Kosovo (alongside Moldova) is probably the least known and visited country in Europe.

While the Balkans is blooming with popularity, getting thousands of visitors each month, Kosovo tourism is just starting to take off.

The youngest country in Europe (Kosovo declared its independence in February 2008) is still unknown to many.

It has only one major tourist attraction that is among Balkan highlights – Peja – and when you ask travelers what to see in Kosovo there will most likely not even know about this one.

I’ve been twice to Kosovo so far and I can assure you the country has lots to offer, especially to more curious and adventurous visitors.

Here is my mini cheat-sheet of Kosovo tourism, your answer to what to see in Kosovo!

If you keep wondering is it worth to visit Kosovo, while the countries nearby are so interesting and beautiful (I’m looking at you Albania, Montenegro, Croatia and Bosnia) my answer is simple – YES.

Kosovo tourism is still unspoiled, the country is visited only by a handful of people who are not afraid of the unknown land.

And that what makes it even a more attractive destination to visit as everything around feels just real, not made for tourists! Another bonus – even if the local currency is Euro, Kosovo is really cheap!

Is Kosovo safe?

Again – YES.

I felt completely safe for all the time.

True, there was a violent civil war not so long ago and there are still tensions in the country but for a tourists visiting Kosovo there is nothing to worry about.

I was traveling solo there and didn’t have a single awkward or nervous situation, I also don’t know of any other travelers who had any sort of issues in Kosovo.

Everyone around was super friendly, trying to help me even when I didn’t need it. I was out in Prizren, Peja and Pristina in the evening (mostly in the center but still) and no one bothered me at all.

Kosovo isn’t the most spectacular country in the Balkans but it has its moments.

The cities might be not the most beautiful you will ever see but chances you will fall for its cafes, vibe, landscape and people are very high. Kosovo really has a lot to offer to travelers!

Below are my top places to visit in Kosovo:

Prizren

Second biggest city in Kosovo and a picture perfect gem of the country (at least in the Old Town). If there is one place you need to visit in Kosovo it has to be Prizren.

Have you seen the picture of the old stone bridge, the mosque and the lush mountains in the background? That’s Prizren! And in reality it’s even more beautiful!

The Old Town is bustling with numerous cafes and restaurants, too many to count, cobbled streets are filled with tables ready for you to relax over an exceptional cup of coffee.

Shadervan – the main square – seems to be always full of people, just hanging out, doing their businesses.

But the highlight of Prizren is Kaljaja – the fortress with the most spectacular view you will see in Kosovo.

It’s an easy hike up there from the Old Town and you are easily entitled to spend most of your day up there. Kaljaja, alongside with Shadervan, is the place to be in Prizren.

Rumours say it’s the most beautiful during sunset – I wish I could confirm this but when I was about to hike up there the thunderstorm rolled over Prizren….

I’m really hoping to return to Prizren, maybe in August for Dokufest – a world famous International Documentary and Short Film Festival.

But I’m also hoping to explore more of the city, to dwell into its rough backstreets with abandoned houses. Prizren is so much more than postcards show!

Pristina

One of the least beautiful capitals in Europe yet among the most interesting (and my favorite) ones!

The monuments you find there are rather boring (unless we talk about the National Library of Kosovo – probably the most amazing brutalist building I’ve seen, the one that started my love for this architecture style – yet Pristina makes you feel ecstatic.

There is just something about this city that holds you tight and doesn’t want to let you go!

My story with Pristina was very similar to the my affair with Yerevan, Armenia. After the first visit I was more or less indifferent – it was fine but the city didn’t blow me away.

However, shortly after I started thinking about Pristina more and more often, dreaming of return to get to know it better. And so I did!

I’ve spent 4 days in Pristina, the city that can be “done” in 2 hours, and I’d return there in a heartbeat!

My days were filled with some of the best cafes I’ve ever visited, great brutalist architecture, warm evenings, delicious food, good street art (including Mr.Chat I know from Sarajevo) and amazing people.

Peja

A getaway to Rugova Canyon and Prokletije Mountains and home to Patriarchate of Peć – UNESCO World Heritage Site.

But for me it was just a laid-back city with the fanciest coffee I had in Kosovo (for just 2€!), good street art and a decent bazaar. I didn’t even go to Patriarchate of Peć because coffee.

It was a good place to spend a relaxing afternoon at but of all the places I’ve visited in Kosovo it’s the last one on my personal list.

However, if mountains are your thing don’t miss Peja!