Kosovo Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Which Cities to See & More

As Europe’s newest country, Kosovo remains relatively unknown to travelers, with little visibility in the travel space. Even among seasoned travelers, there’s often a lack of awareness about the country and what it has to offer. As a result, Kosovo remains one of Europe’s least-visited countries.

After 10 days in Kosovo, getting to know its people, trekking in the mountains, and immersing myself in the culture, I can say it is 100% worth the trip. I returned with a newfound sense of what real hospitality looks like and believe the country is especially worthwhile for outdoor lovers.

With that said, if you’re intrigued by a visit to Kosovo, continue reading. I’ll break down everything from the best things to do to cities you should prioritize visiting and specific points of natural beauty you should experience. Hopefully, I can give you that little extra nudge to visit yourself!

Where Is Kosovo?

Most people, quite fairly, could not point out Kosovo on a map. The country is located in the central Balkans, landlocked between Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

Its location doesn’t help its tourism potential, as many choose to prioritize the neighboring coastal countries like Albania and Montenegro.

Being smack in the center of the Balkans has also put Kosovo in a tough spot geopolitically, dating back centuries.

A Complex, Difficult History

One thing to understand before visiting Kosovo is that “Kosovar” is not actually an ethnicity. Rather, nearly 95% of the population is ethnically Albanian. These Albanians have inhabited the land that is now Kosovo for centuries.

The issue? Kosovo was part of Yugoslavia in the 20th (which actual Albania was not part of), so the residents were the outcasts of the region. Various forms of discrimination led to Kosovo’s Albanian population pushing for independence from Yugoslavia, just as countries like Croatia and Slovenia did successfully. Modern-day Serbia did not want Kosovo to break away, leading to a violent war from 1998 to 1999. Much of the population went to fight for the Kosovo Liberation Army, was killed, or were forced out of their homes, with a major portion ultimately migrating elsewhere in Europe.

With help from the U.S. government and military, Kosovo was able to break free and finally declare independence from Serbia in 2008. So essentially, you had a near-20-year period from around 1990 to 2008 where Kosovo was in general turmoil.

I haven’t even mentioned the fact that the Ottomans took over this land centuries ago, whose influence explains why Kosovo is a Muslim-majority country today. More than 90% of the country is Muslim, another factor in the historical tension with the Orthodox Serbs. Given this is a Muslim-majority country, it’s a very unique part of Europe. The bazaars in cities like Gjakova and Peja will make you feel like you’re in Türkiye.

Honestly, this section could warrant an entire university course, so I’ll keep it brief and move on to the more travel-related stuff. If you want to learn more about Kosovo’s history, this is a great resource.

How to Get to Kosovo

Getting to Kosovo isn’t terribly difficult, but it’s not simple either. The country has just one international airport in the capital, Prishtina. Prishtina Airport is nice and modern, but has very limited flights compared to other European capitals. There are many direct flights to Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Istanbul to make it easy for the large diaspora population in those countries, but that’s about it.

So you will likely need a layover to get to Kosovo. Travelers from the Americas and Asia are pretty used to that, but if you’re coming from Europe, take that into account.

Best Cities to Visit in Kosovo

I visited four cities in Kosovo, and I’d suggest spending time in all four if you have the bandwidth, with each offering something different.

Prishtina

Prishtina is Kosovo’s capital city and by far its largest. It’s definitely gritty and might come off rough around the edges with a confusing grid and endless construction. However, all that new building and revamped infrastructure is a sign of progress. If you have that mindset, you’ll come to appreciate your visit to Prishtina.

The city has a few iconic landmarks. Most notably, Mother Teresa Cathedral, the NEWBORN Monument, and the National Library of Kosovo. You’ll notice that two of the city’s main boulevards are named after U.S. Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton. In fact, there’s a massive statue of Bill Clinton in the city center.

The pedestrian-only Mother Teresa Boulevard is where all the action happens. Most of the city’s nightlife is centered around this area, and it’s got a fun vibe despite not having that charming Old Town feel that many other European pedestrian centers have.

