Discover the best rooftop bars and restaurants in Tirana, from venues in the heart of the Albanian capital to sunset spots on the outskirts, with stunning views across the city, including popular spots such as Arka Rooftop and Kapelet – where I had one of the best-value meals I’ve had on my travels!
Unfortunately, my trip was cut short after I fell down a hidden hole in a Tirana pavement and broke my ankle. You couldn’t make it up! But I will be back as there are still more rooftops to explore! For now these are pretty spectacular – including one I definitely could crown for how many rooftops it has!
October 2026 update: Tirana has recently experienced violent protests, with reports of property damage in the city centre. One of the rooftops featured in this guide has also reportedly been damaged. Please check the latest travel advice and contact venues directly before visiting, as the situation and opening arrangements may change.
Rooftop Bars & Restaurants in Tirana City Centre
Observator Wine and Piano Bar
Best for: 🍹🧉☕️
Location: Rruga e Saraçëve, on top of a commercial building (map)
View: Over Tirana
Vibe: Chill, ideal for solo time
Prosecco price: 🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? No
Lift available? Yes – the one on the left as you enter.
Children allowed? Yes
Smoking allowed? Yes
Last visited / photos taken: 2026
Warm/dry weather only? No
Rooftop review roundup: Observator Wine and Piano Bar is slightly north of the main area of Tirana, but still totally walkable. And walk you should, as the views over Tirana here are next level – level 13, to be precise! Just note to choose the elevator on the left! It is sign posted but still if you are like me, easy to wander into the wrong one!
Walking into the rooftop interior felt like stepping into a large dome greenhouse, but without the humidity, thanks to the air conditioning! It felt a little darker and smaller than expected, but then I realised the window shades had been pulled down to protect against the heat of the sun. One thing to note: There was a caged parrot inside the bar, so something to bear in mind as I didn’t like it.
Heading outdoors to the real rooftop excitement, I was, by contrast, wowed! It met my expectations and more. The views are stunning and, as most of the seating faces outwards, it’s ideal for losing yourself in your own company on a solo coffee date or settling in with your laptop for a day’s work. Equally, it’s a great spot to catch up with friends over cheap cocktails, and by night it gets busy, with live music and party vibes!
The only catch was that it was cash only, which, for the first time in Albania, left me stumped! I’d been told cash was needed everywhere, but after six days, this was the first time I’d actually needed it. So come prepared! You won’t need much, though — the coffee was just €1!
Website: Instagram only: Observator Wine and Piano Bar
The Crown Rooftop Dining
Best for: 🍳🥑🍾🥞
Hotel guests only? No
Location: Set on top of The Crown Hotel, sandwiched between all the jewellery shops (map)
View: The castle, mountains and mosque.
Vibe: Chill
Prosecco price: 🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes – recommended for dinner
Lift available? Partially – the lift doesn’t go all the way up, there’s a final staircase
Children allowed? Yes
Smoking allowed? Yes
Last visited / photos taken: 2026
Warm/dry weather only? Yes
Rooftop review roundup: The Crown Rooftop Dining is a gorgeous little rooftop restaurant just three floors up. With decor and wines inspired by an Italian summer, it feels a world away from the city just a few floors below. The second-floor restaurant is larger, with sides and part of the roof that can be opened up to create an alfresco feel. If you have any mobility issues, this would be an alternative to the rooftop, as the lift doesn’t go all the way up. (I took a photo of the stairs so you can evaluate if using a walking aid).
I went for lunch, which turned out to be brunch every day, all day which I prefer, so winning! It was ridiculously affordable and delicious, with attentive service. I loved the thoughtfulness of the huge sun umbrellas, which make daytime dining possible without having to sit baking in the sun.
I booked, but you can also pop in for a drink or coffee. It was pretty quiet when I went so I would have been fine chancing it but as there are only around 12 tables, so if this is a must-stop, as it was for me, I’d book ahead! If you’re coming for dinner, it gets much busier, so booking is essential. And then all you have to do is sit back, relax on this rooftop and enjoy!
