Gjirokastër Walking Tour: Bazaar, Bridge, Castle & Zekate House

Three hours, two routes: bazaar and bridge, or castle and Ottoman mansion

This is a walking tour of Gjirokastër led by a local guide in English, covering the Old Bazaar and your choice of either the Ali Pasha Bridge route or the UNESCO Castle and Zekate House. You pick which option suits your interests when you book. The tour requires a minimum of two people and takes three hours total.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Gjirokastër's historic sites

• Visit the Old Bazaar
• Explore ancient houses of Cfaka
• Walk through Dunavat area
• Cross Ali Pasha Bridge

The Experience

The tour starts in the Old Bazaar, the historic heart of Gjirokastër. From there, the route splits depending on which option you choose at checkout. The Ali Pasha Bridge route takes you through Cfaka and Dunavat, climbing to scenic hills before reaching the bridge itself. The Castle and Zekate House route ascends to the UNESCO-listed Castle for views across the city, then visits Zekate House, a preserved Ottoman-era building with its own history. Both routes are walkable for all fitness levels, though the Castle option involves climbing to higher elevation.

A local guide leads the group in English throughout the three hours, pointing out details and stories most visitors miss on their own. The guide is included with your booking. You'll need at least one other person in your group for the tour to run—it requires a minimum of two participants. Infants and small children can come along in a pram or stroller, and small children sit on an adult's lap during any seated moments. Public transportation options are available nearby if you need to reach the meeting point.

What’s included

Local English-speaking guide; three-hour walking route through the Old Bazaar and either the Ali Pasha Bridge (with Cfaka and Dunavat) or the UNESCO Castle and Zekate House (your choice at checkout).

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by My Tour in Albania

Is this one for you?Book the Ali Pasha Bridge route if you want a mix of bazaar, historic houses and a scenic outdoor walk to a landmark bridge. Choose the Castle and Zekate House route if you prefer the bazaar combined with hilltop views and a close look at a preserved Ottoman interior—both fit the same three-hour window, so the choice is purely which stops matter most to you.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the two Gjirokastër walking tour options?

The Old Bazaar and Ali Pasha Bridge route takes you through historic houses in Cfaka and Dunavat, then to the bridge across scenic hills. The Castle and Zekate House route climbs to the UNESCO Castle for city views, then visits the Ottoman-era Zekate House. Both start in the Old Bazaar and run three hours with a guide.

How many people do I need in my group to book this tour?

A minimum of two people is required for the tour to operate. You can book for more, but the tour won't run with just one participant.

Is the walking tour suitable for children?

Yes, the tour is suitable for all fitness levels. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and small children sit on an adult's lap as needed. The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What language is the guide in?

The guide leads the tour in English and is a local who knows Gjirokastër's history and hidden corners.

How long does the walking tour take?

The tour runs for three hours total, covering either the bazaar and Ali Pasha Bridge route or the bazaar, castle and Zekate House route depending on which option you select.