Just by looking at the map you will notice a large white area right in the middle of Tirana, which is Skanderbeg Square(Sheshi Skënderbej). The largest square in the whole of Albania and the centrepiece of the whole city, it covers an area of almost 40,000^m2.

The square is dominated by the equestrian statue of the Albanian national hero Skanderbeg and is lined with administrative, governmental and cultural buildings. Skanderbeg Square serves as a meeting place for Tiranians and also as the main gathering point for events ranging from New Year's Eve celebrations, demonstrations and celebrations of sporting achievements.

The plaza was built in 1930 and completely renovated between 2016 and 2018, with most of it now serving as a pedestrian zone.

A transport and cultural hub

Most of the city's bus routes start or end directly on the square or in close proximity to it, and all of Tirana's main streets converge here. So you're sure to pass through the square several times on your travels through Tirana.

The entire eastern side of the square is occupied by the National Opera and Ballet building from the 1970s, the northwestern side is occupied by the National History Museum, the southern side is dominated by the Orthodox modern cathedral, the equestrian statue of Skanderbeg, the city hall, and to the south-east you can visit the huge shopping centre.

Skanderbeg statue

Buses to the airport on the east side of the square

National Historical Museum

Accommodation on the square

If you're looking for the most central location to live near the bus stops to the airport, the area around Skanderbeg Square is the best choice. Right in the square area, you can use one of the most famous hotels in the city Tirana International Hotel **** with rates starting at 62 eur per night.

Of the well rated hotels under 44 eur per night we would recommend right on the square Prime Hotel *** or Hotel Oresti Center ***.

Smaller private guesthouses also offer prices below 33 eur D1 Hostel or Europa Apartment.

Important bus stops

Because the square is so large, we have included links to the exact locations on the map of the most important bus stops around the square.

Airport direction: east side, Rruga Ludovik Shllaku Street (see location on the map)
direction international and domestic bus station for most directions except south-west: buses of lines "Tirane-Kamez" and "L.5/A" or "L.5/B", Rruga Dedë Gjo Luli street behind the museum (see location on map)
direction Elbasan bus station, Pogradec, Gramsh, Korce, Belsh: bus lines L.9/B (not L.9/A) and L.8, Xhorxh W. Bush street in front of the shopping centre (see location on map)
direction Dajti cable car: bus line L.11, opposite the airport bus stop (see location on map)