Granits Prishtina guide
City/town information
Things are happening fast in Pristina, capital of Kosovo, one of the world's youngest states.
Kosovar cultural scene is now in transition from budding to full bloom, with art, music and sporting events held frequently, and exhibitions for visual arts showcasing works by international talents (most notably, the National Gallery of Kosovo's "Muslim Mulliqi" and "Gjon Mili").
Cultural outings are easily broken up with frequent trips to the cafes – coffee is a serious affair in Kosovo, some maintaining that it is here that the world's best macchiato is to be had – and at rock-bottom prices.
7 moradores locais recomendam
Prishtina
Things are happening fast in Pristina, capital of Kosovo, one of the world's youngest states.
Kosovar cultural scene is now in transition from budding to full bloom, with art, music and sporting events held frequently, and exhibitions for visual arts showcasing works by international talents (most notably, the National Gallery of Kosovo's "Muslim Mulliqi" and "Gjon Mili").
Cultural outings are easily broken up with frequent trips to the cafes – coffee is a serious affair in Kosovo, some maintaining that it is here that the world's best macchiato is to be had – and at rock-bottom prices.
Sightseeing
There is no better place to familiarise yourself with Kosovar traditional culture than taking a guided tour of the Ottoman buildings containing the Emin Gjiku Ethnographic Museum. Musical instruments, pieces of clothing and accessories, along with other artefacts, are on display in the museum's stylised interior.
30 moradores locais recomendam
Ethnographic Museum (Muzeu Etnologjik)
There is no better place to familiarise yourself with Kosovar traditional culture than taking a guided tour of the Ottoman buildings containing the Emin Gjiku Ethnographic Museum. Musical instruments, pieces of clothing and accessories, along with other artefacts, are on display in the museum's stylised interior.
The city's most staggering discovery is the brutalist National Library building, a structure so bizarre and seemingly out of place that many are left unsure as to what to make of it. It still is a perfectly functional library, so do drop in to get a good look at what's inside – you might just chance upon an English-language exhibition.
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The National Gallery of Kosovo
The city's most staggering discovery is the brutalist National Library building, a structure so bizarre and seemingly out of place that many are left unsure as to what to make of it. It still is a perfectly functional library, so do drop in to get a good look at what's inside – you might just chance upon an English-language exhibition.
Inaugurated on 17 February 2008, the day when Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia, the monument that spells "newborn" embodies the state's "birth" and very real struggle for recognition, still ongoing as of today.
31 moradores locais recomendam
RECÉM-NASCIDO
111 Luan HaradinajInaugurated on 17 February 2008, the day when Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia, the monument that spells "newborn" embodies the state's "birth" and very real struggle for recognition, still ongoing as of today.
The Mother Theresa Cathedral, built in 2011, is a symbol of the reconciliation between different religious and ethnic groups across the country. It has been a source of controversy, but it remains an impressive structure in the capital.
It is a Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to Mother Teresa. The biggest attraction of the cathedral is its bell tower, from which you can see the whole city and the surrounding area.
It also has beautiful lighting which involves the sun coming in through the stained glass & creating stunning effects on the otherwise largely white church.
Mother Teresa Boulevard
Bulevardi Nënë TerezaThe Mother Theresa Cathedral, built in 2011, is a symbol of the reconciliation between different religious and ethnic groups across the country. It has been a source of controversy, but it remains an impressive structure in the capital.
It is a Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to Mother Teresa. The biggest attraction of the cathedral is its bell tower, from which you can see the whole city and the surrounding area.
It also has beautiful lighting which involves the sun coming in through the stained glass & creating stunning effects on the otherwise largely white church.
The National Gallery of Kosovo showcases pieces of modern art produced by Kosovar/Albanian artists throughout the 20th century till the present day. Exhibitions are held regularly, one of the most notable being the competition for the Muslim Mulliqi Prize.
38 moradores locais recomendam
The National Gallery of Kosovo
The National Gallery of Kosovo showcases pieces of modern art produced by Kosovar/Albanian artists throughout the 20th century till the present day. Exhibitions are held regularly, one of the most notable being the competition for the Muslim Mulliqi Prize.
