Shkodër's position makes it an excellent base for exploring northern Albania. The mountain villages of Theth and Valbonë are the most visited day trips — though "day trip" undersells it, as the drive to Theth on the unpaved mountain road is a serious undertaking that most people combine with at least one night. The scenery is extraordinary: river gorges, waterfalls, and the grey limestone peaks of the Accursed Mountains.
The Lake Shkodër shoreline on the Montenegrin side is also accessible as a day excursion — cross the border at Muriqan and drive around to Virpazar, a small town on the lake with good fish restaurants. The border crossing is straightforward if you hold an EU passport or have a Montenegrin visa.