Best Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Albania

New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, reflection, and creating memories with the people who matter most. In Albania, the options for ringing in the New Year are as diverse as the country itself. Whether you’re after a traditional dinner, a night out in style, a rooftop view of the fireworks, or something simple and meaningful, there’s always a spot for you.

In this blog, I’ll share some of the best places to welcome the new year in Albania if you’re planning on visiting the country soon or are already living here. Let’s go!

1. The Plaza Tirana (Tirana)

If you’re looking for a sophisticated New Year celebration, The Plaza Tirana is one of the most luxurious spots in Albania. This 5-star hotel transforms into a glamorous event space with a grand gala dinner, live music performances, and an unforgettable view of the midnight fireworks from its rooftop. Guests can enjoy a multi-course dinner prepared by expert chefs, and the ambience is nothing short of elegance. Early reservations are essential, as this is one of the most sought-after spots in Tirana for New Year celebrations.

• Type: Luxury Hotel & Fine Dining
• Why Go? For a sophisticated New Year celebration with your loved ones.
• What to Expect? Exclusive gala dinners, live music performances, and panoramic views of Tirana’s New Year fireworks from the rooftop.

2. The Crown (Tirana)

For a more modern, trendy vibe, Kronen is a top choice. This rooftop restaurant and bar offers unbeatable views of Tirana’s skyline, making it the perfect place to watch the fireworks. The Crown is known for its modern yet classy vibe, tasty food, cocktails, and DJ sets that keep the party going until the early hours. If you want the best view, reserve your table in advance.

• Type: Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
• Why Go? A chic and modern rooftop experience to ring in the New Year with sweeping views of the city lights.
• What to Expect? Cocktails, DJ performances, a stylish crowd, and a fantastic spot to watch the fireworks.

3. Lift Bar (Tirana)

Lift Bar is the go-to spot for those looking for a casual yet lively New Year celebration. This trendy cocktail bar offers creative drinks, good vibes, and live DJ performances, and it is a great choice if you don’t want a formal dinner but still want to be part of the city’s electric nightlife. This year, they’re hosting “A Great Gatsby Night” that promises to bring an unforgettable 1920s atmosphere for the New Year’s Eve

• Type: Trendy Cocktail Bar
• Why Go? A trendy bar with a laid-back yet vibrant vibe. Perfect for those who want to have fun without the formality of a gala.
• What to Expect? A Great Gatsby Night, Dress Code: Gatsby glamour

4. Gzona RESTAURANT 

For a quieter, more refined experience, Gzona Restaurant lis perfect for those who want to welcome the New Year in a calm, elegant setting. With its fine selection of wines and cosy atmosphere, it offers an intimate experience for couples, friends, or small groups. Enjoy the personalised menu by Chef Arjani Perona and you celebrate the arrival of the New Year. Reservations are recommended, as the space is limited.

• Type: Restaurant
• Why Go? For a sophisticated yet cosy New Year’s Eve with fine wines and an elegant ambience.
• What to Expect? Personalised menu by Chef Arjani Perona.

5. Sky Tower 

Sky Tower offers one of the most unique New Year experiences in Tirana. As a revolving restaurant with 360-degree panoramic views of the city, it’s a prime location to see the midnight fireworks from all angles. It calls for an elegant dining experience where guests can enjoy gourmet meals paired with scenic views. So, if you’re looking for a mix of elegance, breathtaking views, and delicious food, the Sky Tower is your spot. Early bookings are crucial, as window-side tables get reserved quickly.

• Type: Revolving Restaurant with a View
• Why Go? One of Tirana’s most iconic spots with 360° panoramic views of the city.
• What to Expect? Elegant dining with scenic views of the city skyline and a stunning view of the fireworks at midnight.

6. Rogner Hotel (Tirana)

The Rogner Hotel is a classic choice for families and those looking for a more formal New Year’s celebration. Its lavish New Year’s Eve dinner includes multiple courses, entertainment, and live music. Families with kids appreciate its family-friendly vibe, while couples love its elegant setting. If you prefer a more structured celebration with dinner, drinks, and live music in one location, Rogner Hotel is a solid choice.

• Type: 5-Star Hotel with Exclusive Dining Options
• Why Go? Elegant, family-friendly option with multiple dining and celebration packages.
• What to Expect? Gourmet dining, live entertainment, a family-friendly environment, and a refined atmosphere.

7. Padam Boutique Hotel & Restaurant (Tirana)

For a more intimate, exclusive celebration, Padam Boutique Hotel is another great spot for a refined New Year experience. With gourmet dining, a stylish ambience, and a crowd of elegant guests, it’s one of the most sophisticated places to celebrate in Tirana.

