Pristina

Pristina (Albanian: Prishtinë, Serbian: Priština), the capital city of Kosovo, is not conventionally beautiful on sight: It is messy, with centuries-old Ottoman heritage competing with communist designs and recently built architectural monstrosities. However there is a powerful draw to this city, offering much to passing travelers.

As the youngest capital city in Europe, Pristina holds 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 However amongst what's left are many hidden gems to be found, and the areas that were lost have been replaced by modern structures and monuments that speak more to Kosovo's fascinating recent history than to any other period of time.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, 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.

Above all else, perhaps the greatest appeal of Pristina is the opportunity to witness the site of such recent political turmoil transforming, under the watchful eye of the international community, into quite the cosmopolitan capital.

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 find English widely 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 - the city centre is small and walkable (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 should be cautious about how you speak it in public, except in Serbian areas, where you should be careful of speaking in Albanian. German is easily the next most widely spoken language. Ties between the Kosovo Albanian diaspora in Germany and Switzerland and Kosovo are very strong; many older Kosovo Albanians have worked there as guest workers in the past.

• Mother Teresa Cathedral, Justiniani Street. This Roman Catholic cathedral was completed in 2017. €1 for entry to the tower.
• Saint Saviour Serbian Orthodox Church, Agim Ramadani Street/Sheshi Hasan.
• Saint Nicholas Church, Rr. Shkodra (Nazim Gafurri Street off. Daily mass ~17:00. This is the only remaining operative Serbian Orthodox Church in Pristina. It is housed in a 19th-century building. It used to showcase 18th century wooden icons, created by painters based in Debar, North Macedonia, several 18th century frescoes and an iconostasis of 1840 from Belgrade, Serbia, which were all irreversibly damaged during the 2004 unrest. The Saint Nicholas Church once again began to hold liturgies in 2010 in a ceremony attended by a few hundred Serbian Orthodox believers. It now features a revamped exterior, restored roof, new marble tiles and new icons.
• Çarshia Mosque, Rr. Meto Bajraktari. This is the oldest building in Prishtina and it marks the beginning of the old town. The basement of this mosque was laid out in 1389 during the rule of the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I and its construction was continued during the reign of Sultan Murad II in the 15th century. The Carshi Mosque was built to celebrate the Ottoman victory of 1389 in the Battle of Kosovo
• Jashar Pasha Mosque, Nazim Gafurri Street (near the clock tower. It is being restored, and is closed to the public [2010], however the work that is visible on the exterior is beautifully executed in calming blues. - It was named after Jashar Mehmet Pasha, a wealthy citizen of Prishtina and mayor of Skopje in 1842. Inscriptions found inside the mosque led to the conclusion that it was built in 1834. Jashar Pasha Mosque is a typical architectural monument for old cities with Ottoman heritage. It symbolizes a sacral building of ‘Kosovar style’ with an acknowledgement of oriental influence. Its aim was to speed up the acceptance of Islam among the citizens of Prishtina. It is composed of a hall for prayers, hayat and a minaret. The mosque is disguised by a cupola supported by four pendentives. The original portico was torn down to give way to an expansion of the neighboring street.
• Pirinaz Mosque, Rr. Ismail Dunoshi (three blocks east from Kosovo Museum. Built in the second half of the 16th century and was founded by Piri Nazir who served as Vezir under two Ottoman Sultans. The Pirinaz Mosque is made of the same stone as Mbretit (Fatih) Mosque but its construction began 100 years later. This mosque represents an important cultural value, which is further increased by the belief that Prince Lazar’s remains were buried on the location of today’s Pirinaz Mosque with the permission of Sultan Bayezid, son and successor of Murat, who died in the battle of Kosovo in 1389. Later on, Lazar’s remains were moved to Ravanici Monastery in Serbia.
• Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque. It was built in 1460–1461 during the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II, also known as al-Fatih or the Conqueror and was named in his honor. Its interior features ornamental decorations and detailed floral designs, as well as a 15 m dome, which was quite impressive for a 15th-century construction. It was recognized region-wide as the largest construction of this nature. In 1689, the mosque was temporarily converted into a Jesuit church dedicated to Francis Xavier by the Austrian occupants during the Austrian-Turkish wars. The Imperial Mosque was restored during the rule of Sultan Mehmet IV in 1682–1683, whereas the present-day minaret is a reconstruction of the original, which was damaged during the earthquake that struck Prishtina in 1955.

Mother Teresa Cathedral, Justiniani Street. This Roman Catholic cathedral was completed in 2017. €1 for entry to the tower.

Saint Saviour Serbian Orthodox Church, Agim Ramadani Street/Sheshi Hasan.

Saint Nicholas Church, Rr. Shkodra (Nazim Gafurri Street off. Daily mass ~17:00. This is the only remaining operative Serbian Orthodox Church in Pristina. It is housed in a 19th-century building. It used to showcase 18th century wooden icons, created by painters based in Debar, North Macedonia, several 18th century frescoes and an iconostasis of 1840 from Belgrade, Serbia, which were all irreversibly damaged during the 2004 unrest. The Saint Nicholas Church once again began to hold liturgies in 2010 in a ceremony attended by a few hundred Serbian Orthodox believers. It now features a revamped exterior, restored roof, new marble tiles and new icons.