You don’t need to spend much time in Prishtina. Give it a full day and two nights. In my opinion, the very best of Kosovo from a travel standpoint comes in its nature and smaller cities.

Prizren

Most travelers consider Prizren as Kosovo’s best city to visit. It’s got the small-city charm that Prishtina lacks, a beautiful old town with Ottoman architecture, several important historical sights, and stunning viewpoints from places like the Old Stone Bridge and Prizren Fortress.

Those landmarks, along with Sinan Pasha Mosque, are the city’s main attractions. Sinan Pasha Mosque is beautiful itself, but especially picturesque when viewed from the Bistrica River next to the Old Stone Bridge, which is perhaps the most photogenic spot in all of urban Kosovo.

Prizren is a historically significant city and an important religious site. I saw plenty more tourists from Muslim-majority countries in Prizren compared to the rest of Kosovo.

But visiting Prizren is less about checking off tourist sights and more about soaking in the city’s charm. The bazaar is the liveliest you’ll find in the country, with people staying out until midnight on summer weekdays and weekend nights buzzing into the early morning hours.

Another advantage of Prizren is the city’s position at the base of the Sharr Mountains. Dividing Kosovo from North Macedonia, this range is home to some of the country’s best hikes. I hiked to Jazhince Lake, a glacial lake right on the border of North Macedonia, as a day trip from Prizren and it was stunning. ATVs, ziplines, and mountain biking trails are also abundant for thrill-seekers.

You should give yourself two nights in Prizren, or even three if you plan on doing a full day trip in the mountains.

Gjakova

Gjakova doesn’t get the social media attention that Prizren receives, but it might actually be my favorite city in Kosovo.

This is a resilient city, and its residents are proud of that. About 80% of the city was heavily damaged or destroyed during the war, but you wouldn’t notice that now. It’s been largely rebuilt in the 25 years since, particularly the famous Çarshia e Madhe (Grand Bazaar) of Gjakova. The whole bazaar was destroyed during the war, and yet, it was rebuilt so well that you wouldn’t even notice that the buildings aren’t the originals from hundreds of years ago.

I did a cultural walking tour of Gjakova, which was one of my favorite activities in Kosovo. I met several local business owners, all three of whom invited me in for coffee and rakija. One man was a woodworker and craftsman who has won international awards for works such as baby cradles. He turned down one million Swiss francs to continue his work in Kosovo and be a part of the country’s growth. Another man, a gun store owner, was a former Kosovo Liberation Army member who told us moving stories of his life during the war.

Everyone in Gjakova seemed to have an interesting story. I felt Kosovo’s incredible hospitality the most here. However, the city itself had an appeal to it as well. The rebuilt bazaar was really neat. A single pedestrian-only street spanning several blocks had cafes, bars, boutique shops, and galleries paralleling both sides. At night, it feels like you’re walking a red carpet with all the people on both sides!

There was a nice walking path along the river and a main boulevard in the “new town” with great shopping options.

Peja

Peja is the adventure hub of Kosovar cities, as it’s right on the doorstep of Rugova Canyon and the Rugova Mountains. Literally, you can be in the city’s lively bazaar and ten minutes later be in one of Europe’s deepest canyons.

Peja Bistrica is the river that cuts through the city and makes its way into the mountains. There are a couple of nice drinking spots along the river to relax. The bazaar of Peja was unique in that I saw more shoe stores and knockoff-brand shops than anywhere in Kosovo.

However, I’d say the main draw of Peja is its convenience to the mountains and adventure activities. While the city itself had a fun vibe to it, make sure to spend as much time in the mountains as you do in the city, especially if you already have your fair share of cities on your itinerary by way of Prizren, Gjakova, and Prishtina.

