tourism in kosovo

How to travel to Kosovo in 2024

By Joan Torres 7 Comments Last updated on April 12, 2024

This travel guide to Kosovo contains everything you need to know to visit one of the youngest countries in the world , including safety, moving around, top experiences, best time to visit, historical context, and more.

Only independent since 2008, Kosovo is a partially recognized country that split from Serbia, putting an end to many years of an unfortunate conflict.

This landlocked country was part of our 2-month road trip across the Balkans, and it was one of our favorite parts.

Along with Transnistria , and perhaps Belarus , Kosovo might be the least visited country in Europe, home to a pretty authentic and untouched culture that chaotically combines their love for rakija (local liquor) with the large presence of mosques, a gorgeous Ottoman architecture and a strong coffee culture, not forgetting occasional Serbian villages filled with Orthodox churches.

Intrepid travelers wishing to get off the beaten track – outside of Pristina and Prizren – will be able to have local experiences rarely seen in Europe, like when we went to the remote, barely visited southern corner that belongs to the Dragash region, composed of green, rolling hills dotted with tiny villages, where we were blessed with unprecedented European hospitality, like if we were traveling in the Middle East .

We enjoyed this tiny country like nowhere else in the continent, and this guide will tell you everything about traveling to Kosovo.

Check more guides to unrecognized countries .

In this Kosovo travel guide you find:

Table of Contents

• Current situation
• Historical context
•   Who recognizes Kosovo?
• Travel insurance
• Recommended books
• Best time to visit
• Top experiences
• Budget & money
• The culture
• Kosovo cuisine
• Where to stay
• Getting around
• More Information

Get travel insurance for traveling in Kosovo I recommend IATI Insurance , budget plans and good for multi-country backpacking. Get an exclusive 5% discount if purchasing via this link

🪪 How to get a visa for Kosovo

A visa is not needed for traveling to Kosovo.

Upon arrival, you’ll just get a friendly stamp which is valid for 3 months.

If you like collecting stamps, note that they don’t always stamp it, but you need to specifically ask for it.

📰 Need to know before traveling to Kosovo: the current situation

Note that this is a brief summary that only aims at giving you a minimum perspective.

Why does Kosovo want to become independent?

Kosovo is a country, or region, mainly composed of Serbs – who are Christian Orthodox – and Albanians – who are Muslims.

The first thing you need to know, however, is that the nation of Kosovo doesn’t exist.

Kosovar has been a nationality since 2008, but it’s not really a nation. It’s a region where Albanians and Serbs co-exist, both being Kosovars.

To make it extremely simple, the reason why the Kosovo became an independent state was because the Muslim Albanians didn’t want to be part of Serbia.

Why does Serbia claim Kosovo?

Until the 15th century and, for the last 250 years, Kosovo had been part of Serbia.

Not only that, but it was their spiritual homeland, home to the holiest churches and monasteries for the Serbian Orthodox.

In 1455, however, the Ottoman Empire took over today’s region of Kosovo, where they ruled for nearly 500 years.

The Ottoman Empire officially collapsed in 1912, when Serbia claimed both the moral and ethnic right to Kosovo.

After WWI, Kosovo was annexed to Serbia and Yugoslavia was founded.

The wake of Kosovar nationalism and independence

However, five centuries of Ottoman rule had shifted Kosovo’s demographics, the vast majority now being Muslim Albanians, so a period of Serbian colonization began under the recently formed Yugoslavia.

The following decades were characterized by several different episodes of repression against the Albanian population.

Albanian nationalism kept growing until the 1990s, when things escalated into an armed conflict that eventually turned into the Kosovo war of 1998-99 , a war that came with a death toll of 12,000 people. 

The war, however, didn’t solve Kosovo’s status and in fact, tensions and occasional clashes between Serbs and Albanians kept increasing. For example, the Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK) took advantage of the Serbian military withdrawal by burning Serbian churches and even arbitrarily killing Serbs.

Given all those tensions, the resolution of Kosovo couldn’t wait any longer and that’s why eventually, the UN came up with a plan and an agreement that would eventually allow Kosovo to become an independent state in 2008.

Who recognizes Kosovo?

Kosovo is one of the 9 unrecognized countries today found across the world, along with Western Sahara, South Ossetia, Abkhazia , Nagorno Karabakh, Transnistria , Northern Cyprus, Somaliland and Taiwan.

As of today, Kosovo is recognized by 97 out of 193 UN countries .

The USA, Australia, Canada, and most countries in the EU do recognize Kosovo, except for Spain, Cyprus, Greece, Romania and Slovakia.

Russia doesn’t recognize Kosovo either due to their strong ties with Serbia.

🚑 Travel insurance for Kosovo

Remember that for travel insurance that covers travel in Kosovo, you must select Serbia .

For this, I strongly recommend IATI Insurance :

• Multi-country coverage and up to 1-year trips
• Covers senior citizens too.
• 5% discount for being a readers of this blog

📚 Recommended books for traveling in Kosovo

Kosovo travel guide by bradt.

Super complete and updated, this is the most comprehensive travel guide to Kosovo available for sale, packed with practical information, tips and itineraries.

Kosovo: What Everyone Needs to Know

An easy-to-read history book, in which Tim Judah tries to answer all the conflict-related questions any traveler visiting Kosovo should ask. However, the book is written from a pro-Albanian stand point, and it often omits the atrocities committed by Albanians in the 90s.

⛅ Best time to visit Kosovo

Like most countries in Europe, Kosovo is a year-round destination but obviously, some seasons are better than others.

Read: Useful tips and how to travel to Ukraine

Traveling to Kosovo during spring and autumn

The best time to travel to Kosovo is during these seasons, when the weather is pleasant, but the main attractions aren’t overrun by crowds of tourists.

Traveling to Kosovo in summer

While this might seem the ideal season to visit the country, the truth is that it’s the high season for the Kosovo diaspora – Kosovar nationals living abroad – who like to spend the holidays in their homeland.

Note that the Kosovo diaspora is nearly 50% of the total population.

Traveling to Kosovo in winter

Winters are cold in Kosovo, with many areas covered in snow but if you don’t mind the freezing weather, it could also be a great time to visit the country.

🛫 How to travel to Kosovo

Traveling to kosovo by air.

Pristina (PRN) has an international airport with connections to many European cities, especially those in countries with a large diaspora population, including Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Norway.

Common stopovers to Pristina are Vienna, Frankfurt, Geneva, London, Munich, or Istanbul.

Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, EasyJet, Wizzair, Pegasus or Turkish Airlines, among many others, are the most common airlines.

Traveling to Kosovo by land border

Your trip to Kosovo might also include neighboring Balkan countries, so you will be likely to either enter or exit through one of its many borders.

We actually traveled to Kosovo via Albania and left via North Macedonia.

Currently, Kosovo shares a border with Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia.

All of them are easy, and pretty straightforward to cross, except for Serbia.

Traveling to Kosovo from Serbia

The border is open, anyone can cross, but be aware that tensions between both countries still exist.

Occasionally, if crossing by bus, you’ll be escorted by a car from the Serbian Army for the first few kilometers of no man’s land but, other than that, you should be fine.

Serbia doesn’t recognize the international borders of Kosovo so, in the eyes of Serbia, if you enter Kosovo from either Montenegro, Albania or North Macedonia, you’d be entering Serbia illegally.

If that was the case, your entry to Serbia will be denied.

However, if you travel to Kosovo from Serbia and then decide to come back, you’ll be allowed to enter.

⚠️ Is it safe to travel to Kosovo?

Despite a relatively recent conflict, Kosovo is a safe country to travel.

There’s little petty crime compared to other European countries and, while tensions between Serbs and Albanians keep occurring – as happened in 2022 – it shouldn’t really affect your travels.

NATO Presence

Kosovo isn’t a member of NATO, but there’s a large NATO presence across Kosovo.

You are likely to see their tanks and armored vehicles, especially when you visit Serbian Heritage sites, like Dečani Monastery.

🛖 Top experiences in Kosovo

Anyone traveling to Kosovo shouldn’t miss:

Visiting the most low-key capital in Europe, Pristina

Years of war and conflict left an impoverished country with little money to invest in monuments and make things pretty.

Something that really surprised me about Pristina is that the buildings from the city’s downtown, like the ones located in the main square, could easily be the buildings from the suburbs of a secondary city near Madrid, very low key.

However, among all that decadence, there are little oases composed of chic cafés serving the best coffee I had outside of Italy.

Understanding the Serbian population by visiting a Serbian village

Anyone visiting Kosovo should add one or two Serbian-majority places in the itinerary, since Serbs have been living here for tens of generations, and they are also part of the unfortunate recent history.

Checking out some pretty gorgeous Ottoman architecture, like in Prizren and Djakova

The Turks ruled over Kosovo for 500 years, leaving behind a very tangible cultural heritage, including some epic architecture.

Exploring the rolling hills and villages of the barely visited region of Dragash

We really liked this area, and not only because it was pretty, but also because we had the best local experience in the entire Balkan Peninsula, people who would randomly invite us to their house to have tea, like in Pakistan.

Discovering a traditional Albanian city in Peja

Peja is a big city by Kosovar standards and we liked it because it was a really authentic Albanian city with little foreign influence, unlike Pristina, where one can already feel some cosmopolitanism.

💰 Budget and money

Surprisingly, the official currency in Kosovo is the euro (€).

They adopted it unilaterally without permission from the EU back in 2012.

Everything is quoted in €, you can’t use other currencies. Banks give € too.

In a majority-Serbian village, however, I saw that prices were quoted in Serbian Dinars, but € were accepted too.

ATMs and credit cards

In Pristina, you can pay by debit card in many restaurants and hotels but it’s always convenient to have some extra cash just in case.

Outside of the capital, you might be able to pay by card in certain fancier hotels but do bring cash for the rest.

How much does it cost to travel in Kosovo?

Kosovo is by far, the cheapest country in the world that uses the €.

Outside of the capital, sometimes we paid 40 cents for a magnificent espresso. In a fancy coffee house in the capital, you’ll pay up to 1€.

Eating out is surprisingly cheap too. In the most touristic street of Prizren, we paid 14€ (2 people) for a 2-meal course and 3 beers.

In local eateries, expect to pay no more than 3€ or 4€ for a meal.

Regarding accommodation, you can easily find a budget dorm for less than 10€, while a double room in a simple guest house will cost 20€ or 25€.

Buses are cheap too; the bus from Pristina to Prizren costs around 5€.

🕌 Kosovo: the country, culture, and people

As mentioned in the beginning, Kosovo is a region composed of Albanians and Serbians.

Serbs are Christian Orthodox and speak Serbian, while Albanians are Muslims and speak Albanian.

Both languages are official and road signs tend to be bilingual.

There are other minorities too. For example, in Restelica, we had the chance to meet Gorani people, a Muslim Slavic group. While this might not sound very exciting to you, you should know that being Slavic and Muslim at the same time isn’t very common.

As mentioned in the beginning, the Kosovar nation doesn’t really exist so instead, most Kosovar Albanians have a strong Albanian identity, visible in the large number of Albanian flags that abound across the country.

Do Serbians and Albanians still hate each other? From a military standpoint, the tension is pretty obvious but, what about the people?Is there ethnic segregation? Well, first of all, you need to know that today, only 10% of the Kosovar population are Serbs, and they tend to live in separate areas, like in Serbian villages. The only place where there’s actual tension is in the city of Mitrovica, a big city half Serbian, half Albanian. Due to the increasing tension, the city is being guarded by the carabinieri (the Italian police). Like in all worldwide ethnic conflicts, hate will always exist, it will never go away – think about Israel and Palestine – but today, most of the current hate is concentrated among extremists and people with a lower level of education. If you talk to any well-educated person in either Pristina or Prizren, you’ll realize that most people wish to put an end to such pointless disputes.

🍲 Cuisine in Kosovo

The food in Kosovo is similar to that in Albania but you don’t find as many Greek and Mediterranean flavors, so no olive oil, for example.

Instead, I found Kosovar food to have a higher Turkish influence, and more meat-based than neighboring Albanian.

The staple food in Kosovo are grilled kebabs, generally eaten in local eateries named qebaptore , and something you must try for a local experience.

Do go to a qebaptore for breakfast, and you are likely to find many locals.

Other typical Kosovar dishes include:

Suxhuk: a spicy sausage, usually eaten cold. It’s sold everywhere.

Tavë Kosi: baked lamb with yogurt. If you eat this in the right place, it’s incredibly delicious

Sarma: rolled cabbage leaves, typically eaten in all former Ottoman countries, but each country has its own local twist

Byrek: pastry layers filled with minced meat, spinach or cheese. This is also a staple, and sold in all bakeries, usually washed down with ayran (drinkable yogurt with salt)

Alcohol in Kosovo

Despite being a predominantly Muslim country, Kosovo is mostly secular, where you can buy beer anywhere, and it’s always cheap, never more than 2€ for a bottle.

In fact, something that really surprised me about Kosovo is the large quantity of beer ads popping up everywhere.

Peja is by far, the most available ordinary lager.

There’s a tiny craft beer scene as well, the most popular brewery being Pivdzan Craft Brewery .

Moreover, like in all the Balkans, rakija is popular too, a local liquor usually homemade containing typically between 40% and 50% of alcohol.

Coffee in Kosovo

Similar to neighboring Albania and, as part of the short Italian colonization, the coffee culture in Kosovo is a strong one. Kosovars make excellent coffee, and slurping an espresso, while talking to their friends, is their way to socialize.

Even in the smallest village, you are likely to find a café serving a really good espresso, or macchiato, and all for no more than 40 50 cents.

🏨 Accommodation: Where to stay in Kosovo

From budget hostels to guest houses and premium hotels, Kosovo is well sorted for accommodation, you won’t have any problem trying to find a hotel.

We spent at least one night in Pristina, Prizren, Djakova, Peja and Restileca.

We did have problems finding accommodation in Restileca (Dragash region) but that’s because there’s no tourist infrastructure, and in the end, someone rented us a room in his house, for like 20€.

Find the best accommodation in Pristina

Find the best accommodation in Prizren

Find the best accommodation in Djakova

Find the best accommodation in Peja

🛺 Transportation: How to get around Kosovo

We hired a car, so we didn’t take any public transportation, but we met several backpackers who were traveling by bus.

There are no trains, but all cities are well-connected by buses, and they are really cheap.

Expect to pay no more than 5€ for the bus journey between Pristina and Prizren.

❗ More Travel Guides to Other Unrecognized Countries

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

• Travel Guide to Abkhazia
• Transnistria Travel Guide
• Somaliland Travel Guide
• Somaliland Itinerary
• Fear and Loathing in Somaliland

I entered Kosova by bus from Albania and they didn’tstampmy passport. My whole purpose was to be in Kosova for only 3 months in order to be allowed to return to Albania . Now what can I do? I’m in pistren

no worries, you are in their system, the stamp is not proof of anything

Very useful article, Kosovo seems like a very interesting place despite it being a small country. What entices me most about this place is the nature and the coffee.

It is an intersting and informative article. You have some parts that are not correct though like “They adopted it unilaterally without permission from the EU back in 2012.” That is not true because a country cannot use another currency without permission. Also the number of serbs in Kosovo is barely 5% and in the article it says it is 10%. “However, the book is written from a pro-Albanian stand point, and it often omits the atrocities committed by Albanians in the 90s.” – This part is also nonsense because 90% of the victims were albanian and the book talks about all the atrocities that happened during the conflict.

Thank you for giving your opinions

So from what I read here you can either choose to enter Kosovo from either Serbia, or from one of the other borders. But you cant enter via the other country and then enter Serbia, due to the border recognition issues.

I have a potential itinerary where I would enter from Serbia and exit via Macedonia. Would that reverse be possible? I presume so, right? Because only entering Serbia from Kosovo is the issue? Just want to make sure though.

Hi Mohit, I think it should be all right!

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Visit Kosovo: Complete Itinerary of the Best Things to do in Kosovo

August 26, 2017 by Karen Turner 23 Comments

If you’re doing a Balkan trip, you might be passing through Kosovo.  Often, Pristina, Kosovo is a transfer point for Balkan buses, but Kosovo is much more than Pristina.

If you only visit Pristina, you’ll miss out on the many other things to do in Kosovo. Kosovo tourism is still developing, so expect friendly locals, cheap hotels, and a lot of beautiful places. Keep reading for a Kosovo itinerary with the best places to visit in Kosovo.

This is a travel guide to Kosovo for independent travelers.  Although many people take tours in Kosovo, they are not necessary as Kosovo is safe with a robust bus system, friendly locals, and low crime. It is not a war zone.

However, there are regions ( Mitrovicë ) more prone to ethnic tensions that may not be advised for visitors ( check travel advisories beforehand).  I consider it one of the best countries to visit on a budget.  Let’s just get this of the way now saying that Kosovo is a country is political.

