Plan a winter trip to Berat. Explore neighborhoods, restaurants, places to stay and practical local advice from AVARA's full editorial guide.
Berat — TL;DR
Albania's 'City of a Thousand Windows', where Berat Backpackers Hostel's kind staff meet the Old Bazaar's riverside restaurant strip.
Berat overview
April to June and September to October offer mild weather for exploring the Old Bazaar and Ottoman-era hillside quarters.
The Old Bazaar and Mangalem quarter form the historic centre, with the riverside restaurant-and-bar strip a short walk from most hostels.
Albanian Lek (L)
Albanian. Italian and English are widely spoken.
CET (UTC+1, UTC+2 in summer)
Berat's hostel scene continues to be anchored by Berat Backpackers Hostel's reputation as the best hostel in Albania, with the Old Bazaar and riverside restaurant-and-bar strip drawing travellers to Bar Te Albani and Bar 42, while the Mangalem quarter's Hostel Mangalem offers proximity to the city's main attractions.
Where to eat, drink & do in Berat
Berat neighborhoods
Old Bazaar The best place to meet other travelers, with plenty of cafes and restaurants.
Mangalem quarter Home to Hostel Mangalem, putting guests closer to the restaurants and attractions of Berat.
Riverside strip The whole strip of restaurants and bars along the river, great for scouting dining and nightlife options.
Practical info for Berat
Getting around in Berat? The Old Bazaar and Mangalem quarter form the historic centre, with the riverside restaurant-and-bar strip a short walk from most hostels.
When to go in Berat? April to June and September to October offer mild weather for exploring the Old Bazaar and Ottoman-era hillside quarters.
What's changing now in Berat? Berat's hostel scene continues to be anchored by Berat Backpackers Hostel's reputation as the best hostel in Albania, with the Old Bazaar and riverside restaurant-and-bar strip drawing travellers to Bar Te Albani and Bar 42, while the Manga
Seek out Baza Hostel in Berat? Rated 9.8 and costing from 531 Lekë per night, a highly-rated budget alternative to the more famous Berat Backpackers.
Base yourself in Old Bazaar in Berat? The best place to meet other travelers, with plenty of cafes and restaurants. Known for historic bazaar and traveler hub.