Together with Moldova, Kosovo is likely being the the very least visited and known region in Europe.
The Balkans are getting attractiveness and attracting A large number of visitors each and every month. But Kosovo tourism is barely starting to prosper.
A lot of are still unaware from the existence of Kosovo, the youngest region in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Only one tourist attraction is there, and it is not between Balkan highlights. This a person is Prizren. Most tourists will not know this one if they talk to about sites to go to in Kosovo.
I are actually to Kosovo 2 times to this point, and I am able to show you which the nation has quite a bit to supply people who tend to be more adventurous and curious.
That is my minor cheat-sheet on Kosovo tourism. It can assist you come to a decision how to proceed in Kosovo.
Could it be worthwhile to visit Kosovo?
It is crucial to begin with the fundamentals.
You may be questioning if it is truly worth viewing Kosovo if the nearby international locations are so lovely and appealing (I am considering Albania and Montenegro), Croatia, Bosnia), but my solution is simple: Certainly.
Kosovo tourism will not be nevertheless effectively-known. It is just frequented by some those who aren't worried to enterprise into unidentified territory.
It is a really beautiful spot to visit, as everything feels genuine instead of made for vacationers. Kosovo's forex is Euro. But that doesn't necessarily mean it is pricey!
My preferred sites in Kosovo: What exactly are you looking for?
Along with Moldova, Kosovo is probably going to become the the very least visited and regarded nation in Europe.
The Balkans are attaining reputation and attracting A large number of holidaymakers monthly. But Kosovo tourism is just starting to flourish.
A lot 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 one is Prizren. Most tourists won't know this just one once they question about places to visit in Kosovo.
I are to Kosovo twice thus far, and I can let you know that the nation has quite a bit to offer 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 Risk-free?
It is really once again a Certainly.
It was a feeling of full basic safety which i professional all the time.
When there have been tensions in Kosovo not too way back, and there remain tensions there, travellers visiting Kosovo have nothing to become concerned about.
I traveled on your own and did not knowledge any uncomfortable predicaments. I do not know every other vacationers who knowledgeable any troubles in Kosovo.
All people was so welcoming and prepared to assistance even every time they didn't have the time. I was in Prizren and Pristina during the night (generally in central but nonetheless) rather than one particular man or woman bothered me.
Resulting from The actual predicament in Kosovo, there are several overseas forces that glance following the region.
It can be done to discover troopers marching up and down Pristina's principal boulevard. Nonetheless, there's no cause to be concerned. They simply wish to look great and act like They are really over a runway.
You will be great, the same as almost everywhere else. Use your common perception and don't do something You would not at your house. Kosovo is quite Secure
What can you see in Kosovo
Although Kosovo isn’t quite possibly the most attractive nation in the Balkans, it does have its times.
Although the towns will not be essentially the most stunning, likelihood is you are going to drop in like with its cafes and vibe, landscape, men and women, and beautiful landscapes. Kosovo has a lot to provide travelers!
Here i will discuss my best picks for places to view in Kosovo
Prizren
The second premier metropolis in Kosovo, and the Outdated City is a shocking gem. Prizren is definitely the spot to go in Kosovo if you would like see it all.
You might have observed the Image on the old stone bridge, mosque and lush mountains from the background. That is Prizren! It's all the more wonderful in actual everyday living!
The Old Town bustles with lots of cafes and eating places.
Shadervan, the leading square, appears to always be total of men and women just hanging out and doing their enterprise.
Kaljaja, the fortress with One of the more spectacular sights in Kosovo, is the most crucial attraction of Prizren.
It's a short hike with the Aged Town to reach the top rated, and you will easily devote your total working day there. Kaljaja is a wonderful location to be in Prizren, in addition to Shadervan.
It is claimed to get quite possibly the most gorgeous at sunset. I desire I could confirm this, but as I used to be about climbing up there, a thunderstorm handed about Prizren...
I actually hope to generally be again in Prizren for Dokufest, a world-well-known International Documentary and Brief Film Festival.
But I also desire to examine the town and are in its backstreets, the place deserted 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 lively, amazing, chic and cosmopolitan vibe.
You'll find very few monuments there. (Unless you take a look at the Countrywide Library of Kosovo, which is easily the most unbelievable brutalist constructing I have ever found plus the one that influenced my enjoy of this style of architecture. But Pristina can make it seem to be so remarkable.
This city contains a strategy for holding you shut and refusing to Permit go.
My story with Pristina was comparable to my appreciate affair with Yerevan and Armenia. Just after my 1st pay a visit to, I had been a lot less considering the city. It absolutely was alright however it failed to blow my thoughts.
