72 hours I want Lips in Pristina

And Pristina is also home to something very dear to me: Sonny Hill Festival now in his sixth year. Our music festival, run by our family and dreamed by my father, otherwise known as “Dadager” Dugi, come back this weekend and it's expected to be our biggest party so far. 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 was one of the leading artists along with great names like Martin Garrix and Grace Carter I'm indefinitely grateful to them who believed in our vision from the very beginning.

This year, we welcome a truly international formation, with key names like Shawn Mendez, Peggy Gou and Fatboy Slim. It's a weekend of extraordinary music and electrifying energy, but Sunny Hill has always been much more than just a festival. It is a holiday of the creative spirit of Kosovo, a reflection for developmental talent and a warm invitation to discover Pristina's culture, kitchen and beautiful community.

From vibrant cafes and bars to independent libraries, art galleries and historical monuments, Pristina is a city that deserves to be seen and felt; through music, yes, but also through all other parts that make it so special. I want all who visit Sonny Hill, or Kosovo at any other time of the year, to fall in love with this city as I do.

In the true style of Service95, I have prepared my personal guide for three days in Pristina: a personal selection of countries, people and experiences that I think you will want just as much as I do. I hope you enjoy...

Day 1

The first step is... Recording in the right hotel. For those who seek luxury and relaxed, Hotel Swiss Diamond or Courtard Marriott offers classic grace in the heart of the city. If you look for something more modern and specially designed, the Manami Hotel is an excellent choice (and is within the distance to the feet by many of the best grasses!)

Once you're settled... Take a walk downtown and stop at the Soma Book Station. A place that is part cafe, part bar, and part of a library a very pleasant place to drink coffee (or cocktail!), to look through the books and enter the city's rhythm.

To eat... Try Sonder on Uke Bytyci Street, one of Pristina's most modern restaurants. It's a relaxed place and style, which attracts a creative local public. The sandwich with the sweet turkey and fresh orange juice should be part of your order.

Then go to... Dukagini Library, only 15 minutes away. One of the city's finest libraries for everything related to literature even if you don't plan on buying a book, you'll come out with one in your hand.

In the evening... Darconi at Renaisance on the Musine Kokalari 35 Street, an elegant place that serves traditional Kosovo cuisine. I would recommend every plate of meat with mushrooms.

When night falls... Go to Monroe on Fehmi Agani Street, a retro cocktail bar with a cold atmosphere and fantastic music. Wait for seats with brocade, warm lighting, and a public that keeps energy alive until late.

Day 2

Start the day... Seven Sundays in Icon Tower, a warm and hospitable coffee shop with a complete heart. (The blueberry tablets are essential!) Next, explore the centre of Pristina: stop at the Newborn Monument, walk to Mother Teresa Boulevard and, if you have time, enter the National Gallery of Kosovo.

For lunch... Try Baba Ghanoush, with the vegetarians and vegetarians of the Middle East. Space is so comfortable that you feel like you're in someone's house.

Stop at... The National Library of Kosovo, only 10 minutes on foot from the restaurant. Built by Croatian architect Andrija Mutnjaković in the years 80s is one of the most unique buildings in the city and reference points for the University of Pristina. It really is worth a visit.

Rebook a table at... Salt Pristina, on Fehmi Agani Street. One of the best places for dinner perfect for a festive meal! They offer beautiful sushi and sea fruit.

In the evening, make a tour of the bar... Start at Churchill, where the vitage and the toilet menu start the night in style. Then go to Sévis Fantia, a bar of nynily discs and great cocktails always with local young DJs.

Day 3

Start your last day with... Morning at the hotel because if there's a real luxury when you're at the hotel, it's room service. Why not use it?

Then visit... The Old Green Bazaar, which gives you a glimpse of Pristina's traditional daily life. You will find fresh fruits and vegetables stands, as well as nearby busts that sell domestic products and artisans. Do not lose even the nearby Ethnographic Museum: a cultural monument preserved from the 18th century bringing to life the history and heritage of Kosovo.

For lunch, go to... Tatés on Simon Shiroka Street, another plant-based food site. Quick and easy is ideal when you're on the move. I'm still thinking about the burger with the pulled mushrooms...

Back to the hotel for... A quick break. If you're in Swiss Diamond, use the spa. Or make a “disco nap” or have a last cup of coffee in the floor lobby of the Manami Hotel and see the city moving around you.

Last dinner, eat at... Tiffany on Enver Zymber Street, a local institution known for the traditional soul kitchen, prepared with real skill. Order the wall of Elbasan and the Japanese a perfect taste to complete your stay with something rich, warm and 100% Pristina. /Service95