Self-Guided Walking Tour of Durrës, Albania (2025)
This website uses affiliate links which earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Durrës, Albania’s oldest city and one of its most vibrant coastal destinations, is a place where history and modern life intertwine seamlessly. Founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC and later flourishing under the Romans and Byzantines, the city has stood at the crossroads of empires for more than two millennia. Its strategic position on the Adriatic has made it both a gateway for trade and a target for conquest, leaving behind an extraordinary concentration of archaeological treasures. Walking through Durrës, you’ll quickly sense how its past shapes its present, from the grandeur of ancient ruins to the energy of its bustling boulevards.
This tour will lead you through a city that offers layers of history at every turn. You’ll discover one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in the Balkans, explore remnants of Byzantine walls and Venetian towers, and trace the legacy of Ottoman and Italian influences in the architecture. Alongside these historic landmarks, Durrës’ lively waterfront and modern urban spaces remind visitors that the city has always been a meeting point between cultures, ideas, and eras. The contrasts are striking—ancient stones stand only steps away from busy cafés, markets, and seaside promenades.
As you explore, Durrës reveals itself as more than a museum of the past; it is a living city where tradition and modernity are woven together. Its mix of archaeological heritage, cultural vibrancy, and Mediterranean charm makes it a captivating place to discover on foot. A walking tour here not only allows you to step into history but also to experience the rhythm of daily life in Albania’s second-largest city, from its old neighborhoods to its bustling port and sun-drenched coastline.ia.
How to Get to Durrës
By Air: The nearest international gateway to Durrës is Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA), located about 35 kilometers away. The airport is well connected with major European cities, offering frequent flights from destinations such as Rome, Vienna, Istanbul, and London. From the airport, you can reach Durrës in under an hour by taxi, private transfer, or shuttle bus, making it a straightforward entry point for visitors arriving from abroad. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Durrës on Booking.com.
By train: Although Albania’s rail network is limited and not widely used for long-distance travel, there is a rail link between Tirana and Durrës. However, services are infrequent, slow, and often not the most practical option for visitors. Most travelers prefer road transport, but if you enjoy a more leisurely and local way to travel, checking the current train schedules can be an interesting experience and a glimpse into Albania’s evolving transport system.
By car: Driving to Durrës is one of the most convenient options, particularly if you’re planning to explore more of Albania’s coastline or countryside. The city is well connected by modern highways, with the SH2 linking it directly to Tirana in around 40 minutes. Car rental is widely available at the airport and in major cities, allowing you the flexibility to create your own itinerary and travel at your own pace. Parking in Durrës can be busy near the seafront in summer, but plenty of spaces are available throughout the city. If you are looking to rent a car in Albania I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.
Where to Stay in Durrës
To make the most of visiting Durrës and this walking tour, you should consider staying overnight in the center. The heart of the city is where history, culture, and modern life come together, and being based here allows you to step straight into the old streets, archaeological landmarks, and lively waterfront without relying on transport. Staying central also gives you easy access to restaurants, cafés, and the vibrant evening atmosphere that Durrës is known for.
In the historic core near the amphitheater and Venetian Tower, you’ll find boutique-style accommodation that places you right in the middle of the city’s ancient past. Options like Hotel Lido and Hotel Nais are within walking distance of many major sights, offering convenience as well as a glimpse into the more traditional side of the city. From here, you can stroll easily to the main highlights of the walking tour while enjoying the charm of Durrës’ old town atmosphere.
If you prefer to combine the walking tour with time by the sea, the beachfront area along the promenade is another excellent choice. Here, hotels like Adriatik Hotel provide resort-style facilities while still being close enough to walk into the historic center. Similarly, Hotel Arvi offers rooms with sea views just steps from the main boulevard, striking a balance between relaxation and exploration. These coastal stays are perfect if you want to enjoy Durrës’ beaches after a day of discovering its layered history.
