Pristina

DESTINATIONS kosovo pristina

Pristina

Few places in Europe have remained off the beaten path as much as the Kosovar first city; fewer yet have been at the heart of a political dispute as agonising in recent history. Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, one of the world's youngest states, boasts a youthful populace to match, and exudes a lust for life that's virtually tangible. Still rough around the edges and with no tourist information offices in sight, Pristina remains uncharted territory, a state of affairs foreseen to change as the city attracts a growing number of visitors.

The City

Things are happening fast in Pristina, capital of Kosovo, one of the world's youngest states, and although leisure tourism still seems to not have much affected this part of Europe, the situation is predicted to soon change, with no longer just expat employees of the EU or UN walking the city streets. Kosovar cultural scene is now in transition from budding to full bloom, with art, music and sporting events held frequently, and exhibitions for visual arts showcasing works by international talents (most notably, the National Gallery of Kosovo's "Muslim Mulliqi" and "Gjon Mili"). Cultural outings are easily broken up with frequent trips to the cafes – coffee is a serious affair in Kosovo, some maintaining that it is here that the world's best macchiato is to be had – and at rock-bottom prices.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Although Pristina isn't as conventionally attractive as some other European capitals, there are a few things to keep visitors occupied for the duration of a short stay. Some attractions not to be missed are the National Library building, whose facade has sparked heated debate and varying interpretations, the Ethnographic Museum, and the city's curious monuments, from "Newborn" spelled out in block letters, inaugurated as symbol of the newly emerged state, to Bill Clinton doing a friendly wave from a pedestal on his namesake boulevard.

Ethnographic Museum

There is no better place to familiarise yourself with Kosovar traditional culture than taking a guided tour of the Ottoman buildings containing the Emin Gjiku Ethnographic Museum. Musical instruments, pieces of clothing and accessories, along with other artefacts, are on display in the museum's stylised …

Pristina National Library

The city's most staggering discovery is the brutalist National Library building, a structure so bizarre and seemingly out of place that many are left unsure as to what to make of it. It still is a perfectly functional library, so do drop in to get a good look at what's inside – you might …

Germia Park

The coveted summertime escape of Germia Park lies just outside Pristina, and covers an impressive 62 square kilometres. Apart from the many hiking trails, its main attraction is the huge open-air swimming pool thoroughly enjoyed by locals. The Villa Germia restaurant on its grounds also has a great …

Bill Clinton Statue

The Bill Clinton statue was unveiled by the man himself nearly a decade ago, and has since then remained one of the city's oddball attractions, given especially the idiosyncratic nature of its Communist grey-building backdrop. A kitsch replica of the Statue of Liberty also graced the roof of the now defunct Victory Hotel until …

Imperial Mosque

The Imperial Mosque (or Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque, named after the man who ordered its erection in the mid-15th century) is Pristina's most notable. It still stands today despite the damage done during WWII, and boasts some beautiful indoor art and …

Newborn Monument

Inaugurated on 17 February 2008, the day when Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia, the monument that spells "newborn" embodies the state's "birth" and very real struggle for recognition, still ongoing as of today. Although the monument is well past its glory days, it still holds symbolic …

Kosovo National Gallery

The National Gallery of Kosovo showcases pieces of modern art produced by Kosovar/Albanian artists throughout the 20th century till the present day. Exhibitions are held regularly, one of the most notable being the competition for the Muslim Mulliqi …

Marble Cave

A 20-minute drive south of Pristina lies the natural limestone cave known as the Marble Cave, once accidentally chanced upon by a local resident. Despite the research project now being financed by the EU, the cave remains largely unexplored. The entry fee is very moderate and includes a guided …

Gracanica Monastery

This functioning monastery isn't much of a developed tourist attraction, but visitors are welcomed by an English-speaking guard and ushered inside the early 14th century Serbian Orthodox monastery (built in place of an even more ancient 6th century basilica). There is a small gift shop selling ecclesiastic paraphernalia and …

Ulpiana Archaeological Site

Mentioned in ancient sources as early as the 2nd century AD, the archaeological site of Ulpiana contains remnants of a Roman settlement, all clearly marked and accompanied by information boards. It was a relatively important city, whose territory covered an impressive 120 hectares, one that to-date remains largely under the …

Dining

Political and cultural ties to Albania manifest themselves in Kosovar cuisine, although local specialities do vary by region. Some of the staples to be found at nearly any local eatery are grilled meat sausages (qebapa or salsiccia), lamb chops (tavë, or tavë kosi - baked with yogurt), stuffed peppers, cabbage rolls, and a whole variety of pies, such as burek or Albanian Flija. There is no shortage of quality restaurants in modern-day Pristina, including those representing world cuisines.

Tiffany

Although most produce used to cook Tiffany's traditional fare is, indeed, organic, that isn't to say dining here is exactly a healthy affair: expect oil and lard in generous amounts pumped into the restaurant's specials, with meat taking centre stage over vegetables. It's all part of the authentic experience that draws in both locals …

Country House

Set in a village a few kilometres north of Pristina, Country House is a restaurant worth taking the trip out of town for. Meals are prepared from scratch, with tava (meat or vegetables roasted with creamy yogurt sauce) and flija (a layered crepe pie) being the doubtless highlights. Seating available outdoors, with views over …

Liburnia Restaurant

Liburnia goes above and beyond in an effort to forge one of Kosovo's top dining experiences: the atmosphere is very welcoming, staff speak fluent English, but the biggest highlight is the food - its incredible variety, with traditional local and Albanian dishes taking centre stage, some served sizzling in their …