Website: The Crown Rooftop Dining
LIFT Steak & Rooftop Bar
Best for: 🥩🍷
Location: On top of part of the ABA Business Center (map)
View: Tirana, the football stadium and the Marriott
Vibe: Business meetings by day, dinner and DJs by night
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Lift available? Yes
Children allowed? Yes, but not late at night
Smoking allowed? Yes, in a designated area
Last visited / photos taken: 2026
Warm/dry weather only? No, there’s plenty of cover
Rooftop review roundup: LIFT Steak & Rooftop Bar is set on a colourful business building, you’ll enter through a security walkway, with a guard to your left, which is always reassuring. Then it’s up to the fourth floor, although it feels much higher! The building itself extends further up, but this terrace sits on the rooftop of the lower section.
As it was mid-afternoon and very hot, I chose to sit on the left-hand side of the rooftop, accompanied by mountain views that stretch for miles. The restaurant area to the right as you enter has less shade and sits directly opposite the football stadium, making this your go-to spot for pre- or post-match fun and celebrations! I only stayed to hydrate but this is definitely one I’d come back to at night for the buzz, DJs and steak!
Website: LIFT Steak & Rooftop Bar
Mon Cheri Cafe Terrace at Pyramid of Tirana
Best for: ☕️🍪🥤🍰
Location: Opposite the Pyramid (map)
View: The Pyramid and the upside-down houses
Vibe: Low-key
Prosecco price: N/A
Food available? Yes — cakes and cookies
Booking available? No
Lift available? No
Children allowed? Yes
Smoking allowed? Yes
Last visited / photos taken: 2026
Warm/dry weather only? No — there’s cover for when you need shade from the sun
October 2026 update: The area around the Pyramid has reportedly been affected by fires and property damage. The area is currently closed, although whether this remains the case is yet to be seen. Check the latest local updates before visiting.
Rooftop review roundup: This little rooftop café isn’t one you’ll find in the guides, as it’s not your boujee rooftop! It’s also only one floor up, but has perfect views of Tirana’s famous Pyramid and the colourful upside-down buildings. You can climb the Pyramid yourself or simply enjoy a coffee while watching others do it!
It’s a little rough around the edges, making it a great spot for students or smokers. Or, like me, if you just need to rehydrate, it’s ideal! I spotted vitamin water, bought mine downstairs and carried it up for a quick pit stop while exploring the city.
Website: N/A
Rooftop Bars & Restaurants on the Outskirts of Tirana
There are four stunning rooftops just on the outskirts of Tirana. They’re only a few miles from the city centre, but with traffic, the journey can take around 30 minutes, so don’t expect to simply wander over on foot! All four are unique, with different yet equally spectacular views across Tirana and my personal favourite for this city.
Kapelet Restaurant
Rooftop review roundup: To the east of the city sits the stunning restaurant, Kapelet, which means hats and there’s a lot of hats!! They artfully cover the ceiling of the indoor restaurant, and there’s even one you can pose with if you fancy being a bit silly! But it’s the architecture, the food and the sweeping views over Tirana that really steal the show, especially at sunset. This is somewhere I’d make a must-visit if you’re coming to Tirana. It is a taxi ride from the city centre (around 20–30 minutes), but so worth it.
When I was researching and booking this rooftop, I’d really struggled to understand the concept and what to expect. So, of course, I’m reporting back to help you out! The first thing to know is that this is a restaurant. Yes, there’s a bar, but you don’t come here just for a drink. You come for the views, the experience AND the food. There’s a set price for your meal, with drinks charged on top. A table behind us had already eaten elsewhere and booked at Kapelet for sunset photos, assuming that ordering drinks alone would be fine. It wasn’t. The restaurant was actually very kind and generous in finding a compromise, especially as they’d otherwise have lost out on that table should have paid. But honestly, why would you eat beforehand? The food is part of the experience!
I’m not a foodie, but I do like trying local food, and this is the place to do it. There’s no traditional à la carte food menu; instead, you get surprised! There isn’t even a menu to see. And yes, they will accommodate dietary requirements. If you’re a fussy eater, don’t fear – you won’t go hungry! I’d forgotten to mention my dietary requirements when booking via WhatsApp, but there was SO much food that not being able to eat a few dishes really didn’t matter.