A Brief History of Durrës
Durrës, founded by Greek settlers from Corinth and Corfu in 627 BC, has always been defined by its strategic position on the Adriatic coast. Known to the Romans as Dyrrachium, it became one of the most important cities in the Balkans and the starting point of the famous Via Egnatia, the great road linking the Adriatic with Byzantium. Under Roman rule, the city flourished, and its most striking monument, the Durrës Amphitheatre, was built in the 2nd century AD under Emperor Trajan. Capable of hosting tens of thousands of spectators, this vast structure still dominates the old town and remains one of the most significant archaeological sites in Albania.
In the Byzantine and later medieval periods, Durrës was frequently contested, leading to the construction of impressive defensive works. Parts of the Byzantine Forum from the 5th–6th century can still be seen today, along with the powerful walls of Durrës Castle, reinforced by Emperor Anastasius I and later adapted by Venetian and Ottoman rulers. The Durrës Great Mosque, originally built by the Ottomans in the 16th century and reconstructed in the 20th century, reflects the city’s enduring role as a center of faith and culture. These landmarks, together with Venetian towers and Ottoman structures, reveal the city’s resilience and its importance as both a commercial and military stronghold.
In more recent centuries, Durrës became a royal and cultural center for modern Albania. King Zog Royal Villa built in the 1930s overlooking the Adriatic, highlights the city’s status in the interwar period, while the Durrës Archaeological Museum preserves artifacts spanning millennia, from Illyrian jewelry to Roman mosaics. Cultural figures are also remembered here, including the celebrated actor Aleksandër Moisiu, whose house has been turned into a museum honoring his life and career. Together, these sites tell the layered story of Durrës—from ancient Rome to the Ottomans, Venetians, and modern Albanian statehood—making it a city where history is never far from view.
Guided or Self-Guided Tour of Durrës?
To experience the city’s most important landmarks and hidden treasures, consider joining the Durrës: 2-Hour Walking Tour. This guided experience takes you through the city’s heart, revealing key monuments like the Roman Amphitheatre, the Byzantine Forum, and the Venetian Tower. Along the way, a knowledgeable guide will share stories that connect these sites to Durrës’s ancient and modern identity. It’s an ideal introduction for anyone curious about Albania’s Adriatic jewel.
Your Walking Tour of Durrës
This blog covers the major highlights of Durrës, but depending on your pace and interests, you may want to spend more time in museums or relaxing by the sea.
1. Venetian Tower
Start the day with a coffee at the top of the Venetian Tower.
The Venetian Tower in Durrës is one of the city’s most distinctive medieval landmarks, standing guard near the entrance to the old port. In the 15th century, Durrës was one of the possessions of the Republic of Venice, and at the time the city was under constant threat from the expanding Ottoman Empire. To strengthen their defenses, the Venetians extended the city’s fortifications by building this tower, and since then it has been known as the Venetian Tower. Its round base, thick stone walls, and strategic location by the waterfront reflect the military architecture of the period and the importance of Durrës as a maritime stronghold on the Adriatic.
The tower became an integral part of the wider defensive network, linking with older Byzantine walls that dated back to Emperor Anastasius I in the 6th century. The Venetians adapted these earlier fortifications to withstand new forms of warfare, creating a resilient stronghold that has endured earthquakes, sieges, and foreign invasions. In more recent history, the tower also played a role during the Italian invasion of 1939, when it served as a base for Albanian patriots who attempted to delay the advance of Mussolini’s army. This layered history gives the tower a special place in the city’s story, embodying centuries of resilience against external threats.
Today, the Venetian Tower has taken on a new life as both a historic monument and a welcoming social spot. Inside, a café allows visitors to enjoy a drink in an atmospheric medieval setting, while those who climb its steep and narrow steps are rewarded with panoramic views across Durrës and the Adriatic Sea. This blend of past and present makes the tower more than just a relic—it is a living part of the city, linking its Venetian origins and wartime struggles with the everyday life of modern Durrës. For anyone walking through the city, it is both a cultural highlight and a pleasant stop to pause, reflect, and take in the scenery.
