8 Best Things to Do in Berat, Albania
Are you looking for the best things to do in Berat, Albania? Berat, also known as the City of a Thousand Windows, is a must-see destination, so you can’t miss it on your Albania Itinerary. Most people only do a day trip from Tirana, but for the best experience, it’s worth spending at least 2 days there.
Wondering what to do in Berat? Visit Berat Castle, explore the ancient neighborhoods of Mangalem and Gorica, try traditional Albanian food, see historic Ottoman houses, and enjoy the medieval atmosphere.
This ultimate guide to visiting Berat includes how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Berat.
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Best things to do in Berat, Albania
Berat, known as the City of a Thousand Windows, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In our opinion, it is one of the most charming places in Albania.
1. Berat Castle
The highlight of your trip to Berat is visiting the castle. Strolling through castle walls, you can experience the medieval atmosphere and admire the well-preserved architecture. This was our second favorite castle in Albania after Gjirokastra Castle.
You can get to the castle from the town by car, bus, taxi or on foot. The road to the castle is quite steep, about 1 km and 15-20 minutes walk from the city, so it is not recommended on a hot day. Wear comfortable shoes as the road is cobbled.
Did you know that some people still live in the fortress?
During your visit, you can learn more about the history of the castle and enjoy a unique view of the city. You’ll see the Red Mosque, the Church of the Holy Trinity, and the giant head sculpture of Constantine the Great. The Red Mosque was the first mosque in Berat and one of the oldest mosques in Albania.
Read our → Albania Itinerary
The castle is open 24 hours a day and is free to visit. As this is a popular attraction, we recommend avoiding weekends. Plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon.
You can easily walk around the castle. At the end of the castle, there is a viewing platform with a beautiful panorama of the city, the mountains, and the meandering Osum River. Around the castle, there are many local vendors where you can buy handmade products, souvenirs, and fresh fruit.
Read the full post → How to Visit Berat Castle
2. Gorica Bridge & Quarter
One of the best things to do in Berat is to explore the Gorica neighborhood. Berat’s iconic landmark is the Gorica Bridge, which consists of 7 stone arches and offers fantastic photo opportunities. The Gorica Bridge spanning the Osum River connects the picturesque districts of Mangalem and Gorica. The bridge was originally built of wood in 1780 and rebuilt in stone in the 1920s.
We crossed the Gorica Bridge, explored the narrow, cobbled streets, visited the churches, and then walked back to the old town on the new bridge.
Accommodation options are more affordable in the Gorica quarter. Here are all your hotel options.
Embarking on a journey to Albania?
With our guide, you will not only save a lot of time, but you will also make sure that don’t miss out on any spots.
3. Discover Mangalem Quarter
The 2,400-yeard-old city is home to Ottoman-style houses and many windows, which is why Berat is known as the City of a Thousand Windows. We suggest enjoying a delicious breakfast at Shtëpia e Kafes Gimi on Boulevard Republika, visiting Xhamia Mbret mosque, and then exploring the charming neighborhood of Mangalem.
To find the best photo spot, we suggest you walk across the modern bridge and enjoy the beautiful view of the Mangalem district.
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You can easily buy water, snacks, and other products at the Conad Supermarket.
See also → Himare Guide
4. Take a Day Trip to Osum Canyon & Bogove Waterfall
If you spend more time in the town, we recommend joining an Osumi Canyon tour. The “Grand Canyon of Albania”, is 26 km long, at an altitude of 450 m, and was formed about 2-3 million years ago. The canyon is located about 50 km southeast of Berat, and the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. The first side of the canyon is easily accessible by car. But to reach the other side, you need a 4×4 car or an organized tour.
The best time to visit the Osum Canyon is in spring. When the snow melts, the river level rises, and it is possible to go rafting on the river.
Book your Osum Canyon and Bogove Waterfall Tour with GetYourGuide or Viator.
5. Visit the Temples
Mangalem, below the castle, was mostly a Muslim quarter, while Gorica, across the river, was the Christian quarter.
The church of St. Spiridon was built between the 18th and 19th centuries and is situated in the center of the Gorica quarter. The church is open daily from 8 AM to 10 AM and from 4 PM to 6 PM. You can reach the church via a cobbled path, but it is worth a visit.
The church of St. Michael’s is another great attraction, which can be reached by a steep walk of about 20-30 minutes. It is usually open from 9 AM to 1 PM, and only a donation is required for entry.
You can also visit the Saint Demetrius Orthodox Cathedral and the Church of the Holy Trinity.
6. Try Traditional Albanian Food
One of the best things to do in Berat is to sample traditional Albanian dishes. Our favorites were Moussaka, Byrek, Tave Kosi, Village Salad, and Fergese. For restaurant recommendations, scroll to the bottom of the post.
