13 Best Things to Do in Berat, Albania 2025

Towering high above the city, Berat Castle is one of Albania’s grandest historical sites — a living fortress that has watched over the Osum Valley for more than 2,000 years. Built during the 4th century BC and expanded under Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman rule, the castle remains home to a small community of residents who still inhabit its ancient stone houses.

Wandering its labyrinth of cobbled paths feels like time travel. Inside the walls, you’ll find Byzantine churches with fading frescoes, Ottoman-era houses, and breathtaking views that stretch across the red roofs of Berat to the distant Tomorr Mountains. Don’t miss the Church of St. Mary of Blachernae and the Holy Trinity Church, whose elegant silhouettes glow in the late afternoon light.

Come early in the morning or just before sunset for the best atmosphere — the light softens, the air cools, and the stone walls take on a golden hue. Standing atop the ramparts, it’s easy to understand why Berat has captivated travelers for centuries.

Berat’s most photographed neighborhood, Mangalem, tumbles down the hillside below the castle in a perfect collage of whitewashed houses and tiled roofs. Once home to Muslim merchants and artisans during Ottoman times, today it’s a maze of narrow lanes, wooden balconies, and flowering courtyards that seem to hold the city’s soul.

As you wander through its quiet alleys, you’ll hear the soft echo of call to prayer from nearby mosques and catch glimpses of daily life — women chatting on steps, children playing, and the scent of baking bread drifting from stone ovens. Every turn reveals a new postcard view, with the river below and the castle watching from above.

Mangalem isn’t just a district; it’s an experience of atmosphere and authenticity. Take your time here — stop at a small café for Turkish coffee, peek into art studios, and feel the rhythm of a neighborhood that has changed little in a hundred years.

Spanning the Osum River, the Gorica Bridge connects the Mangalem and Gorica quarters — two halves of Berat that mirror each other like reflections in the water. The bridge itself, built in the 18th century, is an elegant seven-arch stone structure that feels frozen in time. Crossing it is like stepping into a painting.

On the Gorica side, you’ll find a quieter, more residential atmosphere. The lanes are wider, the pace slower, and from here you get the best panoramic views of Mangalem’s famous windows rising up the opposite bank. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially at sunset when the white façades glow with honey-colored light.

Take an evening walk across the bridge and linger midway to watch the river flow beneath you. At night, the bridge and both neighborhoods are beautifully illuminated — a serene scene that captures Berat’s poetic charm.

Inside the castle walls, the Onufri Museum is a masterpiece of Albanian heritage. Housed within the Cathedral of the Dormition of St. Mary, this small but remarkable museum showcases the works of Onufri, Albania’s most celebrated icon painter from the 16th century.

Onufri was known for his vibrant palette — particularly his unique shade of red, called “Onufri Red” — and for giving human warmth and individuality to the saints he painted. The museum’s collection includes dozens of icons and liturgical objects, each a testament to the brilliance of Albanian religious art.

Even if you’re not an art enthusiast, the setting alone is worth the visit. The cathedral’s carved wooden iconostasis, gilded and intricate, glows softly in the filtered light. It’s one of Berat’s most peaceful and contemplative spaces.

Housed in an elegant 18th-century Ottoman residence, the Ethnographic Museum offers an intimate look at traditional Albanian life. Its wooden balconies, stone walls, and period furniture recreate the domestic world of a wealthy merchant family from centuries past.

Each room reveals a different aspect of life in old Berat — from the ornate reception hall with carved ceilings and colorful textiles, to the kitchen filled with copper cookware and handmade tools. The museum also displays folk costumes, embroidery, and everyday items that reflect the region’s craftsmanship.

It’s not just a museum; it’s a time capsule that helps visitors understand the artistry and hospitality that define Albanian culture. The gardens, filled with herbs and flowers, add to the charm of this beautifully preserved home.

Within the castle walls stands the Church of the Holy Trinity, one of the most striking examples of Byzantine architecture in Albania. Built in the 13th century, it’s perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the valley, visible from almost every corner of Berat.

The church’s red brick and stone façade, elegant dome, and perfect proportions make it a photographer’s dream. Inside, fragments of original frescoes still survive, depicting saints and angels in rich earth tones.

It’s a peaceful, almost mystical spot. Standing in its doorway, with the wind sweeping through and the city sprawling below, you feel the weight of centuries — a reminder of Berat’s enduring spiritual and artistic legacy.

Berat’s skyline is graced by elegant minarets that speak to its rich Ottoman heritage, and two of its most striking examples are the Bachelors’ Mosque (Xhamia e Beqarëve) and the King Mosque (Xhamia e Mbretit). Together, they represent the harmony between faith and artistry that has long defined this “City of a Thousand Windows.”

The Bachelors’ Mosque, built in the 19th century, stands proudly in the Mangalem quarter. It was originally constructed to serve unmarried merchants and craftsmen — hence its name — and remains one of the most beautifully preserved Ottoman mosques in Albania. Its exterior is simple yet graceful, but step inside and you’ll be captivated by the colorful floral and geometric frescoes that adorn its walls, painted by local artists who combined Ottoman motifs with Albanian folk patterns.

Just a short walk away, the King Mosque, dating back to the 15th century, is one of the oldest in the country. Commissioned by Sultan Bayezid II, it showcases delicate arabesque designs, elegant calligraphy, and a wooden ceiling rich in detail. Both mosques remain active places of worship but are open to visitors outside prayer times. Their peaceful courtyards and softly echoing interiors offer a quiet space for reflection — reminders of Berat’s enduring spirit of coexistence and devotion.