Çarshia Mosque, Rr. Meto Bajraktari. This is the oldest building in Prishtina and it marks the beginning of the old town. The basement of this mosque was laid out in 1389 during the rule of the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I and its construction was continued during the reign of Sultan Murad II in the 15th century. The Carshi Mosque was built to celebrate the Ottoman victory of 1389 in the Battle of Kosovo

Jashar Pasha Mosque, Nazim Gafurri Street (near the clock tower. It is being restored, and is closed to the public [2010], however the work that is visible on the exterior is beautifully executed in calming blues. - It was named after Jashar Mehmet Pasha, a wealthy citizen of Prishtina and mayor of Skopje in 1842. Inscriptions found inside the mosque led to the conclusion that it was built in 1834. Jashar Pasha Mosque is a typical architectural monument for old cities with Ottoman heritage. It symbolizes a sacral building of ‘Kosovar style’ with an acknowledgement of oriental influence. Its aim was to speed up the acceptance of Islam among the citizens of Prishtina. It is composed of a hall for prayers, hayat and a minaret. The mosque is disguised by a cupola supported by four pendentives. The original portico was torn down to give way to an expansion of the neighboring street.

Pirinaz Mosque, Rr. Ismail Dunoshi (three blocks east from Kosovo Museum. Built in the second half of the 16th century and was founded by Piri Nazir who served as Vezir under two Ottoman Sultans. The Pirinaz Mosque is made of the same stone as Mbretit (Fatih) Mosque but its construction began 100 years later. This mosque represents an important cultural value, which is further increased by the belief that Prince Lazar’s remains were buried on the location of today’s Pirinaz Mosque with the permission of Sultan Bayezid, son and successor of Murat, who died in the battle of Kosovo in 1389. Later on, Lazar’s remains were moved to Ravanici Monastery in Serbia.

Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque. It was built in 1460–1461 during the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II, also known as al-Fatih or the Conqueror and was named in his honor. Its interior features ornamental decorations and detailed floral designs, as well as a 15 m dome, which was quite impressive for a 15th-century construction. It was recognized region-wide as the largest construction of this nature. In 1689, the mosque was temporarily converted into a Jesuit church dedicated to Francis Xavier by the Austrian occupants during the Austrian-Turkish wars. The Imperial Mosque was restored during the rule of Sultan Mehmet IV in 1682–1683, whereas the present-day minaret is a reconstruction of the original, which was damaged during the earthquake that struck Prishtina in 1955.

• Kosova Art Gallery, Agim Ramadani Street, 60 (Universiteti i Prishtinës, Behind the National Library. Tu-Sa 10:00-14:00, 15:00-18:00, Su 10:00–15:00. Owned and operated by the Ministry of Culture & Sports.
• Kosovo National Museum, Ibrahim Lutfiu St. (East from Parliament, +383 38 244 107. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00. Opened in February 2018 after repairs. The Museum has a rich collection of prehistoric objects uncovered in Kosovo – most of them were spirited off to Serbia during the Kosovo war, and hundreds of archaeological finds and ethnographic items yet have to be returned. Free (2012).
• Pristina Ethnographic Museum, Zija Prishtina, Rr. Iliaz Agushi. 10:00-17:00. tucked back in the old town streets about 5 minutes walk from the main museum. Beautiful house, costumes and traditional tools. - Don't miss it. Sells traditional gifts. - The complex once belonged to Emin Gjinolli (Turkish Emin Kücük); literally, ‘little Emin’ - who was a member of one of the most recognized families of Prishtina in the 20th century. The Ethnological Museum “Emin Gjiku” is composed of a traditional guest house, an arts studio, a family home and a permanent ethnological exhibition. by donation (2016).
• Independence Museum, Rr. Fehmi Agani (beside the Tiffany’s restaurant. M-Sa 10:00-17:00. A small museum about Kosovo’s recent history. free.
• Stacion - Center for Contemporary Art Prishtina, Zija Prishtina Street, +383 38 222576. 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.

Kosova Art Gallery, Agim Ramadani Street, 60 (Universiteti i Prishtinës, Behind the National Library. Tu-Sa 10:00-14:00, 15:00-18:00, Su 10:00–15:00. Owned and operated by the Ministry of Culture & Sports.

Kosovo National Museum, Ibrahim Lutfiu St. (East from Parliament, +383 38 244 107. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00. Opened in February 2018 after repairs. The Museum has a rich collection of prehistoric objects uncovered in Kosovo – most of them were spirited off to Serbia during the Kosovo war, and hundreds of archaeological finds and ethnographic items yet have to be returned. Free (2012).

Pristina Ethnographic Museum, Zija Prishtina, Rr. Iliaz Agushi. 10:00-17:00. tucked back in the old town streets about 5 minutes walk from the main museum. Beautiful house, costumes and traditional tools. - Don't miss it. Sells traditional gifts. - The complex once belonged to Emin Gjinolli (Turkish Emin Kücük); literally, ‘little Emin’ - who was a member of one of the most recognized families of Prishtina in the 20th century. The Ethnological Museum “Emin Gjiku” is composed of a traditional guest house, an arts studio, a family home and a permanent ethnological exhibition. by donation (2016).

Independence Museum, Rr. Fehmi Agani (beside the Tiffany’s restaurant. M-Sa 10:00-17:00. A small museum about Kosovo’s recent history. free.

Stacion - Center for Contemporary Art Prishtina, Zija Prishtina Street, +383 38 222576. 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.

