Together with Moldova, Kosovo is probably going to become the minimum frequented and known nation in Europe.
The Balkans are attaining reputation and attracting Countless tourists every month. But Kosovo tourism is barely beginning to flourish.
Several remain unaware with the existence of Kosovo, the youngest state in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Just one vacationer attraction is there, and it's not amongst Balkan highlights. This just one is Prizren. Most tourists will likely not know this one once they request about destinations to go to in Kosovo.
I are actually to Kosovo twice so far, and I'm able to inform you the place has quite a bit to supply people who tend to be more adventurous and curious.
This is often my minimal cheat-sheet on Kosovo tourism. It will help you make a decision how to proceed in Kosovo.
Could it be worthwhile to visit Kosovo?
It's important to start with the basics.
You might be wondering whether it is truly worth traveling to Kosovo when the close by international locations are so lovely and exciting (I'm taking a look at Albania and Montenegro), Croatia, Bosnia), but my answer is straightforward: Of course.
Kosovo tourism will not be nonetheless perfectly-regarded. It's only visited by a couple of people who usually are not concerned to venture into unknown territory.
It is a really interesting position to visit, as everything feels authentic and never designed for holidaymakers. Kosovo's forex is Euro. But that doesn't signify it is dear!
My favored locations in Kosovo: Exactly what are you trying to find?
Together with Moldova, Kosovo is probably going to get the least frequented and identified country in Europe.
The Balkans are gaining attractiveness and attracting Countless travelers every month. But Kosovo tourism is only beginning to flourish.
A lot of are still unaware with the existence of Kosovo, the youngest nation in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Only one vacationer attraction is there, and it is not among Balkan highlights. This 1 is Prizren. Most travelers will not likely know this just one once they check with about places to go to in Kosovo.
I are already to Kosovo twice to date, and I am able to let you know which the country has a good deal to provide site visitors who tend to be more adventurous and curious.
This is my little cheat-sheet on Kosovo tourism. It will allow you to make your mind up what to do in Kosovo.
Is Kosovo safe?
It really is yet again a YES.
It had been a sense of complete security that I knowledgeable constantly.
While there were tensions in Kosovo not also way back, and there remain tensions there, tourists browsing Kosovo don't have anything to generally be concerned about.
I traveled by yourself and didn't experience any awkward conditions. I do not know any other travelers who knowledgeable any troubles in Kosovo.
All people was so helpful and prepared to aid even after they did not have enough time. I used to be in Prizren and Pristina in the evening (typically in central but nonetheless) instead of a person human being bothered me.
Due to The actual predicament in Kosovo, there are several overseas forces that look once the state.
It can be done to discover troopers marching up and down Pristina's major boulevard. Even so, there isn't a explanation to be anxious. They only would like to seem wonderful and act like They may be on the runway.
You'll be fine, just like everywhere you go else. Make use of your widespread perception and don't do something You would not in your house. Kosovo is rather Risk-free
What can you see in Kosovo
Whilst Kosovo isn’t by far the most lovely nation in the Balkans, it does have its times.
Even though the cities is probably not one of the most beautiful, chances are high you may fall in appreciate with its cafes and vibe, landscape, folks, and beautiful surroundings. Kosovo has a lot to provide vacationers!
Listed here are my major picks for places to see in Kosovo
Prizren
The next biggest town in Kosovo, as well as the Outdated Town is a shocking gem. Prizren is the location to go in Kosovo if you wish to see all of it.
You might have viewed the photo on the old stone bridge, mosque and lush mountains while in the history. That's Prizren! It is really a lot more wonderful in actual life!
The Outdated City bustles with numerous cafes and dining places.
Shadervan, the primary sq., appears to always be entire of individuals just hanging out and accomplishing their company.
Kaljaja, the fortress with Among the most stunning views in Kosovo, is the principle attraction of Prizren.
It is actually a short hike from your Outdated City to get to the leading, and you'll very easily expend your whole day there. Kaljaja is a wonderful location to become in Prizren, as well as Shadervan.
It is claimed to generally be essentially the most attractive at sunset. I would like I could validate this, but as I had been about climbing up there, a thunderstorm handed about Prizren...
I actually hope to become back in Prizren for Dokufest, a planet-well known Intercontinental Documentary and Shorter Movie Competition.
But I also want to explore the city and are in its backstreets, where by deserted households are my house. Prizren is more than just postcards!
Pristina
It's Just about the most gorgeous capitals in Europe, but Additionally it is considered one of my favorites!
Pristina provides a vivid, neat, stylish and cosmopolitan vibe.
