Grand Park of Tirana (Parku i Madh i Tiranës), also known as Tirana Lake Park, is the largest and most cherished public park in Albania’s capital. Spanning roughly 289 hectares on the south side of the city, it’s a green oasis where locals and visitors escape the urban bustle. Booking a car rental in Tirana downtown is a practical choice for visitors who plan to explore more than just the city center. In this guide, we’ll discuss what the park offers, how to get there, and hidden gems you shouldn't miss on your visit.
The Grand Park of Tirana is the heart of green spaces in Tirana, serving as the city’s main natural refuge.At the centre of the park lies the Lake of Tirana, a large man-made body of water that shapes the park’s landscape. Walking paths circle the lake and are shaded by hundreds of trees, including pines, oaks, and cypresses.
The park is home to nearly 120 species of trees, bushes, and flowers. This botanical diversity keeps the city cooler and the air fresher, which is why it’s often referred to as the lung of the city. Throughout the park, you will also find several notable landmarks. These include Saint Procopius Church, glimpses of the Presidential Palace through the trees, and various memorials and statues of Albanian historical figures.
The Grand Park of Tirana is located in the southern part of Tirana. On a city map, it appears as a large green area surrounding a lake at the southern edge of the capital. The park begins where the city’s main boulevard ends and is easily accessible by following Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard south from Skanderbeg Square, passing the University of Tirana. The distance from the square is about 2 kilometres, which takes around 5 to 10 minutes by car or 20 to 30 minutes on foot.
The park is surrounded by some of Tirana’s most notable districts and landmarks. To the northeast lies Blloku, known for its cafes and nightlife. Along the eastern side runs Elbasan Street, next to the grounds of the Presidential Palace. To the north, the park connects with Mother Teresa Square and the university area. The Botanical Garden and Tirana Zoo are located at the southern end. There are several access points, and the park is open and free to enter from most sides.
From Skanderbeg Square, drive south along Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard, the main boulevard that passes the Pyramid and the Prime Minister’s office. Continue straight past the University of Tirana and towards Mother Teresa Square.
After passing through the roundabout near the university, the boulevard ends, and the green area ahead marks the edge of the park. From here, you can turn onto roads that run alongside the park, such as Rruga Herman Gmeiner or Rruga Liqeni Artificial, depending on where you want to enter.
If you are coming from the eastern parts of the city or the ring road, Elbasan Street runs along the park’s eastern side, providing direct access. Parking is available near the park, particularly at the northern end close to the lake promenade. This public car park usually charges a small fee of around USD 5 for several hours. Additional parking can be found near the Tirana Zoo at the southern end, which is often quieter on weekdays.
The Grand Park of Tirana was created in the mid-20th century, during Albania’s communist period. Construction took place between 1955 and 1956 as part of a wider plan to provide public green space for a growing capital. The design was influenced by a Bulgarian landscaping plan. Before development, the area was largely farmland, locally known as the Gogo Stable.
Once completed, it was officially named the Park of Saint Procopius, after the historic church located within its grounds. Over time, residents began calling it Parku i Madh, or the Park of the Lake, a name that reflects its central role in city life and its reputation as one of the best parks in Tirana.
As Tirana expanded, the park shifted from its original edge position to a central location. During the communist era, it was a popular place for family outings and organised social activities. Important memorials were added, including plaques honouring British, Australian, and German soldiers from World War II, as well as the tombs of the Frashëri brothers. Today, the park hosts concerts, cultural events, and quiet moments of reflection, including a Holocaust Memorial unveiled in 2020.
The Grand Park of Tirana offers a diverse range of experiences, from simple pleasures like walking and picnicking to attractions such as the zoo and botanical garden. Below are some of the park’s highlights and activities:
One of the best ways to experience the Grand Park of Tirana is by taking a walk around the artificial Lake of Tirana. A continuous path circles the lake, forming a loop of about 5 kilometres. Walking the full circuit usually takes just over an hour. The route is mostly flat and paved, with some softer earth trails running alongside in places, which are popular with joggers.