First to arrive were about seven starters to share between two of us, ranging from a truffle salad to a local cheese platter. Then came the main course which you will have already chosen your main meat, which arrives alongside several more dishes. It’s a feast! (Note you will need to agree on the same meat for your table). That was probably the only bit that wasn’t quite as good as the rest but I chose lamb and my lamb standards are high! To say I was absolutely stuffed is an understatement! Yet somehow managed to squeeze in dessert… probably helped along by the free raki shots. It is a digestive, after all!
I’d read that they only serve wine, but that’s not true. There’s a whole cocktail list, and naturally I had to try the ‘Kapelet’. It was spot on and the perfect choice for a sunset toast! There’s also an extensive wine list, with bottles at a range of prices.
Kapelet restaurant is open all year, with an indoor area to accommodate the winter weather, complete with all those hats on the ceiling! While it’s not quite as impressive as sitting outside beneath the restaurant’s amazing architecture, it’s still better than most indoor rooftops. They keep the sides open as much as possible, and the views aren’t compromised. One small thing I was less impressed by, though, was the company of the local stray cats. It’s indicative of the country, but as I’m allergic, I had to shoo them away!
But the pièce de résistance? Everything we ate, plus two bottles of wine, and the cocktail came to just £53 each!
So, whenever you’re in Tirana, make Kapelet a priority. My top tip? Dress up (you don’t have to) and book for sunset. As watching the sun’s glow as it drops in front of you over the city was truly spectacular.
Website: Kapelet Restaurant Whats app: +355 69 452 5500
Arka Rooftop Bar, Lounge & Restaurant
Best for: 🍹🍸🍣🌮🍱
Hotel guests only? No
Location: Arka Rooftop is a 20–30-minute drive slightly south-west of the city centre, on Love Street (map)
View: Over the whole of Tirana to the mountains
Vibe: Chilled and posing
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? No for the rooftop bar and lounge; yes for the restaurant
Lift available? Yes for the restaurant, but not for the bar and lounge. However, you can access the lounge via the road
Children allowed? Yes, but it’s a very adult environment
Smoking allowed? Yes
Dress Code: By Day chill, pool throws. By night – dress up!
Last visited / photos taken: 2026
Warm/dry weather only? Yes for the bar and lounge. No for the restaurant, which has a covered indoor area (much needed when it rains, as it does out of season!)
Rooftop review roundup: Arka is one of the most spectacular and confusing rooftops I’ve visited and stayed at, and I’ve been to hundreds! So I’m here to help you understand what’s on offer, as you really don’t want to miss a moment of this rooftop.
In total, there are two rooftop restaurants, a main infinity pool, smaller rooftop pools, a lounge and a rooftop bar! Yes, this really is a contender for the rooftop crown. This review covers Arka Rooftop Bar, Lounge & Restaurant, as the spaces all spill into each other (as does the pool, but that’s for hotel guests and will have its own review). I’ve covered the other rooftop restaurant below as it is different. But you’re in for a treat with all this choice as I was! This was like a grown up ultra mini Disney land for rooftop lovers!
The main rooftop restaurant sits behind the large infinity pool, with a covered, weatherproof area as well as an adjoining alfresco dining area that leads straight to the lift and hotel. Serving a conventional menu for both lunch and dinner. Though don’t make the same mistake/ assumption I made checking in at 3.30pm assuming food would be available even if limited choice. I was wrong! It’s a tight time frame of 90 minutes!
At night, there is a more generous 4 hours to enjoy dinner while soaking in the views. The indoor area lights up as if you are under the night sky which adds some magic, especially if the weather isn’t in your favour.
For dinner, you will need to book, even as a hotel guest. I hadn’t, naively again assuming that with so many tables and it being almost out of season in September, it would be fine. It also wasn’t as the restaurant is really popular at night! And I could see why. Despite more London prices this is a truly special spot. You can even request to eat in a sunken area in the pool, which is beautifully set up for the occasion.
Which leads me to my Plan B for dinner and yours if you are reading this too late to book! Arka rooftop bar and lounge. First come, first served but only open during the warmer months serving a limited menu of sushi and tacos. So I was first up as soon as they opened to secure my spot! And wow. Located above the alfresco dining area, choose between the lounge on the first level with sofas and good for groups. Or head up a few more steps and you’re at the very top of the rooftop, with high tables overlooking the whole of Tirana. It’s a pinch-me moment!
