I didn’t know what to expect when I went backpacking in Kosovo, but after spending a week there I found a warm and welcoming country with plenty to offer. The two main cities, Prizren and Pristina, both have something different to offer travellers and I strongly recommend trying to fit both cities in your Kosovo trip.
They are only separated by a 1.5-hour bus ride making it incredibly easy to travel from Pristina to Prizren and possibly even do a day trip if you want to base yourself in one city.
If you’re unsure which city to visit or you only have time for one, then here’s some help to decide where to go in Kosovo during your stay in this undiscovered destination.
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Prizren
If your main interests lie in history, culture and beautiful architecture then Prizren is the city for you! Originally founded in Roman times, the period of Ottoman rule has undoubtedly had the greatest influence on the city today.
The historical old town is packed with mosques, churches, old bridges and the Prizren Fortress which offers spectacular views over the city for those willing to take the short, steep walk up to the top.
The highlight for me, however, was simply strolling through the old town, exploring the cobbled streets and seeing people go about their day-to-day lives with few other tourists around.
There are ample opportunities to stop for a coffee or beer at one of the many outdoor cafes that flow over onto the streets or grab a bite to eat at the budget-friendly restaurants.
For those on a budget and staying in hostels in the Balkans, then Ura Hostel is a highly-rated option. recommend staying at Prizren City Hostel.
If you prefer to stay in a hotel during your time in Prizren, then Saray Imperial is a great option. They are located in the centre of town, have comfortable rooms and a great breakfast included in the daily rate.
You can see all the sights here in one day, however, I recommend spending at least two full days in Prizren to allow yourself to get to know the city at a deeper level, taking in the time to have leisurely coffees, long meals and getting to know the locals.
Pristina
Unlike Prizren, Pristina was heavily bombed during the 1990s war and the impact can still be seen today with a crumbling infrastructure and disorganised streets and buildings.
The sites in Pristina are all a bit underwhelming. The Bill Clinton Statue, New Born Monument and the Library of the University of Pristina can all be seen within the space of a couple of hours and while there are also a few museums dotted around the city, the ones that I tried to visit while I was there were either closed or being renovated.
Pristina certainly lacks the beauty and historical culture of Prizren, however, there is more to this city than meets the eye.
Over 50% of Kosovo’s population is under 30 and with the majority of people living in Pristina, this creates a unique atmosphere in this city.
Locals love being out and seen, so will often spend the evenings walking along the promenade or sitting in a café, sipping on a one-euro cup of coffee before going to a bar or club.
There are often festivals in the city too – I visited during the local film festival which was organised by students and showed local and foreign movies from around the world at a range of venues across the city.
The highlight of the stay there, however, was undoubtedly the restaurant called Renaissance next door. There is no sign outside and the place looks like any other residential home on the street, however, once you knock on the door you’ll be invited to sit down in the rustic and elegant atmosphere.
The place has no menu and within a few minutes, food will just start arriving at your table. For €20 per person, you’ll get a three-course meal with the ability to request second helpings as well as unlimited wine and rakija. The food is fantastic, influenced by local and Turkish cuisines and akin to eating at any fancy restaurant around the world.
Whilst the place is expensive for Pristina (you can get a burger for a couple of euros in the centre of town), the experience is certainly worth it and you’ll easily spend several hours here drinking and eating your night away. Call +377 44 239 377 or ask your accommodation to make a booking, as the restaurant has limited seating and is popular with locals and travellers alike!
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Pristina, then check out Oda Hostel for a budget option or Etnomania Boutique Hotel if you prefer a hotel.
Prizren vs Pristina: The Verdict
You should definitely make the effort to visit both Pristina and Prizren to fully appreciate Kosovo.
However, if you are short on time or prefer to base yourself in one city, I’d recommend going to Prizren if your interests lie more in history, architecture and seeing the historical side of Kosovo.
On the other hand, check out Pristina if you’re after a bustling city with great nightlife and modern restaurants.
Have you been to Pristina or Prizren? Which do you prefer? Add a comment below!
Pristina was not heavily bombed during the war. Most of the charming old parts were already lost by 1999 to development in the 1970’s. I was there shortly after the NATO ceasefire. Apart from the Post Office, which took a direct hit but was still standing with only a few floors burnt out, some Albanian-owned shops were firebombed but Pristina heavily bombed I think not. You are right about Renaissance. It is a charming spot. Surprised you don’t include Peja in your review. Peja sits at the foot of the Rugova Gorge, and is breathtakingly beautiful with chrystal clear air. And although the bazaar and 15th Century mosque was firebombed during the war, it’s all been rebuilt and restored. Farmers come from the mountains on Market day (Sat) with homemade cheeses and embroidered traditional items. Gjakova near the Morina crossing into Albania is also worth a visit. Kosova has much more to offer beyond Pristina and Prizren.
Thanks for your comment, Cheryl. I suppose heavily bombed is a relative term, growing up in Australia where I was fortunate enough to never have experienced any bombing in my lifetime, I’d say I certainly considered Pristina to have been heavily bombed even if other cities may have had it worse.
I never made it to Peja so unfortunately couldn’t write about it. Whilst I’m certainly aware that there are more places in Kosovo than just the two main cities, the purpose of the article was to talk about the two biggest cities in Kosovo which are the most popular when visiting Kosovo from abroad.