A 20-minute drive south of Pristina lies the natural limestone cave known as the Marble Cave, once accidentally chanced upon by a local resident. Despite the research project now being financed by the EU, the cave remains largely unexplored. The entry fee is very moderate and includes a guided tour.
Marble Cave
A 20-minute drive south of Pristina lies the natural limestone cave known as the Marble Cave, once accidentally chanced upon by a local resident. Despite the research project now being financed by the EU, the cave remains largely unexplored. The entry fee is very moderate and includes a guided tour.
The coveted summertime escape of Germia Park lies just outside Pristina, and covers an impressive 62 square kilometres. Apart from the many hiking trails, its main attraction is the huge open-air swimming pool thoroughly enjoyed by locals. The Villa Germia restaurant on its grounds also has a great reputation.
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Parque Germia
Dr. Shpëtim RobajThe coveted summertime escape of Germia Park lies just outside Pristina, and covers an impressive 62 square kilometres. Apart from the many hiking trails, its main attraction is the huge open-air swimming pool thoroughly enjoyed by locals. The Villa Germia restaurant on its grounds also has a great reputation.
Cafes
Perhaps the coolest spot in town, Soma Book Station is somewhat of Pristina's hipster headquarters, sitting at the nexus of book cafe, casual restaurant, and steampunk bar-type establishments. It gets very busy during lunch hours (come by if you have time to spare), and the outdoor garden buzzes with life on summer evenings. Food served is a mix of international specialities: tacos, burgers, pasta and risotto.
58 moradores locais recomendam
Soma Book Station
4/A Fazli GrajqevciPerhaps the coolest spot in town, Soma Book Station is somewhat of Pristina's hipster headquarters, sitting at the nexus of book cafe, casual restaurant, and steampunk bar-type establishments. It gets very busy during lunch hours (come by if you have time to spare), and the outdoor garden buzzes with life on summer evenings. Food served is a mix of international specialities: tacos, burgers, pasta and risotto.
Translated as "day and night", Dit' e Nat' doubles as a cool daytime book cafe and hip bar/happening venue come sundown. The menu is concise yet nifty, and prices more than reasonable. Seating available in- and outdoors. Live jazz plays in the evenings, and the place often hosts movie screenings and similar events.
28 moradores locais recomendam
Dit' e Nat'
5 Fazli GrajqevciTranslated as "day and night", Dit' e Nat' doubles as a cool daytime book cafe and hip bar/happening venue come sundown. The menu is concise yet nifty, and prices more than reasonable. Seating available in- and outdoors. Live jazz plays in the evenings, and the place often hosts movie screenings and similar events.
The cafe is a rather popular meeting place for locals looking for a casual meal or an evening glass of draft beer. It serves authentic local fare at reasonable prices, which keeps the flow of patrons steady.
6 moradores locais recomendam
Shpija e Vjetër
Qamil HoxhaThe cafe is a rather popular meeting place for locals looking for a casual meal or an evening glass of draft beer. It serves authentic local fare at reasonable prices, which keeps the flow of patrons steady.
It's somewhat hard to locate this tavern, but you'll be glad you did: the key is to duck into a small alley underneath the "Anker" sign in Nena Tereza Square. It serves great value, uncomplicated traditional fare, and is cosy enough to easily help while away a few hours.
Miqt Taverna
It's somewhat hard to locate this tavern, but you'll be glad you did: the key is to duck into a small alley underneath the "Anker" sign in Nena Tereza Square. It serves great value, uncomplicated traditional fare, and is cosy enough to easily help while away a few hours.
Trendy Half & Half spills out onto the street when weather permits, offering even more patrons the chance to enjoy views of the central square as they sip on a drink of choice. The name refers to the establishment being half cafe and half bar, equally alluring for breakfast and evening drinks.
