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Fifth-largest city in Albania
Photo: Albinfo, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Shkodër (Albanian: Shkodra), also known as Scutari in historical records, was the capital city of Albania for centuries, until 1915, when World War I broke out. Now it is the second largest city, with 135,612 people. In the northwestern part of the country, Shkodra is one of the oldest and most historic cities in Albania.
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Founded by the Illyrians, this fortress was rebuilt by the Venetians and the Ottomans. Rozafa is a woman buried in the ramparts, who supports the structure. The renovated museum inside the castle explains its history and that the area of the former city is now consumed by the rivers beside the castle. The museum costs 200 lek extra and there is a private guide you can ask about almost anything. There are amazing views from the highest point.
The museum is in a traditional Shkodran house featuring valuable artifacts on every sphere of social life in the area. The paintings and handicrafts on display are exquisite.
Albania's only photo museum capturing development of Shkodër and Albania in general. Major part of the collection comes from three generations of Marubis.
The largest lake in the Balkans. Take a taxi to the village of Shiroke or cycle there on a rented bicycle along city cycle paths, then crossing the old Buna bridge, then along river to the lake using the newly built (2026) floodlit combo cycle path and walkway. Alternatively ask around for the public bus which goes to the edge of the city, where it is a pleasant 5 km walk by the lake to Shiroke. There is a less frequent bus directly to Shiroke.
This was "one of Albania's best examples of socialist-realist sculpture". Unfortunately, it was removed from there and replaced by a bland contemporary fountain. The monument was temporarily dumped at the city's garbage dump, only to be finally put back at the Dobrac Roundabout in the northern entrance of Shkodër. The site is still a useful reference point for finding your way around. Interestingly, the fountain is surrounded by seating, in the centre of a busy roundabout called Sheshi Demokracia (Democracy Square) with no pedestrian crossings! Only in Albania!
Museum dedicated to the crimes of the communist regime in Albania featuring photographs, videos, and first hand accounts of political prisoners from Shkodër.
This is a beautiful historic cinema building, where you can watch latest blockbuster movies.
This large tree is the oldest in city, believed to be over 200 years old. There is an information plague here about it. It's a well known landmark and provides a nice place to sit under its large canopy.
Closed as of June 2023.
Albanian: Ura e Mesit
This bridge was built in the 18th century by Kara Mahmud Bushati, the local Ottoman pasha.
Kalaja e Drishtit
A ruined castle, above the modern village of Drisht—medieval Drivastum—in the municipal unit of Postribë, Shkodër County. The earliest traces of Drishte Castle's fortifications date to the late Neolithic era. The walls and towers date to 1396-1478 during the Venetian era. From the Drisht village, there are two ways uphill to the castle. A guide is available living at the village by the mosque for a fee.
Albanian: Ishulli i Shurdhahit
It is in the Vau i Dejës Reservoir, which is fed and drained by the river Drin. It is accessible by tourist boat in summer from the Vau i Dejës dam or Rragam. It contains the ruins of the medieval town of Sarda. You can visit the ruins of the 11th-century medieval castle, which includes two rings of defensive walls and towers (some submerged in the lake), the remains of a Byzantine church and other early medieval walls. The setting on the steep rocks rising from the lake is especially impressive.
a town and municipality in Shkodër County, overlooking the town, near the Drin River. Here stand the ruins of Castle of Danja, one of the most well-known medieval fortresses in northern Albania. The castle held great strategic importance from the 13th to the 15th centuries and is mentioned as a key point in the wars and alliances between Albanian principalities and foreign powers such as Venice and the Ottoman Empire.
Take a walk on the main pedestrian street of the city full of cafes and locals promenading in the evening hours.
Romantic renovated promenade along the riverside.
KF Vllaznia Shkodër play soccer in Kategoria Superiore, the top tier. Their Loro Boriçi Stadium (capacity 16,000) is central in town.
Take part in annual festivals such as the Carnival, Children's Festival, AniFest Rozafa Animated Film Festival, Lake Day, and the Shkodra Jazz Fest.
Lojra Popullore
Take part in the annual festival showcasing the best of the North Albanian Folklore at the end of March annually at Rozafa Castle.
