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Turne dhe Aktivitete

Turne dhe Aktivitete përbën një gamë të gjerë të eksperiencave dhe aktiviteteve që ofrohen për turistët dhe udhëtarët në një destinacion të caktuar. Këto eksperienca mund të përfshijnë udhëtime turistike, udhëtime me udhëtime me anije, udhëtime me autobus, vizita në atraksione turistike, aventura natyrore, gara sportive, gatim tradicional dhe shumë të tjera. Qëllimi i këtyre aktiviteteve është të ofrojnë një përvojë të paharrueshme dhe të zbukurojnë udhëtimin e udhëtarëve në një destinacion të ri.

"Rent a car" është shërbimi i ofrimit të automjeteve të më qira. Kjo është një mënyrë e lehtë dhe të përshtatshme për të marrë një makinë për përdorim të shkurtër ose të gjatë periudhës. Mund të zgjidhni makina të ndryshme sipas preferencave tuaja, dhe mund t'i përdorni ato për udhëtime personale, biznes, pushime, apo ndonjë nevojë tjetër. Përdorimi i shërbimit "rent a car" është zakonisht i shoqëruar me një tarifë ditore ose javore dhe ka nevojë për një marrëveshje kontrate të thjeshtë.

Rezervoni hotele

"Rezervoni hotele" është një shërbim që ju lejon të zgjidhni dhe të blini akomodime në hotele dhe shërbime të tjera të ndërlidhura me qëndrimin tuaj gjatë udhëtimit. Kjo përfshin zgjedhjen e një hoteli, dhomës, datave të qëndrimit, numrit e vizitorëve, dhe më pas pagesën për të siguruar vendin tuaj të qëndrimit. Kjo është një mënyrë e lehtë dhe efikase për të organizuar akomodimin tuaj gjatë udhëtimit dhe për të garantuar një vend në një hotel të preferuar.

Wander-Lush

12 Things to Do in Pristina: A Culture-Filled, Coffee-Fueled Travel Guide to Kosovo’s Capital City

Bazaars, museums, architecture and designer cafes – Kosovo’s biggest city does it all incredibly well. This culture and coffee-oriented guide covers the best things to do in Pristina Kosovo plus recommended side trips.

Of all the big Balkan cities I visited on my six-month trip around the region, I think Pristina (also written as Prishtina or Prishtinë) surprised me the most.

As well as being the youngest European capital, it’s definitely one of the most underrated .

Unlike many first-time travellers to Kosovo , we didn’t start our trip in Pristina, we ended it there. I’m not sure if my impressions would be different had we done our Kosovo itinerary in reverse, but ending in the capital was the right choice for us and certainly felt like finishing on a high.

Prizren is considered Kosovo’s cultural hub, Gjakova the prettiest city , and Peja is the gateway to nature. Having already experienced all three, we found Pristina, the largest city and most cosmopolitan, to be a nice combination of all of the above – with some unexpected and fascinating architecture thrown in.

Laid-back and lively all at once, with a hip cafe and bar scene and some fantastic outdoor public spaces, Pristina is a beautiful city and one of my top choices to include on your Balkans itinerary.

Here are my favourite things to do in Pristina plus a map, travel tips, suggested Pristina itinerary, and more.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Where to stay in Pristina

Pristina offers a good mix of budget and mid-range accommodations plus plenty of apartment rentals. It’s also home to the finest boutique hotel in Kosovo, the social-focused Hotel Gračanica.

Boutique: If you want to experience Kosovo’s first boutique hotel, Swiss-run and multi-ethnic-owned Hotel Gračanica is superbly styled, with a luxurious pool and an on-site restaurant. It’s located 15-20 minutes’ by taxi (a 5 Euro fare) from Pristina, close to Gračanica Monastery. Even if you aren’t staying the night, you can still visit for the day – you’ll find it featured later on my list of things to do in Pristina.

Mid-range: Stay Ok is a good no-frills choice. A room at City Inn will set you back a few more Euro, but the stylish decor and central location are worth it.

Budget: ODA Hostel (dorms + privates with shared bathroom) is the top choice among Pristina’s hostels.

Self-contained: When researching for our visit, we were surprised at how many cool apartment rentals there are in Pristina. We ended up staying at an Airbnb inside the iconic Kurrizi Complex. I’ve gone to the liberty of curating a list of the city’s most stylish Airbnb apartments – find it here .

Getting around Pristina

Pristina city centre is compact and flat; everything on this list (apart from Hotel Gračanica and the Bear Sanctuary Pristina) can be reached from the centre on foot. 

A DIY walking tour is a great way to take in the highlights. Information tablets have been placed throughout the city to mark important landmarks, and there are large tourist maps positioned prominently on every other block.

Just know that Google Maps isn’t always reliable, especially on the back streets around the Ethnographic Museum.

I’ll admit that I don’t know anything about public transport in Pristina because we never had occasion to use it. You can read-up on Pristina’s city buses here .

If you prefer to explore the city with a guide, I recommend this private 3-hour walking tour of the city centre .

12 wonderful things to do in Pristina

Wandering what to do in Pristina? Here’s my culture and coffee filled guide to the best things to do.

1. Climb the cathedral tower for a view of the city

Whenever I arrive in a new city, I like to start with a bird’s eye view so I can better visualise its size and layout. By this stage of my Balkans trip, I honestly couldn’t count the number of clock towers, bell towers, fortresses and hillocks I’ve climbed!

The tower adjoining the Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa is the best vantage point in Pristina and a must-do. From 250 feet up, you can look down on Miti Park and the iconic National Library of Kosovo to the east. To the south and west, Pristina’s suburbs – huge conglomerations of socialistic-style concrete blocks – roll out along sparkling highways.

The tower is accessible by elevator and entrance costs 1 Euro. There are no official opening hours that I could find, but locals assure me the tower is open daily until sunset, with a short break in the middle of the day for lunch.

2. Go inside the Cathedral of Saint Mother Theresa

While you’re there, take a moment to visit the church itself. The biggest Catholic cathedral in Kosovo, it only opened to worshipers in 2009.

I’ve really enjoyed observing the differences between Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches in the Balkans, and the contrast in Pristina couldn’t be starker. Everything is shiny and new, and the sparsely decorated, spacious interior truly sparkles.

Take note of the stained glass windows that line both sides of Saint Teresa Cathedral’s nave and the pews adorned with eagle heads. The Saint Teresa window pictured was gifted to the church by a benefactor with the family name, Lush!

3. Wander down Mother Teresa Boulevard

Pristina is very much an outdoor city and as long as you’re not visiting in winter, you’ll find the streets are always alive with cafes, flower markets and groups of friends out for a stroll.

Traipsing up and down the cobbled streets around Shadervani and along Agim Ramadani Street, the main drag, is an activity in itself. The pedestrian-only Mother Teresa Boulevard (Bulevardi Nënë Tereza) is lined with shady trees and delightful little shop cubes, where stallholders trade blossoms and second-hand books.

A small farmers’ fresh produce market is also held on the street every morning.

Watch elderly gents, always in pairs, chatting away the afternoon while groups of friends crisscross the boulevard, hopping from one trendy cafe to the next. Pause for just a moment and someone is bound to approach you and strike up a conversation.

In the evenings, most of these venues transform into bars, serving craft brews, wine by the glass and draught beer.

At its northern end, Mother Teresa boulevard terminates at Skanderbeg Square, where an imposing statue of the Albanian general stands in wait.

4. Stop for coffee at Soma Book Station

Not familiar with Kosovo’s coffee culture? I have two words for you: Big macchiato.

A close cousin of the Australian flat white, the humble macchiato is the beverage of choice across Kosovo. (Put that Turkish coffee away!) Hand on heart, coffee in Kosovo is the smoothest and tastiest I’ve had since we left Colombia , and probably the best I’ve had anywhere in Europe (sorry, Italy).

Even the smallest, most unassuming (and downright dodgy looking) cafes make a mean macchiato. Kosovar baristas sure know how to work an Italian coffee machine – and a big macchiato will never cost you more than 1 Euro (the cheapest we had was 80 cents, and it was still fantastic!).

Prince Coffee House (a Kosovar chain that recently opened a branch in The Bronx) is probably the most popular cafe in Pristina. But my personal favourite place to grab a drink is definitely Soma Book Station.

5. Visit the Imperial Mosque

There are more than 500 mosques in Kosovo. If you’re going to visit just one in Pristina, make it the Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque, an active mosque and one of the city’s most revered cultural monuments.

Known locally as the Imperial Mosque (Džamija cara), it was constructed in 1461 and is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture. It’s definitely more restrained than other mosques I’ve seen in the region but just like the nearby cathedral, it has an understated beauty. The stone ablution fountain, set in the front garden, is particularly impressive.

I’m not entirely sure of the visitor’s policy at the Imperial Mosque. After some confusion over whether or not we should buy a ticket, we were shown inside free of charge (although our chaperone didn’t turn the lights on for us, maybe because he didn’t know where the switch was!).

There is an Islamic bookstore on the street just below the mosque where you can usually find someone to let you in. If there’s no one there, don’t fret: I actually thought the paintings on the exterior domes were just as impressive as the interior.

On the same street, the petite Jashar Pasha Mosque (Xhamia e Jashar Pashës) and the 15th century Bazaar Mosque (Xhamia e Çarshisë) are also worth a look in. The latter is among the oldest surviving structures in Pristina.

6. Lose yourself in Pristina’s old market, Tregu i vjeter

We got completely disoriented trying to navigate our way from the mosque to the Ethnological Museum and happened upon a raging green market in the winding back streets. We later learned that Tuesday is market day in Pristina, when the alleys around what used to be the Pristina Bazaar fill up with fruit, veg and dairy vendors from the surrounding villages.

In the 16th century, the Pristina Bazaar was known throughout the region as a trading hub. At its peak, it contained more than 300 shops, as well as a hammam and a mosque. Sadly, most of the complex was destroyed in the 1960s as part of the city’s urban ‘regeneration’ program. From old photos, it looked a lot like the bazaar in Gjakova, which is the biggest in Kosovo today.

The buildings may be gone, but the tradition still continues. Inside a permanent undercover market adjacent to the Ethnography Museum people sell electronics, hardware and other products.

To see the green market in action and the streets abuzz with shoppers and men pulling wooden carts, you should try to time your visit for a Tuesday morning.

7. Step back in time at the Pristina Ethnographic Museum

Keeping with the regional tradition of turning former private residences into house museums , Pristina’s Ethnological Museum (also called The Ethnological Treasure of Kosovo) is set in the Emin Gjiku Complex, an 18th-century property that belonged to one of Pristina’s wealthiest Kosovar-Turkish families.

Three buildings, each one with outstanding architectural flourishes, house artefacts collected from Pristina and around Kosovo between the 15th and 20th centuries. Textiles, furniture, dowry trunks and kitchen utensils tell the story of how the city’s traders once lived and practiced their culture.

In the sitting room, a raised bench for guests and lowered seating for the family speaks to the Albanian tradition of welcoming outsiders unequivocally into one’s home. The museum curator told us the house was even used to shelter Jewish refugees during the war.

Two of the museum’s three buildings were closed for renovation at the time of our visit, but luckily we could still tour the main house. The curator is usually on hand to show guests around (note that the museum is closed on Mondays). Entry is free, but donations are appreciated. More information and opening hours can be found here .

8. Go inside the National Library of Kosovo

Does the National Library of Kosovo deserve the title of the world’s ‘ugliest’ building? I’ll let you be the judge. Wherever you fall, I think it’s worth a visit – if only to see the unusual facade of the building, which looks like a huge coil of chain, up close.

Completed in 1982, the library’s design is the fever dream of Croatian architect Andrija Mutnjaković. Its more-redeeming design features can be found inside: A stunning geometric floor mosaic (it’s actually tiered with shallow stairs) dominates the entryway.

There are some nice wall mosaics and retro fittings among the semi-abandoned upstairs rooms.

Visitors get free reign inside the library, including the upstairs reading rooms. I feel a pang of sadness whenever I see books being mistreated: I’m sure staff here are doing their best (and there were a lot of them – and visitors – around), but we saw a lot of disheveled piles and ripped books laying about. In one of the rooms, there is a conveyor belt that looks as if it hasn’t been used in decades.

The best views of the library are available from the cathedral tower.

9. Take a selfie at the Newborn Monument

Another Pristina icon, the Newborn monument was unveiled on 17 February 2008, the day Kosovo declared its independence. Every year, to mark the anniversary of the declaration, a different artist is invited to reimagine and reinvigorate the monument by repainting it with different motifs – usually designed to echo broader political or cultural conversations.

In 2019, Newborn was decorated with patterns to represent energy, water, oxygen, nature, biodiversity and recycling.

Make sure you also visit the much more sombre Heroinat Memorial opposite Newborn, which pays tribute to the women victims of the Kosovo War.

10. Visit the Kurrizi Complex, Pristina’s biggest housing estate

As you’ve probably guessed from my recent dispatch from Bratislava , I’m fascinated with socialistic-style housing projects and Brutalist architecture. When I studied architecture history as part of my bachelor’s degree, this was one of the topics I chose to focus on!

Like all major cities in the region, Pristina has a number of large-scale modernist housing projects – civilian microcosms that were intended to be self-sustaining. Dardania and Ulpiana are two Pristina neighbourhoods where this post-1945 style of robust architecture – dominated by concrete, glass and iron – prevails.

The Kurrizi Complex is another great example. Meaning ‘Spine’, it was designed by Yugoslavian state-owned firm Plan Zagreb and remains the largest shopping and housing project in the city. It comprises three sections: A ground floor with an enclosed shopping street and tunnel so that cars can pass under the building (cool!); a 400 metre ‘boulevard’ lined with more shops; and multi-storey housing towers with hundreds of apartments.

We were lucky enough to stay in an Airbnb inside Kurrizi Complex – it was a very unique experience! Even if you just drop by for a visit, it’s a fun place to observe a slice of daily Pristina life.

There are plenty of cafes and bars on the boulevard level where you can stop for a drink. One of the bakeries inside the complex (just to the left of the market pictured above) makes the best burek I ate in Kosovo.

The Kurrizi Complex is located directly behind the statue of American President Bill Clinton and the nearby ‘Hillary’ boutique – two of Pristina’s quirkier tourist attractions.

11. Take a side trip to Gračanica Monastery & Hotel

I was lucky enough to visit all four of the monasteries that make up the UNESCO-listed Medieval Monuments in Kosovo. Gračanica Monastery was probably the most relaxed and tranquil of the lot.

Only 10km or less than 30 minutes from downtown Pristina by bus, it’s an easy side trip from the capital and well worth the journey.

While you’re in the area, I highly recommend stopping for lunch at the nearby Hotel Gračanica. A Swiss-operated hotel, it’s one of very few venues in Kosovo that employs people from a range of ethnic backgrounds (Kosovar, Serb and Roma), including in management positions. The hotel has serious eco credentials and there’s also a pool that you can pay to use. Even better, you can spend the night and use all the facilities as a guest.

The interior decoration is on-point and the food is delicious.

Getting to Gračanica from Pristina couldn’t be easier: Just take a bus bound for Gjilan and ask the driver to let you off early. The trip takes 15 minutes and costs a couple of Euros.

Contrary to some reports online about ethnic tensions in the predominantly Serb Gračanica, bus drivers don’t seem to have any issue with taking tourists to the monastery – at least in our experience.

12. Take a side trip to Badovc Lake & Bear Sanctuary Prishtina

This accredited ethical animal sanctuary houses 20 rescued brown bears on a beautiful 16-hectare property just east of the city.

Visitors are welcome to explore the facility and eat at the onsite restaurant, with proceeds going to support Bear Sanctuary Pristina’s work to rescue mistreated animals. The nearby Badovc Lake is accessible via a hiking trail from the sanctuary.

To get to the Bear Sanctuary from Pristina you can take a Gjilan regional bus or a Blue Taxi for €12 one-way. See here for details.

Where to eat & drink: Best Pristina restaurants

If you need a wee break from Balkan cuisine, Pristina is a great place to reset your palate. We only ate out a couple of times and cooked at home (read: ransacked the local bakery!) the rest of the time.

If we ever make it back, we’ll have to remind ourselves to check out more of the international dining options, including Himalayan Gorkha Restaurant and one of the many Mexican joints in town.

Home Restaurant & Bar | This cosy traditional restaurant is a Pristina institution and favourite among expats. The menu covers both Balkan and European cuisines, and the Lebanese salad with hummus and falafel is to die for.

Restaurant Liburnia | Veal tava (sauteed veal with veggies) is the specialty at this beautiful restaurant. For the best experience, sit outside beneath the vines.

Thai Restaurant | Finding good Asian food in the Balkans feels like stumbling on El Dorado. As soon as the owner of the laconically named Thai Restaurant greeted us with an animated sawatdee kaaaa, we knew we were in for a treat. We ate two curries, massaman beef and chicken pineapple. Both were a little thin but tasted top-notch.

Fehmi Agani ‘Bar Street’ | Another dining hub in Pristina, ‘Bar Street’ is a great place to grab a drink. Try MIQT for craft beers from around Kosovo plus rakia.

Hamam Jazz Bar | Experience Pristina nightlife at this popular club.

Pristina map

Click here to open & save my Pristina Map on Google Drive .

How to spend a day in Pristina: Suggested Pristina itinerary

Whether you’re planning a short city trip or using Pristina as your entry point for a longer journey around Kosovo , here is how I suggest you structure your one day in Pristina.

• Breakfast at Soma Book Station (open from 8am Monday-Saturday)
• Visit Pristina’s three mosques
• Pristina Ethnographic Museum
• Old Green Market area
• Lunch at Liberna or Home Restaurant

Afternoon :

• Mother Teresa Cathedral & belltower
• The National Library of Kosovo
• Bill Clinton statue
• Kurrizi Complex
• Dinner & drinks on Fehmi Agani

How to get to Pristina

Pristina Airport is serviced by flights from Munich, Vienna, Istanbul and other cities across Europe.

Most people will end up traveling to Pristina overland. I recommend using Gjirafa.com to check schedules and fares. Always confirm times locally before you travel.

Example bus times:

• Prizren to Pristina | Departures every 30 minutes | 2 hours | €4
• Gjakova to Pristina | Departures every 30-60 minutes | 1.5 hours | €4
• Skopje (North Macedonia) to Pristina | Departures every 30 minutes | 2.5 hours | €5
• Tirana (Albania) to Pristina | Departures every 30-60 minutes | 4 hours | €10

Pristina’s main bus station Stacioni i Autobusve is located in the south-west of the city, 30 minutes by foot from Newborn.

Day trip to Pristina

If you’re short on time or you don’t want to stay overnight in Kosovo, a popular option is to visit Pristina as a day trip from Skopje . The two cities are less than 100km apart and interconnected by regular buses and vans.

If you plan to visit Pristina as a day trip from Skopje, I would seriously consider booking a tour that includes a private car transfer to maximise your time in the city. Otherwise, you’ll be spending most of your time on the bus.

This full-day tour departing Skopje visits both Pristina and Prizren, thus giving you a good overview of Kosovo’s two biggest (but very different) cities.

What to pack for Pristina

• A good quality backpack. If you plan on moving around Kosovo by bus, it’s a good idea to travel light. I recommend using an anti-theft backpack for your day pack.
• A scarf (women). A lightweight cotton scarf is my number one travel essential. In Pristina, it will come in handy for covering your hair when entering the mosques and churches. This neutral travel scarf goes with anything and it even has a hidden pocket.
• Good walking shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking in Pristina! Comfy shoes are essential – I love these ones for women, while my partner lives in these waterproof shoes .
• A reusable water bottle. I always travel with a S’Well water bottle .
• Biodegradable wet wipes. Try this convenient travel pack .
• Entertainment for bus journeys. If you don’t suffer from motion sickness, an e-reader is great for passing the time on road journeys. If you have a travel buddy, pick up a headphone splitter – probably my favourite travel gadget of all time – so you can share a screen or a podcast.

Have you been to Kosovo? What are your favourite things to do in Pristina?

Things to do in Pristina: Pin it!

22 Comments

Up-date on the Newborn monument. I visited it yesterday (my second visit to Prishtina, 3 days last year was not enough, I love Kosovo and the Albanians, so kind and helpful) and this time around the letters now in blue and yellow (the Ukrainian colours I guess) have been moved around: NONEWBR (with the words ‘broken’ and ‘republic’ written on the last two letters. Right now I’m sipping a coffee inside the National Library, I love the tiles and the whole ‘vintage’ style. It’s definitely worth a visit.

Thanks so much for your update, Jane! I saw some photos online of the new Newborn. Have a terrific time in Kosovo!

Emily, have you explored the Dragodan steps in Pristina? There are good restaurants up there. And also going up to Peja/Pec, Rogova mountain is worthy to mention. There are also log cabin restaurants there serving fresh trout and fresh bread. I love their Balkan salad!

Thanks Raul for the recommendations… I didn’t get to the Dragodan steps or restaurants in that area, but thanks to you it’s on the list for next time! We stayed a few nights in Peja and went ziplining in Rugova, it was great! I included it in my Kosovo itinerary but your suggestion to visit as a day trip is a great one.

Thanks again for the excellent Pristina tips!

You’ve forgotten to mention Proper Pizza, a franchise gone world wide, HQ in Prishtinë. I’m sorry Italy for the second hit, but that Pizza is truly something else.

Ohhh I’m so devastated I missed it! Thank you so much for the excellent tip! Kosovo needs to start doing gelato!

I really liked reading your post! Very high quality content and useful information.

I would like to start from the cathedral tower to have an overview of the town before touring. I am quite amazed that there are more than 500 mosques! I love your photos.

I have no idea that Kosovo is not recognized by the UN as a nation state. And even more, I never thought Kosovo as the best places in Europe to have coffee. I don’t know whose the person behind the Newborn Monument to re-imagined and re-invigorated by painting it differently every year on their Independence Day, but I think it’s so creative!

The Prishtina market looks lovely and surely a great place to hang out. Also I love the views from the Cathedral tower. The significant Newborn monument sounds unique as it is being repainted each year. I really hope to make a visit to Prishtina someday.

Great guide to Prishtina! I love how the Newborn monument is revitalized every year to reflect what is happening in Kosovo or the world. I share your fascination with socialist style housing and definitely would be interested in visiting that. The Balkans is such an interesting area to travel to.

Thanks, Brianna! Absolutely – our 6-month Balkans trip has been full of pleasant surprises!

Oh, It’s too good. I like this blog very much I also bookmark this.

Wow, what a guide! We traveled through this region a couple summers ago, and unfortunately never made it to Kosovo. But everyone we talked to LOVED it. And after reading this article (and seeing your beautiful photos!) I’m more convinced than ever to get back to this region and make it to Kosovo next time!

One for next time, Katie! It was definitely the highlight of the region (thus far) for us!

Prishtina looks like a great place with a bit of everything.to be honest I never heard about it before and loved reading your post,gathering information . Thanks for sharing

This is such a perfect itinerary for Prishtina. I truly did not know of this little known gem, but it looks so exciting. Your pictures are amazing. Thanks for sharing this.

I had no idea that there were so many amazing things to do in Prishtina! To be completely honest, I’d only heard of it in connection to war. I love the Newborn monument, and your photos of people sitting around chatting. It reminds me of my grandfather and his mates gathering in the village square every day.

Same for me, Katherine – that’s one of the things that made me curious to visit. It’s amazing to see how far things have come since that tragic time. Groups of men chatting on park benches will be one of the things I always remember about the Balkans!

I feel like I never gave either Prishtina or Kosovo the time they deserved. Prishtina was just a quick stop over between Skopje and Tirana and to be honest we only spent a few hours exploring the city – I didn’t even realise you could go inside the National Library. The Kurrizi housing estate sounds of particular interest! Either way this part of the world is so underrated – glad you seem to be enjoying it 🙂

A lot of people just use the city as a stopover, but it’s definitely worth spending a few days! I much preferred it to Skopje. Hope you make it back.

Wow thank you for such a complete guide to the city! I would love to visit Prishtina market. I think that would be my favorite part :).

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30 Best things to do in Prishtina, Kosovo

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Last Updated on July 27, 2021

The lively city of Pristina is not a popular one to visit for travellers as most people haven’t even heard of the country of Kosovo. So many people are missing out by not spending time in Pristina as this is one of the best Balkan cities, and one of the best in Europe to visit.

Prishtina has come leaps and bounds from the city it used to be. Now it can be described as a young, vibrant and happening city with loads of great restaurant options, unique bars and cafes and a rich culture.

How to get to Prishtina

Pristina is easy to get to from other Balkan cities. Pristina also has some of the cheapest flights so if you are elsewhere in Europe it’s very inexpensive and easy.

The most popular way to travel to the Balkans is by bus. If you are coming from Sofia, Tirana, Belgrade or Skopje there are direct buses to and from Pristina

Is Pristina safe?

Yes, Prishtina is safe! It’s one of Europe’s youngest cities and it’s also one of the most progressive in my opinion. I felt safer in pristine than most other European capitals.

30 things to do in Prishtina

1. visit the statue of mother teresa.

Outside of the euro information centre is a statue in memory of the great Mother Teresa. She was born in today’s North Macedonia, but she was of Albanian descent. As a major majority of people from Kosovo are Albanian she is very important to the locals here.

2. See the cathedral of Mother Teresa

More important than the statue is the cathedral of Mother Teresa. It’s located just off the main boulevard in Pristina. The cathedral was inaugurated in 2010.

3. Climb the clock tower

To get the best view of Prishtina you must take the elevator up to the top of the clock tower. It is located next to the cathedral of Mother Teresa and costs just €1 to enter. From the top, you gain a magnificent view of the city as well as far in the distance. You can visit the tower daily in the morning or early afternoon.

4. Check out the mosques of Prishtina

Kosovo is home to over 500 mosques so there is plenty to check out when you visit Prishtina. Two of the best are the Imperial mosque (built in 1461) and Jashar Pasha Mosque which was given by the Turkish government to Kosovo in 2015.

5. Ethnological museum

Within the old part of Prishtina, you can find a treasure of history at the ethnological museum. Make your way to the Emin Gjiku Complex which was owned by one of the wealthiest families in the country. The residence is set exactly like it would have originally. If you want a visual look into an old wealthy home, then this is a great spot to visit. The keeper of the museum is happy to show you around! The museum is open from Tuesday-Sunday.

