kosovo tourist spots

• 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

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Why You Should Visit Prizren, the Cultural Capital of Kosovo

A Budget Traveller’s Guide to Kosovo

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The 5 Best Festivals in Kosovo

Awesome Things to Do for Free in Kosovo

9 Things You Miss When You Move Away from Kosovo

How to Spend a Day in Prizren, Kosovo

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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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Europe's newest country, Kosovo is a fascinating land at the heart of the Balkans rewarding visitors with welcoming smiles, charming mountain towns, incredible hiking opportunities and 13th-century domed Serbian monasteries brushed in medieval art – and that's just for starters.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

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…

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Home > Top Things To Do In Kosovo

Top Things To Do In Kosovo

Written by our local expert Ana

Croatian born Ana is an avid traveler who is always looking for the next travel story from the Balkans to share. Her passion is creating travel itineraries and in-depth guides.

It may be a small country, but there are plenty of things to do in Kosovo, from seeing ancient churches and mosques to beautiful nature.

Kosovo is not a country that you automatically think of when trying to come up with another Balkan bucket list location . The thing is, though, if you avoid this beautiful country, you’re missing out!

Kosovo is well known for the Kosovo War of 1998 and 1999, but putting that sad part of Kosovo’s history aside, you should know that things have changed. Unfortunate historical events shouldn’t define a country, after all.

While once a war-torn part of the globe, Kosovo is now a very safe country for tourists and welcomes more and more visitors every year. Will you be one of them?

You might not be that aware of where Kosovo is, in fact, and possibly don’t know which countries are near Kosovo either! To answer the question of ‘where is Kosovo?’, Kosovo is in Europe, and it is within the Balkans .

Kosovo is landlocked with Serbia , Macedonia , Albania , and Montenegro as its neighbors, Kosovo has its own unique culture. Still, it certainly influences those countries around it, too, and from former foreign rulers.

Pristina, the capital city, is a great place to visit and is home to a huge amount of old versus new and many Kosovo attractions in general. You can easily walk around the city and explore without even needing to use public transport, and there are plenty of great accommodations to choose from !

Because it’s quite likely that you don’t know that much about what to do in Kosovo , let’s give you the low down before letting you in on some of the best things to do when you visit Kosovo.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

How To Get To Kosovo

Pristina International Airport is the only international airport in Kosovo. So, that means you need to visit the capital as part of your stay.

There are countless flights every day to and from major cities in Europe, but you could also enter Kosovo via a land border from another Balkan country .

Do you know what language they speak in Kosovo? The official answer is Serbian and Albanian , with differences as you travel across the country. Having said that, English is widely spoken in key tourist hot spots.

If you intend to drive, you’ll pass some fantastic scenery, and driving around the Balkans , in general, is a great idea. This way, you avoid the not-so-on-time public transport options.

What you might have a problem with is renting a car from another Balkan country and taking it to Kosovo. For this reason, verify if there are any restrictions before you make a decision. For ease of travel, flying to Pristina and then hiring a car from the airport is the most convenient transportation option to and around Kosovo.

Here is how you can get from Macedonia to Kosovo.

List of cities in kosovo.

Notable towns and cities as part of your Kosovo itinerary should be:

We’ve already mentioned that this is the capital city. There are plenty of fun things to do in Pristina , and you’ll also find a fun cafe vibe here, as well as plenty of modern amenities to enjoy, such as great restaurants and all kinds of shops.

This is also the location of Kosovo’s main museums, including the Museum of Kosovo and the Emin Gjiku Ethnographic Museum.

A local Pristina travel guide will help you see the main sites and give you lots of interesting information on Kosovo’s history. Pristina is also where you will find the majority of the Kosovo nightlife, so that is something to bear in mind if you’re keen to party .

See what to do in Pristina here. 

Find the best pristina accommodation options for any budget here..

A historically significant place to visit and a change from the capital in many ways. You’ll find old examples of architecture, fantastic views, and the famous bridge made of stone. There’s plenty of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, as well as beautiful mosques and winding alleyways. Prizren is about an hour away from the capital, making it super-easy to visit, even without a car.

Check out our top 10 things to do in Prizren here.

Here is where to stay while in prizren. .

In the west of the country, surrounded by some of the highest Kosovo mountains and even more beautiful scenery, you will find Peja, quite close to Montenegro . Nearby you’ll find the Rugova Canyon, which has  plenty of outdoor activities . The Old Town offers superb cultural exploration, home to a Turkish bazaar, beautiful religious monuments, and vibrant cafes.

This is another town you can easily reach from the capital. Even though it’s a small city, it’s a very sweet one, with beautiful architecture and a calm vibe. You’ll find many old churches and mosques side by side. However, the top attraction has to be the bustling Grand Bazaar, which is 1 kilometer long and the longest bazaar in the Balkans. This is a great place to add to your Kosovo sightseeing list, for sure.

With plenty of nods to Roman history, this is a very interesting city to visit, and it’s almost like going back in time. This ancient city in northern Kosovo is home to several magnificent monuments. Sights you can’t skip include the Vojinovic Tower and Vojinovic Bridge, Vushtrri Fortress, and a few historical mosques.

If you love wine and raki, this is your destination. The homemade raki knocks your socks off and is one of the biggest Kosovo tourist attractions!

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Is kosovo safe.

We have to include this section because so many people ask whether Kosovo is safe or not. Let’s be completely clear: Kosovo is safe.

As with all countries in the world, avoid talking about previous tensions and wars throughout history and not get involved in political conversations of any kind. If you see large protest-type gatherings, avoid them. This is the type of advice you will see time and time again in any country, but it applies more so in Kosovo.

The one thing we do need to mention about Kosovo’s safety is to try and avoid the city of Mitrovica. The simple reason is that there are tensions there between ethnic groups, and it’s best to stay out of it. On the border with Serbia , the north of the country is where any trouble would likely be. Steer clear of that part (for now at least), and you’ll enjoy your stay in Kosovo without issues!

The other piece of advice is about unexploded landmines dating back to troubles during the ’90s. As with most Balkan countries, the overwhelming majority of these mines have been cleared, and you won’t have problems on main roads; however, if you venture off-road, this is something you should be aware of. Stick to the marked routes.

Best Things To Do In Kosovo

Visit The Imperial Mosque In Pristina

Kosovo is a mainly Muslim country, and as a result, you’ll find many beautiful and intricately designed mosques wherever you go. The Imperial Mosque in Pristina is one of the most beautiful you’ll see. A visit should definitely be on your list.

Dating back to 1461, built by Sultan Mehmet II Fatih of the Ottoman Empire, this is a stunning and peaceful place to head to. Remember, though, to dress properly when visiting any mosque, covering your head if you are a woman, removing shoes , whether male or female and making sure that arms and legs are covered modestly.

Visit Pristina’s ‘Newborn’ Monument

One of the most photographed places in the whole of Kosovo is the ‘newborn’ sign in the capital. This pays homage to Kosovo’s independence in 2008, which effectively made it the youngest country in the whole of Europe, hence the sign. Every year it gets repainted in a different style, so a picture taken one year will never be the same as the next.

Chill Out In A Coffee Shop

Yes, you can do this anywhere, but Kosovo, and the rest of the Balkan countries, have a great coffee culture. You’ll find pavement cafes everywhere. Sit in the sun and soak up the rays, enjoying a cup of java as you watch the world go by. People-watching opportunities are plentiful, especially in the capital!

You’ll easily find a friendly local to chat to, and you could even try something most people seem to enjoy Turkish coffee . Beware, it’s very strong and very thick, so you might prefer to stick to a latte!

Enjoy An Authentic Night Out On Raki Street

The capital’s side streets are ideal for enjoying nights out in a more authentic manner. Raki Street ( called that because you literally can enjoy as much raki as you like ) is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture. As a side note, the prices on these streets are far lower than where the tourists go on the main streets, which is an easy way to save cash .

