Pristina

Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, is a lively, youthful and fast-changing city, the beating heart of one of the world's youngest nations. Energetic and quirky, it blends the remnants of an Ottoman old quarter, with the Çarshia Mosque, the Great Hammam and the Ethnographic Museum, alongside striking and eclectic modern landmarks: the unusual National Library, the colourful Newborn monument celebrating independence, and a boulevard honouring Bill Clinton. Above all, Pristina is defined by its spirited café culture, buzzing bars and warm, welcoming people, giving it an optimistic, distinctive atmosphere quite unlike anywhere else.

What you actually see

• The Newborn monument - the landmark celebrating independence.
• The old Ottoman quarter - the Çarshia Mosque and Great Hammam.
• The National Library - the strikingly unusual building.
• The café culture - the buzzing bars and coffee scene.

When to go

April to October, for the warmest and most pleasant weather to explore on foot and enjoy the outdoor café culture; the city is lively year-round, with a spirited nightlife and a growing arts and music scene. Pristina is compact and easily seen in a day, often as the gateway to the rest of the country.

Honest expectations

Pristina is not a conventionally pretty capital, being a somewhat chaotic, fast-developing city with mixed architecture and few blockbuster sights, so its appeal is its energy, youthful spirit, café culture and warm people rather than beauty or grand monuments. For a genuinely distinctive, optimistic and welcoming capital, an intriguing window into Europe's youngest nation with its quirky landmarks and buzzing atmosphere, though, Pristina is a fascinating and friendly place.

Nearby

The Gračanica monastery, Prizren and the Gadime cave are within reach.