El Greco

The centrally located Greek restaurant is one of Pristina's best dining venues, with both dishes and ambience forging an authentic atmosphere of a Greek tavern. Dishes can be paired with drinks and wine straight from Greece. Outdoor seating available in the …

Pishat

The longstanding Balkan restaurant remains well-regarded and popular with locals to-date. Dishes served are sized generously, and the culinary point of focus is Albanian cuisine (meat dishes prevail, but there are a few vegetarian options too). Mind that smoking indoors is …

Himalayan Gurkha

Here's a little something different on the Pristina dining scene: a restaurant serving pan-Asian dishes, with an emphasis on Indian & Nepalese. Dishes served include staples like chicken tikka, but also relatively rare for this part of the world Nepalese momo …

Home Restaurant & Bar

All but a few will feel at home here, at this longstanding institution listing dishes from all corners of the world on its eclectic menu. Greek, Italian, even Chinese - let alone Kosovar and Albanian specialities - these cuisines are all represented here, and both locals and expats keep the business …

Osteria Basilico

Basilico serves reliable Italian, dish classics mixing in with specialities of the house. Prices are steeper than elsewhere in town, but you get what you pay for, and the reception and quality are both worth a bit of a …

De Rada Brasserie

This brasserie's allure is one hard to pull yourself away from, and that, coupled with good value food (Italian-leaning) and wines, makes it hard to leave soon. The place is known to be frequented by the local creme de la creme, so prepare to brush shoulders with Kosovar …

Cafes

Some say Europe's best macchiatos are brewed in Pristina. Luckily, there are plenty of places to go and challenge or confirm the assertion: coffee houses and cafes are aplenty, leaving visitors with many to choose from. There are several great spots around Fehmi Agani Street, and in the lively southern neighbourhood of Santea.

Soma Book Station

Perhaps the coolest spot in town, Soma Book Station is somewhat of Pristina's hipster headquarters, sitting at the nexus of book cafe, casual restaurant, and steampunk bar-type establishments. It gets very busy during lunch hours (come by if you have time to spare), and the outdoor garden buzzes with life on summer evenings. Food …

Dit' e Nat'

Translated as "day and night", Dit' e Nat' doubles as a cool daytime book cafe and hip bar/happening venue come sundown. The menu is concise yet nifty, and prices more than reasonable. Seating available in- and outdoors. Live jazz plays in the evenings, and the place often hosts movie screenings and similar …

Shpija e vjeter

The cafe is a rather popular meeting place for locals looking for a casual meal or an evening glass of draft beer. It serves authentic local fare at reasonable prices, which keeps the flow of patrons …

Miqt Taverna

It's somewhat hard to locate this tavern, but you'll be glad you did: the key is to duck into a small alley underneath the "Anker" sign in Nena Tereza Square. It serves great value, uncomplicated traditional fare, and is cosy enough to easily help while away a few …

Half & Half

Trendy Half & Half spills out onto the street when weather permits, offering even more patrons the chance to enjoy views of the central square as they sip on a drink of choice. The name refers to the establishment being half cafe and half bar, equally alluring for breakfast and evening …

Prince Coffee House

The variety of coffees served at Prince Coffee House is truly astounding, and taking your pick will certainly be a hold-up, so come ready. There is another branch now at Albi Mall; both serve excellent brews, cakes, and …

Bars & Nightlife

The Muslim-majority Kosovo is overwhelmingly secular when it comes to nightlife, and with Europe's youngest populace, the Kosovar capital is coming of age together with its residents, sprouting an increasing amount of hip hangout spots, microbreweries and bars from one day to the next. The first craft brewery that took root in Pristina is Sabaja (its brews are served at bars across town and, sicne recently, internationally), now followed by Birra Prishtina, Grembeer (brewing with clear Gremnik Mountain water), and others. Areas to head for evening drinks include the Fehmi Agani Street, Pejton & Santea neighbourhoods.

Santea Neighbourhood

After work and on weekends, locals swarm to this neighbourhood, hidden in plain sight behind a gate leading here from Bill Clinton Boulevard. It teems with cafes and bars, patrons slowly relocating from the former to the latter as the night progresses. Music fills the air, and the vibe is …

Rooftop 13

Although the Grand Hotel itself has seen much better days, its top floor is currently occupied by one of the town's swankiest nightlife venues: Rooftop 13. DJs play sets most nights, and guests enjoy a panoramic view of Pristina. Dress smart - most who come here, …

Hamam Jazz Bar

The snazzy jazz bar is an important live music venue for, reportedly, all of the Balkans, let alone just Pristina. Its award-winning interior continues to see an undwindling flow of patrons, and jazz, along with other music genres, still sound off the stage just like they did nearly a decade …

Priview Bar

Another pleasant evening meeting point is the Priview Bar, just outside of central Pristina. There is live music here, too, and entertainment available in the form of billiards. Food is served alongside drinks, and the bar doubles as a cafe during …

Zone Club

Zone is an expansive affair: it gathers substantial crowds, and might be the city's largest nightlife venue. It alternates between two different locations during the summer and winter seasons. The party here doesn't stop until early morning …

Shopping

Local handicrafts make for some of the best souvenirs to bring back from Pristina. These range from jewellery produced by local silver smiths to wood carvings, leather goods, embroidery, traditional Albanian pieces of clothing, woven rugs, and even musical instruments. Admiration for the Clintons has manifested itself here not only via statues and street names, but also a couple of clothing stores named after Hillary Clinton, with items on sale carefully selected to replicate Clinton's sense of style. The old bazaar retains little of its former glory, but is an exciting cultural experience not to be missed.