The back story
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The back story
The Grand Park and the southern boulevard, the back story
How Tirana’s southern edge, from Mother Teresa Square to the artificial lake, became the city’s favourite place to walk, run and breathe.
Neighbourhood guide · southern Tirana
Grand Park & the Lake: Our Favourites
The Grand Park and its lake, the zoo and the Botanical Garden, Mother Teresa Square, the University and the stadium, with where to eat and stay.
What's onThis week in Tirana
What to see
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A lake in the city
Grand Park & Artificial Lake
The big park south of the centre, around an artificial lake with paths, cafés and woods.
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Begun in 1964
Tirana Botanical Garden
The University of Tirana’s botanical garden at the southern end of the Grand Park, begun in 1964 and finished in 1971.
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Reopened in 2022
Zoopark Tirana
Albania’s only zoo, between the Grand Park and the Botanical Garden, reopened in 2022 after a renovation.
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A hidden British story
Commonwealth War Cemetery
A small Commonwealth War Graves cemetery in the Grand Park for British soldiers who died in Albania in the Second World War.
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The end of the boulevard
Mother Teresa Square
The square at the southern end of the main boulevard, in front of the University, named after Mother Teresa.
Sheshi Nënë TerezaExplore View on map
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Gherardo Bosio’s design
University of Tirana
The main building of the University of Tirana, designed by Gherardo Bosio around 1940, closing the end of the boulevard.
Sheshi Nënë TerezaExplore View on map
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Albania’s national stadium
Arena Center & Air Albania Stadium
The 22,500-seat national stadium opened in 2019, wrapped in a shopping and hotel complex with a 112-metre tower.
Rruga Muhamet GjolleshaExplore View on map
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A turbine lab reborn
ArTurbina
A multifunctional arts centre opened in 2018 in a former hydro-turbine laboratory near the Grand Park.
Rruga Sami FrashëriExplore View on map
Where to eat
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Albanian produce, reimagined
Mullixhiu
Chef Bledar Kola’s restaurant by the Grand Park, cooking with forgotten Albanian recipes, grains and produce.
Rruga Lazgush PoradeciExplore View on map
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Eggs Benedict all day
Tony’s
A breakfast and brunch restaurant with two branches, by the lake and behind the Pyramid.
Rruga Sami FrashëriExplore View on map
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Breakfast from 7am
Café Momus
An Italian-Mediterranean café-restaurant serving breakfast from early morning, plus pasta and lunches.
Rruga PanoramaExplore View on map
Cafés and active
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Views of the lake
Kitchen Bar
A café-bar with views over the Grand Park lake, a play area for children and pizza on the menu.
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Sweet, savoury, special
Creperie PNL
A crêperie on Rruga Sami Frashëri opposite the Petro Nini Luarasi school, with sweet, savoury and special crêpes.
Rruga Sami FrashëriExplore View on map
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Mat and Reformer Pilates
ANIMO Studio
A Pilates studio by the lake offering Reformer classes of up to eight people, mat classes and private sessions.
Rezidenca Green Valley, Liqeni i ThatëExplore View on map
Where to stay
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A garden on the boulevard
Rogner Hotel Tirana
A long-established five-star hotel on the main boulevard, with gardens and a pool.
Bulevardi Dëshmorët e KombitExplore View on map
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By the university
Tirana Marriott Hotel
An international hotel on Italia Square, near the university and the Grand Park.
Arena Center, Rruga Muhamet GjolleshaExplore View on map
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Near the Grand Park
Mak Albania
A large four-star hotel near the Grand Park and the Lake.
Sheshi ItaliaExplore View on map
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Pastel rooms by the park
Iliria Boutique Hotel
A colourful boutique hotel with fifteen pastel bedrooms by the Grand Park, a short walk from the stadium.
Rruga e Elbasanit 1Explore View on map
Share your Grand Park & the Lake tips
Been there? Share your experience and tips with other visitors.
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