Playful Pristina: a perfect weekend trip
Pristina or Prishtinë, the capital of Kosovo is not usually the first thing that comes to mind for a weekend getaway. But this young and energetic city has so much to offer for a nice long weekend trip. I discovered the city through working here. What was supposed to be a 23 day trip became two years of back and forth and I still love to come back every time.
What do I love? The restaurants and cafe scenes are great, people are friendly and welcoming, it is a safe city and relatively inexpensive. There is also plenty of nature nearby so if you want to dissapear in the mountains, that is also an option. This list is an attempt at getting a bit of everything for 72 hours.
Come discover this hidden gem in the Balkans!
How to get there: There are flights to Pristina International Airport from many cities, especially in the summer as the diaspora makes its return from Germany and Swizerland. Taxi from the airport should not be more than 15-20 euros. Another option: fly to Tirana and drive to Pristina - it is a gorgeous three hour mountain drive. The taxi from the stand would be 150 euro or you can book a private ride in advance with Online Rent a Car (same price, professional service). Taxis in Pristina city center are cheap - usually no more than 2-3 euro a ride door to door. (Many companies, Hej, Beki, London, Golden, Blue Taxi…)
Currency and Language: The euro is used and in Pristina people speak Albanian. This language is not the easiest to pick up (36 letters and you pronouce them all…) but most people speak English beautifully. And if they don’t speak English, more often than not, people are are usually still quite helpful.
Climate: The city is at altitude 652 m (2,139 ft). Summers are usually pleasant, warm but not humid. Winter is harsh. You would be a brave soul to venture in January/Feburary, as you could exprience ice, wind and snow paired with morning temperatures of -15C/5 F. January is long in Kosovo.
Where to stay: There are many hotels in Pristina from fancy (Swiss Diamond and Sirius) to more modest. Another option I recommend is staying at an Airbnb in the center, which will be much cheaper.
What to do: There are two main museums, the Ethnographic Museum and the National Museum. The market near the Ethnographic Museum is fun to meander. Gremia Park is a short bus or taxi ride from the center and also in the summer has a gigantic pool if you need to cool off. Togbashi Park is closer and also nice. Nightlife is always alive in Prishtina. You will have to decide your vibe, but you can find just about whatever suits you: lounge, electro, dance or chill.
Where to eat: This list could get long very quickly but here are the first few that come to mind. The diet here is meat and pastry heavy and delicious. There are vegetarian options here and there, but perhaps harder to find.
Tiffany Restaurant: there’s no menu and it doesn’t matter! Just go for the Tava Elbasan and you will leave happy.
Taverna Miqt : A cute cafe just off Mother Teresa. The pleskavica here is on point.
Gresa: There are two locations on the same street - both are good and both have enormous, delicious portions. You can pretty much split anything and be full. Grilled seafood here is my favorite.
Sarajeva Steakhouse or Drini e Bardhe: These grill houses are both very good. I like to get quebapa me kijmak - grilled meatballs in a cheese sauce. Trust me.
Soma Book Station: All roads lead to Soma. They have breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is a great patio space and people watching here is a bit of a sport. You can also rent a book for a euro.
ABA Burger/Hamburger Skenda : Both of these are conveniently located near “M” Club, so after a long night of music and dancing, a one euro burger is perfection. But even sober, these burgers are delicious.
Rings Cafe: Right in the middle of Mother Teresa Boulevard, this is a great perching point for makiato and cake in the afternoon
Chop Sandwich Club : A great sandwich place. Get the Montauk.
Lulu’s : great place to have a drink and chill
Commandante Marcos: Solid Tex Mex in Dragodan. Great margueritas as well.
Etno Kuca - Etno House Gracanica : if you have a car and a bit of time this restaurant is delicious. Traditional food and very relaxed ambiance. They also have a hotel if you drink too much rakia with dinner, which frankly, easy to do here.