> Where to stay in Gjirokastër — the UNESCO old bazaar and stone-house quarter — with the best traditional guesthouses and boutique hotels, budget tips and what to expect.

*Source : https://hotels4travelers.com/blog/where-to-stay-in-gjirokaster/*

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# Where to stay in Gjirokastër, Albania: best Ottoman-era stays

January 28, 2026 · by Sébastien Joumel

![Where to stay in Gjirokastër, Albania: best Ottoman-era stays](https://hotels4travelers.com/img/gjirokaster/hero.jpg)

Gjirokastër — the "city of stone" — tumbles down a hillside in slate-roofed Ottoman houses below a brooding castle. Staying in one of those restored houses, rather than a modern hotel below, is what makes a visit here special. Here's how to choose.

Quick picks

-   **Best for atmosphere:** the old bazaar & stone-house quarter.
-   **Best for ease:** hotels lower down (parking, modern comfort).
-   **Prices:** guesthouses from ~$25; boutique stays modest by EU standards.

## The old town (Pazari i Vjetër)

The heart of Gjirokastër is the cobbled old bazaar and the steep lanes of Ottoman mansions around it. Staying here — in a restored stone house with carved wooden ceilings and a view over the rooftops — is the experience. Traditional guesthouses and small boutique hotels (e.g. **Hotel Gjirokastra**, **Stone City** guesthouses) put you steps from the bazaar, the castle and the best restaurants.

The trade-off: steep, cobbled streets and limited car access — charming, but pack light and wear good shoes.

## Lower town — convenience & parking

Below the old town, modern hotels (such as **Kerculla Resort** on the hillside) offer easier parking, pools and panoramic views back at the stone city. Choose these for comfort and a car-based trip; choose the old town for immersion.

![Gjirokastër old town and castle](https://hotels4travelers.com/img/gjirokaster/1.jpg)

Gjirokastër's slate-roofed houses below the castle — stay up here for the atmosphere.

**Tip:** If you're driving, ask your guesthouse where to park — the old-town lanes are narrow and steep, and most visitors leave the car at the edge and walk in.

## Gjirokastër FAQ

### Is Gjirokastër worth an overnight?

Yes — evenings in the bazaar after the day-trippers leave, and the castle at golden hour, are the highlights. It also pairs well with Berat and the south-coast beaches.

### Old town or new town?

Old town for atmosphere and walkability; lower town for parking, pools and modern comfort.

## Compare hotels in Gjirokastër

See traditional guesthouses and hotels with live prices across Gjirokastër and our other destinations on our [destinations page](https://hotels4travelers.com/destinations/).

[→ Compare hotels across all our destinations](https://hotels4travelers.com/destinations/)

SJ

Written & researched by Sébastien Joumel Entrepreneur and travel enthusiast · founder of Hotels4Travelers

I personally research the destinations we cover — comparing prices, reading reviews and digging into neighbourhoods — to help you travel smarter, off the beaten track.