Pristina

Pristina and the capital city of Kosovo, is not conventionally beautiful on sight: It is messy, with centuries-old Ottoman legacy competing with communist designs and recently built architectural monstrosities. However there is a powerful draw to this city, offering much to passing travelers.

As the youngest capital city in Europe, Pristina holds the physical remnants of the periods of old and new. After a rapid modernization campaign in the mid-20th century, much of the historic centre was destroyed and, as a result, only a small portion remains. However amongst what's left are many hidden gems to be found, and the areas that were lost have been replaced by modern structures and monuments that speak more to Kosovo's fascinating recent history than to any other period of time. Whilst the concrete jungle of Pristina's centre can be quite overwhelming and there are plenty of opportunities to get out into the nature of the city's parks and its beautiful rolling outskirts, as well as an abundance of easy day trip possibilities all around the region. Along the main boulevard, Rr Nëne Terezë/Mother Teresa, you can feel a palpable energy from the wide mix of amiable, welcoming local residents and international residents enjoying the bustling street life and vibrant coffee culture that exists during the day.

Local Language in Pristina

NEWBORN Monument - Newborn monument was unveiled on the day of independence in 2008 - its paint scheme is changed yearly

The main language you will hear in the street is Albanian phrasebook|Albanian. English is widely spoken in the 3 km² space in the centre of town where internationals and those working for international organizations predominate; the further you go from the centre and the less likely you will be to find English widely spoken. However, most people from Pristina, especially young people, speak at least a little English, or will happily find a friend who does, so you are unlikely to have any difficulties getting by. Navigating around the city is easy - the downtown is small and walkable (watch out for crazy drivers who often hop sidewalks and plow through intersections) and people are generally receptive to efforts to communicate in broken Albanian and English. Serbian is Kosovo's other official language, but it is seldom heard on the streets in the capital. You should be able to speak Serbian in some government offices, but should be cautious about how you speak it in public, except in Serbian areas, where you should be careful of speaking in Albanian. German is easily the next most widely spoken language. Ties between the Kosovo Albanian diaspora in Germany and Switzerland and Kosovo are very strong; many older Kosovo Albanians have worked there as guest workers in the past.

Travel to Pristina

By plane

Pristina International Airport IATA Flight Code: PRN, Pristina International Airport Adem Jashari, Albanian: Aeroporti Ndërkombëtar i Prishtinës "Adem Jashari"; Serbian: Међународни аеродром Адем Јашари / Međunarodni aerodrom Adem Jašari - Slatina village 42.572778, 21.035833 15 kilometers (9 mi) southwest. ☎ +381 38 5015021214 | Opening Hours: Works 24/7 - Pristina International Airport is the only airport and it's roughly 15 kilometers (9 mi) away from Pristina.

There is no public transportation to and from the airport. Taxi is the only option to get in and out of, and the cost of the ride to Pristina is €15.

Pristina International Airport works 24/7. It has free internet access, duty-free stores, special services in the waiting room for business class passengers, a restaurant, three bars for coffee and Snacks, and parking.

You can fly directly in Pristina via international airport through the destinations listed below:

Stockholm, Antalya, Bergamo, Brussels, Basel, Budapest, Paris, Cologne, Copenhagen, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Gothenburg, Geneva, Hannover, Hamburg, Helsinki, Istanbul, London, Ljubljana, Mulhouse (Basel), Malmo, Munich, Oslo, Stuttgart, Berlin, Vienna, Verona, Zagreb, Zürich.

By bus

Coming in Kosovo from the surrounding countries is fairly easy, due to the amount of buses that has a regular daily schedule.

Bus from Albania

Bus from Tirana: 05:30; 06:00; 07:00a; 14:00; 14:30; 15:00; 16:00; 17:00pm; 17:30; 18:00; 20:00. The ticket price is €10 one way.

Bus from Shkodra is at: 17:40; 19:40; and 21:10. The bus actually starts in Ulcinj, Montenegro and stops in city’s outskirts, stops to pick up people up in Shkodra before going onwards to Pristina. The ticket price is between €12-15.

Bus from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bus from Sarajevo runs daily, departing at 22:00, via Novi Pazar, Serbia; Note: At the ticket office in Sarajevo, you have to buy a ticket to Novi Pazar. Don't worry: the same bus continues on to Pristina, so when you get to Novi Pazar, just stay on the bus and tell the ticket person that you want to buy a ticket to Pristina.

Bus from Sarajevo to Novi Pazar (trip takes about 7 and-a-half hours, €15 one-way or €22 with a return ticket - return has to be within a month). When the bus arrives in Novi Pazar at around 05:30, just stay on the same bus and buy the ticket to Pristina (€7 one-way, takes about 3 hours).

Alternatively, take the day bus from Sarajevo to Novi Pazar (Bus departs daily from Sarajevo at 15:00, takes about 7 hours, €15 one-way). Spend the night there and continue on to Pristina the next day (buses depart frequently through the day; buses from Novi Pazar to Skopje, North Macedonia also make stops in Mitrovica and Pristina. This bus stops on the road right outside of the main bus station in Pristina.

Bus from Montenegro

Bus from Podgorica runs daily, once a day, starts at 21:30. The ticket price is €16-18.

Bus from Ulcinj is at: 16:00; 18:00; 19:30. The ticket price is €15, one way.

Bus from North Macedonia

Bus from Skopje starts at 18:00 and its almost every 30 minutes until the last bus which is at 19:00. (€5, one-way)

Bus from Serbia

Bus from Belgrade: 12:00; 16:30; 21:30. The ticket is €15 one way.