• 1 Table of Contents
• 2 Where is Kosovo?
• 3 Kosovo’s History: A Quick Explanation WHY it matters
• 4 Kosovo Travel Basics
• 5 Visiting Kosovo and Serbia on one trip
• 6 Why visit Kosovo?
• 7 Quick summary of the best things to do in Kosovo
• 9 Where to eat in Pristina
• 10 Where to stay in Pristina
• 11 How to get from Pristina Airport into City 
• 12 Day Trip from Pristina
• 14 Day Trips from Peja
• 16 Day Trip from Gjakova
• 18 Weekend trips from Prizren & Day trips from Prizren
• 19 If you’re interested in moretips for Kosovo, check out Lavdi’s blog for insider tips from a Kosovo local. ​(Thank you to Lavdi for helping me edit/double check this guide!)
• 20 Have you visited Kosovo? 

Table of Contents

Where is kosovo.

• A brief history of Kosovo
• Which currency is used in Kosovo?
• Is Kosovo safe? Yes
• Visa to Kosovo
• Why Visit Kosovo?
• Quick summary of things to do in Kosovo
• Pristina.  Best things to do in Pristina & Day Trips from Pristina
• Peja.  Best things to do in Peja & Day Trips from Peja.
• Gjakova.  Best things to do in Peja & Day Trips from Gjakova.
• Prizren.   Best things to do in Prizren & Day Trips from Prizren.

Kosovo is nestled in the Balkans. It’s in between Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, and Macedonia.  It’s okay if your geography isn’t great, however Kosovo has a great bus network to/from other countries, which makes both Prizren and Pristina great transfer points for buses in the Balkans.

Many people only visit Prizren or Pristina en route to other places; however, this tiny country has incredibly friendly locals who speak good English, gorgeous architecture, great transportation, a unique blend of cultures, and natural beauty.

Kosovo’s History: A Quick Explanation WHY it matters

That said, Kosovo has had many difficulties becoming recognized by different institutions (including the United Nations) as a result of Serbia’s contention that Kosovo is part of Serbia. As a result, Kosovo citizens have some of the worst passports in the world , marginally better than the passport of South Sudan and North Korea.

Kosovo is getting recognized by more countries, but Kosovo is not universally recognized as an independent country (hence why you might read that Kosovo is a disputed territory).  Simply, writing that Kosovo is a country is inherently political.

However, I call Kosovo a country and I am lucky to call Lavdi, a born and raised Kosovo citizen who has struggled to travel with a Kosovo passport, a friend.

(Edit: I’ve now visited Serbia and I understand this post may be very difficult for many Serbians, but I’ve met Serbians who have visited Kosovo recently.  They commented that they did not feel that people were hostile in any manner and if anything, many Albanians that they met wanted to practice Serbian with them as it had been many years since they had spoken with them.  However, others preferred to speak in English.)

Kosovo Travel Basics

• The currency that is used is the Euro.
• The predominant language and ethnic group is Albanian. Serbians and Serbian speakers are the biggest minority group. There are other ethnic groups as well.
• Albanians and Serbians are culturally and religiously distinct .
• Cities often have two names: An Albanian name and a Serbian name.
• Kosovo has a robust bus system although you need to double-check the schedule one day before you leave (or just hop on the next bus). You typically pay on the bus.
• Hitchhiking is easy (and fairly normal).  Buses in Kosovo run regularly between major cities, but schedules are less regular for smaller cities/natural parks.

Visiting Kosovo and Serbia on one trip

Why visit kosovo.

Kosovo is one of those countries that make you want to travel more and it’s also one of the best countries for Americans to visit.  People in Kosovo are very kind to travelers, sometimes to the point that you wonder what you’ve done to deserve the kindness that others show to you.

If you’re American, it’s due to America’s role in advocating Kosovo’s independence.  If you’re from anywhere else, it’s simply because you’re a tourist and Kosovo is developing itself as a European destination for tourism.

Simply:  You will feel welcome here.

People from Kosovo are often happy that you’re visiting their country as a tourist and out of ALL the countries in the world, you’d decide to spend your money visiting their country.  Be expected to answer the question on why you’ve decided to visit Kosovo.

It might seem strange, but given Kosovo’s issues being recognized as a country, you will feel like a beloved guest everywhere you go.

Expect random acts of kindness: free desserts, strangers thanking you for coming to Kosovo, free rides to faraway towns, and strangers offering to help you.

As someone who has traveled many places, I have never experienced a country like Kosovo–and it’s really become a special place to me.

Kosovo is a place that can seem like a backpacker’s paradise as it’s inexpensive, but do not mistake its low costs for a lack of interesting things to do. It just means that Kosovo tourism will be booming in a few years once people realize how much is possible within this tiny country.

Quick summary of the best things to do in Kosovo

• Visit Kosovo’s gems: Prizren, Peja, Gjakova, and Pristina
• Visit Kosovo’s beautiful mosques!
• Visit Kosovo’s UNESCO protected medieval monasteries. 
• Explore Kosovo’s beautiful markets
• Go hiking in Kosovo’s mountains!
• Experience the ridiculously warm hospitality of Kosovo citizens.
• Experience Kosovo’s historic cities and its new cities’ fascinating architecture

How many days to spend in Pristina?  One day in Pristina is probably enough, but maybe two days if you’ll be using it as a transit hub.

This modern capital of Kosovo hosts some of the most fascinating architecture and quirky statues that I’ve seen in a long time.  Pristina isn’t the most beautiful city, but it’s full of things to do.

Admittedly, if you only visit Pristina, you might be wondering where all the beautiful places in Kosovo are, but I encourage you to continue reading as Pristina is lovely and modern, but it’s not beautiful in a historic way as the other cities in Kosovo.

One of the best things to do in Pristina includes the National Library of Kosovo , which reminds me of the Hunger Games. I was just fascinated by the architecture!  It’s surrounded by the University of Pristina.

If you’re a fan of the Clintons [or not], say hi to Bill Clinton’s statue in Pristina and stop into Hillary I or Hillary II .  A fan of Hillary Clinton created a line of women’s business clothes inspired by her wardrobe.

Of course, you’ll find the infamous pant suits, but you’ll also find other suitable business clothes.  Gender equality remains a significant issue in Kosovo with many women not part of the labor force. As a result, I found this quirky store inspired by Hillary Clinton interesting.

If you’re into shopping , I recommend saving some euros to shop in Pristina in stores that aren’t necessarily inspired by Hillary Clinton.  Overall, Pristina felt even more fashionable than Amsterdam.

I ended up splurging on a fashionable jacket (30 euros) that I still use regularly. I routinely felt horribly underdressed when we were in Pristina as I went in my backpacker chic combination of hiking sneakers with jeans, and a hiking jacket.

A post shared by Lavdi Zymberi (@kosovogirltravels) on Jun 10, 2017 at 8:30am PDT

Some other things to do in Pristina include visiting the NEWBORN sign built to celebrate Kosovo’s independence, visiting the free Ethnographic Museum about Albanian traditions, and visiting some of Pristina’s ornate mosques .

Where to eat in Pristina

Pristina has some really cool and modern places to hang out in that make you feel like you’re anywhere in Europe.  If you’re looking for a more chill alternative place, eat at the cafe/restaurant Dit’ e Nat’ or hang out at Soma Bookstation , a bookstore/cafe/restaurant in Pristina.  We had a formal and delicious meal at Pishat for those looking for a good restaurant in Pristina.

Where to stay in Pristina

How to get from pristina airport into city , day trip from pristina.

Gračanica Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox monastery only about 20 minutes from Pristina that has been recognized by UNESCO. They are in the process of preserving the frescos and renovating the beautiful church in accordance with UNESCO requirements.

Peja was a city in Kosovo that surprised us in a good way.  Everything I read focused on Prizren and Pristina, but Peja felt very cosmopolitan yet accessible.

We spent our evenings trekking along Esad Mekuli street stepping into the various cafes for a drinks and macarons. We had a tasteful dinner in a beautiful environment at Art Design.

The Bazaar of Peja was also non-touristy and fascinating for travelers interested in learning more about Kosovo’s  cultural traditions. I spent a while admiring the extravagant and traditional gowns outside the many dress shops.

I was standing outside of one of the shops admiring a beautiful gold and white dress when the shopkeeper invited me in. She showed me her technique of hand-sewing each of the dresses with gold thread, which was incredible to see.  These elaborate gowns are created for brides as well as recently married women.

However, the other beautiful gowns are for married women attending a traditional Albanian wedding. Next to the Bazaar, you’ll find Peja’s historic mosque. Women will need to dress modestly to enter the mosque and it’s possible to pick up a hijab at one of the nearby shops in the market.

At night, we spent our evening cafe hopping along the main cafe street although I fell in love with Green Cafe for their delicious drinks and their live Albanian music.

Albanian folk music varies depending on the region, however we heard something that resembled Tallava [one of the styles of Albanian music you’ll hear] the most.  I found Albanian music to be upbeat and energetic. (It will make you want to dance!)

Finding live Albanian music can take some work, but it’s worth checking ahead online which cafes will have live music.

Day Trips from Peja

The Patriarchy of Peja (Serbian: Patriarchy of Peć) is a must if you visit Peja. This UNESCO Serbian monastery dates back to the 13th century.

This Eastern Orthodox church is actually a series of three churches that were connected together at a later point in time to form one church, however it is absolutely magnificent in terms of its interior.

It is an easy day trip, even on foot from Peja. You’ll need to carry your passport with you and possibly have to give it to the police outside of the monastery.

The setting itself is very calm, however there have been some attempts to burn down this historic building, which has resulted in the police verifying the identities of everyone who enters the property.

From the Patriarchy of Peja, you can see the beauty of the Rugova mountains with its dazzling streams and views, even if you don’t have much time in Peja.

If you’re into hiking , you will want to spend at least 2 days hiking in the Rugova canyon and the surrounding Accursed Mountains.

It’s even possible to do a climbing course / via ferrata Ari for an epic view of the canyon.  Similarly, there’s just a lot of hiking in the Rugova canyon and a lot of beautiful waterfalls.

Without a car, this area is harder difficult to access, however hitchhiking down the main road is possible (according to others) with a lot of patience for waiting… (We were not successful.)

There are some other stunning areas along the road between Peja and the Montenegro border, however you’ll need to plan where you want to go accordingly as there are specific entry points to various “famous” areas in the National Park, including Gjeravica (the second tallest mountain in Kosovo).

We did not give ourselves enough time to do proper hiking in the Accursed Mountains in Kosovo, but there’s also some mountaineering possible for those interested in more intense outdoor activities in Kosovo.

One of the prettiest waterfalls in Kosovo is White Drin Waterfall (Ujëvara e Drinit të Bardhë).  This beautiful waterfall (and one of the largest waterfalls in Kosovo) is about 20 minutes from Peja by car, but it is easy to spend most of a day here.   It’s possible by mini-bus (which doesn’t run often) or hitch-hiking towards Fierze [plus walking].

We struggled to find this waterfall until we realize that you had to pass directly through one of Peja’s best restaurants, Ujvara e Drinit , which has situated itself directly before the waterfall.  The food at this restaurant is exceedingly fresh with massive portions and you’ll want to have the smoked trout if you eat here.

The White Drin Waterfall is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Peja–and certainty one that you’ll not want to miss.  The surrounding water has a beautiful color and it’s especially beautiful in autumn.

After walking near the top of the waterfall, you can follow a sign to the newly opened Radac Caves (Shpella e Radacit).   These beautiful caves, known as the Sleeping Beauty caves, are home to hundreds of bats. It’s possible to explore the public areas with a reservation.

It is also possible to go caving in the underground canyon (which is still being explored and mapped out). However, you must make a reservation at least 2 days beforehand to allow them to get the equipment.

Cave spelunking (with a private guide who speaks quite good English) costs about 20 euros. (Click for more information about  caving in Kosovo ).

The Decani Monastery is another Serbian UNESCO protected monument in Kosovo. The monastery dates back to the 1300s and is one of the most well protected monuments as a result of the various arson attempts to destroy it.

The Decani Monastery has some of the best preserved frescoes of the Serbian Orthodox monasteries in Kosovo, so it is worth a visit.

You will need to give your passport to the NATO troops (who protect the building) at the checkpoint prior to entry. It’s a possible day trip from Peja although it’s probably best to stop off in Decani en route from Peja to Gjakova.

This market town has a really interesting laid back vibe. If you’re traveling from Peja to Prizren, it’s likely that you’ll transfer (or at least pass through) Gjakova by bus.

Gjakovë is famous for the oldest bazaar in Kosovo [ Grand Bazaar ] (although it’s partially rebuilt now). There’s something so charming about the beautiful wood lined stalls with artisans showing off their crafts and the many cozy cafes to sip coffee in as night falls. (It’s pronounced like Jack-o-va.)

 If you’re not entirely sold on Kosovo, you need to spend even one hour strolling the romantic and wide Çarshia e Madhe to soak in the culture and architecture.

Unfortunately, the main street of the Grand Bazaar in Gjakova was partially destroyed in World War I, World War II, and during the Kosovo War, however the residents have come back following a mass exodus of the population during the war.

Gjakova has many artisans that specialize in horse-related crafts if you’re looking for a unique gift to bring home with you although there’s no shortage of shops in this historic Balkan trading town.

Most important of all is the Hadum Mosque , which dates back to the 1500s. This beautiful and ornate mosque is built in a classic Islamic-Kosovar style, but its ornate paintings all over amazed me.

We had visited several mosques by this point, but the ornate decorations lining the dome certainly amazed me.

The most famous mosque of Gjakove is typically open day time to tourists, so however it’s good to say hi to the friendly imam who welcomes anyone into his mosque.

Non-muslim women aren’t required to wear a hijab although appropriate dress is still important , but it’s considerate to cover your hair when entering a mosque. Part of the mosque, including the historic library, was destroyed during the war, but they are slowly restoring the building to its pre-war beauty.

It is also possible to visit some of the preserved homes of traditional homes, including the home of Abdullah Pashë Dreni.  He was an Albanian tribal leader and a member of the Ottoman army, however his home boasts traditional Kosovo style architecture and artifacts. (We spotted a cute kitty there too!)

If you’re considering staying in Gjakova, you’ll find a few guesthouses.  As there aren’t that many options, I recommend booking in advance.

Day Trip from Gjakova

Prizren is one of the most beautiful cities in Kosovo and the second that you arrive, you’ll understand why anyone who visits only Pristina is missing out on one of Kosovo’s most beautiful places.

Prizren is a historic city in the southern part of Kosovo. Those passing through Kosovo from Macedonia are likely to travel through Prizren, which makes it an important transfer point for Balkan buses.

Prizren itself was mostly untouched by the Kosovo war, however the areas around Prizren suffered. However, Prizren is considered to be one of Kosovo’s most diverse cities in terms of ethnicities, which makes Prizren a nice introduction to Kosovo in terms of food/culture/history/nature.

You’ll also find many historic ruins around the city for history lovers.  Note: There are easy bus connections to Skopje from Prizren and Pristina from Prizren.

Any visitor to Prizren cannot miss Prizren fortress ( Kaljaja) for an free and epic view over the city. It’s best to visit close to sunset.  The Kaljaja dates back to medieval times and was built by the Byzantines with some later renovations from the Ottomans.   I found it fascinating to wander around its spacious grounds and to sit on the edge enjoying the best view of Prizren.

On your way up to the fortress, you may pass the entrance to the Church of the Holy Savior , a Serbian Orthodox church viewable from the fortress which dates back to the 1300s.

It was set on fire in 2004 and as a result, it may not be open for visitors when you visit Prizren.  There is a gate and a security guard, however if the security guard is not there, you cannot enter the church property.

One another must-see in Prizren (and Kosovo) is the historic and iconic Stone Bridge (Ura e Gurit) of Prizren.

This bridge was originally built back to the 1500s, however heavy floods in the 1970s destroyed it. The locals rebuilt it with love and it serves as the major pedestrian bridge in Prizren.

Those interested in Kosovo’s cultural heritage will want to visit the Sinan Pasha Mosque.  It is an Ottoman-style mosque dating back to the 1600s, however this large mosque is also said to be built with parts of a nearby Serbian monastery that fell into disrepair. Some of its paintings have faded due to water damage.

Most locals and tourists hang out in the main part of the city at night, which has a lively bar/cafe culture around the square surrounding Sheshi i Shadervanit. We were also lucky enough to spot a wild hedgehog, which made its way into the city centre (somehow).

Thanks to the recommendation of our hosts at Driza’s House, we ended up visiting a small local traditional restaurant (with amazing food)  at the top of the stairs above the movie theatre DokuKino  with live traditional Albanian music (and dancing) on the night that we were there.

Most cafes in Prizren typically play modern Albanian music and some standard European music, so we enjoyed this cafe.

