Along with Moldova, Kosovo is probably going being the the very least visited and identified place in Europe.
The Balkans are attaining recognition and attracting A huge number of travellers each month. But Kosovo tourism is only beginning to flourish.
Several are still unaware on the existence of Kosovo, the youngest place in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Just one vacationer attraction is there, and it isn't really among Balkan highlights. This 1 is Prizren. Most tourists will likely not know this one once they inquire about areas to visit in Kosovo.
I are already to Kosovo two times thus far, and I'm able to let you know that the nation has a whole lot to supply site visitors who are more adventurous and curious.
This can be my tiny cheat-sheet on Kosovo tourism. It will assist you to make a decision what to do in Kosovo.
Is it worthwhile to visit Kosovo?
It is important to start with the basic principles.
There's a chance you're thinking whether it is value checking out Kosovo if the close by international locations are so lovely and intriguing (I'm looking at Albania and Montenegro), Croatia, Bosnia), but my respond to is easy: Indeed.
Kosovo tourism isn't yet nicely-recognized. It is just visited by a couple of people who usually are not scared to venture into not known territory.
It is an extremely eye-catching position to visit, as everything feels authentic and never designed for travellers. Kosovo's currency is Euro. But that does not indicate it is expensive!
My beloved destinations in Kosovo: What exactly are you looking for?
In conjunction with Moldova, Kosovo is likely being the minimum frequented and identified state in Europe.
The Balkans are gaining attractiveness and attracting Many travelers each month. But Kosovo tourism is simply starting to flourish.
Quite a few are still unaware with the existence of Kosovo, the youngest country in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Just one vacationer attraction is there, and it's actually not amongst Balkan highlights. This just one is Prizren. Most travelers will never know this one after they talk to about areas to go to in Kosovo.
I have already been to Kosovo 2 times thus far, and I am able to let you know the state has a great deal to supply readers who are more adventurous and curious.
That is my minimal cheat-sheet on Kosovo tourism. It can help you decide what to do in Kosovo.
Is Kosovo Safe and sound?
It is really once more a Indeed.
It absolutely was a sense of complete security that I skilled constantly.
Whilst there were tensions in Kosovo not way too way back, and there remain tensions there, holidaymakers visiting Kosovo have nothing for being concerned about.
I traveled by yourself and didn't working experience any awkward scenarios. I do not know almost every other tourists who expert any complications in Kosovo.
Everyone was so friendly and willing to support even if they did not have the time. I was in Prizren and Pristina at night (mainly in central but still) and not one person bothered me.
Because of the particular situation in Kosovo, there are lots of foreign forces that seem following the region.
It is feasible to determine soldiers marching up and down Pristina's main boulevard. However, there is no rationale to be concerned. They merely want to search fantastic and act like They're with a runway.
You will end up high-quality, similar to almost everywhere else. Use your popular perception and don't do anything You would not at home. Kosovo is rather Risk-free
What can you see in Kosovo
Whilst Kosovo isn’t by far the most lovely country during the Balkans, it does have its times.
Although the cities will not be by far the most gorgeous, chances are you can drop in like with its cafes and vibe, landscape, men and women, and beautiful surroundings. Kosovo has a lot to provide travelers!
Here i will discuss my best picks for areas to check out in Kosovo
Prizren
The next largest metropolis in Kosovo, and the Previous City is a stunning gem. Prizren could be the destination to go in Kosovo if you'd like to see it all.
Maybe you have observed the Image from the outdated stone bridge, mosque and lush mountains within the qualifications. Which is Prizren! It really is far more stunning in serious existence!
The Aged Town bustles with several cafes and places to eat.
Shadervan, the primary square, appears to always be total of men and women just hanging out and performing their small business.
Kaljaja, the fortress with one of the most amazing sights in Kosovo, is the primary attraction of Prizren.
It truly is a brief hike within the Old Town to reach the prime, and you'll conveniently invest your complete day there. Kaljaja is a wonderful location to become in Prizren, in addition to Shadervan.
It is claimed to get quite possibly the most beautiful at sunset. I wish I could verify this, but as I was about hiking up there, a thunderstorm passed above Prizren...
I really hope to generally be again in Prizren for Dokufest, a world-famous International Documentary and Brief Film Festival.
But I also want to discover the city and live in its backstreets, where abandoned homes are my home. Prizren is much more than just postcards!
Pristina
It's Probably the most stunning capitals in Europe, but It's also certainly one of my favorites!
Pristina features a vibrant, neat, stylish and cosmopolitan vibe.
You can find not many monuments there. (Except if you mention the National Library of Kosovo, which is considered the most amazing brutalist developing I have at any time witnessed as well as the one that encouraged my appreciate of this type of architecture. But Pristina can make it appear to be so wonderful.
This city includes a method of Keeping you close up and refusing to let go.
My Tale with Pristina was much like my adore affair with Yerevan and Armenia. After my initially pay a visit to, I was fewer keen on the city. It absolutely was ok nonetheless it didn't blow my head.
