Are you wondering about a visit to Kosovo? A lot of visiting the capital city is about soaking up the atmosphere of this largely little-visited jewel of the Balkans. The country and the capital city has had a tumultuous past. But there are a great number of things to do in Pristina that epitomise the now-bustling city culture and a newfound energy for independence.
- Travel to Kosovo
- What is it like?
- About Pristina
- Best time to visit?
- How long do you need?
- Getting there
- Getting around
- Things to do in Pristina
- Other things to do
- Food to try in Kosovo
- Cafes in Pristina
- Motorhome parking in Pristina
About Kosovo and travel to Kosovo
Kosovo is the smallest Balkan nation and one of the lesser visited countries in Europe.
Albeit the country has had a tumultuous past with decades of conflict and economic struggle. Even as far as New Zealand, Kosovo was a talked of name during the Kosovo Conflict of the 1990’s.
During the Kosovo Conflict in 1998 – 1999 ethnic Albanians opposed ethnic Serbs and the government of Yugoslavia in Kosovo. News of the conflict was widespread at the time at was resolved with the intervention of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.
Though note still for travel to Kosovo that since Serbia does not recognize Kosovo yet, you can only cross the border from Kosovo if that’s the way in which you entered.
- Tip: Visas are not required for citizens of the EU, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the USA.
What is it like to visit Kosovo?
These days Kosovo has a new energy and is slowly rebuilding its economy and confidence.
We had a great time and enjoyed the offbeat feel of what we saw in Pristina.
People were friendly and we felt welcomed and fortunate for the experience. Though I have to say some of the sights and things to do in Pristina are heavy emotionally. But that is all part of travel, right?
We learnt a lot about Kosovo and the history of the Balkans in our visit, which I am glad for. Despite seeing news in New Zealand in the late 1990’s we knew little about this country.
Pristina turned out to be one of the most interesting cities we visited in Eastern Europe.
About Pristina
Pristina, which people sometimes spell as Prishtina, is the capital and the economic, financial, political and trade centre of Kosovo. It is located pretty much right in the geographical middle of the country.
Most of the greater city population is ethnic Albanian that currently reside in Pristina. Other minority populations have dwindled over the past decades though historically the city comprised of Albanians, Serbs, Turks, Bosnians, Gorani, and Romani.
The city has a number of important historical and religious sites and is known for its bustling café scene.
Kosovo has one of the youngest populations in Europe, and you can feel this in Pristina. It is known as a university centre of students from neighbouring countries as Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia.
This population has had a big impact on the city’s atmosphere. The country has a complex history but the young population certainly makes it feel lively and active, which you can feel exploring in Pristina.
What is the best time of year to visit?
The best time to visit Pristina is during late spring (May-June), summer (July – August) or early autumn (September-early October). Kosovo is another European country that gets very cold during the winter months!
We visited Pristina in May and had pleasant weather that was ideal for city exploring.
How long do you need?
Granted Kosovo isn’t yet a tourist destination, so many of the things to do in Pristina involve soaking up the city atmosphere and exploring the statues, memorials and monuments. (And drinking coffee!).
With 1 – 2 days in Pristina you can get a good feel for the city. Even with one day you could see most of the things to do in Pristina that we’ve listed below.
We spent two nights in Pristina and had two days visiting the city.
If you have longer in Kosovo there are some great day trips that are doable from Pristina.
Getting there
Pristina and Kosovo are centrally located in the European continent. There are regular daily and budget flights to Pristina Airport.
Though it is also convenient to travel to Pristina by road.
There are frequent international buses from Podgorica, Tirana or Skopje. Or you can connect with tourist buses going further towards Western Europe via Bosnia and Croatia.
We drove overland to Pristina from Albania and exited the country from Pristina to Skopje in North Macedonia.
- Read about the border crossing from Albania to Kosovo and how to travel from Pristina to Skopje.
Getting around in Pristina
Getting around Pristina is relatively easy with a mix of buses, taxis, and walking. Buses are the most affordable option.
Though for all the things to do in Pristina listed below we found them within walking distance and made our way around easily.
Things to do in Pristina, Kosovo
Because I couldn’t choose how to list Pristina’s sites in order of importance(!) the following are in the general order of the way in which we visited.
Here are 12 things to do in Pristina that stood out and that we enjoyed on a first trip to Kosovo.
1. Kosovo Monument – Things to do in Pristina
The Newborn Monument is a typographic sculpture and tourist attraction in Pristina. This was the first site in the city that we headed to find on arrival.
The monument was erected on February 17, 2008, the day Kosovo declared its independence. It is painted over every year with new designs and words.
2. Heroines Memorial
Located directly opposite the Newborn Monument, the Heroine Memorial is another of the moving things to do in Pristina.
The Heroine Memorial consists of twenty-thousands pins that represent the number of women and survivors of sexual violence during the 1998 – 1999 Kosovo Conflict.
The memorial stands as a solemn and powerful tribute to the courage and sacrifices of women during the Kosovo War.
3. Bulevardi Nënë Tereza and Mother Teresa Square
You will find Mother Teresa Square and Boulevard in the middle of Pristina. It is named after the well-known humanitarian who was of Albanian descent.
- Tip: Have a look for the Mother Teresa statue off to the side of the boulevard.
4. Skanderbeg Square
This is the main town square in the centre of Pristina.
The square is dominated by the Skanderbeg Monument, a statue of the national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu, who led resistance against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century.
The square has a water feature with fountains coming up from the concrete. The kids loved running through the fountains despite the slightly overcast day when we visited!
