Kosovo-2

Some other things to do in Pristina include visiting the NEWBORN sign built to celebrate Kosovo’s independence, visiting the free Ethnographic Museum about Albanian traditions, and visiting some of Pristina’s ornate mosques. ​

Where to eat in Pristina

​Pristina has some really cool and modern places to hang out in that make you feel like you’reanywhere in Europe.  If you’re looking for a morechill alternative place, eat at the cafe/restaurant Dit’ e Nat’ or hang out at Soma Bookstation, a bookstore/cafe/restaurant in Pristina.  We had a formal and delicious meal at Pishat for those looking for a good restaurant in Pristina.

Where to stay in Pristina

If you’re staying in Pristina, I would recommend carefully reading the reviews after we got bed bugs at a backpacker’s hostel. We had previously stayed at a really nice (and clean) apartment via Booking.com and I recommend splurging a bit for a nicer hotel with good reviews if you’re traveling with 2+ people.

How to get from Pristina Airport into City 

Pristina International Airport is close to the city with a bus that runs until about 10pm (ish) although a taxi from the Pristina airport to the city centre should cost about 15-20 euros.

Day Trip from Pristina

Gračanica Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox monastery only about 20 minutes from Pristina that has been recognized by UNESCO. They are in the process of preserving the frescos and renovating the beautiful church in accordance with UNESCO requirements.

Peja

How many days in Peja? 2-4 days.

Peja was a city in Kosovo that surprised us in a really good way.  Everything I read focused on Prizren and Pristina, but Peja felt very cosmopolitan yet accessible.  We spent our evenings trekking along Esad Mekuli street stepping into the various cafes for a drinks and macarons. We had a tasteful dinner in a beautiful environment at Art Design

The Bazaar of Peja was also non-touristy and fascinating for travelers interested in learning more about Kosovo’s  cultural traditions. I spent a while admiring the extravagant and traditional gowns outside the many dress shops.  I was standing outside of one of the shops admiring a beautiful gold and white dress when the shopkeeper invited me in. She showed me her technique of hand-sewing each of the dresses with gold thread, which was incredible to see.  These elaborate gowns are created for brides as well as recently married women.

However, the other beautiful gowns are for married women attending a traditional Albanian wedding. Next to the Bazaar, you’ll find Peja’s historic mosque. Women will need to dress modestly to enter the mosque and it’s possible to pick up a hijab at one of the nearby shops in the market.

At night, we spent our evening cafe hopping along the main cafe street although I fell in love withGreen Cafe for their delicious drinks and their live Albanian music. Albanian folk music varies depending on the region, however we heard something that resembled Tallava [just one of the styles of Albanian music you'll hear] the most.  I found Albanian music to be upbeat and energetic. (It will make you want to dance!)  Finding live Albanian music can take some work, but it’s worth checking ahead online which cafes will have live music.  ​

Prince Coffee Shop is a local coffee chain all around Kosovo with delicious macarons for those with a sweet tooth!

We stayed at Hotel Camp Karagaq, which was clean and swanky for a reasonable price.  It was a 20 minute walk from the city centre.

Day Trips from Peja

The Patriarchy of Peja (Serbian: Patriarchy of Peć)is a must if you visit Peja. This UNESCO Serbian monastery dates back to the 13th century.  This Serbian Orthodox church is actually a series of three churches that were connected together at a later point in time to form one church, however it is absolutely magnificent in terms of its interior.