It is one of the most modern stadiums in the Balkans. It opened in 2019 and its capacity is 22,500 seats. As a stadium, it has Italian architecture, as the head of the construction was Marco Casamonti. Some call it a red and black theatre, referring to the colors of the Albanian national flag. The shape is characterized by hollow and curved walls.The stadium has gone down in history as it hosted the first ever UEFA Europa Conference League final in May 2022. It is located on the site of the old national stadium of Tirana, Qemal Stafa Stadium. Around the stadium you will find commercial department stores, restaurants and cafes.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO ARENA KOMBETARE
*** BUS: L2
TIRANA: THE COLORFUL CITY OF THE BALKANS
It is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Balkans. The rich history of the city, the wonderful nature, the cultural monuments and the warmth of the inhabitants will lead you to fall in love with it from the first time you visit it. The restored buildings in the center, the melodies of the many traditional songs, the explosion of colors in the buildings and the cosmopolitan aura it gives off, is a magical combination to enchant you.
Currency: Albanian Lek
Calling Code: +355
Nearest airports from city center: Tirana Airport (17km), Kukes Airport (152km), Podgorica Airport (164km), Kastoria Airport (227km), Pristina Airport (245km), Dubrovnik Airport (267km), Ioannina Airport (311km), Skopje Airport (319km), Thessaloniki Airport (427km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** SKENDERBEJ SQUARE (Plaza Tirana, Skender Bey Square, Tirana 1001)
It is the meeting point for the locals and basically your tour of the city should start from here.
*** NATIONAL HISTORICAL MUSEUM (Skënderbej Square 7, Tirana 1001)
It is the most important museum in Albania and accurately describes the history of the country from antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, Independence, the National Liberation struggle, the period of Communism, Mother Teresa, etc.
*** ET’ HEM BEJ MOSQUE (AL, Skenderbej Square, 1000)
The foundation stones were laid in the late 18th century and it was completed in the mid 19th century. During the fall of communism in 1991 tens of thousands of people gathered to honor Islam. See the magnificent architecture, exquisite decorations, frescoes and ceilings from oriental traditions.
*** BUNK’ART (Fadil Deliu Street, Tirana 1001)
It will take you on a journey through the reign of communist dictator Enver Hoxha, who built a huge bunker to protect himself and his government. Locals describe it as a symbol of political paranoia.
*** NATIONAL ARCHAELOGICAL MUSEUM (3 Mother Teresa Square, Tirana 1010)
Opened in 1948 and it was the first museum to open in the country after World War II. It hosts exhibits from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.
*** CLOCK TOWER
It is one of the most photographed spots in the city. It dates from 1822 and if you climb to the top of the tower, you will have a panoramic view of Tirana.
*** HOUSE OF LEAVES (8RG8+MHG, Tirana)
For those who want to see the hidden files and books of the National Intelligence Service during the communist regime, then you have come to the right place. During World War II it was used by the German Gestapo and after the end of the war the Albanian communist regime used it as a security office for investigations.
*** TIRANA CASTLE (Murat Toptani Promenade, Tirana)
It is referred to as Justinian’s Fortress and was once the intersection of the main east-west and north-south roads. It is of the Byzantine era and dates from 1300. Visit the “Old Bazaar” of the castle.
*** TANNERS’ BRIDGE (Bulevardi “Jean D’Arc, Tirana)
It is an Ottoman stone bridge that is 8 meters long and dates from the 18th century. It is one of the most important cultural heritage monuments of the city.
*** ALBANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH (Orthodox Cathedral ‘Resurrection of Christ’, Ibrahim Rugova Street 1, Tirana 1001)
It was opened in 2012 and is one of the largest churches in the Balkans. It also includes the Chapel of the Nativity, the residence of the Holy Synod and a small museum.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** Grand Park of Tirana is an ideal place to take a walk and relax.
*** Ismail Kadare house museum Tirana dedicated to the famous novelist Ismail Kadare deserves your attention.
*** Women’s Museum and The Museum of the Bank of Albania are two places worth visiting if you have free time.
*** Skanderbeg Monument is one of the most photographed spots in the city.
*** If you have time, take a walk to the Bektashi World Center.
*** National Gallery of Arts and Gallery 43 are two places that art lovers will fall in love with.
*** We would recommend a walk to Sali Shijaku’s old villa which was built three centuries ago and belonged to the Albanian famous painter, Sali Shijaku, where he lives and works.
FOOD AND DRINK
Tirana is a culinary paradise and you can find cuisines from many parts of the world. From America to Asia and from the Mediterranean to the East. Try the local cuisine and you will be impressed. In particular, order qifqi, dolma, free, tavë kosi, byrek and tarator. Nice sweets worth visiting are kadaifi and trilece. Albanian cuisine is mainly Mediterranean and includes seafood, fish, meat, vegetables and plenty of oil. Beer and raki are two drinks worth pairing with your meal.
WHERE TO STAY
You will find many hotels and apartments both in the city center and at a distance of 10km from the centre. You will find many options for all budgets.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** Shëtitorja Murat Toptani is a place worth walking and you will find many shops.
*** For your shopping it is worth visiting Albania Shopping, Toptani, LC Waikiki, Tirana Ring Center, Arena Center, Madison Avenue Myslym Shyri and QTU – Qendra Tregtare Univers.
*** Myslym Shyri Street and Çam Street are two streets with many shops to buy souvenirs.
*** If you like paintball, then you will have the opportunity in the city to find many places to have fun with your favorite sport.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot, by bike or by bus.
CITIES NEAR TIRANA
Major cities close to Tirana are Durres (36km), Elbasan (42km), Shkoder (101km), Ohrid (133km), Kastoria (221km), Tetovo (250km), Pristina (259km), Skopje (299km), Ioannina (315km), Sarajevo (390km), Thessaloniki (403km).