Take Part In The Xhiro

In the evenings, you will see a strange sight – people just getting up and going out for a walk, quite a lot of people. This is called the ‘xhiro,’ and it is a way of life in Kosovo. This is a way for people to walk off their evening meal, catch some fresh air, and catch up with locals. Kosovo overall is a very friendly country, and you’ll be able to meet all sorts of people. It’s quite the sight to see and join in if you can.

Visit Prizren’s Fortress

This fortress constructed by the Ottomans is one of the most visited spots in the whole of Kosovo, not just Prizren. The fortress is free to enter, and the view from the top is simply divine. It’s an incredible place for sunrise and sunset watching.

Enjoy The Nightlife In Pristina

The capital city is a great place to enjoy a spot of nightlife and probably one of the most vibrant places in the entire country. You’ll find music from all over Europe, clubs, bars, and some incredible restaurants to line your stomach before you head out. Be sure to try some authentic Kosovo food , including cevapcici , which is quite common across the whole of the Balkan region. This is a type of skinless sausage , and it’s delicious.

One of the best places to eat in the whole of Kosovo is called a gebabtore. This is a barbecue meat restaurant where you can get all your local delicacies.

Explore Rugova Canyon

If outdoor adventures are your thing, then head to Peja and the nearby Rugova Canyon, one of Europe’s deepest and longest canyons. Caving here is very popular, with stunning underground crystals, as well as stalagmites and stalactites to explore. The area is also famous for walking, hiking, biking, and generally enjoying nature.

Visit The Bear Sanctuary At Novo Selo

Very close to the capital you will find one of the most astonishing sights – bears! Once upon a time, bears were mistreated by the tourism industry and used for entertainment. Thankfully that is now illegal, and these beautiful creatures are roaming free and healthy in this wonderful sanctuary.

Ski In The Sjeshket E Sharrit Mountains

Whether you’ve skied before in your life or not, this is the best place to go for winter sports fun and stunning views. You’ll also hear these mountains called the Sharr Mountains, and they offer alpine fun at a fraction of the price you would pay in the more well-known ski resorts across Europe.

Brezovica is the best place for beginners, but it also has some higher-quality runs for experienced skiers. The highest spot is around 2,200 meters, which gives you an idea of the views.

See The Pec Patriarchate Monastery

Located close to the entrance to the Rugova Canyon, you will find one of the most beautiful buildings, called the Pec Patriarchate Monastery. This is an Orthodox monastery that dates back to the 13th century. It is part of Kosovo’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site , the Medieval Monuments of Kosovo, which gives you an idea of its importance. Set with the Rugova Canyon in the background, the view is impressive.

Visit The Marble Cave

Another popular natural spot to visit is the Marble Cave, which is very close to the capital, and therefore easy to reach. Parts of the cave are still to be explored, but the parts that are open to the public are really spectacular. This is one of the best places in Kosovo for nature lovers.

Visit Visoki Decani Monastery

If you’re a fan of history, head to the burial place of the Serbian King Stevan Decanski from the 14th century. This beautiful monastery is quite close to Peja and is another site that’s part of the above-mentioned UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Stroll The Longest Bazaar In The Balkans

In the town of Gjakova, about halfway between Prizren and Peja, lies one of the top things to do in Kosovo . The Grand Bazaar is a kilometer long and home to no fewer than 500 shops. It’s the longest bazaar in the Balkans, a place that should be on any visitor’s to-do list. Other nearby attractions include the Hadum Mosque and a clocktower.

Hike Bjeshkët E Nemuna National Park

Located near Rugova Canyon and Pec, Bjeshkët E Nemuna National Park is one of the two national parks in Kosovo . Its natural diversity is nothing short of impressive, ranging from mountains and valleys to forests and lakes. There’s epic hiking here, as well as superb wildlife watching; the park is home to wolves, deer, mountain goats, and even brown bears.

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Best Places To Stay In Kosovo

Kosovo has plenty of options for accommodation, but to give you a few starters, here are some great places to stay in a few of the main towns and cities.

Hotel Hani, Peja

This small, family-run hotel is the ideal spot when staying in Peja and even provides an airport shuttle to make your life easier. Rated as five stars, it’s like a home away from home, with an on-site restaurant that serves delicious, mouth-watering meals with authentic hints. Free parking is also available so that you can explore the local area in and around Peja with ease.

Hotel Princi I Arberit, Pristina

Another five-star choice, this hotel is a great and central place to base yourself during your exploration of the capital city. The outside swimming pool is ideal for those traveling with kids , and the spa and wellness center is suitable for people who fancy a treatment or two. The on-site bar and restaurant will be a great welcome home vibe after a long day of sightseeing.

Astoria Luxury & Spa, Gjilan

A modern place to stay, this hotel gives you a luxury spot to rest your head, while the on-site spa is ideal for ultimate relaxation. Rooms are ultra-modern and spacious and have a coffee machine in every room, taking care of your morning brew. The bar and restaurant are also fantastic for international and local dishes.

Hotel International Prishtina & Spa

Staying in the capital means five-star luxury, and this hotel certainly fits the bill. There is a swimming pool and bar with a spa and wellness center on-site to complete your amenity list. Rooms are large, modern, and there is free WiFi to keep you connected.

Hotel Albatros, Prizren

If you’re with the kids, staying at this Prizren hotel is ideal. The hotel has an outdoor pool during the summer months, the perfect way to cool down. Overall, this hotel is a central and comfortable choice and also offers airport shuttles to make life easier. Check out the on-site restaurant for some mouthwatering local dishes.

Here is a full list of ideas on where to stay in Kosovo.

These are some of the best places to visit in Kosovo, a country that you might not have had on your visit list, but that should be on it now!

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

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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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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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Wander-Lush

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

Bazaars, museums, architecture and designer cafes – Kosovo’s biggest city does it all incredibly well. This culture and coffee-oriented guide covers the best things to do in Pristina Kosovo plus recommended side trips.

Of all the big Balkan cities I visited on my six-month trip around the region, I think Pristina (also written as Prishtina or Prishtinë) surprised me the most.

As well as being the youngest European capital, it’s definitely one of the most underrated .

Unlike many first-time travellers to Kosovo , we didn’t start our trip in Pristina, we ended it there. I’m not sure if my impressions would be different had we done our Kosovo itinerary in reverse, but ending in the capital was the right choice for us and certainly felt like finishing on a high.

Prizren is considered Kosovo’s cultural hub, Gjakova the prettiest city , and Peja is the gateway to nature. Having already experienced all three, we found Pristina, the largest city and most cosmopolitan, to be a nice combination of all of the above – with some unexpected and fascinating architecture thrown in.

Laid-back and lively all at once, with a hip cafe and bar scene and some fantastic outdoor public spaces, Pristina is a beautiful city and one of my top choices to include on your Balkans itinerary.

Here are my favourite things to do in Pristina plus a map, travel tips, suggested Pristina itinerary, and more.

Please note: This post contains 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.

Where to stay in Pristina

Pristina offers a good mix of budget and mid-range accommodations plus plenty of apartment rentals. It’s also home to the finest boutique hotel in Kosovo, the social-focused Hotel Gračanica.

Boutique: If you want to experience Kosovo’s first boutique hotel, Swiss-run and multi-ethnic-owned Hotel Gračanica is superbly styled, with a luxurious pool and an on-site restaurant. It’s located 15-20 minutes’ by taxi (a 5 Euro fare) from Pristina, close to Gračanica Monastery. Even if you aren’t staying the night, you can still visit for the day – you’ll find it featured later on my list of things to do in Pristina.

Mid-range: Stay Ok is a good no-frills choice. A room at City Inn will set you back a few more Euro, but the stylish decor and central location are worth it.

