If you’re searching for the best things to do in Berat, you’ve come to the right place. Known as the “City of One-over-One Windows” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Berat is one of Albania’s most beautiful and historic destinations. Nestled between rolling hills and the Osum River, this charming city blends Ottoman architecture, vibrant local culture, and stunning natural scenery.
Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying longer, this 2025 guide to Berat highlights the top 10 activities that combine history, food, wine, and outdoor adventures.
Also read: Berat and Gjirokaster – UNESCO Cities in Albania You Must Visit
Top 10 things to do in Berat
1. Wander through the Historic Mangalem Quarter
Mangalem is the postcard image of Berat, with whitewashed Ottoman houses stacked up the hillside. Walking here feels like stepping back in time cobblestone streets, stone staircases, and balconies filled with flowers create an authentic Albanian atmosphere.
📸 Early morning offers soft light and quiet streets, while late afternoon is perfect for golden-hour photography.
2. Climb Berat Castle for sunset views
Berat Castle (Kalaja e Beratit) is one of the largest inhabited fortresses in the Balkans. Inside the walls, you’ll find Byzantine churches, mosques, and traditional houses turned into cafés or guesthouses.
🌅 Don’t miss the sunset, when golden light reflects over the Osum River and the old quarters.
3. Visit the Onufri Museum of Iconography
Located inside the castle, the Onufri Museum showcases 200+ works by Albania’s greatest icon painter. Famous for the vivid shade of Onufri Red, these icons and ornate iconostases highlight Albania’s Orthodox heritage.
4. Explore Gorica Quarter & the Ottoman Bridge
Cross the Osum River to Gorica, a quieter neighborhood with stone streets and courtyards. The 18th-century Gorica Bridge offers some of the best photo spots of the Mangalem hillside.
5. Stroll Along Boulevard Republika
The beating heart of modern Berat, this pedestrian avenue comes alive every evening with locals on their traditional xhiro. Cafés, restaurants, and ice cream shops line the boulevard, making it the perfect place to relax.
6.Taste Traditional Albanian Cuisine
Berat is a food lover’s paradise. Don’t miss:
- Ballokume – sweet cornflour cookie
- Tave Kosi – baked lamb with yogurt
- Qifqi – herbed rice balls
- Byrek – savory pastry
Discover where to eat: Top 5 Traditional Restaurants in Berat
7. Discover the Ethnographic Museum
Housed in an 18th-century Ottoman house, this museum recreates the lifestyle of a wealthy Berat family. Traditional costumes, carved wooden furniture, and a guest reception room bring local history to life.
8. Enjoy wine tasting at local wineries
Just outside Berat, you’ll find Çobo Winery and Nurellari Winery, both offering tastings of Albanian grapes like Shesh i Zi and Puls. Pair your glass with local cheeses and olives while enjoying vineyard views.
9. Take a day trip to the Osumi Canyons
About an hour from Berat, the Osumi Canyons stretch for 26 km with dramatic cliffs and caves.
- Spring: rafting season
- Summer: swimming & hiking along the riverbed
👉 Also read: Best Canyons in Albania to Visit in 2025
10. Stay in a traditional guesthouse in Berat
Complete your experience by sleeping in a family-run Ottoman guesthouse. Expect stone walls, flower-filled courtyards, and homemade breakfasts with fresh cheese, honey, and warm bread.
👉 Explore more: Top 5 Accommodations in Berat – Where to Stay in 2025
Practical Travel Tips
How to get to Berat
- From Tirana: ~2 hours by car or bus
- From Vlora: ~1.5 hours by car
Best time to visit Berat
- Spring & Autumn – Mild weather, fewer crowds
- Summer – Best for Osumi Canyons & wine tours
- Winter – Peaceful atmosphere with fewer tourists
👟 Local Tip: Berat is best explored on foot, so bring comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones and castle slopes.
FAQ
Yes, as a UNESCO city, Berat combines history, culture, and nature, making it one of Albania’s top destinations.
One full day covers highlights; two days allow winery tours and a trip to the Osumi Canyons.
Yes, the old quarters are walkable. Just wear comfortable shoes for cobblestones and hills.
April–June and September–October offer the best weather with fewer tourists.
From ancient castles and cobblestone streets to vineyards and canyons, Berat blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Use this 2025 guide to the best things to do in Berat to plan an unforgettable trip.