• Parliament, Agim Ramadani Street (North of the Independence Park.
• Old Hamam remains, Agim Ramadani Street (Агим Рамадани). Founded in 15th century. It used to be part of the complex of the Sultan Murat Fatih Mosque and according to the legend, the construction workers who were hired to build Fatih Mosque were ordered by Sultan Mehmet II to take daily baths in the hammam. It had two symmetrical baths, one for women and the other one for men. The hammam is composed of 15 domes with small holes which are used to let the light penetrate in. A fire that occurred in 1994, resulted with an illegal opening of three shops which blocked the old entrance. Unfortunately, a hammam that once used to be a prestigious social venue for men and women, for many years looked abandoned with only few remaining walls full of rubbish, overgrown trees and wastewaters flowing inside of the building.
• Shadërvani Fountain, Nazim Gafurri (Next to Çarshia Mosque. This is a marble fountain between the Carshi Mosque and the Museum of Kosovo and is a typical component of Ottoman architecture. The fountain is the only one remaining in the city from over fifty that once existed. In addition to providing a source of drinkable water, Shadërvan has been traditionally used for ritual ablution.
• Clock Tower, Rr. Ylfete Humolli (Next to Kosovo Museum. It was built in the 19th century by Jashar Pasha. It served as a means of informing the town during the Ottoman Empire rule, in order to let people know when to pray as well as the traders closing their shops. The 26-meter high hexagonal clock tower was made of sandstone and bricks. The original tower was burned in fire and its bricks were used for reconstruction. The authentic bell was brought from Moldova and had the inscription “This bell was produced in 1764 for Jon Moldova Rumenin”
• Academy Building, Rr. Nazim Gafurri, +383 38 249303, +383 38 249304, +383 38 249305.
• The Hynyler House and other Ottoman konak-style private houses. Here stands Ottoman hoses another of Pristina’s few remaining 19th century. It is used by the Academy for Sciences and Arts (Akademia e Shkencave dhe e Arteve, ASHAK) who have added a rather ugly glass winter garden to the building. If you ask you can enter to walk around the courtyard. - The Hynyler House symbolizes a typical Ottoman konak. It is a private house, which has been under the list of the protected monuments since 1967
• Mausoleum of Sultan Murat I, A bit out of the city in Mazgit settlement (4 km NW. This object built in honour of Sultan Murat I, who was killed in the Battle of Kosovo in 1389. The building constructed in 1850, does not actually contain the remains of Sultan Murat since they have been moved to the imperial museum in Bursa, Turkey. There is little to see inside of the building; an important of the garden is a 700 year old mulberry tree which survived from the war.
• Former Hotel Union building, Bulevardi Nënë Tereza. The building of the former “Hotel Union” was built in 1927 under the supervision of the Austrian architect, Andrija Kremer. It combined elements of neo-Renaissance, neo-baroque and Art Nouveau and was one of the few buildings in Prishtina with European-architecture influence. During the first few decades of its existence, it was named “Hotel Skënderbeu” after the 15th-century Albanian resistance leader, Skanderbeg and this was witnessed by his ingrained icons on the building.
• Monument of Brotherhood and Unity, Rr. Meto Bajraktari (North from UCK. This symbolise the ‘unity and brotherhood’ of the Albanians, Serbs and Montenegrins
• Palace of Youth & Sports, Rr. Luan Haradinaj, +383 38 249424.

Parliament, Agim Ramadani Street (North of the Independence Park.

Old Hamam remains, Agim Ramadani Street (Агим Рамадани). Founded in 15th century. It used to be part of the complex of the Sultan Murat Fatih Mosque and according to the legend, the construction workers who were hired to build Fatih Mosque were ordered by Sultan Mehmet II to take daily baths in the hammam. It had two symmetrical baths, one for women and the other one for men. The hammam is composed of 15 domes with small holes which are used to let the light penetrate in. A fire that occurred in 1994, resulted with an illegal opening of three shops which blocked the old entrance. Unfortunately, a hammam that once used to be a prestigious social venue for men and women, for many years looked abandoned with only few remaining walls full of rubbish, overgrown trees and wastewaters flowing inside of the building.

Shadërvani Fountain, Nazim Gafurri (Next to Çarshia Mosque. This is a marble fountain between the Carshi Mosque and the Museum of Kosovo and is a typical component of Ottoman architecture. The fountain is the only one remaining in the city from over fifty that once existed. In addition to providing a source of drinkable water, Shadërvan has been traditionally used for ritual ablution.

Clock Tower, Rr. Ylfete Humolli (Next to Kosovo Museum. It was built in the 19th century by Jashar Pasha. It served as a means of informing the town during the Ottoman Empire rule, in order to let people know when to pray as well as the traders closing their shops. The 26-meter high hexagonal clock tower was made of sandstone and bricks. The original tower was burned in fire and its bricks were used for reconstruction. The authentic bell was brought from Moldova and had the inscription “This bell was produced in 1764 for Jon Moldova Rumenin”

Academy Building, Rr. Nazim Gafurri, +383 38 249303, +383 38 249304, +383 38 249305.

The Hynyler House and other Ottoman konak-style private houses. Here stands Ottoman hoses another of Pristina’s few remaining 19th century. It is used by the Academy for Sciences and Arts (Akademia e Shkencave dhe e Arteve, ASHAK) who have added a rather ugly glass winter garden to the building. If you ask you can enter to walk around the courtyard. - The Hynyler House symbolizes a typical Ottoman konak. It is a private house, which has been under the list of the protected monuments since 1967

Mausoleum of Sultan Murat I, A bit out of the city in Mazgit settlement (4 km NW. This object built in honour of Sultan Murat I, who was killed in the Battle of Kosovo in 1389. The building constructed in 1850, does not actually contain the remains of Sultan Murat since they have been moved to the imperial museum in Bursa, Turkey. There is little to see inside of the building; an important of the garden is a 700 year old mulberry tree which survived from the war.

Former Hotel Union building, Bulevardi Nënë Tereza. The building of the former “Hotel Union” was built in 1927 under the supervision of the Austrian architect, Andrija Kremer. It combined elements of neo-Renaissance, neo-baroque and Art Nouveau and was one of the few buildings in Prishtina with European-architecture influence. During the first few decades of its existence, it was named “Hotel Skënderbeu” after the 15th-century Albanian resistance leader, Skanderbeg and this was witnessed by his ingrained icons on the building.

Monument of Brotherhood and Unity, Rr. Meto Bajraktari (North from UCK. This symbolise the ‘unity and brotherhood’ of the Albanians, Serbs and Montenegrins

Palace of Youth & Sports, Rr. Luan Haradinaj, +383 38 249424.