Bus from Niš is at: 08:00; 13:45. The ticket is €8-10.

Bus from Novi Pazar (see the section on traveling by bus from Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Prishtina Bus Station - Stacioni i Autobusëve, Prishtinë - ☎ +381 38 550 011, +381 38 541 517, +381 38 540 142 - Opening Hours: 04:00-00:00. The Bus Station is 15 minutes walk from the downtown if you take the Bill Clinton boulevard. There are few fast food shops at the bus station as well as kiosks where you can get your Snacks and none-alcoholic drinks from. It is very common to pay for your ticket once you are on the bus, which sometimes ends up being cheaper.
If you decide to take a taxi from the bus station, try to get the ones that are branded since they have taximeters which starts at €2.90, and overall are cheaper than private ones. A trip to the downtown should cost no more than €3. Anything more than this is a ripoff. Some of the drivers will even quote you prices as high as €15.
You can negotiate the price with the private ones, and you should agree ahead about the price to your destination.

Travel by train to Pristina

There are trains which travel from North Macedonia and Serbia to Pristina. These take long to get there. See Kosovo#By train

Train Station - Stacion treni | Rr. Tirana 42.65887, 21.15107 near the end of Rruga Garibaldi trains to Peja and Skopje

Fushë Kosovë train station - Sheshi i Lirisë 42.63475, 21.08115 7 kilometers West of centre. Take a taxi (€7-10) or with the N°1 shuttle van (€0.40), which departs every 10 minutes from Bulvar Bill Clinton (between Rr. R. Doli and Rr. Perandori Justinian). - Trains for Pristina, Peja and Skopje.

How to get around in Pristina

Urban Traffic Map - Map of urban bus lines

City busses run every 5 minutes on the main central routes (Lines 3 and 4), while other lines run every 15 minutes. The last bus is at 23:30. The cost is €0.40 (2023) and payment is made when you get on the bus so try to have some change. See the map of bus lines or Pristina Buses service although it is in transition, so some of the bus lines have new buses.
Taxis are readily available with prices starting at €2.90. Make sure to pick a branded taxi since those are metered. No trip around the centre or from the centre to Arberia, Valenia, Sunny Hill (Kodra e Diellit), etc. should cost more than €4. All taxi companies use online communication platforms like Viber and Whatsapp.

Taxi Victory - ☎ +377 44 111 222 | Opening Hours: non-stop starting at €2.90

Urban Taxi - ☎ +377 44 151 515| tollfree=0800 15 15 1 Opening Hours: non-stop starting at €2.90

Taxi Roberti ☎ 0800 15 15 1 (0800 111 99) Opening Hours: non-stop starting at €2.90

The roads in Pristina (and in general throughout Kosovo) are pretty good, but improvements are still being made. Sometimes you might get stuck in traffic due to road repairs/improvements. There is a free toll highway from the border with Albania (Morine border crossing) all the way to Pristina, which takes just more than an hour to get too, compare to 3 hours that it used to take to go too.

Apart from the ''Ibrahim Rugova'' highway and the connection with other cities is fairly close and roads are well maintained. It is easy to drive around and the traffic laws are well respected.

What to see in Pristina

Sacred Places

[[34 Prishtënë - Katedralja - Mother Teresa Gothic Church

Mother Teresa Gothic Church - Gothic Church of Blessed Mother Teresa in Pristina, Albanian: Katedralja e së Lumes Nënë Tereza në Prishtinë | Justiniani Street 42.656389, 21.159333 €1 for entry to the tower Gothic Church of Blessed Mother Teresa in Pristina Catedral de la Madre Teresa, Pristina, Kosovo, 2014-04-16, DD 11 This is a Roman Catholic cathedral being constructed. In 2007 the government of Kosovo approved plans for the building. Construction is ongoing, as of October 2016.

Saint Saviour Serbian Orthodox Church Agim Ramadani Street/Sheshi Hasan 42.6585, 21.1636 - Church of Christ the Saviour, Pristina Christ the Saviour Gothic Church Pristina February 2013 - Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church in Prishtina, Kosovo.JPG
Saint Nicholas Church Rr. Shkodra 42.6680, 21.1721 Nazim Gafurri Street off Opening Hours: Daily mass ~17:00 This is the only remaining operative Serbian Orthodox Church in Pristina. It is housed in a 19th-century building. It used to showcase 18th century wooden icons, created by painters based in Debar, North Macedonia, several 18th century frescoes and an iconostasis of 1840 from Belgrade, Serbia, which were all irreversibly damaged during the 2004 unrest. The Saint Nicholas Church once again began to hold liturgies in 2010 in a ceremony attended by a few hundred Serbian Orthodox believers. It now features a revamped exterior, restored roof, new marble tiles and new icons.