Zogaj is a fantastic and friendly community of fishermen villagers. Te Naili is the place where fishermen bring their fish. It's located right next to the dock, so the freshness of fish cannot be overstated. Carp fish is one of the most famous local fish and "Tave Krapi" is one of the most know specialties. It, however, takes 4-6 hours to prepare, so before going there it's better to check if they "Tave Krapi" for the day, or do it the best way, order it one day before.
Taverna Ulqini is a typical Shkodran traditional eatery, where you will be delighted by the most tasteful, and affordable, local traditional cuisine.
Very affordable meals and drinks, Albanian-style cafe.
Typical fast food place with plenty of seating, though very busy during lunch time. The cheeseburger for 120lek is tasty and a great deal for the price. No table service: order and pay at the counter.
Traditional Food
A proper restaurant's look and feel and an extensive menu are provided. Some portions are huge, some aren't. The quality of food varies a lot, from superb to simply uneatable. It has a second floor terrace.
Pizzeria Italia's chef and owner is a Shkodra native, that has worked as a chef in Italy and Barcelona. His culinary experiences from abroad, combined with the local traditions and ingredients, make the food served in his restaurant absolutely delicious and unique.
Offers a blend of traditional Albanian cuisine and authentic atmosphere. You can try traditional fish and meat dishes.
This is an upscale restaurant by Albanian standards, serving delicious food including fish. It has a nice atmosphere and is in a small garden.
Pasticeri Oraldi
Superb cakes. Definitely one of the best in Albania. Extremely popular with locals.
Serving food,drinks and a little slice of happiness.
Lounge bar & Terrace Club dedicated to the concept of relaxing and chilling under the excellent service of premium Shishas and Cocktails.
Owner-run, cozy and calm hostel. Most popular spot in Shkoder among backpackers. Great for dog lovers (some adopted strays are staying here). Ask Alma for contact to the local shelter if you want to volunteer.
This place is also a youth center where different events take place (e.g. German classes). The hostel part is not very charming but one of the cheaper places to stay. Shared kitchen. Nice bar on site.
This is a 12-bed B&B/guest house run by Florian and his family, amongst orchards and vineyards. It is outside, but within walking distance, from the centre of Shkoder. Breakfast is included, and lunch and dinner are offered for €4, serving Albanian cuisine made from organic food farmed in the own garden. The family can help to arrange tours of Shkoder and to get into the Albanian Alps or to other cities in the country.
Modern campsite 8 km from Shkodër with restaurant, Wifi and access to the lake, organises tours to Thethi.
Central hostel with privacy pods in the mixed dorm and 4-bed boutique dorms. Has a rooftop terrace, shared kitchen, high-speed WiFi and regular social events. Staff can help with Valbona–Theth trek and Shala River trip logistics.
Friendly staff, large clean room with A/C, right in the city centre.
Tradita G&T
As close as it gets to being invited to the dining hall, the kitchen and courtyard of the local Ottoman Pasha.
14 rooms.
Prestigious luxury hotel. 50 rooms.
This is a modern hotel with comfortable rooms furnished with A/C, TV, bathroom and showers. The restaurant provides traditional Albanian and European cuisine.
Friendly staff, fresh continental breakfast.
Hotel Turizmi
Old communist-style hotel; clean; gentle and English-speaking personal; nice view over the city if you book in an upper floor; 91 rooms; with air conditioning.
Vintage/Second-hand market
Find everything here from cloths, linen, hats to shoes, and even some household utilities. Many of the cloths are even new, not 2nd-hand. And if you look long enough, you will even find the odd piece of posh Italian designer brand. It seems like most things are sold for "200 lek" here, may it be a pant, shirt or hat—you will hear them saying it everywhere in the market: dy mijë lek.
By bus
From Ulcinj (Montenegro), buses leave at 12:30 and 16:30. If they are not available, you can take a taxi to the border at Muriqan (€10) and after crossing the border, take another taxi to Ulcinj (€8).
By bicycle
Shkodër is known as the bicycle capital of Albania due to its flat terrain and a cycling tradition dating back to the Hoxha era.
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