popping out in front of the building.
03:50There's like four floors creating the shape of the nose, the ears on both sides and also the chin.
03:56Since the 2000s, street art is on the rise here.
04:00Erin shows us murals that often tell stories about social change and the city's residence.
04:06Now I head to Tirana's trendy district.
04:11Now I'm in Blocen.
04:12That's the Albanian word for Bloc.
04:14It used to be a neighborhood only for the regime's elite,
04:17but today anyone can go in and it's one of the most vibrant parts of Tirana.
04:24I saved a special highlight for sunset, the pyramid of Tirana.
04:29It was built in 1988 as a museum for dictator Enver Hoxha.
04:33Today it's a hub for start-ups and creatives.
04:36The view reflects Tirana's blend of past and present.
04:41I think Tirana is just the right size to visit in a day.
04:47I've shown you some of its highlights from its rich history to the more modern parts.
04:52As always, there's so much more to see.
04:54What about you?
04:55Would you like to explore Tirana for yourself?
04:58I love you!
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