Çarshia Mosque Bazaar Mosque, Taş Mosque literally and the Stone Mosque, or Xhamia e Çarshisë | Rr. Meto Bajraktari 42.66557, 21.16545 This is the oldest building in Prishtina and it marks the beginning of the old town. The basement of this mosque was laid out in 1389 during the rule of the Islamic Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I and its construction was continued during the reign of Sultan Murad II in the 15th century. The Carshi Mosque was built to celebrate the Islamic Ottoman victory of 1389 in the Battle of Kosovo

Jashar Pasha Mosque Nazim Gafurri Street 42.666025, 21.166358 near the clock tower - Jashar Pasha Mosque Jashar Pasha mosque It is being restored, and is closed to the public 2010], however the work that is visible on the exterior is beautifully executed in calming blues. - It was named after Jashar Mehmet Pasha, a wealthy citizen of Prishtina and mayor of Skopje in 1842. Inscriptions found inside the mosque led to the conclusion that it was built in 1834. Jashar Pasha Mosque is a typical architectural monument for old cities with Ottoman legacy. It symbolizes a sacral building of ‘Kosovar style’ with an acknowledgement of oriental influence. Its aim was to speed up the acceptance of Islam among the citizens of Prishtina. It is composed of a hall for prayers, hayat and a minaret. The mosque is disguised by a cupola supported by four pendentives. The original portico was torn down to give way to an expansion of the neighboring street.

Pirinaz Mosque - Xhamia e Pirinazit | Rr. Ismail Dunoshi 42.66606, 21.17277 three blocks east from Kosovo Museum Built in the second half of the 16th century and was founded by Piri Nazir who served as Vezir under two Ottoman Sultans. The Pirinaz Mosque is made of the same stone as Mbretit (Fatih) Mosque but its construction began 100 years later. This mosque represents an important cultural value, which is further increased by the belief that Prince Lazar’s remains were buried on the location of today’s Pirinaz Mosque with the permission of Sultan Bayezid, son and successor of Murat, who died in the battle of Kosovo in 1389. Later on, Lazar’s remains were moved to Ravanici Monastery in Serbia.

Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque - Imperial Mosque, Albanian: Xhamia e Mbretit | 42.666997, 21.167 opposite the clock tower - Imperial Mosque (Pristina) Pristina Grand Mosque - It was built in 1460–1461 during the reign of the Islamic Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II, commonly called al-Fatih or the Conqueror and was named in his honor. Its interior features ornamental decorations and detailed floral designs, as well as a 15 m dome, which was quite impressive for a 15th-century construction. It was recognized region-wide as the largest construction of this nature. In 1689 and the mosque was temporarily converted into a Jesuit church dedicated to Francis Xavier by the Austrian occupants during the Austrian-Turkish wars. The Imperial Mosque was restored during the rule of Sultan Mehmet IV in 1682–1683, whereas the present-day minaret is a reconstruction of the original, which was damaged during the earthquake that struck Prishtina in 1955.

Galleries, Museums

National Museum of Kosovo

Kosova Art Gallery - Agim Ramadani Street, 60 42.6571, 21.164 Universiteti i Prishtinës, Behind the National Library Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10:00-14:00, 15:00-18:00, Sunday 10:00–15:00 Kosova National Art Gallery Pristina - The Kosova Art Gallery A Owned and operated by the Ministry of Culture & Sports.

Kosovo National Museum - Muzeu Kombëtar - East from Parliament ☎ +381 38 244 107 | Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00-18:00 Free (2023) Kosovo Museum Muzeu i Kosovës A - Opened in February 2018 after repairs. The Museum has a rich collection of prehistoric objects uncovered in Kosovo – most of them were spirited off to Serbia during the Kosovo war, and hundreds of archaeological finds and ethnographic items yet have to be returned.

Ethnographic Museum in Prishtina - Ethnographic Museum in Pristina

Pristina Ethnographic Museum - Emin Gjiku House Museum, Muzeu Etnologjik Emin Gjiku | Zija Prishtina, Rr. Iliaz Agushi 42.6685, 21.168106 Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00 by donation (2023) Ethnological Museum, Pristina Muzeu Entologjik i Kosoves Atucked back in the old town streets about 5 minutes walk from the main museum. Beautiful house, costumes and traditional tools. - Don't miss it. Sells traditional gifts. - The complex once belonged to Emin Gjinolli (Turkish) Emin Kücük); literally, ‘little Emin’ - who was a member of one of the most recognized families of Prishtina in the 20th century. The Ethnological Museum “Emin Gjiku” is composed of a traditional guest house, an arts studio, a family home and a permanent ethnological exhibition.

Independence Museum - Kosovo Independence House “Dr. Ibrahim Rugova” | Rr. Fehmi Agani 42.66428, 21.15822 beside the Tiffany’s restaurant| ☎| fax=Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00-17:00 free A small museum about Kosovo’s recent history.

Stacion - Center for Contemporary Art Prishtina - ☎ +381 38 222576 Fax +381 38 544472Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 11:00-16:00, Saturday 11:00-14:00 - This is the only place in the nation with regular contemporary art exhibitions and events.

Monuments

Parliament - Assembly of Kosovo - North of the Independence Park - Parliament Assembly of Kosovo

Old Hamam remains - Great Hamam, Thermelet a Hamamit | Agim Ramadani Street (Агим Рамадани) 42.6667, 21.1664 - Great Hamam of Pristina Prishtina and the great Hamam Founded in 15th century. It used to be part of the complex of the Sultan Murat Fatih Mosque and according to the legend and the construction workers who were hired to build Fatih Mosque were ordered by Sultan Mehmet II to take daily baths in the hammam. It had two symmetrical baths, one for women and the other one for men. The hammam is composed of 15 domes with small holes which are used to let the light penetrate in. A fire that occurred in 1994, resulted with an illegal opening of three shops which blocked the old entrance. Unfortunately, a hammam that once used to be a prestigious social venue for men and women, for many years looked abandoned with only few remaining walls full of rubbish, overgrown trees and wastewaters flowing inside of the building.

