Together with Moldova, Kosovo is probably going for being the the very least frequented and known nation in Europe.
The Balkans are getting attractiveness and attracting Countless vacationers monthly. But Kosovo tourism is simply starting to flourish.
A lot of remain unaware of your existence of Kosovo, the youngest country in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Only one vacationer attraction is there, and it isn't really among the Balkan highlights. This 1 is Prizren. Most travelers is not going to know this one particular if they talk to about sites to go to in Kosovo.
I are already to Kosovo two times to date, and I'm able to inform you which the place has quite a bit to provide people who tend to be more adventurous and curious.
This really is my small cheat-sheet on Kosovo tourism. It will allow you to choose what to do in Kosovo.
Is it worthwhile to visit Kosovo?
It is important to get started with the basic principles.
You will be wondering whether it is worthy of traveling to Kosovo in the event the close by nations are so stunning and interesting (I am thinking about Albania and Montenegro), Croatia, Bosnia), but my response is straightforward: Indeed.
Kosovo tourism just isn't however well-regarded. It's only visited by a handful of folks who are not frightened to venture into not known territory.
It is an extremely desirable location to go to, as almost everything feels genuine instead of created for vacationers. Kosovo's currency is Euro. But that does not suggest it is dear!
My favored locations in Kosovo: Exactly what are you seeking?
Together with Moldova, Kosovo is probably going to become the the very least frequented and recognized state in Europe.
The Balkans are getting popularity and attracting Countless vacationers on a monthly basis. But Kosovo tourism is just starting to flourish.
A lot of are still unaware of your existence of Kosovo, the youngest region in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Just one tourist attraction is there, and it's actually not among Balkan highlights. This one particular is Prizren. Most tourists is not going to know this a person after they question about places to visit in Kosovo.
I have been to Kosovo two times thus far, and I can let you know which the country has a whole lot to provide visitors who tend to be more adventurous and curious.
This is my tiny cheat-sheet on Kosovo tourism. It will let you determine what to do in Kosovo.
Is Kosovo Safe and sound?
It's once more a Of course.
It absolutely was a sense of finish protection that I knowledgeable constantly.
Though there have been tensions in Kosovo not as well long ago, and there are still tensions there, travellers viewing Kosovo don't have anything to get worried about.
I traveled by itself and didn't experience any awkward circumstances. I don't know some other vacationers who seasoned any challenges in Kosovo.
Anyone was so pleasant and ready to aid even whenever they did not have enough time. I used to be in Prizren and Pristina in the evening (generally in central but nevertheless) rather than one particular man or woman bothered me.
Due to the particular situation in Kosovo, there are lots of foreign forces that look after the state.
It can be done to discover troopers marching up and down Pristina's major boulevard. Even so, there is not any reason to be anxious. They only desire to seem excellent and act like They're on a runway.
You will be great, the same as almost everywhere else. Make use of your widespread sense And do not do nearly anything you wouldn't at your home. Kosovo is very Safe and sound
What can you see in Kosovo
Even though Kosovo isn’t the most attractive region while in the Balkans, it does have its moments.
Even though the metropolitan areas may not be quite possibly the most spectacular, chances are you can drop in love with its cafes and vibe, landscape, men and women, and beautiful landscapes. Kosovo has a great deal of to offer tourists!
Listed here are my major picks for spots to see in Kosovo
Prizren
The next largest metropolis in Kosovo, and also the Outdated Town is a shocking gem. Prizren may be the place to go in Kosovo if you'd like to see it all.
Maybe you have noticed the Picture from the outdated stone bridge, mosque and lush mountains in the qualifications. Which is Prizren! It really is far more gorgeous in authentic lifestyle!
The Outdated City bustles with numerous cafes and dining places.
Shadervan, the main square, appears to often be whole of people just hanging out and executing their company.
Kaljaja, the fortress with The most breathtaking views in Kosovo, is the key attraction of Prizren.
It can be a brief hike from the Previous Town to get to the leading, and you may simply expend your entire day there. Kaljaja is an excellent place to get in Prizren, coupled with Shadervan.
It is alleged to be essentially the most lovely at sunset. I desire I could verify this, but as I was about hiking up there, a thunderstorm passed above Prizren...
I really hope for being back again in Prizren for Dokufest, a entire world-well known Intercontinental Documentary and Shorter Movie Competition.
But I also choose to take a look at the city and reside in its backstreets, in which abandoned houses are my house. Prizren is more than just postcards!
Pristina
It is Probably the most stunning capitals in Europe, but it is also certainly one of my favorites!
Pristina has a vibrant, neat, chic and cosmopolitan vibe.
