In addition to Moldova, Kosovo is likely being the least visited and identified place in Europe.
The Balkans are getting attractiveness and attracting A large number of visitors on a monthly basis. But Kosovo tourism is barely beginning to flourish.
Numerous remain unaware with the existence of Kosovo, the youngest place in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Just one tourist attraction is there, and it isn't amid Balkan highlights. This just one is Prizren. Most tourists won't know this a single if they check with about spots to go to in Kosovo.
I are already to Kosovo 2 times thus far, and I am able to show you which the place has a lot to offer website visitors who tend to be more adventurous and curious.
This is certainly my very little cheat-sheet on Kosovo tourism. It will help you decide what to do in Kosovo.
Is it worthwhile to go to Kosovo?
It can be crucial to get started with the basics.
You might be thinking whether it is value browsing Kosovo once the nearby nations around the world are so wonderful and attention-grabbing (I am investigating Albania and Montenegro), Croatia, Bosnia), but my remedy is easy: Sure.
Kosovo tourism isn't yet very well-acknowledged. It is only frequented by some individuals that are not scared to venture into mysterious territory.
It is an extremely attractive position to visit, as every thing feels real rather than created for travelers. Kosovo's currency is Euro. But that does not imply it is dear!
My favored locations in Kosovo: Exactly what are you trying to find?
Along with Moldova, Kosovo is probably going to get the least visited and known place in Europe.
The Balkans are gaining level of popularity and attracting A large number of tourists each and every month. But Kosovo tourism is only starting 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 is not among the Balkan highlights. This one particular is Prizren. Most tourists is not going to know this 1 if they inquire 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 nation has quite a bit to supply people who are 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 safe?
It is once again a Certainly.
It had been a sense of finish safety that I knowledgeable constantly.
When there were tensions in Kosovo not as well long ago, and there are still tensions there, travellers 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 travelers who knowledgeable any complications in Kosovo.
Everyone was so friendly and willing to help even once they didn't have time. I used to be in Prizren and Pristina at nighttime (primarily in central but nevertheless) instead of a person human being bothered me.
Due to The actual problem in Kosovo, there are many foreign forces that look once the state.
It is achievable to view soldiers marching up and down Pristina's key boulevard. On the other hand, there isn't a explanation to be troubled. They just wish to appear fantastic and act like they are with a runway.
You're going to be wonderful, identical to in all places else. Use your typical sense And do not do anything at all you wouldn't in your house. Kosovo is rather Protected
What can you see in Kosovo
While Kosovo isn’t one of the most attractive region in the Balkans, it does have its times.
Although the towns might not be essentially the most stunning, likelihood is you will tumble in enjoy with its cafes and vibe, landscape, men and women, and beautiful surroundings. Kosovo has a lot to provide travelers!
Here's my best picks for sites to view in Kosovo
Prizren
The 2nd premier town in Kosovo, as well as the Aged City is a stunning gem. Prizren would be the place to go in Kosovo if you'd like to see everything.
You could have viewed the photo on the old stone bridge, mosque and lush mountains while in the background. That is Prizren! It can be a lot more attractive in genuine existence!
The Aged Town bustles with several cafes and places to eat.
Shadervan, the key sq., appears to always be total of men and women just hanging out and doing their enterprise.
Kaljaja, the fortress with One of the more stunning views in Kosovo, is the leading attraction of Prizren.
It is actually a short hike from your Outdated City to get to the major, and you can very easily commit your overall working day there. Kaljaja is a wonderful place being in Prizren, coupled with Shadervan.
It is said to become 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 again in Prizren for Dokufest, a entire world-well known Global Documentary and Small Movie Competition.
But I also would like to examine town and are in its backstreets, wherever deserted residences are my household. Prizren is much more than simply postcards!
Pristina
It is actually One of the more wonderful capitals in Europe, but It is usually amongst my favorites!
Pristina contains a vivid, interesting, chic and cosmopolitan vibe.
You will discover only a few monuments there. (Unless you talk about the Countrywide Library of Kosovo, which is easily the most extraordinary brutalist building I've at any time observed and also the one which influenced my enjoy of this style of architecture. But Pristina can make it seem to be so remarkable.
This city contains a strategy for Keeping you close and refusing to Enable go.
My Tale with Pristina was much like my like affair with Yerevan and Armenia. Immediately after my 1st go to, I had been considerably less considering town. It had been okay but it failed to blow my brain.
