How to Spend One Day in Kruje, Albania: Things to Do & See
Are you looking for the best things to do in Kruje, Albania? It holds important historical significance for Albania, and you can explore the main attractions in just a few hours, so you can’t miss it on your Albania Itinerary.
Wondering what to do in Kruje? Explore Kruja Castle, stroll around the Kruja Bazaar, visit museums, buy local handicrafts, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
This ultimate guide to visiting Kruje includes how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Kruje, Albania.
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Best things to do in Kruje, Albania
We arrived from Gjirokaster and parked in a small parking lot near the Old Bazaar (you can find the location on our map). We reached the bazaar in about 5 minutes from the parking lot. When we arrived at 10 AM, some vendors were still not open.
Kruje Albania Bazaar
Wondering what to do in Kruje? The Kruja Bazaar is the best place to buy beautiful ceramics, antique pots, embroidered slippers, handwoven rugs, and wooden crafts. This is Albania’s oldest (approximately 400 years old) and one of the best bazaars.
While we waited for all the small shops to open, we talked to the friendly locals. Then, we tried a traditional Byrek with a delicious coffee at a nearby restaurant.
Card payments are not accepted everywhere, so bring enough cash (LEK or EUR).
Kruja Castle, Albania
After that, we visited the Kruja Castle, which is a short walk from the Old Bazaar. As the castle is located on top of a hill, it offers a fantastic view of the surrounding area. Kruje Castle (Kalaja e Krujës) was built in the 5th or 6th century. Nowadays, the castle is mostly in ruins.
There is no entrance fee to Krujë Castle. So we recommend you take some time to wander around, read the information boards, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and sample traditional Albanian food in one of the nearby restaurants.
Behind the castle, you will find the best restaurants, such as Rooms & Restaurant “Emiliano” and Bar Restorant Bardhi Agroturizëm. After lunch, visit the museums. Inside the fortress walls of Kruja, you can find the Skanderbeg and the Ethnographic Museum.
Recommended post → Albania Itinerary
Skanderbeg Museum
The Skanderbeg National Museum was inaugurated on the 1st of November 1982, built in Kruja Castle on the left side of its entrance. Its architecture was designed by architects Pirro Vaso and Enver Hoxha’s daughter Pranvera Hoxha.
The museum was built in Kruja because it was the center of the Albanian resistance against the Ottomans in the 15th century (for almost 25 years).
The national hero of Albania, Gjergj Kastrioti, better known as Skanderbeg, became known all over Europe. Ten years after Skanderbeg’s death, in 1478, Kruje fell to the Ottoman Empire.
The entrance fee to the Skanderbeg Museum is 500 LEK (5 EUR) per person. The museum is open every day from 9 AM to 7 PM.
The interior is arranged so that spaces are combined successively, without interruption, as is the history presented in this museum. History, architecture, and art are linked as one.
Ethnographic Museum of Kruja
This is a small museum in a well-preserved Ottoman-style house. The National Ethnographic Museum offers a great insight into the traditional way of life of the locals.
The Ethnographic Museum is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. The entrance fee to the museum is 400 LEK (4 EUR) per person.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to visit the museum as we had to return our rental car to Tirana Airport. But we would have liked to stay 1 full day to enjoy the medieval atmosphere of the town.
Another charming old town in Albania → Berat
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.
Where to Stay in Kruje
For the best experience, stay near the castle and enjoy the stunning view of the Old Town. Kruje does not have luxury hotels, but you can stay in boutique hotels, guesthouses, or campsites. Alternatively, stay in Tirana. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Tirana
- Luxury: Rogner Hotel Tirana
- Mid-Range: Mondial Hotel or Hilton Garden Inn Tirana
- Budget: Blloku Unique Apartments
Best hotels in Kruje
- Mid-Range: Hotel Panorama
- Budget: Rooms Emiliano Castle of Kruja or Mervin Hotel
We have a detailed post about the best towns in Albania to stay in.
How to Get to Kruje, Albania
Kruje, also known as Kruja or Krujë, is about a 50-60 minute drive from Tirana, the capital of Albania. Most people arrive from Tirana or Durres. The nearest airport is Tirana International Airport (airport code TIA). You can easily get to Kruje by taxi, bus, and rental car or join an organized tour that includes transport.
Use Skyscanner to get cheap flights.
We drove from Gjirokaster to Kruje, and the driving time was about 4 hours. The roads were in good condition. Always wear your seat belt and obey the speed limit!
Tirana to Kruje by Bus, Taxi
The distance between the two cities is about 40 km, which takes 50-60 minutes, depending on traffic and mode of transport.
There is no direct bus service from Tirana Airport to Kruje. Buses depart from the South and North Bus Terminal. The bus terminal is located outside the city center, about 15-20 minutes by taxi.
Direct buses run every hour between 7 AM and 6 PM. The journey takes 1 hour, depending on traffic. The cheapest bus ticket costs 100 LEK (1 EUR) per person. You can buy your bus ticket on the bus or online.
A taxi to Kruje costs between 3000-4000 LEK (30-40 EUR). Uber is currently not available in Albania.
Most people drive from Tirana Airport to the charming town and continue their journey to Berat, Theth, or Shkoder. Although there’s not much to do in Shkoder, it’s the perfect base for a day trip to the stunning Lumi i Shales (Shala River).
Tirana to Kruje Day Trip
Kruja is the most charming historical town in Albania. Due to its location, it is one of the best and most popular day trips from Tirana. If you don’t want to worry about how to get from one city to another, join a guided tour. Admire the historic Kruja Castle, visit Skanderbeg & Ethnographic Museum, browse local handicrafts in the Old Bazaar, and enjoy the Sari Salltik mountain viewpoint.
Group tours usually depart at 9 AM. The tour price includes pick-up and drop-off from Tirana city, an English-speaking tour guide, Castle & Skanderbeg Museum entry ticket, and air-conditioned transportation by car/van.
Book this excellent day tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.
How to Get Around
The best way to explore Kruje is on foot, as most attractions are within walking distance. If you arrive by car, the parking fee is 200 LEK (2 EUR) for 2 hours or 500 LEK (5 EUR) for the whole day.
Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a cobbled street around Kruja Bazaar.
Kruje Albania Map
Best Restaurants near the Old Bazaar
One of the best things to do in Kruje is to sample traditional Albanian dishes. Our favorites were Moussaka, Byrek, Tave Kosi, Village Salad, and Fergese.
You can find many local restaurants, vegetarian options, and the best places to eat with all budgets. These are our recommendations.
- Fabiani Snack Bar & Pizzeri (Delicious pizza)
- Restaurant Kroi (Traditional dishes)
- Rooms & Restaurant “Emiliano” (Popular restaurant near the castle)
- Bar Restorant Bardhi Agroturizëm (Tasty food with a great view)
Best Time to Visit Kruje, 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. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 34°C.
The summer months are the peak season in Albania when hotel prices are higher and attractions are busier. The average annual temperature is 18°C.
We visited Kruje in early June and had fantastic weather.
How many Days do you Need in Kruje?
Most people only take a day trip and spend a few hours in the town. However, we recommend you spend at least 1 full day and enjoy the best things to do in Kruje. Then travel to Durres, Berat, or Shkoder.
We hope our list of the best things to do in Kruje 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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