Kosovo

Cost of living

What a month costs

Pristina is one of the cheapest capitals in Europe. Rent, eating out and coffee are very affordable, while imported goods, a car and quality private schooling push family budgets up fast.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Pristina

1. Newborn MonumentThe famous typographic sculpture unveiled on independence day, repainted each year and a symbol of the new country.
2. Cathedral of Saint Mother TeresaA large modern Catholic cathedral honouring the Albanian-born saint; you can climb the bell tower for city views.
3. National Library of KosovoAn unmistakable building wrapped in metal domes and lattice, one of the most photographed pieces of architecture in the Balkans.
4. Bill Clinton Boulevard and statueA main avenue with a statue of the former US president, reflecting Kosovo's strong pro-American sentiment.
5. Great Hammam and Imperial MosqueA 15th century Ottoman bathhouse and the domed Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque anchor the older heart of the city.
6. Ethnological Museum (Emin Gjiku)A walled complex of traditional Ottoman-era houses showing Kosovar dress, crafts and daily life.
7. Kosovo MuseumThe national museum in a handsome Austro-Hungarian style building, covering archaeology and recent history.
8. Germia ParkA big forested park on the edge of town with walking trails, an open-air pool and weekend picnic crowds.
9. Heroinat MemorialA striking portrait made from thousands of small medallions, honouring the women affected by the 1998 to 1999 war.
10. Palace of Youth and SportsA landmark socialist-era complex known locally as Boro Ramiz, still used for events and markets.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. PrizrenKosovo's prettiest historic town, with an Ottoman old quarter, a hilltop fortress and a stone bridge over the river. About 90 minutes by car.
2. Peja and Rugova CanyonBase for the dramatic Rugova gorge and the medieval Patriarchate of Pec monastery, with hiking into the Accursed Mountains.
3. BrezovicaKosovo's main ski resort in the Sharr Mountains, good for winter snow and summer alpine hikes about two hours south.
4. GjakovaHome to one of the Balkans' largest restored Ottoman bazaars, lively in the evenings and rich in craft workshops.
5. Mirusha WaterfallsA chain of turquoise pools and small falls in a canyon between Pristina and Gjakova, popular for summer day trips.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Soma Book StationA beloved bookshop, cafe and bar in a leafy courtyard, packed day and night with a creative crowd.
2. Dit' e Nat'A cosy bookstore cafe known for good coffee, brunch and regular live jazz and acoustic evenings.
3. Prince Coffee HouseA polished home-grown chain with several branches, a reliable spot for espresso and pastries.
4. Half & HalfA popular local coffee spot loved for flat whites, brunch plates and a relaxed weekend feel.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. RenaissanceThe famous no-menu institution serving a long parade of traditional Kosovar dishes and house wine in a warm old house.
2. TiffanyA long-running favourite with no printed menu, cooking whatever is fresh and seasonal, from grills to garden vegetables.
3. LiburniaRefined takes on traditional Albanian and Kosovar home cooking in a rustic, welcoming dining room.
4. PishatA well-regarded restaurant focused on regional recipes and local ingredients, good for a proper sit-down meal.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Soma Book StationA go-to for a slow weekend brunch with eggs, pastries and strong coffee in the courtyard.
2. Half & HalfReliable morning spot for eggs, avocado plates and good coffee before the day starts.
3. Dit' e Nat'Quiet mornings with coffee, fresh bread and simple breakfast plates among the bookshelves.
4. Prince Coffee HouseEasy stop for macchiato and a warm pastry, with branches across the centre.