Explore Berat Castle (Kalaja e Beratit)

Berat Castle (Kalaja e Beratit), also known as the citadel of Berat, is a huge hilltop fortress overlooking the city. It dates back centuries and is one of Berat’s most impressive landmarks. 

The interesting thing about Berat Castle is that it isn’t just a historic site, it’s a lived-in neighbourhood. Alongside the ancient castle walls and ruins, you’ll find churches, museums, restaurants, shops and homes, making it feel like a small village rather than a traditional fortress. You could easily spend several hours wandering the streets and exploring the citadel. 

I visited the castle in the evening and didn’t get the chance to fully explore, so I’d recommend visiting during the day if you want to make the most of it and see inside the museums. Although, the views from the castle at night are beautiful, looking down on the lights of Berat below. I ended up stopping at Te Zalua, a restaurant perched on the edge of the citadel, for a drink and a snack while enjoying the panoramic views. 

Visiting Berat Castle is one of the best things to do in Berat and should be at the top of your itinerary.

Wander the Old Town (Mangalem & Gorica)

Another one of the best things to do in Berat is simply wander through its historic old town. It is split across two neighbourhoods, Mangalem and Gorica, which sit on either side of the Osum River. 

Mangalem is steep and set on a hill below Berat Castle. You can get lost in the narrow cobbled alleys between the white Ottoman houses, many of which are decorated with potted flowers, climbing greenery and strings of festoon lights that add to the neighbourhood’s charm. 

On the other side of the river is Gorica, which offers a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. I found a few great restaurants here, along with bars and boutique shops. It’s a lovely area to stroll if you want to escape the busier streets of Mangalem.

Definitely spend time admiring the Ottoman-era architecture with stone walls, old timber framing, terracotta roof tiles, and of course the large windows. After all, Berat is known as the “city of a thousand windows” for a reason.

Join a Berat Walking Tour

I think walking tours are the best introduction to a city and an easy way to see the highlights. I visited many of the stops on this list of things to do in Berat on a walking tour, including the Old Town and Gorica Bridge. 

What I enjoyed most was learning about Berat’s unique architecture and the history behind its houses, churches and historic neighbourhoods. Having a knowledgeable guide really made me appreciate the city and provided far more context than simply wandering around on my own.

You can book this walking tour of Berat with expert guides and choose between morning and afternoon departures. If you’re visiting during the summer, I’d recommend booking the afternoon tour to avoid being out during the hottest part of the day. 

It’s a great option if you’re short on time and want to see many of Berat’s highlights in just a couple of hours.

Walk Across Gorica Bridge

Take a walk across the Gorica Bridge, one of the oldest bridges in Albania and one of Berat’s most recognisable landmarks. This stone arched bridge crosses the Osum River and has connected the neighbourhood of Gorica with the rest of the city for centuries. While the original bridge was made out of wood, it was rebuilt in stone during the 1920s. 

Walking across the bridge only takes a few minutes, but it’s worth taking your time there to enjoy the views. You can admire the rows of white Ottoman houses framed by the mountains surrounding the city. It was also a beautiful spot for photos, especially at sunset when the light reflected off the river and illuminated the surrounding mountains.

You’ll likely end up crossing the Gorica Bridge several times during your visit, especially if you choose to stay in Gorica.

Visit the Suspension Bridge

Located just a few hundred metres from the historic Gorica Bridge, the Suspension Bridge is another way to cross the Osum River between the neighbourhoods of Gorica and Mangalem.

While it doesn’t have the same history or charm of the Gorica Bridge, it provides one of the best viewpoints in Berat. From here, you can capture the classic postcard view of the Ottoman houses climbing the hillside of Mangalem. 

If you stop for a moment on the bridge, you’ll notice it gently sways which is a little surprising when you first realise it’s happening.

The Suspension Bridge is definitely worth crossing while you’re exploring the Old Town, particularly if you’re looking for one of the best photo spots in Berat.

Admire St Michael’s Church

St Michaels Church is a medieval Byzantine-era Albanian Orthodox Church dating back to the 14th century, but the most impressive thing about it is its location. The church is perched on the hillside below Berat castle and appears to be clinging to the side of the rock face. 

Although I didn’t visit inside the church itself, I enjoyed admiring it from the streets below. You can’t help but wonder how they managed to construct something like this all those years ago. 

