Your stay — Old Bazaar Rooms
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The Property — Old Bazaar Rooms
Old Bazaar Rooms sits in a converted 19th-century merchant’s house on the cobbled main alley of Korçë’s historic bazaar. The lobby smells of beeswax and old wood, with exposed stone walls, a tiled stove and a low, beamed ceiling that feels genuinely time-worn, not stage-set. It’s a three-star by design — simple, clean en-suite rooms with solid wooden beds and good linen — not a budget afterthought. Best suited to travellers who want to wake up and walk straight into the market action, not those needing a pool or a restaurant.
Chronicles of Korce
Korçë was founded in the late 15th century as a trading settlement under Ottoman rule, then rebuilt on a grid plan after a devastating fire in 1850. That rebuild gave the city its distinctive mix of wide boulevards, pastel-coloured Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque villas, and narrow bazaar lanes. Under communist rule, Korçë was a centre for industry and education, which left it with wide parks and Neoclassical public buildings that survive today. Since the 1990s, it has leaned into its reputation as Albania’s cultural capital, with the National Museum of Medieval Art, a thriving café scene on Boulevard Shën Gjergji, and a strong local tradition of serenades, woven rugs and slow-roasted lamb.
Best Time to Visit
Full Korce guide →Best months
June and September offer very warm days (25-30°C) with low humidity and far fewer tourists than July-August. The bazaar is pleasant in the morning light, and the surrounding Morava Mountains are still accessible for day hikes.
Peak / festival surge
July is the absolute peak month, driven by the Korçë Beer Festival (late July), which draws regional crowds and blocks off the bazaar. Hotel prices in the Old Bazaar area can double or triple during the festival; book six months ahead. Outside that week, the city is busy but not overwhelming, with stiff competition for the best rooms.
Budget shoulder season
May and October are the best shoulder months. May flowers, 20-25°C days, and very few foreigners. October is cooler (10-18°C) but sunny, and prices for budget hotels like this one often drop by 30-40% from July highs.
Weather & packing
Korçë sits at 850 metres, so summer nights drop to 12-15°C even after 30°C days — a light jacket or fleece is essential for evening bazaar strolls. Pack one sturdy layer and a waterproof top: July can have sudden afternoon thundershowers, though they usually clear within an hour.
Live City Briefing — Korce
- The main pedestrian street, Boulevard Shën Gjergji, has new paving and bike racks completed in spring 2025; traffic remains restricted on weekends.
- The 2025 Korçë Beer Festival is scheduled for 25-28 July, so expect road closures and lighter foot traffic on the bazaar's east side from the afternoon onwards.
- Several new craft shops and a small artisan chocolate workshop have opened on the bazaar's 'Rruga e Dritës' lane since late 2024, shifting the area away from souvenir kitsch.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Old Bazaar Rooms, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the first floor (above ground level) facing the inner courtyard. The first floor avoids street noise and is easily reachable without the lift, which can be slow in older buildings.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor facing the street — these pick up foot traffic and bar noise from the bazaar area. Rooms near the lift shaft on upper floors can also be noisy due to mechanical sounds.
Best views
Rooms overlooking the inner courtyard offer a peaceful view of local gardens and rooftops, not the bazaar street. Side windows may catch the old minaret or mountain glimpses.
Quietest floors
First and second floors are typically quietest — furthest from street level while still accessible by stairs if the lift is busy.
🔊 Noise notes
The Old Bazaar is lively until late, especially on weekends. Street-facing rooms get chatter, music from nearby cafes, and occasional vehicle noise. The lift (if present) can clank on upper floors.
Insider tips
1) If you drive, ask about free street parking behind the bazaar — the hotel may not advertise it. 2) Request a room with a small balcony (if available) for morning coffee without street hubbub.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Old Bazaar Rooms
Free, average speed 15 Mbps; no login, just connect and accept terms
No lift; all rooms on first floor via stairs (no ground-floor rooms)
No digital newsstand or physical papers; building is a restored Ottoman-era bazaar house with exposed stone walls and wooden ceilings
Check-in from 14:00 to 22:00; early bag drop from 10:00 free; late check-out until 14:00 for 1500 ALL, subject to availability
Free, behind the front desk, no lockers
Not wheelchair-accessible; narrow staircase, no ramp at entrance, no accessible bathroom
No on-site parking; free street parking on Rruga Midhi Kostani (unmarked, but safe); nearest paid garage is Parkimi Qendror at 200 ALL per night, 5 mins walk
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 210 ALL per person per night, paid at check-in
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking; a 5000 ALL incidental hold on a credit card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: Xhamia e Iljaz Mirahorit (327 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Kisha "Ungjilli i Krishtit" Korçë (330 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Kisha e Shën Mërisë dhe e Shën së Premtes (681 m · ~9 min walk)
- Church: Kisha e Lirë Apostolike e Ditës së Rreshajeve (801 m · ~10 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Parku Vangjush Mio — 586 m · ~7 min walk
Muzeu Gjon Mili — 662 m · ~8 min walk
Teatri "Andon Zako Çajupi" — 424 m · ~5 min walk
Park One — 1.9 km · ~23 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 445 m · ~6 min walk
Mikel Qaja — 249 m · ~3 min walk
Aliçka — 70 m · ~1 min walk
Terminali i Autobusave Korçë — 828 m · ~10 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Albanian Lek, ALL
Use ATMs in Korçë for the best rates; avoid currency exchange at the airport or tourist bureaus as they offer poor rates. Many banks have ATMs that dispense lek.
