My Visit to Kosovo

I visited Kosovo last year, travelling by bus from Tirana in neighbouring Albania. It was a fascinating journey and a reminder of just how easy it is to travel between countries in the Balkans. Travelling overland is one of my favourite ways to explore Europe, giving you a real appreciation of the changing landscapes, cultures and surprisingly short distances between destinations.

I stayed just a short walk from Pristina’s main boulevard, making it easy to explore the city on foot. One of the first things I discovered was an excellent local restaurant, and over the following couple of days I found that many of the best places to eat were tucked away just off the main streets. Kosovo’s cuisine is hearty, flavourful and excellent value, and the warm welcome I received everywhere made dining out a real highlight of my visit.

What surprised me most about Kosovo was just how relaxed and vibrant it felt. Having grown up watching news reports about the conflicts in the Balkans during the 1990s, it seemed almost surreal to be wandering through a bustling, modern capital city filled with cafés, lively streets and friendly locals. The difficult history is still part of Kosovo’s story, but today’s Pristina is forward-looking, welcoming and full of energy.

Kosovo may not yet be on everyone’s travel list, but that’s exactly what makes it such a rewarding destination. If you’re looking to experience somewhere authentic, affordable and refreshingly different, it’s a country well worth discovering.

Discover Pristina

Kosovo’s youthful capital is one of Europe’s most surprising cities. Modern cafés sit alongside Ottoman mosques, striking contemporary architecture and reminders of the country’s recent history, creating a destination that’s both fascinating and welcoming. Compact enough to explore on foot, Pristina is perfect for spending a couple of days discovering its culture, food and friendly atmosphere.

Newborn Monument

One of Pristina’s most recognisable landmarks, the NEWBORN Monument was unveiled when Kosovo declared independence in 2008. Repainted regularly with new artistic designs, it has become a powerful symbol of the country’s identity and optimism for the future.

Mother Teresa Boulevard

The heart of Pristina is its lively pedestrian boulevard, lined with cafés, restaurants and shops. This is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee, watch local life unfold and experience the city’s relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best restaurants are found just a street or two away from the main boulevard.

Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque

Dating from the 15th century, this beautiful Ottoman mosque is one of Pristina’s oldest buildings and offers a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.

National Library of Kosovo

Perhaps Kosovo’s most unusual building, the National Library is famous for its striking architecture, with concrete domes wrapped in a distinctive metal lattice. Whether you love it or hate it, it’s one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.

Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa

Dedicated to Mother Teresa, whose family had Albanian roots, this impressive modern cathedral offers panoramic views across the city from its bell tower.