6. Newborn monument

The newborn monument celebrates Kosovo’s independence. Kosovo is Europe’s newest country, finally gaining independence in 2008. Unfortunately, many countries like Serbia, France and China still don’t recognize Kosovo as a country. In fact, you cannot enter Serbia after visiting Kosovo as from Serbia’s eyes you have entered Serbia illegally and you will be denied entry. Serbia and Kosovo’s relationship is very complex so I will not get into it on this website. If you would like to learn more about the history of these two countries, it’s best to learn from the local’s perspective of both sides.

7. See the ‘ugliest library in the world’

I don’t personally agree with the term ugly, to me the library of Pristina is unique and unlike any other building, I have seen in the world. From the outside, it might look like an alien jail building but from the inside, it’s quite beautiful. Make sure you don’t judge his book by its cover!

8. Wander around old Prishtina

The old town of Pristina is full of beautiful gems but sadly in the 1960’s most of it was destroyed. There are a few buildings that remain from the 15th century. Although the old bazaar was destroyed and replaced with ‘newer’ buildings, you can still find some great local markets which sell local artisan products and fresh produce.

9. Eat at liburnia

This was my favourite restaurant when visiting Prishtina. This beautiful restaurant has the most amazing local food. Kosovo is known for having fantastic meat (sorry vegetarians!) and this is a great thing to have at liburnia. One of the best things to get here is the meat plate so you can try all the delicious types. If you’re looking for a traditional meal to start off your adventures within Kosovo, then having a meal at liburnia is a great start!

10. Visit the Skanderbeg statue

On the end of the boulevard is the prominent statue of Skanderbeg, an Albanian hero who fought against the Ottoman rule and ultimately led to Albania gaining independence. After the conflict in 1999 with Serbia, Kosovo Albanians erected the statue of Skanderbeg as a symbol of independence from Serbia.

11. Stay at Prishtina Centre hostel

My favourite place to stay when I’m in Prishtina is Prishtina Hostel and Apartments. This hostel has such a friendly vibe and the owner Bimi is a character you won’t forget! The hostel is intimate and has 3 big bedrooms. They also have private rooms upstairs if you prefer some peace and quiet rather than the hostel life. The breakfast is amazing too, fresh bread with Ajvar and cheese! The location is the best in the city as the hostel and private rooms sit looking over the boulevard making it a great base to explore the city!

12. Eat at pishat

Another fantastic thing to do in the city is to eat at Pishat. I had the sujuk which is a spicy sausage, with grilled vegetables. You can get all the typical food from Kosovo at very affordable prices.

13. Visit the bear sanctuary

This was one of my favourite things to do whilst in Prishtina. The bear sanctuary is only a short drive away from the centre. Up until 2010 it was totally legal for homeowners or restaurants to keep wild bears. Unfortunately, restaurant owners would keep them in small cages for the entirety of their life as ‘entertainment’. They were very malnourished and badly looked after. If restaurants closed the bears were just left to die.

That’s why the bear sanctuary opened in 2013 to house the bears in a natural environment just outside of the city. Here they are safe, fed well and not used for any sort of entertainment. Currently the bear sanctuary is home to 20 bears which have all been rescued from horrible conditions. You can go to support this amazing cause by visiting the sanctuary and donating, and if you’re lucky you might spot a bear or two! I visited in the winter and got to see 2 bears, as most of them were in hibernation.

14. Relax at Germia Park

Germia is an extensive park located on the outskirts of the city. In the summertime the park is buzzing with people enjoying the sunshine and enjoying a dip in the Germia public pool. When I visited in winter, it was still very beautiful, and I spotted many families with snow sleds! The park is around 62 kilometre square and has a big range of flora and fauna.

15. Visit the national theatre

Whilst in prishtina why not check out one of the shows at the National Theatre? There are 3 theatres in Pristina, but the national theatre is the oldest and largest in Kosovo. Don’t expect to pay exorbitant prices to see your favourite shows either! You can see a play for as little as €3 and on Thursdays they have ballet night which is for free.

16. See the Bill Clinton statue

It’s no surprise that Bill Clinton is idolised in Kosovo as he was a huge help for ending the war against Kosovo and helping the country gain independence. This 11-foot statue stands prominent, but it doesn’t stop there. In fact, you will notice Bill Clinton’s name all over the place as well as Hillary’s!

17. See lake of Batllava

Lake Batllava is one of the largest lakes within Kosovo. It serves as one of the main sources of water for Prishtina. This beautiful lake is a great daytrip nature spot and is about a 45-minute drive from Prishtina.

18. See lake Badovc

If you’re visiting the bear sanctuary, then you will see lake badovc on the way. During spring and summer, this is a popular hangout for locals and tourists.

19. Have a coffee at lulus

Lulus is one of my favourite little cafes within Prishtina. You will notice Kosovo has a huge cafe culture. Everyone is always out having a coffee and catch up with friends. In Kosovo and Albania, a coffee date can be hours. Coffee is an excuse to catch up with friends rather than the actual act of needing coffee.

20. Visit Gracanica Monastery

About a 5km drive from Prishtina is the Serbian cathedral of Gracanica. In the 6th century it was a Christian basilica, then in the 13th century from the ruins of the church, it turned into a church of Theotokos. Gracanica monastery was then built on the ruins of that! This monastery has a fascinating past. Today it’s an important spiritual centre for the Serbian minority living in the region but also it serves as a national and political centre for them.

21. Enjoy a xhiro

Kosovo Albanians love a good xhiro! A xhrio is a walk which usually happens at sunset/night-time. This is the most popular time for locals to catch up whilst walking the streets.

22. Taste some Rakia and a meat place at te shoki

Te Shoki is a small bar located on a street filled with other small bars and restaurants. Whilst in Prishtina you must try some raki which is a distilled alcohol made from grapes, peaches or any other fruit. It’s a very strong alcohol which can spiral up to 80 proof if homemade. Why not try a meat plate to help you digest the raki, or the other way around!

23. Brunch at dit’ e nat

Dit’ e nat is one of the most popular brunch and breakfast places as well as a favourite cafe for many! You can have brunch and check out one of the many books as this is a bookstore cafe restaurant.

24. Take a free walking tour

A great way to get your bearings around the city of Prishtina is by taking a walking tour with a local. Every day they meet at the national theatre at 11am for the free walking tour. The tour takes approximately 2.5 hours. If you visit in the winter be sure to check if there is a tour on by going to their Facebook page.

25. Visit the abandoned Christ the Saviour Cathedral

Just past the ‘ugly’ library, you will see the abandoned Christ the saviour cathedral. Construction was halted during the Kosovo war and has left this cathedral unfinished and abandoned.

26. Check out the street art on Rruga b

If you want to check out the street art scene you must visit rruga B (street b) on the outskirts of the city centre. This project was started by Q’art which is a local non-profit organisation promoting art within Prishtina. International and national artists come every year to paint beautiful murals on the wall.

27. Eat at Baba Ganoush

If you are looking for a little bit of the Middle East in Kosovo, then Baba Ganoush restaurant is a great choice! If you’re looking for great vegan and vegetarian food, then make sure you eat here. Kosovo’s food can be very meat-heavy, so this is a nice change from the traditional restaurants that are in Prishtina.

28. Enjoy a drink at Soma Book station

Prishtina loves cafes and they also love bookstore cafes. Soma is a popular hangout for food and drinks. It’s a beautiful place, so make sure you check it out when you visit Pristina!

29. National Gallery

If you’re looking from a look into Kosovo’s art scene then make sure you check out the national gallery. Exhibitions change regularly and is from a contemporary perspective. The gallery is open from Monday to Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10pm-5pm.

30. Try a macchiato half at half cafe

Half and half cafe is another great hangout spot in the city. But whilst you are in the city you should absolutely try a macchiato. Many say that the locals of Kosovo can make better macchiatos than the Italians, but shh don’t tell them!

There’s your full guide on the best things to do in Prishtina! I can’t wait to visit again in the future and find many other hidden gems that this city holds.

Other articles you will love:

• The Best Places to visit in Albania
• 26 Incredible Things to do in Tirana, Albania
• 18 Things to do in Saranda, Albania

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Author: Anita Hendrieka

Anita Hendrieka is the blogger behind this website and another popular website called 'Anita Hendrieka'. She has been named the top travel blogger in New Zealand and has been to over 50 countries in the world. Now, based in the Balkans she gives you the best advice on the region through this website.

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Home > 31 Things To Do In Pristina + Restaurants & Hotels

31 Things To Do In Pristina + Restaurants & Hotels

Written by our local expert Drita

Drita is a shy Albanian girl. Her Mom is from Kosovo, her Dad from Serbia. She loves to travel & share travel trips to help first-time travelers exploring Albania & the Balkans.

Pristina, Kosovo is a diverse city to discover! Here are the top things to do when visiting, along with ideas on where to eat and where to stay.

Pristina, also known as Prishtina, the capital of Kosovo, holds a special place in my heart, not just because of its captivating blend of old-world charm and contemporary allure but also because of my family roots deeply embedded in this beautiful city.

As I explore Pristina’s diverse range of experiences, I can’t help but feel a strong connection to this great place. Located in the Northeastern part of Kosovo, close to the enchanting Goljak mountains in the District of Pristina, this city has always felt like a second home to me.

Now, I’m thrilled to share my love for Pristina with you as we embark on a journey to discover the best things to do in this remarkable city, ensuring your visit is filled with memorable moments and delightful discoveries.

• 7 Days In Kosovo – Pristina, Prizren & Beyond

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Historical And Cultural Landmarks In Pristina

1. visit the emin gjiku ethnographic museum.

One of the best places to visit in Pristina is the Emin Gjiku Ethnographic Museum. It’s located in an old 18th-century house in the Bazaar area and shows what Kosovar life was like from the 15th to the 20th century. The tour guides explain how all the furniture, tools, pottery, traditional clothing, jewelry, musical instruments, and weapons were used and give you some insight into Pristina traditions.

2. See Pristina’s Oldest Mosque

Sultan Bayezid I lost his father, Sultan Murad I, in the battle of Amselfeld, which they won against the Christian defenders.

To commemorate the victory and remember his father, Sultan Bayezid, I built the Carshi Mosque in 1393.  Also known as the Bazaar Mosque, Stone Mosque, or Sultan Murad Mosque, it is one of the famous places in Pristina and the city’s oldest mosque.

Standing in the bazaar area near the start of the old town, it’s an essential addition to the list of things to see in Pristina.

3. Visit The Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque

The Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque, also known as the Imperial Mosque and locally referred to as the Fatih Mosque, stands as one of Pristina’s top attractions.

Constructed in 1461 by Sultan Mehmet II Fatih, this historical edifice has witnessed various historical phases, including its temporary transformation into a Catholic Church during the 17th-century Ottoman-Habsburg wars.

Adorned with exquisite paintings and murals, the mosque’s interiors captivate visitors with their artistic and historical richness. As the most significant mosque in Pristina, it’s a compelling destination for anyone interested in exploring the city’s rich cultural and religious tapestry.

4. See The Museum Of Kosovo

Among Pristina’s top 10 tourist attractions is the Museum of Kosovo, which opened in 1949.

The Kosovo Museum is a great spot to learn more about the history of Kosovo. It’s also an excellent way to get out of the rain for a few hours. You’ll learn about Kosovo all the way back to the prehistoric era, with a large segment of the museum dedicated to the war and independence.

The museum is located in a building built in 1889 to house the military high command. Recently renovated, the Museum of Kosovo is no doubt one of the top things  to see.

The museum is free to enter, but you can donate if you choose.

5. Christ the Savior Orthodox Cathedral

This church is abandoned, but the architecture is still magnificent. However, it’s the history that people want to learn about.

During the war, Serbia forced Kosovans to build churches, which was difficult considering that the majority of the population was Muslim. When the war ended, this church was left half-built, and it remains that way now.

6. National University Library

Now, at first glance, you might decide that this building is, in fact, quite ugly to look at, but it still deserves some of your time. Some people think it’s modernist and beautiful; others think it’s horrible – what do you think?

It’s designed in a Brutalist architectural style, which might not be the prettiest way to create a building, but it certainly stands out!

Of course, you can forget what it looks like and go inside to explore the millions of books and artifacts.

7. Saviors Cathedral

Although it’s still under construction, the Saviors Cathedral in Pristina is worth a visit.

The building itself tells a story of the city’s evolving religious landscape. It’s a fascinating glimpse into contemporary Pristina and its communities.

8. Visit Saint Teresa Cathedral

Built in 2007, the Cathedral of Blessed Mother Teresa is dedicated to the Albanian nun, Saint Teresa of Calcutta. It was inaugurated in 2010 by President Ibrahim Rugova of Kosovo on the 100th anniversary of Mother Teresa’s birthday.

It is one of the tallest buildings in Pristina, and it is possible to go up the bell tower at certain hours. The Cathedral is one of the popular destinations in Pristina for followers of Saint Teresa.

9. Cathedral Of Our Lady Of Perpetual Succour

This cathedral is more than just an ideal place of worship; it’s home to the Skanderbeg fresco by Gjergj Panarati.

Painted in 1883, this piece is a must-see for art lovers and anyone interested in religious history.

10. Visoki Decani Monastery

A short trip to the Visoki Decani Monastery is well worth your time. Built by Serbian King Stefan Decanski, this UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its medieval frescoes. I

t’s a peaceful spot that offers a mix of history, art, and spirituality.

11. Take A Day Trip To The Gracanica Monastery

To get to this top tourist site in Pristina, you will need to travel. Grancanica Monastery is located 10 km away from the city, so it’s not too far.

Built by King Stefan Milutin in 1321 on a 6th-century church’s ruins, the monastery is famous for its double inscribed cross ceiling and dome structure. One of the best sites in Pristina reflecting Serbo-Byzantine architecture, the monastery is now the Bishop of Raska’s official seat and UNESCO  World Heritage site .

What language do they speak in Pristina? Most of the population speaks Albanian and Serbian, but English, German, Bosnian, and Turkish are also widely spoken.

Did you know? After Tirana , Pristina ranks as the second-largest city in the world in terms of an Albanian-speaking population.

12. Partisan Martyrs Cemetery

For a more somber experience, head to the Partisan Martyrs Cemetery. It’s a tribute to those who fought in World War II.

The cemetery offers a quiet space for contemplation and a stark reminder of the region’s turbulent history.

Art And Architecture In Pristina

13. visit the weird national library of kosovo.

This kind of weird-looking structure is one of the top places of interest in Pristina and is listed as one of the ugliest buildings in the world.

The National Library of Kosovo must be seen while in Pristina! Supposedly a melting of Byzantine and Islamic architecture, the 99 white domes provide natural lighting to the library and resemble the Albanian national hat “plisi.”

This Pristina attraction is like a prison outside and a regular library from the inside.

14. The Newborn Monument

The Newborn Monument is one of Pristina’s latest additions, and it’s got a real meaning behind it. This is designed to show that Kosovo is one of Europe’s newest countries , hence the newborn analogy. The monument was initially built to mark Kosovo’s independence from Serbia back in 2008.

15. Spot Street Art

Pristina is full of iconic street art, and walking around and spotting it is a great way to spend your time. Plus, it’s free! Just wear some comfortable shoes and take your camera.

A lot of the murals are located in the center of Pristina itself, including a mural of the famous singer Dua Lipa! However, make sure you venture outside of the city center as you’ll also find some fantastic pieces of art dotted around the suburbs.

16. Visit The National Gallery

Right next to the University Library, you’ll find the National Gallery, which is free to enter. It’s a great way to learn more about local art, and there is a large exhibition dedicated to it.

17. The Mother Teresa Statue

You’ll see statues and nods to Mother Teresa all around the city, but this is the main one. Located in the city center, this statue is made of bronze and shows Mother Teresa standing with a child.

The design is said to show how some people in the world are less fortunate than others and that we should show the same level of kindness to everyone.

18. Milos Obilic Statue

In Pristina, you’ll find the statue of Milos Obilic, a significant figure from the 14th century.

Known for his role in the Battle of Kosovo, notably his assassination of the Ottoman Sultan, this statue is more than just a landmark. It’s a piece of history right in the heart of the city, perfect for those who love to dive into the historical tales of the places they visit.

19. Pristina Spomenik

Check out the Pristina Spomenik, a standout piece of Yugoslav architecture from the 1960s. It’s a symbol of unity and brotherhood. While you’re there, think about what this monument might have meant during its time.

It’s an excellent spot for a photo and a bit of reflection on the city’s past.

20. The Përmendorja Statue

The Përmendorja statue is located in the center of the city, and it’s designed to commemorate the soldiers who died during the Liberation Struggle in World War II.

Initially, the statue was created in grey, as most statues are, but now it’s been painted in a vibrant purple color, which certainly makes it stand out, even if it does seem a bit odd.

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Public squares and outdoor attractions, 21. visit the monument at skanderbeg square.

Next on the list of places to see in Pristina is Skanderbeg Square. After the Kosovo conflict in 1999 ended, the Albanians in Kosovo erected this monument to Gjergj Kastrioti, who’s famously known as Skanderbeg.

He was a nobleman from the 15th century who fought against the Ottoman rulers. This Pristina top 10 contender, locally known as Sheshi Skënderbeu, resembles statues in Tirana, Albania, and Skopje , Macedonia.

22. Bill Clinton Boulevard

Yes, there is a boulevard dedicated to the former US president. This area was named in Clinton’s honor as a way of marking the help the US gave to Kosovo during the war.

It’s an excellent place to visit to say you’ve been, and it’s another area that’s great for people-watching and enjoying a coffee.

23. People-Watching On MT Boulevard

A great way to spend an hour or so is to grab a tea or coffee and sit and watch the world go by on MT Boulevard.

You’ll find lots of cafes and the most beautiful places to eat around here, and it’s always a bustling, sociable place. People watching here is fantastic; from locals to tourists, you’ll see it all.

Be sure to head here during the evening and enjoy a delicious traditional meal, too.

24. Old Clock Tower

Don’t miss the Old Clock Tower. It’s not just a pretty structure; it’s a slice of Pristina’s history. Great for a photo opportunity and a quick lesson in the city’s past.

25. Batlava Lake

Need a break from the city? Drive out to Batlava Lake. It’s a peaceful spot, great for relaxing and enjoying some natural scenery. Plus, it’s an important water source for the area, which is pretty interesting.

Unique Experiences

26. wander through the bazaar of pristina.

Pristina Bazaar, the Bazaar of Pristina or Carshia e Prishtines, was the main bazaar in the Old City of Pristina since the 15th century. Much of it was destroyed during the 1950s and 1960s, and government buildings were put up in their place.

But you can still see the old Bazaar Hammam and Bazaar Mosque and Pristina tourist attractions. The remnants of the bazaar area are filled with vendors selling vegetables, appliances, and many flea market items.

A must-see in Pristina!

27. Visit The Mesozoic Era Gadime Caves

Found in 1966 by Ahmet Asllani’s villager while working in his garden, the Marble Cave, or Gadime Cave in theime e Ulët, Lipljan is a Mesozoic era karst limestone cave.

FulThe ves can be visited on a guided tour . It is full of remarkable stalactite and stalagmite formations, although you’ll have to drive for half an hour to get here; it’s one of the most amazing places to visit around Pristina.

28. Climb The Bell Tower

While you’re visiting Mother Teresa Cathedral, make sure you venture up the bell tower and check out the fantastic views.

This is the highest point in the city that you can go to, so you’re going to see panoramas that take your breath away. Don’t worry; you don’t need to walk as there is an elevator that will take you right to the top for just a couple of Euros.

29. The Heroinat Memorial

The Heroinat Memorial is definitely worth visiting as it’s designed to commemorate the women who suffered and gave up so much during the war.

It is located across from the Newborn Monument, and it shows 20,000 pins. Each pin represents one woman who suffered horrendous sexual violence from Serbian soldiers during the war.

It’s a harrowing thing to think about, but it’s something everyone should see and give a few moments of quiet contemplation to.

30. National Theatre of Kosovo

Looking for something to do in Pristina at night? Catch a play at the National Theatre of Kosovo. It’s a great way to soak up some local culture and see what the contemporary art scene in Kosovo is all about.

31. Drink Rakia

Rakia in Albania is a traditional alcoholic beverage widely consumed. It is a type of fruit brandy commonly made from grapes, but it can also be produced using other fruits like plums, apricots, apples, pears, or cherries.

Rakia is known for its strong flavor and high alcohol content, often homemade in rural areas, and plays a significant role in Albanian social and cultural events. It’s a popular drink for toasting and celebrations, reflecting an important aspect of Albanian hospitality and culinary tradition – so be sure to try it.

Best Places To Visit In Pristina To Taste Local Food

Food is something you can never do without on your travels! And if you know me, you would know that I love a local restaurant on my travels. Pristina has so much delicious local fare to try. Getting stuffed with steaks and ajvar or drinking local craft beers is a good thing to do in Pristina!

Here are the best restaurants (and my favorite) places to visit in Pristina to satisfy the foodie in you:

Te Syla or Alhambra

Located in Sejdi Begu in Shadervan, the Te Syla is a riverside restaurant started by a street food vendor named Sylejman Dapko in 1967. The simple décor and superb location complement the exquisite dishes served here.

If you visit, try the fantastic Balkan Grill, kebabs, grilled pastries, and other dishes. The official name of the restaurant, though, is Alhambra.

Besimi Beska

The colorful plates at Besimi Beska are so pretty; they’ll leave you not wanting to touch your food. The portions are generous, and the food is delicious.

Try the mixed grill, the goulash , steaks, and local bread with cheese. The bread, naans, and pizzas are made in traditional brick ovens.

The restaurant is located in Shadervanit 56 in Old Town and has a small pond and trees.

Princessa Gresa Restaurant

Located on Fehmi Agani Street, the Princessa Gresa Restaurant is famous for its unique Fish Plate and Ramstek viqi Veal Steak. It’s one of Pristina’s top tourist destinations that keeps guests returning for more!

Soma Book Station

A local favorite, Soma Book Station, looks like an extensive library that serves food and drink . Local beers and seasonal wines accompany the tasty food served here.

Guests can spend hours here renting books for just 1 Euro or playing old vinyl records.

If you love John Cage, Chet Baker, and Sonny Rollins, you’ll love grabbing a drink or meal at Soma Book Station. It’s a must on your Pristina to-do list!

Pishat is one of Pristina’s downtown restaurants that has been serving local Albanian food for over 35 years. It’s easy to find, priced slightly on the higher side, but serves excellent Lavazza coffee and a range of Albanian dishes.

Restaurant Liburnia

Enter Restaurant Liburnia, and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a fairytale or a novel. The restaurant close to the town hall is filled with lamps, vines and creepers and has a traditional ambiance.

It’s on the list of top Pristina places to visit to try local freshly baked bread and meat dishes.

Renaissance

This restaurant is easy to miss because the wooden doors look like they belong to someone’s home. No outside sign indicates you’ve reached one of the famous Pristina attractions.

There’s no menu here, either! You go in, get seated, and the server serves you various local food and drinks until you’re full. It’s like a buffet on your own.

Sometimes you must wait long for a table, but it’s worth it! A favorite with the locals, the Renaissance is at the top of the list of things to do in Pristina for food lovers.

One of the cool things to do in Pristina when on holiday is to sit out on a sunny terrace and enjoy a glass of wine. You can do that here at the Tiffany while tasting delicious organic food and freshly baked bread.

The restaurant also sells jars of its famous Ajvar sauce that you can take home as a memento of your Pristina travel.

• Foods To Try In Kosovo

Where To Stay When You Visit Pristina

You’ll find plenty of accommodation close to the things to do in Prishtina; here are some of our top picks:

Swiss Diamond Hotel Prishtina

Just 100 meters from the Center of Prishtina and right next to the landmarks in Pristina, such as the Parliament Hall and National Theater, the Swiss Diamond Hotel Prishtina offers 5-star facilities and Kosovo’s most prestigious spa.

Hotel Sirius

The luxurious Hotel Sirius has a fantastic rooftop restaurant with views of the best Pristina sights, a stone’s throw from the best things to see in Pristina.

Golden Hotel

If you’re wondering where to go in Pristina, that’s simplistic but rich; the Golden Hotel has beautiful rooms and suites where all the beds have lovely golden borders. It’s within 1 km walking distance from the Mother Teresa Cathedral.

Hotel Nartel

Centrally located in Pristina, the Hotel Nartel offers comfortable and straightforward 4-star rooms within a 5500-meter walk from all the restaurants and stuff to do in Pristina.

Hotel Pejton

Close to the City Centre and Pristina attractions, the Hotel Pejton offers clean and comfortable rooms within walking distance of all the top places to see in Pristina.

Hotel Adria

With economical and decorated elegant rooms, the Hotel Adria is in the heart of town and within walking distance of the top tourist attractions in Pristina.

• Best Hotels In Kosovo
• Where To Stay In Pristina

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FAQs About Pristina

What are the main attractions in pristina.

Pristina has a variety of main attractions, including the Newborn Monument, the National University Library, the Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa, the Bill Clinton Statue, the Ethnological Museum, and the Unfinished Serbian Orthodox Church.

What is the best time to visit Pristina?

The best time to visit Pristina is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant. The city can get quite hot in the summer and cold in the winter.

How can I get to Pristina?

The easiest way to reach Pristina is by flying into Pristina International Airport. Alternatively, you can take buses from neighboring countries to reach the city.

What are the options for accommodation in Pristina?

Pristina offers a range of accommodation options, including hostels, budget/mid-range hotels, and luxury hotels. Some popular choices include the Grand Hotel, Dit e Nat, and the House of Jashar Pasha.

Is there public transport available in Pristina?

Yes, Pristina has a public transport system consisting of buses that can take you around the city. Taxis are also readily available.

What are some recommended restaurants in Pristina?

Pristina has numerous excellent restaurants. Some popular choices include Prince Coffee House, Restaurant Bears, and the Metal Fishing Net. The city is known for its delicious local cuisine.

What are some historical sites to visit in Pristina?

Pristina has a rich history, and there are several historical sites to explore. Some notable attractions include the Emin Gjiku Complex, the Ottoman period Old House, the Statue of Mother Teresa, and the Prizren Fortress.

What is the significance of Pristina in Kosovo’s history?

Pristina is the capital city of Kosovo and holds great importance in the country’s history. It has witnessed significant events during the Kosovo War and the ethnic tensions in the region. It serves as a symbol of Kosovo’s struggle for independence.

Is English widely spoken in Pristina?

Yes, English is widely spoken in Pristina, making it easier for visitors to communicate with locals and navigate the city.

What is the best way to explore downtown Pristina?

