Along with Moldova, Kosovo is probably going to be the least visited and regarded country in Europe.
The Balkans are gaining acceptance and attracting A huge number of travellers on a monthly basis. But Kosovo tourism is only beginning to flourish.
Several remain unaware of your existence of Kosovo, the youngest nation in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Just one vacationer attraction is there, and it's actually not among the Balkan highlights. This 1 is Prizren. Most travelers is not going to know this just one every time they ask about locations to visit in Kosovo.
I are to Kosovo two times thus far, and I'm able to inform you the region has a good deal to provide readers who tend to be more adventurous and curious.
This can be my tiny cheat-sheet on Kosovo tourism. It will assist you to make a decision how to proceed in Kosovo.
Could it be worthwhile to visit Kosovo?
It's important to start with the basic principles.
There's a chance you're questioning if it is worth visiting Kosovo in the event the close by international locations are so lovely and appealing (I'm considering Albania and Montenegro), Croatia, Bosnia), but my solution is easy: Indeed.
Kosovo tourism isn't yet perfectly-regarded. It's only visited by a few individuals that are not fearful to enterprise into unidentified territory.
It is a really eye-catching spot to visit, as anything feels authentic and never suitable for visitors. Kosovo's forex is Euro. But that doesn't signify it is pricey!
My favorite destinations in Kosovo: What are you on the lookout for?
As well as Moldova, Kosovo is likely being the least frequented and acknowledged country in Europe.
The Balkans are getting recognition and attracting Many travelers every month. But Kosovo tourism is simply beginning to flourish.
Lots of remain unaware in the existence of Kosovo, the youngest state in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Only one vacationer attraction is there, and it's not amid Balkan highlights. This a person is Prizren. Most vacationers will likely not know this a single if they check with about places to visit in Kosovo.
I are to Kosovo twice to date, and I am able to let you know the state has a great deal to supply site visitors who tend to be more adventurous and curious.
This is my tiny cheat-sheet on Kosovo tourism. It can assist 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 full basic safety which i experienced all the time.
Although there have been tensions in Kosovo not way too way back, and there remain tensions there, tourists checking out Kosovo don't have anything to be concerned about.
I traveled on your own and did not knowledge any uncomfortable predicaments. I do not know another tourists who experienced any issues in Kosovo.
All people was so welcoming and prepared to assistance even when they didn't have the time. I was in Prizren and Pristina during the night (mainly in central but still) and not 1 man or woman bothered me.
Resulting from The actual predicament in Kosovo, there are plenty of overseas forces that glance following the region.
It is feasible to find out soldiers marching up and down Pristina's primary boulevard. Nonetheless, there is absolutely no cause to be concerned. They simply want to glimpse great and act like They are really over a runway.
You can be wonderful, much like just about everywhere else. Use your typical perception And do not do anything at all you wouldn't in your house. Kosovo is rather Risk-free
What can you see in Kosovo
Although Kosovo isn’t the most attractive state while in the Balkans, it does have its moments.
Even though the cities is probably not one of the most gorgeous, chances are you can drop in like with its cafes and vibe, landscape, men and women, and beautiful scenery. Kosovo has much to offer vacationers!
Listed here are my top rated picks for areas to check out in Kosovo
Prizren
The next major metropolis in Kosovo, as well as Previous City is a shocking gem. Prizren will be the location to go in Kosovo if you wish to see all of it.
You may have witnessed the Picture of your previous stone bridge, mosque and lush mountains during the track record. Which is Prizren! It is a lot more wonderful in genuine lifetime!
The Old Town bustles with quite a few cafes and eating places.
Shadervan, the principle sq., seems to often be whole of people just hanging out and carrying out their business.
Kaljaja, the fortress with The most breathtaking views in Kosovo, is the key attraction of Prizren.
It truly is a short hike from your Outdated City to get to the top, and you may simply shell out your complete working day there. Kaljaja is a superb location to generally be in Prizren, together with Shadervan.
It is claimed to get by far the most wonderful at sunset. I wish I could verify this, but as I was about hiking up there, a thunderstorm passed in excess of Prizren...
I actually hope being again in Prizren for Dokufest, a earth-famed International Documentary and Brief Film Festival.
But I also wish to discover the city and live in its backstreets, exactly where abandoned properties are my property. Prizren is much more than just postcards!
Pristina
It really is Just about the most gorgeous capitals in Europe, but It's also among my favorites!
Pristina includes a vibrant, cool, stylish and cosmopolitan vibe.
You will see hardly any monuments there. (Until you take a look at the Countrywide Library of Kosovo, which is considered the most outstanding brutalist creating I have ever found plus the one that impressed my love of the form of architecture. But Pristina causes it to be appear so remarkable.
This city contains a strategy for holding you shut and refusing to Permit go.
My story with Pristina was comparable to my enjoy affair with Yerevan and Armenia. Right after my first stop by, I used to be much less serious about the town. It had been okay but it really did not blow my mind.