Cards are widely accepted in hotels, supermarkets, and larger restaurants in the city centre, but smaller cafes and local shops often prefer cash. Contactless is common only in modern outlets.
Rounding up the bill for good service in restaurants is standard (5-10%). Taxis do not expect tips, and hotel staff appreciate a small tip for service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Standard espresso or filter coffee from a street kiosk or cafe, around 50-80 lek.
A byrek (savoury pastry) or a simple sandwich from a bakery, around 150-250 lek.
A main course at a local taverna, such as grilled meat or a stew, typically 300-500 lek.
Cheap eats are found around the central market and main pedestrian street, where you can buy byrek, kebabs, or simite (bread rings) for very little.
Supermarket chains like Conad and EKO are common in Korçë for affordable groceries.
For cheap clothes, visit the local bazaar (Pazari i Vjetër) or market stalls near the city centre for second-hand bargains.
Walking is the cheapest way to get around the compact centre. For longer trips, minibuses (furgons) cost around 30-100 lek per ride. To reach Korçë from Tirana airport, take a bus to the city centre then a furgon (around 500-700 lek total one way).
Eat at local bakeries for breakfast and lunch rather than cafes. Buy fresh produce from the morning market for self-catering. Always carry small-denomination lek notes to avoid change problems.
Emergency Contacts
KorceFor general emergencies, dial 112 (EU standard number). In Korçë, the main police station is on Rruga Gjergj Kastrioti. For medical emergencies, the Regional Hospital is at Rruga Haki Shehu. Keep local SIM or note these numbers as mobile coverage can be patchy in the mountains.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Korce, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Old Bazaar Rooms
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 445 m · ~6 min walk — pharmacy · Mikel Qaja — 249 m · ~3 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Korce bus station (south end of town, near the stadium) → Hostel Xharshe (Bulevardi Shqiponja 12)
💡 Don't get into a taxi without agreeing the fare first. From the bus station, it's a flat 200 Lek. For longer trips within town, never pay more than 400 Lek. Drivers are usually honest but always have small change.
Korce bus station (also called 'Autostacioni i Korces') → Qendra (city centre, near Rinia Park – 2-min walk to hostel)
💡 Buses are battered minibuses (furgons) – wave them down anywhere along the route. Pay the driver as you board. For Hostel Xharshe, get off just after the 'Kafe Flora' corner; walk east 100m. Not recommended with large luggage.
Tirana International Airport (TIA) → Korce city centre (near Hotel Xharshe, Bulevardi Shqiponja)
💡 Buy tickets at the kiosk just outside arrivals – avoid touts. The bus drops you on the main boulevard, a 5-min walk from the hostel. If it's late, taxis from the bus stop to hostel are cheap (€2).
Tirana International Airport (TIA) → Hostel Xharshe, Korce
💡 Use 'Taxi Albania' app or ask hostel to arrange – they'll quote €65 flat. Cash is fine (Euros or Lek). Drivers often stop at the Qafë Thana pass viewpoint for photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Old Bazaar Rooms?
Request a room on the first floor (above ground level) facing the inner courtyard. The first floor avoids street noise and is easily reachable without the lift, which can be slow in older buildings.
Which rooms should I avoid at Old Bazaar Rooms?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor facing the street — these pick up foot traffic and bar noise from the bazaar area. Rooms near the lift shaft on upper floors can also be noisy due to mechanical sounds.
Is Old Bazaar Rooms noisy?
The Old Bazaar is lively until late, especially on weekends. Street-facing rooms get chatter, music from nearby cafes, and occasional vehicle noise. The lift (if present) can clank on upper floors.
Which rooms have the best views at Old Bazaar Rooms?
Rooms overlooking the inner courtyard offer a peaceful view of local gardens and rooftops, not the bazaar street. Side windows may catch the old minaret or mountain glimpses.
What are insider tips for staying at Old Bazaar Rooms?
1) If you drive, ask about free street parking behind the bazaar — the hotel may not advertise it. 2) Request a room with a small balcony (if available) for morning coffee without street hubbub.
What time is check-in at Old Bazaar Rooms?
Check-in at Old Bazaar Rooms is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Old Bazaar Rooms have Wi-Fi?
Free, average speed 15 Mbps; no login, just connect and accept terms
Is there a city or tourist tax at Old Bazaar Rooms?
210 ALL per person per night, paid at check-in
Where can I eat cheaply near Old Bazaar Rooms?
A byrek (savoury pastry) or a simple sandwich from a bakery, around 150-250 lek.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Old Bazaar Rooms?
Walking is the cheapest way to get around the compact centre. For longer trips, minibuses (furgons) cost around 30-100 lek per ride. To reach Korçë from Tirana airport, take a bus to the city centre then a furgon (around 500-700 lek total one way).
When is the best time to visit Korce?
June and September offer very warm days (25-30°C) with low humidity and far fewer tourists than July-August. The bazaar is pleasant in the morning light, and the surrounding Morava Mountains are still accessible for day hikes.
Top Attractions in Korce
💡 Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and see local craftsmen at work.
💡 Buy a pastry from a nearby byrek shop and eat it on the bench by the lake—locals do this at lunch.
💡 Climb the bell tower just before sunset for panoramic views over the city.
💡 The coin collection and bronze figurines upstairs are the real highlights—most people rush through.
💡 The basement vault has the least-known but most striking icons—don’t skip it.