Location: Venetian Tower of Durrës, Durrës, Albania
Read more about Venetian Tower in Durrës
2. Aleksandër Moisiu Museum
Walk along the outside of the city walls, until you find the first break in the walls. Turn left through the walls and left again to enter Rruga Kolonel Tomson. On your left you should see the Aleksandër Moisiu Museum.
In 1914 Kolonel Tomson was the Dutch military commander of the newly created International Gendarmerie peacekeeping force in the Principality of Albania. He was killed during fighting in Durrës on 15 June 1914.
The Aleksandër Moisiu House-Museum in Durrës celebrates one of Albania’s most famous cultural figures, the actor Aleksandër Moisiu. Born in 1879 in Durrës to a family of mixed Albanian and Austrian heritage, Moisiu became an internationally acclaimed stage actor, performing across Europe in German and Italian theaters. The museum is housed in the building where he spent part of his early life, preserving the memory of his upbringing and artistic achievements. Its location in the historic center of Durrës makes it easily accessible for visitors exploring the city on foot.
Inside the museum, visitors can explore a carefully curated collection of personal items, photographs, and stage memorabilia that document Moisiu’s career and international influence. The exhibits highlight his journey from a young talent in Albania to a celebrated figure on the European stage, including letters, playbills, and costumes that illustrate his versatility as an actor. The museum also provides insights into the cultural life of Durrës during Moisiu’s time, giving context to the artistic environment that shaped his early years.
Visiting the Aleksandër Moisiu Museum offers more than a glimpse into one man’s life; it also connects visitors to the broader cultural heritage of Durrës. The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs that celebrate Albanian arts and theater, making it a lively cultural hub in the city. For anyone walking through the streets of Durrës, stopping at the Moisiu Museum is a chance to appreciate both the historical significance of the city and the enduring legacy of one of its most celebrated sons.
Location: Rruga Kolonel Tomson Durrës Albania
Read more about Aleksandër Moisiu’s House-Museum
3. Durrës Amphitheatre
After leaving the Aleksandër Moisiu Museum you continue along the inside of the wall to get to the Amphitheater of Durrës.
The Amphitheatre of Durrës is one of the largest and most impressive ancient Roman structures in the Balkans, reflecting the city’s importance during the Roman Empire. Built in the 2nd century AD, likely during the reign of Emperor Trajan, the amphitheater could hold up to 20,000 spectators, making it a central hub for public entertainment. Its elliptical shape, with an arena in the center and tiered seating all around, was designed to host gladiatorial contests, theatrical performances, and other public spectacles, demonstrating the Roman influence on Durrës’ urban and cultural life.
Excavations over the years have revealed intricate details of the amphitheater’s construction, including underground passages that were used to manage animals and performers during shows. The structure sits close to the city center, which emphasizes how Roman urban planning integrated entertainment venues with daily life. Nearby, remnants of mosaics, marble seats, and sections of the original stone walls provide a tangible link to the city’s past, while the site itself has become a focal point for both historians and tourists seeking to explore Durrës’ rich archaeological heritage.
Today, the Amphitheatre of Durrës is a key attraction for visitors exploring the city on foot. Its open-air design allows for easy access and immersive views of the entire structure, letting you imagine the spectacle and energy of ancient Roman crowds. Guided tours often include the history of Roman Durrës, highlighting the city’s role as a major Adriatic port and cultural center. The amphitheater remains not just a historical monument but also a symbol of the city’s enduring legacy, bridging over 1,800 years of history with the modern life that surrounds it.
Just above Amphitheater, the one of the towers of the city walls. This is a great viewing point to look over the city.
