With itinerary for your stay
Due to its history and position in the inland Balkans, Kosovo may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a holiday. However, before you discard Kosovo as a holiday destination, keep in mind that it has a lot to offer its guests!
When we went to Kosovo for the first time, we learnt and experienced that its nature is gorgeous, people are just so lovely, costs are low, and the fact that it is relatively unknown adds to the excitement of discovering it!
Before i get started on whats on offer in Kosovo, naturally, there are a few questions that people ask when they are thinking of visiting that I will answer now.
Is Kosovo safe for tourists?
Despite its troubling past, Kosovo is now a safe nation for most travellers. The most common safety issue for tourists and travellers passing through is petty street crime. So in short, just be sensible as you would travelling anywhere else and you will be fine.
Do I need a visa to go to Kosovo?
To enter Kosovo, You must have a valid passport and may be requested to submit paperwork confirming the purpose of their visit. Tourist vacations of up to 90 days within six months do not require a visa for most countries.
Is Kosovo cheap to travel?
It's really low-cost! Particularly for Europe. The cost of lodging is comparable to the rest of Eastern Europe, with a top rated hostel costing roughly 10 euros per night. Eating out is also extremely inexpensive and you will be hard to pushed to find any rip off tourist trap excursions here so on the whole, this is a really great place for a budget trip abroad!
Let's check out some of the best things to do in Kosovo.
1. Visit the national library
More than 2 million library objects are available, including rare books, newspapers, manuscripts, maps, and pictures. Two reading rooms, an amphitheatre, and a meeting hall are available. It has been utilised as a living quarters for Croatian and Bosnian refugees, as well as a command centre for the Serbian Army, during which many historical texts were destroyed. Visitors are welcome to visit the library, however they must carry identification, such as a passport. Our tip here is just check out the exterior, it really is a sight to… um, behold.
2. Absorb the coffee culture
Cafés are frequented by people of all ages in Kosovo who wish to meet up with family and friends or simply have some free time. For Kosovars, sipping coffee is a particularly social activity and a friendly exchange between individuals. They go out with their friends and then communicate and share their experiences. So venture into some of the most interesting looking coffee places and make some new friends.
3. Check out the cafes and bars on the side streets of Prishtina
There are a plethora of unusual cafes and bars to find. Our tip is Bon Vivant in Prishtyna It's a one-stop shop for a good cup of coffee in the morning, dinner, or a fun night out in the city! It's all-encompassing: the atmosphere, music, and overall feel is sophisticated, elegant, and just gorgeous, and the cocktails, most importantly, are out of this world. When in Prishtina, this is the place to be.
4. Marvel at the mitrovica miners monument
The Miners Monument is located in the Serbian section of Mitrovica, in Kosovo's northern half. Two columns with a mining cart depict the city's mining history. The monument serves as a memorial to Mitrovica's Albanian and Serbian miners who died in World War II, reflecting the ethnic groups' togetherness.
5. Check out the hostel scene-Prishtina Center Hostel & Apartments, Ura Hostel
Be brave and get ready to experience a real bit of Kosovo as part of the hostel scene. This is a great way to meet fellow travellers and locals and guarantees you to make some fun english speaking friends.
6. Copy the locals and take a nightly xhiro
Albanians in Kosovo adore a nice xhiro! A xhrio is a walk that takes place at sunset or at night. The most popular time for locals to catch up while walking the streets is around this hour so grab your sneakers and get walking..
7. Sample some Kosovan Wine
Kosovo has 18 distinct wine districts, with the Rahovec region (where wine growing dates back to 1 AD) producing the most, followed by Lipjan and Prizren. Red grape types account for about two-thirds of all vineyard plantings and are by far the most popular so depending when you visit, be sure to sample some local Kosovan wine.
8. Pay homage to its newness at the Newborn monument
The newly erected monument honours Kosovo's independence. Kosovo is the newest country in Europe, having gained independence in 2008. Many countries, including Serbia, France, and China, still refuse to recognise Kosovo as a country. In fact, you would be barred entrance to Serbia if you visit Kosovo since Serbia considers you to have entered the country illegally.
9. Ski in Brezovica
Brezovica's resort summary is as follows: Brezovica's terrain features three lifts that are appropriate for novice and intermediate skiers.
10. Air high five Bill Clinton’s enormous hands
It's no wonder that Bill Clinton is revered in Kosovo, given he was instrumental in ending the Kosovo conflict and assisting the country's independence. This 11-foot statue is impressive, but it doesn't end there. In fact, you'll see Bill Clinton's and Hillary Clinton's names all over the place!
11. Visit the fortress in Prizren
There are various routes to the stronghold, but the quickest is a 10-minute steep trail that begins near the Sinan Pasha Mosque. Once atop, you'll have a fantastic bird's eye view of Prizren town. Spend 1-2 hours examining the remnants of the fortification.
12. Eat Flia
Filija is possibly the most well-known Kosovan dish. It's a multi-layered pie, and the more layers there are, the better. You'll need to mix a thicker form of pancake batter and bake it in the oven to make the pastry layers. The kaymak is liberally placed on each layer before the entire pie is baked together.