• Arbëria Park, Street Stambolli and Tony Blair (North from UNMIK's compound.
• City Park.
• Gërmia Park, Dr. Shpëtim Robaj, (at the end of bus 4, 5 or 9. Here are outposts of green, the biggest and best of which is Gërmia Park. During the summer, the lake-sized swimming pool here is a hot spot for families and young people, but year-round the park itself offers grassy spaces to relax or kick the ball around, and a network of mine-cleared trails through the dense woods perfect for dog-walking or drunken hide-and-seek tournaments. A couple of restaurants at the top of the park have good food and nice views. Also interesting to check out the cluster-bombed police bunker, just up the road from the best restaurant.
• Independence Park, Agim Ramadani Street and Bulevardi Nënë Tereza (Near to Former Hotel Union building.
• Jewish Cemetery. Founded in 19th century, is a burial site in the outskirts of Prishtina consisting of 57 tombstones. The city was once home to a Jewish community numbering over 1,500 people, who settled in the Balkans during the late 15th century from Spain after escaping the Reconquista.
• Park of Martyrs, 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).
• Taukbashçe Park, Nazim Gafurri Street (East 1.5km.
• Tjerrtorja Archeological Site. 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.
• Bear Sanctuary Pristina, Mramor village, near Badovc lake, +383 45 826 072. 10:00-19:00. For many years in Kosovo, all privately kept brown bears lived in small cages at restaurants, to attract customers. In November 2010, when it became illegal to keep bears privately, there was a need for a national park as a new home for the restaurant bears rescued from captivity. This centre aims to improve the public attention to animal welfare and environmental problems in Kosovo. €1.

Arbëria Park, Street Stambolli and Tony Blair (North from UNMIK's compound.

City Park.

Gërmia Park, Dr. Shpëtim Robaj, (at the end of bus 4, 5 or 9. Here are outposts of green, the biggest and best of which is Gërmia Park. During the summer, the lake-sized swimming pool here is a hot spot for families and young people, but year-round the park itself offers grassy spaces to relax or kick the ball around, and a network of mine-cleared trails through the dense woods perfect for dog-walking or drunken hide-and-seek tournaments. A couple of restaurants at the top of the park have good food and nice views. Also interesting to check out the cluster-bombed police bunker, just up the road from the best restaurant.

Independence Park, Agim Ramadani Street and Bulevardi Nënë Tereza (Near to Former Hotel Union building.

Jewish Cemetery. Founded in 19th century, is a burial site in the outskirts of Prishtina consisting of 57 tombstones. The city was once home to a Jewish community numbering over 1,500 people, who settled in the Balkans during the late 15th century from Spain after escaping the Reconquista.

Park of Martyrs, 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).

Taukbashçe Park, Nazim Gafurri Street (East 1.5km.

Tjerrtorja Archeological Site. 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.

Bear Sanctuary Pristina, Mramor village, near Badovc lake, +383 45 826 072. 10:00-19:00. For many years in Kosovo, all privately kept brown bears lived in small cages at restaurants, to attract customers. In November 2010, when it became illegal to keep bears privately, there was a need for a national park as a new home for the restaurant bears rescued from captivity. This centre aims to improve the public attention to animal welfare and environmental problems in Kosovo. €1.

• No visit to Pristina is complete without a walking tour. Most 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.
• Do as the locals do: In Pristina, this means 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.
• 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.

• National Theater of Kosovo, Mother Theresa Square. (Sheshi Nëna Terezë) nr.21, (North of the 'Independence Park', +383 38 243 930. Former named "The Regional Populist Theater" then the "Provincial Populist Theater" - The repertoire of this theater was built on many national, international and former Yugoslavian dramatic scripts. This theater performances, which were presented in different festivals with national and international character in the former Yugoslavia, were praised highly by critics of the time and were honored with various artistic awards.
• Dodona Theater, Rruga Xh. Mitrovica, pn (200m East from Kosova Art Gallery, +383 38 230623. first known as the Theater of Youth, Kids, and Doll - "Dodona"
• ODA Theatre, Pallati i Rinisë dhe i Sporteve nr. 111 (Luan Haradinaj?) (next to City Stadium, +383 038 246 555. Theatre venue with variety of cultural and artistic events, including theatre performances, concerts, exhibitions and an International Jazz Festival in November.
• Library of the University of Pristina. It looks like it is constructed of massive concrete Lego bricks and then covered with chain mail. It is certainly worth a look.
• National University Library of Kosovo, +383 038 212 416. It is the highest institution of its kind in the Republic of 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.

National Theater of Kosovo, Mother Theresa Square. (Sheshi Nëna Terezë) nr.21, (North of the 'Independence Park', +383 38 243 930. Former named "The Regional Populist Theater" then the "Provincial Populist Theater" - The repertoire of this theater was built on many national, international and former Yugoslavian dramatic scripts. This theater performances, which were presented in different festivals with national and international character in the former Yugoslavia, were praised highly by critics of the time and were honored with various artistic awards.

Dodona Theater, Rruga Xh. Mitrovica, pn (200m East from Kosova Art Gallery, +383 38 230623. first known as the Theater of Youth, Kids, and Doll - "Dodona"

ODA Theatre, Pallati i Rinisë dhe i Sporteve nr. 111 (Luan Haradinaj?) (next to City Stadium, +383 038 246 555. Theatre venue with variety of cultural and artistic events, including theatre performances, concerts, exhibitions and an International Jazz Festival in November.

Library of the University of Pristina. It looks like it is constructed of massive concrete Lego bricks and then covered with chain mail. It is certainly worth a look.

National University Library of Kosovo, +383 038 212 416. It is the highest institution of its kind in the Republic of 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.

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 pages.