We stayed at Driza’s House , which is a small hostel with a lot of character. It’s run by a young Albanian couple, one of whom grew up in the very house that you’re staying in.  It’s ridiculously clean and social. If you’re looking for a memorable experience, stay here.  We found the owners so helpful in terms of figuring out logistics for Kosovo.

If you’re interested in more tips for Kosovo , check out Lavdi’s blog for insider tips from a Kosovo local . ​(Thank you to Lavdi for helping me edit/double check this guide!)

Have you visited kosovo .

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

August 27, 2017 at 4:30 am

I really did not know much about Kosovo and never really thought about visiting but know I am really intrigued. The history is really fascinating and nice to hear it is a great place to visit on a budget. Adding to my list, so pinning for future reference.

August 27, 2017 at 6:09 am

Fantastic posts! Awesome that you’re dispelling any fears that people might have about traveling to such a beautiful area. Loved the Hillary Clinton stores.

August 27, 2017 at 7:53 pm

This is just wonderful! Really informative and helpful. Thank you so much.

August 27, 2017 at 8:49 pm

Ugh, I’m so jealous! My husband and I had this whole trip to the Balkans mapped out, and then we couldn’t go. Looks like a fabulous destination to see some fall foliage 🙂

August 27, 2017 at 8:51 pm

Very detailed post and beautiful writing. As an ethnic Serbian I have mixed feeling about this type of post due to the fact that the land was forcefully taken and our national landmarks going back to the 14th century were destroyed in the process. Nevertheless I hope that piece and mutual understanding from each side will come to flourish in the future.

August 27, 2017 at 9:48 pm

Hi Matea, Thank you for reading and I know that it’s a difficult topic. (I really respect that you’ve left a comment and I will be keeping it.)

I also am truly sad that these historic landmarks have been destroyed. I only hope that we can continue to preserve the ones that exist now and I am hopeful as I saw careful painting restorations to faded paintings going on when I visited Gračanica.

I only wish the best for the region with the end of tensions in the future and of course, it will take time for the wounds from both sides to heal. 🙂

Best, Karen

August 27, 2017 at 9:28 pm

argh your post is making me want to spend more time on my upcoming trip than I had planned. I am even more excited now. I can’t wait to see that Hillary shop! Too funny! Peja sounds really cool and I love all the Ottoman influence everywhere. You wrote this guide just in time for me…thanks!! LOL

August 28, 2017 at 1:16 pm

I really knew nothing about Kovoso before reading, but know I’m armed with knowledge! Seems to be definitely worth a visit some of the old towns look beautiful

August 28, 2017 at 7:32 pm

Comprehensive to say the least. I love the mixture of things to do. The elaborate gowns and macaroon hunting in the cities, nature for the explorers, monastery for the history buffs, Kosovo has it all. Great Guide for future travelers.

August 28, 2017 at 10:17 pm

Wow this was so in-depth and informative, I learned a ton! Hearing about how welcoming the people are made me really want to visit! Thanks for opening my eyes to the beauty and history of this country!

August 29, 2017 at 3:35 am

What an interesting read. I had no idea what a beautiful and accessible place Kosovo was. Thanks to your post it’s certainly on my radar now.

September 3, 2017 at 11:25 pm

You did not explore Gjilan region. It has a lot of things to see and explore. Its not just 4 cities mentioned in your blog. Read about Gjilan and Novobrdo.

September 7, 2017 at 11:40 am

Hi Kastriot, I didn’t, however I’m happy to update the post with more information about this region. Feel free to shoot me an email as I don’t know much about the region.

October 12, 2017 at 10:55 pm

I am just back from Kosovo and this country marked me like hardly any other. Unfortunately we didn’t have the time to visit Gdakova or do a hike in the Rukova canyon. 3 days are just not enough to explore Kosovo. We had lunch in the ArtDesgin restaurant too, such a quaint place 🙂 I also wanted to thank you for putting me in touch with Lavdi. She is such a smart girl and I am looking forward where the travel road will lead her. The generosity and kindness of Kosovo people will accompany me for a long time. Thank you for sharing so much in-depth information.

October 17, 2017 at 3:55 pm

Dear Karen and Jacob,

I’m must thank you for promoting Kosovo as touristic destination and sharing your impression with other people, how good is to visit Kosovo, very nice people to meet, nice attractive and historic places to visit, food is perfect …just perfect place … i would like to inform you that You can not visit Kosovo in short period of time, cause there are much more to see in Kosovo.

November 13, 2017 at 1:51 am

Hi! Thank you so much for this truly informative blog. I had been searching for information on Kosovo as we intend to go there as a family this Dec. We have yet to book our flight as prices continue to rocket because we want to keep our options open. I had my doubts on whether it is a country worth spending more than a week there. However, this blog post did it! I read it and sent the url to my hubby to read it too. We’ll search for the best-priced flights and with God’s will, we’ll be there next month. Can’t wait to plan out our itinerary there! Thanks again.

November 13, 2017 at 12:45 pm

There are a lot of places to visit especially during winter season. A week is enough to go through beautiful ski center and different cities as well as restaurants.

Fly to Austria or Turkey and then to Kosovo its much cheaper.

June 24, 2018 at 12:14 am

Hello, Interesting and good reads. Does anyone have any experience or advice on car camping in Kosovo and the region? Thanks!

June 25, 2018 at 2:10 pm

I’d check on travels of a bookpacker. They went overland.

June 26, 2018 at 10:25 pm

Hello, I will do that, thanks for the advice!

November 14, 2020 at 6:16 am

Hi Joe, There’s Camping ground in Prevalla only in summer time not sure if you can camp in your car ,but if you have tent or RV definitely can and you’ll love it there it’s very popular place where most Kosovars spent their weekend up there. Day trips many cottages and tents are up there and it’s super safe lots of fun. Locals cook a traditional dish called Flia by fire and a special tool they hike up the surrounding trails you can pick fresh wild blueberries and wild edible mushrooms delicious also you can find wild strawberries around. Also Brezovica is not just a ski resort not too far from Prevalla there’s restaurants a store up they and lots of cottages usually privately owned. Many trails and beautiful place. If you drive down through a village called Firaje where you can hike the longest mountain in Balkan . Mountain Luboten and they have the purest air in the country. There’s also Gjoli a water sitting in the middle of mountains it’s intriguing. Locals very helpful and welcoming some would offer to hike with us and show us around. There’s few restaurants along the river and offer delicious fresh trout and other comfort food or traditional dishes. It’s worth visiting my visit last year was 4 weeks and my 14 year old wants to go back again we all loved all places we’ve seen including Budva, Montenegro, Croatia all along the Adriatic Sea including Albania and Greece.

[…] This is Kosovo. Vacation days are what I live for, so I only take off days that are tied around weekends and/or public holidays to maximize my time off.  By “sewing together ” public holidays with weekends to take off the day bridging it with the weekend PLUS +/- 1 day before and after, I get a five/six day vacations with only two vacation days used.   (This is how I snuck over to Kosovo!) […]

[…] of the most unexpected places to find beautiful fall foliage is Kosovo in the Balkans! Just an easy trip from the picturesque city of Prizren, you’ll find the Sharr […]

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Wander-Lush

Visit Kosovo: The Ultimate Kosovo Travel Guide

• Europe / The Balkans

Someone, somewhere, remembers these two and is glad that guns were silenced and tanks were turned back and hatred was not allowed its reign over this piece of land. Naomi Hamill, How To Be a Kosovan Bride

Europe’s Newest Country

Europe’s youngest nation is wise beyond her years. Take everything you already know about Kosovo and put it to one side – if you come in with an open mind, you’ll end up leaving with a new outlook.

The best thing about travelling in Kosovo is meeting the people, whose warmth – forged in fire as it may be – is completely overwhelming at times. This is a country where you’re often greeted with a comforting hand on the shoulder, where strangers approach you on the street with a genuine curiosity, and bakers beckon you to join them in front of their ovens and taste the fruits of their labour. Kosovar hospitality is just one of the many things that made my two weeks in the country so special. That, and the coffee – baristas here make the best macchiatos on earth.

Kosovo is tiny, but there is no shortage of tourist attractions. The untamed splendour of Rugova Canyon and the Accursed Mountains are worth a mention, but it’s the cities that really make an impression. Pristina , the capital, is a cacophony of cafes, street art, restaurants and creative spaces. Take a selfie at the Newborn Monument , a sculpture that evolves its appearance every year to keep pace with Kosovo’s ongoing metamorphosis.

Prizren , the cultural capital, is a perfect juxtaposition, with its stone bridge, elegant mosque and cobbled old town. There’s Peja , the gateway to nature, and my favourite place in Kosovo, Gjakova , with its sprawling undercover bazaar and artisan workshops. Meanwhile, the divided city of Mitrovica and contested Medieval Monuments in Kosovo are a reminder that ‘country’ is still a contentious word in this part of Europe.

Of the 12 Balkan countries , Kosovo surprised me the most and is the one place I tend to recommend wholeheartedly to anyone who asks.

Kosovo travel essentials

Please note: Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more .

April-September (great weather, perfect for hiking, still uncrowded).

How long in Kosovo?

2 full days each for Pristina and Prizren; 7-10 days for the highlights.

Daily budget

45-50 USD per person per day (mid-range hotel; local meals; bus fares; museum tickets).

Getting there

Fly into Pristina; bus from any neighbouring country; train from North Macedonia.

Kosovo visa

Visa-free for most passports (stay up to 90 days).

Getting around

Hire a car; use intercity vans, buses or taxis.

Where to stay

Hostels, family-run guesthouses or hotels.

Tours & experiences

City walking tours, transfers and nature experiences.

Explore Kosovo

Discover all the best things to do in Kosovo with my latest travel guides.

Perfect Kosovo Itinerary for 7-10 Days of Travel

10 Captivating Things to Do in Prizren, Kosovo (City Guide & Travel Video)

10 Things to Do in Gjakova, Kosovo’s Loveliest City

12 Things to Do in Pristina: A Culture-Filled, Coffee-Fueled Travel Guide to Kosovo’s Capital City

Where to Go on a Balkan Road Trip: 20 Epic Self-Drive Itineraries

25 Offbeat & Alternative European City Breaks

My kosovo favourites.

Bjeshket e Nemuna National Park (from Peja).

Must-eat meal

Flija (layered pie with a creamy filling) & a macchiato.

local experience

Cafe hopping in Pristina, Kosovo’s coolest city.

Regions [ edit ]

Cities [ edit ].

• 42.666667 21.166667 1 Pristina – the capital of Kosovo.
• 42.23 20.74 2 Prizren - the historical and cultural capital of Kosovo. Charming city bustling with various festivals and architecture of different periods.
• 42.65913 20.28828 3 Peja
• 42.3825 20.435556 4 Gjakova
• 42.566667 21.566667 5 Kamenica
• 42.883333 20.866667 6 Mitrovica
• 42.37 21.155 7 Ferizaj
• 42.23194 21.25944 8 Kacanik
• 42.466667 21.466667 9 Gjilani
• 42.911667 21.191667 10 Podujeva
• 42.56667 21.4 11 Novo Brdo
• 42.32139 21.35833 12 Viti

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 42.65829 20.185268 1 Rugova Gorge
• 42.6 21.2 2 Gračanica
• 41.992222 20.706667 3 Brod
• 42.173987 20.962059 4 Prevalla
• 42.399444 20.654722 5 Rahovec — a largely rural region known for vineyards and wine-making
• 42.221944 21.004722 6 Brezovica

Understand [ edit ]

Kosovo was last to go its own way following the break up of former Yugoslavia; it declared independence in February 2008 but Serbia has not recognized it.

By 2019, the Republic of Kosovo was recognized by more than half of the UN member states. The vast majority (92%) of the population is ethnic Albanian. Small minorities include Serbs, Bosniaks, Turks, and Gorani. Most Albanians, Bosniaks and Turks, are Muslim, but the Republic of Kosovo is a secular state and all religious groups freely observe their key feasts and celebration dates.

Kosovo is also young in terms of average age of population, with more than 70 percent of its population under the age of 35 (as of 2017).

History [ edit ]

History in Kosovo has been highly politicized and is wrapped up with the histories of its Balkan neighbors.

Control of Kosovo changed hands many times in the medieval period, passing variously from being part of the Bulgarian Empire, Byzantine Empire and the Serbian Empire. From the 15th century Kosovo was part of the Ottoman Empire for almost 500 years, before the empire collapsed at the beginning of the 20th century. Wars and border disputes continued as Kosovo was annexed into the Kingdom of Serbia, which expanded into the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes at the end of World War I, and changed its name to the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929.

At the end of World War II, and the defeat of the invading Axis powers by socialist partisans, Kosovo became an Autonomous Province in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, led by Josip Broz Tito.

After Tito's death in 1980, and the rise of nationalism throughout Yugoslavia, Kosovo was stripped of its autonomous status at the end of the '80s by the regime of autocratic leader Slobodan Milosevic. With Yugoslavia breaking apart, Kosovo's Albanians were stripped of many of their rights during a decade of repression during the 1990s, which ended in the war of 1998-99, as Kosovar Albanians stood up against the Serbian regime to fight for their liberation. A NATO bombing campaign against Serbian military and industrial targets brought the war to an end in June 1999, and led to a period in which Kosovo was administered by the United Nations.

On 17 February 2008, Kosovo declared independence from Serbia, and was quickly recognized by the Western-aligned world powers, including the United States and most member states of the European Union. However Serbia continues to refute Kosovo's independent status. It is also not a member of the United Nations as its independence is not recognized by Russia and China , both of whom have used their veto power on the Security Council to block any UN recognition of Kosovo. Domestically, while ethnic Albanians support Kosovo's independence, most ethnic Serbs do not and still consider Kosovo to be a part of Serbia.

Climate [ edit ]

The climate is continental, with very warm summers and cold and snowy winters.

Religion [ edit ]

Kosovo is a multi-ethnic, secular state whose population practises a diverse selection of religions. The majority Albanian population is mainly Muslim, though with a significant Catholic minority. That said, most ethnic Albanian Muslims do not practice the religion, and view it more as a cultural identity. Kosovo's Bosniak, Gorani and Turkish communities are also predominantly Muslim, while Kosovar Serbs tend to practice Serbian Orthodox Christianity.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• Visit Kosovo

Get in [ edit ]

Citizens of countries such as Albania , Australia , Canada , the European Union , Lebanon , Malaysia , Singapore , South Africa and Turkey do not need a visa, but if you are planning to stay in Kosovo for more than 90 days you should register at the Police Department for the Registration of Foreigners. This is next to the central police station in Pristina. Citizens of other countries that have significantly contributed to the rebuilding of Kosovo probably also do not need visas either, although Kosovo is starting to implement a stricter visa regime. The 90-day rule for the registration of foreigners applies to everybody.

You can enter Kosovo through the northern border with Serbia through Mitrovica or near Pristina . There are bus connections from Belgrade and Nis to Pristina and Prizren and from all the major towns in Serbia to the northern parts. The most used transport route is through North Macedonia and Pristina Airport. Skopje is only one and a half hour from the capital city of Kosovo, Pristina. Travelling from Pristina to any other city of Kosovo does not take longer than an hour and a half. For instance, from Pristina to Prizren by car takes 45 minutes, or to Prizren, Gjakova or Peja by bus takes an hour and a half.

By plane [ edit ]

• Other nearby airports are in Skopje, Nis and Tirana.

By bus [ edit ]

Since most buses will go into Pristina, see according article for more details:

• From Montenegro , you can enter through Rozaje to Peja/Pec (ca. 2 hr).
• From North Macedonia (Skopje), you can take a bus to Pristina (less than 1½ hr).
• There is a border crossing in the Presevo Valley in Serbia .
• There are a couple of companies offering buses from Istanbul , Turkey via Skopje .
• From Albania , you can enter through Prizren on the highway. One way trips from Tirana to Pristina and Prizren cost €15 (as of 2022/23) and take 3-4 hr, with two stops.

By train [ edit ]

There are also trains crossing the Kosovo border. Two daily services connects Kraljevo in Serbia with all towns in northern Kosovo. Connections from Beograd are possible but includes a long stay between train at Kraljevo, thus bringing the journey to more than 12 hours for 399 km. Serbian Railways run a twice daily service from Kraljevo, Serbia to Zvecan (just after Mitrovica). Check their homepage for details.

By car [ edit ]

International Motor Insurance Cards are not accepted. At the border you will need to pay for separate insurance, which will cover you throughout Kosovo for up to two weeks. Costs depend on the vehicle but two weeks' cover is usually under €20. Ensure also that you have your vehicle registration and a power of attorney from the car's owner if it is not yours.

From Serbia during the summer holidays in Germany and Switzerland expect long queues at the border crossing in Merdare (up to 3 hours). You also can enter to the country at Dheu i Bardhe near Bujanoc and at Jarinje near Nis.

From Montenegro, the only legal border crossing is at Rozhaja.