It also overlooks the entire rooftop – including all the dinner guests posing for sunset photos by the pool with the city lights as the backdrop. Even if you aren’t into Instagram or pictures you will need photos! So dress up, as this is the place for some great memories to be captured. The rooftop bar itself is small, with a few prime tables ideal for pre dinner cocktail or like me when you didn’t book to have a sushi supper! It has its own bar serving this area which is only open in the evening (during the day you can access the lounge with drinks from the restaurant bar)
I may have missed out on formal dining, but this was even better. I’d read, and friends had told me, that the food wasn’t great, but although I’m no foodie, the sushi was spot on! Service was attentive and the cocktails were on point. And as I was travelling solo for this stay, it was welcoming and I never once felt awkward. Within a short time, I’d made friends!
The only thing missing is the actual sun dropping for sunset as it hides behind the mountain to the left so you won’t see it disappear. But golden hour is just as magical.
So, choose the restaurant for romantic dinners, celebrations or larger groups. But if you’re after sunset drinks and spectacular views, arrive early for the rooftop bar – that was my winner. And if you’re staying at the hotel, you can try it all!
Website: Arka Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
Rapsodia Restaurant
Best for: 🌇🍽️🇦🇱
Hotel guests only? No, although breakfast is just for hotel guests
Location: At Arka Hotel, south-west of the city (map)
View: Panoramic views across Tirana. There’s also a road below separating the restaurant from the pool, with additional tables on the other side
Vibe: Romantic and fairytale-like
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes, Albanian cuisine
Booking available? Yes
Lift available? No
Children allowed? Yes
Smoking allowed? Yes
Last visited / photos taken: 2026
Warm/dry weather only? Yes but there’s an indoor restaurant downstairs, however it doesn’t have the views.
Rooftop review roundup: Rapsodia Rooftop Restaurant sits alongside Arka’s other rooftop restaurant, and I found it surprisingly confusing to work out the difference between the two! So here to help you book the right one for your taste buds!
First, to access Rapsodia, is through an iconic face sculpture and then you head up the stairs, which I felt like being led into another world not down the rabbit hole but up! Twinkling lights and beautifully laid tables create an intimate, fairytale garden experience. I wasn’t expecting a main road to separate the pool from the garden area, where more tables are situated. However, once you’re seated, it doesn’t spoil the view. For uninterrupted panoramas, book one of the sunken tables in the pool. They’re perfect for a special celebration or impressing someone!
I’d heard mixed reviews about the food, but unfortunately, I only got to experience breakfast because of an accident in Tirana (I’ll share more about that, and the lessons learned, in my travel guide to come). From what I experienced, the food is traditional Albanian cuisine. It’s delicious, but I can imagine it might not be what everyone is used to. My advice? Go with an open mind and embrace the opportunity to experience the local culture through its food. It’s all part of travelling, after all, and I’ll definitely return to try the full dining experience.
Website: Rapsodia Restaurant
Select Hill Resort Bar
Best for: 🍹🍸
Hotel guests only? No
Location: In the hills east of Tirana, around a 20-minute drive from the city centre (map)
View: Mountains and Tirana
Vibe: Hotel guests chilling
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Lift available? N/A
Children allowed? Yes
Smoking allowed? Yes
Last visited / photos taken: 2026
Warm/dry weather only? No, although it’s best enjoyed in good weather
Rooftop review roundup: Set in the hills east of Tirana, I stopped here to enjoy a drink with a view before heading down the road to Kapelet Restaurant. I’d planned to buy a day pass for the pool and spend the day here (which I’d recommend), but plans changed. However, I still managed to scope out the views for you!
It’s less of a rooftop as we traditionally know it and more of a hotel perched up high, with a bar and a pool area that has beach club vibes. At the bar, if shade is your friend, be aware that the bar gets flooded with direct sunlight during the day, although there are a few shady spots to nab! When I visited in the late afternoon, it was pretty quiet, although it was also towards the end of the season and there was work happening below the pool – very Instagram V reality!
My advice would be to come for the day, laze by the pool and soak up those views. The bar feels more suited to hotel guests, but dinner is served here too, so if you’re looking for food with a view outside the city, this could be just the spot for you!
Website: Select Hill Resort Bar
