Tirana is a fantastic city for shopping, full of authentic products, quality craftsmanship, and original souvenirs.
But like in all tourist destinations, there are traps for distracted travelers here as well. Low-quality items, mass-produced souvenirs that have nothing to do with Albania, fake "handcrafted" goods, and purchases that risk ruining the experience. In this guide, I won't tell you what to buy (we've already covered that in another article), but what to absolutely avoid. Because sometimes knowing what not to buy is as important as knowing what to buy.
Plastic Souvenirs and Mass-Produced Magnets
The first piece of advice is perhaps the most obvious, but it's worth repeating: avoid low-quality plastic souvenirs sold at makeshift stalls in front of monuments. Magnets with poorly printed "Tirana" labels, keychains that break after a day, resin miniatures of the Et'hem Bey mosque that look like they were made from a mold. These items are mass-produced in China or Turkey, have nothing Albanian about them, and will end up forgotten after a week. If you want a magnet, choose one that is handmade from wood or ceramic, which at least has a bit of personality. Even better: take home an immaterial memory (a photo, a museum ticket) rather than a piece of plastic.
Fake Antiques
At flea markets and sometimes on the street, you will come across vendors offering "ancient" Roman coins, "old" Byzantine icons, "original" communist medals. In the vast majority of cases, they are fakes. Recent productions aged with chemicals to look authentic. Buying them is not only a waste of money, but in some countries (not in Albania, but upon return) you might have customs issues if exchanged for real archaeological artifacts. If you are an experienced collector and know what to look for, you can try, but for the average tourist, the advice is: avoid. Buy only from established shops and, if possible, with a receipt.
"Traditional" Plastic Clothing
Walking through Blloku or near the New Bazaar, you will find stalls selling miniature "traditional Albanian costumes": small qeleshe (white hats), wool shoes, embroidered aprons. They are often made of synthetic materials, poorly sewn, with printed embroidery (not real embroidery). They are the equivalent of plastic Mexican cowboy hats. If you want a true piece of textile craftsmanship, look for a handmade kilim (rug), or a knitted wool hat. It costs more, but it is authentic and will last over time. The low-cost alternative? A simple wool scarf, not "traditional", but warm and made in Albania.
Bottles of Raki of Dubious Origin
Raki is the national distilled spirit of Albania, and bringing home a bottle is a great idea. But be careful of bottles sold by street vendors or in unreliable shops. They are often filled with low-quality alcohol, sometimes dangerous. Real raki is bought in supermarkets, reliable grocery stores, or directly from producers (some have shops in the city). Look for well-known brands (like "Skënderbeu", "Çobo", "Kantina Kardinal") or bottles with clear labels and safety caps. Avoid bottles made from recycled plastic or those without any indication. Your health is worth more than a few euros saved.
Olive Oil of Dubious Origin
Albania produces excellent olive oil, but also here be wary of counterfeits. Street vendors may offer you "pure Albanian oil" in anonymous plastic bottles. Often it is subpar oil, sometimes mixed with other fats. To be sure, buy oil in glass bottles with labels: brands like "Lia", "Miras" or "Bylis" are reliable. Even better: at the New Bazaar, look for producers with a fixed stall and ask to taste before buying. Good oil has a fruity aroma, a deep green color, and a peppery finish. If it costs too little, it’s probably not good.
Fake Designer Clothes
In Tirana, as in many capitals, there are also fakes of branded clothing (Nike, Adidas, Gucci, etc.). You can find them at makeshift stalls or in some neighborhood shops. The quality is very poor: the prints come off after the first wash, the soles detach, the seams are crooked. Besides the financial damage, there is a risk of incurring customs penalties if you are stopped on your return (in many countries, fakes are seized). If you want sportswear, buy cheap but original Albanian brands. If you want luxury, shop at official stores. Fakes are never worth it.
Electronics of Dubious Origin
Another chapter: electronics sold at rock-bottom prices at stalls or markets. Smartphones, power banks, headphones, chargers. They are almost always counterfeit or poorly refurbished products, often dangerous (batteries can explode). Even if the price is tempting, resist. For electronics, rely on stores with a fixed location and warranty. Prices in Albania are not much lower than in Italy, so it's not worth the risk. If you need an emergency charger, buy it at a supermarket or a recognizable electronics store.
Plants and Animals (live or stuffed)
It seems absurd, but sometimes at markets you find sellers offering small succulents, seeds, or even stuffed animals (birds, small mammals). Don't buy them. The plants could be protected species or otherwise non-compliant with phytosanitary regulations for importation. Stuffed animals are almost always illegal (protected species or specially killed). Purchasing them is a crime in Albania and in your country. Additionally, many of these items are seized at customs, along with a possible fine. Just walk away.