Budget: ODA Hostel (dorms + privates with shared bathroom) is the top choice among Pristina’s hostels.

Self-contained: When researching for our visit, we were surprised at how many cool apartment rentals there are in Pristina. We ended up staying at an Airbnb inside the iconic Kurrizi Complex. I’ve gone to the liberty of curating a list of the city’s most stylish Airbnb apartments – find it here .

Getting around Pristina

Pristina city centre is compact and flat; everything on this list (apart from Hotel Gračanica and the Bear Sanctuary Pristina) can be reached from the centre on foot. 

A DIY walking tour is a great way to take in the highlights. Information tablets have been placed throughout the city to mark important landmarks, and there are large tourist maps positioned prominently on every other block.

Just know that Google Maps isn’t always reliable, especially on the back streets around the Ethnographic Museum.

I’ll admit that I don’t know anything about public transport in Pristina because we never had occasion to use it. You can read-up on Pristina’s city buses here .

If you prefer to explore the city with a guide, I recommend this private 3-hour walking tour of the city centre .

12 wonderful things to do in Pristina

Wandering what to do in Pristina? Here’s my culture and coffee filled guide to the best things to do.

1. Climb the cathedral tower for a view of the city

Whenever I arrive in a new city, I like to start with a bird’s eye view so I can better visualise its size and layout. By this stage of my Balkans trip, I honestly couldn’t count the number of clock towers, bell towers, fortresses and hillocks I’ve climbed!

The tower adjoining the Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa is the best vantage point in Pristina and a must-do. From 250 feet up, you can look down on Miti Park and the iconic National Library of Kosovo to the east. To the south and west, Pristina’s suburbs – huge conglomerations of socialistic-style concrete blocks – roll out along sparkling highways.

The tower is accessible by elevator and entrance costs 1 Euro. There are no official opening hours that I could find, but locals assure me the tower is open daily until sunset, with a short break in the middle of the day for lunch.

2. Go inside the Cathedral of Saint Mother Theresa

While you’re there, take a moment to visit the church itself. The biggest Catholic cathedral in Kosovo, it only opened to worshipers in 2009.

I’ve really enjoyed observing the differences between Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches in the Balkans, and the contrast in Pristina couldn’t be starker. Everything is shiny and new, and the sparsely decorated, spacious interior truly sparkles.

Take note of the stained glass windows that line both sides of Saint Teresa Cathedral’s nave and the pews adorned with eagle heads. The Saint Teresa window pictured was gifted to the church by a benefactor with the family name, Lush!

3. Wander down Mother Teresa Boulevard

Pristina is very much an outdoor city and as long as you’re not visiting in winter, you’ll find the streets are always alive with cafes, flower markets and groups of friends out for a stroll.

Traipsing up and down the cobbled streets around Shadervani and along Agim Ramadani Street, the main drag, is an activity in itself. The pedestrian-only Mother Teresa Boulevard (Bulevardi Nënë Tereza) is lined with shady trees and delightful little shop cubes, where stallholders trade blossoms and second-hand books.

A small farmers’ fresh produce market is also held on the street every morning.

Watch elderly gents, always in pairs, chatting away the afternoon while groups of friends crisscross the boulevard, hopping from one trendy cafe to the next. Pause for just a moment and someone is bound to approach you and strike up a conversation.

In the evenings, most of these venues transform into bars, serving craft brews, wine by the glass and draught beer.

At its northern end, Mother Teresa boulevard terminates at Skanderbeg Square, where an imposing statue of the Albanian general stands in wait.

4. Stop for coffee at Soma Book Station

Not familiar with Kosovo’s coffee culture? I have two words for you: Big macchiato.

A close cousin of the Australian flat white, the humble macchiato is the beverage of choice across Kosovo. (Put that Turkish coffee away!) Hand on heart, coffee in Kosovo is the smoothest and tastiest I’ve had since we left Colombia , and probably the best I’ve had anywhere in Europe (sorry, Italy).

Even the smallest, most unassuming (and downright dodgy looking) cafes make a mean macchiato. Kosovar baristas sure know how to work an Italian coffee machine – and a big macchiato will never cost you more than 1 Euro (the cheapest we had was 80 cents, and it was still fantastic!).

Prince Coffee House (a Kosovar chain that recently opened a branch in The Bronx) is probably the most popular cafe in Pristina. But my personal favourite place to grab a drink is definitely Soma Book Station.

5. Visit the Imperial Mosque

There are more than 500 mosques in Kosovo. If you’re going to visit just one in Pristina, make it the Sultan Mehmet Fatih Mosque, an active mosque and one of the city’s most revered cultural monuments.

Known locally as the Imperial Mosque (Džamija cara), it was constructed in 1461 and is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture. It’s definitely more restrained than other mosques I’ve seen in the region but just like the nearby cathedral, it has an understated beauty. The stone ablution fountain, set in the front garden, is particularly impressive.

I’m not entirely sure of the visitor’s policy at the Imperial Mosque. After some confusion over whether or not we should buy a ticket, we were shown inside free of charge (although our chaperone didn’t turn the lights on for us, maybe because he didn’t know where the switch was!).

There is an Islamic bookstore on the street just below the mosque where you can usually find someone to let you in. If there’s no one there, don’t fret: I actually thought the paintings on the exterior domes were just as impressive as the interior.

On the same street, the petite Jashar Pasha Mosque (Xhamia e Jashar Pashës) and the 15th century Bazaar Mosque (Xhamia e Çarshisë) are also worth a look in. The latter is among the oldest surviving structures in Pristina.

6. Lose yourself in Pristina’s old market, Tregu i vjeter

We got completely disoriented trying to navigate our way from the mosque to the Ethnological Museum and happened upon a raging green market in the winding back streets. We later learned that Tuesday is market day in Pristina, when the alleys around what used to be the Pristina Bazaar fill up with fruit, veg and dairy vendors from the surrounding villages.

In the 16th century, the Pristina Bazaar was known throughout the region as a trading hub. At its peak, it contained more than 300 shops, as well as a hammam and a mosque. Sadly, most of the complex was destroyed in the 1960s as part of the city’s urban ‘regeneration’ program. From old photos, it looked a lot like the bazaar in Gjakova, which is the biggest in Kosovo today.

The buildings may be gone, but the tradition still continues. Inside a permanent undercover market adjacent to the Ethnography Museum people sell electronics, hardware and other products.

To see the green market in action and the streets abuzz with shoppers and men pulling wooden carts, you should try to time your visit for a Tuesday morning.

7. Step back in time at the Pristina Ethnographic Museum

Keeping with the regional tradition of turning former private residences into house museums , Pristina’s Ethnological Museum (also called The Ethnological Treasure of Kosovo) is set in the Emin Gjiku Complex, an 18th-century property that belonged to one of Pristina’s wealthiest Kosovar-Turkish families.

Three buildings, each one with outstanding architectural flourishes, house artefacts collected from Pristina and around Kosovo between the 15th and 20th centuries. Textiles, furniture, dowry trunks and kitchen utensils tell the story of how the city’s traders once lived and practiced their culture.

In the sitting room, a raised bench for guests and lowered seating for the family speaks to the Albanian tradition of welcoming outsiders unequivocally into one’s home. The museum curator told us the house was even used to shelter Jewish refugees during the war.

Two of the museum’s three buildings were closed for renovation at the time of our visit, but luckily we could still tour the main house. The curator is usually on hand to show guests around (note that the museum is closed on Mondays). Entry is free, but donations are appreciated. More information and opening hours can be found here .

8. Go inside the National Library of Kosovo

Does the National Library of Kosovo deserve the title of the world’s ‘ugliest’ building? I’ll let you be the judge. Wherever you fall, I think it’s worth a visit – if only to see the unusual facade of the building, which looks like a huge coil of chain, up close.