Along the way, you can enjoy views of calm water, ducks gliding across the surface, and the city skyline in the distance. Benches are spaced along the path, and there are lakeside cafés where you can stop for a drink.
You may notice small piers, occasional anglers, and a fountain that sprays water into the air. At the southern end, the dam offers a wide panoramic view back across the lake towards the city. Swimming is not permitted, but a short walk through the park captures its role as a calm, green heart in the middle of Tirana.
If you want to slow down and relax in nature, the Grand Park of Tirana offers many inviting places to unwind. Its green spaces include wide lawns, gentle hills, and wooded corners where you can lie out a blanket or settle on a bench. On warm days, families and friends often gather on the grassy areas, especially along the western and southern shores of the lake. In some areas, picnic tables and stone barbecue grills are available. Sitting with a book or simply watching people pass by is enjoyable, with views across the lake towards Mount Dajti.
If you like to stay active, the Grand Park of Tirana is the best place in the city for running, cycling, and outdoor exercise. The main path around the lake is as a popular jogging route, while smaller paths wind through wooded areas and the hills.
Joggers of all ages use the park daily, especially in the early morning and late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. The full loop measures approximately 5 kilometres. The route is mostly flat, and the main paths are lit in the evening. Cycling is also very popular inside the park. Parts of the lakeside route include cycling lanes. You can bring your own bicycle or rent one near the main entrances, and electric scooters also available in warmer months. There are also basketball and tennis courts nearby.
Tirana Botanical Garden, known locally as Kopshti Botanik, is an extension of the Grand Park of Tirana. It is situated on the southwestern side of the park, adjacent to the Tirana Zoo, and spans approximately 14.5 hectares. The garden features a wide range of plant species native to Albania and the surrounding region. It features an organized botanical section and a more natural landscape, complete with labelled plants, ponds, and winding paths.
The atmosphere here is calmer than around the main lake. There are areas that showcase alpine plants, medicinal herbs, ornamental flowers, and native trees. A highlight is the greenhouse, where tropical and subtropical plants grow in warm, humid conditions. The garden has set visiting hours and is usually open on weekdays from morning until mid-afternoon. It is often closed on weekends.
Located at the southern end of Tirana's Grand Park, the Tirana Zoo is a small, child-friendly attraction. The zoo is situated between the main park lake and the Botanical Garden. The entrance to Kopshti Zoologjik i Tiranës is near the park’s southern edge, around a 15-minute walk from the lake dam.
Many species are native to Albania and the wider Balkans, alongside a small number of more exotic animals. You may see deer, peacocks, goats, sheep, and ponies. In the past, the zoo has also housed bears, wolves, monkeys, birds of prey, and the Albanian eagle. There are shaded paths, basic animal information signs, picnic areas, snack stands, and a small playground. Entry is inexpensive, usually costing only a few USD for adults and less for children. The zoo is generally open daily during daylight hours.
During the summer, the open-air amphitheatre near the lake regularly hosts concerts, film screenings, and live performances. These events are usually free or very low-cost. Cultural festivals also take place at weekends, including traditional dance performances, craft markets, food events, and public art displays.
During spring and autumn, there are often fitness events and charity activities. Group runs, awareness walks, outdoor yoga sessions, and community workouts are common sights, particularly at weekends.On Children’s Day, the park may host games, performances, and family-friendly activities. Dance gatherings sometimes appear near the lake, where music draws in passersby.
The Grand Park of Tirana is the beating heart of the city’s outdoor life. It is an expansive and welcoming place where you can experience nature and the warmth of the Albanian community. Whether you came to seek out the best parks in Tirana for a morning jog, to relax by the lakeside with a coffee, or to explore the small zoo and botanical garden, the Grand Park will exceed your expectations.
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