Shkodër City Guide – Museums, Lake & Castle
Shkodër is one of Albania’s oldest and most atmospheric cities, located between a large lake, rivers and mountains in the north of the country. It is known for its artistic traditions, religious diversity and relaxed, bike-friendly streets.
Top Museums & Cultural Sites in Shkodër
Key places to discover Shkodër’s culture include:
- Marubi National Museum of Photography – Albania’s main photography museum with a historic archive of over 500,000 images.
- Historical Museum of Shkodër – collections of archaeology, ethnography and local history.
- Oso Kuka House Museum – a traditional house dedicated to a local hero and resistance figure.
You can use the listings for each museum to see detailed information before visiting.
Other Things to Do
- Walk along the pedestrian street with its cafés and colourful façades.
- Visit Rozafa Castle, a hilltop fortress with legendary stories and great views over the lake and rivers.
- Enjoy the lakeside area of Shkodra Lake for sunset or a relaxed drink.
Getting There
Shkodër is around 1.5–2 hours from Tirana by bus or car. It works well as a base for visiting the Albanian Alps, or as a cultural stop on your way north.