Last Updated on 04/01/2024 by kami
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
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:
Prizren
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!
Pristina
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!
-> Read more about my day trip from Skopje to Pristina <-
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!
Peja/Pec
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!
Gjakova
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.
If you enjoyed that post why don't you share it with your friends? That would mean so much to me! Also be sure to join 30.000+ fellow travelers and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for travel updates and even more pictures! If you don't want to miss new posts sign up to my newsletter or follow on Bloglovin!
39 Comments
David
22/02/2017 at 14:32You went to Kosovo and you didn’t go to Visoki Decani ???
kami
23/02/2017 at 08:12I was hoping to but I simply didn’t have time, it’s not so easy when you depend on public transport only.
ANIS KADIR
06/06/2024 at 10:07thanks so much your story is very interesting i like it
kami
03/07/2024 at 17:46I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Jay (from Vancouver, Canada)
22/02/2017 at 19:28Hi 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!
kami
24/02/2017 at 08:10Thank 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
22/08/2017 at 00:43Hey 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.
kami
05/10/2017 at 08:51Yes, 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
22/02/2017 at 22:26Ja zamierzam się wybrać w maju na 3 dni w Góry Przeklęte i na dwa dni z Berane do Pei:)
kami
24/02/2017 at 08:12doskonały plan! Najlepiej porozmawiaj z Kingą z Floating My Boat, ona sie zna na górach na Bałkanach!
stacjabalkany
28/02/2017 at 10:38Trochę się boję bo będę sam ale może się odważę, zauważyłem że jest nawet połączenie z Berane w Czarnogórze do Pei:)
kami
03/03/2017 at 23:04Kinga też była sama i dała radę :) nie ma czego się bać!
Alessandro
22/02/2017 at 22:35Well, now I MUST go to Kosovo! :-) Thanks!
kami
24/02/2017 at 08:12well, now you must! ;)
Victoria @The British Berliner
23/02/2017 at 06:48‘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!
kami
24/02/2017 at 09:21Thank you! You definitely should go, Kosovo is really fascinating! I bet you’d enjoy it too!
Stefania - the Italian Backpacker
23/02/2017 at 23:46It’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.
kami
24/02/2017 at 09:34I 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!
Martin
24/02/2017 at 23:05Great 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!
kami
27/02/2017 at 16:20Thank 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 :)
Mike
27/02/2017 at 11:37Nice article. But, you did not visit Gracanica (monastery, Ulpiana, other Serbian monuments)? Not to mention Visoki Decani, Pecka Patrijarsija. You did not visit Kosovo.
kami
27/02/2017 at 16:25Thank 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.
Arianwen
02/03/2017 at 17:38It 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…
kami
03/03/2017 at 23:09Definitely 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!
Jasilyn
03/03/2017 at 18:13The 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!
kami
03/03/2017 at 23:19It really is! Such an underrated place!
Douglas Rezende
25/05/2017 at 17:06Ja zamierzam się wybrać w maju na 3 dni w Góry Przeklęte i na dwa dni z Berane do Pei:)
kami
27/05/2017 at 09:17super plan! Zajrzyj do Kingi (link w tekście), na pewno Ci się jej post przyda!
Besar
12/07/2017 at 16:44Hi Kami,
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!
Cheers
kami
21/08/2017 at 20:42Thank 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!
Fay
27/08/2018 at 06:01Hi! 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?
kami
14/09/2018 at 13:23Where 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
09/07/2021 at 21:08Hi Kami
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!
Arijit
kami
25/11/2021 at 16:55I’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
14/01/2023 at 21:13Thanks 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?
kami
27/01/2023 at 19:37I 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.
ANIS KADIR
06/06/2024 at 10:11because your story i will visit this country thanks again
Lizzie Hillier
12/07/2024 at 11:48Hi Kami, We need to choose between Pej and Gjakova. We love local not touristy places which would you recommend? Thank you so much in advance xx
kami
29/07/2024 at 13:51of these two I prefered Gjakopva, but Peja is closer to the mountains if you would like to go hiking too! all the best!