What is a souvenir? A trinket you take away from a place visited, a memento of fun times in a new destination, something you buy as a gift? What do you look for when choosing that memory: something more generic that immediately brings to mind all touristy things, or a carefully crafted, meaningful piece that contains the multitudes of a country’s and a people’s history, culture, and soul? There is something deeply alluring and warm in handmade souvenirs in small, independent shops run by local artists.
Every single souvenir carries within it the fabric of emotions and feelings that the artist has poured into its making. In that, you have found yourself a treasure. There is such a treasure trove in the heart of Prishtina: as easy to find as it is easy to overlook - if you are not paying attention to the surroundings as you walk along one of the few remaining cobbled-stone alleyways in Kosovo’s capital.
Nestled between a modern glass-wall building and another, older, building, Art e Zanat (Art and Craft) souvenir shop displays the beautiful inner world of its founder, Ilire Lepaja. Every magnet, postcard, tote bag, and embroidered pillow is carefully made by her. Tradition-old motifs with a modern twist. The small place, artfully crafted with splashing colors, natural materials, and charming designs is located right behind the main government building. From there, you can walk to many stylish cafes in the downtown area or visit the statue of Scanderbeg.
Find your way with 77 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Remembering the Missing" in Prishtina is a plaque that commemorates the 1,600 people whose fate no-one knows still, 20 years after the war in Kosovo...
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Taverna Hije is the coziest spot ever! The food is delicious too; they come up with different daily menus and it is usually a meat & pasta lover’s heaven!
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Here you can find kifle with no filling or with chocolate, jam, cheese and sausage. And byrek or mantia with meat, spinach, and cheese as well.
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Embeltore "Elida" was the epicenter of fashion, intellectual life and society of Prishtina in the '80s. Get an old-fashioned sweet & travel back in time!
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One of my favorite woman artists in Prishtina in Teuta Kelmendi. Her sketches, almost like cartoons, follow her in her coffee outings in various cafes...
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"MANA Board Game Bar" in Prishtina has an impressive range of board games. It's easy-going, like a friend's kitchen. They also have snacks & alc. drinks!
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"Craftsmen's Center" in Prishtina is a concentration of shops & eateries that's been changing since the '80s. What you know this place as reveals your age!
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Once you have a coffee, a homemade cookie or a snack at "Gambini" in Prishtina, you can then claim you've found a well-kept secret of the truly local...
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This holiday season, choose gifts that will make local artists and entrepreneurs in Prishtina happy! Let's start with the community women of Sa-Punë...
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"DhÉ" in Prishtina is the brainchild of Granita who offers handmade, hand-painted, air-dried clay goods made with love. Everything in the shop is fabulous!
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A slice is often not enough, so it’s a good thing they have a shelf full of cake varieties all the time.
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"Remember Me Prishtina" has been catering to a diverse crowd seeking premium quality tea, coffee, and wine (and sweet tooths) since 2018...
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77 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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