Visiting Pristina, Kosovo: Travel Tips & Highlights

Visiting Pristina, Kosovo: Travel Tips & Highlights (Updated June 2025)

Pristina, Europe’s youngest capital, blends Ottoman heritage, socialist-era architecture, vibrant café culture, and modern energy. With a population of ~200,000, it feels surprisingly laid-back yet lively—perfect for a short city break or as a base for exploring the rest of Kosovo.

The city has matured noticeably since independence in 2008 and my first visit in 2011. It’s now safer, more walkable, and filled with young, welcoming locals. Kosovo remains one of the most hospitable places in the Balkans for independent travelers.

Getting to Pristina

By Air
Pristina International Airport (PRN) is ~20 km southwest of the city center (~25-30 min by taxi, €20-25).
Major carriers include:

• European low-cost (Wizz Air, easyJet, Austrian, Lufthansa, Norwegian)
• Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, Flydubai
• New routes in 2025: more seasonal summer connections from Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavia

By Bus
Pristina is well-connected by bus to:

• Skopje (North Macedonia) – ~2-3 h
• Tirana (Albania) – ~5-6 h
• Podgorica (Montenegro) – ~6 h
• Novi Pazar / Belgrade (Serbia) – several daily (note: Serbia does not recognize Kosovo; entering from Serbia may cause issues with entry/exit stamps)

Important: Avoid entering Kosovo directly from Serbia if you plan to visit Serbia later. Serbian authorities may refuse entry if they see a Kosovo stamp. Most travelers enter Kosovo first, then Serbia (via North Macedonia or Montenegro).

Getting Around Pristina

Pristina is very walkable. Most sights are within a 15-25 minute walk of Mother Teresa Boulevard.

• Taxis: Use apps (Bloom Taxi, Taxi Kosova) or hail on the street. Short rides cost €2-4.
• Public buses: Limited routes within the city, but cheap.
• Walking: The best option—pedestrian-friendly center, lots of cafés, and people-watching.

Where to Stay in Pristina

• Budget: City Park Hostel (central, friendly family-run), Prishtina Center Hostel (very central).
• Mid-range: Swiss Diamond Prishtina (modern, great location on Mother Teresa Blvd), Emerald Hotel (quiet, good breakfast).
• Luxury: Hotel Prishtina (newer, stylish), Hotel Sirius (comfortable, central).

Things to Do in Pristina

1. Newborn Monument
   The most photographed landmark in Kosovo—repainted, redecorated, and re-themed every year. A symbol of independence since 2008.
2. National Library of Kosovo
   Brutalist masterpiece (or eyesore—depending on who you ask). The dome-covered structure is one of the most unusual buildings in Europe.
3. Mother Teresa Boulevard & Bill Clinton Boulevard
   Main pedestrian street full of cafés, restaurants, shops.

• Bill Clinton statue + giant mural
• Hillary boutique (yes, really)
• Mother Teresa statue and square

1. Emin Gjiku Ethnographic Museum
   Traditional Ottoman-style house with costumes, furniture, and everyday life exhibits. Free entry + guided tour.
2. Kosovo Museum
   Covers prehistory to independence. Free entry. Don’t miss the giant staple-art portrait of Mother Teresa.
3. Cathedral of Blessed Mother Teresa
   Modern Catholic cathedral with a tall bell tower offering panoramic city views (€1.50 elevator ride).
4. Ottoman Mosques

• Çarshia Mosque (oldest in Pristina, 15th century)
• Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque (King’s Mosque)

1. Heroinat Memorial
   20,000 metal pins represent women who survived sexual violence during the 1998-1999 war. Powerful and moving.
2. Përmendorja Monument
   WWII memorial recently painted bright purple—very eye-catching.
3. Pristina Bazaar (Çarshia e Vjetër)
   Historic market area with small shops, cafés, and remnants of Ottoman architecture.

Best Restaurants & Cafés

• Liburnia – Traditional Kosovar food in a beautiful Ottoman house
• Shpija e Vjetër – Excellent grilled meats, peppers, and local dishes
• Soma Book Station – Stunning book café with garden seating
• Shaban Grill – Cheap, delicious grilled meat on Mother Teresa Blvd
• Prince Coffee – Local chain with good coffee and atmosphere

Day Trips from Pristina

1. Gračanica Monastery (~20 min) – Beautiful 14th-century Serbian Orthodox monastery (UNESCO).
2. Gadime Marble Cave (~45 min) – Stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
3. Batlava Lake (~45 min) – Relaxing lake for swimming and picnics.
4. Peja (Pejë) (~1.5-2 h) – Gateway to Rugova Canyon and the Accursed Mountains.
5. Prizren (~2 h) – Most beautiful city in Kosovo, with Ottoman old town and fortress.

Pristina is compact, affordable, friendly, and full of character. It’s the perfect introduction to Kosovo and the Balkans. Safe travels!