You'll find very few monuments there. (Unless of course you speak about the Nationwide Library of Kosovo, which is among the most amazing brutalist developing I have check here at any time witnessed along with the one that inspired my love of the style of architecture. But Pristina makes it feel so astounding.
This town provides a means of holding you shut and refusing to Permit go.
My story with Pristina was similar to my like affair with Yerevan and Armenia. Immediately after my initially pay a visit to, I used to be much less interested in town. It had been okay but it surely did not blow my mind.
But, I started to think about Pristina more routinely and dreamed of returning to it to learn more. That was just what exactly I did.
I put in 4 times in Pristina. It's the city which might be "finished in 2 several hours" and I might return in a heartbeat!
My times had been loaded by several of my preferred cafes, brutalist architecture, delectable foods, warm evenings, and remarkable men and women.
Kosovska Mitrovica
This is among the most complicated spot in Kosovo that I've ever needed to see.
The city is split into two parts: the Southern (Albanian), and Northern (Serbian), with tensions amongst them.
Although I confess which i was a bit anxious about checking out Mitrovica, I shortly realized there was almost nothing to be afraid of and my thoughts was just actively playing tricks.
I am fascinated because of the divided town, and Mitrovica was a tremendous position to go to.
Every thing alterations once you cross the (blocked, secured by international forces just like the Italian Carabinieri bridge). The alphabet, forex, license plates, sites of worship, as well as the currency. Even persons look various.
Despite the fact that I could not pick which facet I preferred, Northern had one of many Spomeniks when Southern experienced a great cafe with umbrellas.
Politics aside, Mitrovica is an excellent working day vacation from Pristina. It is also a must-see when going to Kosovo!
Peja/Pec
This is a getaway to Rugova Canyon, Prokletije Mountains, and the home of Patriarchate Of Pec - UNESCO Entire world Heritage Web-site.
It absolutely was a peaceful town, with the most beneficial espresso in Kosovo for 2EUR. There is good Road art, good bazaar and excellent Road art. I went to Patriarchate in Pec for coffee, but I didn't go.
Although it was a good destination to relax, it is not the preferred of all the places in Kosovo.
Peja is a great option if you're keen on mountains!
Gjakova
My major surprise in Kosovo! Gjakova was seriously damaged in the war, but it is currently blooming all over again immediately after new 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 most wonderful areas I have observed for cafes.
Gjakova is far more than simply that. All the town and the bordering 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 very low-Expense flights to the Balkans. You can 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 are able to vacation to Skopje or Macedonia to take the bus to Kosovo. It is really so easy!
The journey from Skopje to Pristina takes just in excess of two hours. Buses depart a lot less often than each individual hour. For any a person-way ticket, I paid out 5EUR in November 2014 and could 2016.
Kosovo: Dollars
The currency of Kosovo would be the Euro.
To save money on journey, my number 1 tip is to implement Revolut Bank Card.
The card is shipped by mail inside a subject of times. You can utilize it any where on earth. The cardboard may be topped up while in the application from your mobile phone. You can have accounts in a variety of currencies and Trade cash amongst them for free and at really beautiful rates. It is super uncomplicated and quick to use the app to control your accounts.
Revolut accepts about a hundred and forty currencies, and enables you to withdraw from any ATM everywhere on the earth. Revolut card has long been fantastic! I have employed it in twelve different countries on 3 continents in the initial six months and had no troubles. The Trade premiums were being very competitive and I was capable to help save a lot of money!
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Community transport in Kosovo
I was pleasantly amazed by the wonderful general public transportation process in Kosovo.
There are several buses that operate involving metropolitan areas. Even though they may not be the most effective, They may be low-cost sufficient to obtain you through the two-hour journey.
Bus stations can assist you come across the best bus, as Every single vacation spot has its personal platform. If it's not penned someplace folks will level you in the proper direction prior to deciding to check with!
Take into account, nonetheless, that the last bus may perhaps depart at 6 o'clock each morning.
These are typically the ticket rates for Might 2016: Prizren–Gjakova two,50EUR. Gjakova–Peja 2,50EUR. 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 (with a vacation to Mitrovica).
You can even choose to remain in Pristina and consider working day journeys. The state is smaller, and only 2 several hours generate from each appealing place.
I stayed inside of a hostel in Pristina, which I didn't propose. Here are a few other choices!
You'll be able to reserve your hotel in Prizren for those who are interested in keeping there (the 1 I stayed at isn't any more offered).
Journey insurance coverage
I do not vacation without having coverage since you under no circumstances know what could come about and it is healthier to become Risk-free than sorry ( I've discovered my lesson).
I recommend SafetyWing, which features the insurance coverage that is definitely specifically made for vacationers such as you and me.