Tirana, Albania’s capital, is a lively city that pulses with energy after sunset. Unlike some European capitals that focus on wine or craft beer, Tirana’s nightlife offers a mix of authentic local bars, spirited raki tastings, and vibrant pub scenes. What makes this city stand out is its friendly, straightforward vibe—perfect for those looking to mingle and enjoy genuine Albanian drinks. Among the options, the guided bar crawl is a social favorite, with upbeat guides leading visitors through the city’s top spots, and the beer, wine, and raki tour offers a taste of local spirits paired with regional snacks. For a more interactive night, the pub experience with tarot cards combines cocktails with a mystical twist. Whether you want a high-energy night or a relaxed tasting, Tirana’s drinking tours deliver memorable experiences.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a variety of drinking experiences, from lively guided pub crawls to local spirit tasting tours. The Tirana: Guided Bar Crawl with Welcome Shots offers a fun, social introduction to Tirana’s nightlife with energetic guides and plenty of opportunities to meet new people. For those interested in sampling local drinks and snacks, the Beer, Wine and Raki Tour provides a well-rounded tasting experience. Lastly, if you’re after something unconventional, the Pub Experience with Tarot Cards and Cocktails mixes drinks with a mystical game, ideal for those wanting a quirky night out.
1. Tirana: Guided Bar Crawl with Welcome Shots
At number one, this guided bar crawl taps into Tirana’s energetic nightlife—perfect for travelers who want to see multiple spots in a short time and enjoy socializing. The tour lasts about four hours and includes visits to top bars, where local vibe and authentic drinks shine. Your guide will lead you to Tirana’s most lively spots, ensuring you experience the city’s true spirit without worrying about navigating alone. The highlight is the welcome shots, which break the ice and set a fun tone for the night. Plus, your guide will take photos and help you meet fellow travelers, making it a social occasion as well as a drinking adventure.
Guests consistently praise the tour for its good vibes and lively atmosphere. Dion, one of the guides, is remembered for keeping the energy high and making everyone feel comfortable. Some mention that the music in the first bar was loud, but the diverse venues and great people more than made up for it. This tour is especially suited for those looking for a fun, social night out with a mix of authentic bars and some dancing. The value is strong, given the included welcome shots and the guided experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a lively introduction to Tirana’s nightlife with plenty of chances to mingle and enjoy authentic local bars.
2. Tirana: Beer, wine and raki tour with snack and food
At number two, this tour offers a relaxed, in-depth local tasting experience. Over about four and a half hours, you’ll explore Tirana’s hidden spots and enjoy Albanian beer, raki, and wine paired with regional snacks. The tour begins at Skanderbeg Square and takes you to local bars and a restaurant, where you’ll sample traditional Albanian beer and the Balkans’ famous raki, along with regional wines and hearty local dishes. The itinerary includes a visit to a local bar dedicated to spirits, a beer tavern, and a regional restaurant with a tasting menu.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on authentic drinks and food, giving travelers a taste of local culture in a laid-back setting. The guide shares insights into Albanian drink traditions, making each sip more meaningful. With a perfect rating of 5/5 from four reviews, it’s clear this experience resonates with those who want something more than just a club crawl—it’s about savoring genuine flavors. The volume of tastings and the inclusion of snacks make it good value, especially for those interested in culinary culture alongside their drinks.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want an immersive taste of Albanian spirits, beers, and regional cuisine without the rush or noise of a pub crawl.
3. Tirana: Pub Experience with Tarot Cards and 5 Cocktails
This tour ranks third mainly because of its unique blend of drinks and entertainment, despite a lower rating of 2.7/5 from three reviews. Spanning six hours, it takes you to one of Tirana’s well-known pubs in Blloku, where you’ll sample five different cocktails and play with tarot cards to learn about the mythology of gods. The experience is designed for those looking for something different—combining cultural intrigue with social drinks.
The itinerary is straightforward, starting at Rruga Ismail Qemali, with a focus on engaging with the drinks and mythology. The tour emphasizes the vibrant nightlife vibes, music, and a mystical twist that appeals to travelers wanting a memorable, fun night rather than just a drinking session. However, the mixed reviews suggest that the experience might be hit-or-miss, and it’s best suited for those open to a more playful, thematic evening. The mix of cocktails and tarot reading offers a playful take on Tirana’s nightlife, making it memorable if you’re after something a little different.
Bottom Line: Great for curious travelers who enjoy cocktails and a touch of story-telling, but keep in mind the mixed reviews and that it’s more casual than energetic.
How to Choose Your Perfect Drinking Tour in Tirana
Choosing between these options depends on what kind of night you’re after. If you want a lively, social experience with new friends and welcome shots, the guided bar crawl is ideal. It’s perfect for first-timers or those eager to experience Tirana’s nightlife energy. For travelers interested in deeper taste and culture, the beer, wine, and raki tour offers a more relaxed, flavorful experience—great for foodies and spirits lovers alike.
If you’re looking for something playful and different, the pub experience with tarot cards combines cocktails with storytelling, perfect for a quirky night out. Budget-wise, the guided crawl offers great value, especially with included welcome shots, while the raki and wine tour provides a more comprehensive tasting for a slightly higher price.
When booking, consider your schedule, whether you prefer energetic or relaxed vibes, and your interest in local drinks versus themed entertainment. Early booking is recommended, especially for the popular pub crawl, to secure your spot and make the most of Tirana’s vibrant nightlife.
In summary, Tirana’s drinking tours cater to a range of interests—from energetic pub crawls to deep dives into local spirits and even quirky mixology evenings. For a lively social scene, the guided pub crawl is a top pick. If you prefer a more laid-back, cultural tasting, the beer, wine, and raki tour delivers authentic flavors. For those after something playful, the tarot and cocktail experience offers a memorable twist. Book early, plan according to your style, and enjoy Tirana’s spirited nightlife.