Downtown Pristina is best explored on foot. The main street, Mother Teresa Boulevard, is a favorite place of mine to start showing off this city on a walk, as it offers a great ambiance with shops, cafes, and beautiful mosques.

What is the unique feature of Pristina?

Pristina stands out as Europe’s newest country and exhibits a mix of Ottoman, Balkan, and contemporary influences. It has a vibrant art scene, a strong coffee culture, and a youthful atmosphere.

Are there any natural attractions near Pristina?

Yes, Germia Park is a beautiful park located near Pristina. It offers walking trails, picnic spots, and a chance to spot the native brown bears in the Bear Sanctuary.

Is Pristina a safe city to visit?

Pristina is generally a safe city to visit, and tourists are welcomed warmly. As with any travel destination, it is always advisable to take common safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

What are some local markets to explore in Pristina?

Pristina has several local markets where you can experience the local atmosphere and find unique goods. Some popular markets include Bulevardi NëNë Tereza Market and the Albanian Flags Market.

Is there a free walking tour available in Pristina?

Yes, Pristina offers a free walking tour, which is a great way to explore the city, learn about its history, and uncover hidden gems. Check with local tour agencies or tourist information centers for the most up-to-date schedules and meeting points.

What is the Kosovo War, and how does it relate to Pristina?

The Kosovo War was a conflict that took place in the late 1990s between the Serbian forces and the Kosovo Liberation Army. Pristina served as a significant battleground during the war, and remnants of the conflict can still be seen in the city.

• Cities You’ve Got To See In Kosovo
• What To Eat And Drink In Kosovo
• Where To Stay In Kosovo
• Rent A Car In Kosovo
• A Guide To Tipping In Kosovo
• Travel Between Pristina And Skopje, Macedonia
• National Parks In Kosovo
• 7 Day Kosovo Itinerary

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21 Seriously Awesome Things to Do in Pristina, Kosovo

There’s a serious lack of travel information about Pristina available online, but that oversight has less to do with the city and more to do with how travel writers constantly seem to skip over Kosovo. W

hether due to (mostly misplaced) worries about the political climate, the opacity of proper visa and passport procedure to visit Serbia and Kosovo back-to-back, or traveler’s desire to simply check Kosovo off as they count countries, Pristina has been a victim to modern travel writing.

Yet the city is super cool, and I found that spending nearly a week there wasn’t quite enough to enjoy everything I wanted. So here are our recommendations for the best things to do in Kosovo, plus where to stay and more Kosovo travel resources to help you plan your trip. 

Want to save this post for future reference? Pin it!

A note about Kosovo and Serbia. This article is things to do in Pristina (sometimes spelled Prishtina or Pristine), which is the capital of Kosovo. This is not a political statement about whether or not you should consider Kosovo as part of Serbia; we are merely trying to help those looking for information about Pristina find it easily. Political comments will be deleted. –

Where to Stay in Pristina

Accommodations in Pristina offer great value compared to other cities in Europe. Here is a general range of what we mean by each budget category:

• Budget:  A room in a hostel, usually $5-12 USD per night for a dorm bed or under $40 for a double.
• Mid-range:  Around $40-80
• Luxury : Around $100 per night or more 

Budget:  If you want a hostel with an awesome location, book a bunk at Hostel Han . The center of Pristina is fairly walkable, and here you’ll be able to take advantage and get out an explore the city center. Rooms are bright and clean, and the bunks have individual privacy curtains to give you some space when you get back to the dorm.   Check rates and availability here . If you are traveling in peak season, be sure to book online, as Hostel Han is popular and tends to get booked up.

If you’re looking for a budget hotel room in Pristina (read: not a hostel), I stayed at the Hotel Sara for almost a week. My room was clean and comfortable, and the staff was very friendly. Located a bit away from the center (about half a kilometer), I was still able to walk easily to and from the city center to get wherever I wanted to go (even in the middle of a blistering heat wave). Check rates and availability here

Mid-range:  Located near the beautiful Gërmia Park, Hotel La Familia Residence is a four-star hotel that has a swimming pool, fitness center, and massage chairs onsite. While it’s outside of the city center (about twenty-five minutes on foot), it’s got awesome views of the city to enjoy. It’s a great bargain, too –  check rates, reviews, photos, and availability here .

Luxury : For a luxurious Pristina stay, check into the Hotel International Pristina & Spa . You can enjoy the hotel’s wide array of amenities, including the sun terrace, hot tub, sauna, pool, hotel bar, and onsite restaurant. Rooms are up-to-date, with modern furnishings and relaxing ensuites. You’ll absolutely love the skyline Pristina views.  Check rates, reviews, photos, and availability here.

The Best Things to Do in Pristina

So many people just pop into Pristina for a day or two while on whirlwind Balkan backpacking trips , but Allison and I each spent about a week there. Two weeks of total Pristina exploring time really showed us how much there is to do here, and our favorite Pristina activities include both the traditional stuff everyone says to do plus some of our own favorites. 

Check Out the Newborn Monument

The Newborn Monument is a statue that celebrates Kosovo’s place as Europe’s newest country. Unveiled on the day that Kosovo announced its independance from Serbia, it is repainted annually to signify a new theme for the year. When I saw it, it had two letters placed on the ground, while in 2010 it had the “b” replaced with a “1” to read NEW10RN, celebrating Kosovo’s tenth anniversary of Independance. 

See the National Library 

Fondly referred to as one of the world’s “ugliest buildings,” the Kosovo National Library is a brutalist masterpice from the 1980s during the Yugoslav era. From the side the buildings seems more like a prison than a library, and the (73!) white domes are supposed to represent the white hats of Kosovo’s national costumes. The white domes and brown cubes are supposed to resemble a modern take on the blend of Ottoman and Byzantine architecture that is present throughout Kosovo.

For those who don’t find brutalist architecture pleasing, the drone shots of the roofs (see an example here ) are quite magnificent. If you want your own drone shot, make sure to follow all local regulations.  

The library does have a dark past (as do so many places in the former Yugoslavia). It was used as the Serbian army headquarters in 1999 during the Kosovar War for Independance. 

Enjoy some Cultural Tourism at the Kosova National Art Gallery

Located behind the National Library of Kosovo, the Kosova National Art Gallery is the most important art museum in the country. Located in a former Yugoslav army barracks, the space alternatively served as a library and architecture museum during the second half of the twentieth centure. In 1995, the space was formally turned into the current Contemporary art museum.

There are many works here by Muslim Mulliqi, Kosovo’s most important artist of the twentieth century, along with dozens of other important Kosovar artists. 

Tour the Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa

While Kosovo is predominantly Muslim with a Serbian Orthodox minority, one of the most important religious sites in the city is the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa. While she was born in modern-day North Macedonia, she is ethnically Albanian and therefore extremely important to the people of Kosovo. The cathedral was inaugurated in 2010 on the hundredth anniversary of her birth.

Wave to the Bill Clinton Statue on Bill Clinton Boulevard

Bill Clinton is beloved by Kosovo, becuase of his integral role in supporting Kosovo in the 1998-99 Kosovo that lead (eventually) to Kosovo’s declaration of Independance. President Clinton came and spoke at the statue’s uneveiling in 2009. The statue is eleven feet high, so it might be difficult to give it the high-five that he seems to be asking for, but feel free to give it a try with the help of photography (forced perspective or Photoshop-the choice is up to you).

Buy an Awesome Pantsuit at the Hillary Store

If you still aren’t over the 2016 US election (the disaster that just keeps on giving), there’s one place in Kosovo where Hillary gets the respect she deserves. The Hillary store down the block from the Bill Clinton statue sells gowns fit for an Inauguration and pantsuits in colors for every day of the week.

Should you NOT want to actually purchase a pantsuit or ball gown, if you come inside and take a photo whle you’re covered in sweat, the clerks will definitely look at you strangely. 

Visit One of Kosovo’s Mosques

It would be a shame to visit this Muslim-majority country and not step foot in one of Pristina’s historic mosques. You can choose from a number of them. The Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque, also known as the Imperial Mosque, was built in the fifteenth centure. Or you can visit the nineteenth-century Jashar Pasha Mosque located in the old quarter or even the Carshi Mosque, also known as the Taş Mosque or Stone Mosque located near the Pristine spomenik.

Whichever you choose, these are all cultural monuments as well as religious sites. Women should cover their heads to enter, and everyone should dress modestly and remove their shoes. 

Slow Down and Enjoy the Coffee Culture

While most former Ottoman occupied countries in the Balkans love Turkish coffee, most have rebranded the name. Not Kosovo, where it’s perfectly find to refer to the thick stuff as “Turkish.” Kosovo’s Islamic legacy means that while they’re fiercely into their Independance, they aren’t so quick to get upset about Turkey’s legacy here. 

Cafes in Pristina range from fancy, modern spots to pound your double espresso to more traditional spots where you can slow down and people watch for hours. It’s common for some Kosovars to spend hours every day socializing over coffee.

Enjoy some Red Tourism at the Pristina Spomenik

Officially known as the “Monument to Brotherhood & Unity,” the Pristina Spomenik is a 1960s Yugoslav monument. If you like traveling through the former Yugoslavia, you’ll no doubt run into Spomeniks all over the region (some of our favorites are in Belgrade and Bosnia ). 

If you love spomeniks, too, bookmark the Spomenik Database. The database is working to gather information about all of the remaining Yugoslav monuments. Whie this monument isn’t being actively protected by the local government, red tourism can help save sites like this. A great example is  Buzludzha in Bulgaria,  which is being saved by people working outside of the governement. So come see it, photograph it, Instagram it , and make people see that you care about saving these historical monuments. Maybe the Kosovo and Pristina government’s will listen. 

Amble on a Xhiro

There are some cities where the urban walk is a part of life. Rome comes to mind, but so does Pristina! Here locals go on a Xhiro (prounounced like gyro), a walk through the city’s main squares or streets. You can walk off your latest meat plate, or you can pick a spot in a cafe and watch the people go by.

Visit Skanderberg Square

Every city in Europe seems to have a prominent equestrian statue, and this statue of Skanderberg (alternatively Sheshi Skënderbu) on his namesake squre is it for Pristina. Skanderberg was an Albanian national hero who worked to overthrow the Turks, and the statue’s prominance signals Kosovo’s historic ties to Albania.

See a Performance at the National Theater of Kosovo

Allison actually got to see a free performance of Swan Lake at the National Theater of Kosovo during her time here, but I didn’t have such luck. If you’re interested in seeing a performance while in the city, check out their calendar of upcoming events. 

Visit the Bazaar of Pristina

While the historic fifteenth century Ottoman bazaar no longer exists in Pristina, you can still enjoy an open-air market experience by heading to the current bazaar. Similar to the markets you’ll find in the rest of the Balkans, the Pristine bazaar sells everything from old cell phones to fresh produce to kitchen appliances. Bring cash if you want to buy anything.

Find the Statue of Mother Tereza

I’m sad to say that I missed this statue while in the city, but those who are interested in her legacy should make sure to seek it out. It’s controversial with some tourists finding it moving and others feeling that it’s nothing special. If you only see one place honoring Mother Teresa, go to the cathedral, but if you still want more find this peaceful bronze statue dedicated to her memory

Shop Until You Drop

I found shopping in Kosovo to be a singular experience, even in the Balkans. The H&M is located inside another store, and many brand names don’t have any stores here at all. Traveling in the middle of a heat wave, though, I needed more (lighter-weight) clothing to survive the brutal temperatures. I loved shopping in the city, even when I was shopping brands I could find elsewhere it was a unique experience since I had to go out of my way to find them.

Tell Time at the Clock Tower

This nineteenth century landmark is a protected cultural monument. It originally stood near the Old Bazaar and marked the times for the call to prayer, but these days it functions with an electronic time piece and is more of a memory to a bygone era than an important part of daily life. 

Sip Some Rakia (Just Don’t Shoot It!)

Rakia (or rakija) is the ubiquitous fruit brandy found throughout most of the Bakans, and Kosovo is no exception. If you’ll be traveling around the region, you’re going to run into it whether you want to or not. I personally prefer spicier rakias to plain ones. Just remember, this is an apertif which is served often before food and should be sipped while eating small plates. Rakia on an empty stomach is a bad idea. 

See What Life in Kosovo was Like at the Ethnographic Museum

If you’re visiting Kosovo, don’t miss a visit to the Ethnographic Museum in the heart of the Bazaar area of Pristina. This museum is located in a beautiful traditional home, featuring all sorts of artifacts related to Kosovar life, with a particular focus on textiles and furniture you’d find in a traditional Kosovar household. If you’re lucky like I was, you’ll get to make the visit with the guidance of the curator, who will personally tell you all they know about the items on display.

Visit a UNESCO Site in Gračanica

Gračanica Monastery (pronounced Grachanitsa) is a Serbian Orthodox monastery in a suburb of Pristina. Guarded by NATO troops, you’ll need a passport to enter. After visiting the monastery, check out the beautiful grounds, shop at the gift store, and observe the monastery’s nuns at work. 

See the Assasin Miloš Obilić’s  Statue

If you come out to Gračanica, make sure to stop by the Miloš Obilić statue outside of the monastery gates. The statue honors the fourteenth-century Serbian knight and national hero who is supposed to have been the assassin who murdered the Ottoman Sultan Murad I. 

Eat at Himalaya Gurkha 

When you absolutely can’t eat another cevapi or grilled meat plate, Allison and I both love the Nepalese and Indian restaurant Himalaya Gurkha. Get the momos. Bonding over this unassuming restaurant at the back of a seemingly-abandoned mall is how Allison and I became friends in the first place (and why this blog exists). We owe it our undying gratitude. 

More Kosovo Travel Resources

Headed to Pristina? We have some great travel resources to help you with your trip. You can check out our list of the city’s most Instagrammable places . We also have a  Balkan currency guide  which explains how money works in Kosovo and local tipping customs.

If you’re still putting together your itinerary, here’s a great list of  places to visit in Kosovo  to help you choose.

If this will be one of your first trips in the Balkans, check out our massive  list of things to know before traveling the Balkans  as well as our  Balkan bus ,  road trip , and  itinerary  guides. 

We publish new articles and trip advice nearly daily! For more information about traveling to Kosovo and the Balkans, bookmark our  Kosovo  and  Balkan  travel pages, where you’ll find our entire archive plus anything new we publish before you leave for your trip. 

Finally, Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!

I’m sure you’re aware that  travel insurance  is essential for Kosovo and for travel in general! This is especially true when you’re talking about traveling in a city where tourists can be targeted for petty theft. In addition, while the political situation in Kosovo is generally stable, the occasional flare up means you’ll be happy to know you have insurance to cover you if something goes awry. 

Allison and I have both been paying customers of  World Nomads  for the last three years. We love the peace of mind it gives us in case of emergencies, accidents, illnesses, theft, or trip cancellation or disruption.

While Kosovo is perfectly safe to travel around, there’s always a risk inherent in everyday travel, so it’s better to play it safe. The saying goes “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel” is true!

Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here.

Pin the Best Things to Do in Pristina for Your Trip to Kosovo

Stephanie has been living in and traveling around the Balkans for the past three years. She’s written for National Geographic Online , appeared on CNN Arabic and in the New York Times , and ridden more Balkan buses than is good for a person.

Related posts

I have never thought of travelling in Kosovo. However, reading this article made me realize that there is a lot to discover out there. I will consider going there someday.

Hi, took a chance and booked a random trip to Kosovo. We are here now and were unsure on what to do so found your page and it’s very informative. Thank you we’re definitely going to check out your recommendations.

Enjoy your trip! We love Kosovo, and it’s VERY underrated as a tourist destination. I imagine in October you won’t have to fight any crowds at all!

Wow looks like a cool place to visit! I’m a travel-o-holic and massage -o-holic lol ! You just have to find the right massages while travelling lol! Thanks for sharing this! 😁

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25 Top Things To Do In Pristina: Europe’s Youngest Capital!

Posted on Last updated: October 18, 2023

Categories City Secrets Unveiled , Kosovo

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

Pristina in Kosovo (also Prishtinë and Prishtina) is one of the most energetic capitals in the Balkans, fueled by the youngest population in Europe, many international students and a desire to move on from its recent past.

Therefore it should come as no surprise that there are so many intriguing things to do in Pristina. 

While known to most of the outside world only in the context of the 1998-1999 war and NATO bombing of Yugoslavia (or occasionally more recent news clips about tensions with Serbia), Kosovo is certainly moving on – and Pristina has taken up its role as one of the world’s newest capitals with zeal.

A city in transition, Pristina is awash with development funded largely by expatriate donations that what to see the capital of their new nation thrive. And it is this feeling of being alive that makes Pristina such an addictive travel destination, one in which the main attractions are not monotonous museums or cliched tourist traps but rather the people and the culture.

You will be fascinated by the daily lives of the local people, from old men drinking Turkish coffee in the many cozy cafes in the city center to families and lovers out for xhiro each evening after the sunsets. everywhere you go, something unexplored and extraordinary draws your attention. Not to mention the proliferation of bars and beers – yes, dispute the majority-Muslim population here, alcohol is a present and daily part of life in most places. Locals order and consume it freely, and are social drinkers – as long as alcohol keeps them healthy and happy!

Pristina isn’t a city you will fall in love with at first sight – but one of will slowly grow on you as you explore its alleys and neighborhoods, and come to get a sense of its pride, vigor for life, and hidden beauty. You experience moments of pure elation in this unanticipated foodie hub as you discover cafes, restaurants, bars, and clubs more beautiful and delectable than you ever imagined.

Though there will also be somber moments as you pass NATO troops on the street, see memorials to war and realize that despite it being over 20 years since the war (and promises from Brussels), Kosovo remains the only country in continental Europe besides Russia and Belarus outside the E.U.’s visa-free zone. 

Pristina is a dynamic city, and visiting all of these top things to do in Pristina will undoubtedly help you to understand further. However, if you truly want to understand the city and its distinctive history and culture better, there are always the fascinating and in-depth tours offered by Kosovo Walker . We were in love with the vibe of Pristina before our tours, but after – we were obsessed and planning our next visit!

Page Contents

1. Food Tour

2. the nightlife of pristina, 3. hotel manami, 4. green market, 5. mosques of pristina, 6. kosovo museum, 7. hertica house, 8. germia park , 9. soma book station, 10. liburnia , 11. ethnographic museum, 12. hera rooftop, 13. newborn, 14. mother teresa cathedral, 15. dit’ e nat’, 16. the national library of kosovo, 17. the national gallery of kosovo, 18. xhiro & mother teresa boulevard, 19. bear sanctuary, 20. monastery gračanica, 21. bill clinton monument , 22. sunny hill, 23. skanderbeg square and statue, 24. kosovo pride , 25. war tour .

Unless this is your first time out of your homeland, you will undoubtedly know that one of the best ways to understand a new culture is through their food. So, when it comes to one of the best things to do in Pristina, taking a traditional food tour here was high on our list. Thankfully discovering the best of Kosovan cuisine was made easy with under the expert guidance of Kosovo Walker.

As you will learn on this traditional food tour , the combination of Ottoman and Mediterranean influence means that Kosovo food is as diverse as it is delicious. On this four-hour gastronomic journey, we worked our way through both the old and new towns of Kosovo to spots you definitely wouldn’t find yourself – and tried the food you would never consider ordering. One thing that really stood else to us on this tour was the cornucopia of gorgeous restaurants, cafes and bars in Pristina (more per capita than Paris, according to locals) – and most were hidden away with unassuming street entrances and narrow corridors that open up into dreamy courtyards.

While trying incredible delicacies such as fried doughnuts with ajvar, stuffed peppers, mezze platters, Turkish coffee, Kosovar beer and more, we also got to learn about Pristina, its history and the present day. As well as getting heaps of insider tips for the remainder of our time in Pristina and Kosovo. We cannot recommend this traditional food tour with Kosovo Walker highly enough, and we can’t wait to get back and try their local farmer food tour, gourmet tour, wine tour – we could go on. Pristina is just that much of a gastronomical delight …

As we have already established, Pristina is a youthful city – the youngest in Europe infact – and this, combined with its high international student population, means the nightlife here is some of the best in Europe and shouldn’t be skipped by nocturnal party animals.

There are many bars and lounges to sip coffee, beer, wine and raki and get ready for a night out – and covering them all would necessitate a whole separate article. If you are paralyzed with choice, Raki Street is always a popular spot for young people in Pristina to start the night out, and its taverns are typically filled with young people each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night. 

After you are sufficiently inebriated, Zone Club is the place to go; it’s the largest nightclub in Kosovo, home to regular international D.J.s and the biggest parties in Pristina. Located in the Zona Industriale in an abandoned warehouse for the summer season and the heart of the city for winter. 

This multi-level techno, rap, electronica and pop space is open till 7am on the weekends, meaning you can party all night – and morning – long. For those wanting a more elegant affair, Rooftop 13 in the Grand Hotel offers a panoramic view of the city, external garden terraces and a lively dancefloor while Termokiss is worth a look into for its alternative club events and cultural nights.

While exploring all of these great things to do in Pristina, you will need somewhere to relax and recharge – and for this, I recommend the tantalizing Hotel MANAMI . Offering the celebrity treatment with world-class service at very affordable prices (by international standards), this hotel is sexy, sleek, stylish and sublimely located just off Mother Teresa Boulevard (the main pedestrian street in Pristina).

Hotel MANAMI is a luxury accommodation with a refined bar, free private parking and a shared lounge. There is also a 24-hour front desk and room service, fast Wi-Fi and daily breakfast. The spacious and well-appointed rooms offer large, luxurious beds you will struggle to leave, rainfall showers and plenty of solitude from the outside world.

The best place to stay while in Pristina; however, I can also recommend Garden Downtown Prishtina if you are looking for more of a budget stay or ODA Hostel for backpackers after a more social vibe.

While the Old Bazaar of Pristina was sadly destroyed during the 1950s and 1960s, following the modernization slogan of “Destroy the old, build the new”, there is still traces of its former existence, such as the Bazaar Mosque and ruins of the Bazaar Hammam. It also is kept alive in spirit with the open-air Green Market, where a brisk trade in fresh local produce is done every day. 

For those who love people-watching or trying out new and exotic produce, the Green Market in Pristina is the place to explore in the mid-morning, when locals barter for the freshest fruit and vegetables and many restaurateurs are stocking up for the day ahead.

Kosovo is a Muslim-majority country, so it should come as no surprise that one of the top things to do in Pristina is visit a mosque. About one-third of the city’s mosque was destroyed during the 1998-99 conflict, leaving about 200 mosques after the war in 1999, but today, there are more than 800. It is estimated that a new mosque is built every month!

For tourists, the most interesting mosques in Pristina are the King’s Mosque, the Mosque of Pirinaz and the Bazaar Mosque.

The King’s Mosque, built in the years 1460-1461, is located in the heart of the old city center and is the largest and most prominent mosque in Pristina. Pirinaz Mosque was constructed of the same stone as the King’s Mosque but built around hundred years later. The Bazaar Mosque was built to commemorate the victory of the Ottoman forces in 1389 and is the oldest building in Pristina today (and one of the last reminders of the Old Bazaar that once surrounded it). 

In general, Kosovo Muslims do not characterize their national identity through religion but via their language and typically have a relatively relaxed approach towards observing the forms of Islam. Especially when compared to places like Iran or the United Arab Emirates . This is to say; you should feel comfortable exploring the mosques of Pristina (just like you might be in a church) and will be welcomed by locals – but you should dress conservatively and avoid entering during prayer times.

You are typically free to walk around and take as many photos as you like (just not of people) in the mosques of Pristina and Kosovo, but do follow any other signs or rules that might be in place.

The Kosovo Museum in Pristina is the national museum of the country attempts to unpack the history of Kosovo; however, the many, many empty cabinets here indicate that there is still a long way to go. Serbia is estimated to have forcibly removed 1248 artifacts from Kosovo during the 1998-99 war, and thus far has only returned one. 

Perversely, these artifacts are now exhibited in Serbia’s main museums – and countless others have been stolen. Seven artifacts dating as far back as 4,000 BC were returned by Germany after discovering the pieces in a sports bag belonging to two Serbs in an unrelated raid and are now on display. 

 Entrance is free, and the building it is housed in is surprisingly regal, with Austro-Hungarian architecture dating back to 1885/6 and was originally used for military purposes. As well as exhibits on antiquities, upstairs, there are many exhibits about the 1999 war and a mock signing of their independence document with flags around the room in chronological order of recognition of Kosovo.

Interestingly, either Afghanistan or Costa Rica was the first to recognize Kosovo (Afghanistan by formal paperwork and Costa Rica by phone verbally). The USA was third after Taiwan, though since 8 counties recognized the next day officially, it’s more a matter of the efficiency of getting the paperwork back. 

There is also the world’s largest staple mosaic, with more than 1.5 million stables depicting Mother Theresa and the words “Peace Begins With A Smile”.

When the socialist republic of Yugoslavia began to break apart in the early 1990s, the Serbian regime launched a campaign to prevent Kosovo Albanians from participating in public life. Albanian employees were expelled from the public service; media outlets were silenced; schools closed their doors to Albanians, and universities were shut down. 

Even hospitals refused access to Albanians. 

In response, a parallel public service was established in private housing, and the Hertica House was one such place. As one of the few remaining family homes to have served as a school, many would Hertica House – in ruins since its destruction by Serbian troops in 1999 – to serve as the site for this museum, but for now, it is only open by private appointment or special exhibitions. We were able to visit through our Kosovo Walker War Tour , and highlight recommends you do. 

To help Sami Frashri High School students and staff continue their studies after the closure of their school, Mehmet Aliu-Hertica offered his three-story home to them in 1990. From then until the end of 1998, the house served as a school, holding lessons in shifts that changed every 30 minutes from the morning until the evening.

Visiting Hertica House promises to be an emotionally taxing experience, not only because it involves children and the fundamental right to education, but due to the destruction bought up this peaceful, non-violent method of protest – and at this time, simply speaking Albanian and trying to keep your cultural heritage was seen as an act of protest by Serbian.

However, it is also a visit that inspires faith in the tenacity of the human spirit and speaks to the kindness of people. You will learn here how the “school’ was due to be the family house, but (as one of the daughters today told us) their father decided to allow it to be used for educated just weeks before it was due for completion. 

As a result, the family of 18 sacrificed their home and comfort, choosing to live in a cramped small 4-bedroom house nearby for another decade, all in the belief that Kosovo Albanians deserved somewhere to continue learning. A very moving site and one that deserves to be protected by the state so that it can continue to be experienced in the future. 