13. Visit a Serbian Orthodox Church
For centuries, the Serbian Orthodox Church has been a prominent witness to the Christian Orthodox tradition in Kosovo and Metohija, which our people regard as their Sacred Land, with its holy places.
14. Or indulge in surprisingly good Asian food
15. See the rural countryside
16. Enjoy the rugove canyon
17. Explore the Marble caves
If you're in the Pristina area and want to see a natural attraction rather than an urban one, the Marble Cave of Donje Gadimlje / Gadime a Poshtme is the place to go, especially during the summer months. You will be astounded that such a cave can be discovered in this region of Kosovo, and you will learn more about the history of the cave's establishment and exploration.
18. Admire Kosovo’s mountain
The Dinarides range encompasses the mountains of Kosovo.and they really are a sight to behold! You can spend your trip hiking these wonderful mountains and soaking up the picturesque views.
19. Visit one of the country’s beautiful mosques
The Imperial Mosque in Pristina, or simply Pristina Mosque, is an Ottoman mosque in Pristina, Kosovo. Sultan Mehmet II Fatih constructed it in 1461.
20. Visit one of the world’s “ugliest buildings”
Pristina's library is unlike any other edifice I've seen anywhere in the globe. It may appear to be an extraterrestrial jail building from the outside, but it is extremely beautiful on the inside.
21. Talk with the locals
When visiting Kosovo you will find the locals extremely friendly and accommodating to you and your companions. It really is worth trying to have a conversation because a little local knowledge and friendly hospitality goes a long way in country libe Kosovo. When in the cities like Prishtina you will find much of the younger population speaking english but the more rural the location you may struggle to communicate in english as easily.
22. Experience Prishtina’s nightlife
The city is known for the number of festivals that take place and are organised each year, as well as the scene of Pristina's discos. From casual Berlin-style parties to beautiful, well-dressed nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Diamond Hotel Mr Fisher
23. Drink as much rakia as you can handle
You must sample raki, a distilled alcohol made from grapes, peaches, or any other fruit, while in Prishtina. It's a highly strong alcoholic beverage that can reach 80 proof if brewed at home.
24. Or indulge in surprisingly good Asian food
25. Go caving in Peja
Anyone visiting Kosovo should take a day trip to Peja. Peja's location is possibly its most valuable asset. The mountains rise behind it, while the rich plain of Dukagjini stretches down below. Rugova Gorge, which cuts through picturesque mountains, provides excellent hiking, skiing, and cave exploration options.
26. Squee at the Bear Sanctuary
While in Prishtina, this was one of my favourite things to do. The bear sanctuary is approximately a few minutes' drive from the city centre. It was perfectly allowed for households or restaurants to keep wild bears until 2010. Unfortunately, as 'entertainment,' restaurant owners would put them in little cages for the rest of their lives. That's why, in 2013, the bear sanctuary opened outside of town to shelter the bears in a natural setting. They are safe, well fed, and not subjected to any form of entertainment here. At the moment, the bear sanctuary is home to 20 bears who have all been rescued from dangerous situations. You may help this wonderful cause by visiting the refuge and making a donation.
27. Visit the anthropology museum in Prishtina
Cultural history exhibits, including traditional dress and relics, are housed in a former residence. Some of the structures are undergoing renovations. You only get access to one structure, but it houses some fascinating relics. There is no fee to enter.
28. Shop at a traditional bazaar
The historic town of Pristina is rich of lovely gems, but tragically, most of them were destroyed in the 1960s. Only a few structures from the 15th century have survived. Despite the fact that the ancient bazaar was demolished and replaced with 'newer' structures, there are still some fantastic small markets selling local artisan products and fresh fruit.
29. Eat at a qebabtore
The Kosovan equivalent of a kebab shop but a whooolllllleee lot tastier, be sure to dop in to one fo the many qebabtores on the Kosovo streets.
Places to stay in Pristina
Pristina offers a variety of excellent accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some top recommendations:
- Swiss Diamond Hotel Prishtina: This luxurious 5-star hotel is centrally located next to the National Theater and the Parliament Hall. It features lavish decorations, two restaurants, two bars, and a comprehensive wellness area
- Hotel Sirius: A great mid-range option, Hotel Sirius is situated in the heart of Pristina's city center, close to major attractions. It offers elegantly designed rooms and spectacular city views, along with a rooftop bar
- Four Points by Sheraton Prishtina City: Known for its elegant rooms and excellent leisure facilities, this hotel provides a comfortable and upscale stay with an indoor swimming pool, spa, and fine dining options.
- Hotel Diamond Prishtina: Located a bit outside the city center, this 5-star hotel offers a quiet retreat with luxurious amenities, ideal for those looking to stay slightly away from the hustle and bustle
- Derand Hotel: A boutique option with a personal touch, located conveniently close to the city center. It’s known for its excellent service and comfortable, stylish rooms.
These hotels offer a range of amenities from luxurious spas to fine dining and are well-rated for their service and location, making them excellent choices for your stay in Pristina.
