Car & Van Hire - Pristina

Pristina is an unusual destination and a great choice if you're looking to get off the beaten track. One of the youngest capital cities in Europe, it appeals to travellers with an interest in history and culture. Start with a photo opportunity by the Newborn Monument, a 2008 structure that spells out the word "Newborn" in colourful letters. This was put up to celebrate Kosovan independence, and its vivid colours represent hope for the future.

It's worth walking to the Mother Teresa Cathedral, named after the celebrated nun. Although Mother Teresa was famous for her work in India, she was ethnically Albanian, so she is a celebrated figure here. You can climb the bell tower of the cathedral for a stunning view across the city. From here, you can see the domed roof of another of the city's religious buildings, the unfinished and unused Christ the Saviour Orthodox Cathedral. You'll also have a view of the striking brutalist National University Library, with small white domes and a strange webbing style of architecture. This distinctive building has been voted one of the ugliest in Europe. You'll either love it or hate it!

The city is mostly Muslim, so another religious building worth checking out is the King's Great Mosque or Xhamia e Madhe. This building dates back to 1460. It was constructed by the Ottomans as a mosque and later converted into a Catholic church. Today, it is once again a working mosque. You will need to dress modestly to enter, with knees and shoulders covered; women must cover their hair. Inside, you will find stunning geometric designs and mosaics.

The best place to buy souvenirs is the Pristina Bazaar. A market first stood here in Ottoman times when it was the heart of the city. It was destroyed during the conflicts of the 20th century but has now been restored. You'll find anything and everything in this market, from fresh fruit and vegetables to clothes, handicrafts and electronics.

Use car hire in Pristina to visit the Bear Sanctuary, perhaps the best in Europe. Until the year 2010, it was legal to keep bears as domestic animals in Kosovo. After new laws forbidding animal cruelty were introduced, the Bear Sanctuary rescued a number of these beautiful creatures. Today, they live in a peaceful, natural environment. This is a great attraction for all ages, as visitors can admire the bears from a respectful distance. There's also an educational element, which kids will find fascinating.

Another great option for car or van hire in Pristina is a road trip to Peja. This is one of the most beautiful regions of Kosovo, where you can hike through gorges, discover stunning caves and swim in lakes.

Driving in the city of Pristina doesn't present any major problems. Most parking is paid for. You can do this using either a meter or an app. If you are using a meter, be sure you are carrying cash - sometimes, cards are not accepted. Parking is exceptionally cheap in comparison with most European capitals.

You should keep a clear head on Kosovan roads. Many of the vehicles around you will be very old, and they are often poorly maintained, lacking front or rear lights. Speeding and other forms of reckless driving are quite common. As long as you remain conscientious on the roads, you should be fine.

Outside the city, driving can be a bit more adventurous. The highways are generally in good condition, and there are no tolls. However, a road trip across Kosovo will often involve driving on country roads. These can be narrow and in poor condition. You might be sharing the road with everything from armoured military vehicles to horse-drawn buggies. Animals are also a regular sight. You'll often find yourself sharing the road with livestock, like sheep or goats, stray dogs or even wild animals like foxes.

Take particular care when driving in winter. In mountainous regions, fog can present a major hazard, reducing visibility significantly. Roads often have no lighting at all, and signs are infrequent. It is best to avoid driving at night to stay safe.

Be sure to carry cash to pay for petrol, as many petrol stations do not have facilities for card payments.

Pristina is near the border with Serbia. Due to ongoing disputes about the status of Kosovo, the border crossing is patrolled on both sides. Serbia does not recognise Kosovo and will only allow travellers to enter if they have previously been in Serbia. If you have a valid, recent Serbian entry stamp in your passport, you can cross from Kosovo into Serbia. Without a stamp, you cannot cross the border. In practice, if you would like to visit both countries as part of one trip, it is far easier to start from Serbia and then go to Kosovo. Don't worry about crossing the border by accident - with army patrols on both sides, this is impossible.