When you think of Tirana, what comes to mind are its lively streets, buzzing cafés, and the city’s unconventional colors. But what many visitors and even locals don’t realize is that Tirana hides a vibrant and creative handmade scene. In a city that changes every day, handmade activities are a beautiful way to slow down and create something with your own hands — whether it’s a ceramic bowl, a colorful mosaic, or a fragrant candle. These experiences aren’t just for artists; they’re for anyone who wants to experience a softer, more personal, and mindful side of the capital.
In this article, you’ll discover some of the most unique places where you can take part in artisan activities in Tirana. From pottery and painting workshops to mosaics and candle-making, these experiences are open to tourists, locals, children, and adults anyone who wishes to create something beautiful.
🎨 Ene’s Arts & Crafts – Ceramics, Jewelry & Creativity with a Community Spirit
Ene’s Arts & Crafts is a community-based studio in the center of Tirana that offers a wide range of creative workshops, from handmade jewelry with beads to ceramic modeling. Led by artist Eneida, the studio’s atmosphere is warm, inspiring, and often accompanied by soft music, tea, or coffee, turning each workshop into a relaxing “art therapy” experience.
The pottery workshops take place on weekends or evenings according to a monthly calendar. Participants learn the basics of hand-building with clay and using the pottery wheel. The studio also organizes sessions like “Be Your Own Jewelry Designer,” where you can create jewelry using beads, natural stones, and decorative materials.
📍 Location: Rr. Maliq Muço, near the former Circus, Center, Tirana
🕒 Schedule: Occasional workshops – announced on social media
👨👩👧👦 Age group: Adults, teens, and children with parents
📲 Registration: DM on Instagram @ene_arts_and_crafts or WhatsApp: +355 69 544 6971
📝 Note: The studio often takes part in social projects and occasionally offers free courses supported by organizations or embassies. Follow their social media for the latest updates.
🎨 Ken’s Atelier – Ceramics, Sculpture & Painting for All Ages
For those seeking a deeper and more structured artistic experience, Ken’s Atelier is an excellent choice. This multifunctional studio in the Don Bosko area offers regular courses in ceramics, sculpture, and painting, organized by level and age group.
In the ceramics program, participants learn to create both functional and artistic clay objects, following a step-by-step methodology. Special classes are offered for children as well as adults, with individual attention and an atmosphere that encourages experimentation.
On the other hand, painting and drawing classes are perfect for developing both basic and advanced visual art techniques. The program includes classical drawing, painting with tempera, watercolor, and acrylics, often combined with clay modeling for a comprehensive artistic experience.
📍 Location: Rr. Eshref Frashëri, Don Bosko, Tirana
🕒 Schedule: 5 days a week, with separate time slots for children and adults (e.g. afternoons and weekends)
👨👩👧👦 Age group: From 5 years old and up
📲 Registration: Via the studio’s Instagram or WhatsApp: +355 68 600 0686
Ken’s Atelier is ideal for anyone wishing to pursue an artistic passion consistently and grow within a creative community.
🧱 “Mosaic Courses” with Saimir Strati – The Art that Connects Pieces and Stories
For those looking for a unique artistic experience in Tirana, the mosaic course led by master artist Saimir Strati is truly priceless. Strati is one of Albania’s most renowned artists worldwide and the holder of 11 Guinness World Records for mosaics made from unconventional materials.
The course offers more than just technique, it gives you the chance to experience an ancient art form in a contemporary way. During the sessions, you’ll learn how to create mosaics using stones, ceramic pieces, glass, and recycled elements. It’s a therapeutic activity suitable for all ages that develops patience and attention to detail.
📍 Location: Rr. Myslym Shyri, Tirana
🕒 Schedule: 2–3 times per week in the afternoon (groups are formed seasonally)
👨👩👧👦 Age group: From 6 years old and up
📲 Registration: Tel. +355 69 23 11 728 | Instagram: @mosaic_courses
Beyond the technique, participants gain a special sense of connection with history and traditional Albanian art, a unique way to create something that truly lasts. And if you’re a group of friends looking to spend a different kind of afternoon, the experience of creating mosaics accompanied by a glass of wine is simply perfect.
