Kosovo – Travel Guide
Kosovo is a land of striking landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. Explore the vibrant capital city of Pristina, where ancient Ottoman mosques stand alongside modern monuments. Discover the medieval charm of Prizren, with its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and cobblestone streets. Visit the historic monasteries of Decani and Gracanica, UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Trek through the rugged beauty of the Accursed Mountains or relax by the serene waters of Lake Gazivoda. With its blend of cultural heritage and natural wonders, Kosovo promises an unforgettable journey for travelers seeking adventure and exploration.
All about Kosovo
Kosovo FAQ
What is Kosovo known for?
The small and unspoiled country of Kosovo, located in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, is a landlocked country slightly larger than Delaware and the smallest Balkan nation. About 40 percent of its land is covered by forest, and slightly more than half of its land is agricultural. The country is home to some of the friendliest and most hospitable people in the world, always ready to help visitors and talk with tourists about their beautiful country.
Despite its small size, Kosovo is most well-known for having some of the most spectacular natural landscapes of the Balkans. Most of them are situated in the western area of the country, near the Montenegrin border, and particularly in the Rugova Valley, a fantastic natural area with lush forests, high peaks, and beautiful panoramas.
What are the best places to visit in Kosovo?
Kosovo holds great significance as the birthplace of the medieval Serbian Orthodox Church, encompassing several magnificent monasteries and churches, such as the UNESCO-listed Decani Monastery. Additionally, Kosovo is recognized for its diverse population, consisting of ethnic Albanians, Serbs, and other minority groups, each contributing to the country’s vibrant cultural mosaic. The region is also known for its stunning natural landscapes, including picturesque mountains, serene lakes, and enchanting waterfalls, offering opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
How many days should I spend in Kosovo?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel, and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Georgia
Public Transport: Public buses are the most common and affordable means of transportation within and between cities in Kosovo. They offer regular schedules and connect major towns and cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Taxis: Taxis are widely available in urban areas and offer a convenient way to get around within cities. It’s advisable to use officially registered taxis or trusted taxi companies to ensure fair pricing and safety.
Rental Cars: Renting a car provides flexibility and freedom to explore Kosovo at your own pace. Several international and local car rental agencies operate in the country, and having a valid driver’s license is essential.
Shared Taxis and Minibuses: Shared taxis, known as furgons, and minibuses are common for shorter distances and connecting smaller towns. These vehicles operate on set routes and are a popular choice for locals and budget-conscious travelers.
On Foot: Exploring city centers and smaller towns on foot is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture, especially in areas with pedestrian-friendly streets. Many major attractions and points of interest are within walking distance of each other.
What is the currency of Kosovo?
The currency of Kosovo is the Euro. Since its declaration of independence in 2008, Kosovo has unilaterally adopted the Euro as its official currency. This means that the Euro is widely accepted and used for everyday transactions, including shopping, dining, and accommodation. It eliminates the need for currency exchange for visitors coming from Eurozone countries or those holding Euros. However, it’s important to note that Kosovo is not part of the European Union, and the Euro used in Kosovo is not issued by the European Central Bank but rather by the Central Bank of Kosovo.
Do people speak English in Kosovo?
English is widely spoken, especially by youth. English is also taught at schools starting from primary education. Albanian is an Indo-European language that is spoken by numerous inhabitants of the Albanian culture especially those bordering the Albanian and Kosovo countries.
Best time to visit Kosovo
Kosovo features a mild continental climate with warm summers, and cold, snowy winters, the best time to visit is during the springtime.
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April through June is when wildflowers can be seen in full bloom, and the temperatures are pleasant with some snow still on the mountain tops. The heat of summer creeps in around June and lasts through September with temperatures reaching over 86 F with nighttime temps dropping below 59 F. During the summer months when the temperatures rise, visitors flock to the country to enjoy the weather and outdoors. Then the cold temperatures of winter start to creep in and the temperatures drop sometimes below zero, snow can fall as early as November and as late as April. The warmest month in Kosovo is August when temperatures reach the mid to high 80s and January is the coldest month with temperatures averaging around 36F.
December – February – (Winter)
The winter months are very cold in Kosovo with average temperatures between 36F-50F and it rains or snows around 2-4 times a month. This time of year is the second busiest with tourists and many fun and exciting activities such as skiing, and snowboarding in teh mountains as well as participating in fun holiday events to celebrate Christmas and New Year. The snow sports season in Kosovo is in January and February boasting some of the cheapest skiing opportunities anywhere in Europe. January can bring some of the deepest snow to the country, and around March when fresh powder hits the ski slopes.