Most Notable Landmarks to See in Kosovo

Since it’s such a small country, Kosovo’s list of landmarks and attractions is manageable for travelers to check-off in one trip. Here are places I’d prioritize seeing:

Visoki Dečani Monastery (Deçan)

Visoki Dečani Monastery is a 14th-century Serbian Orthodox monastery that’s survived a lot. Despite invasions, terrorist attacks, and more, it’s been well-preserved and remains one of Kosovo’s most striking architectural landmarks.

The grounds are very peaceful. Even if you aren’t a religious person, you can feel that peace and serenity walking its quiet grounds, which monks still inhabit.

Also present when I went were plenty of KFOR and NATO members defending the grounds. As mentioned, this monastery has had a few attempted terrorist attacks by extremists, even after the war.

NEWBORN Monument (Prishtina)

The NEWBORN Monument (or “Living Monument”)is probably the most recognizable symbol of modern Kosovo, or at least of Prishtina. The massive letters were unveiled on the day Kosovo declared independence in 2008 and have since become one of the country’s most photographed landmarks. The letters are repainted and redesigned over time, so they probably look different from photos you saw before your trip.

It’s right in the center of Prishtina, so it’s an easy stop while walking around the city, and you won’t need more than 5 or 10 minutes.

Sinan Pasha Mosque (Prizren)

17th-century Sinan Pasha Mosque is the main landmark of Prizren and the most famous in Kosovo. Its large dome and minaret rise above the surrounding old town, making it impossible to miss from basically any vantage point.

The mosque dates back to the Ottoman period and is still an active place of worship. Even if you aren’t interested in religious sites, it’s a captivating site. The combination of the mosque, surrounding old stone buildings, and Bistrica River in the foreground is stunning.

Prizren Fortress (Prizren)

Trekking up the hills of the bazaar will take you to the Prizren Fortress overlooking the city. The climb up from the old town isn’t particularly long, but it’s quietly steep and you’ll find yourself catching your breath! However, the reward is an amazing panoramic view of not just Prizren, but tens of miles of distant countryside and mountains.

From the top, you can see practically the entire city with the Sharr Mountains stretching out behind it. I’d recommend going around sunset if you can. Watching the city light up below you is a pretty great way to end a day in Prizren.

Grand Bazaar of Çarshia (Gjakova)

The Grand Bazaar of Gjakova is the largest in Kosovo and a story of resiliency. It was entirely rebuilt after being demolished during the war in 1999.

Now, this long pedestrian street lined with plenty of cafes, bars, and so many cool artisan shops and boutique stores.

What makes it especially interesting is that it still feels like a functioning part of the city rather than a preserved tourist attraction. It blends in super nicely with the rest of the city. Locals are always gathering actually come here to shop, meet friends, eat, and hang out. It is pretty quiet before lunch, but by afternoon and especially in evenings it’s quite happening.

Hadumi Mosque (Gjakova)

Hadumi Mosque is one of the most important historic buildings in Gjakova, sitting right alongside the Grand Bazaar. Built during the Ottoman period, the mosque is part of the same historic area that makes Gjakova so interesting to explore on foot.

It’s a relatively small stop, but it’s worth adding while you’re walking through the bazaar. The surrounding stone buildings and narrow streets give you a good feel for what Gjakova looked like as an important Ottoman trading center.

Adem Jashari Memorial Complex (Prekaz)

The Adem Jashari Memorial Complex in the village of Prekaz commemorates Adem Jashari and members of his family who were killed during the Kosovo War.

This isn’t really a tourist attraction in the traditional sense. It’s a place to understand a major part of Kosovo’s modern history and why Adem Jashari remains such an important figure to many Kosovars. The bullet-riddled homes and memorial grounds make the history feel much more tangible than reading about it in a book.

National Library of Kosovo (Prishtina)

The National Library of Kosovo is one of the strangest-looking buildings you’ll see in Europe. Its exterior is covered in a grid of concrete domes and metal latticework that makes it look almost alien.

Whether you love the architecture or think it looks bizarre, it’s definitely memorable. The building is located near the center of Prishtina and is easy to combine with the Mother Teresa Cathedral and NEWBORN Monument.