Location: Rr e Kalasë | Hours: 9am-7pm Apr–mid-Oct, to 6pm mid-Oct–Mar | Price: 200 lekë
Read more about Durrës Amphitheatre
4. Durrës Great Mosque
From the Amphitheater walk to the north east to the large square, Qendra e Durrësit (Literally Center of Durrës), it is also called Sheshi Liria(Freedom Square).
The Xhamia e Madhe, or Durrës Great Mosque, is one of the city’s most important religious and historical landmarks. Overlooking the central square of Durrës, it occupies a prominent place where locals often sit and congregate, making it a social as well as spiritual focal point. The current mosque was built in 1931 on the site of an older Ottoman mosque and was designed by Italian architects, making it the largest mosque in the Balkans at the time. Its architecture features a large prayer hall, a central dome, and a minaret, blending traditional Islamic design with early 20th-century European influences.
During Albania’s communist period, the mosque was closed and repurposed as a youth center, reflecting the state’s secular policies. Following the fall of the regime, the mosque was reopened in 1993, restoring its original function and significance for the local Muslim community. Inside, the mosque’s interior combines traditional motifs with more modern design elements, offering a serene space for worship and reflection. Its spacious prayer hall accommodates large gatherings, particularly during Friday prayers and religious holidays, emphasizing its ongoing role in community life.
Today, the Great Mosque is an accessible and striking landmark in the heart of Durrës. Visitors walking through the historic center can appreciate both its architectural beauty and its cultural importance, as well as enjoy the vibrant activity of the surrounding square. The mosque’s history—from Ottoman origins to Italian redesign, closure under communism, and eventual reopening—reflects the broader narrative of Durrës itself, a city shaped by layers of religious, political, and social change.
Location: Rruga Aleksander Goga Durrës Albania
Read more about Durrës Great Mosque
5. Sheshi Liria
Opposite the The Great Mosque of Durrësis Freedom Square.
Visiting Sheshi Liria, or Freedom Square, on a walking tour of Durrës provides an ideal introduction to the city’s vibrant urban life. As one of the largest and most central squares in the city, it is a natural gathering place where locals meet, relax, and socialize. Walking into the square, visitors are immediately struck by its open layout and the sense of space, which contrasts nicely with the narrower streets of the historic center. Cafés and benches line the square, inviting travelers to pause, soak up the atmosphere, and watch the flow of daily life around them.
The square is also rich in historical and cultural significance, offering plenty for those interested in Durrës’ past. Monuments and memorials within and around the square commemorate key moments in Albanian history, from the struggle for independence to modern civic achievements. As part of a walking tour, Sheshi Liria provides a tangible connection between the city’s present and its past, allowing visitors to reflect on how public spaces have been used to celebrate identity, community, and national pride. The layout encourages leisurely exploration, making it easy to take in the architecture and public art that surrounds the square.
From Sheshi Liria, walking tours can easily continue to nearby landmarks, linking the square to other historical and cultural sites. The Venetian Tower, Roman Amphitheatre, and central promenade are all within easy reach, making it a convenient hub for exploring the city on foot. The combination of social activity, historical context, and accessibility makes Freedom Square a memorable stop, offering both a moment of rest and a deeper understanding of Durrës’ urban and cultural landscape.
Location: Sheshi Liria, Durrës, Albania
Read more about Sheshi Liria (Freedom Square)
6. Byzantine Forum
Just to the north of Qendra e Durrësit along Rruga Aleksander Goga lies the Roman baths and Forum of Durres.
The Forum and Roman Baths of Durrës mark the site of the ancient Byzantine and Roman center of the city, once known as Dyrrhachium. This area was the heart of public life in antiquity, hosting markets, civic events, and social gatherings. Visitors today can still see the foundations and layout of the forum, which offer a glimpse into how the city was organized during its Roman and Byzantine periods. Walking through the site, it is easy to imagine the bustle of merchants, officials, and citizens moving through this civic hub over a millennium ago.