Completed in 1982, the library’s design is the fever dream of Croatian architect Andrija Mutnjaković. Its more-redeeming design features can be found inside: A stunning geometric floor mosaic (it’s actually tiered with shallow stairs) dominates the entryway.

There are some nice wall mosaics and retro fittings among the semi-abandoned upstairs rooms.

Visitors get free reign inside the library, including the upstairs reading rooms. I feel a pang of sadness whenever I see books being mistreated: I’m sure staff here are doing their best (and there were a lot of them – and visitors – around), but we saw a lot of disheveled piles and ripped books laying about. In one of the rooms, there is a conveyor belt that looks as if it hasn’t been used in decades.

The best views of the library are available from the cathedral tower.

9. Take a selfie at the Newborn Monument

Another Pristina icon, the Newborn monument was unveiled on 17 February 2008, the day Kosovo declared its independence. Every year, to mark the anniversary of the declaration, a different artist is invited to reimagine and reinvigorate the monument by repainting it with different motifs – usually designed to echo broader political or cultural conversations.

In 2019, Newborn was decorated with patterns to represent energy, water, oxygen, nature, biodiversity and recycling.

Make sure you also visit the much more sombre Heroinat Memorial opposite Newborn, which pays tribute to the women victims of the Kosovo War.

10. Visit the Kurrizi Complex, Pristina’s biggest housing estate

As you’ve probably guessed from my recent dispatch from Bratislava , I’m fascinated with socialistic-style housing projects and Brutalist architecture. When I studied architecture history as part of my bachelor’s degree, this was one of the topics I chose to focus on!

Like all major cities in the region, Pristina has a number of large-scale modernist housing projects – civilian microcosms that were intended to be self-sustaining. Dardania and Ulpiana are two Pristina neighbourhoods where this post-1945 style of robust architecture – dominated by concrete, glass and iron – prevails.

The Kurrizi Complex is another great example. Meaning ‘Spine’, it was designed by Yugoslavian state-owned firm Plan Zagreb and remains the largest shopping and housing project in the city. It comprises three sections: A ground floor with an enclosed shopping street and tunnel so that cars can pass under the building (cool!); a 400 metre ‘boulevard’ lined with more shops; and multi-storey housing towers with hundreds of apartments.

We were lucky enough to stay in an Airbnb inside Kurrizi Complex – it was a very unique experience! Even if you just drop by for a visit, it’s a fun place to observe a slice of daily Pristina life.

There are plenty of cafes and bars on the boulevard level where you can stop for a drink. One of the bakeries inside the complex (just to the left of the market pictured above) makes the best burek I ate in Kosovo.

The Kurrizi Complex is located directly behind the statue of American President Bill Clinton and the nearby ‘Hillary’ boutique – two of Pristina’s quirkier tourist attractions.

11. Take a side trip to Gračanica Monastery & Hotel

I was lucky enough to visit all four of the monasteries that make up the UNESCO-listed Medieval Monuments in Kosovo. Gračanica Monastery was probably the most relaxed and tranquil of the lot.

Only 10km or less than 30 minutes from downtown Pristina by bus, it’s an easy side trip from the capital and well worth the journey.

While you’re in the area, I highly recommend stopping for lunch at the nearby Hotel Gračanica. A Swiss-operated hotel, it’s one of very few venues in Kosovo that employs people from a range of ethnic backgrounds (Kosovar, Serb and Roma), including in management positions. The hotel has serious eco credentials and there’s also a pool that you can pay to use. Even better, you can spend the night and use all the facilities as a guest.

The interior decoration is on-point and the food is delicious.

Getting to Gračanica from Pristina couldn’t be easier: Just take a bus bound for Gjilan and ask the driver to let you off early. The trip takes 15 minutes and costs a couple of Euros.

Contrary to some reports online about ethnic tensions in the predominantly Serb Gračanica, bus drivers don’t seem to have any issue with taking tourists to the monastery – at least in our experience.

12. Take a side trip to Badovc Lake & Bear Sanctuary Prishtina

This accredited ethical animal sanctuary houses 20 rescued brown bears on a beautiful 16-hectare property just east of the city.

Visitors are welcome to explore the facility and eat at the onsite restaurant, with proceeds going to support Bear Sanctuary Pristina’s work to rescue mistreated animals. The nearby Badovc Lake is accessible via a hiking trail from the sanctuary.

To get to the Bear Sanctuary from Pristina you can take a Gjilan regional bus or a Blue Taxi for €12 one-way. See here for details.

Where to eat & drink: Best Pristina restaurants

If you need a wee break from Balkan cuisine, Pristina is a great place to reset your palate. We only ate out a couple of times and cooked at home (read: ransacked the local bakery!) the rest of the time.

If we ever make it back, we’ll have to remind ourselves to check out more of the international dining options, including Himalayan Gorkha Restaurant and one of the many Mexican joints in town.

Home Restaurant & Bar | This cosy traditional restaurant is a Pristina institution and favourite among expats. The menu covers both Balkan and European cuisines, and the Lebanese salad with hummus and falafel is to die for.

Restaurant Liburnia | Veal tava (sauteed veal with veggies) is the specialty at this beautiful restaurant. For the best experience, sit outside beneath the vines.

Thai Restaurant | Finding good Asian food in the Balkans feels like stumbling on El Dorado. As soon as the owner of the laconically named Thai Restaurant greeted us with an animated sawatdee kaaaa, we knew we were in for a treat. We ate two curries, massaman beef and chicken pineapple. Both were a little thin but tasted top-notch.

Fehmi Agani ‘Bar Street’ | Another dining hub in Pristina, ‘Bar Street’ is a great place to grab a drink. Try MIQT for craft beers from around Kosovo plus rakia.

Hamam Jazz Bar | Experience Pristina nightlife at this popular club.

Pristina map

Click here to open & save my Pristina Map on Google Drive .

How to spend a day in Pristina: Suggested Pristina itinerary

Whether you’re planning a short city trip or using Pristina as your entry point for a longer journey around Kosovo , here is how I suggest you structure your one day in Pristina.

• Breakfast at Soma Book Station (open from 8am Monday-Saturday)
• Visit Pristina’s three mosques
• Pristina Ethnographic Museum
• Old Green Market area
• Lunch at Liberna or Home Restaurant

Afternoon :

• Mother Teresa Cathedral & belltower
• The National Library of Kosovo
• Bill Clinton statue
• Kurrizi Complex
• Dinner & drinks on Fehmi Agani

How to get to Pristina

Pristina Airport is serviced by flights from Munich, Vienna, Istanbul and other cities across Europe.

Most people will end up traveling to Pristina overland. I recommend using Gjirafa.com to check schedules and fares. Always confirm times locally before you travel.

Example bus times:

• Prizren to Pristina | Departures every 30 minutes | 2 hours | €4
• Gjakova to Pristina | Departures every 30-60 minutes | 1.5 hours | €4
• Skopje (North Macedonia) to Pristina | Departures every 30 minutes | 2.5 hours | €5
• Tirana (Albania) to Pristina | Departures every 30-60 minutes | 4 hours | €10

Pristina’s main bus station Stacioni i Autobusve is located in the south-west of the city, 30 minutes by foot from Newborn.

Day trip to Pristina

If you’re short on time or you don’t want to stay overnight in Kosovo, a popular option is to visit Pristina as a day trip from Skopje . The two cities are less than 100km apart and interconnected by regular buses and vans.

If you plan to visit Pristina as a day trip from Skopje, I would seriously consider booking a tour that includes a private car transfer to maximise your time in the city. Otherwise, you’ll be spending most of your time on the bus.

This full-day tour departing Skopje visits both Pristina and Prizren, thus giving you a good overview of Kosovo’s two biggest (but very different) cities.