Ulpiana Archaeological Site

Ulpiana is an ancient Roman city located just outside Prishtina. The archaeological site contains the remains of an important settlement that dates back to antiquity, including sections of walls, streets, religious buildings, and other structures.

It’s a worthwhile stop if you’re interested in history beyond Kosovo’s more recent past. It also gives you a glimpse into how far back the history of this region goes.

Gračanica Monastery

Gračanica Monastery is another important Serbian Orthodox site in Kosovo and one of the country’s most significant medieval monuments. The church dates back to the 14th century and is known for its impressive Byzantine-style architecture and frescoes.

It’s located just outside Prishtina, making it an easy addition to a day exploring the capital. Like Visoki Dečani, it’s also a reminder of the complicated mix of Serbian Orthodox and Albanian cultural heritage that exists throughout Kosovo.

Natural Beauty: Where to Find the Best Hikes & Outdoors in Kosovo

There are three main areas to hike in Kosovo: the Sharr Mountains to the south, the Accursed Mountains to the southwest, and Rugova Canyon and the surrounding mountain range to the west.

If you’re coming to Kosovo primarily for hiking, these are the three areas I’d focus on. The mountains are where I think Kosovo really separates itself from the other Balkan countries.

Sharr Mountains

The Sharr Mountains are the easiest mountain range to add to a trip through Prizren. They stretch across southern Kosovo and into North Macedonia, with alpine lakes, open meadows, and plenty of hiking trails.

I personally hiked to Jazhince Lake, which sits high in the mountains near the North Macedonian border. The lake itself was beautiful, but honestly, the scenery throughout the hike was just as impressive. You can also find ATVs, mountain biking, ziplining, and other outdoor activities around the range.

Brezovica is another popular base in the Sharr Mountains. It’s especially well known for skiing in the winter, but the area becomes a hiking destination once the snow melts.

Rugova Mountains and Canyon

Rugova Canyon is Kosovo’s most dramatic natural attraction. It’s just outside Peja, which makes it super convenient to visit. You can go from drinking coffee in Peja to driving through one of Europe’s deepest canyons in a matter of minutes.

The canyon is surrounded by huge limestone cliffs and is packed with hiking trails and adventure activities. You can go hiking, rock climbing, ziplining, or even tackle a via ferrata if you’re looking for something more intense.

Even if you don’t want to hike, driving through the canyon is worth it if you’re going to be in Kosovo. The road winds through the mountains with cliffs towering above you, and there are plenty of spots where you can stop and take in the scenery. If you get nervous about driving narrow canyon roads though, I’d give it a second thought – the road isn’t for the faint of heart!

Accursed Mountains

The Accursed Mountains are another corner of the country to set-off to for epic hikes. The range stretches through Kosovo, Albania, and Montenegro and contains some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Balkans, including Kosovo’s highest point of Gjeravica Peak. The hike takes about three hours each way, though I’d advise going with a guide as the trail isn’t very well marked (especially if it’s incredibly foggy, as it was for was for much of the hike). The views at the top are stunning. You can see three countries!

Kosovo’s section of the Accursed Mountains encompasses the far western part of the country, with the cities of Peja, Decan, and Junik serving as the main gateways. There are high peaks, alpine lakes, remote guesthouses, and several other long-distance hiking trails that can take you well away from civilization.

The area is home to a couple sections of major hiking routes like the Peaks of the Balkans and Via Dinarica. If you’re looking for a multi-day trekking experience rather than a quick day hike, I’d focus on this area.

Getting Around

Kosovo is one of Europe’s smallest countries. It’s actually smaller than 48 U.S. states!

Because of this, getting around Kosovo isn’t too difficult despite mediocre infrastructure and average-at-best bus services.

Buses operate between the cities very frequently. You can purchase tickets online in advance, but almost everyone simply pays on the bus. It cost me 5 € to go from Prishtina to Prizren (1.5 hours) and 5 € to go from Prizren to Gjakova (1 hour).