Perched dramatically on a rocky slope beneath the castle walls, St. Michael’s Church (Kisha e Shën Mëhillit) is one of Berat’s most picturesque landmarks — a small Byzantine chapel that seems to grow straight out of the cliffside. Its orange brick façade and stone dome contrast beautifully against the pale limestone, creating one of the city’s most photogenic views.

The short hike up to the church rewards you with spectacular panoramas over the Gorica Quarter and the Osum River below. The path is steep and uneven in places, winding past houses and small stairways before turning into a dirt trail carved into the hillside. The best time to visit is late afternoon, when the light softens and the sun begins to dip behind the castle — the morning glare can be quite harsh.

The church itself is modest but atmospheric, with a simple iconostasis and faint traces of frescoes on its walls. Outside, small grottoes have been transformed into shrines where believers leave icons, flowers, and candles — quiet gestures of devotion that give the site an intimate, sacred feel. Be aware that while entrance is sometimes monitored by a caretaker, donations are voluntary; simply place your offering in the designated box. Even if the church is closed after midday, the surrounding terraces remain open, offering sweeping views and one of the best photo spots in all of Berat.

Every Albanian city has its favorite place for the xhiro — the cherished evening stroll that defines daily life — and in Berat, that place is Boulevard Republika. As the sun begins to set, locals of all ages gather here, turning the wide pedestrian street into a vibrant social scene. Couples, families, and friends walk up and down for hours, stopping for ice cream, chatting over espresso, or playing a relaxed game of chess at a café table.

The boulevard runs through the modern part of Berat, bordered by rows of leafy trees on one side and lively cafés and restaurants on the other. It’s flanked by the Lulishtja, a green park-like buffer between the promenade and the river, offering space to sit and watch the world go by. From here, you can look back toward the historic quarters of Mangalem and Gorica, their whitewashed houses stacked high against the mountainside — a view that captures the harmony between the old and the new.

For a local experience, join the xhiro just before sunset when the air cools and the street fills with the sound of laughter and conversation. Stop by Gimi Kafe, one of Berat’s oldest and most beloved spots, for a coffee or a refreshing drink. Whether you’re people-watching or simply soaking up the relaxed rhythm of Albanian life, an evening on Boulevard Republika is a quintessential Berat experience — as much about community as it is about atmosphere.

Across the Osum River, hidden among the narrow cobblestone lanes of the Gorica Quarter, lies one of Berat’s lesser-known but most beautiful treasures — the Church of Saint Spiridon (Kisha e Shën Spiridhonit). Dating back to the 18th century, this Orthodox church is a quiet masterpiece of local craftsmanship and devotion, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s spiritual depth beyond its famous mosques and castle.

Built in traditional Byzantine style, the church’s stone exterior is understated, blending harmoniously with the surrounding houses. Step inside, however, and its beauty unfolds. The interior is supported by nine circular pillars — a distinctive architectural feature that gives the nave a sense of rhythm and balance. The dim light filters softly through narrow windows, illuminating centuries-old frescoes that adorn the walls and vaults. Their colors have faded over time, yet they retain a haunting grace, their brushstrokes a quiet testament to the faith and artistry of Berat’s Orthodox community.

Outside, a slender stone bell tower rises beside the church, its simple silhouette framed by the hills beyond. The courtyard, shaded by olive and fig trees, is often silent except for birdsong and the faint murmur of the river below. Visiting Saint Spiridon feels like discovering a secret — a moment of stillness and reflection amid the hum of daily life. For travelers seeking a deeper connection to Berat’s spiritual heritage, this small sanctuary in Gorica is one of the city’s most rewarding finds.

A little farther afield, about an hour’s drive from Berat, lies the Osum Canyon, one of Albania’s most spectacular natural wonders. Carved by the same river that runs through Berat, the canyon stretches for over 26 kilometers, with cliffs soaring up to 80 meters high.

During spring and summer, rafting tours offer an exhilarating way to experience the canyon’s waterfalls, caves, and narrow passages. In quieter months, you can hike along its rim, stopping at viewpoints that reveal the river’s winding path through emerald-green gorges.

It’s an unforgettable adventure — a blend of thrill and tranquility that complements Berat’s cultural richness. Whether you’re paddling through rapids or standing at the edge, Osum Canyon is nature at its most cinematic.

Rising dramatically east of Berat, Mount Tomorr is a sacred and spectacular natural landmark. At over 2,400 meters high, it’s revered by both Christians and Bektashi Muslims — a mountain of legends and pilgrimage.

In late August, thousands of devotees climb to the summit for the Tomorr Pilgrimage, honoring Abbas Ali, a figure revered in Bektashi belief. Outside the festival, the mountain offers superb hiking, with trails that wind through forests, meadows, and panoramic ridges overlooking the valley.

From its heights, you can see all the way to the Adriatic on a clear day. Whether you visit for spiritual reflection or adventure, Tomorr leaves an impression of vastness and serenity that complements Berat’s cultural soul.

A short drive from the city center, nestled among rolling vineyards, is Cobo Winery — one of Albania’s most acclaimed family-run estates. The Cobo family has been making wine in the region for generations, reviving traditional methods with a modern touch.

Visitors can take a guided tour through the vineyards and cellar, learning about indigenous grape varieties such as Shesh i Bardhë and Puls. Tastings are generous and accompanied by homemade cheeses, olives, and bread. Their signature red, Kallmet Reserve, pairs beautifully with local dishes.

The experience here is unpretentious and heartfelt — more like visiting friends than a formal winery. Sitting on the terrace with a glass of deep ruby wine, watching the sun dip behind the hills, you’ll understand why Berat’s wine country is becoming a destination in itself.