Germia Park is an extensive, exquisite park in the eastern part of the city of Prishtina and makes a wonderful place to relax and explore for the day. As much as we loved Pristina, sometimes you just want to get away from city life and enjoy national, and this 62-square kilometer park offers plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling, relaxing, swimming and more in the seemingly endless oak and beech forests and well-kept paths. 

While the hiking routes offer varying gradations for a pleasant trekking experience, the park trails are paved and comparatively level. There is also an inviting swimming pool at the entrance to the park and plenty of traditional restaurants if you get peckish. Nature lovers will also be delighted to know there are 63 animal species here and around 600 plant species.

Pristina is a young, creative and progressive city – the only kind of place that could nurture into existence something as unusual and quirky as Soma Book Station.

Part cafe, part bar, part library, Soma Book Station is situated in a house where time and space are nothing but words, and everyone is encouraged to indulge in absurdity, read, meet new people, discover something new, eat, drink and fall in love. Located in a beautifully preserved old red brick building that not long ago was in ruins today. 

Soma offers greenery and sanctuary (followed by the aroma of food and coffee) by day, while by night, it transforms into the place to be; where patrons sip on a hand-crafted cocktail while being exposed to new music with everything from rock and roll, jazz, blues, indie, experimental electronic and hip hop and more. Soma Book Station deserves to be one of the top things to do in Pristina because it truly offers something for everyone, from books, L.P.s and movies to delicious food and drinks, inspired design and late-night vibes. 

One of the most authentic Kosovan restaurants in Pristina, Restaurant Liburnia , was our favorite dining experience in a city filled with exceptional dining. Located in an old house from the Ottoman period converted into a restaurant, it is full of plants, timber and stone with rustic vibes completed with a wood-fired oven and vintage decor.

All the dishes we tried were exceptional, but the chicken with peaches and chili was a favorite, along with the homemade bread and country sausage dish. The meat was so tender, and the sauce’s unique flavor will live on in your memories – as with the ethereal ambiance of Liburnia.

One of the oldest surviving buildings in Kosovo, visiting the Ethnological Museum is one of the best things to do in Pristina if you wish to understand more about the lifestyle of the Ottoman Kosovo era. 

The complex has been recently renovated and made up of one small annex, and a larger house is so rich in history and culture because it is one of the last structures that still stand from Pristina’s Old Bazaar. In the Ottoman style, this unique stone and wood structure served as the Gjinolli family’s residence for a lengthy peri before it was turned into a museum.

The structure housed a natural history museum before 1990, but since 2003, it has been furnished with utensils from Kosovo’s Ottoman era. Currently, Kosovo’s historical and traditional garments are on display in the Ethnological Museum, and it has been a registered monument since 2016.

The Ethnological Museum exhibits not just overarching cultural ideals of the period but also specific depictions of how families here used to live, what they wore, and objects and weapons that help us understand what life was like for Kosovars in earlier ages. Each room conveys the commonplace, everyday tale of a typical household. The expositions, which are decorated with conventional carpeting and simple objects, highlight the resourcefulness of Kosovar society.

When visiting any new city, one of the first things we do is seek out a good vantage point to get the lay of the land. Even though Pristina is located in a valley, there are surprisingly few places to do this – however, thankfully, visiting Hera Rooftop provides the perfect solution. 

The glitzy rooftop lounge of the 8th floor Hotel Sirius , a visit here, offers contemporary specialties prepared by the meticulous chef and high-quality drinks endowed with a glorious view of Pristina. Should you want a more lively and imbibed experience, Bar 9 has opened here too – one level up – and is easily the best rooftop bar in Pristina.

Another not-to-be-missed attraction is the famous NEWBORN monument unveiled on 17 February 2008, when Kosovo formally declared its independence from Serbia. “Newborn” was selected as a solitary English word because of its ability to express the birth of a new nation, its positive connotations, its simplicity for non-native English speakers, and its capacity to portray Kosovo as a young, modern, and progressive nation.

Located along Bill Clinton Boulevard outside the brutalist masterpiece Palace of Youth and Sports, the NEWBORN monument is painted differently on the anniversary of Kosovo’s independence day and has a different theme every year. The year of our visit, the theme of women was on exhibit, with their successes and problems showcased.

Previous themes have had it re-painted with the flags of the states that have recognized Kosovo or in gold with a “10” within the monument in place of the letters “B.O.” for the country’s 10th anniversary. 

You will see many references to Mother Theresa in this part of the Balkans, and if you are as confused as we were, thinking, “Hold on, wasn’t she in Calcutta?” let us help you out.

Mother Teresa, canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, was born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in Üsküp in the Kosovo Vilayet (a sort of administrative region) of the Ottoman Empire on 26 August 1910. This is Skopje in modern-day North Macedonia, where she lived for eighteen years, then moved to Ireland and then to India, where she lived for most of her life. She was born into a Kosovar Albanian family, and while her dad was born in Prizren (today in Kosovo), the family was from Mirdita (present-day Albania). Thus you will see plenty of tribute to her throughout the region. 

The Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa in Pristina is perhaps Kosovo’s great tribute to her, a Roman Catholic cathedral approved for construction in 2007 by the Government of Kosovo and dedicated to her. Former Kosovo President and practicing Muslim, Ibrahim Rugova, set the cornerstone in 2005, and the unfinished cathedral was inaugurated in 2010 as part of celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of Saint Mother Teresa’s birth.

Although the Roman Catholic Diocese of Prizren-Pristina moved from Prizren to Pristina after the cathedral’s completion and many local Muslims now stand in solidarity with their fellow Catholic citizens as part of the community and to observe the holiday season, the cathedral’s construction caused some controversy in Muslim circles because it was seen as excessive given the small number of Catholics in the area.

A snug little bookstore and café close to the center of Pristina, Dit ‘ e Nat’ is perfect for visiting rain or shine, day or night (as its name says in Albanian). During the day, it’s a quiet place to sit in the sunny back garden, have superb coffee and plan out your other things to do in Pristina.

There is also an engrossing and rather liberal selection of books to browse and delicious sandwiches to snack on. At night, things get significantly livelier with great cocktails, Sabaja beer and frequent musical events where people get nice and cozy, and you’ll be able to mingle with locals.

Fondly referred to as one of the world’s “ugliest buildings,” the Kosovo National Library is a brutalist masterpiece from the 1980s during the Yugoslav era. 

The library does have a dark past (as do so many places in the former Yugoslavia), as it was used as the Serbian army command center in 1999 during the Kosovar War for Independence. During this time, many of the contents were taken, the reading room furniture had been broken, and the card catalog had been dumped in the cellar. Designed by Yugoslavian architect Andrija Mutnjaković, today, the library’s goal is to gather, protect, promote, and make accessible Kosovo’s documentary and intellectual history. It hosts exhibits and keeps a collection of national newspaper archives.

From the side, the buildings seem more like a prison than a library, but the 99 exterior white domes are believed to represent the white hats of Kosovo’s national costumes (the “plisi”). The brown cubes are then thought to resemble a modern take on the blend of Ottoman and Byzantine architecture present throughout Kosovo. It will take an Olympic-gold feat of mental gymnastics to make this connection, but regardless of whether you see it as a dystopian monstrosity or an architectural chef-d’oeuvre, you can’t argue that the Kosovo National Library is iconic.

Be sure to step inside and explore further, as the interior is quite unlike the exterior – and, dare we say, beautiful.

After the Academy of Arts was founded in 1973, the National Gallery of Kosovo was created in 1979 out of necessity to display these new artists’ work. The gallery has helped many artists who attended the university establish their careers throughout the years, upholding the organization’s social responsibility to promote and support the arts in Kosovo.

 The new gallery was placed in a small building that was originally built in 1935 as a military barrack of the Yugoslavian Army and had been repurposed as a library and then an exhibition hall in the intervening years. 

 Thanks to their distinctive style of work and the exceptional conditions under which it was produced, which gave it a distinctive and original feel, they have garnered great praise. However, after 1990, the Serbian regime closed this institution and the places of learning for artists in Kosovo, and during the Kosovo War, many studios were burned down, and considerable artworks were destroyed or lost.

The loss of this cultural heritage is still felt today, but the Kosovo Art Gallery works tirelessly to rebuild and support the local artist’s community with collective and individual exhibitions from national as well as international artists. Thousands of artists have exhibited their works here, and there are typically 2 changing exhibits spread over 3 spaces.

One of Albania’s and Kosovo’s most distinctive traditions is called xhiro . And it is so simple; everyone can take part. Xhiro takes place in the evenings, when people go out for a walk on the main road of their area, and provides them with a good chance to catch up with everyone.

Many main streets in Albania and Kosovo close at night to allow pedestrians more space to walk, but Bulevardi Nënë Tereza (Mother Teresa Boulevard) in Pristina has actually gone a step further and been completely pedestrianized for this nighttime ritual (it was a busy main road not too long ago). After dinner, you will spot lovers, families, friends and colleagues walking up and down here, chatting and taking in the vibe. It is truly beautiful, especially lit up with fairy lights – and we encourage you to take at least a few laps.

Decent cafes and restaurants also line the boulevard – and make for some of the best people-watching in the world. Great for a coffee or a drink, but we did tend to find the best places to eat were on side streets nearby.

The Bear Sanctuary in Pristina offers an exceptional experience for learning and exploring in a natural setting – and is not to be missed for lovers of nature and animals.

In November 2010, the ban on the private keeping of bears in the Republic of Kosovo finally came into force, and the Bear Sanctuary in Pristina was started to provide a secure sanctuary for the so-called “restaurant bears” that had sadistically been kept in teeny, run-down cages close to restaurants to draw in business. Much like  Libearty Bear Sanctuary Zarnesti in Romania , all of the bears were saved and bought here to put a permanent halt to this appalling method of brown bear mistreatment throughout the nation. Bears from Albanian restaurants also found a new, suitable home at the refuge. There is also, at least temporarily, a lion rescued from private captivity now living here too.

Fortunately, these days, you will find the bears either playing in the ponds, looking for food, or dozing at the sanctuary as they are allowed to live out their lives in peace. There are still wild bears in Kosovo, but your chances of finding any are exceedingly low, so this is a great way to spot them while supporting a worthy cause. Visitors here are taken on guided strolls along a 1.5 km track where they can observe the bears while also learning about bear biology and the area biodiversity, as well as hearing about each bear’s life story.

This experience ensures that every visitor creates a deeper emotional connection with nature – which is something we all need more of in our modern world.

While Kosovo has thus far been unsuccessful in securing membership to UNESCO, its territory is home to 4 sites listed as world heritage under the umbrella listing: the Medieval Monuments in Kosovo. The Gračanica Monastery, a Serbian Orthodox monastery built by the Serbian king Stefan Milutin in 1321 on the ruins of a 6th-century basilica, is closest to Pristina, located a 25-minute drive away in Gračanica. 

The sites are of global importance as they reflect the high points of the Byzantine-Romanesque ecclesiastical culture, with its characteristic style of wall painting, which evolved in the Balkans between the 13th and 17th centuries. Of the former monastic compound at Gračanica, only the church has survived the wars and battles over the ensuing years (including being bombed twice by NATO in 1999).

However, the Medieval Serbian art on display inside is worth the visit alone. Be sure to take your passport or I.D., as at various points in the past security here has required it due to the importance of this site to Serb’s national and spiritual identity, a.k.a. to avoid any actions that might inflame tensions. At the time of writing Monastery of Gracanica does not require any ID to enter, but this could change so it is better to go prepared!

As you will establish almost as soon as you arrive here, Kosovo is the most pro-American country in the world – which probably will come as quite a refreshing surprise to most Yanks and leave the rest of us slightly baffled.

The reason for this stems from the USA’s role in its creation as the U.S. led the 1999 NATO bombing campaign that paved the road to Kosovo’s independence. To a lesser extent, this applies to the U.K., specifically Tony Blair, who was seen as pushing harder than any other western leader for decisive NATO intervention to drive back Serbian forces. As a show of thanks, some Kosovo Albanians have named their children after him, with  many Toniblers, Blers and Tonis  being bestowed the name of a man many consider a national hero. Clinton (Klinton) and Hillary are also popular children’s names.

However, no one here is confused about which nation did the heavy lifting in forcing the Serbs to withdraw and then played a pre-eminent role in rebuilding Kosovo after the war, heading aid efforts and dispensing 7,000 troops (more than any other country) to the Kosovo peacekeeping force. A few hundred U.S. troops still remain in Kosovo today. 

Unsurprisingly, Albanians in Kosovo desired to specifically thank the former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who ordered the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia, for his help in their struggle and a 3-meter (10-foot-high) statue of Clinton was revealed on Bill Clinton Boulevard on 1 November 2009, at a ceremony in which the former president spoke.

The larger-than-life-size statue of a radiant Bill Clinton, his arm extended in welcome, is not to be missed when exploring the things to do in Pristina, and neither is the women’s clothes shop called Hillary just a few meters away (further proof of Kosovo’s love affair with the U.S. and specifically the Clintons).

The Route 66 Diner is further along the Boulevard at the NEWBORN to complete the Americana experience. And don’t be surprised if you spot the ultimate status symbol, homes with pillars and a white dome, while driving around Kosovo.

The allure of the U.S. here has not significantly diminished in the two decades since, with recent surveys showing 87% of Kosovars still approve of U.S. leadership, the highest rating for any country in Europe – despite former president Donald Trump’s condemnation of Muslims!

If you love European Music Festivals, then Pristina should already be on your radar for Sunny Hill – the largest festival organized in Kosovo and, based on the headliners, probably the best festival in the region. Organized by Dua Lipa and her father, Dukagjin Lipa, as a way to challenge misconceptions about Kosovo and show that people here are intelligent, creative and have something to say.

The festival has featured performances by international acts, including Calvin Harris, Gashi, Martin Garrix and Miley Cyrus, and Dua Lipa herself. Not to mention the wealth of local performers – which considering that many international stars share Kosovar and Albanian roots, including Dua Lipa, Rita Ora, Ava Max, Era Istrefi and Bebe Rexha – means you can expect high standards here also.

A place made to vibrate with young people who know how to have fun (something that applies to Pristina as much as the festival), if you can time your visit over the weekend in August each year Sunny Hill takes place, you will not regret it.

Skanderbeg is one of the most distinguished Balkan freedom fighters in history, and statues glorifying him can be found around Albania and Kosovo, including at the center of both Pristina and Tirana, Albania. In Pristina, the Statue of Skanderbeg is located at the square of the same name at the end of Mother Teresa Boulevard, directly beneath the Kosovo Government building – which speaks to his legendary status here. 

For those who don’t already know (a.k.a haven’t had a proud Albanian tell you), Skanderbeg was an Albanian Christian hero who bravely resisted Ottoman Turk goals in the 15th century.

He was educated in Edirne, Turkey, under Devshirme (the Ottoman practice of taking soldiers and officials against their will from among the offspring of its Balkan Christian subjects), where Sultan Murad II gave him the names Iskander (after Alexander the Great) and bey (thus Skanderbeg).

Skanderbeg rose through the ranks of the Ottoman army, learning their secrets and tactics and then later absconded and united his Albanian compatriots in fighting the armies of Islam during the defeat of the Turks at Ni (1443) in Serbia. He soon converted to Christianity, restored his family’s belongings, and established an alliance of Albanian rulers in 1444, over which he was named supreme commander. 

While his rebellion against the Ottoman Empire was ultimately quashed, it provided a model of Christian resistance against Muslims, and for 25 years, from 1443 to 1468, Skanderbeg’s 10,000-man army marched through the Ottoman territory, winning against consistently larger and better-supplied Ottoman forces, and he was greatly admired throughout Europe for this. He became a prominent figure in the Albanian National Awakening in the 19th century and is still greatly admired throughout the Albanian lands today. 

As a side note, the Kosovo constitution prohibits religious discrimination and provides for freedom of religion and so while Kosovo might be a Muslim-majority country, we would argue that the admiration and prime positioning given to Skanderbeg Square in his fight against Muslims say something about the importance of the idea of the Albanian nation over any particular religion.

Another event worth planning a trip to Pristina for is Kosovo Pride, which has taken place here since 2016. While many may be familiar with the outrageous Pride of Western Europe, such as in  Lisbon ,  Stockholm  or  Helsinki , Pride here is still very much a protest and a form of resistance – and a prospect to demand greater equality and freedom for members of the local LGBTI community.

Kosovo is interesting as it is one of few Muslim-majority countries in the world where LGBT pride parades are held annually, and for the most part, uneventfully, with well-known local and international politicians and diplomats marching each year. Compared to many of the other Balkan countries, Kosovo is ahead of the game, and while there is still a long (long) way to go, it is rather amazing the strides that have been made here in such a short amount of time – notably the adoption of the new Constitution, banning discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Gay, lesbian and bisexual people are allowed to serve openly in the military, however recognition of same-sex couples and same-sex marriage is still not possible, despite the Constitution recognizing “on the basis of free consent, everyone enjoys the right to marry and the right to create a family in accordance with the law”. While Kosovo law doesn’t allow for this yet, there are hopes the government will pass legislation to allow for this soon – which would be the first in a Muslim-majority country.  

Kosovo Pride marches each year from Skanderbeg Square down Mother Theresa Boulevard and then heads to Zahir Pajaziti square, where a small concert takes place. Other Pride events take place the week before, making it undoubtedly the best time to visit Gay Pristina.

While we are certain many Kosovars just want to move on from the horrors of war – and be known for something else internationally – the reality is many travelers here will want to understand the conflict better.

It is a complex conflict, one not easily comprehended, and for assistance, we highly recommend you consider taking a Pristina War Tour with Kosovo Walker , a thought-provoking tour organized to take you to numerous sights with historic context that led to the war with Serbia and Kosovo’s eventual independence. This area has thousands of years of history, different rules, countless historic intrigues, glories and sacrifices. This war tour helps uncover them as they relate to the recent conflict. 

On this tour, you’ll be given context to the numerous memorials around Pristina and visit the hallowing Pristina Prison where Albanian dissidents of the Yugoslav and Serbian regimes were held before Kosovo’s independence.

You’ll also be taken to Hertica House, the private house turned school for Albanians forbidden from learning, before heading out of the city to the Gazimestan – Monument of the Battle of Kosovo. Here, you will start to truly understand how this conflict has roots that stretch back centuries (and where then president of Serbia, Slobodan Milošević, gave his infamous 1989 speech that would later be used as evidence when he was charged with horrendous war crimes).

Finally, you’ll have the privilege of visiting the Legendary Complex of the Jashari family in Prekaz, a unique war memorial that “sealed” the freedom of Kosovo. While it can be confronting and raise tough questions, we truly believe this war tour is one of the best ways to understand the recent history of Kosovo.

Afterward, you will have a more complete account of the plight of the Albanian-Kosovars that led to armed resistance as the only way to survival and liberation and the formation of one of the world’s newest countries based on the ideals of freedom, democracy and equality.

Looking for even more attractions in Prishtina? You might also consider visiting the Gadime Marble Cave, 25 kilometers outside of Prishtina, a mesmerizing cave thought to be millions of years old. It is naturally formed from underground water streams and is famous for its stalagmite, stalagmite, stalactites, and unique aragonites. Also, close to Prishtina is Ulpiana, the most treasured archeological park in Kosovo where a Roman town dating from the 2nd century AD has been uncovered.

Exploring Pristina: Best Things to Do and See in Kosovo’s Capital

Last updated on May 4, 2024

After our Sarajevo trip back in 2021, which sparked my interest in the history of the Balkans, visiting Kosovo next felt like a natural course of action. I was initially going to title this post something along the lines of “best things to do in Europe’s youngest country”. But, even though it’s been 15 years since Kosovo officially declared its independence, many countries still don’t recognise it as a sovereign state.

Nestled in the heart of the Balkans, Kosovo is a land of striking contrasts and complex identity. The 1998-1999 war has left a lasting mark on its people and landscape. Nearly 25 years on, the struggle for independence isn’t over yet, with ethnic tensions flaring up again. This makes Kosovo the perfect destination for travellers who want to understand the complexities of modern-day Europe.

Last summer, we chose Kosovo’s capital city as the starting point of our 3-week Balkan trip . I feel like 3 days were more than enough to see the most interesting places it has to offer. With that said, here are all the best things to do in Pristina, including where to stay and the best restaurants to visit.

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How to get from Pristina International Airport to the city centre

We flew directly from Warsaw to Pristina – and I’ve honestly never been on such an empty flight before! It genuinely looked like something you’d expect at the height of the pandemic. Apart from us, all other passengers were either locals or being picked up by locals. We’ve always known Kosovo is far from your average touristy destination, but seeing all the empty seats really drove this point home.

Right outside the terminal, there’s a bus stop from which you can go to the city centre. Unfortunately, buses don’t run very frequently, so you might have to catch a taxi instead. We read online that while most drivers will quote you €25-30 for a ride to the centre, you should never agree to pay more than €15. However, once we left the terminal, we saw a sign that there was now a fixed price of €25, so we didn’t bother to haggle.

As our driver hardly spoke any English, he asked for the phone number of our hostess. He then called her to double-check the address and dropped us off right outside her door, with a quick pit stop to get more petrol. It was interesting to see how laid-back the locals are – something we got to observe again a few days later, as our bus driver stopped in the middle of the road to high-five his friend walking past. While I highly value punctuality, we could all probably take a leaf out of their book in our rushed everyday lives 🙂

Where to stay in Pristina

When we were looking for accommodation in Pristina, it eventually came down to two centrally located flats. From the moment I first saw it, I was absolutely OBSESSED with the living room area of Etern Stays – Urban Apartment *, to the point where I didn’t even feel like looking at any other flats.

Ultimately, it was the spacious terrace overlooking the city in this flat * that won us over. We could totally picture ourselves sipping on a glass of wine after a long day of exploring, which is exactly what we did. There’s even a barbecue that you can use if you don’t fancy eating out.

But, the best part about this place is its perfect location on Shaban Polluzha street, right behind Skanderbeg Square and the National Theatre of Kosovo. The only thing to watch out for is that the flat is located on the 6th floor and the lift isn’t working properly, but the lovely hostess made us aware of both issues at the time of booking.

You can still send your luggage up, but the buttons inside the lift don’t work, so you need to stay behind to push them from the outside. The stairwell was really wide and clean, though, so the daily walks didn’t even bother us. At €123 for 3 nights, we would definitely consider staying there again!

Best things to do in Pristina

Note: To deal with the energy crisis, in the summer of 2022, the government of Kosovo started enforcing rotating power cuts. This means that every 6 hours, the power goes out for 2 hours. In Pristina, these blackouts weren’t happening across the entire city simultaneously and were divided by areas. We asked our hostess if there were any fixed times, but she said it was random. It’s definitely something to watch out for, especially if you’re a remote worker!

Now, on to the actual city… With its mismatched brutalist architecture and post-socialist concrete blocks, Pristina might just be the ugliest capital city we’ve ever visited. But, beneath this surface, there’s also a lot of youthful energy and vibrancy, with the city centre bustling with people after sundown.

After visiting Pristina, I can finally truly understand what Rita Ora meant when she sang “we gold, we gold, we shine” 😉 All around the city, there are plenty of jewellery shops and display windows filled with the most opulent party gowns on every corner. This probably shouldn’t come as a major surprise, considering that two of my favourite fashion designers, sister-duo Lirika and Teuta Matoshi, are originally from Kosovo. I’ve already decided that if I ever need a show-stopping dress to wear to some fancy occasion, this country is definitely the place to go!

Even if you’re not necessarily a fashion enthusiast, the capital also has other attractions to offer (although you should definitely stay tuned for another fashion moment in this guide!) .

Here’s my personal selection of the best things to do in and around Pristina:

Walk around Skanderbeg Square and down Mother Teresa Boulevard

With its equestrian statue and war memorial, Skanderbeg Square is a great place to start exploring Pristina. Skanderbeg was a 15th-century military commander, considered an Albanian national hero for leading a rebellion against, and ultimately defeating, Ottoman Turks. Pristina is one of the three Balkan capitals to have a Skanderbeg statue, alongside Skopje and Tirana. It was brought to Kosovo all the way from Albania 2 years after the conflict ended in 1999.

You can also find several government buildings around the square, along with a memorial dedicated to the victims of the Kosovo War. From there, you can turn into Mother Teresa Boulevard (Bulevardi Nënë Tereza) , named after Mother Teresa of Calcutta. In the evenings, you can find crowds of people casually walking by or stopping at one of the cafés and restaurants for a meal and a nightcap.

Catch a performance at the National Theatre of Kosovo

If you’re lucky, you can also catch a performance at the National Theatre of Kosovo. I read there are free ballet performances on Thursday nights, which was perfect since we arrived the day before.

Unfortunately, once we got there on Wednesday afternoon, the building looked almost abandoned. We decided to come back the following morning. It was open, but what was even stranger, the people inside seemed to have no idea what we were talking about. And I don’t just mean free ballet nights – I mean theatre tickets in general. They just shook their heads, making us feel like we somehow ended up in the wrong place.

After I emailed them using the address I found on their website and it bounced, I lost all hope. There were some job ads pinned to the door, so we guessed that maybe they still hadn’t returned to normal post-pandemic. Judging by the official National Theatre of Kosovo website , they appear to finally be back and running, so maybe you’ll have more luck than we did!

Explore the city’s red past at the Pristina Spomenik

If you like to engage in some red tourism, i.e. tourism revolving around visiting places with a significant “red” past, this next spot is for you. There are thousands of spomenik monuments scattered around the countries of former Yugoslavia. They come in a variety of bizarre shapes and forms. I saw someone compare spomeniks to alien landings, which I think is oddly accurate! There’s even a website dedicated to spomeniks , including their history and a full database, if you’d like to plan an entire trip around them.

Following the breakup of Yugoslavia, many of these monuments were vandalised or destroyed. Today, some of them remain in good condition, while others are neglected and left to ruin. This mostly depends on their location, who they honour, or what ethnic groups live in their proximity.

Pristina’s Monument to Brotherhood and Unity, which is the official name of this spomenik, commemorates the soldiers who died during the People’s Liberation Struggle during WWII. For years, it had been in a pretty bad state, with its base starting to fall apart. Following concerns over its safety, there were some plans to demolish it and redevelop the square where it stands. Despite this, a full renovation project took place in August 2018.

When we were in Pristina in August 2022, the entire monument was wrapped in bright pink and purple foil as part of the Manifesta Biennial that was taking place in the city. I’m not sure whether the foil was removed following the end of the exhibition, but I personally much prefer the new version!