Half & Half Café
Bulevardi Nënë TerezaTrendy Half & Half spills out onto the street when weather permits, offering even more patrons the chance to enjoy views of the central square as they sip on a drink of choice. The name refers to the establishment being half cafe and half bar, equally alluring for breakfast and evening drinks.
With a romantic and welcoming atmosphere set in an old Turkish-style house, Liburnia is a favorite among locals and tourists because it’s a great experience at a good value. The menu features traditional and local stews and grilled meat recipes, as well as international dishes, such as pizza or chicken rice with sweet chili. However, they also have some of the best Turkish coffee in town, which is served in a customary copper cup. Follow up your coffee with a traditional homemade pear raki, as Liburnia has some of the best in the country
16 moradores locais recomendam
Liburnia
Meto BajraktariWith a romantic and welcoming atmosphere set in an old Turkish-style house, Liburnia is a favorite among locals and tourists because it’s a great experience at a good value. The menu features traditional and local stews and grilled meat recipes, as well as international dishes, such as pizza or chicken rice with sweet chili. However, they also have some of the best Turkish coffee in town, which is served in a customary copper cup. Follow up your coffee with a traditional homemade pear raki, as Liburnia has some of the best in the country
With a great atmosphere and some of the best coffee in town, Lulu’s in undoubtedly among the coolest places in Pristina. This café is beautifully decorated with modern design, a bookshelf, colored chairs, and contemporary elements. Lulu’s also organizes evening events, such as live jazz sessions and unplugged concerts. If you come here at night, don’t forget to order a cup of Kosovar wine.
7 moradores locais recomendam
LULU'S coffee & wine
With a great atmosphere and some of the best coffee in town, Lulu’s in undoubtedly among the coolest places in Pristina. This café is beautifully decorated with modern design, a bookshelf, colored chairs, and contemporary elements. Lulu’s also organizes evening events, such as live jazz sessions and unplugged concerts. If you come here at night, don’t forget to order a cup of Kosovar wine.
Restaurants
The longstanding Balkan restaurant remains well-regarded and popular with locals to-date. Dishes served are sized generously, and the culinary point of focus is Albanian cuisine (meat dishes prevail, but there are a few vegetarian options too). Mind that smoking indoors is allowed.
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Pishat
Qamil HoxhaThe longstanding Balkan restaurant remains well-regarded and popular with locals to-date. Dishes served are sized generously, and the culinary point of focus is Albanian cuisine (meat dishes prevail, but there are a few vegetarian options too). Mind that smoking indoors is allowed.
Although most produce used to cook Tiffany's traditional fare is, indeed, organic, that isn't to say dining here is exactly a healthy affair: expect oil and lard in generous amounts pumped into the restaurant's specials, with meat taking centre stage over vegetables. It's all part of the authentic experience that draws in both locals and visitors.
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Tiffany
Fehmi AganiAlthough most produce used to cook Tiffany's traditional fare is, indeed, organic, that isn't to say dining here is exactly a healthy affair: expect oil and lard in generous amounts pumped into the restaurant's specials, with meat taking centre stage over vegetables. It's all part of the authentic experience that draws in both locals and visitors.
The centrally located Greek restaurant is one of Pristina's best dining venues, with both dishes and ambience forging an authentic atmosphere of a Greek tavern. Dishes can be paired with drinks and wine straight from Greece. Outdoor seating available in the patio.
El Greco Restaurant
The centrally located Greek restaurant is one of Pristina's best dining venues, with both dishes and ambience forging an authentic atmosphere of a Greek tavern. Dishes can be paired with drinks and wine straight from Greece. Outdoor seating available in the patio.
The name of this restaurant gives a pretty good idea of what can be expected. Centrally located, Home is the place to go for those who would like to enjoy a homely, multicultural gastronomic experience in Pristina. From traditional Kosovan to Greek, Chinese and Italian dishes, and from American-style burgers to vegetarian recipes, Home offers a sophisticated mix for customers. Even better, the restaurant has a wonderful garden and is frequented by international staff as well as local artists. It provides visitors with a glimpse on the cosmopolitan life on Kosovo’s capital.