• Summit Fest, Friday at 20:00 until Sunday at 06:00. +383 38 226 966. Summit Fest is a two-night, open air, techno music festival that takes place in Germia Park in Pristina.
• 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 Grajcev 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. NO RECESS is 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.
• DAM. is an annual classical and contemporary music festival which gathers young, emerging and distinguished musicians from all over the world.
• MAD Sound. 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, 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.

Summit Fest, Friday at 20:00 until Sunday at 06:00. +383 38 226 966. Summit Fest is a two-night, open air, techno music festival that takes place in Germia Park in Pristina.

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 Grajcev 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. NO RECESS is 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.

DAM. is an annual classical and contemporary music festival which gathers young, emerging and distinguished musicians from all over the world.

MAD Sound. 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, 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.

Do as the locals do: In Pristina, this means 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.

• Shopping-wise, Pristina is full of good bargains but low on selection (and if you happen to be a man who wears M shirts or pants, forget about it). 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.
• Also on the streets: CDs and DVDs that are cheap, and more likely than not, illegal.

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.

• Papirun sandwich shop, Luan Haradinaj nr. 1, Prishtinë (from the square behind MFA/Grand Hotel, head towards Buzuku bookstore, +383 44 26 23 23. 07:00-20:00. Simple menu of sandwiches, salads and natural drinks €2-3.5.
• Aroma, Rexhep Luci (near Strip Depo and the ABC Kino and Metro across from the Grand Hotel. For quick snacks, have terrific sandwiches;
• Aurora Fast Food, Xhorxh Bush (across RTK tower.
• Amadeus, Ahmet Krasniqi,. Another restaurant in the Dragodan neighborhood. Serves pizza and other western dishes.
• Gagi Restaurant, Fehmi Agani #12, +383 44 160 665.
• Ciao, +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€.
• Princessa Gresa Restaurant, Fehmi Agani 77, Te Qafa (across former OSCE building, +383 44 264 794.
• City Bakery, Përmendorja e Nënës Terezë?, Bulevardi Nënë Tereza, 41 (Centre, +383 45 785 785. Traditional food of Kosovo.
• Restaurant Ex, Fehmi Agani (Near to Ministry of Public Services. Friendly, English-speaking staff, varied menu including curry.
• Liburnia Restaurant, Rr.Meto Bajraktari, +383 44 891 000.
• Himalayan Gorkha, Qafa Gallery, TMK Street (Luan Hardinaj cnr. Fine Asian restaurant. Pineapple lassi or Masala tea is a great non-alcoholic drink if you don't like beer, vodka or the local drink (Rakhi rrussi). For starters there is chicken pakora which is nice fried chicken which tastes exactly like Kentuky Fried Chicken or vegetable pakora. Best thing about this restaurant is you can have both spicy and non spicy items. For main course there is Chicken Tikka with Roti or Naan. They also have Chicken Biyani, Vegetable Biriyani and Butter chicken. If you are fond of Chinese you can have Chicken fried rice and Veg Fried Rice. Meal for two €10-15 with drinks.
• Home restaurant and bar, Luan haradinaj/Sheshi "Nëna Tereze" (on front of Eurokoha, 300 m from Grand Hotel or Hotel Prishtina and 200 m from Diamond Hotel, +383 44 336 336. Lively atmosphere and variety of delicious food. Serves Medterranian, Italian and Kosovar food. Visitors come from many international staff of the surrounding offices, embassies and national ministries. Local actors and well known singers. Very good selected music, English speaking staff and very good wines.
• Il Passatore, Hil Mos (East. This is an authentic Italian restaurant, run by a real mama and her family. Go there in a taxi as it's a bit hard to find, but all the cabbies know it.
• Lai Thai. It is owned by the lady that has a restaurant with the same name in Kabul. The Thai food is excellent.
• The Lounge, Mother Teresa Blvd (Opposite Radio and Television of Kosovo building,. Smart and upmarket bar/restaurant. Food is very good. Offers a mixture of international and local cuisine.
• El Greco, Meto Bajraktari 26, +383 38 231550.
• Pilat restaurant. Albanian food (with possibly the best bread in the world). Seriously delicious local food. Gets very busy at lunchtimes with Kosovan politicians.
• Pjata, Rruga Dubrovniku nr.1 (Ali Pashë Tepelena) (a block away from the UNICEF office, +383 38 220 739. WiFi connection for free and good food. The only con is that you will think not to be in Kosovo.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 actually 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.
• Sarajeva. sells Burek (5 locations)
• Restaurant Perla te Linda, Lidhja e Pejes Nr. 177 (Zona industriale, +383 44 141 680.
• Sarajevo Fast Food, Andrea Grupa Street (close to RTK and one behind the old Post Office.. Sells kebab made in Banja Luka (bosnian) style (banjallucki qebab)
• duelling South Asian restaurants. (one Indian, one Nepali) are both great for a long, quiet dinner.
• Tiffany Restaurant, Fehmi Agani (directly behind Home. Very popular Restaurant in Prishtina, with very good traditional cuisine.
• Not to be missed: Panevino, Pellumbi, Pishat.
• Aroma 2, Rrustem Statovci. Does Albanian and international fast food, take away or eat in, for low prices - e.g. a mixed grill which two people can stuff themselves on, €6.

Papirun sandwich shop, Luan Haradinaj nr. 1, Prishtinë (from the square behind MFA/Grand Hotel, head towards Buzuku bookstore, +383 44 26 23 23. 07:00-20:00. Simple menu of sandwiches, salads and natural drinks €2-3.5.

Aroma, Rexhep Luci (near Strip Depo and the ABC Kino and Metro across from the Grand Hotel. For quick snacks, have terrific sandwiches;

Aurora Fast Food, Xhorxh Bush (across RTK tower.

Amadeus, Ahmet Krasniqi,. Another restaurant in the Dragodan neighborhood. Serves pizza and other western dishes.

Gagi Restaurant, Fehmi Agani #12, +383 44 160 665.