Opening Hours: Don't Buy on the Wrong Days
A common mistake is trying to shop on the wrong days and at the wrong times. On Sunday afternoons, many shops and markets are closed (except for the New Bazaar, which is open until lunch). Museums and galleries close on Mondays. Grocery stores close early on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays. If you need to make a specific purchase, check in advance. Don't arrive at the New Bazaar on Sunday at 3 PM hoping to find everything open. Plan your shopping during the week, in the morning or early afternoon.
Don't Buy Without Bargaining (where possible)
At the New Bazaar and the antique market, the displayed prices are not always the final ones. If you don't bargain, you pay more. It's normal, it's part of the market culture. But be careful: don't bargain in supermarkets, in fixed-price stores, or in restaurants. And don't overdo it: if a seller asks you for little for an item, don't try to lower the price in a humiliating way. Bargaining should be polite, smiling, and based on respect. A good compromise is to ask "What is the best price?" and then decide. If the seller doesn't lower the price, decide whether to buy or walk away.
Avoid Buying at the Airport (Unless for Last Minute)
Tirana airport has duty-free shops and souvenirs, but prices are much higher than in the city. A bottle of raki that costs little in the city costs much more at the airport. The same plastic souvenirs you avoided in the city will be found at the airport at tripled prices. If you can, buy everything in the city before you leave. The only exception: if you forgot to buy a gift for a colleague, you can make up for it at the airport, but know that you will pay a premium.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHAT NOT TO BUY IN TIRANA
Is it safe to buy souvenirs at the New Bazaar?
Yes, at the New Bazaar the prices are fair and the quality is good. It is a covered and regulated market. You can haggle a bit, but don't expect huge discounts. The vendors are fixed and reliable. It's the best place for food and small handmade items.
How do I recognize a fake "craft"?
Look at the materials: if they are synthetic, plasticky, or have crooked seams, it's fake. Real crafts have small imperfections (a sign that they are handmade), natural scents, and materials like wool, cotton, wood, and copper. Ask the vendor "Is it handmade in Albania?" and look them in the eyes. If they hesitate, it's probably not.
Can I buy ancient coins?
If you are an experienced collector, yes, but only from specialized shops with a certificate of authenticity. At the flea market, they are almost always fake. Real ancient coins have a cost and require expertise. For the average tourist, it's better to avoid.
Are packaged food products safe?
Yes, if bought in supermarkets or reliable stores (known brands, label in Albanian or English). Avoid anonymous packaging, without ingredients, without an expiration date. At the New Bazaar, producers with fixed stalls are reliable: get advice.
What are reliable Albanian brands for olive oil?
Lia, Miras, Bylis, Gjergj, Kastrioti. Look for the wording "vaj ulliri ekstra i virgjër" (extra virgin olive oil). The oil should be in a dark glass bottle, with a harvest date. Taste it first if possible: it should be fruity, slightly spicy.
Is it worth buying fake designer clothes in Tirana?
No, never. The quality is terrible, the materials are subpar, and you risk fines at customs. Moreover, you are fueling an illegal market. If you want cheap clothing, buy local brands (e.g. "Alba" or "Tirana Sport") or go to a second-hand store (there are some good ones).
What can I absolutely not bring on a plane from Albania?
Dangerous items (knives, sprays), live or stuffed animals without certificates, plants without a phytosanitary passport, counterfeits (they can be seized), and over 10,000 euros in undeclared cash. For food and alcohol, comply with the liquid regulations.
Can I buy medicine at the pharmacy without a prescription?
Some over-the-counter medicines (antibiotics? no, you need a prescription). Albanian pharmacists may be less strict than Italian ones, but it's risky: dosages or active ingredients may be different. Do not buy medicine without consulting a doctor. Bring from Italy what you need.
Are street vendors reliable?
Generally no, especially for food, alcohol, electronics, and counterfeits. They may be friendly, but their products are often of dubious origin. For a cheap and unpretentious souvenir (e.g. a bracelet), it can be fine, but for important purchases, it's better to go to a store.
What should I do if I bought a counterfeit or a substandard product?
Unfortunately, it's difficult to get a refund from a street vendor or a market. In fixed-location stores, you can try to go back and complain (better if you have the receipt). In general, prevent: only buy in reliable places and don't trust incredible deals.
What Not to Buy in Tirana
Shopping in Tirana is a pleasure if you know what to look for and, above all, what to avoid. Chinese plastic souvenirs, fake antiques, counterfeit clothing, food of dubious origin, and counterfeit electronics are traps that ruin the experience and empty your wallet without giving anything in return. It's better to spend a little more on an authentic product, which might cost less than you think, and that truly tells an Albanian story. Shop mindfully, from the right vendors, in the right places. The New Bazaar, the artisan shops of Blloku, and specialty stores are your allies. Impromptu street vendors, no. Follow these tips, and your souvenirs from Tirana will be precious memories, not regrets.
Do you want to know which authentic souvenirs to bring home instead of these wrong purchases? Don't miss the complete guide to holidays in Tirana with all the tips for smart and responsible shopping in the Albanian capital.
Revision date: June 4, 2026