7 moradores locais recomendam
Home Restaurant & Bar
The name of this restaurant gives a pretty good idea of what can be expected. Centrally located, Home is the place to go for those who would like to enjoy a homely, multicultural gastronomic experience in Pristina. From traditional Kosovan to Greek, Chinese and Italian dishes, and from American-style burgers to vegetarian recipes, Home offers a sophisticated mix for customers. Even better, the restaurant has a wonderful garden and is frequented by international staff as well as local artists. It provides visitors with a glimpse on the cosmopolitan life on Kosovo’s capital.
One of Pristina’s oldest and most renowned restaurants, Vila Germia enjoys a picturesque location in the stunning Gërmia Park around the outskirts of Kosovo’s capital. Open since the 1960s, this high-class restaurant combines its wonderful green surroundings with a tantalizing menu. It stars meat specialties such as beef Stronganoff, various recipes of trout, calamari and salmon and a refined and multicultural dessert list featuring tiramisu, baklava, cheesecake and chocolate soufflés. With its large open terraces facing the forests of the national park, Vila Germia is a very popular location and its tables are always filled with locals and expats looking for a culinary treat in a lush, green setting.
Villa "Gërmia"
One of Pristina’s oldest and most renowned restaurants, Vila Germia enjoys a picturesque location in the stunning Gërmia Park around the outskirts of Kosovo’s capital. Open since the 1960s, this high-class restaurant combines its wonderful green surroundings with a tantalizing menu. It stars meat specialties such as beef Stronganoff, various recipes of trout, calamari and salmon and a refined and multicultural dessert list featuring tiramisu, baklava, cheesecake and chocolate soufflés. With its large open terraces facing the forests of the national park, Vila Germia is a very popular location and its tables are always filled with locals and expats looking for a culinary treat in a lush, green setting.
Liburnia goes above and beyond in an effort to forge one of Kosovo's top dining experiences: the atmosphere is very welcoming, staff speak fluent English, but the biggest highlight is the food - its incredible variety, with traditional local and Albanian dishes taking centre stage, some served sizzling in their skillet.
16 moradores locais recomendam
Liburnia
Meto BajraktariLiburnia goes above and beyond in an effort to forge one of Kosovo's top dining experiences: the atmosphere is very welcoming, staff speak fluent English, but the biggest highlight is the food - its incredible variety, with traditional local and Albanian dishes taking centre stage, some served sizzling in their skillet.
Here's a little something different on the Pristina dining scene: a restaurant serving pan-Asian dishes, with an emphasis on Indian & Nepalese. Dishes served include staples like chicken tikka, but also relatively rare for this part of the world Nepalese momo dumplings.
Himalayan Gorkha Restaurant
UÇKHere's a little something different on the Pristina dining scene: a restaurant serving pan-Asian dishes, with an emphasis on Indian & Nepalese. Dishes served include staples like chicken tikka, but also relatively rare for this part of the world Nepalese momo dumplings.
This brasserie's allure is one hard to pull yourself away from, and that, coupled with good value food (Italian-leaning) and wines, makes it hard to leave soon. The place is known to be frequented by the local creme de la creme, so prepare to brush shoulders with Kosovar elites.
deRada Brasserie
UÇKThis brasserie's allure is one hard to pull yourself away from, and that, coupled with good value food (Italian-leaning) and wines, makes it hard to leave soon. The place is known to be frequented by the local creme de la creme, so prepare to brush shoulders with Kosovar elites.
Bars & Nightlife
Zone is an expansive affair: it gathers substantial crowds, and might be the city's largest nightlife venue. It alternates between two different locations during the summer and winter seasons. The party here doesn't stop until early morning hours.
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ZONE Club
Zone is an expansive affair: it gathers substantial crowds, and might be the city's largest nightlife venue. It alternates between two different locations during the summer and winter seasons. The party here doesn't stop until early morning hours.
The snazzy jazz bar is an important live music venue for, reportedly, all of the Balkans, let alone just Pristina. Its award-winning interior continues to see an undwindling flow of patrons, and jazz, along with other music genres, still sound off the stage just like they did nearly a decade ago.