Ciao, +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€.

Princessa Gresa Restaurant, Fehmi Agani 77, Te Qafa (across former OSCE building, +383 44 264 794.

City Bakery, Përmendorja e Nënës Terezë?, Bulevardi Nënë Tereza, 41 (Centre, +383 45 785 785. Traditional food of Kosovo.

Restaurant Ex, Fehmi Agani (Near to Ministry of Public Services. Friendly, English-speaking staff, varied menu including curry.

Liburnia Restaurant, Rr.Meto Bajraktari, +383 44 891 000.

Himalayan Gorkha, Qafa Gallery, TMK Street (Luan Hardinaj cnr. Fine Asian restaurant. Pineapple lassi or Masala tea is a great non-alcoholic drink if you don't like beer, vodka or the local drink (Rakhi rrussi). For starters there is chicken pakora which is nice fried chicken which tastes exactly like Kentuky Fried Chicken or vegetable pakora. Best thing about this restaurant is you can have both spicy and non spicy items. For main course there is Chicken Tikka with Roti or Naan. They also have Chicken Biyani, Vegetable Biriyani and Butter chicken. If you are fond of Chinese you can have Chicken fried rice and Veg Fried Rice. Meal for two €10-15 with drinks.

Home restaurant and bar, Luan haradinaj/Sheshi "Nëna Tereze" (on front of Eurokoha, 300 m from Grand Hotel or Hotel Prishtina and 200 m from Diamond Hotel, +383 44 336 336. Lively atmosphere and variety of delicious food. Serves Medterranian, Italian and Kosovar food. Visitors come from many international staff of the surrounding offices, embassies and national ministries. Local actors and well known singers. Very good selected music, English speaking staff and very good wines.

Il Passatore, Hil Mos (East. This is an authentic Italian restaurant, run by a real mama and her family. Go there in a taxi as it's a bit hard to find, but all the cabbies know it.

Lai Thai. It is owned by the lady that has a restaurant with the same name in [[Kabul]]. The Thai food is excellent.

The Lounge, Mother Teresa Blvd (Opposite Radio and Television of Kosovo building,. Smart and upmarket bar/restaurant. Food is very good. Offers a mixture of international and local cuisine.

El Greco, Meto Bajraktari 26, +383 38 231550.

Pilat restaurant. Albanian food (with possibly the best bread in the world). Seriously delicious local food. Gets very busy at lunchtimes with Kosovan politicians.

Pjata, Rruga Dubrovniku nr.1 (Ali Pashë Tepelena) (a block away from the UNICEF office, +383 38 220 739. WiFi connection for free and good food. The only con is that you will think not to be in Kosovo.

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.

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.

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 actually 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.

Sarajeva. sells Burek (5 locations)

Restaurant Perla te Linda, Lidhja e Pejes Nr. 177 (Zona industriale, +383 44 141 680.

Sarajevo Fast Food, Andrea Grupa Street (close to RTK and one behind the old Post Office.. Sells kebab made in Banja Luka (bosnian) style (banjallucki qebab)

duelling South Asian restaurants. (one Indian, one Nepali) are both great for a long, quiet dinner.

Tiffany Restaurant, Fehmi Agani (directly behind Home. Very popular Restaurant in Prishtina, with very good traditional cuisine.

Aroma 2, Rrustem Statovci. Does Albanian and international fast food, take away or eat in, for low prices - e.g. a mixed grill which two people can stuff themselves on, €6.

Pristina is a destination known for the experience it provides. A massive part of that experience will be sightseeing the many café’s 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 café’s 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. 

• 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) is off the main boulevard in the center of Pristina. This street has several café’s with vibrant interiors and a famous traditional restaurant at the top.
• Kafe e Vogel street (Rr. Fehmi Agani) is lined with expat-focused restaurants on one side and local, chill café’s 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) is the most frequented street in town Kosovo’s youth. This street is happening during the day just a few small taverna’s 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 it’s variety of low cost, local raki and delicious low cost grilled meats.

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) is off the main boulevard in the center of Pristina. This street has several café’s with vibrant interiors and a famous traditional restaurant at the top.

Kafe e Vogel street (Rr. Fehmi Agani) is lined with expat-focused restaurants on one side and local, chill café’s 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) is the most frequented street in town Kosovo’s youth. This street is happening during the day just a few small taverna’s 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 it’s variety of low cost, local raki and delicious low cost grilled meats.

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.

