Krujë, Albania Day Trip | Discover Krujë’s Castle, Bazaar & History

Just a short drive from Tirana, the historic hilltop town of Krujë (Kruja) is a must-visit destination in Albania — and it made for a perfect day trip during our family road trip through the Balkans! We spent the day wandering Krujë’s cobbled Ottoman-era streets, shopping for handmade souvenirs at the Old Bazaar, and learning about Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg. The castle ruins and fortress walls offer sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and countryside — especially beautiful on a clear day. A highlight of our visit was an unforgettable meal at Restaurant Bardhi, perched just outside the castle with views to match the food. Their fresh farm-to-table meals really gave us a taste of authentic Albanian cuisine. Krujë is compact, family-friendly, and rich with culture — the perfect place to step back in time and experience Albania's proud history. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 - Intro - Start of Day 3 in Albania 01:14 - Arriving in Krujë 01:56 - Krujë Castle 04:26 - Lunch at Restaurant Bardhi 04:58 - Walking the Old Bazaar 06:34 - Final Thoughts on Krujë 10:26 - Coming Up Next 🇦🇱 Travel Tips for Krujë, Albania: 1. Krujë is just 45–60 minutes from Tirana - easy to do as a half-day or full-day trip, or on your way from Shkoder to Tirana like we did! 2. Don’t miss the Skanderbeg Museum inside the fortress — it’s well done and family-friendly. Although our children are too young for museums, older children may enjoy learning about the important historical context that's interwoven into this town. 3. The Old Bazaar is perfect for picking up unique, handmade souvenirs - just don't expect to push a stroller down the uneven cobblestone path! 4. Restaurant Bardhi is a local favorite — make sure to make a reservation beforehand and check the daily offerings. 5. Wear comfy shoes! The cobblestone streets can be tricky with strollers or small children. We recommend ditching the stroller in favor of a soft carrier for infants and toddlers. 📍Next up: We explore Tirana, Berat, Gjirokastër, and continue our Balkan road trip through Albania! 🔔 Subscribe to follow our family’s journey through 100 countries ✍️ Albania travel guides + blog: www.gabbettsonthego.com 📸 Behind the scenes on Instagram: @gabbettfamilytravels 🎥 Next Video: [ Exploring Albania's Capital City, Tirana ]