This activity is especially suitable for small groups, couples, or individuals seeking a beautiful way to disconnect from routine.
Pure & Sunny Aromatherapy – Handcrafted Candles & Aromatherapy Workshops
If you want to combine creativity with the relaxing power of scents, Pure & Sunny Aromatherapy is a wonderful choice in Tirana. This brand creates artisanal candles using essential oils and aromatherapy blends, as well as decorative home décor items. Moreover, they organize candle-making workshops in various venues, such as one held at “Kubi Kuq” (The Red Cube) at the Pyramid, where participants made their own candles with natural oils and decorative techniques.
During these sessions, you’ll learn how to select essential oils, mix fragrances, choose colors, and decorate candles according to your personal style. The workshops are often announced via their Instagram page and are open to the public.
📍 Location: Various locations in Tirana – often in creative spaces such as “Kubi Kuq”, Pyramid
🕒 Schedule: Occasional events, usually on weekends or in collaboration with artistic spaces
👨👩👧👦 Age group: Teenagers and adults (due to working with oils and hot wax)
📲 Registration: DM on Instagram @pureandsunny.aromatherapy
🧊 “QELQ” – Modern Studio for Glass Art
One of the most unique additions to Tirana’s handmade scene is the “QELQ” – Glass Hub Albania studio, which introduces a new creative dimension: the art of glasswork. Here, participants can learn techniques such as painting on glass, decorative mosaics, and glass fusing – the process of melting glass to create unique shapes that shimmer under the light.
The experience is a blend of contemporary art with a classical material like glass — ideal for those looking for something new, visually captivating, and fully customizable.
📍 Location: Rr. Dibrës, near the former “Albania Today” exhibition
🕒 Schedule: Monday – Sunday, 10:00–20:00
📲 Registration: Via Instagram @qelq.al
The “QELQ” studio is the perfect place to let your creativity reflect — quite literally.
🏺 Tirana Pottery Studio – “Pottery & Wine” and “Junior Pottery Masters”
If you’re looking for a relaxing and creative way to spend an evening in Tirana, Tirana Pottery Studio is the right place for you. Hidden in a cozy apartment near Rinia Park, this artisan studio offers an experience that combines the art of clay modeling with a glass of wine ideal for couples or groups of friends.
The popular program “Pottery & Wine” is organized every evening and is perfect even for those who have never touched clay before. In an intimate setting with soft lighting, you’ll learn the basics of pottery and create your own piece, which you can later keep as a special memory from Tirana.
📍 Location: Rr. Ibrahim Rugova, near “Taiwan” complex
🕒 Schedule: Every evening around 19:00 (2 hours)
📲 Registration: By reservation in advance through the studio’s social media
📧 Email: tiranapotterystudio@gmail.com | ☎️ Tel: +355 69 793 0362
For the little ones, the studio offers the “Junior Pottery Masters” program, a structured course for children and teens aged 10–16. Here, young participants learn the fundamentals of pottery in an educational and fun environment. The course is held once a week and is ideal for fostering creativity in children.
📲 Registration is made via direct contact or DM on the studio’s Instagram.
🎒 How to Prepare for a Handmade Experience in Tirana
Joining a handmade activity in Tirana doesn’t require prior experience — just a willingness to try something new. However, here are a few tips that can help you make the most of your experience:
- Book in advance: Most workshops have limited spots and follow a scheduled calendar. A quick message on Instagram or WhatsApp is often enough to secure your place.
- Dress comfortably: Don’t be afraid to get your hands a little dirty — especially in pottery, mosaic, or painting sessions. Casual clothes are fine, but if you have an apron, bring it along.
- Go with an open mind: These activities aren’t just about creating a “perfect” piece, but about enjoying the process, meeting new people, and making beautiful memories.
And most importantly, share this article with your friends! You might just inspire them to spend a different kind of afternoon in the city, shaping clay, crafting lavender-scented candles, or painting their very first canvas.
If you’re in a group and looking for other ideas to spend a fun evening in the city, check out this article too: A Night Out in Tirana for Groups.
