If you missed my previous trip to Niš, Serbia, check it out here:
The next morning, I headed back to the bus terminal and left Niš for my next destination: Pristina, the capital of Kosovo.
A Note on Crossing the Border Between Serbia and Kosovo
There are political tensions between Serbia and Kosovo. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008, and while many countries have recognized it, Serbia still doesn’t acknowledge it as a sovereign state.
So, crossing the border between these two countries requires some caution.
Here's what I found during my research:
- ✅ You can enter Kosovo from Serbia without issue.
- ✅ You can also leave Kosovo for a third country or return to Serbia after entering from Serbia.
- ⚠️ However, you cannot enter Serbia if you entered Kosovo directly from a third country, as you’ll lack an official Serbian entry stamp.
- ⚠️ Some travelers also reported issues when re-entering Serbia after leaving Kosovo, because there was no Kosovo exit stamp — although they were ultimately allowed in.
The Journey: Niš → Pristina by Bus
I booked my ticket via the GetByBus app in advance. The ride was in a minibus, and though space was limited, I managed to store my suitcase.
At the border, the driver collected everyone's passports. We didn’t need to leave the bus. Interestingly, no Kosovo entry stamp was given in my passport.
The total journey from Niš to Pristina took around 2.5 hours, with scenic views along the way.
Accommodation in Pristina
I stayed for 3 nights at Center House Hostel for just €23 (~¥3,800).
Super affordable!
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Kosovo is known as Europe’s youngest country, and it might also be the cheapest. The local population is very young, and English is widely spoken in the city.
It’s also becoming a hotspot for digital nomads from across Europe. Wi-Fi is decent, making it a great place for longer stays.
💡 Bonus: Despite being in Eastern Europe, Kosovo uses the Euro (€).
Food in Pristina – My Top Picks
Liburnia
A popular restaurant serving traditional Kosovar dishes.
I ordered Tava, a beloved dish across the Balkans, and Peja, a local beer. Simple, hearty, and delicious.
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Margo Garden Bar
I stumbled upon this place by chance and had a pizza + pumpkin soup for just €5!
Great taste, generous portions — unbelievable value compared to Western Europe.
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Hidden Local Spot
A local guest recommended a small, unlisted eatery.
They served a whole roasted chicken with sauce and bread — rustic and satisfying.
Warning: The portion is huge and a bit dry by the end.
If you’re curious, the place is near the map below.
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Cafes for Remote Work in Pristina
Newborn Brew
My #1 recommendation for remote work. Their cold brew is so popular it sometimes sells out.
Go early in the morning to get a seat — you’ll find lots of fellow digital nomads focused on work.
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LAVJERRS CULTURE CAFE
Open until 11 PM with plenty of seating.
Stylish interior, quiet atmosphere, and reliable Wi-Fi make it a solid spot for nighttime productivity.
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Final Thoughts
Pristina isn’t packed with tourist attractions, but it’s a great destination if you’re looking for:
- Quiet time to work
- Affordable long-term stays
- A young, English-speaking population
- A growing digital nomad scene
If you're a remote worker or slow traveler looking for a hidden gem in Europe, Pristina should be on your radar.
