Momondo: If Berlin isn’t as cool as it used to be, head for Tirana

This is not an original article of invest-in-albania.org. The article was first published at Momondo.com.

For the people who say that Berlin just isn’t as cool as it used to be, tell them to head for Tirana.

In the early nineties, the Albanian capital was considered a no-go zone. Locals were crippled by the stronghold of the Communist reign, a high crime rate and the oppressive Red State buildings were crumbling. But today, the Albanian capital is not only the home of counter-cultural Balkan cool, it makes for a great summer destination, to boot.

Take a cable car up through the Mount Dajti National Park, or, back on the lowlands, sample some of the great and absurdly cheap seafood dishes on offer in the cafes of the Ish-Blloku neighborhood. Prefer to catch something yourself? The neighboring beach city of Durrës is just a 30-minute drive away.

Other than a great National History Museum and a decrepit pyramid structure built in the name of the former socialist dictator Enver Hoxta, Tirana frees itself of any notable landmarks. Instead, it’s the exuberant people that call this great city home that make it worth a visit. Meet them sipping sweet Albanian wine and relaxing on the Nation’s Martyrs Boulevard, featuring a blend of Ottoman, Italian, Fascist and luridly colorful postmodern structures from throughout this cross-cultural jigsaw of a city’s radiant history.

Source/photo: Momondo.com