But, I started to think about Pristina more commonly and dreamed of returning to it to learn more. That was just what exactly I did.
I put in four days in Pristina. It's the city which might be "accomplished in 2 hrs" and I would return in the heartbeat!
My days have been filled by several of my favorite cafes, brutalist architecture, delicious foodstuff, warm evenings, and outstanding people.
Kosovska Mitrovica
This is considered the most tough position in Kosovo that I have ever needed to see.
The city is divided into two pieces: the Southern (Albanian), and Northern (Serbian), with tensions among them.
While I admit which i was a bit nervous about viewing Mitrovica, I soon recognized there was very little to be afraid of and my brain was just participating in tricks.
I am fascinated because of the divided town, and Mitrovica was a tremendous position to go to.
Every thing variations when read more you cross the (blocked, safeguarded by Intercontinental forces like the Italian Carabinieri bridge). The alphabet, currency, license plates, spots of worship, and perhaps the currency. Even folks seem unique.
Although I couldn't decide which side I chosen, Northern experienced among the list of Spomeniks although Southern had a beautiful cafe with umbrellas.
Politics apart, Mitrovica is a fantastic working day vacation from Pristina. It is also a necessity-see when visiting Kosovo!
Peja/Pec
It is a getaway to Rugova Canyon, Prokletije Mountains, and the home of Patriarchate Of Pec - UNESCO Globe Heritage Web site.
It had been a calm city, with the most effective coffee in Kosovo for 2EUR. You can find superior Avenue artwork, first rate bazaar and good Avenue artwork. I went to Patriarchate in Pec for espresso, but I did not go.
Although it was a pleasant spot to unwind, It isn't the most popular of all of the locations in Kosovo.
Peja is a superb choice if you like mountains!
Gjakova
My largest surprise in Kosovo! Gjakova was seriously weakened during the war, but now it is blooming once again right after latest renovations!
The Grand Bazaar is a unique location with lots of craft workshops and cafes. It can be the biggest and oldest bazaar in Kosovo.
It really is lined with cafes and decorated with art installations by MimozaRraci. It appears to be awesome. It truly is Just about the most lovely places I've viewed for cafes.
Gjakova is considerably more than just that. The entire city along with the surrounding mountains are a wonderful area to visit, rendering it a terrific day excursion from Pristina/Prizren.
Kosovo Tourism - Sensible Information
How can I get to Kosovo?
There are lots of small-Value flights towards the Balkans. You could fly direct from Germany, France or Hungary to Pristina (I flew from Berlin to Pristina for sixty EUR/return in Could 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 less commonly than each hour. For your a single-way ticket, I compensated 5EUR in November 2014 and should 2016.
Kosovo: Money
The currency of Kosovo is definitely the Euro.
To save money on journey, my number one tip is to work with Revolut Lender Card.
The card is distributed by mail inside of a make a difference of times. You can use it wherever on the globe. The card might be topped up during the app out of your telephone. You may have accounts in many currencies and exchange funds involving them for free and at really beautiful rates. It really is super uncomplicated and brief to use the app to handle your accounts.
Revolut accepts about a hundred and forty currencies, and allows you to withdraw from any ATM everywhere on this planet. Revolut card has long been great! I have utilised it in twelve unique nations around the world on three continents in the first six months and had no difficulties. The exchange costs have been incredibly aggressive and I had been in the position to help you save some huge cash!
Click the link To find out more About the Service and Order Your Revolut Card!
General public transportation in Kosovo
I was pleasantly surprised by the excellent general public transportation process in Kosovo.
There are plenty of 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 Each and every vacation spot has its personal System. If it's not penned someplace folks will stage you in the right way prior to deciding to question!
Remember, however, that the final bus may possibly leave at six o'clock in the morning.
They are the ticket price ranges for May well 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 evenings in Prizren (from there I did an excursion to Gjakova, Peja and afterwards I used to be again in Pristina for three night (with a excursion to Mitrovica).
You may also prefer to stay in Pristina and take working day trips. The place is tiny, and only two hrs travel from Every single interesting site.
I stayed inside a hostel in Pristina, which I failed to advise. Below are a few other available choices!
You could ebook your lodge in Prizren should you have an interest in remaining there (the just one I stayed at is no additional accessible).
Vacation insurance policy
I do not travel with no insurance since you never really know what could materialize and it is better to get safe than sorry ( I have uncovered my lesson).
I like to recommend SafetyWing, which provides the insurance coverage that is definitely specifically made for vacationers such as you and me.