If you’d like to take a closer look, you can follow a steep trail up to the church and visit inside. However, some recent Google reviews mention being asked to pay a donation or entrance fee that wasn’t signposted beforehand, so it’s worth keeping this in mind. 

The trail continues up towards Berat Castle, making it easy to combine a visit to St Michael’s Church with exploring the castle.

Go Wine Tasting in Berat

Berat is a popular wine region in Albania and home to several family-run wineries. If you have extra time in your itinerary, joining a winery tour is a great way to experience a different side of the region beyond the historic attractions. 

The winery tour includes transport to a local winery, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample regional wines, see the vineyards and learn more about the wine making process. 

While I didn’t have enough time to fit a winery visit into my own itinerary, it’s certainly one of the activities I would have added if I had an extra day in Berat.

Try Traditional Albanian Food in Berat

While visiting Berat, be sure to try some traditional Albanian cuisine. One of my favourite dishes was a vienez steak, also known as viennese steak, a thin breaded steak that is popular throughout Albania. 

I tried it at a local family-run restaurant called Grandma’s Kitchen in Gorica, where it was served with a side of potatoes. Not only was the food delicious, but I loved the homemade, authentic feel of the restaurant. The dining area was a lovely outdoor terrace that felt like dining in someone’s backyard.

Take a Traditional Albanian Cooking Class

After enjoying the local cuisine, I would have loved to take a traditional Albanian cooking class, but unfortunately I didn’t have enough time in my itinerary. It’s one of the activities I most regretted missing. If I had an extra evening in Berat, I would have booked Mama Nina’s Cooking Class.  

The class is hosted by a local Albanian family who live within the historic Berat Castle. This cooking experience offers the chance to learn traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations. You’ll get to prepare local specialties such as stuffed eggplants before enjoying the meal alongside a glass of wine. 

Beyond the food itself, the class is also an opportunity to learn more about Albanian history, culture and family traditions, making it a real immersive experience in Berat.

Visit Osumi Canyon and Bogove Waterfall

A day trip to Osumi Canyon actually wasn’t part of my planned itinerary before arriving in Berat. It was recommended to me by the staff who checked me into my hostel, and I’m glad I took their advice. 

Osumi Canyon and Bogove Waterfall are two of Berat’s natural highlights, and joining this guided tour was a convenient way to see both of them in a single day, especially as I had limited time in my itinerary. 

Osumi Canyon is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Albania”. It’s a beautiful river gorge with unique rock formations. Bogove Waterfall was equally impressive, with a clear natural pool beneath the falls. The water was incredibly cold, even while visiting in the middle of summer.

If you’re looking for a fun adventure while visiting Berat, I’d highly recommend a day trip to Osumi Canyon and Bogove Waterfall.

Final Thoughts

Berat ended up being the perfect start to my Albania trip and a great introduction to the country. Whether you’re wandering through Mangalem and Gorica in the Old Town, exploring Berat Castle or taking a day trip to Osumi Canyon, there’s plenty of things to do in Berat. 

If you’re planning a trip to Albania, I’d highly recommend adding Berat to your itinerary.

FAQ About Visiting Berat

Is Berat worth visiting?

Berat is absolutely worth visiting and was one of my favourite destinations in Albania. The city itself is charming with a lot of character, great local restaurants and there are plenty of things to do in Berat.

How many days do you need in Berat?

I would recommend spending 2 days in Berat. While many people visit as a day trip, staying at least 1 night gives you time to explore the city at a more relaxed pace and visit nearby attractions such as Osumi Canyon and Bogove Waterfall. It also allows you to experience Berat once the day trippers have left.

When is the best time to visit Berat?

Spring (April/May) and autumn (September/October) are the best times to visit Berat.

I visited in July and while this was ideal for swimming and exploring Osumi Canyon, it was very hot walking around and visiting other attractions during the middle of the day. I would suggest visiting during the shoulder seasons for more comfortable temperatures for sightseeing.

Can you visit Berat as a day trip?

Yes, you can visit Berat as a day trip from Tirana. The journey takes around 2–3 hours by car or bus. While a day trip would allow you time to explore Berat Castle and wander through the Old Town, there are so many more things to do in Berat. I’d recommend staying overnight and enjoying the city with a 2 day itinerary.