5. Clock Tower – Things to do in Pristina
The 26m-high Clock Tower is one of the iconic structure of the city. It dates from the 19th century and was central to the bazaar area, as it dictated when stalls should close for prayers.
The construction of the tower is unique. The original tower was burned in fire and its bricks were used for reconstruction. So you can see the different contrasting bricks in the structure.
6. Xhamia e Carshise – Carshi Mosque
Carshi Mosque is the oldest building in Pristina. The foundation of this mosque was laid out in 1389 during the rule of the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I. The mosque was built to celebrate the Ottoman victory of 1389 in the Battle of Kosovo.
Over the years, the mosque has undergone through several restorations. But its stone-topped minaret has survived for over six centuries!
7. The Great Mosque – Things to do in Pristina
The Great Mosque or Imperial Mosque is another Ottoman mosque in the city centre. This mosque was built in 1460 after the fall of Constantinople.
It is located in the centre of the city and is the largest mosque in Pristina and still in operation today.
8. Pristina Bazar
Coffees aside (and Shawarma) the bazar was our favourite of things to do in Pristina.
It is a historic market that was the core merchandising centre of Old Pristina – since the 15th century when it was built!
We always love visiting the markets everywhere we travel and the bazar in Pristina was no exception. It isn’t as big as the neighbouring markets of Skopje or Tirana. But it is a friendly and interesting market place for a wander.
The locals we met in the market were friendly and keen to show us the cheeses, fresh fruits and dried fruits and nuts.
9. National Library of Kosovo
This is one of the most interesting places you’ll see in the city. It’s strange form is an interesting piece of architecture.
The descriptions we read before visiting touted the Pristina Library as one of ugliest libraries in the world! However, we found it strangely fascinating to see in the flesh.
The architecture of the building is in typically Brutalist style. This was the style of architecture in the Balkans and Eastern Europe that was built after the war. Brutalism is considered a variant of post-war modernism, influenced by the need for affordable, functional buildings. So it more practical and less stylish in description!
The building of the National Library of Kosovo opened in 1982. It is especially known for the 99 distinctive domes on the rooftop and the metal fishing net that covers the whole structure.
10. Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa
The Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa is a Roman Catholic cathedral in the city. It is the tallest building in Kosovo, also known as the Sanctuary of Mother Teresa.
Other things to do in Pristina, Kosovo
If you have more time, there are plenty more things to do in Kosovo to warrant a few extra days.
- Bill Clinton Boulevard
- Statue of Bill Clinton
- Germia Park
- Ethnography Museum
- Albi Mall
- Teatri Kombetar
- Përmendorja Statue
Or you could easily spend plenty more time exploring the café scene (see below) in Pristina.
Kosovar Food and Cuisine
Kosovar cuisine is a fabulous blend of Mediterranean, Albanian, Turkish, and Slavic influence.
We confirmed our fast new favourite in (more) Burek in Pristina. But there are lots of other unique dishes to try.
- Burek – savoury pastry
- Sarma – stuffed cabbage leaves
- Flija – thinly layered pastry pie
- Qofta Ferguara – meatball
- Shopska – traditional salad
- Ajvar – capsicum dip
- Baklava – layered dessert with syrup
- Boza – fermented dairy drink
Plus, you will inevitably see cheese and dairy everywhere. The hard and soft white cheeses are popular in Balkans cuisine.
Restaurants, cafes and where to eat in Pristina
We found Pristina to have a bustling café and coffee scene! Coffee is a huge pride source in Pristina, which is accompanied by the thriving café culture worthy of exploration.
Coffee is cheap and tasty.
We got a little bit hooked on short macchiatos and enjoyed debatably more than our fair share.
These are some of the cafes and eateries we found in Pristina and can recommend:
- Dit’ e Nat’: The name translates to Day and Night, so this café is aptly open long hours. It is beautifully decorated inside with bookshelves and seating inside and out.
- Soma Book Station: Another beautiful café filled with library shelves and books to read – and great Macchiato!
- Pristina Fast Food & Patisceria: This place was hands down the favourite street food we found with delicious Shawarma and pastry items.
- The White Tree: An upmarket café and restaurant relatively near the library building serving delicious meals, desserts and drinks.
Motorhome parking in Pristina and parking in Kosovo
Parking and particularly parking a motorhome in Kosovo is fairly relaxed. Kosovo isn’t yet a popular tourist destination and is far from a motorhome Mecca with flocking visitors.
In Pristina we found a few options on Park4Night and ended up staying two nights at the main sports stadium in the city.
PRISHTINE
- Location: Luan Haradinaj, Pristina
- Type: Parking Lot Day / Night
- Park4Night: #37733
- Cost: 3 EUR per night / 24 hours
- Facilities: Parking only
About: This was a great location to explore the city with safe and quiet parking overnight. We spent two nights parked one level above the main carpark area.
The staff were very friendly and happy to confirm they would look after our van while we explored the city.
Read more about travel in Eastern Europe
- Things To Do In Bucharest, Romania.
- Border Crossing: Romania to Moldova.
- Border Crossing: Kosovo to North Macedonia.
- Things To Do In Podgorica, Montenegro.
- Things To Do In Belgrade, Serbia.
- Border Crossing: Serbia to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Border Crossing: Bosnia to Montenegro.
- Things To Do In Chisinau, Moldova.
More useful links for your travels in Europe and beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Make sure you have insurance before embarking on travel to Kosovo and things to do in Pristina!