You will find very few monuments there. (Unless you take a look at the Countrywide Library of Kosovo, which is considered the most outstanding brutalist creating I have at any time viewed plus the one that impressed my love of this style of architecture. But Pristina can make it seem to be so remarkable.
This city contains a strategy for holding you close and refusing to Permit go.
My story with Pristina was similar to my appreciate affair with Yerevan and Armenia. Soon after my very first pay a visit to, I was fewer keen on the town. It absolutely was ok nevertheless it failed to blow my brain.
But, I began to consider Pristina much more routinely and dreamed of returning to it To find out more. That was just what exactly I did.
I expended 4 times in Pristina. It is the metropolis that may be "finished in 2 several hours" and I'd return inside of a heartbeat!
My days were being stuffed by many of my favored cafes, brutalist architecture, delicious foodstuff, warm evenings, and incredible men and women.
Kosovska Mitrovica
This is the most tricky location in Kosovo that I've at any time desired to see.
Town is divided into two elements: the Southern (Albanian), and Northern (Serbian), with tensions concerning them.
Though I acknowledge that I was just a little nervous about browsing Mitrovica, I before long realized there was practically nothing to be scared of and my thoughts was just actively playing tips.
I am fascinated with the divided town, and Mitrovica was an amazing area to go to.
Everything adjustments when you finally cross the (blocked, protected by Intercontinental forces like the Italian Carabinieri bridge). The alphabet, currency, license plates, spots of worship, and perhaps the forex. Even individuals seem unique.
Whilst I couldn't decide which side I chosen, Northern experienced among the list of Spomeniks while Southern had 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's a getaway to Rugova Canyon, Prokletije Mountains, and the home of Patriarchate Of Pec - UNESCO Planet Heritage Internet site.
It had been a comfortable metropolis, with the ideal espresso in Kosovo for 2EUR. There may be superior Avenue art, good bazaar and excellent street art. 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 the many destinations in Kosovo.
Peja is a fantastic solution if you like mountains!
Gjakova
My most significant shock in Kosovo! Gjakova was seriously ruined inside the war, but it's now blooming again after recent renovations!
The Grand Bazaar is a novel spot with a lot of craft workshops and cafes. It really is the largest and oldest bazaar in Kosovo.
It is lined with cafes and decorated with artwork installations by MimozaRraci. It seems to be remarkable. It is Probably the most wonderful parts I have witnessed for cafes.
Gjakova is a lot more than just that. Your complete town and also the bordering mountains are a lovely spot to go to, which makes it an excellent working day journey from Pristina/Prizren.
Kosovo Tourism - Practical Information and facts
How do I reach Kosovo?
There are several minimal-Expense flights to the Balkans. You may 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 more than two several hours. Buses depart much less routinely than each and every hour. For just a a single-way ticket, I compensated 5EUR in November 2014 and will 2016.
Kosovo: Dollars
The forex of Kosovo will be the Euro.
To economize on travel, my primary idea is to make use of Revolut Financial institution Card.
The cardboard is distributed by mail in a very make a difference of times. You may use it everywhere on the globe. The card might be topped up in the app from the cellular phone. You can have accounts in many currencies and exchange funds concerning them at click here no cost and at quite interesting prices. It really is Tremendous very 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 any place on the globe. Revolut card continues to be excellent! I have applied it in twelve distinct international locations on three continents in the 1st 6 months and experienced no problems. The exchange prices had been really competitive and I used to be capable to help save lots of money!
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 astonished by the excellent public transport system in Kosovo.
There are lots of buses that run between towns. Though they won't be the most beneficial, They are really affordable plenty of to receive you from the 2-hour journey.
Bus stations will allow you to locate the proper bus, as Every destination has its own System. If it is not prepared somewhere folks will stage you in the right way prior to deciding to question!
Remember, nevertheless, that the final bus may well depart at six o'clock each morning.
These are generally the ticket rates for May 2016: Prizren–Gjakova two,50EUR. Gjakova–Peja 2,50EUR. Peja–Prizren 4EUR. Prizren–Pristina 3EUR. Pristina–Mitrovica 2EUR.
Remain in Kosovo
I stayed for 2 nights in Prizren (from there I did an tour to Gjakova, Peja after which I had been back again in Pristina for 3 night time (using a vacation to Mitrovica).
You can also opt to stay in Pristina and choose day trips. The place is little, and only two hours travel from Every single fascinating site.
I stayed within a hostel in Pristina, which I failed to advise. Below are a few other available choices!
You can ebook your hotel in Prizren in case you are interested in remaining there (the a person I stayed at isn't any extra offered).
Travel insurance policies
I don't journey without insurance policies as you in no way know very well what could occur and it is best to generally be Protected than sorry ( I've learned my lesson).
I recommend SafetyWing, which delivers the insurance which is specially designed for travelers such as you and me.