But, I began to consider Pristina a lot more frequently and dreamed of returning to it To find out more. That was just what exactly I did.
I invested four days in Pristina. It's the city that could be "completed in 2 hrs" and I would return in a very heartbeat!
My days ended up filled by several of my preferred cafes, brutalist architecture, mouth watering meals, heat evenings, and amazing people today.
Kosovska Mitrovica
This is among the most complicated spot in Kosovo that I have at any time needed to see.
The city is split into two parts: the Southern (Albanian), and Northern (Serbian), with tensions among them.
Whilst I admit which i was a little bit nervous about viewing Mitrovica, I quickly recognized there was nothing to be afraid of and my brain was just taking part in methods.
I'm fascinated by the divided metropolis, and Mitrovica was a fantastic place to visit.
Almost everything variations when you cross the (blocked, safeguarded by Intercontinental forces just like the Italian Carabinieri bridge). The alphabet, currency, license plates, destinations of worship, and even the currency. Even folks look distinct.
Despite the fact that I could not pick which facet I preferred, Northern had among the Spomeniks even though Southern experienced an excellent cafe with umbrellas.
Politics apart, Mitrovica is a wonderful working day trip from Pristina. It's also a must-see when going to Kosovo!
Peja/Pec
It is just a getaway to Rugova Canyon, Prokletije Mountains, and the house of Patriarchate Of Pec - UNESCO Earth Heritage Web page.
It absolutely was a peaceful town, with the best espresso in Kosovo for 2EUR. There is good street artwork, decent bazaar and great Avenue artwork. I went to Patriarchate in Pec for espresso, but I did not go.
Even though it was a good destination to take it easy, It is far from the preferred of the many destinations in Kosovo.
Peja is a fantastic solution if you like mountains!
Gjakova
My largest surprise in Kosovo! Gjakova was severely weakened during the war, but website it is currently blooming yet again soon after latest renovations!
The Grand Bazaar is a singular area with numerous craft workshops and cafes. It's the most important and oldest bazaar in Kosovo.
It is actually lined with cafes and decorated with artwork installations by MimozaRraci. It seems incredible. It's One of the more attractive places I've seen for cafes.
Gjakova is way more than simply that. The complete city plus the surrounding mountains are a lovely location to go to, which makes it an excellent working day journey from Pristina/Prizren.
Kosovo Tourism - Practical Facts
How do I reach Kosovo?
There are various reduced-Price tag flights on the Balkans. You are able to fly immediate from Germany, France or Hungary to Pristina (I flew from Berlin to Pristina for 60 EUR/return in May well 2016). Or you'll be able to vacation to Skopje or Macedonia to take the bus to Kosovo. It is really easy!
The journey from Skopje to Pristina will take just around two hrs. Buses depart fewer regularly than every hour. For the one-way ticket, I paid out 5EUR in November 2014 and could 2016.
Kosovo: Funds
The forex of Kosovo may be the Euro.
To economize on travel, my primary idea is to make use of Revolut Financial institution Card.
The cardboard is shipped by mail in a issue of times. You should use it any place on the planet. The card is usually topped up within the application from a telephone. You may have accounts in several currencies and Trade cash amongst them without spending a dime and at extremely eye-catching fees. It is super simple and fast to make use of the application to control your accounts.
Revolut accepts around 140 currencies, and permits you to withdraw from any ATM wherever on the globe. Revolut card has been fantastic! I have employed it in twelve distinctive countries on three continents in the first six months and had no issues. The exchange charges have been pretty aggressive and I had been able to save a lot of money!
Click Here to Learn More Concerning the Services and Order Your Revolut Card!
Public transport in Kosovo
I had been pleasantly astonished by the wonderful general public transportation technique in Kosovo.
There are several buses that operate amongst metropolitan areas. Although they might not be the very best, They can be low-cost adequate to obtain you with the two-hour journey.
Bus stations will let you come across the appropriate bus, as Every single spot has its very own platform. If it's not prepared somewhere individuals will point you in the ideal course before you decide to ask!
Have in mind, on the other hand, that the last bus may go away at 6 o'clock in the morning.
These are the ticket selling prices for May possibly 2016: Prizren–Gjakova 2,50EUR. Gjakova–Peja two,50EUR. Peja–Prizren 4EUR. Prizren–Pristina 3EUR. Pristina–Mitrovica 2EUR.
Stay in Kosovo
I stayed for two nights in Prizren (from there I did an tour to Gjakova, Peja then I was again in Pristina for 3 night time (using a trip to Mitrovica).
It's also possible to decide to remain in Pristina and get working day excursions. The country is smaller, and only 2 several hours drive from Each individual intriguing area.
I stayed inside of a hostel in Pristina, which I did not recommend. Here are several other choices!
It is possible to book your resort in Prizren if you are interested in being there (the 1 I stayed at is not any more offered).
Travel insurance plan
I do not journey devoid of insurance coverage simply because you never really know what could materialize and it is better to get Harmless than sorry ( I have uncovered my lesson).
I like to recommend SafetyWing, which provides the coverage which is specially designed for travelers like you and me.