What to pack for Pristina

• A good quality backpack. If you plan on moving around Kosovo by bus, it’s a good idea to travel light. I recommend using an anti-theft backpack for your day pack.
• A scarf (women). A lightweight cotton scarf is my number one travel essential. In Pristina, it will come in handy for covering your hair when entering the mosques and churches. This neutral travel scarf goes with anything and it even has a hidden pocket.
• Good walking shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking in Pristina! Comfy shoes are essential – I love these ones for women, while my partner lives in these waterproof shoes .
• A reusable water bottle. I always travel with a S’Well water bottle .
• Biodegradable wet wipes. Try this convenient travel pack .
• Entertainment for bus journeys. If you don’t suffer from motion sickness, an e-reader is great for passing the time on road journeys. If you have a travel buddy, pick up a headphone splitter – probably my favourite travel gadget of all time – so you can share a screen or a podcast.

Have you been to Kosovo? What are your favourite things to do in Pristina?

Things to do in Pristina: Pin it!

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Up-date on the Newborn monument. I visited it yesterday (my second visit to Prishtina, 3 days last year was not enough, I love Kosovo and the Albanians, so kind and helpful) and this time around the letters now in blue and yellow (the Ukrainian colours I guess) have been moved around: NONEWBR (with the words ‘broken’ and ‘republic’ written on the last two letters. Right now I’m sipping a coffee inside the National Library, I love the tiles and the whole ‘vintage’ style. It’s definitely worth a visit.

Thanks so much for your update, Jane! I saw some photos online of the new Newborn. Have a terrific time in Kosovo!

Emily, have you explored the Dragodan steps in Pristina? There are good restaurants up there. And also going up to Peja/Pec, Rogova mountain is worthy to mention. There are also log cabin restaurants there serving fresh trout and fresh bread. I love their Balkan salad!

Thanks Raul for the recommendations… I didn’t get to the Dragodan steps or restaurants in that area, but thanks to you it’s on the list for next time! We stayed a few nights in Peja and went ziplining in Rugova, it was great! I included it in my Kosovo itinerary but your suggestion to visit as a day trip is a great one.

Thanks again for the excellent Pristina tips!

You’ve forgotten to mention Proper Pizza, a franchise gone world wide, HQ in Prishtinë. I’m sorry Italy for the second hit, but that Pizza is truly something else.

Ohhh I’m so devastated I missed it! Thank you so much for the excellent tip! Kosovo needs to start doing gelato!

I really liked reading your post! Very high quality content and useful information.

I would like to start from the cathedral tower to have an overview of the town before touring. I am quite amazed that there are more than 500 mosques! I love your photos.

I have no idea that Kosovo is not recognized by the UN as a nation state. And even more, I never thought Kosovo as the best places in Europe to have coffee. I don’t know whose the person behind the Newborn Monument to re-imagined and re-invigorated by painting it differently every year on their Independence Day, but I think it’s so creative!

The Prishtina market looks lovely and surely a great place to hang out. Also I love the views from the Cathedral tower. The significant Newborn monument sounds unique as it is being repainted each year. I really hope to make a visit to Prishtina someday.

Great guide to Prishtina! I love how the Newborn monument is revitalized every year to reflect what is happening in Kosovo or the world. I share your fascination with socialist style housing and definitely would be interested in visiting that. The Balkans is such an interesting area to travel to.

Thanks, Brianna! Absolutely – our 6-month Balkans trip has been full of pleasant surprises!

Oh, It’s too good. I like this blog very much I also bookmark this.

Wow, what a guide! We traveled through this region a couple summers ago, and unfortunately never made it to Kosovo. But everyone we talked to LOVED it. And after reading this article (and seeing your beautiful photos!) I’m more convinced than ever to get back to this region and make it to Kosovo next time!

One for next time, Katie! It was definitely the highlight of the region (thus far) for us!

Prishtina looks like a great place with a bit of everything.to be honest I never heard about it before and loved reading your post,gathering information . Thanks for sharing

This is such a perfect itinerary for Prishtina. I truly did not know of this little known gem, but it looks so exciting. Your pictures are amazing. Thanks for sharing this.

I had no idea that there were so many amazing things to do in Prishtina! To be completely honest, I’d only heard of it in connection to war. I love the Newborn monument, and your photos of people sitting around chatting. It reminds me of my grandfather and his mates gathering in the village square every day.

Same for me, Katherine – that’s one of the things that made me curious to visit. It’s amazing to see how far things have come since that tragic time. Groups of men chatting on park benches will be one of the things I always remember about the Balkans!

I feel like I never gave either Prishtina or Kosovo the time they deserved. Prishtina was just a quick stop over between Skopje and Tirana and to be honest we only spent a few hours exploring the city – I didn’t even realise you could go inside the National Library. The Kurrizi housing estate sounds of particular interest! Either way this part of the world is so underrated – glad you seem to be enjoying it 🙂

A lot of people just use the city as a stopover, but it’s definitely worth spending a few days! I much preferred it to Skopje. Hope you make it back.

Wow thank you for such a complete guide to the city! I would love to visit Prishtina market. I think that would be my favorite part :).

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Top 15 BEST Places to Visit in Kosovo

The still-disputed Republic of Kosovo is known for its historical change of rulers from the Byzantine kings to the Ottoman Sultans. The country is small in area but rich in art and history, there are plenty of places to visit in Kosovo .

There are many Kosovo points of interest. The mosques built during the Ottoman rule and the castles and the monasteries constructed during the Byzantine Empire still exist beautifully in this landlocked country . Some of the ancient establishments of this Republic even come from the 13th century.

The country has a lot of areas to develop for sure, but the elegant natural beauty of this country is unbound to any limitations.

The state is full of young spirits as more than 50% of Kosovo’s people are below the age of 25. Pristina is the capital of the Republic of Kosovo, whereas Pec and Prizren are other famous towns. The cities are full of adventure as they seem to reflect a high culture interested in serving their tourists.

The best natural places to visit in Kosovo are the National Park, the Gazivoda Lake, Rugova Mountain Ranges, Germia Park, and the Mirusha waterfalls .

So what are you waiting for? Book a trip to Kosovo for the next vacation and come across this new country seeing some very ancient monuments and the best of nature and also, it’s in Europe !

The hilly mountainous forest ranges include skiing opportunities in winter, hiking opportunities in summer , and beautiful sceneries throughout the year. Remember, this is a developing country, so don’t go expecting any skyscrapers or insanely bright nights like Vegas. But it packs up a grand tour with traditional pubs and some cozy places.

❗️ Be insured before your trip and get a SafetyWing FREE insurance quote 📚 Read our post about why you should always have insurance ✈️ Find out how to find cheap flights using Skyscanner or find deals now 🛌🏻 Book your accommodation through Booking.com , Expedia , or Agoda 🎭 Find awesome and hassle-free tours through GetYourGuide or Tourradar 🚘 Explore the surrounding areas on an epic road trip, here’s our tip ! 📱 Read destination reviews and other traveler tips on TripAdvisor

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What are the top places to visit in Kosovo?

National park bjeshkët e nemuna.

A national park situated in the west of Kosovo occupies a considerable area of 624.88 square kilometers. It was established in 2013 with a view of creating a new tourism site in the country. The name Bjeshkët E Nemuna means the cursed mountains.

The environment is ever-green with a variety of flora and fauna residing here. The park has a lot to offer, including a lovely river, some beautiful streams, and magnificent hilly mountains with green plants and trees.

Activities include sightseeing, fish catching, hiking, and mountain climbing . This national park is at the very top amongst the list of places to visit in Kosovo. The highest peak of Kosovo, Gjeravica, with a height of 2656 meters from the Adriatic Sea level, is also placed here.

Read also:   Top 20 Cheap European Holiday Destinations and Countries to Visit

The capital and the largest city of Kosovo have mostly Albanian residing here. With near about 20 monuments, a few mosques and a church from the Ottoman and Byzantine ages, the town is rich in history, as well as the center of the country’s commerce, entertainment, and healthcare.