Shadërvani Fountain - Shadërvan Nazim Gafurri 42.66580, 21.16596 Next to Çarshia Mosque This is a marble fountain between the Carshi Mosque and the Museum of Kosovo and is a typical component of Ottoman architecture. The fountain is the only one remaining in the city from over fifty that once existed. In addition to providing a source of soft-drinkable water, Shadërvan has been traditionally used for ritual ablution.

Sahat_Kulla,_Prishtinë - Sahat Kulla

Clock Tower - Sahat Kulla - It was built in the 19th century by Jashar Pasha. It served as a means of informing the town during the Islamic Ottoman Empire rule, in order to let people know when to pray as well as the traders closing their shops. The 26-meter high hexagonal clock tower was made of sandstone and bricks. The original tower was burned in fire and its bricks were used for reconstruction. The authentic bell was brought from Moldova and had the inscription “This bell was produced in 1764 for Jon Moldova Rumenin”

Academy Building - Akademia e Shkencave dhe e Arteve e Kosovës (ASHAK) | Rr. Nazim Gafurri - GPS: 42.66647, 21.16689 ☎ +381 38 249303, +381 38 249304, +381 38 249305 +381 38 244-636

The Hynyler House and other Ottoman konak-style private houses - Bajraktari Türbe | 42.66674, 21.16672 next to the clock tower Here stands Ottoman hoses another of Pristina’s few remaining 19th century. It is used by the Academy for Sciences and Arts (Akademia e Shkencave dhe e Arteve, ASHAK) who have added a rather ugly glass winter garden to the building. If you ask you can enter to walk around the courtyard. - The Hynyler House symbolizes a typical Ottoman konak. It is a private house, which has been under the list of the protected monuments since 1967

Mausoleum of Sultan Murat I - Tomb of Meşhed-i Hüdâvendigâr, Tyrbja e "Sulltan Muratit 2" | A bit out of the city in Mazgit settlement 42.701833, 21.104278 4 kilometers Northwest - Tomb of Sultan Murad Tyrbaj e sulltan muratit DSCN0872 - This object built in honour of Sultan Murat I, who was killed in the Battle of Kosovo in 1389. The building constructed in 1850, does not actually contain the remains of Sultan Murat since they have been moved to the imperial museum in Bursa, Türkiye. There is little to see inside of the building; an important of the garden is a 700 year old mulberry tree which survived from the war.

Former Hotel Union building Hoteli "Union" Bulevardi Nënë Tereza GPS 42.6638, 21.1645 | ☎|fax=|hours=| price=. The building of the former “Hotel Union” was built in 1927 under the supervision of the Austrian architect, Andrija Kremer. It combined elements of neo-Renaissance, neo-baroque and Art Nouveau and was one of the few buildings in Prishtina with European-architecture influence. During the first few decades of its existence, it was named “Hotel Skënderbeu” after the 15th-century Albanian resistance leader, Skanderbeg and this was witnessed by his ingrained icons on the building.

Monument of Brotherhood and Unity Rr. Meto Bajraktari 42.66594, 21.16387 North from UCK This symbolise the ‘unity and brotherhood’ of the Albanians, Serbs and Montenegrins

Center_of_Youth_and_Sport_of_Pristina - Center of Youth and Sports

Palace of Youth & Sports - Pallati i Rinisë dhe i Sporteve - +381 38 249424 Palace of Youth and Sports Palacio de Juventud y Deportes, Pristina, Kosovo, 2014-04-16, DD 19

Parks

Arbëria Park - Parku Arbëria | Street Stambolli and Tony Blair 42.6674, 21.1510 North from UNMIK's compound

City Park - Parku i Qytetit | 42.661831, 21.168999 East from Agim Ramadani Street

Parku_Nacional_i_G%C3%ABrmis%C3%AB_Prishtin%C3%AB - Germia Park

Gërmia Park Dr. Shpëtim Robaj, 42.673, 21.195 at the end of bus 4, 5 or 9 - Germia Park A Here are outposts of green and the biggest and best of which is Gërmia Park. During the summer and the lake-sized swimming swimmingpool here is a hot spot for families and young people, but year-round the park itself offers grassy spaces to relax or kick the ball around, and a network of mine-cleared trails through the dense woods perfect for dog-walking or drunken hide-and-seek tournaments. A couple of restaurants at the top of the park have good food and nice views. Also interesting to check out the cluster-bombed police bunker, just up the road from the best restaurant.

Independence Park - Park i Pavarësisë| Agim Ramadani Street and Bulevardi Nënë Tereza 42.6640, 21.1648 Near to Former Hotel Union building

Park of Martyrs Parku Varrezat e Dëshmorëve | Rr. Isa Kastrati (Mahalla e Muhaxherëve) 42.6585, 21.1754 East from City Park This is a cemetery Also there is the National Martyr’s Monument (Varrezat e Dëshmorëve).

Taukbashçe Park - Parku i Taukbashçes | Nazim Gafurri Street - GPS: 42.66503, 21.18188 East 1.5km
Tjerrtorja Archeological Site 42.643741, 21.140882 Northwest outskirts of Prishtina - Tjerrtorja was a neolithic settlement which was identified accidentally in the 1950s. The neolithic site was named after the discovery place, where a factory was started to be built known as the cotton and textile production plant Tjerrtorja. The area was believed to have had an abundant collection of terracotta figurines, human shaped statues and baked clay anthropomorphic artifacts.

