Together with Moldova, Kosovo is probably going to become the minimum visited and recognised country in Europe.
The Balkans are gaining level of popularity and attracting thousands of travelers each and every month. But Kosovo tourism is barely starting to prosper.
A lot of remain unaware with the existence of Kosovo, the youngest state in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Just one vacationer attraction is there, and it's not among Balkan highlights. This a single is Prizren. Most vacationers will not likely know this 1 after they question about spots to go to in Kosovo.
I are already to Kosovo two times thus far, and I'm able to inform you the state has lots 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 visit Kosovo?
It's important to start with the basic principles.
You will be wanting to know whether it is well worth going to Kosovo when the close by countries are so wonderful and attention-grabbing (I am considering Albania and Montenegro), Croatia, Bosnia), but my solution is simple: Certainly.
Kosovo tourism is just not nevertheless nicely-identified. It's only visited by a handful of folks who aren't afraid to undertaking into unfamiliar territory.
It is a very beautiful area to visit, as every thing feels serious rather than designed for holidaymakers. Kosovo's currency is Euro. But that does not indicate it is expensive!
My beloved spots in Kosovo: What exactly are you searching for?
Coupled with Moldova, Kosovo is likely to generally be the minimum frequented and acknowledged country in Europe.
The Balkans are getting popularity and attracting Countless travellers every month. But Kosovo tourism is simply beginning to flourish.
Lots of are still unaware of your existence of Kosovo, the youngest nation in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Just one tourist attraction is there, and it's actually not among Balkan highlights. This one is Prizren. Most vacationers will likely not know this 1 if they inquire about destinations to go to in Kosovo.
I have already been to Kosovo 2 times so far, and I'm able to tell you 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 make a decision how to proceed in Kosovo.
Is Kosovo Risk-free?
It is really again a Sure.
It had been a sense of entire safety that I knowledgeable constantly.
Though there have been tensions in Kosovo not way too way back, and there remain tensions there, holidaymakers going to Kosovo have nothing for being concerned about.
I traveled by yourself and didn't experience any awkward circumstances. I do not know almost every other tourists who professional any problems in Kosovo.
Everybody was so pleasant and willing to aid even after they didn't have time. I used to be in Prizren and Pristina during the night time (typically in central but nonetheless) instead of a person human being bothered me.
As a consequence of The actual condition in Kosovo, there are many overseas forces that glimpse once the country.
It is possible to check out troopers marching up and down Pristina's key boulevard. On the other hand, there isn't a explanation to be troubled. They just wish to look terrific and act like They may be on a runway.
You will be great, the same as almost everywhere else. Use your common perception and don't do anything at all you wouldn't in your house. Kosovo is very Safe and sound
What can you see in Kosovo
Even though Kosovo isn’t the most attractive region within the Balkans, it does have its times.
Although the towns will not be probably the most breathtaking, chances are high you may fall in appreciate with its cafes and vibe, landscape, folks, and delightful surroundings. Kosovo has so much to supply travelers!
Here i will discuss my best picks for locations to see in Kosovo
Prizren
The 2nd biggest town in Kosovo, as well as the Aged Town is a surprising gem. Prizren is definitely the spot to go in Kosovo if you want to see all of it.
You may have witnessed the Photograph of your previous stone bridge, mosque and lush mountains during the track record. That is Prizren! It's all the more wonderful in real daily life!
The Aged Town bustles with a lot of cafes and eating places.
Shadervan, the leading sq., seems to constantly be comprehensive of people just hanging out and undertaking their business enterprise.
Kaljaja, the fortress with Just about the most amazing sights in Kosovo, is the primary attraction of Prizren.
It really is a brief hike in the Outdated City to get to the major, and you can very easily commit your full day there. Kaljaja is a superb place to get in Prizren, coupled with Shadervan.
It is said to get quite possibly the most beautiful at sunset. I wish I could verify this, but as I used to be about climbing up there, a thunderstorm handed about Prizren...
I actually hope being again in Prizren for Dokufest, a environment-famous International Documentary and Brief Movie Pageant.
But I also desire to check out the town and are in its backstreets, the place deserted residences are my household. Prizren is a lot more than simply postcards!
Pristina
It truly is Among the most attractive capitals in Europe, but it is also one of my favorites!
Pristina has a vivid, neat, stylish and cosmopolitan vibe.
