Is There a Starbucks in Albania? Coffee Culture & Alternatives 2025

As of 2025, Albania does not have any Starbucks locations. Despite the chain’s presence in many nearby European countries, Starbucks has not yet expanded into Albania.

This surprises some travelers, but Albania’s strong local café culture and relatively small market have kept international coffee chains like Starbucks out for now.

Why Starbucks Isn’t in Albania Yet

There are several reasons Starbucks hasn’t opened in Albania:

Local Coffee Culture – Albanians love their traditional espresso bars and coffeehouses, which are deeply woven into everyday life.

Population Size – With around 2.8 million people, Albania is a smaller market compared to neighboring countries.

Affordability – Starbucks tends to be more expensive, while local cafés in Albania serve high-quality espresso at very low prices (often under €1).

Where to Get Coffee in Tirana and Beyond

Even without Starbucks, Albania is full of fantastic places to enjoy coffee. In fact, coffee culture here is so strong that it’s one of the highest per-capita consumers of coffee in Europe.

Top Coffee Spots in Tirana

Komiteti Kafe Museum – A quirky café filled with Albanian antiques, offering both coffee and raki.

Mulliri i Vjetër – A popular local chain often compared to Starbucks, with multiple locations across Tirana.

New Bazaar Cafés – Outdoor cafés around Pazari i Ri where locals gather for espresso and conversation.

Coffee in Other Cities

Shkodër: Street cafés on every corner, perfect for sipping macchiatos while people-watching.

Vlorë & Sarandë: Seaside coffee shops with views of the Ionian Sea.

Korçë: Known for its café culture and as one of the most traditional cities for coffee.

Hours of Operation

Most Albanian cafés open early in the morning and stay open until late at night. On average:

Standard Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Beach Resorts: May stay open later, especially in summer

Small Town Cafés: Often close earlier, around 9:00–10:00 PM

Starbucks Alternatives in Albania

While Starbucks hasn’t arrived yet, several Albanian coffee chains fill the gap:

Mulliri i Vjetër: Widely considered the Albanian equivalent of Starbucks, with cozy interiors and a menu of lattes, cappuccinos, and desserts.

Mon Cheri Coffee Shop: A modern café chain with stylish designs, offering both coffee and pastries.

Espressamente illy: Italian-inspired coffee shops with premium espresso options.

Will Starbucks Open in Albania?

It’s possible, especially as tourism in Albania continues to grow. Cities like Tirana, Durrës, and Sarandë are attracting international investment, and Starbucks may eventually see potential here. If Starbucks does arrive, the first store would likely open in Tirana International Airport (TIA) or inside a major shopping mall in the capital.

Quick FAQs

Q: Is there a Starbucks in Tirana?
A: No, there are currently no Starbucks locations in Tirana or anywhere in Albania.

Q: What is the Albanian version of Starbucks?
A: Chains like Mulliri i Vjetër and Mon Cheri Coffee Shop provide a similar experience.

Q: How much does coffee cost in Albania?
A: A simple espresso usually costs €0.50–€1.50, much cheaper than Starbucks prices elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

So, is there Starbucks in Albania? No — not yet. But that doesn’t mean coffee lovers will be disappointed. Albania has one of the richest café cultures in Europe, with countless local spots offering espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes at a fraction of the price.

If Starbucks does eventually arrive, it will add to the variety. Until then, exploring Albania’s local cafés is part of the authentic travel experience.