Bear Sanctuary Pristina - +377 45 826 072 | Opening Hours: 10:00-19:00 €1 Bear Sanctuary Prishtina - For many years in Kosovo, all privately kept brown bears lived in small cages at restaurants, to attract clients. In November 2010, when it became illegal to keep bears privately and there was a need for a national park as a new home for the restaurant bears rescued from captivity. This centre aims to improve the public attention to animal welfare and environmental problems in Kosovo.

Best things to do in Pristina

No visit to Pristina is complete without a walking tour. Most notable sights found here include a 19th-century Ottoman clock tower, Sahat Kulla, which faces Fatih Mosque, Pristina's largest and most outstanding mosque, which dates back to the 15th century. Nearby you can find two museums definitely worth visiting and the striking yellow Museum of Kosovo, and the Ethnological Museum which is housed in a gorgeous complex of Ottoman-era town homes called Emin Gjiku. Around the neighborhood, you can see street market stalls, kids hawking cigarettes and phone cards, qebabtores and cafes, and the vibrant community life of Kosovo's largest city. Heading towards the centre you will encounter the main pedestrian boulevard, Rr Nëne Terezë, which runs from the new government building and impressive Skenderberg monument all the way down to Grand Hotel and Zahir Pajaziti Plaza. For the more modern sights, you don't have to wander too far. The post-independence 'Newborn' monument, altered each Independence Day to represent a different social or political theme, sits directly in front of the curiously designed Boro Ramiz (the Palace of Youth and Sports) and not too far from the renowned statue of Bill Clinton. Arguably the most recognizable structure in Pristina is the avantgarde Yugoslav-era mass of cubes and the domes that is the National Library, often described as one of the ugliest buildings in the world. Directly opposite is the unfinished Serbian Orthodox church which had its construction halted in 1999, and remains subject of much controversy with an uncertain future. If you have more time, it's also worthwhile wandering up into Dragodan/Arberia or Velania (especially City Park, also referred to as "the Italian park," and the park dedicated to now-deceased President Ibrahim Rugova). A walking tour is offered twice a week from one of three hostels in the city; Buffalo Backpackers, Han Hostel and The White Tree Hostel.
Do as the local residents do: In Pristina, this means korza. In the evenings, when it's warm, a large proportion of the population heads out into the streets and promenades, between cafes or in with no particular destination. The objective is to see and be seen, chat with friends, and take in as much fresh air as feasible before the horrific winter descends. 53% of Kosovo's population is under the age of 25, so most of the people on the street around dusk are teenagers and people in their early twenties. Being in one of the poorest countries in Europe, some Kosovars struggle to afford nights out and meals in restaurants. Instead and they get dressed up in their best clothes and walk up and down Rr Nëne Terezë. Join them, or if you prefer, grab a cola or coffee in an outdoor cafe and watch them go by.
Stay out late because the streets are safe and Albanians love foreigners. Also go out to bars and such, as they are usually filled but make sure you drink some "Peja" organic juice (Key word PEJA)
Privately-owned outdoor swimming pools are springing up around Kosovo, some just outside the city and worth the euro to cool off in the summer.

Sights

National Theatre, Pristina 2012 - National Theatre

National Theater of Kosovo - Mother Theresa Plaza. (Sheshi Nëna Terezë) nr.21, 42.6633, 21.1645 North of the 'Independence Park' ☎ +381 38 243 930 - National Theatre - Prishtina.JPG Former named "The Regional Populist Theater" then the "Provincial Populist Theater" - The repertoire of this theater was built on many national, international and former Yugoslavian dramatic scripts. This theater performances, which were presented in different festivals with national and international character in the former Yugoslavia, were praised highly by critics of the time and were honored with various artistic awards.

Dodona Theater - Tetari i Qytetit të Prishtinës - “Dodona” - Rruga Xh. Mitrovica, pn 42.65566, 21.16610 200m East from Kosova Art Gallery ☎ +381 38 230623 - Dodona Doll Theater in Prishtina - first known as the Theater of Youth, Kids, and Doll - "Dodona"

ODA Theatre - Pallati i Rinisë dhe i Sporteve nr. 111 (Luan Haradinaj?) - GPS: 42.66116, 21.15723 next to City Stadium☎ +381 038 246 555 +381 038 246 555 Theatre venue with variety of cultural and artistic events, including theatre performances, concerts, exhibitions and an International Jazz Festival in November.

National Public Library Pristina Qiv Owned Image 30 August 2008 - National Library

Library of the University of Pristina - Universiteti i Prishtinës | 42.65743, 21.16229 It looks like it is constructed of massive concrete Lego bricks and then covered with chain mail. It is certainly worth a look.

- Biblioteka Kombëtare e Kosovës.jpg

National University Library of Kosovo - Albanian: Bibloteka Kombetare e Kosoves - on the campus of the University of Prishtina, right in front of the National Gallery of Kosovo☎ +381 038 212 416 It is the highest institution of its kind in the Republic of Kosovo. With a fund of thousands of books it is one of the biggest libraries in the region. Every year more than 40,000 exemplars are added to the library archive - The building: It was designed by the Croatian architect Andrija Mutnjakovic. Its space consists of 16,500 m². It is made with zenith windows, with 99 domes of different sizes and is entirely covered in a metal fishing net, which have their own particular architectural symbolism. It houses two reading rooms with 300 and 100 seats respectively, a reading room for periodicals, rooms for special collections, cataloguing and research, a 150-seat amphitheatre and a 75-seat meeting hall. The lobby of the library is used for various cultural events. The floor of the hall is a unique work of diverse mosaic marble stone. The largest dome of the library is the main ornament of the hall's high ceiling, thus providing ample natural lighting. - According to the architect of the National Library of Kosovo the building is meant to represent a style blending Byzantine and Islamic architectural forms.