Challenge your aesthetic limits at the National Library of Kosovo

Quite possibly the most controversial building in Pristina, The National Library of Kosovo is often referred to as “one of the world’s ugliest buildings” – and I can see why! From the outside, I could never guess that this brutalist building houses a library. To me, it certainly looks more like a prison or a top-secret laboratory. I have to admit the structure looks way more impressive from a bird’s eye view than it does from the ground. See our drone shots for proof:

The inspiration behind the design was to blend Ottoman and Byzantine influences that are prevalent in Kosovan architecture. The library’s nearly 100 white acrylic domes represent the traditional Albanian national hats, or “plisi”. Interestingly enough, during the Kosovo war, the Serbian forces used this building as their headquarters. I suppose this explains the slurs we found on one of the library’s walls 😉

When you look to the side of the building, you may notice a small Serbian Orthodox church in the distance. The construction of Christ the Saviour Cathedral began in 1992 and came to a halt during the Kosovo war. Once the conflict ended, the locals vandalised the church, since they saw it as a reminder of the Milošević regime.

Nowadays, many people are calling for the church to be demolished or turned into a museum about the war crimes. But, following disputes over the land on which the building is located, its future remains uncertain.

Get up close and personal with the Bill Clinton Statue

The Kosovo Albanians’ deep admiration for Bill Clinton stems from the vital role he played in bringing the 1998-99 conflict to an end, ultimately leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence 9 years later. The locals credit him with finally putting Kosovo on the map and shining some light on the struggles and suffering of its people.

As a way of saying thank you, they decided to erect a larger-than-life statue of Bill Clinton on a street named in his honour. What’s also interesting is that in Albanian, the spelling is a little different. So, if you’re going to visit, these are the street signs you should be looking out for 😉

Shop ’til you drop at the Hillary boutique

If you thought the locals’ admiration ends with the former US president, you’d be mistaken. Bill may have got a boulevard named after him, but it’s Hillary that got 2 fashion boutiques dedicated to her style, so who’s the real winner here?

One of them is located further down the street from the statue, inside a less-than-imposing shopping complex. We didn’t go inside, but it’s the go-to place for Hillary’s signature outfit, a two-piece trouser suit.

I read that the idea for these shops came from the owner’s father who’s always admired Hillary’s style. He assumed if he started selling clothes modelled after her wardrobe, she’d have to come to Pristina one day and meet him. Well, he wasn’t wrong about it! Hillary Clinton paid a surprise visit to the boutique back in 2010, during which she was gifted a navy-blue trouser suit. You can find photographic proof on the walls of both shops.

Celebrate freedom at Pristina’s Newborn Monument

The Newborn Monument is a statue that celebrates Kosovo’s status as Europe’s youngest country. Unveiled on the day the Declaration of Independence was signed, it’s a symbol of resilience, determination, and Kosovo’s newfound freedom. The statue itself consists of the word “Newborn” in capital block letters. It started out yellow and gets repainted every year on the anniversary of Kosovo’s independence movement.

When we were there in 2022, it was covered with faces of women to celebrate women’s successes around the world. With around 2,000 domestic abuse cases reported in Kosovo in 2021 alone, the wings painted on the ‘W’ letter are meant to give strength to the female victims, as well as empower successful women.

You can’t actually tell from the photo, but I was absolutely TERRIFIED when it was taken. From the moment we left our flat, we were being followed by a pack of stray dogs. As you walk around, you can often see them roaming the capital’s streets. It has been a massive problem in Pristina for a long time, with many incidents of attacks on its citizens. Thankfully, we were safe and sound, as they eventually found another pack to play with. Last year the authorities decided to allocate €350,000 to help deal with the issue, so fingers crossed it will soon be a thing of the past!

Join the fight for animal rights at the Pristina Bear Sanctuary

Out of all the places we visited in Kosovo, the Pristina Bear Sanctuary was hands down my favourite. The sanctuary is a haven for brown bears that have been rescued from abusive situations. Unfortunately, many bears in Kosovo and Albania are subject to cruelty and neglect. They are kept as ‘restaurant bears’ in tiny battered cages next to restaurants to attract more customers. The most shocking statistic we learned during our visit was that one of the bears was forced to drink as many as 20 (!) bottles of beer each day for people’s entertainment.

Thankfully, the police have been working to put an end to this despicable practice. They have been confiscating bears and bringing them to the Pristina Bear Sanctuary. So far, 20 brown bears got a second chance in life, free from the suffering they once endured.

By visiting the sanctuary, not only will you be able to experience the natural beauty of Kosovo, but also support a vitally important cause. It serves as a place of healing and rehabilitation, providing these animals with the support they need to recover from their traumatic pasts. You can witness their playful antics and observe their daily routines, all while knowing that your visit is helping to fund their ongoing care.

When we were there in August 2022, a single ticket cost €2. There was also a donation box, as well as a gift shop where you could support the cause with a purchase. You can also pay for a guided tour or enjoy a meal inside their restaurant. Overall, if you want to explore at your own pace, I’d say you need around 2 hours.

How to get to the Pristina Bear Sanctuary

The Pristina Bear Sanctuary is located near the village of Mramor, around 20 km away from Pristina. To get there, you can catch a bus from Pristina Bus Station towards Mramor or Gjilan for €1.

Whether it’s a local or regional bus, in Kosovo, you always buy tickets on board. There’s a separate employee who will approach you once the bus leaves the station. We found it’s good practice to always tell them where we wanted to go when buying our tickets. As we were usually the only tourists on the bus, they always remembered and kindly made sure we got off at the right stop as there were no bus stop announcements.

In this case, there isn’t a specific bus stop, so our driver dropped us off next to a petrol station. You should then turn left onto a smaller road towards Mramor and follow the signs. From there, it’s a 2.5 km walk along the edge of Badovc Lake. If you’re lucky, you can catch a sanctuary shuttle that runs every 2 hours on weekdays, or every hour on the weekends, starting from 10:30 am. It operates on a donation basis, with a small red box attached to the side.

A much easier option is getting a taxi. The Pristina Bear Sanctuary has a partnership with a local taxi company, Blue Taxi. It costs €12 one way, or €25 return with one hour waiting time. We asked the lady at the ticket office if she could call us a taxi back to Pristina, and it was there within half an hour – just enough time for a pint at the restaurant and some touristy photos!

Go on a day trip to Prizren

Should you have some spare time, I’d highly recommend venturing outside of Pristina. For us, it was a toss-up between a day trip to Mitrovica or Prizren. We eventually settled on the latter, mainly due to Prizren’s standing as one of the oldest cities in the entire Balkan region.

From its Ottoman-era architecture to the Bronze Age fortress towering over the city, it’s the ideal place to roam and absorb Kosovo’s rich cultural heritage. If you’re searching for things to add to your Kosovo itinerary, read my post on how to plan the perfect day trip to Prizren!

Best restaurants to visit in Pristina

When you see the same restaurant appear in every travel guide, it usually means one of two things. Either it’s incredibly good or massively overhyped. As Pristina isn’t a tourist hotspot, I had a strong hunch about this one, and I wasn’t disappointed!

If you want to try traditional Albanian cuisine, Liburnia is definitely the place to visit. Tucked away on a cobbled side street, it can be a bit tricky to locate, but it’s totally worth the effort. The rustic Ottoman-style building that houses the restaurant is as atmospheric inside as it is from the outside. With wicker chairs, patterned tablecloths, and greenery peeking out from every corner, it makes you feel right at home.

But, the real highlight here is the food. Liburnia is the type of restaurant where you have to restrain yourself from ordering every single item on the menu. From various kinds of fresh bread and hearty soups to sizzling meat plates served in skillets, it’s foodie heaven.

I’d particularly recommend the oven-baked cheese or paqe soup for a starter, and the Liburnia meat patty for your main.

We loved Liburnia so much that we returned 2 days in a row to sample more dishes. Honestly, we would’ve returned on our last day too if we hadn’t decided to give other places a chance.

And the best part? We never spent more than €20 each, even when we ordered a couple of starters to share, a main, and a dessert each, and washed it down with a carafe of house wine.

Liburnia isn’t just my favourite restaurant in Pristina, but one of my favourites in general – and I don’t say that lightly! So, if you only have time to eat in one place in Pristina, make sure it’s this one. You can thank me later!

Dit’ e Nat’

The name of this bookshop/café translates to “day and night”, and that’s the exact order in which we chose to experience it. What immediately caught my eye were cats absolutely everywhere – in the logo, on the walls, even on the little sugar packets. As a cat lover myself, they got bonus points from me for the donation box on the counter.

When we sat down on the open-air terrace, there was even a resident cat adorably napping in one of the chairs – those morning shifts can indeed be truly exhausting…

It’s also worth mentioning that all dishes on the menu are vegetarian. I opted for their crunchy sandwich with cornflakes-fried courgette, sweetcorn, tomatoes, and pickled cucumber, and a side of carrots and potato wedges. Mac went for an Albanian breakfast, which consisted of fried dough (called petulla in Albanian) with white cheese, pepper spread, and jam.

Everything was delicious, filling, and super affordable – I only paid €4.70, including a cappuccino. When we returned for some evening drinks, the place was bustling with people. Aside from beer and wine, there were only 6 cocktails on the menu ranging from €4 to €5.50. It sadly didn’t include any of my favourites (*cough* Aperol Spritz *cough*), but I still couldn’t recommend it enough. The laid-back vibe is amazing, and you even get some decor inspiration included in the price 😉

Soma Book Station

The next morning, we decided to hit up another highly recommended place. With an industrial feel, a large central bar, and ample garden space where you can relax with one of the books available inside, I can see why it’s instantly become a favourite hangout spot for locals.

Sadly, when we went there early in the morning, it turned out they didn’t serve breakfast until 10 am. As we were heading to Prizren for the day, we couldn’t return later. It’s all good, though – this just means we need to visit Pristina again, am I right…?

Half & Half Café

At this point, you may be wondering why we didn’t at least stay at Soma for some coffee… That’s because, in true Dominika fashion, I had another coffee place on my list!

One thing you should know about the people of Kosovo is that they take great pride in their macchiato-making skills. If you ever want to wind up a Kosovar, just tell them that Italians make much better macchiatos, and you’ve got yourself a perfect storm brewing (pun very much intended) .

In all seriousness, though, even Yahoo rated the macchiato in Kosovo the best in the world. Apparently, the difference lies in the way they foam the milk, with the end result impressing even some Italians. You can get your macchiato pretty much anywhere, but Half & Half Café on Mother Teresa Boulevard is said to be the go-to place in Pristina.

Now, I’m no expert when it comes to macchiatos, so I can’t tell you if it really is the best, but I certainly enjoyed mine. There’s only one way to find out – you just need to visit Half & Half Café yourself and be the judge 😉

BUFFÁLO Prishtine

On our last evening in the city, we wanted to have a late-night meal. We were initially going to go to Pishat, but there were no available tables due to a private event. With it being a Friday night, many other restaurants in the city centre were packed too. So, what do you do in such situations? When all else fails, I find a burger is always a great idea!

After a quick search, we decided to check out BUFFÁLO’s American-style burgers. Again, it was a little challenging to locate at first, as you have to enter an inner courtyard, but the absence of crowds made it worth the effort. I opted for their Felix burger with garlic chips, and it was the ultimate comfort food.

I’d say the prices were a little high for Pristina (I paid €6.80 with a Coke) , but they offer a meal deal with regular chips that allows you to save some money. While the burger wouldn’t make my personal top ranking, I believe it could be tough to beat in Pristina. Overall, I would definitely return!

Which of these spots would you add to your Pristina itinerary? Also, what’s the most unique place you’ve ever been to, and why?

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• 1 Understand
• 3.1 By plane
• 3.2.1 Bus from Albania
• 3.2.2 Bus from Bosnia and Herzegovina
• 3.2.3 Bus from Montenegro
• 3.2.4 Bus from North Macedonia
• 3.2.5 Bus from Serbia
• 3.3 By train
• 4.2 By taxi
• 5.1 Museums and galleries
• 5.2 Monuments, historical sites, memorials, public buildings
• 6.2 Festivals and events
• 8.2 Mid-range
• 8.3 Splurge
• 9.1  Four areas
• 9.2 Cafes and bars
• 9.3 Clubs and festivals
• 10.1 Budget
• 10.2 Mid-range
• 10.3 Splurge
• 11 Stay safe
• 12.1 Embassies and other diplomatic missions

Pristina ( Albanian : Prishtinë , Serbian : Priština ), the capital city of Kosovo , is not beautiful: it is messy, with centuries-old Ottoman heritage competing with communist designs and post-communist architectural monstrosities. However, there is a powerful draw to this city of 162,000 people (2011), offering much to passing visitors.

Understand [ edit ]

As the youngest capital city in Europe, Pristina has the physical remnants of the periods of old and new. After a rapid modernization campaign in the mid-20th century, much of the historic centre was destroyed and, as a result, only a small portion remains. However amongst what's left are many hidden gems to be found, and the areas that were lost have been replaced by modern structures and monuments that speak more to Kosovo's fascinating recent history than to any other period of time. Whilst the concrete jungle of Pristina's centre can be quite overwhelming, there are plenty of opportunities to get out into the nature of the city's parks and its beautiful rolling outskirts, as well as an abundance of easy day trip possibilities all around the region. Along the main boulevard, Rr Nëne Terezë/Mother Teresa St., you can feel a palpable energy from the wide mix of amiable, welcoming locals and international residents enjoying the bustling street life and vibrant coffee culture that exists during the day.

Come the evening, restaurants, bars and nightclubs across the city fill with a variety of customers and music, offering many options, from a quiet local beer with friends to a heavy night of dancing that can last well into the next day. Pristina is a city that loves to almost constantly host events and festivals, so chances are high that you'll walk into a unique cultural experience that you hadn't anticipated.

• Pristina Tourist Information Office

Talk [ edit ]

The main language you will hear in the street is Albanian . English is widely spoken in the 3-km² space in the centre of town where internationals and those working for international organizations predominate. The further you go from the centre, the less likely you will be to hear English spoken. However, most people from Pristina, especially young people, speak at least a little English, or will happily find a friend who does, so you are unlikely to have any difficulties getting by.

Navigating around the city is easy even if you don't speak or read Albanian. The city centre is small and walkable (though watch out for crazy drivers who often hop sidewalks and plow through intersections), and people are generally receptive to efforts to communicate in broken Albanian and English. Serbian is Kosovo's other official language, but it is seldom heard on the streets in the capital. You should be able to speak Serbian in some government offices, but you should avoid speaking it in public, except in Serbian areas, where you should be avoid speaking in Albanian. German is easily the next most widely spoken foreign language. Ties between the Kosovo Albanian diaspora in Germany and Switzerland and Kosovo are very strong, as many older Kosovo Albanians have lived and worked in Germany and Switzerland.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Getting there and away :

• By bus – Public bus line 1A to and from the airport costs €3 and leaves every two hours between 08:00-24:00 from the airport and between 07:00-23:00 from Pristina—although in September 2023 the airport website states opening hours to 20:00.
• By taxi – There is a fixed price for taxis from the airport to Pristina of €25.

By bus [ edit ]

• 42.65004 21.1468 2 Pristina Bus Station ( Stacioni i Autobusëve, Prishtinë ), Lidhja e Pejës st , ☏ +383 38 550 011 , +383 38 541 517 , +383 38 540 142 , [email protected] . 04:00-00:00 . The bus station is a 15-min walk from the city centre if you take the Bill Clinton boulevard. There are few fast food shops at the bus station as well as kiosks where you can get your snacks and drinks from. It is very common to pay for your ticket once you are on the bus, which sometimes ends up being cheaper, since there is at least €0.50 terminal ticket fee. Prices for destinations are posted inside of the terminal building, just in case. If you are in a hurry, try getting off when the bus leaves the highway just before it enters the station area. Then you can immediately look for buses leaving the station and potentially catch the one you desire. ( updated Jun 2017 )

There/away by taxi : If you decide to take a taxi from the bus station, try to get the ones that are branded since they have taximeters which starts at €1.50, and overall are cheaper than private ones. A trip to the city center should cost no more than €3. Anything more than this is a ripoff. Some of the drivers will even quote you prices as high as €15.You can negotiate the price with the private ones, and you should agree ahead about the price to your destination.

Coming in Kosovo from the surrounding countries is fairly easy, due to the amount of buses with a regular daily schedule.

Bus from Albania [ edit ]

Bus from Tirana : 05:30; 06:00; 07:00; 14:00; 14:30; 15:00; 16:00; 17:00; 17:30; 18:00; 20:00. The ticket price is €10 one way or €15 return and takes at least 4 hours due to the numerous stops.

Bus from Shkodër is at: 17:40; 19:40; and 21:10. The bus actually departs at Ulcinj in Montenegro and stops in the city's outskirts and stops to pick up people up in Shkodër before going onwards to Pristina. The ticket price is between €12-15.

Bus from Bosnia and Herzegovina [ edit ]

Overnight bus from Sarajevo (east) runs daily, departing at 22:00, via Novi Pazar , Serbia. At the ticket office in Sarajevo, you have to buy a ticket to Novi Pazar. Don't worry: the same bus continues on to Pristina, so when you get to Novi Pazar, just stay on the bus and tell the ticket person that you want to buy a ticket to Pristina. Trip to Novi Pazar takes about 7½ hours (€15 one-way or €22 with a return ticket - return has to be within a month) and arrives in Novi Pazar at around 05:30, just stay on the same bus and buy the ticket to Pristina (€7 one-way, takes about 3 hours).

Alternatively, you can take the day bus from Sarajevo to Novi Pazar (Bus departs daily from Sarajevo at 15:00, takes about 7 hours, €15 one-way). Spend the night there and continue on to Pristina the next day as buses depart frequently through the day; buses from Novi Pazar to Skopje , North Macedonia also make stops in Mitrovica and Pristina. This bus stops on the road right outside of the main bus station in Pristina.

Bus from Montenegro [ edit ]

Bus from Podgorica runs daily, once a day, starts at 21:30. The ticket price is €16-18.

Bus from Ulcinj is at: 16:00; 18:00; 19:30. The ticket price is €15, one way.

Bus from North Macedonia [ edit ]

Bus from Skopje starts at 08:00 or 10:00, several times a day until 18/19:00. (550 denar or €10, one-way) (as of Dec 2022).

Bus from Serbia [ edit ]

Bus from Belgrade : 12:00; 16:30; 21:30. The ticket is €15 one way.

Bus from Niš is at: 08:00; 13:45. The ticket is €8-10.

Bus from Novi Pazar (see the section on traveling by bus from Bosnia and Herzegovina)

On general information on border crossing between Serbia and Kosovo, see Kosovo#Get in .

By train [ edit ]

There are trains which travel from North Macedonia and Serbia to Pristina. These take a long time to get there. See Kosovo#By train

• 42.65887 21.15107 3 Pristina Train Station , Tirana St ( near the end of Garibaldi St. ). Trains from Peja . ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 42.63475 21.08115 4 Fushë Kosova Train Station , Sheshi i Lirisë ( 7 km W of centre; take a taxi (€7-10) or with the N°1 minibus (€0.40), which departs every 10 minutes ), [email protected] . ( updated Aug 2020 )

By car [ edit ]

Apart from the highway to Albania and the modern one to the border with Macedonia, the connection with other cities is fairly close but roads are not well maintained and traffic can be heavy at times.

Get around [ edit ]

City buses run every 5 minutes on the main central routes (Lines 3 and 4), while other lines run every 15 minutes. The last bus is at 23:30. The cost is €0.50 (2023) and payment is made to a conductor on the bus. See the map of bus lines, this is out of date but can be used as a general guide - for example, as of September 2023 Line 2 no longer runs, and some bus stops have new names. The closure of bulevardi Xhorxh Bush to traffic until November 2023 means some lines taking diversions. Further information including routes and timetables can be found (in Albanian) on the Trafiku Urban website.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis are abundant with prices starting at €1.50. Make sure to pick a branded taxi since those are metered. No trip around the centre or from the centre to Arbëria, Velania, Sunny Hill (Kodra e Diellit), etc. should cost more than €4. All taxi companies use online communication platforms like Viber and WhatsApp.

The roads in Pristina (and in general throughout Kosovo ) are pretty good, but improvements are still being made. Nevertheless, caution should be made about slow moving vehicles. Traffic is heavy during working hours in Pristina and in the summer when diaspora comes. Sometimes you might get stuck in traffic due to road repairs/improvements. There is a free toll highway from the border with Albania (Morine border crossing) all the way to Pristina, which takes just more than an hour to get too, compared to 3 hours that it used to take.

See [ edit ]

Museums and galleries [ edit ].

• 42.66428 21.15822 4 Independence Museum ( Kosovo Independence House “Dr. Ibrahim Rugova” ), Rr. Enver Zymberi ( beside Tiffany’s restaurant ). M-Sa 10:00-17:00 . Historical building that once served as a head of Kosovo Writers Association in late 1980s and then as a former headquarters of the Democratic League of Kosovo at the beginning of 1990s. In 1999, the building was burnt by Serbian forces during the Kosovo war, while after the war it was rebuilt and opened as the museum. The Museum “Independence House Dr. Ibrahim Rugova” was opened at the end of 2007. The space of the Museum is quite small and it reflects the efforts of the Kosovo Albanian people on the road to independence. Various exhibits are represented there, some of them belong to the late former president, Dr. Ibrahim Rugova. free . ( updated May 2022 )
• 42.66296 21.15992 5 Pristina Prison Museum ( Muzeu i Burgut të Prishtinës - Burgu i Idealit ), Rr. Luan Haradinaj ( next to the central Police Station, up the street on Luan Haradinaj from Newborn ), [email protected] . Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00 . Kosovo Albanians resisted occupation by the Yugoslavs and Serbians from WWII and into the Milosevic period. This led to heavy political repression. This former prison brings an exhibition of historical texts, photographs, illustrations, video material, and interviews with confessions, the artistic creativity of the prison such as paintings and poems by former prisoners, the names of over 9000 former Albanian political prisoners in this and other prisons of Kosovo. free . ( updated May 2023 )
• 42.66828 21.16785 6 Museum of American Art , Zija Prishtina St. , ☏ +383 38 222576 , fax : +383 38 544472 , [email protected] . Tu-F 11:00-16:00, Sa 11:00-14:00 . This is the only place in the country with regular contemporary art exhibitions and events. ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 42.66782 21.16739 7 Galeria 17 ( 17 ), Henrik Baric nr 10 , ☏ +383491170078 , [email protected] . M-F 10:00-17:00 . Galeria 17 is located in the old neighborhood of Pristina. With a distinct focus on social issues, artists and curators are invited to experiment with concepts, ideas and space. The gallery exhibits content that creates dialogue and fosters public debate while contributing to the documentation and creation of missing references throughout a process that archives and educates. free . ( updated Jun 2022 )

Monuments, historical sites, memorials, public buildings [ edit ]

• 42.66647 21.16689 16 Academy Building ( Akademia e Shkencave dhe e Arteve e Kosovës (ASHAK) ), Rr. Nazim Gafurri , ☏ +383 38 249303 , +383 38 249304 , +383 38 249305 , fax : +383 38 244-636 , [email protected] , [email protected] MULTIPLE-EMAIL .  
• 42.66674 21.16672 17 Association of Political Prisoners ( Ex Office of the Academy of Arts and Sciences of Kosovo ) ( next to the clock tower ). The exterior of one of Pristina's historic ottoman homes can be seen near the Clock Tower. The Domaniku family, who migrated to Turkey in the early part of the 20th century, had build this palace in the 19th century. For many years, this building housed the Office of the Academy of Arts and Sciences of Kosovo, and it is now used by the Association of Political Prisoners.  
• 42.39372 0 19 Heroinat Memorial . Heroinat Memorial is a typographic sculpture and tourist attraction. The memorial is placed in a park downtown, in front of the Newborn monument. This memorial honors the sacrifice and contribution of all ethnic Albanian women during the 1998-1999 Kosovo War. The tragic number of victims were transformed into 20,000 medals which are held up by different lengths creating a relief of the heroine’s portrait. ( updated May 2022 )

Parks [ edit ]

• 42.66503 21.18188 23 Taukbashçe Park ( Parku i Taukbashçes ), Nazim Gafurri Street ( east 1.5 km ).  
• 42.6674 21.151 26 Arbëria Park ( Parku Arbëria ), Street Stambolli and Tony Blair ( north from UNMIK's compound ).  
• 42.664 21.1648 27 Independence Park ( Park i Pavarësisë ), Agim Ramadani Street and Bulevardi Nënë Tereza ( near the former Hotel Union building ).  
• 42.6585 21.1754 28 Park of Martyrs ( Parku Varrezat e Dëshmorëve ), Rr. Isa Kastrati (Mahalla e Muhaxherëve) ( east from City Park ). This is a cemetery. Also there is the National Martyr’s Monument (Varrezat e Dëshmorëve).  
• 42.643741 21.140882 30 Tjerrtorja Archeological Site ( NW outskirts of Pristina ). Tjerrtorja was a neolithic settlement which was identified accidentally in the 1950s. The neolithic site was named after the discovery place, where a factory was started to be built known as the cotton and textile production plant Tjerrtorja. The area was believed to have had an abundant collection of terracotta figurines, human shaped statues and baked clay anthropomorphic artifacts.  

