Together with Moldova, Kosovo is probably going to become the minimum frequented and recognised state in Europe.
The Balkans are gaining reputation and attracting Countless tourists every month. But Kosovo tourism is just beginning to flourish.
Lots of are still unaware on the existence of Kosovo, the youngest state in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Just one vacationer attraction is there, and it isn't really among Balkan highlights. This a single is Prizren. Most vacationers will never know this just one if they inquire about areas to visit in Kosovo.
I are already to Kosovo two times to date, and I'm able to let you know 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 get started with the basic principles.
You will be wanting to know whether it is well worth checking out Kosovo when the close by nations around the world are so wonderful and appealing (I am thinking about Albania and Montenegro), Croatia, Bosnia), but my remedy is easy: Sure.
Kosovo tourism is not nonetheless very well-acknowledged. It is only frequented by a few individuals that are not scared to venture into mysterious territory.
It is an extremely appealing put to go to, as every little thing feels genuine and never suitable for visitors. Kosovo's currency is Euro. But that does not suggest it is expensive!
My favored locations in Kosovo: Exactly what are you seeking?
Together with Moldova, Kosovo is likely being the least frequented and recognized state in Europe.
The Balkans are gaining attractiveness and attracting Countless vacationers each and every month. But Kosovo tourism is only beginning to flourish.
Lots of are still unaware with the existence of Kosovo, the youngest nation in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Just one tourist attraction is there, and it is not among the Balkan highlights. This a single is Prizren. Most tourists will not likely know this 1 if they ask about spots to go to in Kosovo.
I happen to be to Kosovo two times so far, and I'm able to show you that the state has a great deal to supply readers who are more adventurous and curious.
This can be my very little cheat-sheet on Kosovo tourism. It can help you make a decision how to proceed in Kosovo.
Is Kosovo safe?
It really is yet again a Sure.
It had been a sense of entire safety that I seasoned continuously.
Whilst there were tensions in Kosovo not way too way back, and there are still tensions there, vacationers browsing Kosovo don't have anything being worried about.
I traveled alone and did not encounter any awkward scenarios. I do not know almost every other travelers who skilled any difficulties in Kosovo.
Absolutely everyone was so helpful and ready to enable even every time they did not have some time. I had been in Prizren and Pristina at night (mostly in central but nevertheless) and never a single particular person bothered me.
On account of The actual predicament in Kosovo, there are several international forces that seem following the region.
It is feasible to discover troopers marching up and down Pristina's major boulevard. Nonetheless, there's no cause to be concerned. They simply wish to look terrific and act like They are really over a runway.
You will end up great, the same as almost everywhere else. Use your common perception and don't do something You would not at your house. Kosovo is incredibly Protected
What can the thing is in Kosovo
Even though Kosovo isn’t the most attractive region in the Balkans, it does have its times.
Although the towns will not be essentially the most stunning, likelihood is you are going to tumble 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 places to discover in Kosovo
Prizren
The second most significant city in Kosovo, and also the Outdated Town is a shocking gem. Prizren is definitely the spot to go in Kosovo if you want to see all of it.
You may have observed the photo on the aged stone bridge, mosque and lush mountains while in the background. That is Prizren! It is really all the more beautiful in actual everyday living!
The Previous City bustles with lots of cafes and dining establishments.
Shadervan, the most crucial square, seems to usually be entire of folks just hanging out and carrying out their small business.
Kaljaja, the fortress with one of the most amazing sights in Kosovo, is the primary attraction of Prizren.
It truly is a brief hike within the Old Town to reach the top, and you may simply shell out your entire day there. Kaljaja is an excellent place to get in Prizren, in conjunction 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 more than Prizren...
I really hope to get back again in Prizren for Dokufest, a earth-well known Intercontinental Documentary and Shorter Movie Competition.
But I also choose to explore the town 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's also certainly one of my favorites!
Pristina features a vibrant, neat, chic and cosmopolitan vibe.
You will find very few monuments there. (Except you look at the Countrywide Library of Kosovo, which is considered the most outstanding brutalist constructing I have at any time found plus the one that impressed my love of this sort 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. Soon after my initial pay a visit to, I had been a lot less enthusiastic about the city. It absolutely was ok however it failed to blow my brain.
But, I started to consider Pristina much more commonly and dreamed of returning to it to learn more. Which was what exactly I did.