• Soma Book Station, Fazli Grajcevci, + 383 38 748 818. M-Sa 08:00-00:00; Sunday closed. Soma Book Station has become an 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.  
• Dit e Nat, Fazli Graajqevci, +383 38 742037. M-Sa 08:00-00:00; Su 12:00-00:00. Dit’ e nat’ (day and night) is a bookstore/café/bar. The bar serves vegetarian only cuisine. Along with classic bar drinks, they also have specialty nonalcoholic drinks. Dit e Nat 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. 
• 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. 
• Traffic Gallery, Rexhep Luci 33. +383 44 256 513. M–Sa 08:00-00:00; Sunday closed. Traffic Bar Gallery is a cafe and bar owned and decorated by local artist Burim Berisha, whose talents as a sculptor are reflected in the light fittings and wall features of this social hotspot. Featuring local DJs and a rotation of exhibitions from artists within the city, Traffic is the perfect spot to keep up with the creatives of the community. Unique bar stools and tables furnish the garden and terraces, breathing new energy into the cafe obsessed city. 
• Miqt Pub, Tringe Smajli 17 (next to swiss diamond). +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. 
• M Klub Club, Rruga Nazim Gafurri 27. Tu–Su 08:00–00:00; Friday and Saturday night open late until 03:00. One of the hottest spots in town for Kosovo’s young grunge scene, M Klub offers a large, attractive and eclectic garden with live music daily in the summertime and happy hour during the week from 18:00-20:00. M Klub represents the post war Pristina style of bars in remodeled homes throughout the city. On the first floor you will find the bar with a warm interior. M Klub is a fantastic bar to start your night on Friday or Saturday: upstairs they have DJs spinning from 00:00 onwards and drinks sold at local prices. The feel is casual - similar to a house party but with a sensational back garden to relax.  
• Te P (Johnny’s), Rexhep Mala, Daily from 20:00-02:00. Te P, formally known as Johnny’s, is a small hole in the wall bar in the neighborhood behind the library. It is well known and well visited by locals. The interior is decorated with photos of famous musicians and the proprietor is friendly, speaks English and will serve you drinks while playing his favorite rock, funk and new-age artists. 
• Pristina Hackerspace Bar (Friday), Rruga Ganimete Terbeshi. +383 49 199 992. Fridays 20:00-00:00. Pristina Hackerspace Bar is in the bottom of the Hackerspace building. The staff and regulars are always welcoming, and the proceeds from the bar go to support the community at Hackerspace. The bar is open every Friday night blasting first-class rock music playlists or live rock bands. 
• PRC (Pristina Rock Café), Rruga Ilaz Kodra (corner of Bill Clinton). Daily 10:00–00:00. Pristina Rock Café is next to Hardrockers Bar on the corner of Bill Clinton Blvd. and Rr. Ilaz Kodra behind the large KEDs building. The bar has an intimate feel and you can find Pristina ’s rock enthusiasts and artists hanging out drinking all hours, and often playing chess during the day. The people are friendly and always up for great conversations about rock music.
• Apartment 196 Qyteza Pejton, +38345 699 622, daily 08:00-00:00. An artistic bar/cafe found in the centre, offering regular live music, well-made and reasonably priced cocktails, and an interesting selection of artwork painted onto the walls.

Soma Book Station, Fazli Grajcevci, + 383 38 748 818. M-Sa 08:00-00:00; Sunday closed. Soma Book Station has become an 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.  

Dit e Nat, Fazli Graajqevci, +383 38 742037. M-Sa 08:00-00:00; Su 12:00-00:00. Dit’ e nat’ (day and night) is a bookstore/café/bar. The bar serves vegetarian only cuisine. Along with classic bar drinks, they also have specialty nonalcoholic drinks. Dit e Nat 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. 

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. 

Traffic Gallery, Rexhep Luci 33. +383 44 256 513. M–Sa 08:00-00:00; Sunday closed. Traffic Bar Gallery is a cafe and bar owned and decorated by local artist Burim Berisha, whose talents as a sculptor are reflected in the light fittings and wall features of this social hotspot. Featuring local DJs and a rotation of exhibitions from artists within the city, Traffic is the perfect spot to keep up with the creatives of the community. Unique bar stools and tables furnish the garden and terraces, breathing new energy into the cafe obsessed city. 

Miqt Pub, Tringe Smajli 17 (next to swiss diamond). +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. 

M Klub Club, Rruga Nazim Gafurri 27. Tu–Su 08:00–00:00; Friday and Saturday night open late until 03:00. One of the hottest spots in town for Kosovo’s young grunge scene, M Klub offers a large, attractive and eclectic garden with live music daily in the summertime and happy hour during the week from 18:00-20:00. M Klub represents the post war Pristina style of bars in remodeled homes throughout the city. On the first floor you will find the bar with a warm interior. M Klub is a fantastic bar to start your night on Friday or Saturday: upstairs they have DJs spinning from 00:00 onwards and drinks sold at local prices. The feel is casual - similar to a house party but with a sensational back garden to relax.  

Te P (Johnny’s), Rexhep Mala, Daily from 20:00-02:00. Te P, formally known as Johnny’s, is a small hole in the wall bar in the neighborhood behind the library. It is well known and well visited by locals. The interior is decorated with photos of famous musicians and the proprietor is friendly, speaks English and will serve you drinks while playing his favorite rock, funk and new-age artists. 

Pristina Hackerspace Bar (Friday), Rruga Ganimete Terbeshi. +383 49 199 992. Fridays 20:00-00:00. Pristina Hackerspace Bar is in the bottom of the Hackerspace building. The staff and regulars are always welcoming, and the proceeds from the bar go to support the community at Hackerspace. The bar is open every Friday night blasting first-class rock music playlists or live rock bands. 

PRC (Pristina Rock Café), Rruga Ilaz Kodra (corner of Bill Clinton). Daily 10:00–00:00. Pristina Rock Café is next to Hardrockers Bar on the corner of Bill Clinton Blvd. and Rr. Ilaz Kodra behind the large KEDs building. The bar has an intimate feel and you can find Pristina ’s rock enthusiasts and artists hanging out drinking all hours, and often playing chess during the day. The people are friendly and always up for great conversations about rock music.

Apartment 196 Qyteza Pejton, +38345 699 622, daily 08:00-00:00. An artistic bar/cafe found in the centre, offering regular live music, well-made and reasonably priced cocktails, and an interesting selection of artwork painted onto the walls.

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. 

