In addition to Moldova, Kosovo is likely to get the the very least visited and identified place in Europe.
The Balkans are attaining level of popularity and attracting thousands of visitors on a monthly basis. But Kosovo tourism is barely beginning to prosper.
Several are still unaware on the existence of Kosovo, the youngest state in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Only one vacationer attraction is there, and it's actually not among the Balkan highlights. This a person is Prizren. Most travelers won't know this 1 after they question about spots to visit in Kosovo.
I have been to Kosovo twice so far, and I can tell you that the nation has a great deal to offer guests 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 vital to start with the basics.
You might be asking yourself if it is worth viewing Kosovo in the event the close by international locations are so lovely and intriguing (I'm investigating Albania and Montenegro), Croatia, Bosnia), but my solution is simple: Certainly.
Kosovo tourism will not be but nicely-known. It is just visited by a couple of people who usually are not fearful to enterprise into unidentified territory.
It is a really eye-catching spot to visit, as all the things feels authentic and never designed for vacationers. Kosovo's forex is Euro. But that doesn't necessarily mean it is pricey!
My preferred destinations in Kosovo: What exactly are you looking for?
In conjunction with Moldova, Kosovo is likely being the the very least visited and regarded region in Europe.
The Balkans are attaining level of popularity and attracting A large number of holidaymakers monthly. But Kosovo tourism is barely beginning to prosper.
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 vacationers will likely not know this 1 when they question about places to visit in Kosovo.
I are to Kosovo twice to date, and I am able to tell you the place has a lot to supply visitors who are more adventurous and curious.
This is certainly my little cheat-sheet on Kosovo tourism. It will allow you to make your mind up what to do in Kosovo.
Is Kosovo Secure?
It truly is all over again a YES.
It had been a sense of total security which i expert all the time.
Although there have been tensions in Kosovo not much too way back, and there are still tensions there, vacationers 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 helpful and prepared to enable even when they didn't have the time. I had been in Prizren and Pristina at night (mostly in central but still) and not one particular person bothered me.
On account of the particular circumstance in Kosovo, there are various international forces that search following the nation.
It is possible to see troopers marching up and down Pristina's most important boulevard. Nevertheless, there isn't any reason to be anxious. They simply just choose to glance wonderful and act like They can be on the runway.
You'll be fine, identical to all over the place else. Make use of your prevalent feeling and don't do just about anything You would not in the home. Kosovo is very Harmless
What can the thing is in Kosovo
Even though Kosovo isn’t the most wonderful state from 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, persons, and beautiful scenery. Kosovo has a great deal of to offer tourists!
Listed below are my major picks for spots to see in Kosovo
Prizren
The next largest metropolis in Kosovo, and the Outdated City is a surprising gem. Prizren may be the destination to go in Kosovo if you want to see it all.
Maybe you have observed the Image in the aged stone bridge, mosque and lush mountains within the qualifications. That's Prizren! It really is far more gorgeous in authentic lifestyle!
The Outdated City bustles with many cafes and dining establishments.
Shadervan, the most crucial square, seems to generally be full of individuals just hanging out and executing their enterprise.
Kaljaja, the fortress with One of the more beautiful views in Kosovo, is the leading attraction of Prizren.
It really is a brief hike within the Old Town to reach the prime, and you'll conveniently invest your complete day there. Kaljaja is a superb location to generally be in Prizren, together with Shadervan.
It is claimed to generally be the most stunning at sunset. I want I could confirm this, but as I used to be about climbing up there, a thunderstorm passed about Prizren...
I actually hope to generally be again in Prizren for Dokufest, a world-famous Global Documentary and Limited Movie Pageant.
But I also desire to examine the town and are in its backstreets, wherever deserted properties are my property. Prizren is much more than just postcards!
Pristina
It really is The most wonderful capitals in Europe, but It is usually amongst my favorites!
Pristina contains a vivid, amazing, chic and cosmopolitan vibe.
You will discover only a few monuments there. (Unless of course you discuss the National Library of Kosovo, which is easily the most remarkable brutalist making I've at any time witnessed as well as the one that inspired my like of the kind of architecture. But Pristina makes it feel so awesome.
This metropolis features a technique for Keeping you close and refusing to Allow go.
My Tale with Pristina was just like my really like affair with Yerevan and Armenia. Following my to start with take a website look at, I was less interested in town. It was all right nonetheless it didn't blow my intellect.