Do [ edit ]

• Climb the Mother Teresa Cathedral . Climb or take an elevator up the cathedral for a magnificient view of the city. If you are bold, head up 5-10 min before the full hour, to enjoy the bells at first sight. €1.50 . ( updated Dec 2022 )
• Walking tour . Notable sights found here include a 19th-century Ottoman clock tower, Sahat Kulla, which faces Fatih Mosque, Pristina's largest and most outstanding mosque, which dates back to the 15th century. Nearby you can find two museums definitely worth visiting, the striking yellow Museum of Kosovo, and the Ethnological Museum which is housed in a gorgeous complex of Ottoman-era town homes called Emin Gjiku. Around the neighborhood, you can see street market stalls, kids hawking cigarettes and phone cards, qebabtores and cafes, and the vibrant community life of Kosovo's biggest city. Heading towards the centre you will encounter the main pedestrian boulevard, Rr Nëne Terezë, which runs from the new government building and impressive Skenderberg monument all the way down to Grand Hotel and Zahir Pajaziti Square. For the more modern sights, you don't have to wander too far. The post-independence 'Newborn' monument, altered each Independence Day to represent a different social or political theme, sits directly in front of the curiously designed Boro Ramiz (the Palace of Youth and Sports) and not too far from the renowned statue of Bill Clinton. Arguably the most recognizable structure in Pristina is the avantgarde Yugoslav-era mass of cubes and the domes that is the National Library, often described as one of the ugliest buildings in the world. Directly opposite is the unfinished Serbian Orthodox church which had its construction halted in 1999, and remains subject of much controversy with an uncertain future. If you have more time, it's also worthwhile wandering up into Dragodan/Arberia or Velania (especially City Park, also referred to as "the Italian park," and the park dedicated to now-deceased President Ibrahim Rugova). A walking tour is offered twice a week from one of three hostels in the city; Buffalo Backpackers, Han Hostel and The White Tree Hostel. ( updated Dec 2022 )
• Korza . In the evenings, when it's warm, a large proportion of the population heads out into the streets and promenades, between cafes or in with no particular destination. The objective is to see and be seen, chat with friends, and take in as much fresh air as possible before the horrific winter descends. 53% of Kosovo's population is under the age of 25, so most of the people on the street around dusk are teenagers and people in their early twenties. Being in one of the poorest countries in Europe, some Kosovars struggle to afford nights out and meals in restaurants. Instead, they get dressed up in their best clothes and walk up and down Rr Nëne Terezë. Join them, or if you prefer, grab a beer or coffee in an outdoor cafe and watch them go by. ( updated Dec 2022 )
• Stay out late because the streets are safe and Albanians love foreigners. Also go out to bars and such, as they are usually filled but make sure you drink some "Peja" beer (Key word PEJA)
• Privately owned outdoor swimming pools are springing up around Kosovo, some just outside the city and worth the euro to cool off in the summer.
• Hike to the Bear Sanctuary through Gërmia Park. It is a good 8 km from the city but with rewarding views on a good day. From the sanctuary you can take back the bus along the main road—see sanctuary website for more details.
• Watch football – Fadil Vokrri Stadium, capacity 13,500, in city centre, hosts Kosovo's national soccer team. It's also the home ground of Pristina FC , who play in Football Superleague of Kosovo, the country's top tier: they often win it and qualify for European competitions.

Places [ edit ]

• 42.65566 21.1661 2 Dodona Theater ( Teatri i Qytetit të Prishtinës - “Dodona” ), Rruga Xh. Mitrovica, pn ( 200m East from Kosova Art Gallery ), ☏ +383 38 230623 , [email protected] . first known as the Theater of Youth, Kids, and Doll - "Dodona" ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 42.66116 21.15723 3 ODA Theatre , Pallati i Rinisë dhe i Sporteve nr. 111 (Luan Haradinaj?) ( next to City Stadium ), ☏ +383 038 246 555 , fax : +383 038 246 555 , [email protected] . Theatre venue with a variety of cultural and artistic events, including theatre performances, concerts, exhibitions and an International Jazz Festival in November.  
• 42.6575 21.1626 4 National University Library of Kosovo ( Albanian: Bibloteka Kombetare e Kosoves ) ( on the campus of the University of Pristina, right in front of the National Gallery of Kosovo ), ☏ +383 038 212 416 . It is the highest institution of its kind in Kosovo. With a fund of thousands of books it is one of the biggest libraries in the region. Every year more than 40,000 exemplars are added to the library archive - The building: It was designed by the Croatian architect Andrija Mutnjakovic. Its space consists of 16,500 m². It is made with zenith windows, with 99 domes of different sizes and is entirely covered in a metal fishing net, which have their own particular architectural symbolism. It houses two reading rooms with 300 and 100 seats respectively, a reading room for periodicals, rooms for special collections, cataloguing and research, a 150-seat amphitheatre and a 75-seat meeting hall. The lobby of the library is used for various cultural events. The floor of the hall is a unique work of diverse mosaic marble stone. The largest dome of the library is the main ornament of the hall's high ceiling, thus providing ample natural lighting. According to the architect of the National Library of Kosovo the building is meant to represent a style blending Byzantine and Islamic architectural forms.  

Festivals and events [ edit ]

Kosovo's festival scene is on the rise throughout the Balkans. There are many festivals that take place throughout the year in Pristina. New festivals are also popping up all of the time. If you are planning to travel to Pristina it is a great idea to see if any of the major festivals are happening throughout your stay. The most popular festivals in Pristina are centered on music, art and alcohol. The most up-to-date information for festivals can be found on their Facebook page

• Manifesta 14 Prishtina – A prominent European contemporary art event, that will take place in the summer of 2022 for a 100-day programme of exhibitions, workshops, tours and events all around town.
• Sunny Hill Festival – An international music festival organized by Sunny Hill Foundation taking place in Gërmia Park since 2018. The 3-day festival occurs in early August and hosts big names in the modern music industry, such as: Miley Cyrus, Calvin Harris, Martin Garrix, Dua Lipa, etc.
• Beer and Wine Festival – Usually takes place at the end of June on the platform behind “Newborn” monument. The Beer and Wine Festival is set up with several booths selling local and international beers at low prices. The festival has two large music stages and gets quite lively late at night. It can sometimes be difficult with queues but once you get in there is plenty of space for everyone to have a good time.
• PriFilm fest – Multiple stages around town (+383 38 221 144). PriFilm Fest is one of Pristina's most famous international film festivals. The festival is set up with multiple screening locations around town. PriFilm Fest presents the city with many first time premieres in Kosovo and world premieres. The quality of films that are shown are quite remarkable. The festival is also known for their after parties.
• Erdhlezeti (Fazli Grajcevci across from Dit e Nat bar) – This annual block party music festival takes place in the parking lot across from the well known café Dit' e Nat'. This festival is dedicated to music, the change of seasons and especially to the arrival of Summer. Beer, barbecue and love are the other ingredients that make this day special. It is a favourite with bands playing live into the night.
• Visions of Beyond (hapesira) (Kalaja e Harilaqit) – Visions of Beyond is festival that combines techno music with cultural heritage. The festival takes place yearly at a fortress on one of the small mountains overlooking Pristina. The organizers bring in up-and-coming DJs from Western Europe that transport us to a new place and time.
• Turkish Jazz Week – Turkish Jazz Week (typically during the month of May) brings together Turkish and Kosovar musicians to serenade us with their beautiful sounds for a week long every year.
• NO RECESS – The newest arts platform in Pristina, Kosovo, spontaneously launched but aiming to become a sustainable, long-term project. NO RECESS Live Music Festival is a 7-day event that will bring seven live performances (one each night of the festival) by international and local alternative music artists.
• FemArt , ☏ +383 38 221 512 . The festival is used as a platform for starting and presenting ideas and creations that bring forward feminist concepts and their development in Kosovo, by being committed to equal rights for women as well as building a bridge for peace in the region.  
• Meeting of Styles . MOS aims to create a forum for the international art community to communicate, assemble and exchange ideas, works and skills, but also to support intercultural exchange. The “Meeting Of Styles” as its name says, is a meeting of styles, created in order to support the collaboration of the international art-community.  
• MAD Sound MAD Sound . It is a techno music festival that takes place for two nights in Germia Park every summer with both local and international artists.  
• ReMusica , ☏ +383 49 622 260 . Remusica festival is the promotion of the contemporary music and innovative expression in the art of music, through channels of different stylistic tendencies of the 20th century.  
• Polip International Literature Festival Pristina ( Qendra Multimedia ), Sadik Bekteshi 53 . Takes place in May. Polip is an international literature festival bringing together in Pristina young writers from the region as well as from Europe together in Pristina.  

Buy [ edit ]

• 42.6329 21.1519 1 Albi Mall , ☏ +38349771131 , [email protected] . Shopping center on the outskirts of Pristina. ( updated May 2024 )
• 42.5637 21.1259 2 Prishtina Mall , M2 Motorway , ☏ +38349967507 , [email protected] . Shopping center near the M2 Motorway in the direction of Ferizaj . Prishtina Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in the Balkans. ( updated May 2024 )
• 42.659445 21.158512 3 Silversmith – filigree workshop Krenare Rakovica , Garibaldi str . M–F 10:00 – 18:00, Sa 10:00 – 16:00 . Krenare Rakovica, the only female silversmith – filigree artist in Pristina, has a small shop in the centre that is used as a workshop. She is widely respect in the local silversmith community. ( updated May 2022 )
• 42.664885 21.162966 4 IL Ilire Lepaja ( a small alleyway next to Government of Kosovo building, next to Council of Europe office. To the right of Soma and Boho. ), ☏ +38344241352 , [email protected] . M-Sa 10:00-19:00 . Souvenir shop owned by the local artist Ilire Lepaja, who designs various products based on traditional motifs and cultural heritage of Kosovo and Albania. ( updated May 2023 )
• For shopping, Pristina is full of good bargains but low on selection. Silver is sold in the old quarter and is a pretty good value; Albanians are known throughout the former Yugoslavia as silversmiths.
• The outdoor bookstalls adjacent to the Grand Hotel are a good place to pick up your copy of the Code of Lekë Dukagjini. Or a map of Pristina that most likely has names for all the streets no one has ever heard of.

Eat [ edit ]

There are a variety of restaurants with something for everyone's taste. Radio taxi drivers will know the location of most major restaurants frequented by internationals. Try a traditional qebabtore (you can find one anywhere), or a Turkish doner shop (best ones around the corner from Payton Place, near UNDP) for a real taste of the local food and great value. If you are a foreigner you may have to do a fair bit of pointing to order, but it should be worth it.

Budget [ edit ]

• 42.65886 21.16016 1 Aurora , Xhorxh Bush ( across from RTK tower ). Lovely place, plenty to offer. Very helpful and understanding staff. Comfortable place to have your meals. ( updated May 2022 )
• 42.66269 21.16263 2 City Bakery , Përmendorja e Nënës Terezë?, Bulevardi Nënë Tereza, 41 ( Centre ), ☏ +383 45 785 785 . Traditional food of Kosovo.  
• 42.66529 21.16224 3 Sarajevo Fast Food ( Qebaptore Sarajeva ), Andrea Grupa Street ( close to RTK and one behind the old Post Office ). Sells kebab made in Banja Luka (bosnian) style (banjallucki qebab)  
• 42.662048 21.165194 4 Piccadilly – Burektore ( behind the National Theater, on Agim Ramadani Street, 2 minutes walk ). 07:00-15:00 . This family business has been running for more than 30 years and was handed down generation by generation. Burek at Piccadilly is well-known and delicious as well as cheap compared to other fast – food and perfect choice for people with small budgets. The types of burek that are served are with meat and cheese preferably eaten by yoghurt or ayran. Try to engage in a conversation, as the owner/server is quite a character. €1.20 . ( updated May 2022 )
• 42.66687 21.16383 5 Burektore Dini , UÇK St. ( in front of Municipality budiling ), ☏ +38344317166 . M-F 09:00-14:00 . crispy burek, cheese burek is especially good. €2.3 . ( updated May 2022 )
• 42.66554 21.16145 6 Qebaptore Tara , UÇK St. . A small place with traditional Kosovo kebab with an owner that stands out for the character. €2.5 . ( updated May 2022 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 42.66368 21.15367 7 Amadeus , Ahmet Krasniqi . Another restaurant in the Dragodan neighborhood. Serves pizza and other western dishes. ( updated May 2022 )
• 42.66667 21.1634 8 Liburnia Restaurant , Rr.Meto Bajraktari ( from EU Office/Muncipality of Pristina, head into the small side street with cobblestones ), ☏ +383 44 891 000 . A great opportunity to taste Kosovar cuisine in an evocative environment full of plants. Meat recommended. The waiters are kind and helpful. ( updated May 2022 )
• 42.66351 21.1622 9 Gagi Restaurant , XK, 5 Fazli Grajqevci , ☏ +383 44 160 665 , +383 49 522 511 . ( updated May 2022 )
• 42.612 21.14194 10 Ciao ( past Bau Market, on the road out to Skopje ), ☏ +383 49 305470 . This Macedonian restaurant on the road out of town to Skopje and Gracaniza, is a popular stop for internationals and aid workers craving a bacon-wrapped pork medallion, or some of the best bread and salad in the city. (You can find Pristina's first miniature golf course just a hair further down the street.) ~€10 .  
• 42.66515 21.15746 11 Princesha Gresa Restaurant , Fehmi Agani 77, Te Qafa ( across from former OSCE building ), ☏ +383 44 264 794 . ( updated May 2022 )
• 42.67047 21.15552 12 Pinocchio restaurant and hotel , Dragodan/Arberia neighbourhood, Rr.24 maj 115 ( near USAID and the British Embassy ). Excellent food and a warm atmosphere, as well as a panoramic view of Pristina below. For lunch, hit Te Komiteti on Qamil Hoxha street and have the gazpacho and chicken sandwich. ( updated May 2022 )
• 42.6647 21.146 13 Pi Shat , Dragodan neighbourhood ( KFOR Headquarters area ). This is a traditional Albanian restaurant with a wonderful atmosphere. If you are unfamiliar with Albanian food, just ask the waiters to put together a platter for you - you'll end up with a delicious range of grilled meats. A meal for two ~€30 .  
• 42.62953 21.1574 14 Rron Restaurant , Veternik or Ravine district ( on Route Rat towards Gjilane, top of the hill before turn for Swebat; right turn immediately after sign ), ☏ +383 044 141-215 , +383 044 347-777 . Rron Restaurant is just outside the Pristina city limits on the way to Gracanica. Hidden behind an under-construction building for the past couple of years, Rron is a treasure that is popular with local and international politicians as well as the normal guests. The bar area is quite impressive with vaulted ceilings and shelves lined with all different kinds of alcohol all the way up. The far end of the restaurant has a plate-glass wall that looks out into the garden seating area which is lovely during the summer. There is a small playground for children outside on the far end of the garden which can make summer meals a bit loud at time when there are groups of children running around. ( updated May 2022 )
• 42.6458 21.12438 15 Restaurant Perla - Te Linda , Lidhja e Pejes, nr, 177 ( Zona industriale ), ☏ +383 44 141 680 . ( updated May 2022 )

• 42.66419 21.15783 16 Tiffany Restaurant , Enver Zymberi ( directly behind Home ). A popular restaurant of traditional cuisine. ( updated May 2022 )
• 42.65798 21.14833 17 Rostiçeria Thana , Bashkim Fehmiu 57, Arbëria, Prishtia ( near new Municipality building ). fusion rottiserie restaurant with experimental cuisine ( updated May 2022 )
• 42.66513 21.16241 18 Crust n Crumb , Rr. Andrea Gropa ( nearby Government building ), ☏ +383 45 888 812 , [email protected] . delicious fusion sandwiches. ( updated May 2023 )
• 42.659947 21.159522 19 Baba Ganoush , 1000 Johan V. Hahn ( Located just a few meters a few from Pristina's most central location, Grand Hotel ). M-Sa 11:00-23:00, closed Su . A vegetarian restaurant with delicious menu items. ( updated May 2023 )
• 42.653767 21.157773 20 Renaissance Restaurant . M-Sa 17:00-23:00, closed Su . A traditional restaurant with great food and service, all for an affordable flat total fee, which includes several small dishesh, a main dish, and unlimited wine, rakija and beers. ( updated May 2023 )
• 0 21.15881 21 Tartine Deli , Fehmi Agani 87, Pristhtina ( in the back of Fehmi Agani St. (Kafet e Vogla area ), ☏ +38349151000 , [email protected] . Tu-Su 08:00-17:00 . French food deli with a nice veranda. The restaurant is run by two women. ( updated May 2023 )
• 42.66464 21.15964 22 Matcha Coffee and Eatery , Rr. Fazli Grajqevci 104 ( in the back of Kafet e Vogla area ), ☏ +38343829282 , [email protected] . M-F 08:00–18:00, Sa 08:00–17:00 . Healthy food and smoothies. ( updated May 2023 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 42.668706 21.218164 23 Soma Slow Food , Shpëtim Robaj st ( located at Gërmia Park ), ☏ +383 45 106 090 . 11:00-23:00 . It offers several standard menus of traditional foods with a modern twist. Though, people that have visited remain in two minds about it, so check out what to expect before heading there. ( updated May 2022 )

Drink [ edit ]

Pristina is a destination known for the experience it provides. A massive part of that experience will be sightseeing the many cafés and bars that have diverse yet stylish interiors around town. The nightlife and festival scene in Pristina has improved rapidly in the past two years and is predominantly known for techno music. Whilst visiting Pristina you will not go thirsty, thanks to the variety of local, low cost delights. The water is clear and safe to drink in Pristina. As a foreigner, you will not have a problem drinking water from the tap, but if you prefer bottled water there are 13 local water brands for you to consume.

A unique quality of Pristina is the passion behind the coffee culture, and emphasis on the craft of making espresso-based coffee. Internationals have assisted in spreading the word about how delicious the macchiato are in cafés around town. Kosovo baristas and patrons have high expectations for how well coffee is made and care put into producing each cup for the city that loves to drink coffee. The Kosovo macchiato can be described as stronger, shorter latte (or a flat white to those from down under) and is served either small (similar to a piccolo) or large (a regular size).

Pristina's bars and cafés stock some of the best local spirits produced around the country. The most common local beer that you will find around town is Peja. Peja beer is an easy to drink lager made in the west of Kosovo. Other local beers you can find around town are Pristina, Greembeer and Sabaja. Sabaja is the only local craft brewery in Kosovo. Most wine produced in Kosovo comes from in and around Rahovec in the south west of Kosovo. Local wines have improved over time and you are often served a heavy pour for a fair price at most cafes and bars. Wine marketing is still up and coming in Kosovo, so when you order at a bar it is regular practice to order in a general fashion; red, white or rose. Don't let this discourage you from asking the waiter about the wine options they have at their establishment. Most establishments will stock a variety. Rajika (Raki), local homemade brandy, is served at most cafes and bars around town. Raki (singular form) is served in a shot glass and meant to be sipped and enjoyed. It can be made from various fruits and nuts, however the most popular varieties you can find in Pristina bars are grape, pear, apple and quince.

In addition to the wide variety of cafes and bars you can find around town, you also have constant events happening on the main boulevard, such as a Christmas market in November or December serving mulled wine and warm spiced rum every day and night. It is worth taking a wander throughout the boulevard during your stay as Pristina is famous in the region for the constant pop-up festivals that occur. These include fresh fruit and vegetable markets, coffee and tea festival, wine and local craft festivals and more, all taking place on the main boulevard throughout the year.

Most locals refer to Pristina's café/bar scene by splitting it up into four main areas/roads lined with bars and cafes open daily from 08:00-00:00. These four main streets are in the city center perpendicular to the main pedestrian boulevard. 

Smoking is still allowed in bars and clubs all over Kosovo. This can be off-putting, but once won't kill you.

 Four areas [ edit ]

• ABC street (Rr. Rexhep Luci) – In the heart of the city center with ABC Cinema at the top of the street. The street is lined with cafés and bars most of which serve food.
• Pishat street (Rr. Qamil Hoxha) – Off the main boulevard in the center of Pristina. This street has several cafés with vibrant interiors and a famous traditional restaurant at the top.
• Kafe e Vogel street (Rr. Fehmi Agani) – Lined with expat-focused restaurants on one side and local, chill cafés on the other end. At the top of this well-known café/bar street in town you will also find an English pub (Back Garden Pub) with a pub quiz every Thursday night.
• Raki Street (Rr. 2 Korriku) – The most frequented street in town Kosovo's youth. This street is happening during the day just a few small tavernas on each side serving local grilled cuisine. During the evenings (especially Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) the street is full of young people hanging out, drinking and people watching. This street is famous for its variety of low cost, local raki and delicious low cost grilled meats.

Cafes and bars [ edit ]

When you are strolling around town in Pristina you will see a variety of combination cafes/bars/restaurants. It is quite typical for most establishments to serve food although some only have drink menus. The majority of cafes/bars that you see are open daily (with the exception of Sundays for about half) from 08:00-00:00. The majority serves coffee, soda, juice, beer, wine, raki and basic spirits. It is recommended to experience multiple cafes/bars during your stay in Pristina. You will find the wait staff to be friendly and almost always you can find someone that speaks English to help you out. The best way to find the location and events for each bar/café is to use their Facebook pages.

• 42.66407 21.16256 1 Soma Book Station , Rr. Fazli Grajçevci ( behind main Government building ), ☏ + 383 38 748 818 . M-Sa 08:00-00:00 . Upscale institution in town, popular both by day and night. Known for their carefully curated in-house bookshop, including vinyls and the products of local artists, as well as evening musical performances across all genres, Soma acquaints their guests with quality literature, art and music. Exposed-brick walls with trendy light fixtures and a vaulted ceiling creates a warm indoor atmosphere with a carefully stocked island bar centring the space. Fairy lights adorn the terraces and garden areas, adding to the enchanting outdoor ambience year-round. Diners have a full menu to order from and the place hums at mealtimes. ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 42.66394 21.16207 2 Dit' e Nat' , Rr. Fazli Grajçevci ( behind main Government building ), ☏ +383 38 742037 . M-Sa 08:00-00:00; Su 12:00-00:00 . Certainly and luckily not as fancy as Soma, this is a bookstore, café and bar. They serve vegetarian only cuisine. Along with classic bar drinks, they also have specialty nonalcoholic drinks. Dit' e Nat' (day and night) offers workstations inside the café for people to bring their laptop and work throughout the day. The back terrace is energetic and often used to showcase live music weekly. ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 42.66399 21.16614 3 Marcus Coffee Shop , Rr. Bajram Kelmendi , ☏ +383 44 900078 . M-Sa 07:00 – 23:00; Su 09:00-17:00 . Marcus Coffee Shop serves locally roasted beans which are also available for sale in-house. Producing both Turkish and espresso-based styles of coffee, the staff will happily chat about the origins of their blends. Owner Gazmend Hoxha is passionate about coffee and takes pride in his endeavors to produce a locally roasted, high quality product. ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 42.658 21.14753 4 Tillt Radio / Vinyl Bar . Laid-back vinyl bar, playing lounge, garage, soul and other smooths tunes. Popular with the young crowd in Pristina. Well worth the long walk and across the rail track. ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 42.65293 21.16067 5 Pijetore Ulpianë . A hip pub with young folks and decent music, no contemporary pop. Beer at €1.50. ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 42.66483 21.15848 6 Miqt Pub , Rr. Fehmi Agani , ☏ +383 49677111 . Daily 08:00-00:00 . Cozy and cool interior that feels more like a proper expat pub, however it is frequented by locals. The garden is decorated with artwork and neon lights that give it an inviting feel by night. The pub has a full bar and menu with local prices and the staff is friendly and helpful. The pub hosts regular events and DJs in the evening. It is a great central place to relax or start your night before hitting the clubs. In 2021 the pub changed management. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 42.65606 21.16963 7 Pristina Hackerspace Bar , Rr. Ganimete Terbeshi No. 61 Aktash neighborhood , [email protected] . Wednesday nights from 17:30 . The bar is open every Wednesday nights starting from 17:30 catering to the tech community. Hand crafted beer may be available. The staff and regulars are always welcoming, and the proceeds from the bar go to support the community at Hackerspace. 1.5 € . ( updated May 2024 )

Clubs and festivals [ edit ]

Pristina's nightlife is on the rise and becoming one of Europe's leading capitals for techno music. Although Pristina is known for its techno music you can experience an array of talented artists from genres such as traditional, jazz, rock, popular, rap, new age and more. For live music Pristina offers constant cool jazz scenes for you to enjoy and jam sessions to delight! Throughout the region, Pristina has a reputation for the amount of festivals that take place and are created each year. If you are interested in experiencing some of the best electronic music offered in Pristina exhibited through pop up parties throughout the year follow the promotion company Hapesira. The employees at Hapesira are the front-runners of the electronic music scene in Pristina. Pristina's club scene varies from casual Berlin style parties to classy, well-dressed establishments. Although small, the city gives off the vibe that it has something for everyone if you just know where to go. For up-to-date information on events at each club please refer to their Facebook pages. 

Clubs [ edit ]

The amount of locations is constantly evolving, as of 2022/2023 check out:

• 42.66132 21.157055 8 Servis . Pricey but popular raves. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 42.655039 21.161639 9 Untersagt ( Bar Klub 118 / Basstore ). IG: @bar.klub.118 ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 42.66096 21.15255 10 Rockuzinë . Live rock venue. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 42.66294 21.16129 11 Hamam Jazz Bar ( Location not quite known. ). ( updated Apr 2023 )

Besides, these are some established ones:

• 42.66249 21.1625 12 Zanzi Jazz Bar , Fehmi Agani . M–Sa 22:00–04:00; Sunday closed . Zanzi Jazz bar is in a basement right off of the main pedestrian boulevard. The bar has live music every night. If you're looking for a bar where you can dance all night long to music other than techno, Zanzi is the place to be in town. The house band performs covers songs of hits from around the world. Every Monday Zanzi has an open mic night and karaoke with a live band. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 42.65107 21.12496 13 Summer Warehouse , Fushe Kosovo Industrial zone . W F Sa 23:00–06:00 . The summer location is in an abandoned warehouse in the industrial zone right outside of Pristina. Each location offer endless nights of dancing until sunrise. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 42.66051 21.15444 14 Winter location , Rruga Garibaldi , ☏ +383 45 222 284 . W F Sa 23:00–06:00 . The winter location is in the heart of the city center and has multiple levels. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 42.65993 21.15989 15 13 Rooftop ( Top of the Grand Hotel ), ☏ +383 45 628 628 . W F Sa 23:00–05:00 . 13 Rooftop is in the city center at the top of the Grand Hotel. It is Pristina's first Rooftop Lounge Bar overlooking a 360-degree view of Pristina's skyline. 13 Rooftop has two connected venues: a fully enclosed ‘Penthouse Lounge’ and a fully outfitted ‘Sway Bar/Club.’ Additionally, it also encloses 4 outdoor Rooftop Gardens, each with a different view of the city, and 1 outdoor heated smoking venue. There is typically a cover charge for men. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 42.66201 21.15623 16 Duplex Premium , Luan Haradinaj , ☏ +383 44 555 585 . W F Sa 23:00–04:00 . Duplex club is a slightly pretentious but staple club in Pristina. The club fills up throughout the year and is styled for Pristina's pop and rap scene. The club does have a dress code so be sure to look smart when you go. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 42.6603 21.15515 17 Dicka po zihet , Rruga Garibaldi ( On the side of the building next to the basketball stadium that says “Prince Coffee” on top ), ☏ +383 49 861 900 . The bar/club has Latin nights every Monday. The patrons are typically some of Pristina's richer clientele with drink prices to match. ( updated Apr 2023 )

Sleep [ edit ]

Accommodation can be very expensive in Pristina, as everything is tailored for internationals on expense accounts and hefty per diems. If you look around you should be able to find fliers offering accommodation. If you can find these places, go there as the cost is usually €10-15 per night.

