COD Tirana
Get into the Prime Ministry building!
Known as the Centre for Openness and Dialogue, COD is a new initiative in Albanian cultural life. It transmits a very important message, especially for a post-communist country, which amounts to having more transparency and collaboration between the government and the citizens. What’s amazing in this spot is that I can enjoy being in the most important governmental building of the country, the Prime Ministry, which a few years before was not just simply closed to the public, it was surrounded by a high and unwelcoming wall.
I find my way around COD in two ways: either using its vast collection of books & articles in the library or by being part of their cultural events that include expositions, discussions with artists or debates with domestic and foreign politicians. Thus, COD has a yearly calendar of events that is accessible on their official website. The library is completely open to the public and since few people are aware of the existence of this amazing place in the heart of Tirana, it also happens to be a beautiful quiet spot to read and work. I loved curling up with a good book and occasionally watching Tirana’s main boulevard through the window. There is also the possibility to watch films and projections in their “digital hall”, a functional exchange space.
With a large collection of books, also in foreign languages, and its irresistible appeal, I can imagine COD being high on the list of visitors!
About this spot
Find your way with 165 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Tirana
Korpusi
A different city inside of a city
"Korpusi" is in fact the Polytechnic University of Tirana. It has a lot of space, so lots of people come here to enjoy the atmosphere, not just students.
by
Eri
Mataj
Pagus
Best steakhouse in town
"Pagus" in simply the best steakhouse in Tirana. We love everything Italian in this city, as long as it's not occupation. Occupation by food, though...
by
Klea
Vyshka
Panevino
Exquisite Italian restaurant
"Panevino" (literally 'breadwine'!) in Tirana is one of the best Italian restaurants in town, and that's saying a lot, 'cause we simply love Italy here...
by
Klea
Vyshka
Dajti Express
Cable car to Tirana's main mountain
"Dajti Express" in Tirana is the cable car that takes you up THE city mountain, where the air is not polluted and the panorama opens up in front of me!
by
Klea
Vyshka
Duff
An awesome sports bar
"Duff" in Tirana is like one of those American sports bars you go to drink lots of beer (Simpsons fans will get it). I do love their beer...
by
Eri
Mataj
Natyra e Qetë Restaurant
Calm Nature
"Natyra e Qetë" Restaurant is a nice and relaxing outdoor spot which is a great place to stop by after a shopping spree to enjoy the nature, food and wine..
by
Matilda
Karçanaj
The House Tirana
Morning coffee or a night drink?
"The House Tirana" is a great, warm cafe. I love going there for its very good coffee and snacks. It has become one of my favorites in the city, easily!
by
Ardita
Puma
Postbllok - Checkpoint
Communist isolation
"Postbllok - Checkpoint" in Tirana is a memorial to Albanian communist isolation, conceived as an artistic installation. I like going down to the bunker...
by
Klea
Vyshka
Iliria'98
Money exchange
"Iliria'98" in Tirana is the currency exchange office I head to before going abroad. It's the cheapest in the city, so I recommend you use it, too.
by
Marinela
Gogo
Chilli Snack Bar
Snack and beer time!
"Chilli Snack Bar" in Tirana has all kinds of snacks and it looks and feels like Christmas all year long! I like having my morning coffee there...
by
Ardita
Puma
Bunk'art 2
Pieces of the past
"Bunk'Art 2" in Tirana is a museum that shows what happened inside the Ministry of Internal Affairs during communism. It's good we can learn these things.
by
Ardita
Puma
Colonial Cocktails Academy
Cocktails anyone?
"Colonial Cocktails Academy" in Tirana is where I had the best vodka sour I've ever tried. I love the atmosphere the staff and of course its drinks!
by
Ardita
Puma
Heading to Tirana?
165 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Tirana?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 165 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Tirana
Get to know our other Spotters from Tirana
As featured on:
