The city of Prishtina will always feel like home to me. It’s where I spent much of my childhood – where I ran around with my friends, soaked up local music, and began to dream about what kind of artist I might become one day. It’s a place that shaped not just who I am as a person, but who I am as a musician.
And Prishtina is also home to something very close to my heart: Sunny Hill Festival – now in its sixth year. Our family-run music festival, dreamed up by my father – AKA “Dadager”, Dugi – is back this weekend, and it’s set to be our biggest celebration yet. What started as a bold idea to bring international music to Kosovo has now become a cultural moment. I still remember the emotion of our first edition, where I headlined alongside incredible artists including Martin Garrix and Grace Carter – I am endlessly grateful to them for believing in our vision from the beginning.
This year, we’re welcoming a truly global lineup, with headliners including Shawn Mendes, Peggy Gou and Fatboy Slim. It’s a weekend of extraordinary music and electric energy, but Sunny Hill has always been so much more than just a festival. It’s a celebration of Kosovo’s creative spirit, a spotlight on its emerging talent and a warm invitation to discover the beautiful culture, cuisine and community of Prishtina.
From its cafes and buzzing bar scene to the independent bookstores, art galleries and historic landmarks, Prishtina is a city that deserves to be seen and felt; through music, yes, but also through all the other parts that make it so special. I want everyone who visits Sunny Hill, or Kosovo at any other time of the year, to fall in love with this city the way I have.
So, in true Service95 style, I’ve put together my ultimate three-day guide to Prishtina: a personal take on the places, people and experiences I think you’ll love just as much as I do. I hope you enjoy it...
Day 1
The First Step Is... Checking into the right hotel. For those seeking luxury and relaxation, Hotel Swiss Diamond or Courtyard Marriott offer classic elegance in the heart of the city. If you’re after something a little more design-led, Hotel Manami is a great choice (it’s also within walking distance to lots of the best bars!).
After Settling In... Take a stroll through the city centre and make your way to Soma Book Station. Part café, part bar, part bookstore, it’s a really cool space where you can sip a coffee (or a cocktail!), browse the shelves and ease into the rhythm of the city.
Grab A Bite... At Sonder on Ukë Bytyçi, one of Prishtina’s most modern restaurants. It’s relaxed, stylish and definitely draws a creative local crowd. The sweet turkey bagel sandwich with fresh orange juice has to be part of your order.
From There, Head To... Dukagjini Bookstore, just 15 minutes away. It’s one of the best shops in the city for all things literature and worth a quiet browse – whether or not you plan to, you’ll leave with a book in hand.
Ease Into Your First Evening...With dinner at Renaissance at 35 Musine Kokalari, an elegant spot serving up traditional Kosovan cuisine. I’d recommend any of the meat dishes with mushrooms.
As Night Falls... Head to Monroe on Fehmi Agani, a retro-inspired cocktail bar where the vibe is effortlessly cool and the playlist rarely misses. Expect velvet seating, warm lighting and a crowd that keeps the energy going late into the night.
Day 2
Begin Your Day At... Seven Sundays in Icon Tower, a warm, welcoming cafe that does brunch with real heart. (The blueberry pancakes are a must!) From there, you can take your time exploring central Prishtina: stop by the Newborn Monument, stroll Mother Teresa Boulevard and, if time allows, pop into the Kosovo National Gallery.
Get Your Fill At... Baba Ghanoush, with its delicious vegan and vegetarian Middle Eastern plates. The space is so relaxed, you feel like you could be eating in someone’s home.
Stop By... The National Library of Kosovo, just a 10-minute walk away from the restaurant. The building was designed by Croatian architect Andrija Mutnjaković in the 1980s – it’ss one of the city’s most unique architectural designs and a focal point of the University of Prishtina. Definitely worth checking out.
Book A Table At... Salt Prishtina, on Fehmi Agani. This is easily one of the city’s best dining spots, definitely one for a celebratory meal! It has a brilliant sushi selection and seafood offering.
Then, Spend Your Night Bar Hopping... Start at Churchill, where vintage decor and whisky flights set a sophisticated tone, then make your way to Servis Fantazia, a listening bar that plays great music, paired with even better cocktails – always hosting a rotation of the city’s newest DJs.
Day 3
Kick Off Your Final Day With... Breakfast atyour hotel, because if there’s one true luxury of staying in a hotel, it’s room service. You might as well make the most of it!
Then, Check Out... The Old Green Market, which it offers a glimpse into the traditional heart of Pristina and everyday local life. Here, you’ll find stalls with fresh fruits and vegetables, alongside nearby boutiques selling a mix of local goods and crafts. While you’re in the area, don’t miss the Ethnographic Museum: a beautifully preserved 18th-century cultural landmark that brings Kosovo’s history and heritage to life.
For Lunch, Head To... Tat’s on Simon Shiroka, another plant-based spotfor lunch. It’s quick and easy; perfect for when you’re on the move. I still think about the pulled mushroom burger...
Head Back To Your Hotel For... A quick reset. If you’re staying at Swiss Diamond, take advantage of the spa. Alternatively, have a disco nap or grab one final coffee at Hotel Manami’s ground-floor lounge and watch the city move around you.
Have Your Last Dinner At... Tiffany on Enver Zymberi, a local institution known for soulful, traditional cuisine done with real finesse. Order the Elbasani stew and the stuffed grape leaves; a perfect final bite to end your stay on something rich, warm, and 100% Prishtina.
