Pristina

Pristina, the vibrant capital of Kosovo, is a city where old meets new. Walking through its streets, you'll find Ottoman-era architecture alongside modern buildings, telling the story of its rich and complex past.

The city has several landmarks worth checking out. The Newborn Monument, a typographic sculpture celebrating Kosovo's independence, changes its design each year. There's also the National Library with its unique architectural style, often described as one of the ugliest buildings in the world – but in a way that's so bizarre it becomes fascinating.

The local food scene is a delight, featuring traditional Balkan dishes with Turkish and Albanian influences. Make sure to try the burek (a savory pastry) and macchiato coffee – Pristina is known for having some of the best coffee in the Balkans at surprisingly affordable prices.

Despite being one of Europe's youngest capitals (Kosovo declared independence in 2008), Pristina has a long history dating back to prehistoric times. The city has been under various rules including Byzantine, Ottoman, and Yugoslav before becoming what it is today.

The people are notably welcoming to visitors, with many young locals speaking excellent English. The city has a youthful energy, partly due to having one of the youngest populations in Europe.