• Hamam Jazz Bar, Hajde dushi 8. M–Sa 21:00–02:00. +383 44 222 289. Hamam Jazz Bar is award winning in interior design due to its impressive post-industrial design which includes sheets of cracked dried mud on the ceiling to provide sound isolation, concrete walls and lots of corners in which to enjoy the live music. With a range of cocktails, spirits and wines available, its the perfect spot to enjoy a romantic evening or a night out with friends. Hamam has a diverse calendar of musical guests throughout the year, providing an easy going night out 
• 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 then 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. 
• Basstore, Kino abc 2, W F Sa 00:00–06:00. Basstore is Pristina's leading techno club, a platform for the up and coming as well as already established DJs in the scene. Basstore is a smoky underground club where techno enthusiasts are free to dance until the early hours to the latests techno tracks. 
• Zone Club,(Summer Warehouse) Fushe Kosovo Industrial zone. W F Sat 23:00–06:00.(Winter location)Rruga Garibaldi. W F Sa 23:00–06:00. +383 45 222 284. Zone Club is one of the most popular clubs in Pristina. The club is open year round with two different locations offering you techno, rap and pop DJ’s from around Kosovo and abroad. The winter location is in the heart of the city center and has multiple levels. 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.  
• 13 Rooftop, Top of the Grand Hotel, W F Sa 23:00–05:00, +383 45 628 628. 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. 
• Duplex Premium, Luan Haradinaj, W F Sa 23:00–04:00. +383 44 555 585. 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. 
• M Klub, Rruga Nazim Gafurri 27, Tu-Su 08:00-00:00 (Friday and Saturday night open late). M Klub is a fantastic bar to start your night on Friday or Saturday. Upstairs they have DJs spinning from 00:00 onwards and drinks sold at local prices. The feel is casual similar to a house party but with a sensational back garden to chill. 
• Dicka po zihet, Rruga Garibaldi, +383 49 861 900. On the side of the building next to the basketball stadium that says “Prince Coffee” on top. The bar/club has Latin nights every Monday. The patrons are typically some of Pristina’s richer clientele with drink prices to match. 

Hamam Jazz Bar, Hajde dushi 8. M–Sa 21:00–02:00. +383 44 222 289. Hamam Jazz Bar is award winning in interior design due to its impressive post-industrial design which includes sheets of cracked dried mud on the ceiling to provide sound isolation, concrete walls and lots of corners in which to enjoy the live music. With a range of cocktails, spirits and wines available, its the perfect spot to enjoy a romantic evening or a night out with friends. Hamam has a diverse calendar of musical guests throughout the year, providing an easy going night out 

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 then 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. 

Basstore, Kino abc 2, W F Sa 00:00–06:00. Basstore is Pristina's leading techno club, a platform for the up and coming as well as already established DJs in the scene. Basstore is a smoky underground club where techno enthusiasts are free to dance until the early hours to the latests techno tracks. 

Zone Club,(Summer Warehouse) Fushe Kosovo Industrial zone. W F Sat 23:00–06:00.(Winter location)Rruga Garibaldi. W F Sa 23:00–06:00. +383 45 222 284. Zone Club is one of the most popular clubs in Pristina. The club is open year round with two different locations offering you techno, rap and pop DJ’s from around Kosovo and abroad. The winter location is in the heart of the city center and has multiple levels. 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.  

13 Rooftop, Top of the Grand Hotel, W F Sa 23:00–05:00, +383 45 628 628. 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. 

Duplex Premium, Luan Haradinaj, W F Sa 23:00–04:00. +383 44 555 585. 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. 

M Klub, Rruga Nazim Gafurri 27, Tu-Su 08:00-00:00 (Friday and Saturday night open late). M Klub is a fantastic bar to start your night on Friday or Saturday. Upstairs they have DJs spinning from 00:00 onwards and drinks sold at local prices. The feel is casual similar to a house party but with a sensational back garden to chill. 

Dicka po zihet, Rruga Garibaldi, +383 49 861 900. On the side of the building next to the basketball stadium that says “Prince Coffee” on top. The bar/club has Latin nights every Monday. The patrons are typically some of Pristina’s richer clientele with drink prices to match. 

In the Dardania neighbourhood (the residential blocks between the bus station and the centre), be careful when the beggar kids 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.

• Finland Finland, Str. Perandori Justinian No. 19, Pejton, 10000 Pristina, +383 38 737000.
• France France, Qemali/Dragodan, Ismail street 67, +383 38 22 458800. M-F 09:00-17:30.
• Germany Germany, Str. Azem Jashanica 17, Dragodan II, +383 38 254577. M-F 09:00-17:30.
• Hungary Hungary, 24 May Street (Metush Krasniqi).
• Japan Japan. Affairs handled at Embassy in Vienna, Austria.
• North Macedonia North Macedonia, ul 24 Maj br 121, +383 38 247462.
• Switzerland Switzerland, Adrian Krasniqi 11, +383 38 248090, +383 38 248 088, +383 38 248089.
• United Kingdom United Kingdom, Arberia/Dragodan, Ismail Qemali 6 (Near to Parku Arbëria, +383 038 254700.
• United States United States, Arberia/Dragodan, Nazim Hikmet 30, +383 38 59 59 3000.

Finland Finland, Str. Perandori Justinian No. 19, Pejton, 10000 Pristina, +383 38 737000.

France France, Qemali/Dragodan, Ismail street 67, +383 38 22 458800. M-F 09:00-17:30.

Germany Germany, Str. Azem Jashanica 17, Dragodan II, +383 38 254577. M-F 09:00-17:30.

Hungary Hungary, 24 May Street (Metush Krasniqi).

Japan Japan. Affairs handled at Embassy in Vienna, Austria.

North Macedonia North Macedonia, ul 24 Maj br 121, +383 38 247462.

Switzerland Switzerland, Adrian Krasniqi 11, +383 38 248090, +383 38 248 088, +383 38 248089.

United Kingdom United Kingdom, Arberia/Dragodan, Ismail Qemali 6 (Near to Parku Arbëria, +383 038 254700.

United States United States, Arberia/Dragodan, Nazim Hikmet 30, +383 38 59 59 3000.

• Gjakova, the western Kosovan city with the largest Ottoman-era bazaar in the Balkans, is 89 km, 90 minutes and €4 away by bus.
• A day trip to Prizren can be interesting. Buses depart from the bus terminal or you could hire a taxi for the day.
• Trips to nearby Gračanica can be arranged by taxi for roughly €5 from near Albi Mall.
• The capital city of Skopje in North Macedonia 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.