Festivals

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Pristina

Shopping-wise, Pristina is full of good bargains but low on selection (and if you happen to be a man who wears Monday shirts or pants, forget about it). Silver is sold in the old quarter and is a pretty good value; Albanians are known throughout the former Yugoslavia as silversmiths.
The outdoor bookstalls adjacent to the Grand Hotel are a good place to pick up your copy of the Code of Lekë Dukagjini. Or a map of Pristina that most likely has names for all the streets no one has ever heard of.
Also on the streets: CDs and DVDs that are cheap, and more likely than not, illegal.

Halal Restaurants in Pristina

There are a variety of restaurants with something for everyone's taste. Radio taxi drivers will know the location of most major restaurants frequented by internationals. Try a traditional qebabtore (you can find one anywhere), or a Turkish doner shop (best ones around the junction from Payton Place, near UNDP) for a real taste of the local food and great value. If you are a foreigner you may have to do a fair bit of pointing to order, but it should be worth it.

Papirun sandwiches shop - Luan Haradinaj nr. 1, Prishtinë 42.66114, 21.16096 from the square behind MFA/Grand Hotel, head towards Buzuku bookstore ☎ +377 44 26 23 23 | Opening Hours: 07:00-20:00 €2-3.5 - Simple menu of sandwiches, salads and natural drinks

Aroma Rexhep Luci 42.66245, 21.16114 near Strip Depo and the ABC Kino and Metro across from the Grand Hotel For quick Snacks, have terrific sandwiches; }} - Aurora Fast Food Xhorxh Bush 42.65886, 21.16016 across RTK tower | tag=Fast Food Places
Amadeus | Ahmet Krasniqi, 42.66368, 21.15367 Another restaurant in the Dragodan neighborhood. Serves pizza and other western dishes.

Ciao - 42.61200, 21.14194 Past Bau Market, on the road out to Skopje☎ +381 49 305470 ~10€ This Macedonian restaurant on the road out of town to Skopje and Gracaniza, is a popular stop for internationals and aid workers craving a bacon-wrapped Beef medallion, or some of the best bread and salad in the city. (You can find Pristina's first miniature golf course just a hair further down the street.)

City Bakery - Përmendorja e Nënës Terezë?, Bulevardi Nënë Tereza, 41 42.66269, 21.16263 Centre ☎ +377 45 785 785 Traditional food of Kosovo.

Restaurant Ex - Fehmi Agani 42.66303, 21.16238 Near to Ministry of Public Services Friendly, English-speaking staff, varied menu including Curries.

Himalayan Gorkha Qafa Gallery, TMK Street 42.66539, 21.15990 Luan Hardinaj cnr Meal for two €10-15 with drinks Fine Asian restaurant. Pineapple lassi or Masala tea is a great non-alcoholic drink if you don't like vodka or the local drink (Rakhi rrussi). For starters there is Chicken pakora which is nice fried Chicken which tastes exactly like Kentuky Fried Chicken or vegetable pakora. Best thing about this restaurant is you can obtain both spicy and non spicy items. For main course there is Chicken Tikka with Roti or Naan. They also have Chicken Biyani, Vegetable Biriyani and Butter Chicken. If you are fond of Chinese you can obtain Chicken fried Rice and Veg Fried Rice.

Home restaurant Luan haradinaj/Sheshi "Nëna Tereze" - GPS: 42.66254, 21.16014 on front of Eurokoha, 300 m from Grand Hotel or Hotel Prishtina and 200 m from Diamond Hotel☎ + 044 336 336 | phoneextra=038 22 40 41 Lively atmosphere and variety of delicious food. Serves Medterranian, Italian and Kosovar food. Visitors come from many international staff of the surrounding offices, embassies and national ministries. Local actors and well known singers. Very good selected music, English speaking staff and very good fruit cocktails.

Il Passatore Hil Mos 42.66734, 21.17429 East This is an authentic Italian restaurant, run by a real mama and her family. Go there in a taxi as it's a bit hard to find, but all the cabbies know it.

Lai (Thai) 42.66354, 21.14690 Film City NATO base - It is owned by the lady that has a restaurant with the same name in Kabul. The (Thai) Food is excellent.

The Lounge | Mother Teresa Blvd 42.66243, 21.16346 Opposite Radio and Television of Kosovo building, - Smart and upmarket bar/restaurant. Food is very good. Offers a mixture of international and local cuisine.

Pilat restaurant not difficult to find, but it's probably best to ask someone to point you in the right direction. Albanian Halal Food (with possibly the best bread in the world). Seriously delicious local food. Gets very busy at lunchtimes with Kosovan politicians.

Pjata -Rruga Dubrovniku nr.1 (Ali Pashë Tepelena) - GPS: 42.65728, 21.16558 a block away from the UNICEF office☎ +381 38 220 739 WiFi connection for free and good food. The only con is that you will think not to be in Kosovo.

Pinocchio restaurant and hotel Rr.24 maj 115 42.67047, 21.15552 near USAID and the British Embassy Excellent food and a warm atmosphere, as well as a panoramic view of Pristina below. For lunch, hit Te Komiteti on Qamil Hoxha street and have the gazpacho and Chicken sandwiches.