From North Macedonia you can enter near Hani i Elezit in Bllaca or at Bellanice (Stanqiq).

From Albania you can cross at Morine or at Qafa e Prushit near Gjakova.

Get around [ edit ]

The best way to travel intercity in Kosovo is by bus. The buses are relatively cheap and comfortable (for example from Pristina to Peja is €4), with discounts available for students. Payment is usually made on the bus to a representative of the bus company coming around once the journey has started - you may or may not receive a physical ticket, depending on the company. However, tickets for crossing the border can be bought in the bus station in Pristina and with travel agents in Prizren. The latter sometimes gives you the opportunity for a slight discount, in case you know the actual fare (see Gjirafa).

Between some cities you may also have the option of minivans, running from nearby the main bus station. These leave when full and are usually a similar price to the regular buses.

For major regional (but also country crossing) bus connections see Gjirafa for times and prices. It won't cover minibuses though, which also run but mostly between or to and from smaller towns.

The only connections seem to be two daily trains from Pristina to Peja which are a comfortable way to make this journey (€3).

The timetable is available (not working as of 2 April 2023) at the Kosovo Railways website.

Major construction of highways in the 2010s has cut car travel times between major cities significantly, and more highways are being built and improved.

Driving in Kosovo, particularly in cities, can be a little stressful to begin with, and it can be best to go in with the attitude of "expect the unexpected." Pedestrians crossing in front of you unexpectedly, cyclists coming towards you on the wrong side of the road, and potholes appearing out of nowhere are all familiar sights, as are just-in-time overtaking maneuvers and swerving lane-changes, while roundabouts bring with them their own unique customs. You are likely to quickly get used to it, though, and as long as you stay alert - and look out for sudden changes in road surfaces - you should be fine!

Parking can be a challenge, particularly in Prishtina and major cities, but there are plenty of informal car parks (at €1-2 for the day), where your vehicle should be safe. Lots of locals choose to park up at the side of the road, on pavements, or wherever there are a few square meters, although the police have begun to remove illegally parked vehicles in some areas.

Road signs and place names usually appear in both Albanian and Serbian, although it is not uncommon for the minority language to be scratched out – a useful indication of the majority population of the area you're in.

By taxi [ edit ]

It is best to use registered taxis as they have fixed prices and are metered. Registered taxis are clearly marked with a company name and phone number printed on the vehicle. Unregistered taxis are usually cars with a yellow taxi sign affixed to the roof, they are safe, but the price is entirely at the driver's discretion. For more information on taxi companies see the pages for individual cities.

By ride sharing [ edit ]

Udhë is trying to establish something like BlaBlaCar for Kosovo. The offers are sparse, but using it might grow its popularity. At least between Pristina and Prizren, there are several offers.

By thumb [ edit ]

Hitchhiking is not as easy as it is in Albania—locals rarely do it and since COVID sentiments have been impacted negatively. But considering most Kosovars are a young bunch of folk with many speaking English or even German, their curiosity should do the trick.

As always, consider the regular advices for Hitchhiking and watch out for any Scams .

Talk [ edit ]

Most people in Kosovo speak Albanian , while in Serb-majority areas, such as the north, Serbian is spoken - both are official languages and appear on road signs, etc.

Young people, particularly in the major cities such as Pristina and Prizren, are likely to understand English, whereas the older generation are more likely to understand German .

Turkish can be useful, and the Turkish minority which is concentrated mainly in Prizren speaks both Turkish and Albanian.

See [ edit ]

• 42.524036 20.600299 1 Mirusha Waterfalls ( Ujëvarat e Mirushës ) ( Located between Prishtina and Gjakova, on the way to Kline. Take the Prishtina-Gjakova bus and ask to be dropped off at Ujëvarat e Mirushës then walk ~3 km inland ). It has a nice and interesting hike and even climb across metal bars along a cascade of 16 waterfalls and visible stone strata, with a new and nice bridge at the "end" after which you can continue in summer when the water is low, using the wires to hold on tight. On the way back stop at the restaurant near the road for fish and relaxation. Or if you are a keen hiker/climber continue the trail from the rest area up the mountain, which will lead onto a regular trail down again meeting with dirt road after 1 km or so. Free . ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 42.738049 20.305781 2 Waterfall of the Drini River ( Radavc ) ( Located north of Peja behind the Berdynaj village ). During the summer, this place is fantastic, and the road to the river is an amazing, narrow road with wires on one side and the river on the other; this is a great part of Kosovo. ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 42.661256 20.265298 3 The Pec Patriarchy ( The Peć patriarchy lies 2 km to the northwest of the Peja (Pec) city center. ). This location was the seat of the Patriarchy of the Serbian Orthodox Church for about 200 years of its history and for many Serbs is considered to be of extreme national importance. It is a beautiful monastery with many spectacular paintings. If you go, dress conservatively. ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 42.700138 20.144463 4 Rugova Gorge ( to the northwest of Peja, it can be found by following the same road that leads to the Pec Patriarchy, just drive further ). The canyon has extremely steep walls reaching possibly up to 300 meters. ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 42.38071 20.42691 5 Gjakova Old Bazaar . A very beautiful old "shopping center" from 17th century. It was burned down during the war in 1999 and has been reconstructed. Also in the center of the bazaar is located an old mosque that was built in the 15th century. It is one of the rarest of its kind. An architectural and cultural complex, with a length of 1 km, including a space of about 35,000m 2 , it holds a large number of crafts-work shops. free .  
• 42.891256 20.866002 6 The Mitrovica Bridge . An interesting symbol of the division of the population in Kosovo. This bridge is the dividing line between Serbs and Albanians in Mitrovica. It will almost always be safe to approach the bridge and look at it. ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 42.181962 21.031866 7 Brezovica Ski Centre . Old infrastructure but great slopes, located in Southern Kosova. Go there from Prizren or from Prishtina through Ferizaj. ( updated Jun 2017 )

• 42.615156 21.417214 8 Novobrda ( Artana ), 16000 Novobërda , ☏ +383 44 465 471 , [email protected] . In Latin documents written as Novus Mons, Nova Monte in some documents by Republic of Ragusa, and in Saxon miners' documents as Nyeuberghe was mentioned in the historical documents as early as 1326. Novo Brdo was a metropolis at the time, with a huge medieval fortress built on the top of an extinct volcano cone, the remains of which can be visited today, and residential sections sprawling all around. In the outer wall of the fortress, a large cross is visible, built into the stones. The castle, or fortress, was thought at one point to have dated back to the Byzantine Empire. First of June 1455 Novo Berda was sieged by Ottoman Empire for the second time where the last Despot in Fortress was Lekë Shpani (Alessio Span) Albanian, son of Pjeter Spani from Principality of Drishti (Drivast) Albania. ( updated Jun 2017 )
• 42.595875 21.175117 9 Ulpiana ( from Prishtina, head towards Gracanica, make a right downtown towards Ulpiana ). One of the oldest cities in the Balkan peninsula, is 20–30 minutes away from Pristina towards Gjilan. It was re-constructed by Emperor Justinian I. ( updated Jun 2017 )

Medieval monuments [ edit ]

A UNESCO World Heritage listing consisting of four religious edifices:

• Gračanica Monastery near Prishtina – One of the most beautiful examples of Serbian medieval (14th c.) ecclesiastical architecture. This monastery was built by the Serbian king Milutin in the Serbo-Byzantine style, reportedly its shape being inspired by a cloud. It is noted for its frescoes, and being the only medieval Serbian monastery found in an urban setting complete with an old school and archives.
• Decani Monastery in western Kosovo – One of the most important monasteries of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo. It is famous for its elegant and peculiar architecture. As an orthodox monastery from the 13th century, it successfully mixes western and eastern church building elements to form a particular hybrid style only known on the territory of old Serbia. This monastery is particularly noted for some of the world's finest medieval frescoes adorning its walls.
• Monastery of the Patriarchate of Peć in Peja , northwestern Kosovo.
• Our Lady of Ljeviš – in Prizren , southern Kosovo.

Do [ edit ]

Though Kosovo is not yet well known for its tourism, this is changing rapidly and definitely has something to offer for every type of traveller. Surrounded by high mountains and still coming into its statehood, Kosovo is easily accessible in many aspects and one of the cheapest European destinations to travel. With cross-border hiking trails like the Via Dinarica and Peaks of the Balkans bringing an influx of new visitors to Kosovo that can be traversed in a day, but can take years to fully absorb, now is the perfect time to discover the potential of this once-unknown region. Exploring Kosovo's rural areas you will find a land rich in stunning scenery, cultural heritage and exceptional hospitality. Visitors can enjoy hiking over the jagged Sharri, Pashtrik and the Accursed Mountains, ski pristine and less-trodden slopes in Brezovica, appreciate the well-preserved Ottoman architecture of Prizren, sample raki or homemade wine around Rahovec, visit a traditional stone Kulla in Junik or Drenoc, dive into the coffee-drinking culture in one of Prishtina’s many wonderful cafés, or explore both Islam and Orthodox Christianity at beautiful monasteries and mosques (sometimes found side by side) around Kosovo. As a place full of lively cafés and wide-ranging restaurants, a thriving outdoor adventure scene, the warmest locals you can imagine and some of the cheapest prices across a vast region, Kosovo definitely deserves the attention not only of the intrepid, but of anyone looking to avoid the regular tourist traps.

• GuideKS ( Kosovo Tourist Guides Association ), [email protected] , ☏ +38349372639 , [email protected] . umbrella organization of tourist guides in Kosovo. They will put you in touch with a local guide suitable for your activity. ( updated May 2022 )

In general, Kosovo offers various activity-based tourism:

• Winter sports
• Paraglading

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

Kosovo uses the euro , like several other European countries . One euro is divided into 100 cents. The official symbol for the euro is €, and its ISO code is EUR. There is no official symbol for the cent.

All banknotes and coins of this common currency are legal tender within all the countries, except that low-denomination coins (one and two cent) are phased out in some of them. The banknotes look the same across countries, while coins have a standard common design on the reverse, expressing the value, and a national country-specific design on the obverse. The obverse is also used for different designs of commemorative coins. The design of the obverse does not affect the coin's acceptability.

ATM generally charge €5 for any money withdrawal. The exception is Credins Bank , which however is only available in Prishtina, Prizren and Ferizaj.

Credit cards are not widely accepted.

Money exchange is available in most cities and larger towns.

In Serbian-majority municipalities [ edit ]

The Serbian dinar is used in the Serbian-majority municipalities in Kosovo. Exchange offices are found almost everywhere. Note that in these locations while euros are accepted generally, all prices are listed in dinars.

In Albanian-majority municipalities [ edit ]

The Albanian lek is used in the Albanian-majority municipalities in Kosovo. Exchange offices are found almost everywhere. Note that in these locations while euros are accepted generally, all prices are listed in leks.

Shopping [ edit ]

Souvenirs [ edit ].

There are many options: From fine handcrafted Filigree silver to traditional Albanian wool hats (a plis ) and musical instruments (the stringed ciftelia ). Local food and drink specialties to take home could include honey, raki , a high strength alcohol distilled from fruit, ajvar , a pepper based spread or feferona , spicy local peppers.

Tipping [ edit ]

In Kosovo generally tipping is not expected from locals, but as it is done by foreigners, it is welcome. In more upmarket venues it might be more likely for tipping to be expected. In taxis you can tip to the nearest euro or half euro.

Eat [ edit ]

Best restaurants to eat at are those that are located in the villages near by big cities; they tend to have the best meat dishes and the best sea food. Trout, seabass and salmon fish are very common and popular and are kept fresh in their pools and are nearly always fried when you order. Prices are pretty average and, for some countries' nationals, cheap.

Lots of great burek (baked pastry stuffed with cheese, meat or spinach). Try the drinkable yogurt (Ayran) — it's superb. Lots of kebabs and other Ottoman Turkish style food.

As far as you are in an Albanian territory, you could try Albanian food as well. Fli, a very good pastry, can be found in different traditional restaurants.

At the bakery, you can buy a fantastic loaf of bread for under €1.

The grocery stores have a plentiful supply of Western food.

Drink [ edit ]

Beer brewed in Peja and named after the city of its origin can be found across Kosovo. Peja Premium is a slightly stronger beer from the same brewery but less widely available. Other local beers include Grembeer and Prishtina.

Kosovo was known for wine production with vineyards in its southwest in the Rahovec-Suhareka region, with Stonecastle one of the larger wine producers. Even though the Albanians are predominantly of Muslim heritage, attitudes to drinking are quite liberal.

Raki is another alcoholic beverage popular in Kosovo. It is made from local fruits (most commonly from grape, plum, pear and quince).

Non-alcoholic:

Yogurt/ayran is a common local drink and is often consumed with pastries. Boza is a malt drink from fermented maize (corn) and wheat and often drank with cakes and pastries.

Local company Frutomania produce 100% natural juices, alongside traditional fruit drinks like limonata (from lemons) and boronica (from blueberries).

Sleep [ edit ]

Accommodation in Kosovo can be expensive in hotels, but in Pristina, Prizren, Peja and Gjakova in particular, cheap accommodation (hostels or apartments) are very easy to find.

Accommodation options:

• Small hotels (motels)
• Two- and three-star hotels (more common)
• Three five-star hotels in Pristina.

Guesthouses are also dotted around throughout Kosovo, offering inexpensive alternatives.

Stay safe [ edit ]

People in general are friendly and hospitable to tourists and you generally do not need to worry about crime. Since the end of the war, more than 200,000 international workers from over the world have worked in Kosovo and local people are used to foreigners.

Don't let the politics stop you from visiting; tensions have risen now and then since the turn of century, but nearly all have been in the divided city of Mitrovica in the north of Kosovo. There is an international 5,000-person NATO peacekeeping force (a reinforcement was sent in June 2023).

Like in much of the Balkans, land mines were heavily used during the Yugoslav wars. Mines were a major problem in Kosovo in the first four years after the war; now they are generally left in remote areas and there are clear signs advising not to enter a certain space. Most of the mined areas are places where conflict took place (rural Central Kosovo and the Kosovo–Albania border region). Before hiking and camping, ask in order to make sure it's not an area that may still have mines. Most hiking and camping takes place in areas where the war did not occur, like the Sharr mountains, where there is a ski and camping resort.

As with the region as a whole, homophobia is fairly widespread and public displays of affection are almost non-existent.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

It is possible for foreigners to obtain treatment at the public hospital in Pristina (staff from your accommodation may come in handy as translators). However, the state of the hospital is far from ideal: the toilets have no soap, infusions are hanging from improvised stands. Kosovo has no public health insurance system and you will be required to pay your bill in cash. A visit to the doctor and a few pills from the pharmacy will cost you around €20. If you know what you need you may visit the pharmacy directly as no prescription is needed.

Tap water in most cities is safe and drinkable.

Connect [ edit ]

You can buy a local SIM card for €3, with the two major carriers being Vala and Ipko. You must provide an ID (passport) and register.

Many mobile providers in the Balkans provide free roaming across Balkan countries. So, in case you are planning to cross the border, ask on how to use the local SIM card in other Balkan countries. For instance, a One.al SIM card from Albania works flawlessly in North Macedonia and Kosovo with a regular Albanian package.

Most bars, cafes and restaurants have free Wi-Fi connection that customers can use.

Go next [ edit ]

Kosovo has easy access to destinations in neighboring countries such as Skopje in North Macedonia, Northeastern Albania and North Montenegrin Mountains .

There are direct bus links to major cities in Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Albania, Turkey, North Macedonia, Bosnia, Montenegro and Serbia.

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Must-see attractions in Kosovo

Visoki Dečani Monastery

Built in the early 14th century by Serbian king Stefan Dečanski, this monastery is in a beautiful spot beneath the mountains and surrounded by pine and…

Bear Sanctuary

In a remote, forested spot beyond the village of Mramor, this sanctuary houses European brown bears that were rescued from captivity by the charity Four…

Patriarchate of Peć

This church and nunnery complex on the outskirts of Peja are a raw slice of Serbian Orthodoxy that has existed here since the late 13th century. Outside…

Emin Gjiku Ethnographic Museum

This wonderful annex of the Museum of Kosovo is located in two beautifully preserved Ottoman houses enclosed in a large walled garden. The English…

Prizren Fortress

It's well worth making the steep 15-minute hike up from Prizren's old town (follow the road past the Orthodox Church on the hillside; it's well signed and…

Gračanica Monastery

Southeast of Pristina in the Serbian town of Gračanica is the ancient Gračanica Monastery, completed in 1321 by Serbian king Milutin. The monastery, which…

Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque

The 'imperial mosque', as locals call it, was built on the orders of Mehmed the Conqueror around 1461, and although it was converted to a Catholic church…

Museum of Kosovo

Pristina's main museum has recently reopened after extensive renovations. Displays begin back in the misty times of the Bronze Age. There are some…

Regional Museum

The top-floor of this Ottoman-era house, located behind a rather less-than-traditional petrol station, is filled with local crafts and furniture and has…

Gadimë Cave

Discovered in 1969, this impressive marble cave is full of quite extraordinary crystallised stalagmites and stalactites that have formed over millions of…

Cheese Market

The town's bustling daily bazaar makes you feel like you've just arrived in İstanbul, and it's a great place to see local farmers and artisans hawking…

Jashar Pasha Mosque

This mosque, which was fully renovated in 2015 as a gift from the Turkish government, has vibrant interiors that exemplify Turkish baroque style.