There is the UNESCO’s world heritage site listed Gracanica Monastery from the fourteenth century, the elegant Kosovo Museum, the Ottoman Bath, a clock tower, and a public fountain.

The local people love enjoying festivals throughout the whole year-round in the city. Visit the local coffee shops, the swimming pools, and the shopping malls if you’re looking for activities in Kosovo’s capital. Also, taste the local Peja beer while in the pubs of Pristina as the city also has a vibrant nightlife.

Where to stay: Best hotels in Pristina

Gazivoda Lake

It is the largest lake in Kosovo. The lake is formed due to the dams of the river Ibar. The lake is shared by both Kosovo and Serbia . Its area is near 12 square kilometers of which, Kosovo has more than 9 square kilometers, and Serbia has about 3 square kilometers.

With an average depth of more than 100 meters, this lake is the abode to many aquatic faunas and a variety of fishes. A magnificent scenery can be seen from the hilly areas outside the vast lake. Tourists all across the world visit this lake when they reach Kosovo for a tour.

Read also:   Top 17 Most Beautiful and Best Lakes in Europe to Visit

Placed Northwest from the city of Peja or, locally, Pec, Rugova is a natural ecstasy with mostly forest ranges in mountain surfaces. The best time to visit Rugova Mountains is in the snows of winter as this is also the 4th best Skiing and snowboarding destination in the world, according to the International Ski Federation.

The mountainous Rugova consists of 13 traditional villages in the hilly regions. The entire Peja can be seen from a place in Rugova called Qafa-e-Qyqas (the Cuchoo’s Neck). With a lot of streams, lakes, glaciers, cliffs, and caves, the site is best for experiencing the fun of activities like mountain climbing, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.

A visit to the mountains of Rugova is an integral part of Kosovo tourism.

Read also:   Top 6 Mountains to Go Hiking in Europe (For Outdoors Enthusiasts)

Gračanica Monastery

Established in 1321 AD, the Serbian King Milutin dedicated the monastery to the Holy Virgin Mary. It is set 5 kilometers southeast of the capital city of Pristina at the Gracanica village.

The monastery is built following a multiple-tombs shape and a Serbian structure. The inner side is designed magnificently and decorated beautifully with an antique Byzantine culture.

The original paintings and treasures were lost in a fire after a jubilee of the establishment. The monastery was listed on the heritage sites list in 2006, due to its architectural beauty and marvelous paintings. The site seems to be attracting tourists on a much grander scale ever since.

Also called Peja in the local tongue, the city of Pec has an area of 602 square meters and 95 villages. The main attractions in Pec of Kosovo are the Patriarchal Monastery of Pec, the Ethnological Museum, the Zenel Beg Tower, the City Center, and of course, the Rugova canyon and mountains.

The Patriarchate Monastery is also included in UNESCO’s world heritage list. The beautiful Bistrica River flows beside the town. You should check out the Peja Bazar as you go sightseeing in the city. Some more establishments back from the 14th century can be seen there.

Visit the local shops to buy souvenirs to take back, and the restaurants to eat and taste the famous Pec Cheese. Activities in Pec include rock climbing, skiing, hiking, and paragliding with the local experts from the Aeroclub of Pec.

Where to stay: Best hotels in Peć

Kosovo Museum

The museum, created in 1949, is the most significant museum of Kosovo inside Pristina. It was working on three particular subjects of ethnography, archaeology, and natural science; the museum started collecting paintings and relics for the exhibition.

Later it also started gathering artifacts that represent the struggle of the Kosovans in their liberation war. There is an ethnological museum and an archaeological park that also belongs to this museum.

The monuments and artifacts express mostly ancient archaeology, alongside some examples of ethnography. The structure of the building is also very refined. Your Kosovo travel guide should include this place only if you are in Pristina and a few days in hand, as the museum is often closed for renovation.

Read also:   Top 12 Museums in Europe (For Arts, History, and Culture)

Being the second most populated city of Kosovo, Prizren is also situated at the bank of Bistrica and the base of the Sharr Mountains. The town is famous mostly for the traditionally designed houses and the historically old mosques.

The Kalaja Fortress is amongst the entire Kosovo attractions. There are also some cathedrals and museums in this pleasant city. The Church of Our Lady of Ljevis, listed in UNESCO’s heritage sites list, is another center of Prizren tourism. The Sinan Pasha Mosque, Mustafa Pasha Mosque, and the Bajrakli Mosque are prominent amongst the whole nation.

The Dokufest film festival held in the enchanting Old Town of Prizren is another reason to visit the city for tourists coming from foreign countries. The town also offers tasty Serbian-Kosovan cuisine and some reputable shops. Outdoor activities like hiking and skiing are easily perforable as the town is literally at the foot of a vast mountain .

Where to stay: Best hotels in Prizren

Ethnological Museum

The ethnological museum is located in the town of Peć. The entry fee is only a euro, but it provides so much in their exhibitions. The materials on the show are the ancient weapons used in the Kosovo war, the royal dresses of the past kings and their home utensils, relics from the typical lifestyle of the ancient civilizations in Pec, and some old folk musical instruments that are entirely vintage stuff.

There are also some elements that come from even the Ottoman period and of the old Serbian civilization. The site is indeed one of the Kosovo country points of interest.

Germia Park

The most prominent natural park in Pristina, Germia, is situated in the northeastern part of the capital of Kosovo, with a vast area of 62 square kilometers. Here resides more than 60 species of faunas and more than 600 species of floral species.

The beautiful pathway or the hiking trail of Germia Park is surrounded by pine trees. You can also rent a bicycle for a couple of euros to stay there for two hours and roam around the park.

It offers a rock-climbing wall, a basketball ground, and a playground along the trail. The swimming pool of the park is enormous, and the inner restaurants also provide great food with luxury cuisine.

National Library

When you are on the premises of the library, you will be more likely amazed as well as stupefied. The whole architecture or the construction is just shocking to everyone because it is more like small floating rectangles, like a square-shaped tomb.

From being established in 1944, after 70 years, the library has managed to gather more than a hundred thousand books . A Croatian architect designed the building but, there are debates about if it is, only the best or just the worst.

There are two reading chambers with 400 chairs. The total area inside is somewhere around 16,500 square meters. The library , being renowned as an exciting place, is amongst the core places to see in Kosovo if you go to Pristina.

Patriarchate of Peć

This place is mainly an ancient monastery from the 13th century in the order of Serbian Orthodox churches inside the city of Pec in Kosovo, near the Rugova Mountains and Bistrica River.

The main monastery is divided into four different monasteries, and the Patriarchate of Peć controls all of them. There is an extensive collection of religious monuments inside the monastery.

The tall tower and the 750 years old tree inside the monastery area are peculiar matters and of great interest among the tourists. A great Kosovo tourism includes this UNESCO’s world heritage listed site if you visit Pec while in Kosovo.

Mirusha Waterfalls

Mirusha waterfalls are a sequence of moderate waterfalls that form the nearby 13 lakes in Mirusha Park. The waterfalls are magnificent to watch and pleasant to hear. There are some generally unseen birds in the park.

The park also consists of a variety of canyons and caves. The place is very enchanting for nature lovers . The walls of these waterfalls are white and made of stone in some relatively high cliffs. The highest waterfall inside the entire park is about 72 feet in altitude.

The whole park is in a mountainous range, providing the opportunity for a superb view of the lakes.

Sinan Pasha Mosque

It is a very lovely mosque found in the city of Prizren and demonstrates traditional design from the 17th century Ottoman or Turkish rule in Kosovo. The Ottoman rulers built this mosque with the aim of spreading the religion of Islam.