• Type: Boutique Hotel & Upscale Restaurant
• Why Go? Exclusive boutique experience with refined gourmet dining and a stylish celebration.
• What to Expect? Fine dining, intimate ambience, and good music.

8. Xheko Imperial Hotel (Tirana)

Xheko Imperial is a luxury hotel known for its upscale celebrations. Its rooftop bar and restaurant offer a chic setting to welcome the New Year with style. The hotel organizes exclusive events with live music, signature cocktails, and panoramic views of the city’s fireworks. It’s a great option for those seeking a private, stylish atmosphere to mark the occasion. Spaces are limited, so booking in advance is a must.

• Type: Luxury Hotel with Rooftop Dining
• Why Go? Elegant rooftop New Year’s celebration with gourmet dining and sophisticated ambiance.
• What to Expect? Exclusive menus, live performances, and top-tier service in a refined atmosphere.

9. Hotel Mondial Rooftop Bar (Tirana)

For those who love rooftop celebrations, Hotel Mondial’s rooftop bar is a lively place to be on New Year’s Eve. The space offers sweeping city views, music, and a party vibe that lasts until the early hours. It’s one of the more social and energetic spots to celebrate in Tirana. Early reservations are required to secure a table with a view of the fireworks.

• Type: Rooftop Bar at a Luxury Hotel
• Why Go? Celebrate under the stars with city views, cocktails, and vibrant party vibes.
• What to Expect? New Year’s Eve party with music, drinks, and city views from the rooftop.

10. Local Clubs & Nightlife (Tirana)

Tirana knows how to throw a party, and New Year’s Eve takes it to the next level. The city’s clubs and bars are buzzing with energy, offering everything from live DJ sets to themed parties that go well into the early hours. Popular spots like Lost Bar, Muma, Charles, and Libraria are known for their vibrant atmosphere, great music, and festive crowds.

• Why Go? For a vibrant party atmosphere, it is perfect for those looking to dance until dawn.
• Top Clubs: Muma Club, Lost, Charles, Libraria
• What to Expect? DJs, live performances, and energetic crowds.
• Reservations? Yes, clubs require table bookings for New Year’s Eve events.

11. Restaurants & Taverns in Korçë

Korçë is a great place to enjoy a cosy and relaxed New Year’s Eve with family or friends.

Local spots like Taverna Vasili, Life Gallery Hotel Restaurant, Hani i Pazarit and many more serve up hearty traditional meals. On New Year’s Eve, many restaurants add live Albanian folk music to the mix, creating a festive atmosphere that feels both warm and traditional.

Korça is a popular destination for both locals and tourists during the holiday season, so finding a spot can be tough if you wait until the last minute. ,

• Why Go? Experience a cosy, rustic New Year celebration with hearty food and live folk music.
• What to Expect? Traditional New Year’s feasts, Albanian folk music, and authentic rustic vibes.
• Where to Visit? Taverna Vasili, Taverna Vasili Family, and Life Gallery Hotel Restaurant.
• Reservations? Yes, especially for New Year’s Eve dinner.
• Tip: Perfect for families, couples, and groups looking for a homey yet lively celebration.

12. Coastal Celebrations in Durrës & Vlorë

Spending New Year’s Eve by the sea has its own special magic. In Durrës and Vlorë, you can enjoy the sound of the waves, fireworks over the water, and a relaxing dinner at beachfront restaurants like Bel Conti Hotel or Adriatik Hotel. Many hotels offer special packages with live music, food, and entertainment for the night. Some places even light bonfires on the beach, adding to the experience.

• Why Go? Celebrate by the sea with views of the Adriatic coast.
• What to Expect? Fireworks along the waterfront, beachfront restaurants, and outdoor bonfires.
• Where to Stay? Hotels like Adriatik Hotel, Bel Conti Hotel, and Royal G Hotel.

13. Boutique Guesthouses in Berat, Gjirokastër & Shkodër

If you’re after a quieter New Year’s celebration, have a look at guesthouses in Berat, Gjirokastër, and Shkodër. These small, family-run accommodations provide a glimpse into Albanian traditions, with home-cooked meals and a warm, personal touch. The towns themselves are beautiful, and overall, the vibe that follows is surrounded by the traditional Albanian atmosphere.

• Why Go? Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the taste of traditional food and the sounds of traditional Albanian music.
• What to Expect? Promising atmosphere, traditional feasts, and local hospitality.

Konklusion

There are so many great spots to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Albania. It really depends on what kind of activity you prefer doing, even though dining in a nice ambience, accompanied by good music, is almost always everyone’s favourite! That being said, if there’s one thing I hope you take from this blog, is to book in advance. It’s very challenging, if not impossible, to book popular places (for example, restaurants in Korça) if you leave it last minute.

I hope you found these suggestions helpful, and wherever you choose to go, make it a night to remember. Happy New Year!