But, I began to consider Pristina much more routinely and dreamed of returning to it to learn more. Which was what exactly I did.
I spent four days in Pristina. It's the town which can be "carried out in two hours" and I'd personally return in the heartbeat!
My times have been loaded by a number of my favorite cafes, brutalist architecture, delightful meals, heat evenings, and incredible men and women.
Kosovska Mitrovica
This is the most hard place in Kosovo that I have at any time planned to see.
The city is divided into two sections: the Southern (Albanian), and Northern (Serbian), with tensions in between them.
While I admit that I was slightly anxious about checking out Mitrovica, I shortly understood there was nothing at all to be scared of and my intellect was just taking part in methods.
I am fascinated with the divided town, and Mitrovica was an amazing spot to go to.
Everything adjustments when you finally cross the (blocked, shielded by international forces such as the Italian Carabinieri bridge). The alphabet, forex, license plates, sites of worship, and even the currency. Even men and women glimpse different.
While I could not pick which side I favored, Northern had one of several Spomeniks when Southern experienced a fantastic cafe with umbrellas.
Politics apart, Mitrovica is a great day trip from Pristina. It's also a must-see when going to Kosovo!
Peja/Pec
It's a getaway to Rugova Canyon, Prokletije Mountains, and the home of Patriarchate Of Pec - UNESCO Earth Heritage Web page.
It absolutely was a peaceful town, with the most beneficial espresso in Kosovo for 2EUR. There is good Avenue artwork, first rate bazaar and terrific Avenue artwork. I went to Patriarchate in Pec for coffee, but I did not go.
Although it was a nice location to chill out, It's not at all the most well-liked of every one of the spots in Kosovo.
Peja is an excellent selection if you like mountains!
Gjakova
My greatest surprise in Kosovo! Gjakova was seriously harmed from the war, but now it is blooming once again following current renovations!
The Grand Bazaar is a novel site with quite a few craft workshops and cafes. It is actually the biggest and oldest bazaar in Kosovo.
It truly is lined with cafes and decorated with art installations by MimozaRraci. It looks astounding. It truly is The most stunning areas I have observed for cafes.
Gjakova is far more than simply that. Your entire town as well as bordering mountains are a lovely location to visit, rendering it a terrific day excursion from Pristina/Prizren.
Kosovo Tourism - Sensible Information
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 perhaps 2016). Or it is possible to travel to Skopje or Macedonia to go ahead and take bus to Kosovo. It's really easy!
The journey from Skopje to Pristina will take just over two hrs. Buses depart less usually than every hour. For the one-way ticket, I paid out 5EUR in November 2014 and could 2016.
Kosovo: Funds
The forex of Kosovo will click here be the Euro.
To save cash on vacation, my number one suggestion is to use Revolut Financial institution Card.
The cardboard is sent by mail in a very matter of times. You should use it wherever in the world. The card might be topped up during the app out of your cellular phone. You can have accounts in different currencies and Trade revenue in between them totally free and at pretty appealing costs. It can be Tremendous easy and rapid to make use of the app to handle your accounts.
Revolut accepts above one hundred forty currencies, and helps you to withdraw from any ATM anywhere on earth. 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 troubles. The exchange premiums were being pretty aggressive and I had been capable of preserve a lot of cash!
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Community transport in Kosovo
I was pleasantly shocked by the excellent public transportation procedure in Kosovo.
There are plenty of buses that operate involving metropolitan areas. Even though they may not be the most effective, They may be inexpensive sufficient to get you throughout the 2-hour journey.
Bus stations can help you find the ideal bus, as Just about every place has its possess platform. If it's not published somewhere individuals will point you in the ideal route before you ask!
Have in mind, even so, that the last bus might go away at 6 o'clock in the morning.
These are typically the ticket charges 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 modest, and only 2 hrs drive from Every single fascinating locale.
I stayed within a hostel in Pristina, which I failed to advise. Below are a few other choices!
You are able to e book your hotel in Prizren when you are interested in remaining there (the a person I stayed at isn't any additional accessible).
Journey insurance coverage
I don't vacation with out insurance plan because you in no way know very well what could occur and it is best to generally be Protected than sorry ( I've learned my lesson).
I recommend SafetyWing, which delivers the insurance which is specially suitable for travelers such as you and me.