There are some great paintings of Arabic Verses from their holy book of the Al-Quran. The walls inside the mosque are also designed very beautifully with Arabic letters and sentences.

The inner chamber of the mosque was being damaged due to rain, and the mosque was plastered with lead plates later on. This holy religious place is built upon an area of 196 square meters and is rectangular.

Prizren Fortress

Also known as the Kalaja fortress, it was built somewhere around the 11th century. It is a magnificent antique fort made by the Byzantines, in the city Prizren too. To reach this splendid fort, you will need a 10-15 minutes hike in the bursting heat if you go in the tour season. But everyone coming back from the place always has a smile of satisfaction, which indicates the hike was worth it.

The place is almost like a small city as it was developed by the Byzantines while they used it as a center of governance. After Byzantine rule, it went into the hands of the Ottoman and later became a ruin of Kosovo’s independent war.

Now it is a great tourism site and undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Kosovo. Travel to Prizren fortress while in Prizren as it is a great site to explore and open to public display.

Check out these activities in Kosovo

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Evan Kristine a.k.a Pretty Wild World is a professional travel blogger with over 10 years of experience in content creation. Originally from the Philippines, she's been living in Finland for 15+ years working as a chef and entrepreneur in Tampere, Finland.

She's an expert in Finland travel and explores the country often sharing her insights and tips in this blog and social medias. She also splits her free time either going for weekend getaways in Europe or galavanting to different European destinations on her holidays. All her useful Europe travel guides are also in this blog!

Evan Kristine is also the food blogger behind at The Kitchen Abroad and on her free time, she enjoys decorating her 75m2 apartment and shares her experience over at Solía Avenue .

A true master of her own life and despite her busy schedule juggling life as a chef, blogger, and entrepreneur, she still finds time to read 50+ books a year and indulge in several hobbies like hiking, working out, yoga, and painting.

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Top 12 Best Things to do in Pristina, Kosovo

What are the top tourist attractions in pristina.

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Bucket List: 10 Best Places to Visit in Pristina, Kosovo

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T he city of Pristina is well known for its historic monuments and architectural beauty. The Old City hosts many cafes, restaurants, and shopping options. It is also the perfect place to learn more about its rich history, given the city’s experiences in the past. You’ll be surprised to discover how significant the country is to the whole of Europe.

Nevertheless, there is something for everyone to enjoy during your stay here in Pristina, from young adults looking for the time of their lives to families wanting to enjoy an authentic tourism experience! The city has great cafes and bars offering memorable nightlife for young adults. Moreover, there are also lots of restaurants, art galleries, and landmarks that people of all ages can enjoy!

However, for me, the best experience is walking around the Old City at night and having a close look at how architecture and history mix with modern sensibilities in this amazing democracy. Alright, are you excited? Here are the 12 Best Things to do in Pristina, Kosovo!

Explore the Kosovo National Art Gallery

The best way to explore and appreciate the country is always to know more about its rich culture and history. That’s why the first thing you should do in Pristina is visit the Kosovo National Art Gallery! That’s right, this establishment is the highest institution of visual arts in the whole Republic of Kosovo .

It features an enormous collection of art depicting the culture and artistic prowess of the people of Kosovo. Oh, it’s also situated inside the University of Pristina Campus; that’s why many academic papers such as books, catalogs, and brochures are also featured in the gallery.

Tour Around the Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa

Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, is one of the most iconic personalities in Christianity and the world. She is an Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary who helped and touched the hearts of millions of people all around the world.

And a grand cathedral was constructed in her name in Pristina, Kosovo. The cathedral also serves as the primary location of some of the most significant celebrations of Christianity.

Visit the Gracanica Monastery

Another must-visit place you should try is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with exceptional Serbian architectural design and interesting tomb-like structures. This is the Gracanica Monastery; it also features some of the most beautiful art collections, paintings, and treasures of the Byzantine Empire!

Be Mesmerized by the Sinan Pasha Mosque

Next on the list is another beautiful structure depicting men’s immense dedication and craftsmanship, the Sinan Pasha Mosque. This religious and historic structure is one of the most important for the country. The Mosque is already an attraction given its striking facade and exterior; that’s why the scenic view of the streets and the famous Ottoman Bridge is a bonus!

Go Back in Time on the Old Stone Bridge

The Old Stone Bridge, located over the Prizren Lumbardh, is also a favorite destination for local and international tourists because it embodies the “old-world” vibe of the place. The bridge has been a huge part of Kosovo’s history and economic success, so taking the time to appreciate its beauty really means a lot to the people of Kosovo.

Experience Turkish Bath at the Gazi Mehmet Pasha

That’s right, the next destination features another important part of Turkish civilization’s history. The Turkish Bath of Gazi Mehmet Pasha or Hamam is a 16th-century structure that serves as a living reminder to the people of Kosovo about a significant time in their history when the Ottomans ruled over their people.

Go Hiking in the Sharr Mountains National Park

Pristina is not all about historic structures and ruins; if you’re looking for an exciting adventure featuring the beautiful wonders of nature, then you are at the right place! The Sharr Mountains National Park is a popular haven for hiking and mountain-climbing enthusiasts. The mountain range extends from Kosovo all the way to northeastern Albania! The scenery is also breathtaking, as if you’re on a quest toward the fictional Middle Earth!

Tour the Imperial Mosque of Pristina

You also shouldn’t miss the chance to admire the mesmerizing beauty of the Imperial Mosque in Pristina. It is built in honor of the great Sultan Mehmet II Fatih; the structure is as grand as it can be, featuring the heights of Ottoman architecture.

Several tourists love to take pictures with it in the background, as it was also declared a Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance by the country.

Go Shopping at the Bazaar of Pristina

Whenever we go on an adventure or a vacation, we always want to bring something home, right? Well, the best place to do that here is to go shopping at the Pristina Bazaar! Score countless deals of fresh produce, cultural items, woven ornaments, necklaces, figures, and delicacies that are all waiting for you right here. So prepare your wallets because it’ll be a big day!

Explore the Gadime Caves of the Mesozoic Era

Yup, the Gadime Caves or Marble Caves is another hidden gem you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Kosovo. It is a karstic limestone cave believed to belong to the Mesozoic Era. Most cave parts are still unexplored, but nature’s raw beauty and amazing creation make the Marble Cave special.

Wave at the Bill Clinton Statue

Another tourist attraction and an iconic tradition while visiting Kosovo is by taking a picture with the statue of former US President Bill Clinton. It somehow serves as a statement that you have been to the beautiful country of Kosovo. The people of Kosovo are thankful to Bill Clinton because of the significant help provided by the US government during the Kosovo War and Yugoslavia Conflict.

Experience Turkish Coffee at Pristina, Kosovo’s Cafes

Kosovo is known for its great coffee, so it would be a shame if you missed it during this trip, right? So for the last item on this list, I want you to go and explore the city of Pristina to find some of the best cafes and restaurants serving some of the best-tasting Turkish Coffee! Some cafes you should look for are the Dit’ e Nat’, The White Tree Hostel, and Liburnia.

Our Top Hotel Picks for Pristina

Swiss Diamond Hotel Prishtina – Set in a stately landmark building surrounded by bars, restaurants, and cafes, this 5-star hotel is a 6-minute walk from the Kosovo Museum and 1 km from the Pristina train station.

Emerald Hotel Pristina – Set amid fields, this polished hotel is 7 km from the medieval Gracanica Monastery, 10 km from Kosovo Museum, and 22 km from Pristina International Airport. Each well-appointed room has complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. Suites add sitting areas, tea and coffeemakers, and whirlpool tubs. An upgraded suite offers a kitchen and a living room.

Hotel Garden Pristina – Located just 1 km from the M2 Highway and 5 km from the 1461 Imperial Mosque and the Kosovo Museum. The elegant rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea, coffeemakers, and rainfall showers; some have sitting areas. There’s an upscale restaurant and a trendy bar with floor-to-ceiling windows. Amenities include an outdoor pool, a terrace, sun loungers, and a spa area.

