Together with Moldova, Kosovo is probably going to become the minimum frequented and known state in Europe.
The Balkans are gaining acceptance and attracting Many vacationers monthly. But Kosovo tourism is simply starting to prosper.
Lots of are still unaware with the existence of Kosovo, the youngest state in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Only one tourist attraction is there, and it's not amongst Balkan highlights. This a single is Prizren. Most vacationers will never know this just one every time they request about spots to visit in Kosovo.
I are already to Kosovo two times to date, 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 is often my minimal cheat-sheet on Kosovo tourism. It will help you decide how to proceed in Kosovo.
Can it be worthwhile to go to Kosovo?
It is crucial to begin with the basic principles.
You will be wanting to know if it is well worth going to Kosovo when the close by international locations are so attractive and appealing (I am thinking about Albania and Montenegro), Croatia, Bosnia), but my response is simple: YES.
Kosovo tourism is not really still properly-identified. It is only frequented by a number of folks who are not afraid to undertaking into unfamiliar territory.
It is a very interesting area to visit, as everything feels serious instead of created for vacationers. Kosovo's forex is Euro. But that doesn't mean it is pricey!
My preferred sites in Kosovo: What exactly are you searching for?
Coupled with Moldova, Kosovo is probably going for being the the very least visited and recognised region in Europe.
The Balkans are attaining acceptance and attracting A large number of holidaymakers monthly. But Kosovo tourism is barely starting to flourish.
Quite a few are still unaware on the existence of Kosovo, the youngest country in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Only one vacationer attraction is there, and it isn't between Balkan highlights. This 1 is Prizren. Most vacationers will never know this one after they ask about spots to go to in Kosovo.
I are already to Kosovo twice to date, and I can inform you which the place has a lot to supply people who tend to be more adventurous and curious.
This can be my very little cheat-sheet on Kosovo tourism. It will help you choose how to proceed in Kosovo.
Is Kosovo Harmless?
It is once again a Sure.
It had been a sense of finish safety that I knowledgeable constantly.
When there were tensions in Kosovo not also long ago, and there are still tensions there, tourists going to Kosovo have nothing to get worried about.
I traveled by yourself and didn't working experience any uncomfortable situations. I don't know every other vacationers who expert any complications in Kosovo.
Everyone was so friendly and willing to assist even after they didn't have enough time. I used to be in Prizren and Pristina at nighttime (primarily in central but still) and not one person bothered me.
Due to the particular situation in Kosovo, there are lots of foreign forces that look once the state.
It can be done to see troopers marching up and down Pristina's most important boulevard. Having said that, there is not any motive to be troubled. They just need to search excellent and act like They're on a runway.
You will end up good, just like everywhere you go else. Make use of your frequent sense And do not do everything you wouldn't at home. Kosovo may be very Risk-free
What can you see in Kosovo
Though Kosovo isn’t probably the most wonderful place within the Balkans, it does have its times.
Although the cities will not be one of the most beautiful, chances are high you may fall in love with its cafes and vibe, landscape, persons, and beautiful landscapes. Kosovo has a great deal to provide vacationers!
Here are my prime picks for locations to discover in Kosovo
Prizren
The second most significant city 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.
Maybe you have observed the Picture from the outdated stone bridge, mosque and lush mountains within the qualifications. That's Prizren! It really is far more gorgeous in serious lifestyle!
The Previous City bustles with lots of cafes and dining establishments.
Shadervan, the most crucial square, seems to generally be full of individuals just hanging out and executing their business.
Kaljaja, the fortress with The most breathtaking views in Kosovo, is the primary attraction of Prizren.
It truly is a brief hike within the Old Town to reach the prime, and you will easily devote your total working day there. Kaljaja is a wonderful location for being in Prizren, in conjunction with Shadervan.
It is alleged to be essentially the most lovely at sunset. I desire I could validate this, but as I had been about mountaineering up there, a thunderstorm handed around Prizren...
I actually hope to generally be back in Prizren for Dokufest, a entire world-well known Intercontinental Documentary and Shorter Movie Competition.
But I also choose to take a look at town and are now living in its backstreets, where by deserted residences are my household. Prizren is a lot more than simply postcards!
Pristina
It is actually one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe, but It is usually one of my favorites!