You'll discover not many monuments there. (Except if you speak about the National Library of Kosovo, which is the most remarkable brutalist setting up I've ever seen as well as the one that encouraged my appreciate of this type of architecture. But Pristina can make it appear to be so awesome.
This metropolis features a way of Keeping you close up and refusing to let go.
My Tale with Pristina was comparable to my enjoy affair with Yerevan and Armenia. Right after my first stop by, I used to be much less interested in the town. It was all right nonetheless it didn't blow my head.
But, I began to consider Pristina a lot more 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 two hours" and I might return inside a heartbeat!
My times were filled by a number of my favorite cafes, brutalist architecture, delightful foodstuff, warm evenings, and unbelievable individuals.
Kosovska Mitrovica
This is easily the most tough position in Kosovo that I have at any time needed to see.
The city is split into two parts: the Southern (Albanian), and Northern (Serbian), with tensions amongst them.
Though I acknowledge that I was just a little anxious about visiting Mitrovica, I quickly understood there was nothing at all to be scared of and my mind was just taking part in methods.
I'm fascinated from the divided metropolis, and Mitrovica was an awesome location to go to.
Every thing alterations as you cross the (blocked, protected by Worldwide forces similar to the Italian Carabinieri bridge). The alphabet, forex, license plates, places of worship, and also the forex. Even persons look various.
Though I could not choose which facet I desired, Northern had among the list of Spomeniks though Southern experienced a wonderful cafe with umbrellas.
Politics aside, Mitrovica is a good working day excursion from Pristina. It is also essential-see when traveling to Kosovo!
Peja/Pec
It's really a getaway to Rugova Canyon, Prokletije Mountains, and the house of Patriarchate Of Pec - UNESCO Environment Heritage Site.
It was a relaxed metropolis, with the top coffee in Kosovo for 2EUR. There exists very good Road 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 destination to take it easy, It is far from the preferred of the many places in Kosovo.
Peja is a great option if you're keen on mountains!
Gjakova
My major shock in Kosovo! Gjakova was severely ruined while in the war, but it's now blooming once more following recent renovations!
The Grand Bazaar is a novel site with a lot of craft workshops and cafes. It truly is the largest and oldest bazaar in Kosovo.
It is lined with cafes and decorated with artwork installations by MimozaRraci. It appears to be astounding. It can be The most gorgeous areas I have witnessed for cafes.
Gjakova is a lot more than simply that. All the town and the bordering mountains are a lovely location to go to, which makes it a great working day trip from Pristina/Prizren.
Kosovo Tourism - Simple Information and facts
How can I get to Kosovo?
There are several very low-Charge flights for the Balkans. You can fly immediate from Germany, France or Hungary to Pristina (I flew from Berlin to Pristina for 60 EUR/return in May perhaps 2016). Or it is possible to 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 about two hours. Buses depart a lot less often than each hour. For your a single-way ticket, I compensated 5EUR in November 2014 and May 2016.
Kosovo: Income
The currency of Kosovo would 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 make a difference of times. You can use it everywhere on the globe. The card might be topped up within the application from a telephone. You may have accounts in several currencies and exchange cash concerning them at no cost and at quite interesting rates. It really is Tremendous very simple and quick to use the app to control your accounts.
Revolut accepts around a hundred and forty currencies, and enables you to withdraw from any ATM wherever in the world. Revolut card is wonderful! I've applied 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!
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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 can be low cost adequate to acquire you with the 2-hour journey.
Bus stations will help you obtain the appropriate bus, as Just about every desired destination has its have here System. If it isn't written someplace men and women will level you in the proper way prior to deciding to request!
Bear in mind, however, that the final bus could leave at six o'clock in the morning.
These are the ticket selling prices for May possibly 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 used to be back in Pristina for three night (that has a journey to Mitrovica).
You can also opt to stay in Pristina and choose day trips. The region is small, and only two hours push from Every attention-grabbing site.
I stayed within a hostel in Pristina, which I didn't advocate. Here are some other available choices!
You are able to e book your hotel in Prizren in case you are interested in being there (the 1 I stayed at is not any more offered).
Travel insurance policies
I do not travel with no insurance since you hardly ever understand what could come about and it is healthier to become Safe and sound than sorry ( I've discovered my lesson).
I like to recommend SafetyWing, which features the insurance coverage that is definitely specifically made for vacationers such as you and me.