Pi Shat Dragodan neighbourhood 42.6647, 21.1460 KFOR Headquarters area A meal for two ~€30 this is a traditional Albanian restaurant with a wonderful atmosphere. If you are unfamiliar with Albanian Halal Food, just ask the waiters to put together a platter for you - you'll end up with a delicious range of grilled meats.

Rron Restaurant - Veternik or Ravine neighborhood - GPS: 42.62953, 21.15740 On Route Rat towards Gjilane, top of the hill before turn for Swebat. Right turn immediately after sign.☎ +381 044 141-215, +381 044 347-777 Rron Restaurant is actually just outside the Pristina city limits on the way to Gracanica. Hidden behind an under-construction building for the past couple of years, Rron is a treasure that is popular with local and international politicians as well as the normal guests. The bar area is quite impressive with vaulted ceilings and shelves lined with all different kinds of drinks all the way up. The far end of the restaurant has a plate-glass wall that looks out into the garden seating area which is lovely during the summer. There is a small playground for children outside on the far end of the garden which can make summer meals a bit loud at time when there are groups of children running around.

Sarajeva

Sarajevo Fast Food - Qebaptore Sarajeva | Andrea Grupa Street - GPS: 42.66529, 21.16224 close to RTK and one behind the old Post Office. Sells y- Halal Kebab made in Banja Luka (bosnian) style (banjallucki qebab)

duelling South Asian restaurants the mall on UCK St.? (one Indian, one Nepali) are both great for a long, quiet dinner.

Prishtina tiffany cuisine - Traditional Dishes at Restaurant Tiffany in Pristina

Tiffany Restaurant Fehmi Agani 42.66419, 21.15783 directly behind Home Very popular Restaurant in Prishtina, with very good traditional cuisine.

Not to be missed: Panevino, Pellumbi, Pishat.

Aroma 2 Rrustem Statovci - Does Albanian and international fast food, take away or eat in, for fair prices - e.g. a mixed grill which two people can stuff themselves on, €6.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Pristina

Pristina - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Pristina, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Pristina. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Pristina and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Pristina. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Pristina. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inPristina: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Pristina.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Pristina: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Pristina, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Pristina.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Pristina, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Pristina, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Pristina and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Pristina, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Pristina, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Pristina without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Pristina is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Pristina.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Pristina is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Pristina, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Pristina Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Pristina

Accommodation can be expensive in Pristina, as everything is tailored for internationals on expense accounts and hefty per diems. If you look around you should be able to find fliers offering accommodation. If you can find these places, go there as the cost is usually €10-15 per day.

The White Tree Hostel - Druni i Bardh' - Mujo Ulqinaku No. 59 (Peyton Neighborhood) - GPS: 42.657095, 21.154912 a five-minutes walking distance to the downtown, in the quiet, calm and peaceful Peyton neighbourhood; it is on Mujo Ulqinaku Street, opposite the 42 floor skyscraper under construction☎ +38649166777|tollfree=| fax=| checkin=12:00 / Check-out: 11:00 Price €10-35 A renovated hostel, inside bar with a restaurant designed by staff members, owners and guests, and the best terrace in Prishtina offer a place with a capacity of 20 people (3 superior Muslim friendly rooms, two 4-bed rooms and a 6-bed room), free WiFi and a computer, lockers, quality mattress and a cozy atmosphere. Staff keep guests entertained with different activities, screening movies/documentaries, different jam sessions, parties with DJs, card games and chess, etc. Free welcome drink is included in the price. Opening Hours: 08:00-24:00
Buffalo Backpackers Hostel - 25 Musine Kokalari, Pristina, 42.6526842, 21.1576882 next to the ambulance in Ulpiana ☎ +377 45 643 261 - €5-12 - A colorful, welcoming hostel with a strong community spirit. Offers several dorm rooms and spacious communal areas indoors and in the back garden, perfect for socializing. Comfortable and safe, Buffalo Backpackers sells a relaxed environment that promotes interest in Kosovo, Pristina and its community, along with easy networking with fellow travelers. Camping, parking, and breakfast available.

Velania Guesthouse - The Professor's Guesthouse - (Velania 4/34), 34 Emrush Miftari, Prishtinë - GPS: 42.66109, 21.17657 ☎ +377 44 167 455 €13-30 - Free laundry service, free cable TV in every room and 24-hour free internet access (desktop computers + WLAN). Reception is open 24/7. (Taxi from the bus station shouldn't be more than €5.)
Hostel Pristina | Rexhep Luci? 42.66200, 21.16216 ☎ +386 49 187 791 €8-12 per person per day - Free pickup from bus station for the group of 3 or more people with minimum stay of 2 nights, washing machines, cable TV, Wi-Fi in whole building. All rooms with shared bathroom.

Mid-range

Hotel Afa - Ali Kelmendi Nr. 15 42.65707, 21.16953 ☎ +381 38 225226 sgl €45-75, dbl €75-112 Checkout: 12:00 +381 38/225 226 Free Internet and a affordable restaurant.

Hotel Begolli - Maliq Pashë Gjinolli 42.67106, 21.16462 off Mother Thereza Street sgl €40, dbl €50, apt €50-65 (2023) - An exceptionally clean family-owned boutique hotel with five fully furnished self-contained apartments and eleven rooms. Apartments have kitchens and well appointed amenities and one suite has a full sized jacuzzi spa. Some other rooms have private jacuzzis or three beds for families.