Pristina contains a vivid, interesting, stylish and cosmopolitan vibe.
You'll discover only a few monuments there. (Unless of course you discuss the National Library of Kosovo, which is easily the most incredible brutalist developing I've at any time witnessed as well as the one that encouraged my appreciate of the kind of architecture. But Pristina makes it feel so awesome.
This metropolis features a technique for Keeping you close up and refusing to Allow go.
My Tale with Pristina was just like my adore affair with Yerevan and Armenia. After my to start with check out, I was fewer keen on the town. It absolutely was ok nevertheless it didn't blow my mind.
But, I started to think about Pristina additional regularly and dreamed of returning to it To find out more. That was exactly what I did.
I expended 4 times in Pristina. It is the metropolis that can be "performed in 2 several hours" and I might return inside a heartbeat!
My times were crammed by some of my beloved cafes, brutalist architecture, scrumptious food stuff, warm evenings, and unbelievable individuals.
Kosovska Mitrovica
This is easily the most tough position in Kosovo that I have at any time wanted to see.
Town is divided into two areas: the Southern (Albanian), and Northern (Serbian), with tensions between them.
Despite the fact that I acknowledge that I was somewhat anxious about going to Mitrovica, I shortly understood there was nothing at all to be scared of and my intellect was just taking part in methods.
I'm fascinated with the divided town, and Mitrovica was an amazing spot 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, sites of worship, as well as the currency. Even persons look various.
Whilst I could not 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's also essential-see when browsing Kosovo!
Peja/Pec
It is just a getaway to Rugova Canyon, Prokletije Mountains, and the get more info house of Patriarchate Of Pec - UNESCO World Heritage Website.
It was a calm city, with the most effective coffee in Kosovo for 2EUR. There is certainly excellent Road art, decent bazaar and fantastic street art. I went to Patriarchate in Pec for espresso, but I didn't go.
Even though it was a good destination to relax, It isn't 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 severely broken within the war, but it is now blooming all over again just after new renovations!
The Grand Bazaar is a singular area with numerous craft workshops and cafes. It truly is the biggest 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 Probably the most beautiful spots I have noticed for cafes.
Gjakova is much more than simply that. The complete town and the bordering mountains are a gorgeous location to go to, rendering it a fantastic day excursion from Pristina/Prizren.
Kosovo Tourism - Sensible Information and facts
How can I get to Kosovo?
There are several 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 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 more than two hrs. 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 would be the Euro.
To economize on journey, my number 1 tip is to work with Revolut Bank Card.
The card is shipped by mail in a issue of times. You need to use it anywhere on this planet. The cardboard can be topped up while in the application from your cellphone. You might have accounts in various currencies and exchange income concerning them at no cost and at quite interesting prices. It really is Tremendous very simple and fast to make use of the application to manage your accounts.
Revolut accepts above one hundred forty currencies, and means that you can withdraw from any ATM anywhere on the planet. Revolut card has become good! I've made use of it in twelve different nations on 3 continents in the initial six months and had no challenges. The Trade fees were being very competitive and I was able to help save lots of money!
Click this link To find out more With regard to the Company and Get Your Revolut Card!
General public transportation in Kosovo
I used to be pleasantly amazed by the superb community transport program in Kosovo.
There are numerous buses that run in between cities. While they won't be the most beneficial, They are really low-priced plenty of to receive 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 composed somewhere people today will place you in the best path before you talk to!
Consider, on the other hand, that the last bus may go away at 6 o'clock each morning.
These are typically the ticket rates for Might 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 nights in Prizren (from there I did an tour to Gjakova, Peja then I was again in Pristina for 3 night time (using a trip to Mitrovica).
It's also possible to decide to remain in Pristina and get working day excursions. The country is smaller, and only 2 several hours drive from Just about every intriguing location.
I stayed in the hostel in Pristina, which I didn't advocate. Here are some other choices!
It is possible to book your resort in Prizren if you are interested in being there (the a single I stayed at is not any much more readily available).
Travel insurance policies
I do not travel devoid of insurance coverage simply because you never really know what could materialize and it is better being safe than sorry ( I have figured out my lesson).
I like to recommend SafetyWing, which gives the insurance plan that is especially created for travelers like you and me.