Novo Brdo Fortress

The hills east of Pristina have been mined for silver for hundreds of years and the 13th-century Novo Brdo fortress is a testament to the importance that…

Albanian League of Prizren

In the late 19th century the Albanian League was established in Prizren to push for greater rights for the town's Albanian community. This calm and…

National Gallery of Kosovo

This excellent space approaches Kosovan art from a contemporary perspective (don't expect to see paintings from the country's history here) and is worth a…

Čaršija e Madhe

The oldest surviving bazaar in Kosovo and reputedly the longest in the Balkans, the Čaršija e Madhe dates from the 15th century, though it was badly…

Sinan Pasha Mosque

Dating from 1615, the Sinan Pasha Mosque is the most important in Prizren, and it sits right at the heart of the old town, overlooking the river and the…

Hadum Mosque

This gorgeous mosque somehow managed to survive the terrible damage that Gjakova underwent during the Kosovo War. Its striking arabesques and impressive…

Mirusha Waterfalls

These small but pretty double waterfalls cascade over the rocks into a deep pool that's perfect for swimming in. And in summer plenty of locals do! The…

National Library

Easily one of Pristina's most notable buildings, the National Library, completed in 1982 by Croatian Andrija Mutnjakovic, has to be seen to be believed …

St George Cathedral

Dating from 1856, this Serbian Orthodox Cathedral was badly damaged during 1999 and the 2004 riots. Today it's been fully restored but access is generally…

Prizren Ethnological Museum

This friendly little museum has an interesting exhibit of costumes, handicrafts and household implements. It's across the river from the old town. Opening…

Newborn Monument

These iconic block letters in downtown Pristina look a bit scrappy and worn these days, but they captured the imagination of the fledgling nation when…

Church of Our Lady of Ljeviš

Prizren's most important site is the Orthodox Church of Our Lady of Ljeviš, a 14th-century Serbian church that was used as a mosque by the local…

Independence House of Kosovo

This small house opposite the stadium is devoted to former president Ibrahim Rugova and Kosovo's recent independence movement. English-speaking guides…

Clock Tower

This 26m-high tower dates from the 19th century and was central to the bazaar area, as it dictated when stalls should close for prayers. Following damage…

Carshi Mosque

Due to renovations, this majestic 15th-century mosque was closed to the public at the time of research.

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• 7 Must See Attractions In...

7 Must-See Attractions in Kosovo

Kosovo has been gaining popularity with foreign visitors and for good reason – its untouched natural jewels and friendly people shape the perfect conditions for an unforgettable trip on the Balkan Peninsula. Here is Culture Trip’s pick of the best attractions in Kosovo.

The capital pristina.

Pristina is a city full of lively young people where crumbling Soviet-style buildings co-exist with modern shiny luxury hotels and contemporary art. Experience the coffee culture of the city during the day and the rakia culture in the evening (rakia is the local strong spirit). Both involve slow drinking accompanied by conversations and time shared with friends and strangers. Stroll in the old part of Pristina where a handful of old-style houses and elderly men sitting in front of them will transfer you back in time. On your way back, stop by the Newborn Monument in the center of the city – a tall inscription whose letters are decorated in different symbolic style every year. Then head to Bill Clinton Boulevard where, tucked between blocks of flats, you will find the statue of Bill Clinton waving. This American president did a lot to help Kosovo during the 1999 war with Serbia and this is why he is much respected in the country.

1. The ski slopes in Bjeshkët e Sharrit Mountains (Šar Mountains)

The ski resorts in Bjeshkët e Sharrit Mountains, also known as Šar Mountains, offer Alpine-style accommodation and new slopes to explore for less than half of the price you would pay in Austria or Italy. The ski resort of Brezovica has slopes for all levels – beginners, advanced, extreme, and features one untreated slope with powder. The highest point of the resort is 2,200m (7,200 feet).

Brezovica, Kosovo

The picturesque town of Prizren

With its fortress perched on a hill over the town, beautiful mosques and churches and the lazy Prizren Bistrica River curving between the red-roofed houses, Prizren is a photogenic old-time town. A 30-minute walk will take you on top of the fortress from where you can admire the best panorama of Prizren and its surroundings. Prizren is famous for its jewelry and bridal fashion boutiques, so don’t miss taking a look at the local artists’ creations. When you are tired of walking, have a seat at one of the riverside benches and enjoy the view or head to one of the restaurants to taste the local cuisine.

3. The Peć Patriarchate Monastery

4. The Marble Cave

Natural Feature, Museum

5. Visoki Dečani Monastery

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See & Do

How to spend a day in pristina.

Guides & Tips

A budget traveller’s guide to kosovo.

Awesome Things to Do for Free in Kosovo

A Solo Traveler's Guide to Pristina

How to Spend a Weekend in Peja and the Rugova Valley, Kosovo

How to Spend a Day in Prizren, Kosovo

Why You Should Visit Prizren, the Cultural Capital of Kosovo

9 Things You Miss When You Move Away from Kosovo

The 5 Best Festivals in Kosovo

How to Spend a Weekend in Pristina

When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Pristina?

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In Kosovo's Self-Preserving Tourism, Old Traditions and Thrilling New Adventures

By Naomi Tomky

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Kosovo is one of our Best Places to Go in Europe for 2024 , part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2024 —find more travel inspiration here .

Unlike the sky-scraping peaks of the Accursed Mountains , the sprawling walls of Prizren Fortress, and the generous hearts of everyone I met in Kosovo , the country’s national museum is comically small. It devotes one floor to Illyrian- and Roman-era archaeological finds; then upstairs, past the world’s largest staple mosaic (depicting Mother Teresa), it skips ahead to 1999. Mementos of the young nation sparsely populate the second floor—the declaration of independence; sheet music from the contest to create the national anthem—with the country's devotion to US politicians who helped end the war manifesting in some odd items, like the unremarkable Columbia rain jacket of former US Ambassador William Walker, who headed the Kosovo Verification Mission . In the aftermath of Yugoslavia's breakup, Kosovo's ethnic Albanian population was subjected to brutal, widespread, and unceasing violence by Serbian forces—until a NATO bombing campaign led by the United States in 1999 paved the way for independence.

25 years after the War, as Kosovo’s nationhood remains fragile and Serbia has not recognized it as an independent state, travelers get the unique privilege of helping to preserve the millenia-old culture that Kosovars almost lost. The tiny country, wedged into the center of the Balkan Peninsula, deserves to be known for its cascading mountain waterfalls, warm heritage, snaking bazaars, and stunning sunsets over mosque-studded cities—just a few of the many highlights of visiting for a trip of cultural and outdoor adventures.

The fortress of Prizren, a city that was formerly the capital of the Serbian Empire. It's now cultural center of Kosovo.

More than 90 percent of Kosovars are ethnically Albanian, and most are Muslim—as becomes clear looking out from the fortress above the city of Prizren, over a skyline dotted with some 40 minarets. On a recent visit, the 15-minute walk here, straight uphill from the city center, brought me to a tangle of 1,000-year-old stone walls overlooking the city, where I watched on as the sinking sun lit the snow-capped Sharr Mountains in orange ombré. Home to 170,000 people, Prizren is considered the country’s cultural hub: picturesque bridges cross the eponymous river, and a warren of cobblestone paths squiggle out of the central plaza.

Down an alley, the Kukli Mehmet Bey Mosque and the Halveti Tekke, a 350-year-old center for Sufi dervish ceremonies, sits across from an 18 th -century nobleman’s house with a stilt-raised Ottoman living room. I was admiring the elegant, centuries-old buildings, with their wood-framed windows and adobe-tiled roofs from the fountain courtyard, at an hour too early to enter when a man popped out of the house and invited me in for tea. He showed me pictures of his family, who had lived there for many generations—we communicated in sparsely shared words and smiles until he unlocked the mosque and tekke, inviting me to stand alone in the quiet beauty of the holy rooms. Traveling in Kosovo is a masterclass in the art of hospitality; any tiny interaction unravels into hearty welcomes and long conversations, no mutual language required.

It’s a lesson I learned over and over, including later that same day in Gjakova. The town’s Old Bazaar is a kilometer-long pedestrian street paved with stone and lined with Ottoman-style wooden storefronts under adobe tile roofs. The Grand Bazaar and its more than 500 buildings, once the largest in southeastern Europe, dates back to at least the 16 th century. But like so many of Kosovo’s cultural treasures, it was destroyed in the war.

The buildings represent a physical symbol of the spirit and culture that couldn’t be crushed. In the one-time center of tailors, silk workers, and tanners, I wandered into one of the remaining workshops. Woodworker Ruzhdi Qarri’s handcrafted, brightly painted djepa (cradles) almost made me wish for a third child, just to have a reason to purchase one. Though he spoke no English and my Albanian barely gets me through a lunch menu, Qarri showed off his work and credentials from representing his country and his craft at international events. I left with a few spoons, a carved flute for each of my children, and a completely clarified understanding of the importance of rebuilding such places.

A smaller Ottoman bazaar flows through Peja , the jagged peaks of the Accursed Mountains as its dramatic backdrop. The peaks, along with nearby Rugova Canyon, one of Europe’s longest and deepest, put the town on the leading edge of Kosovo’s fledgling adventure travel industry. From Peja, outfitters guide visitors rock-climbing up cliffs, spelunking down into caves, and traversing the gorge by via ferrata or zipline. Lush, green mountains and sprawling bucolic panoramas make this a destination for hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding. Multi-day trips embark or pass through by bike and foot, with many eventually leading across the border into neighboring countries along the Peaks of the Balkans , Via Dinarica , and new Trans-Dinarica routes. Along the way, guesthouses quarter hungry hikers, feeding them hearty homemade feasts laden with the region’s renowned, traditionally made cheeses.

With my six- and eight-year-old forcing me to keep my feet firmly planted on the ground, my adventure was limited to locating the Saturday market in Peja selling those cheeses, on a small square just west of Muharrem Pasha Street, south of the main bazaar. The butter and cheesemaking traditions still practiced in tiny villages here go back more than a thousand years. I accepted many samples from tall wooden barrels filled with the fragrant fare, and after tasting one creamy and complex love child of feta and stracciatella, decided I needed more than just a sample. The woman scooped a chunk the size I had mimed, waving away my money. Someone nearby translated: it was so little, she wouldn’t bother charging me.

In Kosovo's capital, Prishtina, I spent the saved money on a cup of gelato while wandering down Bulevardi Nënë Tereza. Stalls selling books and cafes spilling tables and chairs onto the street line the broad pedestrian path where families strolled, couples canoodled, and friends gossiped. My children copied the local kids by using the bottom of one of the many statues as a slide. The street ends at Bulevardi Xhorxh Bush, one of many named after American leaders pivotal to the war and independence era—“xh” in Albanian is pronounced like the soft ‘g’ in George. Around the corner sits the Newborn Monument, a 250-ton, 10-foot-tall sculpture that spells out the word “Newborn” as an ode to the country’s young independence; it gets an annual makeover, and this year it features Seven Skies , a series of European skylines celebrating the latest chapter in Kosovo’s slow journey to international recognition of its independence: each from a country Kosovars can now visit freely, thanks to recently lifted E.U. visa restrictions.

Twenty-five years ago, a peace accord between NATO and the Yugoslav government ended the violent war in Kosovo. Today, restaurants and bazaars, mosques and museums throughout the country share pieces of a culture that so many people lost their lives to preserve—in a way, that looks like Ruzhdi Qarri’s cradles, and tastes like the high alpine Sharri butter I spread on my bread in Prishtina.

Chef Florina Skeja blends tradition and flair with roast venison, wild boar, and Prizreni noodles

Desserts include house-made cakes and cobblers topped with berries and dessert cheeses

Where to eat in Kosovo

Hani I Vjeter, Prizren

The old-style stone house and colorful uniform worn by servers stay just a step away from costume-y, mostly because they accompany such excellent versions of traditional food, including the layered pancake dish, flija , the soul-warming lamb casserole tavë Prizreni.

Thana Rostiçeri, Prishtina

Much of Kosovo’s food is either homey and local or fancy and foreign, but chef Florina Skeja shows the best of both worlds, celebrating Kosovo's culinary traditions with ingredients straight from the farm (sometimes her own farm). The space is small and casual, the service warm, and the seasonal tasting menu is about the best way to feast on Kosovo’s finest ingredients, from the first glass of house-made myrtle brandy to the last bite of Cornelian cherry puree over frozen clotted cream.

Burektore Bleta, Peja

This simple shop has almost no signpost, just letters in the window identifying it as a burek (layered pastry) shop. But a chef friend called it the “best burek in Kosovo,” and my meal there confirmed it—as do the crowds, which require packing patience as the family operation takes a little time to deliver.

Qebaptore Buqja, Peja

The crowded grill tips off passersby that this kebab shop has plenty of business, and deservedly so. A multitude of meat options, in patties, sausages, chops, and slices, fill the fresh case, and each one comes with a stack of fluffy, freshly baked bread, round and chewy. Sharp salads and spicy peppers round out the offerings at this quick, casual place.

In the Prishtina suburbs, Hotel Gracanica's homey touches beckon travelers to purchase works by local craftpeople that are available in the onsite gift shop

Where to stay in Kosovo

Hotel Gracanica

In a quiet suburb of Prishtina, this attractive hotel features a sparkling pool and a rare model of cross-cultural camaraderie: it is staffed by a mix of Albanian, Serbian, and Roma employees. Pops of color from traditional local textiles elegantly interrupt the stylish minimalism of the terrazzo walls and floors, with plenty of bare wood touches. Similar works, by local craftspeople, are available in the gift shop. (Doubles from $85)

Ujevara e Drinit Resort

Get a taste of the nearby nature at this sleek modern stay just outside Peja, where the balconies open up to the White Drin Waterfall from which it takes its name. Walking paths over and under it leave from just behind the restaurant, where the glass wall and sprawling patio both offer excellent views for diners digging into the local trout. Polished service and higher-end touches make it a favorite of visitors from the diaspora. (Doubles from $80)

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Edited by Shannon McMahon

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Home > Best Places, Towns & Cities In Kosovo You Must See

Best Places, Towns & Cities In Kosovo You Must See

Written by our local expert Adam

Adam is an adventure traveler and travel writer who loves to document obscure pockets of the world via overland expeditions.

From Pristina and Prizren to two national parks and one UNESCO World Heritage Site, these are the best towns, places & cities in Kosovo you must see.

Whether you want to explore the bustling city streets of the capital city of Pristina or the narrow cobblestone streets of a small village, we have many places in the country of Kosovo we think you should visit.

Although not the largest of countries, Kosovo does have many different features, and its friendly people welcome you with open arms.

There’s plenty of natural variety found here, from its central plains and valleys to the Sharr Mountains in the southeast and the Albanian Alps in the southwest – let us help you discover all the things to do in Kosovo.

Culturally, Kosovo has plenty to offer, including an incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site and a handful of fascinating list of cities.

Instead, unfortunately, this small country in the heart of the Balkans is still often associated with the Kosovo War of 1998 and 1999, part of the turbulent break-up of Yugoslavia in the ’90s.

However, those events are now two decades ago, and Kosovo is once again a country that’s safe to travel to. All the places to visit in Kosovo in this post are easily accessible and are popular Kosovo tourist attractions.

Kosovo is one of the lea st visited countries in Europe —which makes it an unexplored, authentic gem.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Top Attractions In Kosovo

Yes, other more well-known Balkan countries such as Croatia , Slovenia , and Montenegro do receive the lion’s share of tourists in the region. But that doesn’t make Kosovo any less worth exploring.

In fact, it’s just because Kosovo tourism is still in its infancy that it offers some of the last real authentic experiences in southern Europe. Unspoiled by tourists and untouched by hordes of selfie-snapping visitors, Kosovo is a bastion of “realness,” home to super-friendly and hospitable people and glorious nature.

If you’re wondering about the best places to visit in Kosovo , you’ll find the top destinations in the overview below!

Kosovo Towns & Cities To Visit

From the capital of Pristina to smaller historic towns in the southern corners of the country, Kosovo sightseeing has plenty of history and culture to offer. If you’re an architecture enthusiast or history buff, you’ll find there are enough places to visit in Kosovo to keep you occupied for a week or more.