However, if you want to explore the countryside or mountains, you’ll need either a rental car or a guide for transport. We used the bus to get from Prishtina to Prizren and from Prizren to Gjakova. After that, we spent more time in nature, so we rented a car, which worked fine. The roads weren’t too bad and the drivers honestly weren’t as crazy as advertised. Just stay off your phone and be attentive, especially since animals in the form of cattle, horses, and dogs are constantly roaming the rural roads!

Tip: use Gjirafa Travel to purchase bus tickets online for getting around Kosovo ahead of time

How Safe Is Kosovo?

Statistically, Kosovo is one of the safest countries in Europe. According to Gallup’s Global Safety Report 2025, Kosovo ranked third in the world and first in Europe for law and order and in the top 10 in the world for walking alone at night.

With that in mind, you can feel extremely safe visiting Kosovo. Solo travelers and female travelers often note how safe they feel in Kosovo.

Even if you’re in an area that “looks” a bit rundown, there’s no need to stress. People in Kosovo are trustworthy, honest, and welcoming. For example, we were repeatedly told that if your car breaks down, so many people will stop to help that it can get overwhelming. Even petty crime like pickpocketing and scamming tourists for overpaying is pretty uncommon. The only minor thing to consider is that taxi drivers will bargain with you rather than setting a price. Bargaining is normal even for locals.

Affordability

Few places in Europe are more affordable than Kosovo. Statistically, Kosovo is the 2nd-cheapest country to visit in Europe.

Finding top-notch accommodation in Kosovo for 50 € or less is not difficult, and more than decent accommodation can be found for 30 € or less. You can stay in the most luxurious boutique hotels for 70 to 100 € per night.

A good meal rarely costs more than 10 to 15 € per person. Coffees are 1 to 1.50 € per cup and a beer will rarely cost you more than 2 €. It’s pretty amazing.

Food You Need to Try in Kosovo

I didn’t know what to expect regarding the food in Kosovo. Balkan cuisine has a tendency to be heavy on the meats, and I’ve never really been introduced to Albanian food.

While meats were definitely the focal point of most meals, I have to say, I was impressed as a whole. Shopska Salads were on every menu, which provided much needed vegetables. Pastry-like dishes such as Fli and Leqenit were nice appetizers, and the yogurt (Kos) was very good too.

Still, Kosovo isn’t going to be the place to visit if you’re looking for light, Mediterranean-style meals. A lot of the food is hearty, meaty, cheesy, and filling. Portions are ridiculously generous, and everything feels like it was made to be shared.

And because Kosovo is so cheap, you can order a MASSIVE amount of food without doing much damage to your wallet.

My absolute favorites were Lakror, a savory pastry filled with greens and cheese, all those Shopska (“Shope” in Albanian) salads I had, and Tulumba, a syrup-soaked fried dough dessert. Oh my gosh, Tulumba and Lakror especially is sooo good. I had some great Burek in Kosovo as well, and all the meat was so tasty and well-prepared. Especially a dish called “qofte” (get it with cream!).

Dishes to Try

As far as a roundup of Albanian food to try in Kosovo, I’d recommend all the following:

Qofte with cream – A unique dish to Kosovo, basically their take on meatballs, typically made with seasoned minced meat. They’re simple but really tasty, especially when served hot with bread and with the creamy sauce.

Fli – Layered thin sheets of batter and cream and cooking them one layer at a time under a traditional saç. It’s a lot of work to make, but the result is almost like a savory layered pancake. It’s especially common in the mountain regions.

Lakror – A savory baked pastry that’s similar to a thicker, heartier version of burek. It can be filled with different combinations of vegetables, cheese, or meat. My personal favorite.

Leqenik – A traditional cornbread-like dish that’s usually made with corn flour and can be prepared with greens or other fillings.

Tavë Kosi – A baked dish made with lamb, rice, yogurt, and eggs, typically assembled in a claypot. The yogurt forms a creamy, slightly tangy layer over the meat and rice.

