Things to do in Kruje (Kruja)
Kruje is a historical town that is easiest to visit on a day trip from Tirana, as it’s perfect for a half-day exploration, with not that many things to do.
Albania trip
MUST-HAVE ✔
💳 Save money when changing currencies or taking out cash by bringing a backup travel card. Oh, and in case an ATM swallows your card. Yes, it happened to us. 🤦♂️
🔌 Bring a Universal Travel Adapter with fast-charging capabilities (45W and Power Delivery).
1. Skanderbeg Statue, Albanopolis Street, and Viewpoint
Upon arriving in Kruje, the first thing you’ll likely see is the Equestrian statue of Skanderbeg.
This symbolizes the connection between Kruje and the national hero of Albania, Skanderbeg, who was born in Kruje and used it as a base for the resistance against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century.
Then, as you walk the street of Albanopolis, the main street in the city center, you will soon reach the best viewpoint in Kruje. From there, you can get a fantastic view of the Kruje Castle!
2. Old Bazaar
Right next to the castle viewpoint, you come to the entrance to the famous Old Bazaar of Kruja. This is also a fantastic photo spot that everyone stops at to take that signature Kruje photo. Patience is key here, so take your time to avoid crowds in your photos.
After you’re done with the photos, continue into the Old Bazaar, which is one of the best-preserved and restored in Albania. The shop exteriors are made of wood and look beautiful, and you walk along a cobblestone street, which is somewhat unique in Albania.
Shops in the Kruje Old Bazaar sell all kinds of standard tourist items, as well as traditional Albanian handicrafts and antiques.
At the exit of the Old Bazaar, you end up on Rruga Kala (castle street), which you need to follow to reach the castle.
This is also where you can find more shops and some restaurants if you want to sit down for a meal or drink. A great budget option is Fabiani Restaurant & Bar, and for a more high-end meal (but still affordable), check out Restaurant KROI, which also offers panoramic views from inside.
3. Kruje Castle and the Skanderbeg Museum
Kruje Castle was the highlight of our visit to Kruje, especially because you can get great views of the area.
Inside the castle, you can find ruins of the fortress and castle, which date back to the 5th century, as well as the “newer” Skanderbeg Museum building, built in 1982 to honor Skanderbeg. The entrance fee is about 5 EUR, and inside you can see historical artifacts and learn more about the national hero.
The grounds of Kruje Castle are not too big, but there’s enough there to get a sense of what it might have looked like before.
Make sure to walk all the way to the highest point in the castle to get the best views of the whole of Kruje. There’s also the tower of the Kruje Castle, which you can get closer to by entering through a small door in the wall.
We loved the views from the Watch Tower of Kruje, as you could clearly see the mountain behind the town and how the castle pokes out in the landscape.
Our favorite Albania eSIM
Fast Speed and Reliable Signal
Ever since we got phones that support eSIMs, we have been hooked and never looked back. 📶
We always get the best value-for-money eSIM we can, based on reliable signal, fast internet speeds, and coverage across the country. 🌐
Now that eSIM plan prices are more than reasonable compared to regular phone plans (which are more of a hassle to get), we really see no reason not to get one for each trip.
4. Ethnographic Museum
After you’re done exploring the outside part of the Castle, head to the Ethnographic Museum to learn more about the Albanian culture, dress, and traditions.
Inside the Ethnographic Museum, you can also get a first-hand look at what a traditional Albanian house looked like before. Although this is mostly what it looked like for the wealthier people.
Where to stay in Kruje
In our opinion, the best place to stay in Kruje is inside the castle grounds, specifically at Rooms Emiliano, at an unbeatable location on a high point of the Kruje Castle. Plus, they have a great restaurant on-site.
Another great option inside the castle is Albergo Diffuso, also with fantastic views, but on the lower side of the castle grounds. Compared to Emiliano, they have a bit more comfortable/luxurious rooms.
Since we booked our hotel at the last minute while driving to Kruje, we didn’t have many options. However, we really scored with our stay at the Guni Garden Villa just above Kruje town. We had a fantastic view from our room and balcony, and the whole house was perfectly equipped for a comfortable stay.
Best restaurants in Kruje
- A great budget option is Fabiani Restaurant & Bar
- Restaurant KROI for a more high-end meal, with panoramic views
- Right inside the castle grounds, visit Restorant Bardhi for great traditional food
Best time to visit Kruje
Kruje is great to visit year-round, but the absolute best time to visit Kruje and Albania to experience it at its prettiest and most fun is during the summer months.
In the off-season, we recommend coming a bit later to Kruje, as the Old Bazaar stalls don’t open until around 10-11 AM. The ones at the main entrance opened last during our visit, so if you want to see the Bazaar at its most lively or get that postcard photo, coming early doesn’t make sense.
How to get to Kruje
Kruje is easy to reach in just 1 hour from central Tirana, Durres, and Golem. That’s what makes Kruje the perfect destination for a day trip.
There are hourly buses from Tirana to Kruje for about 2 euros, departing from the South & North Terminal between 7 am and 6 pm, and there are also buses from Durres.
Day trip to Bovilla Lake and Kruje
If you don’t plan to stay overnight in Kruje, we highly recommend combining a visit to Kruje with Bovilla Lake. Especially in the summer with long days, you have more than enough time to visit both. We recommend renting a car or booking an organized day tour (from Tirana, Durres, or Golem).
- Also read: How to visit Bovilla Lake and Best Things To See in Tirana
Best way to explore Albania?
RENTING A CAR
We love exploring places at our own pace and on our own time, especially to avoid crowds at popular destinations we visit. Plus, watching sunrises and sunsets at epic locations is a must. ☀
That’s why renting a car for us is a no-brainer, and an unmissable part of most trips. 🚗
We love having the choice to compare prices, choose different pick-up and drop-off locations (one-way rentals), and pay for a reasonable full insurance policy without going broke. 🤑
Final thoughts
We enjoyed our visit to Kruje, and even though we loved other historical towns in Albania more (Berat and Gjirokaster), it was a great start to our Albania itinerary.
Continue your Albania trip planning
- ⭐ Must-Do Things in Tirana (guide to the capital)
- ⭐ What Not To Miss in Berat (best places and experiences)
- 🌞 Best Attractions and Beaches in Himare
- 🌊 Osumi Canyon River Tubing (one of the best things we did in Albania!)
- 🌄 Bovilla Lake (stunning lake viewpoint)
- 💃 Albanian Night (fantastic show with traditional dancing and singing)
- 🛌 Riverside Komani (fantastic riverside hotel for visiting the Shala River)
Must-read - 🇦🇱 Best of Albania in Two Weeks (day-by-day itinerary)
- 🌄 North Albania in One Week (rivers, lakes, hikes, swimming spots)