But, I started to think about Pristina extra usually and dreamed of returning to it to learn more. Which was precisely what I did.
I used 4 times in Pristina. It is the town that could be "completed in two hours" and I'd personally return within a heartbeat!
My times had been loaded by a few of my most loved cafes, brutalist architecture, delightful food, warm evenings, and incredible men and women.
Kosovska Mitrovica
This is the most complicated spot in Kosovo that I've ever wished to see.
The city is divided into two pieces: the Southern (Albanian), and Northern (Serbian), with tensions in between them.
While I admit that I was slightly nervous about checking out Mitrovica, I before long realized there was practically nothing to be afraid of and my brain was just participating in tricks.
I am fascinated because of the divided town, and Mitrovica was an incredible area to go to.
Every thing alterations as you cross the (blocked, protected by Worldwide forces much like the Italian Carabinieri bridge). The alphabet, forex, license plates, places of worship, and in many cases the forex. Even people appear diverse.
Whilst I couldn't decide which side I desired, Northern had among the list of Spomeniks though Southern experienced a wonderful cafe with umbrellas.
Politics aside, Mitrovica is a superb day journey from Pristina. It is also a necessity-see when viewing Kosovo!
Peja/Pec
It's really a getaway to Rugova Canyon, Prokletije Mountains, and the house of Patriarchate Of Pec - UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It was a relaxed city, with the very best coffee in Kosovo for 2EUR. There's great street art, decent bazaar and great street artwork. I went to Patriarchate in Pec for coffee, but I didn't go.
Even though it was a good destination to rest, It is far from the preferred of many of the sites in Kosovo.
Peja is a wonderful solution if you're keen on mountains!
Gjakova
My most significant surprise in Kosovo! Gjakova was severely damaged while in the war, but it's now blooming once more soon after modern renovations!
The Grand Bazaar is a singular place get more info with many craft workshops and cafes. It is actually the most important and oldest bazaar in Kosovo.
It truly is lined with cafes and decorated with art installations by MimozaRraci. It looks astounding. It can be The most gorgeous locations I have witnessed for cafes.
Gjakova is a lot more than just that. All the town as well as the surrounding mountains are a wonderful area to visit, rendering it a terrific day excursion from Pristina/Prizren.
Kosovo Tourism - Useful Information
How can I get to Kosovo?
There are plenty of minimal-cost flights to your Balkans. You'll be able to fly immediate from Germany, France or Hungary to Pristina (I flew from Berlin to Pristina for 60 EUR/return in May 2016). Or you can journey to Skopje or Macedonia to go ahead and take bus to Kosovo. It truly is so easy!
The journey from Skopje to Pristina normally takes just over two hrs. Buses depart much less commonly than each hour. For your 1-way ticket, I compensated 5EUR in November 2014 and May 2016.
Kosovo: Income
The forex of Kosovo may be the Euro.
To economize on travel, my primary idea is to utilize Revolut Bank Card.
The card is shipped by mail in a subject of times. You can utilize it any place on the planet. The cardboard is usually topped up within the app from the phone. You may have accounts in several currencies and Trade cash among them without spending a dime and at very desirable prices. It really is Tremendous very simple 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 great! I have utilized it in 12 distinct international locations on three continents in the 1st 6 months and experienced no challenges. The exchange prices have been quite aggressive and I used to be in the position to help you save some huge cash!
Click the link To find out more With regard to the Service and Order Your Revolut Card!
General public transportation in Kosovo
I had been pleasantly amazed by the wonderful community transport program in Kosovo.
There are numerous buses that run in between cities. Although they may not be the most effective, They're inexpensive sufficient to get you in the two-hour journey.
Bus stations can assist you uncover the correct bus, as Each and every location has its own System. If it is not created somewhere persons will position you in the correct path prior to deciding to check with!
Remember, nevertheless, that the final bus may go away at 6 o'clock each morning.
They are the ticket prices for May perhaps 2016: Prizren–Gjakova 2,50EUR. Gjakova–Peja two,50EUR. Peja–Prizren 4EUR. Prizren–Pristina 3EUR. Pristina–Mitrovica 2EUR.
Remain in Kosovo
I stayed for 2 evenings in Prizren (from there I did an excursion to Gjakova, Peja after which you can I used to be back in Pristina for three night (that has a journey to Mitrovica).
You can also opt to stay in Pristina and acquire day visits. The region is small, and only two hours drive from Just about every fascinating locale.
I stayed within a hostel in Pristina, which I failed to advise. Below are a few other available choices!
You can ebook your lodge in Prizren should you have an interest in remaining there (the just one I stayed at is no far more available).
Journey coverage
I don't journey without insurance policies as you by no means determine what could happen and it is best being Secure than sorry ( I've discovered my lesson).
I recommend SafetyWing, which features the insurance policy that is definitely specifically made for vacationers such as you and me.