One of the most striking features of the forum is a semi-circle of Corinthian columns, which hint at the grandeur of the structures that once stood here. Although time and the elements have left the columns and surrounding buildings in a fragmentary state, they retain a sense of classical elegance and architectural sophistication. These remnants provide insight into the Roman and Byzantine styles that influenced Durrës’ development and the city’s role as a key Adriatic port.
The site is open to the public and free to explore, making it an accessible stop for those walking through the historic center. While the ruins are modest compared with other Roman sites, they offer an authentic encounter with the city’s ancient past. Visitors can appreciate the layers of history embedded in the stones, imagining the forum as a lively center of commerce, administration, and social life in Dyrrhachium.
Location: Rruga Aleksander Goga, Durrës, Albania
Read more about Durrës Byzantine Forum
7. Well of Tophane
The Well of Tophane in Durrës is a fascinating historical site that provides insight into the daily life and infrastructure of the city in past centuries. Believed to date back to the Ottoman period, this well was an essential source of water for the surrounding community and played a crucial role in sustaining both local residents and travelers passing through the port. Its location in the heart of the city made it a central gathering point, reflecting the social as well as practical importance of water supply in urban life.
The structure itself is simple but historically significant. Visitors can see the stone-lined shaft and the remnants of the mechanisms used to draw water, offering a tangible connection to the engineering and craftsmanship of the period. Although modest compared with Durrës’ grander monuments, the Well of Tophane provides an authentic glimpse into how essential infrastructure shaped daily routines and supported urban development in the city.
Today, the well is freely accessible to visitors exploring the historic center of Durrës. It serves as a quiet and evocative reminder of the city’s Ottoman past, standing in contrast to nearby landmarks like the Venetian Tower or the Roman Amphitheatre. Walking through the area, visitors can reflect on the continuity of city life over centuries, where something as simple as a communal well was vital to the health, economy, and social fabric of Durrës.
Read more about Well of Tophane, Durrës
8. Museum of Martyrs and Hall of War Relics
The Museum of Martyrs and Hall of War Relics in Durrës offers a moving glimpse into Albania’s 20th-century history, particularly the struggles faced during the Second World War. On a walking tour, this site provides a chance to explore the personal stories of Albanian partisans through displays of uniforms, medals, photographs, and weaponry. A memorial on the second floor honors the martyrs who gave their lives for the country’s freedom, offering a solemn space for reflection. This stop allows visitors to appreciate the sacrifices made by the people of Durrës and to connect with a more recent, yet significant, chapter of the city’s past.
The top floor of the museum houses a library, giving those interested in deeper research access to books, documents, and historical materials related to the war and the city’s role in Albania’s resistance efforts. The Hall of War Relics complements the museum with exhibits detailing specific battles and strategies, highlighting Durrës’ strategic importance during the conflict. Together, the museum and hall provide a compact but meaningful stop on a walking tour, balancing historical education with the opportunity to reflect on courage, resilience, and the enduring legacy of the city’s people.
Location: Museum of Martyrs and Hall of War Relics, Rruga Aleksander Goga, Durrës, Albania
Read more about Museum of Martyrs and Hall of War Relics
9. King Zog Royal Villa
This is an optional detour to see the summer residence of King Zog. It is about 1.5 km uphill walk! To the north of the Mosque you will find Rruga Karl Topia, head up the road which turns into Rruga Gjergj Komnino and Rruga Kont Urani. Basically when you come to a junction choose the road that goes uphill!
The Royal Villa of Durrës was built in 1926 and served as the summer palace of King Zog I and the Albanian royal family. Situated on a slight elevation above the city, the villa was designed as a private retreat, combining elegance with the security needed for a royal residence. Its architecture reflects the period’s refined style, with a focus on symmetry, proportion, and harmonious integration into the surrounding landscape. Although it was primarily a private residence, the villa’s construction highlighted Durrës’ importance as both a coastal city and a location of prestige for the Albanian monarchy.