Searching for the best hotels, resorts, tour packages, and affordable flights in Pristina and nearby cities? Check out our list of affordable Pristina hotels and resorts via Agoda  and Booking .

Pristina Travel and Tour Packages

Want more updates about new package tours and tourist attractions in Pristina, Kosovo, that you can add to your itinerary?

Follow #TeamOutofTown,  on  Facebook ,  Twitter ,  Instagram , Bloglovin, and  Pinterest  for more travel ideas.

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I've been to 54 countries and have lived in 10. These 5 underrated places are worth the trip.

• Kate Boardman has visited 54 countries around the world and lived in 10, including the US.
• She's enjoyed spots like France and Bali but says people should visit underrated places like Oman.
• In Guatemala, she climbed an active volcano, and in Ecuador, she swam with hammerhead sharks.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kate Boardman , a 36-year-old former teacher and current content creator from Massachusetts who has lived and traveled all over the world. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I first lived abroad when I was 15, when I participated in an exchange program in Germany. I lived there for a year, attending school and staying with a host family.

That was my first exposure to living overseas and truly immersing myself in other cultures. From there, the travel bug hit me hard. It inspired me to study international business in France while I was at university, and future trips after that.

I've been to 54 countries and lived in 10, including the US. The sense of freedom and self-growth that comes from traveling is unbeatable. I also love being able to see the world in a different way.

The most popular destinations are popular for a reason.

Everyone talks about Paris, London , Bali — all travel destinations that are super popular, in part thanks to social media.

I visited Bali in early 2012 and saw it expand firsthand. There was a lot of construction — with many beach clubs being built — and it became overcrowded by foreigners. It's led to locals being priced out of their homes.

I also think spots like Cancun are super overrated; there are way cooler places to visit in Mexico. Many tourists spend a week in an all-inclusive resort and think that's fun — but that couldn't be more unattractive to me.

Obviously, there's still beauty in places that are oversaturated and famous. But I think that there's an excitement that comes from experiencing places that are off the beaten track.

It's often in those places that you can have the most surprising experiences.

I was treated like family in Iran

I would say my favorite country that I have visited is Iran. I went in 2018 and was there for 10 days.

Normally, when I'm traveling, I backpack alone and stay in hostels as a solo traveler. However, in Iran, if you're American, Canadian, or from the UK, in order to get permission to enter the country, you need a set itinerary and a licensed travel guide.

It was a very coordinated trip and a bit more challenging to visit, but it was so rewarding because I was welcomed with the warmest hospitality.

One of the unique aspects of this trip was how close my guide and I became. He went above and beyond, inviting me over to his family's house for dinner, where I got to meet and hang out with his friends and family. It was truly special.

Because I had a guide, everything was kind of set for me in Iran. He arranged different accommodations, including a road trip through the country, where we stayed in various cities at different guesthouses.

It only cost me around $1,000.

The nature and landscape of Iran are absolutely beautiful and amazing. The sights, attractions, and history are mind-blowing. You've got these gorgeous mosaics everywhere. All of the architecture had my jaw dropping in awe while walking around.

The food is also delicious, and the markets are incredible, each filled with gorgeous textiles, jewelry, turquoise, and rugs.

I would totally visit there again. I hope the political situation changes because that would definitely be one of my group trip destinations. I think it's just incredible.

Georgia took me by surprise

Georgia is just one of those countries that's not on a lot of people's radar. And then they go there and they're like, 'Whoa, that's awesome. Why didn't I know about this before?'

I knew very little about Georgia before I visited in 2018. I spent only five days in the country, but I was completely blown away.

I stayed in Tbilisi, which is the capital city. It's a really beautiful, trendy, and artsy kind of city. It has amazing wine and incredible food.

Probably one of my favorite things about the trip is that I stayed in this hostel called Fabrika . It was an old Soviet Union sewing factory that they turned into a super cool, industrial, hipster hostel.

In Tbilisi, I also went on a pub crawl throughout the Old Town, which featured a bunch of underground cellars and bunkers that have been turned into trendy nightclubs and bars.

During my time in the country, I took a trip out to the countryside to an area called Kazbegi, which is absolutely stunning. There were gorgeous and breathtaking mountains, hills, and massive churches.

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In the city, I also had a Turkish bath, which is a big thing in Georgia. I got a full scrub down.

Guatemala has something for everyone

When most people from the US think about going to Central America, they're focused on Mexico or Costa Rica. Guatemala seems to be a place that kind of gets overlooked.

But life is great in Guatemala.

You've got beautiful weather all year round, the jungle, rainforests, and the Caribbean's white sand beaches, while the Pacific side has its black sand beaches. It's got a little bit of everything.

I first lived in Guatemala in 2021, where I worked as a teacher at an international school. They provided housing in Guatemala City. However, after I finished working for them, I moved to a beach town on the Pacific coast and lived there for about six months.

I've traveled there on other occasions too, staying for periods of four or five months.

The typical salary for a Guatemalan is about $500 a month, with a good salary being $1,000. I would say that $2,000 a month is more than enough to live there extremely comfortably.

There are a lot of digital nomads moving there, especially to Antigua — an old colonial town with a lot of charm, cobblestone streets, and painted buildings.

There's just so much to do in Guatemala; it's so magical.

The biggest must do is hiking the active volcano called Acatenango . Sometimes, you can see it erupting right from its base camp. There's not many places in the world where you can experience that.

Another good place to visit is El Paredon, a super up-and-coming hippie surf town. The surfing is great, and you've got these black volcanic sand beaches. It's just a really laid-back place.

Lake Atitlan is also an incredible spot. It's surrounded by volcanoes and several Mayan villages, each with its own personality and vibe.

Oman's deserts are magical

Oman is in the Middle East, bordering the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. I've been there three times between 2016 and 2018.

The country is culturally rich, and the capital city, Muscat, is really beautiful. It has old traditional marketplaces and gorgeous architecture — the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is definitely worth checking out.

The deserts there are incredible, so doing a desert trip is a must. I camped out in the desert with the locals, rode camels, and drove Jeeps over the sand dunes.

Having tea and watching the sunset in the desert was magical too.

Oman also has wadis, which are basically big canyons in the middle of the desert with swimming holes. There, you'll find bright turquoise water contrasting with the orange rock.

The country's islands are also beautiful and incredible for snorkeling. They look like you'd be in the Caribbean, but you're in the Middle East.

The Galapagos Islands are truly like nowhere else in the world

I visited Ecuador last year for about six weeks. I was leading a gap year program with a group of high school students. We split our time between the Galapagos Islands and the mainland, which consisted of cities and the Amazon.

Because Ecuador has incredibly unique biodiversity that doesn't exist anywhere else in the world, The Galapagos Islands are an absolute must. I've never seen such incredible wildlife in my life; so many species exist only on those islands.

While visiting The Galapagos, my group went snorkeling with 50 to 100 hammerhead and Blacktip sharks. We also swam with sea lions and saw giant tortoises.

Another amazing aspect of Ecuador is learning about the Inca culture. My group did a homestay and lived with a family for about 10 days and learned about their way of life.

We experienced how connected they are with Mother Earth, whom they refer to as Pachamama, and learned about their traditional medicine: They grow their own food and seek out plant medicine when they're sick, rather than relying on processed foods.

Learning about and sharing their way of life was truly special.

I want to show people how to travel the world

There are many beliefs people have about different countries and cultures, sometimes considering them too dangerous, expensive, or unattainable.

I want to inspire more people to explore, step out of their comfort zones, and experience more of the world. I am hosting group trips with the goal of bringing people to these countries and showing them why they are so life-changing.

Watch: From Nepal to Kosovo, here's how countries are celebrating Pride

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