• 42.66301 21.1631 1 Prishtina Center Hostel , Boulevard Mother Theresa 18A/7 , ☏ +383 44 96 70 43 , [email protected] . Modern hostel. ( updated May 2024 )
• 42.66306 21.16325 2 Hostel Han , Fehmi Agani St., Nr. 2/4, 4th Floor ( just of Mother Teresa Blvd. ), [email protected] . ( updated May 2024 )
• 42.66284 21.16557 3 Oda Hostel ( from the National Theatre Building, cross the street and head uphill ), ☏ +383 49 888 164 , [email protected] . one of the best rated hostels in Kosovo. ( updated May 2024 )
• 42.66109 21.17657 4 Velania Guesthouse ( The Professor's Guesthouse ), (Velania 4/34), 34 Emrush Miftari, Prishtinë , ☏ +383 44 167 455 . Free laundry service, free cable TV in every room and 24-hour free internet access (desktop computers + WLAN). Reception is open 24/7. (Taxi from the bus station shouldn't be more than €5.) €13-30 .  
• 42.662 21.16216 5 Hostel Pristina , Rexhep Luci? , ☏ +386 49 187 791 . Free pickup from bus station for the group of 3 or more people with minimum stay of 2 nights, washing machines, cable TV, Wi-Fi in whole building. All rooms with shared bathroom. €8-12 per person per night .  
• 42.65707 21.16953 6 Hotel Afa , Ali Kelmendi Nr. 15 , ☏ +383 38 225226 , [email protected] . Check-out: 12:00 . Free Internet and a cheap restaurant. sgl €45-75, dbl €75-112 .  
• 42.67106 21.16462 7 Hotel Begolli , Maliq Pashë Gjinolli ( off Mother Thereza Street ), [email protected] . An exceptionally clean family-owned boutique hotel with five fully furnished self-contained apartments and eleven rooms. Apartments have kitchens and well appointed amenities and one suite has a full sized jacuzzi spa. Some other rooms have private jacuzzis or three beds for families. sgl €40, dbl €50, apt €50-65 (2012) .  
• 42.61602 21.14825 8 Hotel Aldi , Cagllavica nr. 303 ( Çagllavicë settlement, 2.5 km South from the centre ), ☏ +383 38 548802 , [email protected] . Check-in: after 12:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Fresh, modern family-run hotel. sgl €25-35 and dbl €45-55 .  
• 42.7002 21.1635 9 Hotel Princi i Arberit , 27 Nëntori, ( Near to Stadiumi Te Adnani. - some 4 km from the centre ), ☏ +383 38 244244 . Modern five-star hotel. It is often empty, with a risk that the restaurant may be closed and the heating switched off. Internet is available. Recreation Center include massage room, indoor pool, sauna, solarium. sgl/dbl €40/50 suite €80-100 .  
• 42.660474 21.148819 10 Chalet Denis and Mumtaz Mahal ( Hotel Denis ), Ahmet Krasniqi . The chalet offers great views of the city from Dragodan Hill, near the US embassy and NATO's KFOR Film City base. Friendly service and the best banana splits in Pristina, presented in a Swiss chalet-style atmosphere. Now incorporates the menu and staff of the Mumtaz Mahal Indian/Nepalese alongside its normal Italian/Albanian menu.  
• 42.6697 21.1639 11 Hotel Sara , Maliq Pashë Gjinolli St ( in the heart of the bazaar ), ☏ +383 38 236203 , [email protected] . Rooms for one to three people and renovated albeit very simple. Clean and basic, this hotel features lurid red and green corridors, a handful of satellite television channels, a few rooms with small jacuzzis and a garage for two cars. Single €25; Double/twin €35; Triple €45; Suite €55 .  
• 42.64749 21.1553 12 Hotel Victory , Mother Teresa, p.n , ☏ +383 38 543277 , fax : +381 38 543 286 . On the southern side of the city, about 15 minutes walk from the centre. A friendly and upmarket hotel. Rooms have air conditioning and wireless internet works well throughout. Excellent breakfast with lots of fresh fruit and pastries. Dinner in the restaurant - about €10 for a meal with drinks. €80 .  
• 42.6617 21.1652 13 Hotel Sirius , Agim Ramadani, , ☏ +383 038 222280 , +383 044 111111 . Centrally located and offering a luxurious top-floor restaurant providing unique city views. Rooms are supremely decorated and equipped with air-conditioning, an LCD TV, a minibar and a safety deposit box. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Wake-up service can be arranged. Private bathroom provides a shower and hairdryer. sgl./dbl. €85/110 .  
• 42.6197 21.1438 14 Emerald Hotel ( south 4 km ), ☏ +383 038 588888 , [email protected] . One of Pristina's largest hotels, the Emerald is on the south-western edge of the city on the highway to Skopje, past Bau Market. Large conference center. €89 to 395 .  
• 42.66268 21.16386 15 Swiss Diamond Hotel Prishtina , Mother Teresa Sq , [email protected] . Luxury hotel on the main pedestrian street. ( updated May 2024 )
• 42.584653 21.108735 16 Four Points by Sheraton Prishtina City , California Street Nr 52, Marigona Residence, Preoc , ☏ +38338400300 . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 12:00 . further away from the city. ( updated May 2024 )
• 42.657095 21.154912 17 The White Tree , Mujo Ulqinaku No. 59 (Peyton Neighborhood) ( a five-minute walking distance to the city centre, in the quiet, calm and peaceful Peyton neighbourhood; it is on Mujo Ulqinaku Street, opposite the 42 floor skyscraper under construction ), ☏ +38349166777 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 11:00 . Boutique hotel. ( updated May 2024 )
• 42.65987 21.16002 18 Grand Hotel Pristina Unio Commerce , Garibaldi . Check-in: 13:00 , check-out: 11:00 . A state company during the Communist era and in the process of privatization, The Grand Hotel has not been substantially renovated yet—and as such the place is very worn and rightfully mocked for its ironic name. Dangerous electrical connections, and substandard bathrooms especially require attention. The hotel offers seven halls for every kind of activities, Meeting/Conference rooms, Bar, Restaurant, Room service, Fax. wireless and cable internet, business center. Room Facilities: Minibar, Telephone and cable TV.  
• 42.66393 21.16196 19 City Inn , Fazli Greiçevci 55 ( off Mother Teresa Boulevard ). Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 10:00 . 8-room boutique hotel with modern facilities and smart designs, located only couple of minutes walking distance to the main city spots – central business and institutions district together with many tourist attractions nearby. ( updated May 2024 )
• 42.66099 21.14119 20 Mercure Prishtina City , 15 Agron Berisha ( near Film City ), ☏ +383 48 348 348 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 11:00 . ( updated May 2024 )
• 42.64859 21.14994 21 Hotel Garden , Agim Çela No.1, Kalabria Neighbhorhood . Hotel is knows for its cuisine, pool and spa. ( updated May 2024 )
• 42.66324 21.16186 22 Hotel Opera , Fehmi Agani St. ( near Main Government Building, off Mother Teresa Sq. ), ☏ +383 44 603 604 , [email protected] . recently opened hotel, as of 2024. ( updated May 2024 )
• 42.66309 21.16217 23 Hotel Manami , Fehmi Agani St. no. 2 ( near Main Government Building, off Mother Teresa Sq. ). recently opened hotel, as of 2024. ( updated May 2024 )
• 42.64859 21.14994 24 Nartel Hotel , Kalabria Bll B2 Llam B Prishtinë ( from the Bus Station roundabout, prooced towards traffic lights and turn right ), ☏ +38345707080 , [email protected] . walkable from the Main Bus Station. ( updated May 2024 )
• 42.65849 21.15659 25 Hotel Prishtina , Rr. “Pashko Vasa” nr.20-Qyteza Pejton , ☏ +383 38 223284 . The Hotel Pristina is used by many international workers, including UN workers and members of the international police. It is very clean, has comfortable rooms, offers free internet access (including wifi), and the price of the room includes breakfast.  
• 42.66718 21.16248 26 Hotel Ora , Rruga Anton Zako Çajupi 4 ( North 1 km ), ☏ +383 38 233 709 , +383 44 157 835 , [email protected] . Ora has welcomed many guests, beginning from the deceased President of Kosovo Ibrahim Rugova, statesmen from all the world, beginning from Bill Clinton to continue with current vice president Joseph Biden, former EU representative for foreign policy, Javier Solana, French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner, his Russian colleague Sergej Lavrov and well known European and American politicians. Laying in the city centre, near central local and international institutions of Kosovo, with its calm, discretion and adaption for the guests, with a professional staff. email [email protected].  
• 42.6596 21.1684 27 Hotel Ambassador ( Near the Swiss Liaison Office in the Velania neighbourhood ). This is also up to the standards of a discerning visitor.  

Stay safe [ edit ]

In the Dardania neighbourhood (the residential blocks between the bus station and the centre), be careful when the beggar children are around: they may follow you for a while, speaking (presumably in Albanian), and may just come too suspiciously close to your bag and pockets behind you in the meantime.

Pristina is rebuilding, and some of the city roads now are new, but if you are driving, you still must be on the lookout for large potholes.

Cope [ edit ]

Embassies and other diplomatic missions [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

• Gjakova – The western Kosovan city with the largest Ottoman-era bazaar in the Balkans, is 89 km, 90 minutes and €4 away by bus.
• Prizren – Can be interesting. Buses depart from the bus terminal or you could hire a taxi for the day.
• Gračanica – Nearby, and can be arranged by taxi for roughly €5 from near Albi Mall.
• Novo Brdo – A rural area with diverse food and activities.
• Skopje (North Macedonia) – The capital city is only a two-hour bus ride from town, buses depart regularly from the bus station. The trip will cost €5, or €10 using the Skopje airport shuttle.

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32 Things To Do in Pristina, Kosovo + The Best Food!

Table of Contents

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The capital of Kosovo was a place that fascinated me before my visit. After learning about the history of Kosovo (and the locals’ vision for the future) while exploring the best things to do in Pristina, I’m still just as captivated by the place. Why? It’s new yet old, a little rough around the edges, a canvas for modern art, unbothered if some of its buildings are ‘ugly’ (what’s that anyway?) and there’s always, always coffee. I really enjoyed my time in Pristina. I teamed up with a local guide to learn first-hand about Kosovo from an insider’s perspective, discovered the city through my tastebuds (Kosovan food is tasty and hearty) and soaked up the sights from brutalist architecture to vibrant street art.

PRISTINA ESSENTIALS Accommodation : Booking.com / Hostelworld Getting there : flight / car / bus Activities in Pristina : GetYourGuide / Viator

Getting to Pristina

By air: Pristina International Airport is 20km from the city and takes 25 minutes to arrive by car or taxi. I use Skyscanner to find flights, searching by ‘whole month’ to get the cheapest prices. By bus: during my Balkans itinerary , I caught a local bus from Belgrade to Kosovo and it’s important to note that – due to Serbia not recognising Kosovo’s sovereignty – you should visit the cities in that order rather than Kosovo first . Global companies like Flixbus don’t serve Pristina bus station but local buses do. Prizren (Kosovo) and Skopje (North Macedonia) are popular destinations to visit by bus before or after Pristina. From the bus station to the city, there are a few buses but the journey takes 40 minutes (at least according to Google Maps) including a walk. The drive only takes 10 minutes so I would advise taking a taxi; it will be less than €5.

Getting around Pristina

Walking: Pristina has the feel of a big town so most of the main attractions can be reached on foot. Public transport: there are a few buses that will take you to out-of-town Pristina attractions like Gërmia Park but they’re not the quickest or most efficient way to travel. Tickets cost around 50 cents in cash to the driver. Car hire: there are several things to do in Pristina like visiting the Bear Sanctuary that can’t be reached by public transport, as well as further afield places like Peja. Hire a car at the airport with Rentalcars.com . Taxi: although you can’t hail them with the apps you usually would, taxis are a cheap and convenient way to travel around, for example to the airport or bus station.

Useful stats about Kosovo

Language: Albanian. Ethnicity: over 90% of Kosovans identify as ethnically Albanian. Currency: Euro (although it’s not in the EU, they switched from the mark when Germany did in 2002).

Where to stay in Pristina

• Hostel – I stayed at Prishtina Center Hostel which is a comfy base to meet other travellers, right in the heart of town. The only downside is the many stairs to reach it! But the views from the balcony are great.
• Budget/mid-range – stay at Garden Downtown for bright, spacious rooms, a shared lounge, terrace and a restaurant serving tasty breakfast, all from €60 a night.
• Splash out – for 5-star luxury starting at just €115, Swiss Diamond has 2 restaurants, 2 bars, a heated swimming pool, spa and steam bath!
• Apartment – Select Apartments and Lux Apartments are comfy apartments with fully equipped kitchens and all your amenities from €45.
• Browse all hostels on Hostelworld and hotels & apartments on Booking.com .

The main things to do in Pristina, Kosovo

Here are the key tourist attractions in Pristina. Later, I’ll run through the hidden gems and where to eat and drink.

Find the Newborn Monument

There’s something poignant about one of the newest attractions in Pristina symbolising THE newest country in Europe. The Newborn Monument was built to celebrate independence from Serbia in 2008. It was put up on the DAY of independence, wasting no time! There’s not a whole lot to ‘do’ in this area but it’s worth swinging by to see this emblem of the city. Our guide on the free walking tour told us that it’s currently decorated with images of strong women from society. Cheers to that!

Decide if the National University Library is cool or hideous

Voted one of the ugliest buildings in Europe alongside the Pyramid of Tirana , the Genex Tower in Belgrade and the Radio building in Bratislava (all buildings I have seen during my recent travels), the National University Library of Kosovo divides the masses.

In Brutalist style, much is theorised as to the meaning behind it. Some say the white domes resemble men’s hats worn in typical folk dress, thus blending the traditional with the modern (unless it’s just a coincidence of course). Although many travellers just admire (or whatever the opposite of that word might be) the library from the outside, you can go inside to browse more than 2 million library items! My opinion? I didn’t hate it. The chains around the building made me think of the metaphorical chains that surrounded Kosovo for so long. It’s also worth a visit for the history: it acted as a shelter for Bosnian and Croatian refugees during the breakup of Yugoslavia, and a Serbian headquarters in the Kosovan War.

Visit Mother Teresa Cathedral

One of the most famous buildings in Pristina is Mother Teresa Cathedral named, unsurprisingly, after the famous Macedonian nurse born to Albanian parents. Given that over 90% of Kosovans identify as ethnically Albanian, she’s highly revered in Kosovo. As you’ll notice, there’s also a square, statue and boulevard dedicated to her.

Climb the Bell Tower

The main reason to visit Mother Teresa Cathedral is to soak up the views from the bell tower, the tallest vantage point around. You can take an elevator to the top for just €1.50. Once there, walk around the tower soaking up 360-degree views of the city and countryside.

Bill Clinton Boulevard

Anyone not yet clued up on Kosovan history may wonder why on earth there’s a statue and boulevard dedicated to an ex-US president. This is why I recommend reading up on the history before you explore the attractions in Pristina. Built in thanks to the US for helping them win the war against Serbia, the boulevard represents gratitude for Kosovan independence. The same level of admiration applies to Tony Blair (a feeling not shared by much of the world given later world events relating to foreign involvement) and apparently, many Kosovan teenagers are named after him.

Spot the Përmendorja statue

Another structure that may raise eyebrows is the Përmendorja statue . It does make you wonder who approved these crazy designs! It’s a memorial to brotherhood and unity, dedicated to fallen soldiers during the Liberation Struggle (WWII). From past photos I’ve seen, it used to be a bleak grey colour. Now a jazzy purple, it’s worth working into your Pristina sightseeing plans.

Skanderbeg Square

This square is the heart of the action. I stayed in a hostel overlooking it from the balcony. I loved to drink my morning coffee and watch the buzzing city come to life. Unlike the much bigger Skanderbeg Square (one of the top attractions in Tirana ), it’s a small square that marks the start of Mother Teresa Boulevard which runs for 1.5 miles and connects many of the top things to do in Pristina.

Find the Mother Teresa statue

This bronze statue on Mother Teresa Boulevard is dedicated to the Nobel Peace Prize winner. She stands with a small child apparently meant to represent the less fortunate of the world.

Enjoy the atmosphere on the Boulevard

MT Boulevard is one of the key places to visit in Pristina and, better yet, it’s people-watching central. Cafes and grill restaurants spill out onto the streets with locals soaking up the sun or sheltering from the cold. In my opinion, your time in Kosovo is better spent learning about the history and culture than hitting up must-sees so I recommend a long, leisurely afternoon meandering the boulevard and stopping for coffee(s), grill food and rakija!

Cultural things to do in Pristina, Kosovo

Once you’ve ticked off the main things to see in Pristina, get stuck into the culture. There are plenty of museums and galleries covering topics from contemporary history to ancient ways of life.

Kosovo Museum 

To learn about the history of Kosovo from prehistoric times to independence in 2008, visit Kosovo Museum . Admittedly it’s not the best museum in the world: there’s not loads to see, plus some exhibits are under construction. Entry is free so it’s a good thing to do in Pristina if you’re on a budget and have an hour to kill. You can give a donation which is probably a good idea as it may go to improving the museum! One of the top things to see is the world’s largest staple mural with no less than 1.5 million staples depicting an image of Mother Teresa’s face.

Ethnographic Museum

The Ethnographic Museum is inside a lovely old house on stilts surrounded by trees, indicating how people used to live. Inside, it feels less like a museum and more like someone’s home, preserved in time several centuries ago. You’ll see period furniture and traditional Kosovan folk outfits. Entry is FREE and includes a guided tour. How good is that? Our tour was from a member of staff who was enthusiastic and passionate. If you’re planning on taking the free walking tour, don’t come to the Ethnographic Museum beforehand because it’s included as a stop. Whether you want to return afterwards is up to you; the stop on the tour was enough for me.

Visit the National Gallery

Another free thing to do in Pristina is visit the National Gallery near the ‘ugly’ University Library. Established alongside the University of Pristina’s Faculty of Arts, it’s a small gallery focussing on the struggle for Kosovan independence with some captivating photography and artwork.

Christ the Saviour Orthodox Cathedral

This is another attraction in Pristina that won’t mean anything unless you read up on the history or visit with a guide. This abandoned and unfinished building is a stark reminder of Kosovo’s dark history, dubbed the ‘political church’. Kosovo has a Muslim majority so it was with force that Serbia began building this Orthodox church. Although the environment around such churches is important (hence many are beside parks), this church ended up surrounded with barbed wire to prevent attacks. When Serbia withdraw from Kosovo, the orthodox cathedral was left unfinished. It’s now empty, leaving locals to ponder what it could be used for instead. My vote is a quirky nightclub!

Free walking tour

The steps of the National Theater (Teatri Kombetar) are where free walking tours begin. They’re a great (and affordable) way to get immersed in the history and culture of Kosovo, from a local’s perspective. Tours run daily at 10am and 4pm, lasting around 2.5 hours and finishing at Mother Teresa Cathedral. Booking on the website is advised. Give €5-10 if you enjoy it. They also organise other tours at a surcharge for example to the Bear Sanctuary and Gracanic Monastery, plus food tours, war tours and nightlife tours.

Spot street art 

I had a fantastic time exploring the street art of Pristina and trying to work out what the murals mean… If anything! You’ll see some in the city centre including one of Dua Lipa (did you know she’s Kosovan?) but it’s also worth seeking out other locations. The Kino Armata centre is a cool spot, then there’s a huge mural of a woman here close to Pishat restaurant. If you walk down Bill Clinton Boulevard away from the city, you’ll find tons of urban art by the big roundabout (pinned here ). For a fun thing to do in Prishtina, take a tour with Kosovo Walker or use Street Art Cities to find mural locations.

Browse Pristina Bazaar

If you want to see local life, get down to Pristina Bazaar . This sprawling market stretches through the cobbled streets of the old town selling fruit, vegetables, electronics, utensils, clothes, souvenirs and everything else you didn’t know you needed. In use since the 15th century during the Ottoman era, this historic part of Pristina is credited with the economic and social development of the city. It was largely destroyed in the 1950s but is now restored and as bustling as ever. For a visual look at the market, watch this YouTube video from Dabble & Travel .

Visit the mosques

Xhamia e Madhe , known as the Stone Mosque, is the best one for tourists to visit. Marking the start of the Old Town, it’s just a 6-minute walk from Skanderbeg Square. Translating as the King’s Great Mosque , it was built in 1460 during the Ottoman era. It was briefly converted to a Catholic church during Austrian rule and a famous poet was buried here. Later, he was exhumed and it became a mosque once again. Tourists can go inside provided they’re wearing long pants and women cover their hair. I didn’t go inside but I enjoyed admiring this intricate blue ceiling (which reminded me of one in Mostar , Bosnia & Herzegovina) from the inside.

Find the Heroinat Memorial 

Directly across from the Newborn Monument is an unusual piece of what looks like modern art but is actually a memorial to women who suffered during the War. Since the Newborn Monument is currently decorated with images celebrating women, these two work together to celebrate yet also educate and share dark, recent stories. The Heroinat Memorial is made up of 20,000 pins, the same number of women who survived sexual violence at the hands of Serbian soldiers. It’s certainly good for educating visitors (I wouldn’t have known otherwise) but I’ve since read that many don’t like it because it reduces survivors’ stories to a nameless pin.

Culinary things to do in Pristina

For me, half the fun of visiting a new place is finding all the best food and drink, taking food tours, cooking classes and whatever else I can find!

Try local dishes

Kosovan food is tasty and hearty, although vegans might not agree. Here are a few top dishes to look out for (many of which can be found in other Balkan countries too):

• Stuffed peppers – usually containing minced meat
• Borek – this flaky pastry dish is found in all the Balkan countries
• Shopska salad – hard sheep’s cheese with cucumber, tomato, pepper and onion
• Grilled meats – usually served with salad
• Tavë Prizreni – casserole with lamb and eggplant
• Sarma – minced meat wrapped in cabbage leaves
• Flija – cream and baked batter are layered, a bit like a white lasagne
• Cevapi – grilled mince meat sauces served with onions and sour cream
• Ajvar – rich red pepper paste is a popular condiment found in Kosovo and other Balkan countries .

Explore the restaurants

• Shpija e Vjetër – my favourite restaurant in Prishtina with indoor trees and quirky clutter. The food is incredible: I tried kofta casserole and roasted peppers in yoghurt sauce. Wash it down with local wines or rakija!
• Caffez – this is a stylish restaurant with a large terrace area. It’s a good place to try modern Kosovan cuisine for example my giant mezze plate with sweet stuffed peppers, meats, fried white cheese, chicken wings and onion rings
• Pishat – this is one of the most popular restaurants in Pristina for good reason! It’s a great place to try tasty local foods in atmospheric surroundings (there’s indoor and outdoor seating). The coffee with cognac is worth a try.
• Liburnia   – this old house from the Ottoman period is filled with vintage furniture and serves unusual, tasty Kosovan dishes like chicken with chilli and peaches.
• Baba Ganoush – the best place for Middle Eastern food in the city is also one of the best places in Pristina for veggies and vegans. Yum!

For a fun activity in Pristina for foodies, I can vouch for a food tour with Kosovo Walker . We discovered lots of traditional dishes while learning about their origins. When the huge platter above was the starter, I knew we were in for a good time! We tried:

• Borek (flaky pastry with spinach, cheese and meat)
• Roasted peppers stuffed with rice and meat in a rich goulash sauce
• Kofta casserole
• Roasted peppers with yoghurt.

Choose from traditional food tours, gourmet food tours and even a veggie food tour. There’s also a beer tour and a wine tour. On that note…

Try Kosovan wine

You’ve probably never tried Kosovan wine before. I found in the Balkans that each country had delicious, locally-produced wine that rarely makes it out of the country. Why? Firstly because the locals drink it all (and who could blame them?) and secondly because wineries usually produce on a small scale. During the communist era, they were state-owned, focussing on quality rather than quantity. It’s not surprising they’ve taken a while to get back on their feet. I haven’t tried all the Kosovan wines yet but I can vouch for Stone Castle Cabernet Sauvignon . This dry white wine with low tannins went down very easily!

Want more about wine in this part of the world? See my guides to wine tasting in Ljubljana and making my own wine in South Moravia, Czech Republic

Enjoy the cafe scene 

From local cafes where you’ll rub shoulders with locals to cool cafes serving third-wave coffee, it’s an exciting time for the Kosovan cafe scene. Once you’ve ticked off the main things to do in Pristina, kick back at…

• Soma Book Station – this has to be the most beautiful cafe in Prishtina with shelves of books and a garden. As well as coffee, they serve food like burgers (veggie ones for €3.50!) and mezze. At night it becomes a lively bar. Make sure to book ahead for dinner.
• Matcha Coffee and Eatery – as a matcha fan, I loved this cafe serving hot and cold matcha drinks. They also do healthy bowls, salads and brunch dishes from €2! The cafe itself is very aesthetically pleasing.
• Dit’ e Nat’ – a lovely open-plan cafe with shelves of books, a co-working area and garden. It’s a simple menu of coffee, cocktails, wine, beer and snacks from €1.

Things to do in Pristina at night 

The Kosovan capital is a lively city once the sun goes down. Here’s what to do at night:

Drink rajika

Korriku Street, just off Mother Teresa Boulevard, is informally dubbed rajika street because so many bars serve the famous Balkan beverage popular in Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, North Macedonia and Albania. Locals (if you’re reading) please don’t hate me but rajika isn’t my favourite drink. But of course, I’ve drunk it many times because it’s constantly handed around and rude to refuse!

Grab a seat in Taverna Tirona or anywhere else nearby and let the fruit liquor flow!

Catch a show at the National Theatre

For a cultural night out, Teatri Kombëtar is the highest-ranking theatre in the country. Performances are listed on the website . Whether you’ll find anything in English, I don’t know!

Watch sunset from a rooftop bar

One of the best places in Pristina for a sundowner is Hotel Sirus . I found a rooftop bar with beers from €2 and Aperol Spritz for €4. Bargain! Better yet, the bar has great views and faces towards sunset. It was a bit quiet when I visited but perhaps it gets busy later. They also serve cocktails from €4 but they all seemed a bit sugary and girly for my liking; not a marg in sight. Hell.