But, I began 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 which can be "done in 2 several hours" and I'd return in a heartbeat!
My times had been loaded by a number of my most loved cafes, brutalist architecture, delightful food, warm evenings, and incredible persons.
Kosovska Mitrovica
This is the most tricky location in Kosovo that I've at any time desired to see.
The town is split into two sections: the Southern (Albanian), and Northern (Serbian), with tensions in between them.
While I admit that I was slightly nervous about checking out Mitrovica, I shortly realized there was nothing at all to be scared of and my mind was just enjoying tips.
I'm fascinated from the divided metropolis, and Mitrovica was an incredible area to go to.
Everything adjustments when you finally cross the (blocked, protected by Worldwide forces much like the Italian Carabinieri bridge). The alphabet, forex, license plates, locations of worship, and also the forex. Even people today look various.
Despite the fact that I could not decide which side I desired, Northern experienced among the list of Spomeniks though Southern had an exquisite cafe with umbrellas.
Politics aside, Mitrovica is a good day journey from Pristina. It's also essential-see when browsing 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 had been a calm metropolis, with the top espresso in Kosovo for 2EUR. There may be fantastic Avenue artwork, good bazaar and excellent Road art. I went to Patriarchate in Pec for coffee, but I didn't go.
Even though it was a good location to take it easy, It's not necessarily the most popular of all the places in Kosovo.
Peja is a great option if you're keen on mountains!
Gjakova
My major shock in Kosovo! Gjakova was seriously ruined within the war, but it is now blooming again just after the latest renovations!
The Grand Bazaar is a singular area with several craft workshops and cafes. It's the most important and oldest bazaar in Kosovo.
It's lined with cafes and decorated with artwork installations by MimozaRraci. It appears to be like wonderful. It really is Just about the most stunning spots I have witnessed for cafes.
Gjakova is a lot more than just that. All the town and the bordering mountains are a gorgeous location to go to, which makes it a great day excursion from Pristina/Prizren.
Kosovo Tourism - Useful Information
How can I get to Kosovo?
There are plenty of lower-Price flights into the Balkans. It is possible to fly direct from Germany, France or Hungary to Pristina (I flew from Berlin to Pristina for 60 EUR/return in May 2016). Or you may travel to Skopje or Macedonia to go ahead and take bus to Kosovo. It is really easy!
The journey from Skopje to Pristina requires just around two hours. Buses depart much less commonly than each and every hour. For just a a single-way ticket, I compensated 5EUR in November 2014 and May 2016.
Kosovo: Dollars
The currency of Kosovo could be the Euro.
To save money on journey, my number 1 tip is to work with Revolut Bank Card.
The card is distributed by mail in a issue of times. You should use it wherever on earth. The cardboard can be topped up inside the application from a cellphone. You may have accounts in many currencies and exchange income involving them at no cost and at really beautiful rates. It really is Tremendous uncomplicated and quick to use the app to handle your accounts.
Revolut accepts about 140 currencies, and permits you to withdraw from any ATM any place on the globe. Revolut card continues to be excellent! I have utilised it in twelve distinctive countries on 3 continents in the very first six months and had no difficulties. The exchange costs ended up incredibly aggressive and I had been ready to help you save some huge cash!
Simply click here to Learn More In regards to the Provider and Buy Your Revolut Card!
Community transport in Kosovo
I was pleasantly shocked by the excellent public transport system in Kosovo.
There are many buses that operate concerning towns. When they may not be the top, They may be low-cost adequate to obtain you through the two-hour journey.
Bus stations can assist you find the ideal bus, as Each individual place has its possess platform. If it's not published someplace individuals will stage you in the right way before you decide to inquire!
Keep in mind, having said that, that the final bus might go away at 6 o'clock in the morning.
These are definitely the ticket charges 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 and afterwards I was again in Pristina for 3 night time (by using a trip to Mitrovica).
You may as well elect to remain in Pristina and just take day outings. The nation is smaller, and only 2 several hours generate from Each individual intriguing location.
I stayed in the hostel in Pristina, which I didn't advocate. Here are some other available choices!
You can e book your resort in Prizren for those who are interested in being there (the 1 I stayed at isn't any more offered).
Vacation insurance policy
I do not travel devoid of insurance coverage simply because you never really know what could transpire and it is better to get Harmless than sorry ( I have uncovered my lesson).
I like to recommend SafetyWing, which offers the insurance policy that may be particularly made for vacationers such as you and me.