Qebapa – Kosovo’s take on ćevapi. These are small grilled pieces of minced meat that are usually served with somun bread, onions, and sometimes ajvar or kajmak.

Suxhuk – A heavily seasoned sausage that’s usually made with beef in Kosovo. It’s often grilled or cooked and makes for a great addition to a meat-heavy meal.

Burek – You probably don’t need me to explain burek if you’ve spent time in the Balkans, but Kosovo does it well. You’ll find versions filled with meat, cheese, spinach, and other fillings.

Shope/Šopska Salad – My saving grace when I needed some vegetables and greens. It’s the classic Balkan salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and white cheese.

Ajvar – The roasted red pepper spread is a Balkan staple and you’ll find it alongside plenty of meals in Kosovo.

Tulumba – Their take on churros – fried dough that’s soaked in a sweet syrup, making it crispy on the outside and incredibly soft and sugary inside.

Accommodations

I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of accommodations in Kosovo. Everywhere I stayed met my expectations and would not be out of place in Western or Northern Europe. There were plenty of very nice boutique hotels to choose from in Prishtina and Prizren, and a handful in Gjakova and Peja. The mountains are filled with beautiful modern villas, guesthouses, and Airbnbs.

As mentioned, it’s difficult to spend more than 100 € per night in Kosovo. I stayed in the best places I could find and ended up paying about 70 € per night per person over the course of my trip.

Here’s where I stayed and how much I paid per night:

• Prishtina: Grand Boutique Hotel, 45 € per night (90 € room for two people)
• Prizren: Hotel Makadam, 55 € per night (110 € room for two people)
• Gjakova: Carshia e Jupave, 50 € per night (100 € room for two people)
• Rugova Mountains: Villa Route Rugove, 40 € per night (120 € villa for three people)

How Long Do You Need to Spend in Kosovo?

With one week, you can explore the best of Kosovo, including Prizren, Rugove Canyon, and Gjakova. The country is so small that it takes just a couple of hours to drive from end to end, so you don’t need to spend weeks here for a fulfilling trip.

If you want to check off all of Kosovo’s best sights but leave some time to relax mixed in, I recommend 10 days. This allows you to soak in the vibes of Prizren and Gjakova, adventure to the mountains with a couple of day hikes and outdoor activities, and leave room for a couple of other spontaneous, lesser-known stops.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Kosovo?

Summer is the best time to visit Kosovo for several reasons.

Firstly, if you want to head into the mountains, summer is the season with the most reliable hiking conditions. It can snow as early as October and as late as May atop Kosovo’s highest peaks, with snowmelt remaining into June. Many mountain roads are impassable or too dangerous to traverse during the snowy months.

More importantly, summer is when the diaspora returns to Kosovo, especially in July and early August. Tens of thousands of Albanians make their way back to visit family or their former cities. This makes for a much livelier atmosphere than you’ll find in autumn or spring.

Kosovo also has an underrated snow skiing culture, with a handful of ski centers and an abundance of backcountry skiing. January, February, and early March can be reliable times to visit for winter sports, especially skiing. Snow-covered Prizren is a sight to behold as well.

However, it’s not consistently cold enough for guaranteed beauty in the form of snow. Unless you prefer cold temperatures to warm temperatures, I’d recommend visiting Kosovo in summer.

Final Tips & Considerations for a Kosovo Trip

• Pack light and go to Prishtina Mall, the biggest mall in the Balkans. That way, you can make the most out of how affordable this country is!
• Don’t try to cram every city into a short trip. Prizren and Gjakova are worth slowing down for, as are the mountains.
• Rent a car if you want to explore the mountains and rural areas. Public transportation is fine between the major cities, but it becomes much less useful once you’re outside them.
• Don’t be afraid to talk to locals. Kosovo’s hospitality was one of the biggest highlights of my trip.
• Give Kosovo a chance! It may not have the same tourism infrastructure or name recognition as its neighbors, but that’s also part of what makes it so interesting, and the hospitality more than makes up for it.