15 of The Best Places To Visit In Kosovo

What was once a highly disputed territory between the Byzantine and Ottoman empire has now become a story waiting to be told. While Kosovo is not a completely modernized country, it has a rich history, which is told through classical architectures as some of which were recognized as UNESCO heritage sites.

Sunset view of the old stone bridge and old Ottoman Sinan Pasha Mosque photo via Depositphotos

As territories begin to modernize, the beauty of nature becomes a rare asset, which is why Kosovo is a sight to behold. Thus, here are the places you can visit for your Kosovo adventure:

Pristina

Mother Teresa street in Pristina via Depositphotos

As the country’s capital, Pristina is the most vibrant city as such is the center of entertainment, healthcare, and commerce. It also has a rich culture through its historical sites such as mosques and monuments.

This city also has a lively environment as there are plenty of shopping malls, coffee shops, and pubs to go around. Pristina is a good place to stay in if you want a good blend of traditional and modern culture.

Gracanica Monastery

Gracanica Monastery photo via Depositphotos

As you roam around Pristina, the Gracanica Monastery is a UNESCO heritage site that you cannot miss. Externally, this site, inspired by Serbian architecture as such, is complemented by tomb-shaped structures.

Internally, there is a usage of original paintings, treasures, and Byzantine decorations. Tragically, the original paintings and treasures were destroyed by a fire but were soon compensated with similar versions.

Kosovo Museum

Kosovo Museum located in the city of Pristina photo via Depositphotos

The Kosovo Museum is inspired by Austro-Hungarian architecture, which focuses on archaeology, ethnography, and natural science.

The gallery features paintings and relics from the Dardanian, Romanian, and Illyrian eras. Later on, the museum displayed artifacts from the Kosovan liberation war.

Newborn Monument

Newborn Monument By Karrota – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,  CC

If one symbol can synthesize what Kosovo went through, then the Newborn Monument is the perfect representation. Unveiled in 2008, this monument is a reminder of Kosovo’s independence from Serbia.

This 10-foot tall, 79-foot long monument is spelled out as “NEWBORN” to signify the country’s rebirth. In fact, the monument is repainted annually to celebrate years of freedom.

Germia Park

Germia’s Swimming Pool By Bdx – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, CC

Germia Park is a nice getaway from the crowds of Pristina. This park is filled with forests that contain multiple pine trees, faunas, and other floral species.

The scenery makes a great place for hiking, biking, rock-climbing, and playing in the basketball court or playground. You can also go skiing provided that it is winter and you have your own equipment.

Bear Sanctuary

In the Bear Sanctuary, you finally have a chance to witness these creatures other than seeing them on TV. This 16-hectare area serves as a lifetime habitat for bears previously kept as pets and restaurant bears.

In fact, Kosovo banned the private ownership of bears since they were trapped in poor traps and used as restaurant attractions. As of now, there are 20 bears and counting in this sanctuary.

Prizren

Prizren is one of the best places to visit in Kosovo

If you’re looking for a more traditional Kosovo lifestyle, then Prizren is definitely the right spot. Known as the second-largest city, Prizren is filled with traditional homes and landmark areas such as the Pasha Mosque and The Church of Our Lady of Ljevis, a UNESCO heritage site.

There are also plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking and skiing. Other traditional aspects of Prizren are the Serbian-Kosovan dishes and the Dokufest film festival.

Rugova

Rugova Canyon By Arba Hatashi – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, CC

Rugova is a haven for snow and mountain lovers. This breathtaking valley is filled with mountain villages, peaks, and canyons.

On regular seasons, some of the best activities you can do are hiking and mountain climbing. During the snowy season, Rugova is a great place to go snowboarding and skiing.

Peja

Memorial of Adrian Krasniqi in Peja, Kosovo via Depositphotos

After the exhausting outdoor activities in Rugova, the city of Peja is right around the corner. Like other cities, Peja has its own fair share of tourist sites such as the Zenel Beg Tower, the City Center, and the Patriarchate Monastery, another UNESCO heritage site.

There are also souvenir shops and local restaurants that feature the city’s signature Peja cheese.

Ethnological Museum

Ethnological Museum, Pristina By Ardianlumi – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, CC

Another vital part of Peja is the Ethnological Museum. This museum features artifacts from Kosovo’s historical events, such as the Kosovo War, Serbian Civilization, and the Ottoman Empire.

Some of the relics you can find are weapons, royal dresses, utensils, and folk musical instruments.

Sinan Pasha Mosque

Sinan Pasha mosque in Prizren, Kosovo photo via Depositphotos

Constructed with chiseled stones, the Sinan Pasha Mosque was built by the Ottoman Empire to spread Islam. This structure has a rectangular design layout with a stone-carved staircase.

Meanwhile, the mosque contains paintings of Arabic verses from the Al-Quran, the holy book of Islam.

Bjeshket E Nemuna National Park

Bjeshket E Nemuna National Park By Gashi Bujar – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, CC

If you’re looking for a natural and refreshing atmosphere, this park definitely hits the mark. The location’s geological structure, geographical location, and hydrological components create a natural experience, unlike any other.

Some of the things you can admire here are the flora, fauna, mountains, streams, and a river. Given that the park has a lot to offer, you can go climbing, hiking, and even fish catching.

Gazivoda Lake

Gazivoda Lake By Bobik at Serbian Wikipedia. CC BY 3.0 rs, CC

Gazivoda Lake is a unique body of water that is shared by Kosovo and Serbia. It was actually formed by the dams of the Ibar river.

This lake is filled with plenty of fishes and faunas. The scenery is complemented by hills near the lake.

Mirusha Waterfalls

Mirusha Waterfalls in Kosovo by Flutur Gerbeshi via Wikipedia CC

Mirusha Waterfalls is a sight to behold for nature lovers. It is filled with 13 river lakes and 12 waterfalls, surrounded by a 10 km canyon.

In fact, the tallest waterfall in this area is 22 meters. You can also see caves and cliffs that complement the background of waterfalls.

Traditional Bazaars

Stalls on the Gjilan Bazar market photo via Depositphotos

Bazaars are common in the cities of Kosovo. If you need anything, even if you’re saving money, then the bazaars can cater to your needs.

Unlike in other countries, bazaars offer various products that aren’t limited to only certain items. Affordable products such as food, hairdryers, and even a deck of cards is accessible in bazaars.

To help you plan out your visit to Kosovo, we listed the best places to visit and other amazing tourist attractions in Kosovo. We also listed some of the best Kosovo travel and tour packages, as well as excellent flight deals and accommodation.

Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of affordable Kosovo hotels and resorts via Agoda, Booking, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Want more updates about other beautiful tourist attractions in Kosovo? Follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.

Also read: The Historic City Of Vigan: Side By Side With Other World Heritage Sites

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