Hotel Aldi - Cagllavica nr. 303 42.61602, 21.14825 Çagllavicë settlement, 2.5 km South from the centre☎ +381 38 548802 sgl €25-35 and dbl €45-55| checkin=after 12:00 / Check-out: 12:00 | tags=Hotel Fresh, modern family-run hotel.

Hotel Princi i Arberit - 27 Nëntori, 42.7002, 21.1635 Near to Stadiumi Te Adnani. - some 4 km from the centre ☎ +381 38 244244 - sgl/dbl €40/50 suite €80-100 It is often empty, with a risk that the restaurant may be closed and the heating switched off. Internet is available. - Recreation Center include private massage room, indoor pool, private secluded sauna, solarium.

Chalet Denis and Mumtaz Mahal - Hotel Denis - Ahmet Krasniqi 42.660474, 21.148819 - The chalet offers great views of the city from Dragodan Hill, near the U.S. embassy and NATO's KFOR Film City base. Friendly service and the best banana splits in Pristina, presented in a Swiss chalet-style atmosphere. Now incorporates the menu and staff of the Mumtaz Mahal Indian/Nepalese alongside its normal Italian/Albanian menu.

Hotel Sara - Maliq Pashë Gjinolli Street 42.6697, 21.1639 in the heart of the bazaar ☎ +381 38 236203 - Single €25; Double/twin €35; Triple €45; Suite €55 Rooms for one to three people and renovated albeit very simple. Clean and basic, this hotel features lurid red and green corridors, a handful of satellite television channels, a few rooms with small jacuzzis and a garage for two cars.

Hotel Victory - Mother Teresa, p.n. 42.64749, 21.15530 ☎ +381 038 543277 +381 038 543 286 €80 - | tags=Hotel| phoneextra=+381 038 543 267 On the southern side of the city, about 15 minutes walk from the centre. A friendly and upmarket hotel. Rooms have air conditioning and wireless internet works well throughout. Excellent breakfast with lots of fresh fruit and pastries. Dinner in the restaurant - about €10 for a meal with drinks.

Grand Hotel Pristina Unio Commerce - Check-out: 11:00 A state company during the Communist perioid and in the process of privatization, The Grand Hotel has not been substantially renovated yet—and as such the place is very worn and rightfully mocked for its ironic name. Dangerous electrical connections, and substandard bathrooms especially require attention. The hotel offers seven halls for every kind of activities, Meeting/Conference rooms, Bar, Restaurant, Room service, Fax. wireless and cable internet, business center. Room Facilities: Minibar, Telephone and cable TV.
Hotel Sirius - Agim Ramadani, GPS 42.6617, 21.1652 ☎ +381 038 222280, +377 044 111111 - sgl./dbl. €85/110 Centrally located and offering a luxurious top-floor restaurant providing unique city views. Rooms are supremely decorated and equipped with air-conditioning, an LCD TV, a Minibar with alcohol removed and a safety deposit box. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Wake-up service can be arranged. Private bathroom provides a shower and hairdryer.

Hotel Prishtina - ☎ +381 38 223284 The Hotel Pristina is used by many international workers, including UN workers and members of the international police. It is very clean, has comfortable rooms, offers free internet access (including wifi), and the price of the room includes breakfast.
Hotel Ora - Rruga Anton Zako Çajupi 4 42.66718, 21.16248 North 1 km☎ +381 38 233 709, +377 44 157 835 - Checkin: |checkout= Ora has welcomed many guests, beginning from the deceased President of Kosovo Ibrahim Rugova, statesmen from all the world, beginning from Bill Clinton to continue with current vice president Joseph Biden, former EU representative for foreign policy, Javier Solana, French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner, his Russian colleague Sergej Lavrov and well known European and American politicians. Laying in the downtown, near central local and international institutions of Kosovo, with its calm, discretion and adaption for the guests, with a professional staff. email
Hotel Baci Bulevardi Dëshmorët e kombit 42.64811, 21.15804 close to a couple of the more important transportation hubs (i.e. bus station, taxi roundabout, intersection to other towns in Kosova). There's also a decent restaurant downstairs and free Internet in the lobby. Besides this, Hotel Baci offers to its clients free laundry, free fitness and sauna. Breakfast is included in the price and there is 24/7 electricity and water.
Hotel Ambassador - Near the Swiss Liaison Office in the Velania neighbourhood This is also up to the standards of a discerning visitor.
Emerald Hotel - south 4 kilometers ☎ +381 038 588888 €89 to 395 One of Pristina's largest hotels and the Emerald is on the south-western edge of the city on the highway to Skopje, past Bau Market. Large conference center.

Stay safe as a Muslim in Pristina

In Dardania neighbourhood (the residential blocks between the bus station and the centre), be careful when the Begging|beggar kids are around—they may follow you for a while, speaking (presumably in Albanian), and may just come too suspiciously close to your bag and pockets behind you in the meantime.

Pristina is rebuilding, and some of the city roads now are new, but if you are driving, you still must be on the lookout for large potholes.

Travel Next from Pristina

Gjakova and the western Kosovan city with the largest Ottoman-era bazaar in the Balkans, is 89 kilometers, 90 minutes and €4 away by bus.
A day trip to Prizren can be interesting. Buses depart from the bus terminal or you could hire a taxi for the day.
Trips to nearby Gracanica (Kosovo) | Gračanica can be arranged by taxi for roughly €5 from near Albi Mall.
The capital city of Skopje in North Macedonia is only a two hour bus ride from town, buses depart regularly from the bus station. The trip will cost €5, or €10 using the Skopje airport shuttle.