Pristina – Capital City of Kosovo

The capital of Kosovo, Pristina, is the largest city in the country, home to a majority Albanian population and numerous institutions and monuments. It’s also Kosovo’s transportation hub, a crossroads for air, road, and railway travel. You’ll most likely start your Kosovo trip in Pristina.

Like other major cities in the Balkans , for example, Sarajevo , Zagreb , and Skopje , Pristina is a fascinating mix of old and new. Sometimes, that means very old and ultra-new. This rapidly changing city might not be the most picture-perfect location, but its character and charm are undeniable. Its atmosphere, bustling markets, and many historic buildings and museums make it a fantastic Kosovo destination.

Some absolute highlights in Pristina are the Museum of Kosovo, Emin Gjiku Ethnographic Museum, Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque, Germia Park, and the vibrant NEWBORN sculpture.

Find your perfect Pristina accommodation here!

Prizren – one of the more prominent cities.

While Pristina is the largest city in Kosovo, many people consider Prizren its capital of culture. Situated in the Sharr Mountains’ foothills and near the border of both Albania and North Macedonia, Prizren is an ancient town chock-full of historical sites .

Its history goes back to early Roman times, with numerous influences from the Middle Ages and the Ottoman Period. Prizren is an “undiscovered tourist treasure” unlike many others in the Balkans. Its Old Town is dotted with Byzantine and Ottoman Empire architecture, has a restored 16 th -century Old Stone Bridge, and is home to the UNESCO-listed Our Lady of Ljeviš Church. The 11 th -century Prizren Fortress is particularly great for sunrise and sunset watching.

With some imagination, you might even call it a miniature version of Mostar , although it is pretty much unknown.

Add to that easy access to spectacular mountain scenery, and you’ve got one of the best places to visit in Kosovo .

Called Peja in Albanian , this town’s Serbian name is Peć. About 85 kilometers to the west of the capital, Peć makes for a fantastic weekend trip from Pristina. Not only is the Peć Old Town filled to the brim with traditional cafés and restaurants where you can try traditional cuisine , religious and historical monuments, and charming shops, but there’s also plenty of outdoor adventures in the area.

The spectacular Rugova Canyon and Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park, see both below, are only a few kilometers from the city center, making Peć an excellent destination for both culture and nature.

A fantastic stopping point while traveling between Prizren and Peć, the laidback town of Gjakova is one of the top places to go in Kosovo for one main reason. It’s home to the longest bazaar in the Balkans .

Known as the Old or Grand Bazaar, it stretches for a full kilometer and is lined with around 500 shops. There’s also a mosque , a clock tower, and several türbes (a type of Turkish tomb). The 16 th -century Hadum Mosque lies nearby as well.

Other Kosovo attractions include the towering Saint Paul and Saint Peter Church and the Ethnographic Museum of Gjakova .

Other cities in Kosovo you should look at

If you’re spending more than a few days in Kosovo, then check out these Kosovo cities:

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Natural highlights in kosovo for a picturesque landscape.

In addition to beautiful historic cities, centuries-old monuments, bustling bazaars, and cozy cafés, there are also plenty of fantastic nature destinations in Kosovo. The country is home to two stunning national parks and a couple of unique natural features.

• Sharr Mountains

Rugova Canyon

• Mirusha Waterfalls
• Gadime Cave
• Brezovica Ski Resort
• Drini River
• Ličenat Lake
• Pećka Bistrica
• Kosovo’s section of the Via Dinarica trail
• Bjeshkët e Nemuna (Accursed Mountains)

One of the top Kosovo attractions for nature lovers—if not simply the top attraction—is Rugova Canyon. Located near Peć and in the spectacular Prokletije Mountains, it was created by the retreating Peć glacier and water erosion. Now, the Peć Bistrica River flows through the canyon. Its length of 25 kilometers and a maximum depth of 1,000 meters is one of the longest and deepest canyons in Europe .

There’s plenty of outdoor recreation in this area, from hiking to rock climbing and speleology. A major attraction is the so-called “via Ferrata” or “iron trail,” which is the only one in the Balkans . Other highlights include a few waterfalls, the Gryka e Madhe Cave, and the historic Patriarchate of Peć Monastery.

Bjeshkët E Nemuna National Park

There are several epic natural attractions in Kosovo, and Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park is one of the very best. Also located just west of Peć, near Rugova Canyon, this gorgeous national park covers mountain ranges, several lakes, coniferous and deciduous forests, and other alpine scenery.

It’s a partially significant area for birdlife and offers refuge to other animals like chamois, roe deer, gray wolves, lynx, eagles, and even brown bears. The park shares a border with Albania’s Valbonë Valley National Park, a similarly beautiful park and one of Albania’s top national parks .

Sharr Mountains National Park

In the southeast of Kosovo lies Sharr Mountains National Park, one of the two Kosovo national parks. Located close to Prizren, its length of 70 kilometers and width of 30 kilometers make it one of the largest mountain parks in the Balkans. It’s also one of the highest parks on the Balkan peninsula.

If you’re after unspoiled nature, you’ll definitely find that here. The park’s glacial lakes, rugged mountain scenery, meadows, forests, caves, and gorges harbor a wealth of biodiversity. It’s a dream destination for nature lovers, from 1,500 plant species to about 200 species of birds and more than 140 kinds of butterflies. High-profile resident animals include gray wolves, chamois, lynx, brown bears, and deer, similar to the other national parks above.

The Marble Cave

A local man casually working in his garden in the 1960s discovered that the Marble Cave is one of Kosovo’s greatest natural highlights. Only about 20 kilometers south of Pristina, this cave is mainly unexplored. Yet, about 400 meters of it are accessible to visitors.

You can explore three galleries featuring a wide range of colors, from red and blue to white and yellow. Of course, there are countless stalactites, stalagmites, and other cave formations as well.

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Medieval Monuments In Kosovo UNESCO World Heritage Site

There may be only one UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kosovo, but it’s a whopper! The Medieval Monuments in Kosovo site consists of four different sites spread throughout the country.

All four sites are Serbian Orthodox churches and monasteries. They’re so precious because of their mix of Eastern Orthodox Byzantine and Western Romanesque architecture. They represent the heyday of Byzantine-Romanesque ecclesiastical culture, especially the remarkable wall painting style that originated in the Balkans from the 13 th to the 17 th century.

The four monuments are, respectively:

• Patriarchal Monastery of Peć – a collection of four medieval domed churches at Rugova Canyon’s entrance near Peć. The seat of the Serbian Patriarch features stunning wall paintings.
• Our Lady of Ljeviš Church – a 14 th -century Serbian Orthodox church in Prizren with early-1300 frescoes representing the Palaiologan Renaissance style’s emergence.
• Gračanica Monastery – built in 1321 on top of a previous 6 th -century basilica remains, is one of Kosovo’s most beautiful monuments and places to visit.
• Dečani Monastery – founded by Serbian king Stefan Dečanski in the 14 th century, this gorgeous church boasts a monumental interior and the founding king’s mausoleum.

Find your Kosovo accommodation here!

These are the best places to visit in Kosovo, from the cities of Kosovo to natural attractions. Include them as the cornerstones in your Kosovo itinerary—you can see them all on an enjoyable road trip. So tell me, which of Kosovo’s cities and towns will you head to first?

• Cities You’ve Got To See In Kosovo
• What To Eat And Drink In Kosovo
• Where To Stay In Kosovo
• 7 Day Kosovo Itinerary
• Rent A Car In Kosovo
• A Guide To Tipping In Kosovo
• Kosovo To Serbia – How To Enter And Leave Kosovo Legally

That was a very cool description of Kosovo! Many Thanks !

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What to see in Kosovo – my favorite places

Kosovo (alongside with Moldova ) is probably the least known and visited country in Europe.

While the Balkans is blooming with popularity, getting thousands of visitors each month, Kosovo tourism is just starting to take off.

The youngest country in Europe ( Kosovo declared its independence in February 2008 ) is still unknown to many.

It has only one major tourist attraction that is among Balkan highlights – Prizren – and when you ask travelers what to see in Kosovo there will most likely not even know about this one.

I’ve been twice to Kosovo so far and I can assure you the country has lots to offer, especially to more curious and adventurous visitors.

Here is my mini cheat-sheet of Kosovo tourism, your answer to what to see in Kosovo!

Kosovo essentials

Planning a trip to Kosovo? Here are the services I always use and personally recommend:

• Accommodation : I always book a place to stay on Booking.com
• Tours: when I decide to go on a tour I either use Viator
• Get insured for your trip to Kosovo with SafetyWing

Table of Contents

Is it worth to visit Kosovo?

First things first.

If you keep wondering is it worth to visit Kosovo, while the countries nearby are so interesting and beautiful (I’m looking at you Albania , Montenegro , Croatia and Bosnia ) my answer is simple – YES.

Kosovo tourism is still unspoiled, the country is visited only by a handful of people who are not afraid of the unknown land.

And that what makes it even a more attractive destination to visit as everything around feels just real, not made for tourists! Another bonus – even if the local currency is Euro, Kosovo is really cheap!

Is Kosovo safe?

Again – YES.

I felt completely safe for all the time.

True, there was a violent civil war not so long ago and there are still tensions in the country but for a tourists visiting Kosovo there is nothing to worry about.

I was traveling solo there and didn’t have a single awkward or nervous situation, I also don’t know of any other travelers who had any sort of issues in Kosovo.

Everyone around was super friendly, trying to help me even when I didn’t need it. I was out in Prizren and Pristina in the evening (mostly in the center but still) and no one bothered me at all.

Also due to the specific situation of Kosovo there are numerous foreign forces looking after the country.

You might see soldiers walking up and down the main boulevard of Pristina but there is no need to worry – they simply want to show off, behaving like on a runway and looking like a million bucks.

Just like in every other place, use your common sense, don’t do things you wouldn’t do at home and you will be more than fine! Kosovo is really safe!

I wrote the whole post about Kosovo safety where I share my and other travelers’ opinions – click here to read “Is Kosovo safe?” post!

What to see in Kosovo

Kosovo isn’t the most spectacular country in the Balkans but it has its moments.

The cities might be not the most beautiful you will ever see but chances you will fall for its cafes, vibe, landscape and people are very high. Kosovo really has a lot to offer to travelers!

Below are my top places to visit in Kosovo:

Second biggest city in Kosovo and a picture perfect gem of the country (at least in the Old Town). If there is one place you need to visit in Kosovo it has to be Prizren.

Have you seen the picture of the old stone bridge, the mosque and the lush mountains in the background? That’s Prizren! And in reality it’s even more beautiful!

The Old Town is bustling with numerous cafes and restaurants, too many to count, cobbled streets are filled with tables ready for you to relax over an exceptional cup of coffee.

Shadervan – the main square – seems to be always full of people, just hanging out, doing their businesses.

But the highlight of Prizren is Kaljaja – the fortress with the most spectacular view you will see in Kosovo.

It’s an easy hike up there from the Old Town and you are easily entitled to spend most of your day up there. Kaljaja, alongside with Shadervan, is the place to be in Prizren.

Rumours say it’s the most beautiful during sunset – I wish I could confirm this but when I was about to hike up there the thunderstorm rolled over Prizren…

I’m really hoping to return to Prizren, maybe in August for Dokufest – a world famous International Documentary and Short Film Festival.

But I’m also hoping to explore more of the city, to dwell into its rough backstreets with abandoned houses . Prizren is so much more than postcards show!

One of the least beautiful capitals in Europe yet among the most interesting (and my favorite) ones!

Pristina is vibrant, cool, chic, cosmopolitan in a way.

The monuments you find there are rather boring (unless we talk about the National Library of Kosovo – probably the most amazing brutalist building I’ve seen, the one that started my love for this architecture style – yet Pristina makes you feel ecstatic.

There is just something about this city that holds you tight and doesn’t want to let you go!

My story with Pristina was very similar to the my affair with Yerevan, Armenia . After the first visit I was more or less indifferent – it was fine but the city didn’t blow me away.

However, shortly after I started thinking about Pristina more and more often, dreaming of return to get to know it better. And so I did!

I’ve spent 4 days in Pristina, the city that can be “done” in 2 hours, and I’d return there in a heartbeat!

My days were filled with some of the best cafes I’ve ever visited, great brutalist architecture, warm evenings, delicious food, good street art (including Mr.Chat I know from Sarajevo ) and amazing people.

If you’re into slow travel Pristina is a place for you!

Kosovska Mitrovica

The most challenging place to visit in Kosovo, the one that has been on my mind for a long time.

The city is divided into the Southern (Albanian) and Northern (Serbian) part, with the ongoing tension between these two.

I must admit I was slightly afraid to visit Mitrovica but, as always, it turned out there was nothing to worry about and it was only my mind playing tricks.

I’m kind of fascinated with divided city and Mitrovica was such an interesting place to explore.

As soon as you cross the (blocked and protected by international forces, like Italian Carabinieri) bridge everything changes: alphabet, currency, license plates (on the Serbian side most of the cars don’t have any) or the places of worship. Even people look different.

I can’t decided which side I liked more as Northern has one of spomeniks yet Southern had a great cafe with umbrellas.

Politics aside, Mitrovica makes a perfect day trip from Pristina and for me it’s a must when you visit Kosovo!

A getaway to Rugova Canyon and Prokletije Mountains and home to Patriarchate of Peć – UNESCO World Heritage Site.

But for me it was just a laid-back city with the fanciest coffee I had in Kosovo (for just 2€!), good street art and a decent bazaar. I didn’t even go to Patriarchate of Peć because coffee.

It was a good place to spend a relaxing afternoon at but of all the places I’ve visited in Kosovo it’s the last one on my personal list.

However, if mountains are your thing don’t miss Peja!

My biggest surprise in Kosovo! Gjakova was badly damaged during the war but after the recent renovation it’s blooming again!

You can spend at least few hours in the Grand Bazaar only, an unique place with numerous craft workshops and cafes, the oldest and largest bazaar in Kosovo.

The main lane, lined with cafes is decorated with artistic installations by local artist Mimoza Rraci and it looks just amazing. I dare to say it’s the most beautiful cafes area I’ve ever seen!

But Gjakova is more than that, the whole town with the surrounding mountains is a lovely place to visit and another perfect day trip from Pristina or Prizren.

Kosovo tourism – practical information

How to get to kosovo.

Recently there are more and more low cost flights to the Balkans – you can fly directly to Pristina from Germany, France, Hungary, Switzerland or England (I paid 60€/return from Berlin to Pristina in May 2016) or you can get to Skopje, Macedonia and take the bus to Kosovo – it’s super easy!

From Skopje buses to Pristina depart more or less every hour, the journey takes a little bit over 2 hours. In November 2014 and May 2016 I paid 5€ for one way ticket.

Public transport in Kosovo

To my great surprise the public transport in Kosovo was excellent.

There are frequent and cheap buses between cities, there might not be the most comfortable ones but decent enough to survive the 2-3 hours journey.

At the bus stations you will have no problems with finding the right bus as each destination has a dedicated platform – if it’s not written anywhere people will point you to the right place before you even ask them for help!

Just keep in mind that sometimes the last bus leaves rather early, around 6pm.

Here are the prices of tickets in May 2016: Prizren – Gjakova 2,50€; Gjakova – Peja 2,50€; Peja – Prizren 4€; Prizren-Pristina 3€, Pristina – Mitrovica 2€.

Where to stay in Kosovo

I stayed in Prizren for 2 nights (from there I did a day trip to Gjakova and Peja) and then in Pristina for 3 nights (with a day trip to Mitrovica).

You can also stay in Pristina for your whole stay and do day trips from there – the country is really small and it’s 2 hours journey to each of the interesting place.

I stayed at the hostel in Pristina that I don’t really recommend but here you can find some better options!

If you decide to stay in Prizren here you can book your hotel (for some reason the one I stayed at is no longer available).

Travel insurance

I never travel without the insurance as you never know what might happen on the road and better safe than sorry ( I’ve learnt my lesson ).

I can recommend SafetyWing that offer the insurance dedicated to travelers just like you and me.

Click here to get the insurance policy for Kosovo here.

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34 Comments

You went to Kosovo and you didn’t go to Visoki Decani ???

I was hoping to but I simply didn’t have time, it’s not so easy when you depend on public transport only.

Jay (from Vancouver, Canada)

Hi Kami!! Great travel blog – I just love your passion and enthusiasm in the places you visit. It’s so nice seeing the pictures of the places you describe – it makes me want to buy a plane ticket and travel right now! I know you are quite busy – but if you get a chance, could you recommend any good places to visit or places to eat in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) and Singapore (That’s if you’ve traveled there). I’m heading there in about a month’s time :-)

Thanks again for sharing your wonderful trips!

Thank you Jay! Unfortunately I haven’t been to both Singapore and Kuala Lumpur yet (although I’m going to the second one later this year) so I can’t help you with any recommendations. But for places to eat I always find foursquare application the best! Have a great trip!