Although the villa is secluded and surrounded by thick walls that make it almost impossible to access, visitors can still admire its external beauty and architectural details from the outside. From these vantage points, it is also possible to enjoy sweeping views of the city below, taking in the contrast between the villa’s formal elegance and the bustling port and historic center of Durrës. The combination of the villa’s commanding position and its serene gardens emphasizes the sense of exclusivity and royal presence that the site was intended to convey.
Slightly further up the road from the Royal Villa is the Faro de Durrës, a lighthouse that provides an excellent viewing platform of both the bay and the palace. From this spot, visitors can gain a broader perspective on the villa’s location and the surrounding coastline, appreciating the strategic and scenic significance that likely influenced King Zog’s choice of site. Together, the villa and its surroundings offer a glimpse into the royal era of Albania, blending historical intrigue with panoramic views of the Adriatic and the city of Durrës.
Location: Vila e Zogut Albania Rruga Kont Urani 34 2000, Albania
Read more about Royal Villa of Durrës
10. Durrës Castle
Durrës Castle, including the Angevin Watchtower, is a key highlight for anyone exploring the city on foot. The castle itself dates back to the 6th century when it was first built by the Byzantines under Emperor Anastasius I to defend the city against invasions from the Adriatic. Over the centuries, the fortifications were expanded and reinforced by Venetians, Ottomans, and Angevins, creating a complex of walls, towers, and gates that reflect the city’s layered history. Walking through the castle, visitors can admire the sturdy stone walls and imagine the strategic importance of this stronghold in protecting Durrës from both land and sea attacks.
The Angevin Watchtower, a prominent feature of the castle, was added during the late 13th and early 14th centuries when the Angevins controlled parts of Albania. Positioned along the castle walls, the tower served as a lookout point to monitor the Adriatic coastline for incoming ships or potential threats. Its thick stone construction and narrow observation slits illustrate the defensive techniques of the period, designed to provide both visibility and protection for the city’s defenders. The watchtower is an excellent example of medieval military architecture and gives insight into the strategic planning that went into safeguarding Durrës.
During a walking tour, visitors can climb the Angevin Watchtower and enjoy panoramic views of the city, the harbor, and the surrounding coastline. The vantage point helps bring the castle’s history to life, allowing you to see why this location was so vital for defense over the centuries. Exploring the castle and its towers offers a tangible connection to Durrës’ medieval past, highlighting the city’s role as a fortified Adriatic hub and providing a memorable stop for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Read more about Durrës Castle (Angevin Watchtower)
11. Durrës Archaeological Museum
The Durrës Archaeological Museum is one of the city’s most important cultural institutions, offering a comprehensive overview of Albania’s rich historical and archaeological heritage. Located in the heart of Durrës, the museum houses artifacts that span thousands of years, from the prehistoric and Illyrian periods to Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman times. Its collection provides a detailed look at the city’s evolution as a key Adriatic port and cultural hub, highlighting the layers of history that make Durrës such a fascinating destination.
Visitors to the museum can explore a variety of exhibits, including ancient sculptures, mosaics, pottery, coins, and jewelry. Among the highlights are pieces recovered from the nearby Roman Amphitheatre and the Byzantine Forum, which illustrate the artistic and daily life of past civilizations. The museum also emphasizes the city’s role as a crossroads of different cultures, showing influences from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and later periods, allowing guests to trace the complex tapestry of Durrës’ past.
The museum is easily accessible for those walking through the historic center, making it a natural stop on any walking tour of the city. Its displays are carefully curated to educate and engage visitors, offering context for the ruins and historic buildings seen elsewhere in Durrës. For anyone interested in archaeology, history, or the development of urban centers on the Adriatic coast, the Durrës Archaeological Museum provides an invaluable and immersive experience.
Location: Rr Taulantia 32, Durrës, | Hours: 9am-7pm | Price: 300 lekë
Read more about Durrës Archaeological Museum
This website uses affiliate links which earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
