Now a nightlife hotspot , the Block was once the refuge of Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha . The block is now home to several bars and restaurants including the popular restaurant Bar Zar which has been open for over 20 years. `` We wanted to see Albania because not many people back home know anything , '' says Alexei , a French backpacker cycling to Istanbul through the Balkans . Some complain the area has been gentrified beyond the reach of locals .
Now a nightlife hotspot , the Block was once the refuge of Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha . The block is now home to several bars and restaurants including the popular restaurant Bar Zar which has been open for over 20 years. Some complain the area has been gentrified beyond the reach of locals .