Ellan Orlanes

Hey kami, I’m planning my trip to kosovo next year after my contract, I would like to ask if I can go also to Skopje just by bus from kosovo without needing any important documents? If you have time please kindly reply. Thanks for sharing your trips and godbless.

Yes, there are regular buses between Kosovo and Macedonia (especially Pristina and Skopje) and there’s just a regular border control on the border. Maybe check with your embassy if you need any extra documents when entering any of those countries but other than that all is fine there!

stacjabalkany

Ja zamierzam się wybrać w maju na 3 dni w Góry Przeklęte i na dwa dni z Berane do Pei:)

doskonały plan! Najlepiej porozmawiaj z Kingą z Floating My Boat , ona sie zna na górach na Bałkanach!

Trochę się boję bo będę sam ale może się odważę, zauważyłem że jest nawet połączenie z Berane w Czarnogórze do Pei:)

Kinga też była sama i dała radę :) nie ma czego się bać!

Well, now I MUST go to Kosovo! :-) Thanks!

well, now you must! ;)

Victoria @The British Berliner

‘Love this post Kami!

I’m aware that Kosovo is not as popoular as some of the other Balkan states, but I feel enormously inspired to visit, as I’m freaky like that lol! Well done. ‘Love the photographs and the information breakdown!

Thank you! You definitely should go, Kosovo is really fascinating! I bet you’d enjoy it too!

Stefania - the Italian Backpacker

It’s funny how sometimes while you visit a city you think that you don’t like it so much after all, but after you’ve returned you start to think about it often. For me it happened with Athens: not the most beautiful city in Europe maybe but I keep thinking about it and I returned there already once! Thank you for this post: I didn’t know much about what to see in Kosovo before reading it.

I had a similar yet different story with Athens – I didn’t really feel like going as I thought it’s not the city I’d like. And then I loved it! I’d really love to return there!

Great post, Kosovo is another place I really want to visit. I met a couple from there on a bus from Skopje to Greece last year and they were so friendly and interesting, really made me curious about Kosovo. Good to see you went to Mitrovica, it seems like an interesting city (not just because of the divide) but I suspect not many tourists go there. Love the cafe with the umbrellas!

Thank you! Kosovo is really interesting, and so underrated, I’d definitely recommend going there! And yes, I haven’t seen any other tourists besides me and my friend in Mitrovica so I asusme it’s not the most popular city ever :)

Nice article. But, you did not visit Gracanica (monastery, Ulpiana, other Serbian monuments)? Not to mention Visoki Decani, Pecka Patrijarsija. You did not visit Kosovo.

Thank you. I don’t want to mix politics here but since my country recognize Kosovo as the independent country I do visited Kosovo. And the fact that I didn’t go to all the monasteries doesn’t change it.

It doesn’t jump out as a place to go on holiday, but it looks gorgeous and with it being cheap and safe too you’ve convinced me! I love to head places that aren’t too obvious. I might be visiting a friend in Serbia this year so perhaps I can combine the two in one trip…

Definitely try to go to Kosovo too! It’s a wonderful place, still unspoiled by the mass tourism! And the coffee really is to die for!

The only reason I know anything about Kosovo is because I knew someone from there. Ever since then I thought it would be a really cool place to visit!

It really is! Such an underrated place!

Douglas Rezende

super plan! Zajrzyj do Kingi (link w tekście), na pewno Ci się jej post przyda!

Thanks for the honest description of Kosovo and the free publicity! :) Kosovo is a safe and a beautiful place to visit, especially the West Side (Prizren, Gjakova and Peja) with some very beautiful nature. I saw recently that Peja added a little Zip Line as well :). I plan to visit Rugova Mountain (near Prizren) in August! I have heard/seen pics of it and looks amazing!

Anyway, thanks for visiting Kosovo and writing about it! We need more blogs like this that are not about politics and war stories. Blogs like yours will bring more tourists to Kosovo and connect people.

Enjoy your travels! Sounds like a great way to live your life!

Thank you! I really enjoyed my time in Kosovo and I’m glad I can promote the country! The zip line sounds so great, I would love to return to try it out! Thanks for telling me about it!

Hi! This was great. I’m going there in a couple weeks and now I’m really excited! I will be there for 4 days, what would be the 1-2 day trips I MUST take while there in your opinion?

Where will you be based? If in Pristina then I definitely suggest Prizren and Gjakova or Mitrovica. Kosovo is really interesting, I’m sure you will like it there!

ARIJIT MOOKERJEE

I found your site very useful! I am heading to Kosovo on Monday. It will be my Country #109 (per UN) or #1`17 (per the App Been, that considers, for example, England, Scotland, Wales, Puerto Rico etc. as “countries”.

I will base myself in Pristina and have 3 nights/ 2 days on hand. Based on your blog, I will do Pritzen one day and either of the other options on the other day. Then move to Bosnia.

By the way, do you know how can I get to Sarajevo from Pristina? Another question – is there a border checkpoint between Serbia and Kosovo where they may need a Covid PCR negative as I will not have one from Serbia since I will go in there on Sunday from England with one.

Thanks again for your lovely post!

I’m so very sorry for this terribly late answer! I really hope your trip to the Balkans was great and you enjoyed Kosovo and all the other places you’ve visited. All the best!

Bryan John Smith

Thanks for this blog. I want to make a stop in Prizren and Pristina. I’m trying to work out how to get there from Dubrovnik. The bus timetables seem odd. Any suggestions on the best way to do this in a day?

I don’t think it’s possible to go to Prizren and/or Pristina on a day trip from Dubrovnik, it’s too far away. I’m not even sure there are direct connections from Croatia to Kosovo.

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10 Amazing Places to Visit in Kosovo in 2024

Kosovo is a secret gem as it is one of the lesser-known destinations in Europe. Whether you are a nature lover or culture buff, this country offers so much to tourists. There are so many incredible places to visit in Kosovo including Prizren and the beautiful Gazivoda Lake.

The Republic of Kosovo lies at the centre of the Balkans and is a self-declared independent country. Although many countries recognise Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia, several countries do not, making this country’s political history a little complicated.

This article is going to tell you everything you need to know including the most popular Kosovo attractions and the most authentic dishes to try.

Table of Contents 1. Pristina 2. Kosovo Museum 3. Prizren 4. Rugova Canyon 5. The Bear Sanctuary 6. Gazivoda Lake 7. Bjeshket E Nemuna National Park 8. Gracanica Monastery 9. Mirusha Waterfalls 10. Peja 11. Transport 12. Food and Drink 13. Weather 14. Safety 15. Accommodation

The Best Places to Visit in Kosovo

1. the capital city of pristina.

Pristina is the beautiful capital city of Kosovo and is one of the most popular places to visit in the country. Aside from the beautiful architecture, coffee shops and nightlife; the city has a lot to offer.

The National Library of Kosovo is found within the city and is known for its interesting and ‘very ugly’ design. Although the exterior of the building leaves a lot to be desired, the library itself is home to over 100,000 books and has a total area of around 16,500 square meters.

The Newborn Monument is also found within Pristina. As Kosovo only gained its independence in 2008, that makes it the youngest country in Europe. The monument was created to honour this, and every year on Kosovo’s anniversary the building is repainted a different colour.

Some of the other sights to see within Pristina include the Clock Tower, the statue of Bill Clint on and the Ottoman Bath. The city of Pristina is definitely one of the best places to visit in Kosovo as it offers an array of authentic experiences and cultures.

2. Kosovo Museum

The Kosovo Museum is located within the city of Pristina and is the National Museum of Kosovo. It is the largest museum in the country and was founded in 1949. The building itself has some of the most intricate architecture within the country, but the Museum exhibits are also a must-see.

The museum consists of three different parts in total; these are the museum itself, the Museum of Independence and Emin Gjiku’s Housing Complex. The main museum has departments of natural science, archaeology and ethnography and offers a brilliant insight into the country’s culture and history.

3. Prizren (One of the Best Places to Visit in Kosovo)

If you are looking for a hidden gem, then visiting Prizren is a must. Often known as the ‘prettiest city in Kosovo’, Prizren is located along the banks of the Lumbardhi River and on the slopes of the Sar aka Sharr mountains.

Although it is the second most populated city in Kosovo, Prizren offers a relaxed and atmospheric vibe. Colourful festivals are frequent in this city and most of the popular sights are located close together, making the city easy to explore.

Some of the most popular things to do in Prizren include visiting the Prizren Fortress, walking along the Old Stone Bridge and marvelling at Sinan Pash Mosque . If you love adventure, then hiking in the Sharr Mountains National Park should also be on your list!

Our partners at Get Your Guide offer tours of Prizren.

4. Rugova Canyon

Rugova Canyon is considered to be one of Europe’s deepest and longest canyons. With an impressive depth of up to 1,000m and a length of 25km (16 miles), you can see why this spot has made it onto our ‘places to visit in Kosovo’ list.

Rugova Canyon was created by water erosion and the retreat of the Peja glacier. Today, the Peja Bistrica river runs through the canyon. In 1985 it was declared a protected monument of natural heritage due to its incredible landscape and geological values.

If you are an adventure seeker, then the canyon offers amazing opportunities to rock climb, explore caves and hike. Visiting the Rugova Canyon is by far one of the best things to do in Kosovo and shouldn’t be missed.

5. The Bear Sanctuary

In the Balkans bears used to be kept in cages for entertainment purposes at restaurants and other public venues. Luckily today this practice is illegal, and now this sanctuary is providing homes to many rescued bears.

There are currently around 20 bears at the sanctuary and they have 16 hectares of land to roam. The sanctuary has been open since 2013 and has become a popular tourist attraction in Kosovo.

If you love animals, then this is a must-see whilst visiting the country. However, be prepared to get a little closer than you’d expect. The bears sometimes like to take walks around the perimeter, so sometimes you can get a pretty close view of them!

6. Gazivoda Lake

Gazivoda Lake is the largest and most beautiful lake in Kosovo. The lake is so large that it even extends over the border into Serbia. It is a man-made lake that was built in 1977 to supply drinking water and irrigation to north and central Kosovo.

With an average depth of over 100m, the lake is home to plenty of aquatic life. It is also the perfect spot to do a bit of wild swimming if you don’t mind the temperature of the water!

The surrounding area offers plenty of hiking opportunities, where you can get amazing views of Gazivoda Lake below. There are also lots of areas to head out on mountain bikes, and even a couple of beaches located along the lakeside where you can relax and take a picnic.

7. National Park Bjeshkët E Nemuna

National Park Bjeshkët E Nemuna is located in Western Kosovo and is a popular tourist attraction. The National Park is huge and covers an area of over 63,000 hectares, offering beautiful scenery ranging from mountainous terrain, glistening lakes and dense forests. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kosovo, so make sure you add it to your itinerary.

Some of the most popular activities to do here include fishing, sightseeing, hiking and even mountain climbing. The highest peak in the country is located here and makes for an intense climb. The mountain is called Gjeravica and sits at an impressive height of 2656m above sea level.

If you are a nature lover, there is also an abundance of flora and fauna located here. The area is incredibly biodiverse and is home to a number of large mammals, reptiles, birds and fish. If you are lucky you might get to spot wildcats, roe deer, grey wolves, lynx or even brown bears.

8. Gračanica Monastery

Gračanica Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox Monastery that was built in 1321 by the Serbian King Stefan Milutin. The monastery was dedicated to the Holy Virgin Mary and was even constructed on the ruins of an older 13th-century church of the Holy Virgin.

The monastery has had a traumatic past and has undergone many restorations. It suffered damages during the Ottoman rule, the battle of Kosovo, the Great Turkish War, the second siege of Vienna and it was even bombed twice in 1999 by NATO airplanes. Unfortunately, the majority of original paintings and treasures from the monastery have been lost either in the various fires or damages the monastery has suffered throughout the centuries.

The monastery was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006 and has been attracting tourists from all across the world ever since. So even though we can’t see the Gračanica Monastery’s original historic art pieces, we can still marvel at its architectural beauty.

9. Mirusha Waterfalls

The Mirusha Falls are a series of waterfalls that are found within Mirusha Park. These waterfalls and the 13 lakes that are located here are popular spots for tourists and a great place to swim. The waterfalls are located between each lake, with the highest waterfall being 22m (72 ft) high.

Within the park, there are various caves and canyons to explore that have been carved out by the waterfalls over time. There are also plenty of hiking opportunities that will give you superb views over the lakes and waterfalls if you get high enough.

These waterfalls are located about halfway between Pristina and Peja so are the perfect stop-off whilst visiting these destinations. The walk starts from the village of Gremnik and is about a half-hour walk through the countryside.

Peja is the fourth largest city in Kosovo and is also known by its Albanian name Pejë or its Serbian name ‘Peć’ which translates to ‘cave’. That is presumably due to the popular caves and Rugova Canyon located nearby.

Peja is often a popular spot for hikers as it’s the gateway to the Accursed Mountains (which are also known as the Albanian Alps).

Aside from going hiking, there are plenty of other things to do in Peja. Some of the most popular places to visit include the old Bazaar, the main square and simply eating lots of authentic dishes in the cities restaurants. The Patriarchate Of Peć is also located just outside of Peja.

Getting to Kosovo

If you are flying into Kosovo, then you will be arriving at Pristina International Airport. The airport is located about 20km outside of the capital city, but there are plenty of transport options. There is a bus that runs from the airport into the city centre which is by far the cheapest option, or you can choose to get a taxi.

Generally travelling overland from neighbouring countries into Kosovo is quite difficult. Some border crossings are for locals only, and others you need to transit via a third country. Another thing to be mindful of when travelling overland is the border between Serbia and Kosovo. Political tensions are still relatively high between these countries, and border crossings can be complicated.

The border town of Mitrovica can see sporadic outbreaks of violence as the town is mixed Serb and Kosovo Albanian separated by a river. Pay attention to local news when travelling in the region.

Important Note:

If you enter Kosovo from Albania, Montenegro or North Macedonia, you may not be able to enter Serbia afterward as Serbia deems Kosovo Serbian territory and you will have no entry stamp. Even travelling to and from Serbia may cause issues if they see a Kosovo stamp in your passport.

When I travelled from Serbia to Kosovo in 2010 I was held up at the border when returning to Serbia, taken off the bus and searched (no one else was). They didn’t spot the Kosovo stamp as it was well hidden on a page with many others so I was allowed back in. Check up to date travel new or with your embassy before going.

Getting Around Kosovo

There are various ways to travel around Kosovo including hiring a car and getting public transport.

Renting a hire car is probably the most popular choice as there are plenty of great places to visit in Kosovo. Even though the country is relatively small in comparison to other European countries, the popular sights are located a fair distance away from each other.

Buses connect most of the major towns in Kosovo so are a great way to get around. Tickets are very cheap, and the timetables are often the most convenient. You can travel by train throughout the country but journeys are often slow, so are best avoided unless travelling a long distance.

Whether you choose to get a hire car or public transport, be prepared for a bumpy journey. The road quality in Kosovo is poor, and you are very likely to come across large potholes and uneven surfaces.

The best food dishes to try in Kosovo

Here are some of the tasty dishes in Kosovo that you need to try!

Sarma – Sarma consists of a filling that is surrounded by leafy vegetables. There are many different versions of this dish so the fillings can vary. However, typically the filling consists of minced meat, rice, herbs, seasonings, red pepper and often a tomato sauce. The wrapping usually consists of cabbage, collard greens or sauerkraut leaves.

Flija – Flija is typically described as a stack of layered pancakes, and contains two different mixtures. The first mixture is used for the batter and consists of flour, water, salt and eggs. The second mixture is used as a filling and consists of oil, butter and yoghurt.

Šarski sir – Šarski sir is a salty cheese that is made with sheep’s and cow’s milk. It is produced in two varieties; hard (which is more traditional) and soft. It is often paired with bread, salads or pie.

The weather in Kosovo

The summers in Kosovo are generally warm and very clear, whilst the winters are known to be freezing with plenty of snow. The warmest month to visit Kosovo is in August, where temperatures reach an average high of 28°C. The coldest month to visit is in January with an average low temperature of -4°C. The summer season in Kosovo lasts from June to September, with the cold season lasting from November to March.

The best time to visit Kosovo

The best time to visit Kosovo is generally between April to September. This means you will miss out on the freezing temperatures and snow. The weather between this period will generally be mild to warm, with less precipitation. However temperatures in July and August can get extremely hot, so if you are hiking you need to bear this in mind.

Is Kosovo Safe to Visit?

Although Kosovo has had its problems, it’s considered to be a fairly safe country to visit. However, there are a few things to be mindful of. Although crime does occur in the cities, the majority is petty crime including pickpocketing, theft and card fraud.

The other major thing to be wary of when exploring Kosovo is where you are walking. Due to the years of conflict, landmines and unexploded bombs once littered Kosovo. A lot of them were cleared in a de-mining project, but some could still remain in rural and unexplored areas. Always stick to well-worn paths!