I put in 4 times in Pristina. It's the metropolis that can be "performed in 2 several hours" and I would return in a very heartbeat!
My days ended up stuffed by many of my favourite cafes, brutalist architecture, delectable foodstuff, warm evenings, and remarkable folks.
Kosovska Mitrovica
This is easily the most challenging place in Kosovo that I have at any time wanted to see.
The town is split into two components: the Southern (Albanian), and Northern (Serbian), with tensions involving them.
Even though I confess which i was a bit nervous about browsing Mitrovica, I before long realized there was practically nothing to be scared of and my thoughts was just enjoying tips.
I am fascinated through the divided town, and Mitrovica was an amazing spot to go to.
All the things adjustments when you finally cross the (blocked, guarded by Global forces such as Italian Carabinieri bridge). The alphabet, currency, license plates, areas of worship, and perhaps the currency. Even individuals seem unique.
Although I couldn't decide which aspect I chosen, Northern experienced on the list of Spomeniks while Southern had an excellent cafe with umbrellas.
Politics apart, Mitrovica is a wonderful day trip from Pristina. It's also a must-see when going to Kosovo!
Peja/Pec
It's small European cities a getaway to Rugova Canyon, Prokletije Mountains, and the home of Patriarchate Of Pec - UNESCO Entire world Heritage Internet site.
It had been a comfortable metropolis, with the ideal espresso in Kosovo for 2EUR. There may be superior street art, decent bazaar and great street art. I went to Patriarchate in Pec for espresso, but I failed to go.
Even though it was a good location to take it easy, It's not necessarily the most well-liked of every one of the spots 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 site 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 beautiful spots I have witnessed for cafes.
Gjakova is a lot more than just that. Your complete city as well as the surrounding mountains are a good looking area to visit, rendering it a fantastic day excursion from Pristina/Prizren.
Kosovo Tourism - Sensible Information
How can I get to Kosovo?
There are plenty of lower-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 May possibly 2016). Or you are able to vacation to Skopje or Macedonia to take the bus to Kosovo. It can be so easy!
The journey from Skopje to Pristina can take just above two several hours. Buses depart significantly less routinely than every single hour. For a one particular-way ticket, I paid 5EUR in November 2014 and will 2016.
Kosovo: Revenue
The forex of Kosovo will be the Euro.
To economize on travel, my primary idea is to utilize Revolut Lender Card.
The card is distributed by mail inside of a issue of times. You should use it wherever in the world. The card is often topped up in the app from the phone. You can have accounts in various currencies and exchange income concerning them at no cost and at quite interesting prices. It truly is Tremendous very simple and fast to make use of the application to deal with your accounts.
Revolut accepts over 140 currencies, and permits you to withdraw from any ATM any place on the globe. Revolut card continues to be excellent! I've applied it in 12 various nations on 3 continents in the 1st 6 months and experienced no complications. The Trade rates had been extremely competitive and I was capable of preserve lots of money!
Click this link To find out more With regards to the Company and Get Your Revolut Card!
General public transportation in Kosovo
I used to be pleasantly amazed by the wonderful general public transportation process in Kosovo.
There are plenty of buses that operate involving metropolitan areas. Even though they may not be the top, They may be low-cost adequate to acquire you with the 2-hour journey.
Bus stations will let you obtain the appropriate bus, as Just about every spot has its very own platform. If it's not published somewhere men and women will level you in the proper direction prior to deciding to check with!
Take into account, nonetheless, that the last bus may well depart at 6 o'clock each morning.
These are generally the ticket costs 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 evenings in Prizren (from there I did an excursion to Gjakova, Peja and after that I had been back again in Pristina for three evening (with a vacation to Mitrovica).
You may as well elect to remain in Pristina and just take day outings. The nation is compact, and only 2 hours push from each appealing area.
I stayed inside of a hostel in Pristina, which I did not recommend. Here are several other options!
It is possible to guide your resort in Prizren in the event you have an interest in staying there (the one particular I stayed at is not any a lot more out there).
Journey coverage
I do not vacation without having coverage since you hardly ever understand what could transpire and it is better to get Harmless than sorry ( I have uncovered my lesson).
I like to recommend SafetyWing, which provides the insurance policies that is especially created for tourists like you and me.