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Hamam Jazz Bar
9 Hajdar DushiThe snazzy jazz bar is an important live music venue for, reportedly, all of the Balkans, let alone just Pristina. Its award-winning interior continues to see an undwindling flow of patrons, and jazz, along with other music genres, still sound off the stage just like they did nearly a decade ago.
Another pleasant evening meeting point is the Priview Bar, just outside of central Pristina. There is live music here, too, and entertainment available in the form of billiards. Food is served alongside drinks, and the bar doubles as a cafe during daytime.
Priview Bar
Ferid CurriAnother pleasant evening meeting point is the Priview Bar, just outside of central Pristina. There is live music here, too, and entertainment available in the form of billiards. Food is served alongside drinks, and the bar doubles as a cafe during daytime.
Shopping
Perhaps, the most popular shopping and entertainment complex in town is Pristina's Albi Shopping Complex, which houses a wide variety of regional and internationally known brand stores. There is a children's playground, along with a cinema, large supermarket, and extensive food court. Parking is free of charge.
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Albi Mall
Perhaps, the most popular shopping and entertainment complex in town is Pristina's Albi Shopping Complex, which houses a wide variety of regional and internationally known brand stores. There is a children's playground, along with a cinema, large supermarket, and extensive food court. Parking is free of charge.
Grand Store, the newest project of Charlie Group, is a shopping center in Kosovo with a construction area of 32000 m2. Grand Store is located about 3 km from the center of Prishtina and it is surrounded by new zones and new neighborhoods of Prishtina which is becoming the most interesting part of the capital town offering fun and entertainment shopping for costumers.
12 moradores locais recomendam
Grand Store
Grand Store, the newest project of Charlie Group, is a shopping center in Kosovo with a construction area of 32000 m2. Grand Store is located about 3 km from the center of Prishtina and it is surrounded by new zones and new neighborhoods of Prishtina which is becoming the most interesting part of the capital town offering fun and entertainment shopping for costumers.
Royal mall, contains 15,000 m2 with over 50 business premises, a MEGA Market, with over 200 underground parking spaces dedicated exclusively to the commercial center. Commercial space is on four floors! Ground floor \ floor is dedicated to: Boutiques, Cosmetic Sale, Fashion, Electronic, or children's goods etc. The second floor is dedicated to food & gastronomy, cafes & children's entertainment
7 moradores locais recomendam
Royal MALL
Rruga BRoyal mall, contains 15,000 m2 with over 50 business premises, a MEGA Market, with over 200 underground parking spaces dedicated exclusively to the commercial center. Commercial space is on four floors! Ground floor \ floor is dedicated to: Boutiques, Cosmetic Sale, Fashion, Electronic, or children's goods etc. The second floor is dedicated to food & gastronomy, cafes & children's entertainment
Conselho para os viajantes
Transporte
How to get around
There is a well-developed bus network that runs through the entire city. Fares are low, and tickets may be purchased directly on board the busses.
There are inter-city bus connections within Kosovo and internationally, between Pristina and Belgrade, Novi Pazar (Serbia), Skopje (Macedonia), Tirana (Albania), Podgorica, Ulcinj (Monetengro). Trains run to Kosovo's Peja and Skopje
Transporte
Pristina International Airport
From the 1st of May the new Prishtina-Airport-Prishtina public transport line 1A has started. The ticket price is 3 euros.
If you want to take a taxi there is plenty of taxi drivers at the airport and a trip from the airport to Prishtina city will cost you 15 euros.
Frases úteis
Wifi
Most if not all restuarants and cafes will let you connect to their wifi if you just ask politly.
Costumes e cultura
Tipping
Tipping in Kosovo isn’t as much of a ‘thing’ as it is in many other European countries, so most people won’t be offended if you don’t do it. However, if you feel that the service you received deserved a tip, then go ahead, and you won’t offend anyone. It’s also a nice thing to do, considering how low the wages are in Kosovo.