Things to do near Pristina

It’s easy to exhaust the attractions in Pristina centre because it’s not the biggest city. The advantage of hiring a car is that you can get into the countryside and visit a few other places of interest. Otherwise, I’d recommend travelling as part of an organised tour because public transport is hit and miss.

Gërmia Park

The best place to visit near Pristina for fresh air and nature is Gërmia Park . There are walking and running routes amidst pine forests in this 62km park and a seasonal swimming pool. In the winter, you can even go skiing! There are a few restaurants in the park if you get hungry but it’s also a lovely place for a picnic. Buy some borek or bread, cheese and ajvar in Pristina and bring it along. Drive to the park in 10 minutes or catch bus number 4 from the city centre.

Gračanic Monastery

Just a 20-minute drive from the city is one of four UNESCO Heritage sites in Kosovo known for its mesmerising frescos inside. Unfortunately, you’re not allowed to take photos of them so you’ll have to use your imagination and go see them for yourself! Gračanic Monastery was one of the last buildings of King Milutin Nemanjic’s reign, finished in 1321. Although it’s been damaged during attacks through the centuries, it has managed to survive. I’m glad because the interior is simply stunning. It’s worth a visit if you’re en route to the Bear Sanctuary which is a 10-minute drive away. Note: if your legs aren’t covered (mine weren’t), you’ll have to hire a cover-up at the front entrance before going inside the monastery. Have some small change handy.

Bear Sanctuary Pristina

This wonderful bear sanctuary out in the countryside is the place to see beautiful brown bears rescued from cruel captivity. I learnt from my guide that it was legal to keep bears in Kosovo until 2010 and businesses like restaurants used them to entertain guests. Luckily, the charity Four Paws gives them a better life at this 16-hectare sanctuary. For animal lovers, one of the best things to do near Pristina is wander past their spacious enclosures, learn about their rescue stories, and even complete bear quizzes at boards dotted around. Entry to Pristina Bear Sanctuary costs just €2, visit between 10am and 7pm daily. I’d also recommend joining a guided tour (running hourly between 11am and 6.30pm, Thurs-Sun).

Badovac Lake

Right beside the Bear Sanctuary is Badovac Lake , a lovely stop in summer. Locals use it to escape the city and swim, fish, picnic and relax in nature. Why not join them? You won’t find much to eat or drink around here so your best bet is to pack a picnic. If you’re visiting Gračanic Monastery and the Bear Sanctuary, make a half day of it.

Visit Peja 

One of the most beautiful places to visit near Pristina is Peja , a countryside region with abundant opportunities for adventure. Although, when most people hear ‘peja’, they will instantly think of Kosovo’s most famous beer! Hike and explore caves in Rugova Gorge, visit the Patriarchate of Peja Monastery, admire White Drin Waterfall and Sleeping Beauty Cave, then check out the Ethnological Museum and Bajrakli Mosque in Peja town. There’s lots to pack in but you can do it as a day trip from Pristina if you’re up early. How to visit Peja: With most of the attractions dotted around the countryside, it’s not somewhere you can visit with public transport. Your best bet is hiring a car or taking an organised trip . It’s a 1 hour 20-minute drive from the capital.

Prizren 

If you just visit one other place in Kosovo, I highly recommend Prizren. It’s a charming small city (that feels more like a town) with beautiful mosques and sunsets from the Fortress. There isn’t loads to do in Prizren but it’s a great place to relax, stroll the waterfront, people-watch from Prince Coffee House (the best place for an iced coffee) and eat tasty food even cheaper than in Pristina! Noja Kuzhine is a lovely veggie cafe where I had breakfast and coffee for €3. I planned to visit Prizren as a day trip from Pristina but, because it was so hot and I wouldn’t arrive until late morning when it was already scorching, I decided to stay overnight so I could sightsee early and late. This worked well because it was actually closer to my next stop of Skopje in North Macedonia. It’s easy to catch a bus from Pristina to Prizren for a couple of Euros. I stayed at Ura Hostel which is a lovely, modern base close to everything with superb reviews.

Is Pristina safe for solo travel?

Unfortunately, I didn’t have the best experience. I didn’t feel unsafe but I found attitudes toward women old-fashioned, from blonde jokes to comments about women cooking. I also experienced wolf-whistling in the street. Maybe it was just bad luck and I’d never want to tar a whole country with the same brush, but I can only speak based on my experiences. It was a shame since my walking tour guide had pointed out statues highlighting women’s experiences in the war and the murals of strong women on the Newborn sign. Not to mention their ambassadors of Rita Ora and Dua Lipa! My expectations were high so I felt disappointed with the experiences I had. Hopefully, it was just bad luck and that attitudes and values will change over time. It’s worth noting I never felt unsafe, even while walking at night. It was just highly irritating.

Is it worth visiting Pristina?

If you’re looking for a city that’s squeaky clean and polished with endless attractions, well, Pristina may not be for you. But if you’re keen to explore somewhere that many tourists don’t and learn about a fascinating part of the world (with very cheap prices!), then yes, it is worth visiting Pristina.

How cheap is Kosovo?

It’s one of the cheapest places I’ve been, almost on a part with Southeast Asia. Hostels start from €8, restaurant meals from €3 and beers from €1! I took out €100 when I arrived and it easily lasted my whole 3-day trip. One thing to note is that you can rarely pay with bank card so you will need to carry cash . However much you withdraw from the ATM, there’s a €5 charge.

How long to spend in Pristina?

A day in Pristina is long enough to see the main sights. However, if you want to take some day trips, visit countryside attractions or simply relax and enjoy the coffee scene, I would suggest spending 2-3 days in Pristina.

What is Pristina known for?

Pristina is known for its recent history and being the newest country in Europe. I would add that it SHOULD also be known for its coffee culture and the beautiful countryside around it!

Thanks for reading!

I hope you have a better idea of what to do in Pristina and where to eat, explore and relax. Enjoy!

Read more Balkan blogs:

• Places to visit during a Balkans itinerary
• 2 day Sofia itinerary
• What to do in Tirana, Albania
• 2 week Albania itinerary
• Hiking from Valbona to Theth, Albania
• Is Albania worth visiting?
• Things to do in Belgrade, Serbia
• Is Belgrade worth visiting?
• What to do and see in Skopje, North Macedonia
• 2 week Romania itinerary
• Things to do in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Is Sarajevo a good place to visit?
• What to do in Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
• 10 day Montenegro itinerary
• Things to do in Kotor, Montenegro
• 7 day Croatia itinerary
• What to do in Split , Dubrovnik , Zadar and Zagreb , Croatia

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TRUSTED RESOURCES FOR VISITING KOSOVO Getting around by air – I use Skyscanner and search by month to see the cheapest dates. Driving in Europe – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in European countries (and all around the world). For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Browse tours and Prishtina activities on GetYourGuide and Viator . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and budget tips from my 10+ years on the road!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

1 thoughts on “ 32 Things To Do in Pristina, Kosovo + The Best Food! ”

Thank you for sharing this informative guide to Pristina, Kosovo! I’m excited to explore the city’s unique attractions and try the delicious local cuisine. The blend of history and vibrant street life sounds fascinating. Can’t wait to visit!

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Pristina is a fast-changing city that feels full of optimism and potential, even if its traffic-clogged streets and mismatched architectural styles don't make it an obviously attractive place. While the city does have a couple of worthwhile museums and galleries, and serves as a base for interesting nearby sights, for most visitors Pristina is a place where the atmosphere is as much an attraction as any classic tourist sight.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Emin Gjiku Ethnographic Museum

This wonderful annex of the Museum of Kosovo is located in two beautifully preserved Ottoman houses enclosed in a large walled garden. The English…

Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque

The 'imperial mosque', as locals call it, was built on the orders of Mehmed the Conqueror around 1461, and although it was converted to a Catholic church…

Museum of Kosovo

Pristina's main museum has recently reopened after extensive renovations. Displays begin back in the misty times of the Bronze Age. There are some…

Jashar Pasha Mosque

This mosque, which was fully renovated in 2015 as a gift from the Turkish government, has vibrant interiors that exemplify Turkish baroque style.

National Gallery of Kosovo

This excellent space approaches Kosovan art from a contemporary perspective (don't expect to see paintings from the country's history here) and is worth a…

National Library

Easily one of Pristina's most notable buildings, the National Library, completed in 1982 by Croatian Andrija Mutnjakovic, has to be seen to be believed …

Newborn Monument

These iconic block letters in downtown Pristina look a bit scrappy and worn these days, but they captured the imagination of the fledgling nation when…

Independence House of Kosovo

This small house opposite the stadium is devoted to former president Ibrahim Rugova and Kosovo's recent independence movement. English-speaking guides…

Latest stories from Pristina

Mar 6, 2015 • 6 min read

Domestic economic and political woes aside, Kosovo is slowly but surely coming into its own as one of the last corners of Europe for travellers to fully…

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The Evolution of Sustainable Travel

Saudi Tourism Authority + Skift

May 8th, 2024 at 11:20 AM EDT

In this episode of Skift Travel Spotlight podcast, Skift speaks with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance at ITB Berlin about the power of innovation and education to build a more sustainable future.

Saudi Tourism Authority

This sponsored content was created in collaboration with a Skift partner.

Travel brands increasingly understand sustainability needs to be a fundamental part of their operations. However, putting this into practice can be difficult. In this episode, Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, sat down with Kate Anderson, Creative Strategist at Skift, to discuss the evolving landscape of sustainable travel and the pivotal role collaboration and innovation play in shaping a more sustainable future for the industry.

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In this Podcast:

Changing Consumer Attitudes Towards Sustainability: Insights into the complexities behind consumer behavior and how the industry is navigating this dynamic to educate and empower travelers to make sustainable choices.

New Approaches to Sustainability: Behind the philosophy of net positive hospitality and innovative approaches to carbon footprint reduction, waste management, and social inclusion.

Hospitality Leadership: Why hospitality companies have a unique role to play in fostering sustainable behaviors among guests, even beyond check out.

Sustainability in Saudi Arabia: How starting from a blank canvas has enabled Saudi Arabia to integrate sustainability into its tourism development from the start.

This content was created collaboratively by Saudi Tourism Authority and Skift’s branded content studio, SkiftX .

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TikTok Has Spoken: These Are the 13 Comfiest Walking Shoes for Spring

These viral sensations from Nike, Hoka, New Balance, and more are perfect for travel.

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

As a native New Yorker and frequent traveler to cities throughout Europe and Latin America, I know a thing or two about walking. Every day, I try to clock between 10,000 and 20,000 steps, a goal that takes a toll on my joints and feet. I have never — and I repeat, never — been a running shoes person from an aesthetics standpoint. But the demands of daily pavement pounding have required that I find quality walking shoes with a middle ground between trendy good looks and all-day support.

Most recently, I ran a pair of Hoka Clifton 9s into the ground, accruing hundreds of thousands of steps around Mexico City over several months. Their sad fate led me to TikTok, where I can keep track of the latest sneaker drops accompanied by the honest reviews of everyone from marathon runners to "hot girl" walkers . This time, I want to mix it up by keeping two to three pairs of walking shoes in rotation. So I’ve rounded up 13 of the most TikTok-famous walking shoes of 2024 (so far); they strike that elusive balance between comfort and style. Like the TikTok influencers say, “cop” these viral walking shoes quickly because they’re selling out faster than I can walk a city mile. 

New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 1080 V13 Running Shoes

I’ve just received my New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13s, one of the most popular running shoes of the moment, for my spring-to-summer treks. It’s safe to say that TikTokers love these sneakers (which are available in both women’s and men’s styles), so I have high hopes. The Fresh Foam line features super-cushioned midsoles that fans say rival other name-brand options and some runners prefer that this one isn’t so heavy on the arch support. The uppers have a secure, sock-lock fit, but one not-so-great thing I’ve found so far is that my big toe hits the top, which means that the toe box runs a little short for me in terms of depth (but it’s fine in width). Overall, the soles are indescribably squishy and I find them very cute to wear around town.

Brooks Women’s Glycerin 21 Running Shoes

These might be going in my cart next because, even though I don’t love colorful running shoes, the new (and TikTok-viral ) pink/fuchsia colorway of these Brooks Glycerin 21s is so adorable, they look almost edible. Brooks, of course, is an industry leader and one of the most respected names in running shoes, but this pair comes recommended by nurses and runners , so I’m game to try them. These ultra-cushioned shoes have “ a ton of support ,” according to reviewers, as well as the coveted APMA Seal of Acceptance. With such a sleek look, these sneakers will definitely help elevate your travel wardrobe. 

Brooks Women's Ghost Max Running Shoes

I'm also contemplating adding the Brooks Ghost Maxs to my cart. Though I may not love the look of running shoes, when they manage to have such sleek silhouettes with their supportive chunky soles, I can roll with them. These come in soothing monotone colorways like this pinkish-grey one and an oyster shade that gives the trendy all-white look while camouflaging dirt better. One prolific walker on TikTok described all of the ways these Brooks sneakers protect your joints and feet, and other runners on TikTok are “ obsessed .” And yes, the fashion girls of TikTok are even incorporating their Ghost Maxs into their OOTD (outfit of the day) videos.

On Women's Cloudmonster Running Shoes

The shoes I spotted all over New York City last year (and that Disney moms swear by) are gaining traction among TikTok's walking "obsessed" users in this outrageously chunky style: the On Cloudmonsters . On is another big hit with nurses, thanks to its recognizable Helion SuperFoam midsoles, the brand’s claim to fame. These also have a ton of traction, so they'd be great for hiking if that's on the itinerary. They’re getting a lot of hype in the pink/tan colorway , but I’m partial to them in frost/acacia ones with the neon green soles and white uppers. 

Nike Women's V2K Run Running Shoes 

These may be lifestyle sneakers, but they're oh-so-comfy (I tried them on in the Nike store just to see). The Nike V2Ks are practically everywhere , and TikTok creators are having a field day with this pair by styling them for walking, hanging out, or being photographed. A nod to the early aughts (V2K, Y2K, get it?), these shoes redefine the “Dad shoes” trend — and you know dads value comfort. To that end, Nike uses dual-density midsoles to make these wonderfully walkable. 

Asics Unisex Gel-Kayano 14 Running Shoes

For a Dad shoe style that's a little more refined, there's the Asics Gel-Kayano 14s are “ worth the hype ," according to TikTokers, who are having fun styling these with everyday outfits and giving them the comfort seal of approval — even for wide feet — thanks to their cushioned Gel midsoles. Beyond social media, shoppers can't help but rave over their supportive fit. “The shoes are super comfortable and I can walk around in them all day without my feet hurting,” a Madewell reviewer wrote. And honestly, their ability to go with practically any outfit makes these a great suitcase staple.

Nike Women's Zoom Vomero 5 Running Shoes

Sneakerheads, listen up: If you’re looking for Nike’s perpetually sold-out Vomero 5s , you’ll find them at Nordstrom. They embody “the ‘It’ girl aesthetic" and have been proclaimed “the ultimate hot girl walking shoe” by TikTokers — and I have to agree. I’m partial to them in this white colorway as they give the chunky white sneaker trend more of an elevated look. They score major style points while also being an ideal all-day walking shoe thanks to Nike’s embedded Zoom Air cushioning, ensuring they really hit that sweet spot that I’m always searching for. Come to think of it, these might be the perfect travel shoe.

New Balance Women's FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 Running Shoes

In case you haven’t noticed, New Balance is having a moment. The brand that has been a staple in your dad’s closet is now in the rotation of pretty much every trendsetter on TikTok and beyond. I mean, dad shoes alone have been co-opted by the arbiters of street style, so why not the brand itself? The FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4s are the shoes that serious runners have been turning to this spring, so if you’re athletic and comfort is paramount, these are the viral shoes for you. The cushioned midsoles are designed to propel you forward , and their eccentric look is definitely for the bold.

Of course, such an expertly engineered shoe doesn’t come cheap, so this style is the well-worth-it splurge on our list. Like most of the shoes I’ve rounded up here, the FuelCell comes in both men’s and women’s models, but the men’s version seems to be the hottest (spoiler: they look exactly alike and are the same price).

New Balance Women's 327 Sneakers

While we’re in New Balance territory, I could bring you yet another “Dad sneaker” going viral right now, but that would be a cliché. Instead, let’s take a look at these ‘70s-inspired beauties that have earned a stamp of approval from Jennifer Aniston . I happened to try on the New Balance 327s during one of my epic walks and almost bought them. The chunky soles had ample cushiness and the toe boxes were roomy despite looking narrow. Stylish TikTokers are calling them “ must-haves ,” and even loyal sneakerheads are being converted.

Nike Women's Air Max SC Sneakers

TikTok influencers are stepping out in ( and styling ) the Nike Air Max SCs, and they have my full attention. These shoes boast an overlooked detail that I prefer in a walking shoe: their ability to make my size 9 feet look smaller . In addition to Nike’s famous air cushioning, this pair is partially made with recycled materials and is part of the brand’s big push toward becoming a zero-carbon, zero-waste company. 

New Balance Women's Classics 990v6 Sneakers

Ok, just kidding about not featuring any dad sneakers by New Balance: my own dad’s favorite sneaker brand is rocking it in 2024 and has managed to produce a sneaker that I’d happily wear — and he’d whole-heartedly approve of. Plenty of women on TikTok feel the same way I do, like this sneaker enthusiast , who can't get enough of the Classics 990v6s. The style has been generating buzz for more than a year now, and is still holding on strong. 

On Cloud 5 Women's Running Shoes

“[These are] hands down the best sneaker I have ever owned,” a TikTok creator said about the On Cloud 5s. These popular shoes aren’t necessarily news, but they have remained unshakeable in 2024 , and have a passionate fanbase that swears by them. I'll admit, at first, it was hard for me to believe that a shoe with such a thin sole (in comparison to the chunky kicks out there) was so superior, but the On Cloud 5s' enduring fame can’t be denied. The brand’s secret is zero-gravity foam that makes you feel like you're literally walking on a cloud – hence the name. 

Hoka Women's Skyward X Running Shoes

It wouldn't be a TikTok-famous shoe roundup with a mention of Hoka. The viral brand has earned a spot in the closets of thousands of TikTokers, but it's the newly dropped Hoka Skyward X shoes that are generating the most buzz. "[I'm] in love with my new running shoes,” one sprinter on TikTok raved while donning colorful kicks. These sneakers have sole — and very vibrant ones at that. They're equipped with Hoka’s signature chunky bottoms.

In addition to the cushiness, these kicks spring you forward thanks to a state-of-the-art suspension system. Hence why another TikTok-famous influencer declared that “you need [these shoes] for your long runs.” You'll also need to run for these; Hoka’s new releases usually don’t stay in stock long.

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This sleepy traveler has bin places.

A Southwest Airlines passenger flummoxed fellow flyers after she was filmed napping in the plane’s overhead bin, as seen in a video with 5.1 million views on TikTok.

“Southwest is wildin’,” reads the caption to the curious clip, which shows the unnamed person nonchalantly lying lengthwise in the overhead locker as if preparing for cryogenic sleep.

The clip then cuts to the videographers who are laughing hysterically over the bizarre spectacle.

It’s yet unclear if the inflight napper was a passenger or crew member or what their motivation was for treating the baggage storage container as a slumber pod.

Nonetheless, the stowaway’s suitcase cosplay raised eyebrows online with one incredulous commenter writing, “I need more information.”

“How did she get up there??” wondered another. “AND she’s just chillin’ out, maxin’, relaxin’ all cool.”

@gmonique_132 #southwest ♬ original sound – Mo G

“When someone’s in my seat but I don’t wanna bother,” quipped a third.

“Southwest does allow you to choose your own seat,” joked one commenter in reference to the budget carrier’s first come first serve seating policy.

The Post reached out to Southwest Airlines for comment.

Interestingly, this is not the first person to get caught lounging in the luggage locker.

Last summer, a passenger baffled the masses after he was filmed waking up in the overhead storage bin on a Ryanair flight leaving Ibiza, Spain.

In the bizarre video, the unidentified man is seen giggling as he unfurls himself from the storage area.

Meanwhile, in 2019, a Southwest Airlines flight attendant weirded out passengers after sequestering herself in the bin on a plane at Nashville International Airport in Tennessee.

Like with the latest inflight sleeper, the reasons for their bizarre choice of resting arrangement remain unclear.

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VP Kamala Harris will return to Wisconsin next Thursday, her fourth visit this year

Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Milwaukee next Thursday, May 16, her fourth visit to Wisconsin this year and the latest indication of the Biden administration's continued focus on the battleground state.

Harris will visit Wisconsin as part of her Economic Opportunity Tour, the White House said Tuesday, which highlights how the administration "has built economic opportunity, supported communities, and delivered historic investments for the American people."

Details of where Harris will speak in Milwaukee have not yet been released.

The announcement comes one day before President Joe Biden is set to make his fourth trip to Wisconsin in 2024 in Racine .

Biden is expected to highlight a massive increase in the scale of Microsoft's data center development in Mount Pleasant, an opportunity to contrast the failed Foxconn project supported by former President Donald Trump.

More: President Biden's Racine County visit to highlight huge expansion of Microsoft data center

Harris was in the state just over two weeks ago, when she announced new rules for nursing home staffing and rallied voters around abortion in La Crosse . She has also visited Madison and Big Bend this year.

While the administration has often visited the Democratic strongholds of Milwaukee and Madison, the Biden campaign has also focused attention on traditionally conservative areas like Waukesha County. Trump held his second rally of the year in Waukesha last week.

The latest Marquette University Law School poll of Wisconsin voters showed a tight race for the presidency, with 51% supporting Trump and 49% favoring Biden, well within the poll's margin of error.

More: In the ground game to engage Black Milwaukee voters, signs of waning enthusiasm for 2020 rematch

Human-sounding AI can plan, help book your travel. But can you trust it?

It wasn’t so long ago that travelers planned trips without the internet.

“Back in the day, our parents used to go to these travel agents and really kind of express what they were looking for and what kind of vacation they wanted,” said Saad Saeed, co-founder and CEO of Layla, an AI travel planner whose website launched this year. “Slowly, we kind of acclimatized ourselves to start using these search boxes, clicks, these forms and filters.”

Artificial intelligence-driven tools like Layla can now turn back the clock on that experience, engaging with users almost like humans to customize travel plans with lightning speed plus all the resources of the web. But does AI actually make travel planning easier and can it compare to human expertise? 

Yes and no. Here’s why.

Can AI actually understand us?

It can try. 

“What are you personally looking for in this trip and what do you want out of it?” asked Saeed. “Do you want to reconnect with your partner, for example, or do you want to just feel some adventure and thrill?” 

A human travel agent may ask a series of questions to understand a client’s needs. So can generative AI , which picks up on keywords. Mindtrip, an AI planner launched publicly on May 1, has an actual travel quiz that asks users to rank priorities like “Is your ideal vacation day an exhilarating adventure or a relaxing break?” using sliding scales.

“What we get at the end of that quiz, using the AI, is a really customized description,” explained  Mindtrip Founder and CEO Andy Moss. That then informs what the AI suggests to the traveler. 

Informed suggestions can save users time in narrowing down destinations and experiences, as well as  introduce places users may never have discovered on their own.

AI travel planning is here: How to use it to plan your next vacation and what you should know first

Can AI fully replace humans?

No. Layla may sound human, using conversational phrases like “I've got three cozy nests that won't make your wallet cry.”

“She has a personality. We try to make her funny and so on, where it's really that friend that can get to know you and then recommend you the perfect stuff,” Saeed said.

But part of Layla’s expertise comes from the real-life experiences of some 1,600 travel content creators  the Berlin-based platform has partnered with. Their videos and insights can give users a richer picture of what to expect.

Mindtrip also leans on human expertise, having tapped a limited group of travel influencers for curated content with plans to eventually open it up so anyone can share their travel itineraries and experiences with the public.

Story continues below.

Is AI a threat to privacy?

With all the rapid advancements in AI in just the past year, some users are wary of its safety .

“Data privacy is definitely one of our biggest concerns, and we ensure that none of the personal identifiable information ever reaches basically the model providers. That will all stay with us,” Layla’s Saeed said. “None of their personally identifiable data can ever be basically used to profile them or basically go into any of these systems, which are training these different models.”

Booz Allen Hamilton, the nation’s largest provider of AI to the federal government , focuses heavily on ethical and  secure AI, as well as adhering to the government’s policies on data collection. 

“We collect as little information as we can in order to provide a secure transaction,” said Booz Allen Hamilton Senior Vice President Will Healy, who heads up their recreation work, including Recreaton.gov , the government’s central travel planning site for public lands like national parks. “We don't save your searches. We don't save your credit card data. We're very careful about the data that we store.”

Yoon Kim, an assistant professor in MIT’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department and Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory , isn’t too worried about security in the initial brainstorming stages of travel planning with AI.

“I don't see, at this point, how AI-generated advice is spiritually different from travel guide articles that you might read on certain websites,” he said. “Travel planning is one really nice use case of these models, as narrow as it is, because it's a scenario in which you want to be given ideas but you don't actually need to commit to them.” 

What’s next for AI? 

Things could be different, though, if AI is used beyond trip planning. Deloitte sees AI being woven into all parts of travel.

“There is an opportunity for a real engine – I'm going to just use a generic term, engine – that allows you to search and pull it all together and to sort based off of your personal reasons for prioritization and then not stopping at ‘hey give me a list’ or ‘here's what to do,’ but ‘OK, now go create my itinerary, help me book it, track it all the way through that travel process,” said Matt Soderberg, principal, U.S. airlines leader for Deloitte. 

Deloitte’s Facing travel’s future report, released in early April, identifies seven stages where AI can intersect with a trip, from personalized recommendations based on past travel, online purchases and tendencies to day-of issues to a post-travel pulse, where travelers may be asked about their experience and start thinking about future trips. 

“When you solve across all of those, that's going to be the Holy Grail,” Soderberg said. “The difficulty is that doesn't all sit in one place. And so how do you get the right information and the right data to bring all of that together for a single experience for the consumer? And who's going to own that?”

Layla and Mindtrip, among others, already offer booking through partners like Booking.com. “It's all about making things actionable,” Moss said.

But for now, if issues come up mid-trip, AI tools can’t fix them like humans can. Humans still have to get involved.

Airbnb forecasts weaker Q2 revenue despite robust demand for international travel

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Reporting by Aishwarya Jain in Bengaluru and Doyinsola Oladipo in New York; Editing by Shailesh Kuber

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