Events and Festivals
-December 25th Catholic Christmas
-January 1-2 New Year’s Day
-January 7th – Orthodox Christmas
-February 17th – Independence Day
March – May – (Springtime)
Springtime in Kosovo is one of the best times to experience the beauty of the country. Temperatures during this time of year range from 74F and 47F, with warmer temperatures in the later months. It can feel moderately cold with humidity this time of year. There is not much precipitation during these months and spring is a fairly slow month for tourism in the country. This makes it a great time of year to visit for less crowded sightseeing and accommodations. At this time you can explore the country freely and at a lower cost. This time of year is the best to visit the bear reserve and the scary caves and other fun-filled activities. April is a popular month for hiking in the country and experiencing the beauty of the verdant fields and flowers in the meadows.
Events and Festivals
April 9th – Constitution Day
April 10th – Easter Monday
April 17th – Orthodox Easter Monday
-April 21st – Eid-Al Fitr (End of Ramandan)
-May 1st – Labor Day
-May 9th – Europe Day
The Pristina Film Festival or PriFest is held every year in July in the capital city. A competitive showing of international movies that have been nominated for Acadamy Awards and prizes at the Cannes Film Festival.
Hazu Jehon is a fascinating folklore festival held annually in May in Gjonaj village, about 10 miles from Prizre. A celebration of traditional music and dance with 20 ensembles from all over Kosovo.
June – August – (Summer)
The summer months bring warm temperatures to Kosovo, these middle-of-the-year months provide comfortable weather with high temperatures and the least precipitation. Summer is the ideal time for travel and tourism in the country and one of the busiest seasons of the year. Accommodations, sightseeing, and other attractions can be costly and busier during the summer. There are a number of festivals held throughout the summer months in Kosovo.
Events and Festivals
The Kosovo Architecture Festival begins in July and ends in October, the most famous architectural event in the country. The large program offers exhibitions, screenings, lectures, and workshops with many of these events taking place at the Kosovo Museum in Pristina.
The Sunny Hill Festival is held every August in the heart of Gemia Park in Pristina. The festival will be a continuation of two very successful concerts organized by the two-time Brit Awards winner and singer Dua Lipa. Live performances, music, dancing, food, and more can be enjoyed at the festival.
Tipping in Kosovo
The questions `when?` and `how much?` that surround tipping can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
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Tipping in Kosovo
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use the Euro?
The currency of Kosovo is the Euro, and the Servian Dinar is sometimes accepted, although the US dollar is not accepted. You will need to exchange your currency for Rwandan Franc, which can be done upon arrival at the airport currency exchange desks or banks and specialized stores called Foreign Exchange Bureaus. ATMs can be found in Pristina (beware of the hidden ATM fees), tipping is discretionary and appreciated, and cash is usually preferred. The Serbian Diner may be accepted in the majority of Serbian areas. Cash is normally used more than credit or debit cards.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
The average tipping percentage in Kosovo when dining at restaurants runs between 8-15% and is determined by the level of service you received in the restaurant. It is recommended that you tip at least 8-10% if the service was good. You should go 10% or higher in more upscale restaurants, there will never be a service charge on your bill. You can always leave a small tip for bartenders, but it’s normally not expected.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
At hotels in Kosovo tipping your hotel staff is customary. You should tip the hotel maid around 5 Lei a day, or an accumulation over your entire stay. Tipping the bellman around 2 Lei per piece of luggage is a good amount to show your appreciation. Tipping the hotel concierge around 15 Lei is considered average for excellent services.The average tip at a hotel in Kosovo is between 2-5 Euros. The tips are according to the level of service given in the hotel and can go above if service was superb. The bellboy usually gets around 2 euros per bag.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Tipping Taxi Drivers in Kosovo isn’t common or expected, however, if you wish to leave a tip a few Euros will go a long way. You can always round up the change on a taxi ride. Always remember when traveling abroad that it is good practice to agree on a final fare before the cab driver begins driving.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
Tour guides should usually receive a tip of 10% or more for your tour. The tip will be greatly received and appreciated by these hard-working tour guides.
Miscellaneous: other services
If visiting a spa or hair salon in Kosovo, you should tip up to 10% of the bill if you received great service. You can always tip more if you feel as if the service deserved it.
Final Thoughts
Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. Unlike in the U.S., waiters are paid a living wage, and the expectations for tipping are lower in Romania than in America. This is also true for hotel staff, though if you encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.
When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.
Top cities in Kosovo
What to expect while traveling
