Gjirokaster is a town that rewards curious explorers willing to wander its cobblestone streets and peek behind its ancient walls. Unlike some places that stick to the official sights, Gjirokaster offers a wealth of lesser-known neighborhoods, historic buildings, and local stories that truly bring the city to life. We especially like tours that go beyond the usual tourist trail—like the Walking Tour “The Old Bazaar, Cfake, Dunavat, Ali Pasha Bridge”, which explores parts of the town often missed by visitors. It’s a fantastic way to see authentic Gjirokaster and learn about its everyday life.
If you’re short on time, a Gjirokaster: Old Bazaar and Castle Private Walking Tour can give you a quick but rich overview of the main highlights. For those looking for a deeper dive into the city’s architecture and local crafts, the Walking Tour Baazar – The Argjiro Castle – Zekate house offers a well-rounded experience. We’ve also included options for travelers who want a longer, more immersive outing or want to explore some of the more remote neighborhoods, like the Old Baazar and Cfaka Walking Tour or the Old Bazaar-Cfake-Dunavat-Ali Pasha Bridge Walking Tour. Each offers a different slice of Gjirokaster’s charm, suited for various interests and schedules.
1. Walking Tour “The Old Bazaar, Cfake, Dunavat, Ali Pasha Bridge”
This tour is a true treasure for those wanting to uncover parts of Gjirokaster most travelers miss. It takes about 3 hours and covers the Old Bazaar, the Cfake neighborhood, Dunavat, and the iconic Ali Pasha Bridge. Starting from Cerciz Topulli Square, you’ll stroll along cobblestone streets beneath centuries-old city walls, passing historic houses and local landmarks. The tour emphasizes authentic neighborhoods like Cfake, which few visitors explore, allowing you to see the city’s everyday life.
One of the highlights is passing the stream of Nanxa and the Zerzebili bridge, leading to Cfake, a neighborhood filled with ancient houses and structures still bearing the marks of their age. The guide shares stories about the Bektashi tekke, an important religious site, enriching your understanding of local traditions. The reviews praise the guide’s deep knowledge and friendly approach, with travelers feeling like they’re exploring with a local friend rather than on a formal tour.
Bottom Line: This tour shines for its focus on the lesser-known parts of Gjirokaster, making it perfect for travelers keen to see the city’s authentic side.
2. Gjirokaster: Old Bazaar and Castle Private Walking Tour
At number 2, this private tour provides a compact 2-hour visit to Gjirokaster’s most iconic sites. It includes the Old Bazaar, which is the heart of town’s craftsmanship and commerce, and the Gjirokaster Castle, a fortress that dominates the skyline. The tour also covers the Obelisk Monument from the communist era and the Bazzar mosque from 1600.
What makes this tour stand out is its personalized approach. The guide focuses on the history, architecture, and cultural stories behind each site, making it ideal if you prefer a more tailored experience. It’s a great choice for travelers with limited time but wanting a meaningful overview of Gjirokaster’s main attractions.
Guests have praised the guide’s expertise and attentiveness, noting how they learned about the city’s transformation through centuries of change. The cost ($30 per person) offers good value, considering the private format and expert guidance.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a quick, focused overview of Gjirokaster’s top sights with an intimate touch.
3. Walking Tour Baazar – The Argjiro Castle – Zekate House
This 3-hour tour dives into Gjirokaster’s rich architecture and history, beginning at the Cerciz Topulli Square and winding through the Old Bazaar. You’ll meet local artists to see traditional craftsmanship—an engaging experience for anyone interested in Albanian culture. The walk takes you to the Castle of Gjirokaster, where your guide explains its legends and strategic importance.
A highlight is visiting the Zekate House, an impressive medieval residence that shows how wealthy families once lived. The guide is available in multiple languages, making it accessible for international travelers. Guests rave about the guide’s enthusiasm and deep knowledge, which brings stories to life and enhances the visit.
A standout feature is the opportunity to interact with artisans, giving insight into local crafts that are still alive today. The tour offers a good balance of history, architecture, and social stories, making it suitable for travelers who want a comprehensive cultural experience.
Bottom line: This tour offers a well-rounded culture, perfect for those who enjoy history, architecture, and local crafts.
4. Gjirokastra Private Half-Day Walking Tour
For those wanting an in-depth exploration, this half-day private tour takes about 4 to 5 hours and covers key sites like the Cold War Tunnel, Gjirokaster Bazaar, and Argjiro Castle. Starting with the Cold War Tunnel, a 1.5 km relic from the 20th century, you’ll learn about the city’s Cold War history—something many travelers overlook.
Next, the tour walks through the bustling Bazaar, a UNESCO-listed site filled with authentic shops and local color. The visit to Argjiro Castle is an opportunity to appreciate the city’s defensive architecture and sweeping views. The guide’s expertise makes the stories come alive, creating a personalized, immersive experience.
