Start with coffee and a light Albanian-style breakfast in the Blloku neighbourhood — a lively area of cafes and restaurants and a good introduction to modern Tirana.
Visit the central square and the National History Museum (museum usually open 10:00–17:00) to get the historical context of Albania and an overview of Skanderbeg's role.
Explore one of the Bunk'Art museums (check which one fits your interest; Bunk'Art 2 usually open 10:00–18:00) for recent history and Cold War-era exhibits in unique bunker settings.
A popular short hike to the waterfall and the historic Theth Church and the traditional 'lock-in' tower — trails are open all day and offer dramatic scenery.
Choose a longer trail to Grunas Waterfall or the Blue Eye for crystalline pools and dramatic limestone scenery; trails remain accessible in daylight hours.
Take the scenic Koman Lake ferry (book in advance where possible) for a spectacular 2–3 hour boat journey through steep fjord-like gorges — typical services operate mid-morning to mid-afternoon.
Drive north along the coastal route; plan scenic stops at Llogara Pass and Vlora for photos — total driving to Tirana approx 4.5–5.5 hours depending on stops.