If you want more fun, we recommend joining a wine tasting. Cobo Winery is just a 20-minute drive from the city. The tour includes visits to the cellars and vineyards, and you can taste different wines and walnut raki with local cheeses, olives, and bread.
Book a guided winery tour with transfers and tastings HERE.
7. Onufri Iconographic Museum
Looking for more things to do in Berat? Then, visit the museum and see the stunning artworks, icons, and liturgical objects. The Onufri Iconographic Museum is located on the grounds of Berat Castle, in the Church of Dormition of St Mary. The museum is named after the Albanian icon painter Onufri, born in the early 16th century.
The entrance fee to the Onufri Iconographic Museum is 400 LEK (4 EUR) per person. The Onufri Museum is usually open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. You will spend approximately 2-3 hours exploring the castle and visiting the museum.
Good to know
The National Museum of Ethnography is currently closed.
Embarking on a journey to Albania?
With our guide, you will not only save a lot of time, but you will also make sure that don’t miss out on any spots.
8. Walk Along Boulevard Republika
The Boulevard Republika is a charming, car-free pedestrian street full of cafés, restaurants, and a park. During the day, it is peaceful and quiet, but at night, it is crowded and lively. From here, you can see the Ottoman houses from a fascinating perspective.
We recommend joining the Xhiro in the evening. The Xhiro is an Albanian tradition, which means everyone starts walking after sunset. It’s a great way to meet the locals and see the houses in the evening lights.
Unfortunately, our flight was delayed, so we only arrived in Berat in the evening when it was already raining, so we didn’t get to experience this lovely tradition.
Where to Stay in Berat
There are 3 good neighborhoods that are the best places to stay.
- Gorica: The best choice for those who want a direct view of the city of a thousand windows.
- Mangalem: Most restaurants are within walking distance.
- Near the Castle: There are few accommodations, but this area has a truly authentic feel.
For the best experience, stay at Berati Castle Hotel or Hotel Klea. The town does not have luxury hotels, but you can stay in boutique hotels or charming traditional accommodations. These are our recommendations.
Recommended post → Best towns to stay in Albania
Best hotels in Berat
- Mid-Range: Hotel Colombo or Tradita e Beratit
- Budget: Hotel Orestiada or Hotel Ajka
How to Get to Berat, Albania
The nearest airport is Tirana International Airport. Therefore, most people arrive from Tirana. You can easily get to Berat by taxi, bus, and rental car or join an organized tour that includes transport. There is no train service between the two cities.
We have a detailed post on how to get from Tirana to Berat with all the information you need.
We drove from Tirana Airport on the SH2 highway towards Durres and took the SH4 road to Berat. The roads were in good condition. Always wear your seat belt and obey the speed limit! The drive time is usually 2-2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Tirana to Berat Day Trip
If you don’t want to worry about how to get from one city to another, join a guided tour. Explore the historic neighborhoods of Mangalemi and Gorica. Visit the Berat Castle, Onufri Museum, Gorica Bridge, and Belsh Lake.
Group tours usually depart at 9 AM. The tour price includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, an English-speaking tour guide, entrance fees, and transportation by air-conditioned car/van.
Book this excellent day tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.
How to Get Around
The best way to explore Berat is on foot, as most attractions are within walking distance. Explore the city’s most iconic sites and learn more about its history, culture, and architecture on a guided walking tour.
Getting around by car is not easy, as the streets of the old town are narrow and parking space is limited. You can also travel by taxi or local buses.
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There are some steep hills, so wear comfortable shoes.
Best Restaurants
You can find many local restaurants, vegetarian options, and the best places to eat with all budgets. These are our recommendations.
- Temi Albanian Food (Our favorite restaurant)
- Tradita e Beratit Restaurant (Traditional dishes)
- Homemade Food Lili (A popular restaurant in the Mangalem Quarter)
- Friendly House (Local dishes and vegan options)
- Eni Traditional Food (Perfect place for lunch or dinner)
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Solidarity Shop is the best place to taste and buy homemade products like wine, tea, dried fruits, jams, raki, etc.
Best Time to Visit Berat, Albania
Albania has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is from May to October. The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for sightseeing and exploring the nearby attractions. The hottest months are July and August. The average annual temperature is 16°C.
The summer months are the peak season in Albania when hotel prices are higher and attractions are busier. In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance! We visited Berat at the end of May and had fantastic weather.
How many Days do you Need in Berat?
Most people only do a day trip. But we recommend spending at least 2 days there and enjoying the best things to do in Berat. Then travel to Vlore, Himare, Dhermi, or Ksamil.
We hope our list of the best things to do in Berat will help you plan your next trip to Albania. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
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