Guests appreciate the flexibility and depth offered by this longer tour, ideal for dedicated history lovers or those wanting a leisurely stroll with plenty of context. The price ($34.90) reflects a more comprehensive experience.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers wanting a lengthy, detailed exploration with a private guide—ideal for history buffs.
5. Gjirokaster: City Highlights Walking Tour
This 3-hour tour hits the main sights—the medieval Bazaar, Argjiro Castle, and Zekate House—giving a good overview of Gjirokaster’s highlights. It’s a perfect quick introduction to the city, especially if you’re limited on time. The guide shares stories about each site and offers stunning viewpoints from the castle, emphasizing the legend of Argjiro.
Reviews reflect a warm, engaging guide and a pleasant experience, with many recommending it for first-time visitors. It balances walking and sightseeing well, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
Bottom line: Ideal for visitors who want a concise yet lively introduction to Gjirokaster’s main sights.
6. Gjirokaster: Old Baazar and Cfaka Walking Tour
This 3-hour tour takes you through the Old Bazaar and the Cfaka neighborhood, known for its authentic Ottoman architecture. The walk includes crossing the Ali Pasha Bridge, an impressive structure from the 1800s. You’ll explore narrow streets and meet artisans practicing traditional crafts, gaining insight into local culture.
While reviews mention a strenuous walk with uneven terrain, many appreciate the authentic experience and engaging guide. It’s suitable for active travelers interested in architecture and local life, and the price offers good value for the depth of exploration.
Bottom line: Best for energetic travelers interested in authentic neighborhoods and historic bridges, with a focus on traditional crafts.
7. Gjirokaster walking Tour The Old Baazar, Cfake, Dunavat, Ali Pasha Bridge
This tour explores the unknown part of Gjirokaster, starting from Cerciz Topulli Square and passing through neighborhoods like Cfake and Dunavat. The walk takes about 3 hours and includes a visit to the Ali Pasha Bridge, a relic from the 1800s.
It’s especially praised for its local perspective and knowledgeable guide, who makes the history engaging and personal. It’s ideal for those wanting to see Gjirokaster through the eyes of someone who knows its stories intimately.
Bottom line: Great for travelers who want a detailed, personal exploration of lesser-visited neighborhoods.
8. Old Bazaar-Cfake-Dunavat-Ali Pasha Bridge Walking Tour
This route takes you through Gjirokaster’s less-visited neighborhoods—Cfake and Dunavat—before reaching the Ali Pasha Bridge. The terrain is uneven, so good shoes are a must. It offers a genuine glimpse into everyday life and local architecture that many travelers miss.
The guide’s friendliness and storytelling make the walk memorable, with reviews highlighting the personable guide and the authentic experience. It’s a solid choice if you’re keen to see the “real” Gjirokaster beyond the main sights.
Bottom line: Suited for active, curious travelers with an interest in local life and history beyond the usual tourist spots.
9. Albania: 8-Day Walking and Hiking Adventure Tour
While not limited to Gjirokaster alone, this 8-day adventure covers much of Albania’s stunning coast and inland sites, including Gjirokaster and the fortress of Lekuresi. It’s perfect for those who want to combine walking with scenic hikes, exploring beaches, UNESCO sites like Butrint, and the Blue Eye spring.
This tour is ideal if you’re flexible and eager for a comprehensive experience of Albania’s diverse landscapes. It’s the priciest option but offers a full immersion into the country’s natural beauty and history.
Bottom line: Best for active travelers seeking a multi-day experience with a mix of walking, hiking, and cultural exploration.
How to Choose the Right Walking Tour in Gjirokaster
When selecting a tour, consider your interest in history, architecture, and local life. If you want an in-depth, private experience—perhaps for a special occasion—the Gjirokaster: Old Bazaar and Castle Private Walking Tour is a great choice. For those seeking a quick overview, the City Highlights Walking Tour offers a well-rounded introduction.
Active travelers or those curious about the city’s hidden corners will appreciate the Old Baazar and Cfaka Walking Tour, while history buffs might prefer the Half-Day Private Tour. Remember to factor in your fitness level and whether you want a guided experience or more freedom to explore independently.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred tour and time slot. Also, check if the tour includes entry tickets or if you’ll need to pay at sites like the castle or Zekate House.
Gjirokaster offers a variety of walking tours suited for different interests and schedules. Whether you’re after a quick highlights reel or an immersive deep dive into its alleys and stories, there’s a walk that will suit your style. Consider what excites you most—be it architecture, local crafts, or hidden neighborhoods—and choose accordingly. The city’s charm is in its details, so taking the time to walk and explore will make your visit truly memorable. Don’t forget to book early, and most importantly, enjoy stepping back in time in this unique Albanian town.