People have also been known to steal manhole covers for scrap metal throughout the country so keep your eyes down when walking.

It goes without saying to avoid talking politics with people you meet. It’s also a good idea not to have any Serbian items on you when travelling in Kosovo.

Accommodation in Kosovo

When it comes to staying in Kosovo, there are plenty of accommodation choices. Here are accommodation choices for some of the destinations we have covered in this article.

Pristina Hotels

Budget accommodation: Prishtina Center Hostel (A double room with balcony) Mid-budget accommodation: Downtown Apartments (A superior studio) Luxury accommodation: Swiss Diamond Hotel Prishtina (A business double room with breakfast included)

Prizren Hotels

Budget accommodation: Deni House (A large twin room) Mid-budget accommodation: HANI I VJETER Boutique Hotel (A double room with terrace) Luxury accommodation: Hotel Kacinari (A king suite with breakfast included)

So is Kosovo worth visiting? If you love culture, nature and authentic experiences then yes! There are so many incredible places to visit in Kosovo, that there is something for everyone no matter their travel style. You can visit the beautiful cities of Pristina and Prizren, hike through the beautiful national parks or learn about the countries history at Kosovo Museum. There are so many incredible things to do, so make sure you add this country to your (ever-growing) bucket list!

About the author: Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.

Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World . See the About page for more info.

Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲

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Prishtinë, Kosovë +383 49 124 154 [email protected]

International Tourism Fair Kosova 2024

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Kosovo Tourism Union

Nature tourism

Cultural heritage and history

Agritourism

Travel information

Located in the heart of the Balkan peninsula with an area of only 10,494 km², although it is a small geographical space with its natural resources and historical and cultural values, Kosovo offers a diversity of landscapes and cultural heritage. Beyond the devastating war that has defined the image of Kosovo for a long time, you have the opportunity to discover rolling hills, green meadows, untouched natural beauty, very rich and diverse heritage including ancient ruins, medieval churches and fortresses, Ottoman houses and Austro-Hungarian buildings. So, be part of the changes to develop your business together with the Kosovo Tourism Union and contribute to the development of the tourism industry of the Republic of Kosovo.

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About kosovo, average age, latest news are on top.

Frequently Asked Questions?

The purpose of establishing this union is to strengthen and develop the tourism sector. Specifically, the union aims to be a strong voice of the tourism sector in Kosovo in matters related to advocacy, networking, raising human capacities, promoting sustainable tourism and representing companies in this sector. All administrative and organizational actions of the Kosovo Tourism Union will be managed in accordance with LAW NO. 06/L-043 FOR FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION IN NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS. This law defines the rules for the establishment, registration, operation, suspension, extinguishment, prohibition of action and deregistration of non-governmental organizations in the Republic of Kosovo.

The mission of UTK is the strengthening and development of tourism in Kosovo, being an important actor in the promotion and development of sustainable tourism, advocacy, networking, capacity building as well as the representation of companies in this sector at the national and international level.

The vision of UTK is the development of a sustainable tourism in line with the principles of the World Tourism Organization, the policies of the Government of Kosovo as well as the public policies of the EU related to tourism, in order to maximize the sector's contribution to the growth of the export of services, the increase of employment, and the promotion of cooperation between Kosovo and other countries through the exchange of good practices.

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You can join the Kosovo Tourism Union after filling out the form in the link below:

-> Click to become a member

- REGISTRATION IN THE UNION BUSINESS DATABASE - ACCESS TO PROJECTS - BRAND PROMOTION IN UNION MARKETING CHANNELS - EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO EVENTS ORGANIZED BY THE UNION - TOURISM INDUSTRY REPORTS - USE OF THE CONFERENCE ROOM - STAFF RECRUITMENT - PROFESSIONAL LIFTING - TRAINING - INVITATION TO EVENTS FOR NETWORKING Fair - Equipped with the Safe Travels Seal

Adresa : Prishtinë, Kosovë

Tel : +383 49 124 154

Email : [email protected]

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Kosovo Info

Kosovo tourism

Tourism in kosovo.

Planning a holiday to Kosovo? Have a day off in the small Balkan state? The country has a lot to offer. Beautiful landscapes, high mountains, old city centers, waterfalls and ancient religious buildings are yours to visit in Kosovo. Here are some Kosovo tourism highlights.

Rugova Valley

One of the nature highlights of the Balkan is the Kosovar Rugova Valley; a stretched mountain range with water, waterfalls and rocks.

Those who freely want to enjoy the area can drive through the valley by car. Every season brings a new kind of beauty, so there is enough to enjoy.

Do you want to go for a walk or hike? Just park your car along the road at a random spot and take one of the numerous side paths. You might end up in the small winter sports village of Bogë. A very cute place to stay.  Read more…

Serbian Orthodox monastery

Hidden in the woods, protected by NATO soldiers and worthwhile to visit: the Serbian Orthodox monastery in Deçan.

The Visoki Decani is how you would imagine the perfect monastery – surrounded by woods, beautifully shaped, and wrapped in silence.

Visitors are very welcome and with a bit of luck you will be guided around inside by an orthodox monk. The church is one of the most beautiful churches you have ever seen. A highlight of Kosovo tourism.  Read more…

NEWBORN monument

One of the most historical places in the very recent history of Europa is the NEWBORN monument in Kosovo.

The capital Pristina revealed the letters at the moment when the (former) province of Serbia declared their independence.

The city isn’t directly a beautiful monumental city, but because Pristina is the center for the international community, government, media and the student life, the capital breathes the most the ‘new Kosovo’.  Read more…

Mirusha waterfalls

Hidden away in nature is the beautiful Mirusha waterfalls. A highlight in Kosovo tourism, and hardly to be found elsewhere in the Balkans.

For those who want to get away for a couple of hours, the waterfalls are an absolute must see.

If you do not only want to make nice pictures, you can also attempt to climb them. And at your own risk…  jump off. Even after a couple of visits you still see new details of the rocks that surround the waterfall.  Read more…

Old town of Gjakova

Gjakova might be the most authentic Kosovar town. At the same time, it’s a modern municipality, the only with a female mayor till 2018.

The old town of Gjakova was one of the most developed trade centers during the rule of the Ottoman Empire in Balkans. Although the old town was ruined in the Kosovo war of 1999, the streets  are restored  to their traditional style. The face of the old center changed recently. A narrow street, full with bars, brought back the youth to Gjakova. A Kosovo tourism highlight.  Read more…

Centre of Prizren

The Ottoman Empire has strongly influenced the Kosovar city of Prizren. Thanks to the European taxpayers many of the city highlights have been restored and accessible for everybody.

You can climb the fortress, located less then twenty minutes from the city center. From there you’ll have a stunning view over Prizren, and you can count dozens of minarets.

The center street of the old town counts a big mosque, a Serbian Orthodox church and a beautiful Catholic Church.  Read more…

Brezovica ski resort

Brezovica is a popular ski resort in the south of Kosovo, close to the border with Macedonia.

There are nine ski runs located in the area, with distances between 300 meter and 3.500 meters. The top of the biggest hill is around 2.500 meters (8200 feet) high. In the spring of 2015, French companies signed a deal to invest 400 million euros in the ski resort.

There are a couple of hotels in the wintersport area, that can accomodate around 700 people. An excellent place for winter tourism, and in the future for summer Kosovo tourism too.    Read more…

Bear sanctuary

Once, bears in Kosovo were kept in cages, close to restaurants, to amuse customers. Now, these brown bears in Kosovo are enjoying a real natural environment. And the best part is that you can visit them.

Around a dozen of bears live in the park. Some of them are inside, some play outside in the water, and a couple of bears are usually just enjoying the weather. Every animal has his own sign with personal information about his background and his actual behavior.  Read more…

Kosovo Information

Practical info and facts This Kosovo Information page provides facts, sights and practical tips about the Republic of Kosovo. Religion in Kosovo The Republic of

Kosovo religion

Kosovo religion The Republic of Kosovo is a secular state. The majority of the people are of a Muslim heritage and practice a very mild

Where is Kosovo?

Where is Kosovo? Where is Kosovo? The Republic lies in the South East of Europe. In the heart of the so-called Balkans. On this page

37 thoughts on “Kosovo tourism”

This website looks beautiful and very nice, the design, informations and everything. I’m an Albanian (Kosovar) who want to thank you for your hard work while creating this website which promotes beautiful places of Kosova and helps that foreign tourists potentially to be attracted. I wish you all the best Stefan van Dijk and other people who made possible this website exists. My suggestion is that for each location to post more photos which will enrich the website.

Dear Arbias, thank you for your message and your suggestion. We will keep improving.

Arbias Your comment it is OK …

Faleminderit shume per punen qe keni ber rreth informimit te botes per Kosoven. Ju lutem vazhdoni spse kemi nevoj ne ngritje te imazhit te Kosoves.

Shume shume faleminderit admin

Thank you very much, Blerimi, we will!

Hi there.. I’m also from Albania ( kosovar ), and congratulations for this good site to help people around the world who want’s to know more about KOSOVO… I also work online, and I own 2 websites, if you guys need any help, we ca work together.. again thank you and have a nice day..

Thank you, Ari, for your kind support!! Good luck with your work!

i will like to visit tourism center in Kosovo, by April 30 to may 15. Thanks

Welcome! Do you have any more specific question?

Hello, Assala mualaikum. I am a business man from Bangladesh. I want to travel kosobo. In my Country no kosovo Embassy. Some one told me kosovo Airport can give me arrival visa. please I need information about immigration and others. Please ans me by email. Abu Taleb Liton Managing Director Traveller Holidays Bamgladesh.

Dear Mr Abu Taleb Liton,

Please find our Travel section with information regarding visa https://www.kosovo-info.com/kosovo-information/#Passports_and_travel_documents_in_Kosovo

Biztosan nagyon finom néhány nap állás után, de ezt nemm tudtam kipróbálni. Hat fej fokhagymából készítettem el mabralicazsígnan, de még aznap elfogyott, a családom “csak úgy” kenyérrel megette az egészet…Anysi

This makes me feel really happy.For the first time on my life I’ve witnessed someone actually promoting our country.Let me just say,I love the theme and the accurate descriptions of our monuments.Keep this amazing job,Stefan! Sooner or later,this website will become a huge success for you. 🙂 Wish you the best.

Also please ignore my grammar/spelling mistakes because I’m only 15.

Dear 15 year old, thank you so much for sharing this!

hi, people in KOSOVO,because this site i know what is all about your country thank you for enlighten my mind to know this country.God bless all hopefully more picture to upload.

Nice place, wont mind opening an office there. how can i get a tourist visa to be there? i am from Nigeria, wont mind if you can help me out with info.

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Thank you for this web site.

kindly, is it possible to add the Coordinates for all the beautiful places so we can reach it by GPS.

Good day! I am from the Philippines, am much interested to know more of Kosovo, and am soliciting from your end any informative newsletter or magazine about your country , KOSOVO.

Thanks and my best regards !

RICARDO C.GUARDE PILPINOSAS SUBD, SAN VICENTE, PANABO CITY , DAVAO DEL NORTE 8105 PHILIPPINES

Dear Ricardo, we suggest you to contact KIESA, they have a some brochures! http://kiesa.rks-gov.net/

Hello, please let me know if there is any van running from Gjakovë to Bajram Curri … And from where does it leave?

Thank you very much, Eva

There are. Latest is at 14:00 and they depart from Agron Rama Square here http://osm.org/go/xfiQODYlV?m=

Thanks a lot for the quick answer, that really helped! Regards Eva

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This is pretty cool, congrats to Kosovars for having this beautiful ‘mirror’ of Kosova, respect from Preshevo, a city in Serbia, popular with Albanians (+90 %). Thanks for founding this page, even we’re not people of Kosova, we will always be united. #ByTheLanguage #ByTheBlood #ByTheHeart #WeAreSame <3

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Hi , how can I travel vom Pristina to Nis(Serbia) with bus???

Kosovo and Metohija is and only can be a part of Serbia! <3

First of all thank you for this website, very interesting . My i suggest to add some photos of Catle of Artana (Novoberdo), church and mosque in same garden in Ferizaj, Old Stone Bridge in Vushtrri etc.

Thank you and all the best.

Hi, my name is Jonathan Burger. I am 17 years old and I live in Brookings, South Dakota in the USA. I have a deep interest in photography and recently I have been looking for places that could publish and or purchase my work. As an example, my local chamber of commerce and I are exploring a potential partnership and I am working on getting my shots published in various other places. Anyway, I was wondering if there is any way we could strike a bargain. I am a little bit nuts about travel, but I have only been within the contiguous USA and 5 of the Canadian provinces. I have always wanted to visit the beautiful country of Kosovo and photograph it, and so I have an idea. Would it be at all worth considering flying me out to some of the various places in Kosovo so that I could photograph them and the architecture, landscape, wildlife, and people in them? I would give all of the rights for my shots to y’all to help boost tourism and marketing, and I would do my absolute best up here in SD to help raise awareness of the people and their culture in Kosovo. If we could work together and discuss this possibility, that would be great. I think that it would be mutually beneficial. I would appreciate compensation for my time, but we can discuss this at a later date. I perfectly understand if the budget does not allow for this. If this is something you would be at all interested in, please contact me at this email. I know it sounds absolutely ludicrous, but I feel that it would be a great boost to the area’s tourism economy, if used for tourism and marketing purposes. Please consider my proposal! Thanks! Jonathan

P. S. If you want, I would be happy to send some of the pictures I have taken previously, like as a preview of my work. I have a very unique photographic perspective, which I feel would greatly benefit the people and wildlife of Kosovo. I am also aware that the current Covid-19 situation will prevent me from going for a while, so I was thinking more along the lines of 2021. Thanks again for considering!

This is a great website promotion my born country Kosovo. I live in US for the past 21 years and every time I go back to Kosovo I have a fabulous time. The food, and the Albanian hospitality is great. Everywhere you go you feel welcomed, which is not the case in other countries. I would love to see more photos in the future if possible. Thank you for all you do in Kosovo – Great job.

i want visit to Kosovo as tourist, But no have host there, for make a invitation,.. for my one week visit to Pristina and Prizren. i am from Pakistan.

You need to add a section HOW TO GET TO KOSOVO. Im planning a Balkan trip and can find bus and train schedules most everywhere but when it comes to Kosovo -NOTHING I can find flights is all. I would prefer bus or train from Macedonia, Albania or Montenegro and cant find any of those.

Hello, I am looking for information about hiking trails in Sharri park and in Rugova park and the area of Dragash. I found several websites that describe the parks, but none of them describes the hiking trails themselves. I would like to find information about the trails themselves before I am coming to Kosovo in order to plan my trip ahead. I would appreciate your help with references to websites that describe the actual trails and technical information and not websites that only describe how beautiful those parks are but don’t give accurate information about the trails themselves.

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The young europeans be in kosovo is here to help your dreams come true, by providing professional teams for tourism, event management, translation and interpretation, transportation, and accommodation needs in kosovo., latest from the visitors:.

BeinKosovo is a five-star service that tailors to your travel needs in Europe’s youngest country. Mr. Rafuna and his team were absolutely wonderful and professional. They were extremely helpful in making my first experience in Kosovo a memorable one. I highly recommend them if you’re considering a trip to this beautiful country and its welcoming people.

Whether you are touring 10th century architecture, kayaking across Kosovo’s lakes, or planning a business event in the country, the depth of knowledge and attention to detail offered by BeinKosovo is extraordinary.  They tailored their services to my interests and provided me with indispensable personalized information.

That site and Mr. Rafuna helped me a lot to discover Kosovo. Kosovo is a beautiful and historic country that everyone should see in their life. Thank you so much Be In Kosovo team!

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Exploring Tourism is one of the most reliable and experienced travel agency in Kosovo. It helps you plan your trip to Kosovo and helps you gain an enriching life experience. With expert Kosovo travel agent, it offers customized tour packages according to your requirements and budget. Pack your bags and be ready to explore Kosovo with us.

Travel to Kosovo with Exploring Tourism to get the best travelling experience. We have partnered with the best and experienced travel agent to provide you the perfect and specialized tour package. They plan your tour according your budget, duration, and interest. We also help you with your airport transfer, guide, hotel , sightseeing and all kinds of activities in Kosovo .

Planning to spend your holidays in Kosovo? Contact Exploring Tourism to plan the best trip to Kosovo for you. It is one of the well-known and reliable travel agency in Kosovo with association with the best travel agent to plan your dream trip to Kosovo within your budget. Send your travel enquiry with more details to our local Tour Operator.

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Pristina is a vibrant and culturally rich city that offers visitors many tourist attractions ranging from historic monuments to modern wonders. Our travel agent in Pristina can guide tourists in choosing places to visit according to their interests and preferences.

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