Falling in Love with Kosovo in 4 Days — Explore the Balkans
How much do we actually know about the Republic of Kosovo?
Pristina, its capital, has a population of around 230,000 people. To put that into perspective, that’s smaller than many medium-sized cities in Turkey.
Kosovo is also one of Europe’s youngest countries. It declared independence on February 17, 2008 — just 18 years ago. And even today, its independence is not recognized by every country in the world.
My Little Balkan Adventure
Last year, I started becoming interested in the Balkans.
For some reason, the region doesn’t seem to get nearly as much attention in mainstream travel guides as other parts of Europe. Yet there is so much to discover.
We had already visited North Macedonia and Albania, and this year we decided to spend a few days in Pristina.
We had planned to visit Prizren as well — and it definitely deserves a trip — but eventually we decided not to rush anywhere.
Instead, we simply wandered around Pristina with no particular plan. Sometimes, that’s the best way to experience a city.
How to Get There
From Pristina Airport, a bus runs approximately every two hours, with departures at 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00 and 20:00. Buses in the opposite direction run on odd hours.
The other option is a taxi. A ride into the city costs around €25, which feels quite expensive compared with local prices.
You can also use a local taxi app or rent a car. If you’re traveling with someone else, renting a car can actually be more economical.
That said, I’d only recommend driving if you’re an experienced driver.
I never quite figured out the local traffic system — who is going where, on which light, and why. In some places, the traffic feels like organized chaos.
Parking can be another adventure. Be prepared to spend some time looking for a spot.
The airport bus heads toward the central bus station. If you’re staying in the city center, you can get off along the way — just ask the driver which stop is best for you.
One of my favorite things about traveling is using local transportation and staying in regular apartments rather than hotels. I feel like you get a much better sense of everyday life that way — and it’s often cheaper too.
There aren’t that many hotels in Pristina, so I’d recommend looking at apartments.
We found a beautiful, clean apartment just five minutes from the city center and all the main cafes. Four nights cost us €130.
Day 1: History, Art and Coffee
Our first day of exploring started at one of Pristina’s most recognizable landmarks: NEWBORN.
The monument was unveiled in 2008, on the day Kosovo declared independence, and symbolizes the birth of a new country.
Every year, its design and colors are changed, making the monument literally come alive and look different each time you visit.
Right across from it is Mulliri, a popular coffee shop where you can find pretty much any kind of coffee you might want.
After coffee, we headed to a former prison that is now a museum dedicated to the political prisoners who were held there during the Yugoslav era.
Just imagine this: only 26 cells were used to hold around 200 people.
Pristina has a painful past shaped by its struggle for freedom and independence. Visiting this museum makes that history feel much more real than reading about it in a textbook.
From the outside, the museum looks closed. But simply pull the door toward you and you’ll discover that it’s actually open.
Entrance is free, and the guide is happy to explain what happened here.
It’s a sad part of the past — but it’s still an important part of the city’s history.
Afterwards, we stopped at a cafe near the central square and ordered local meat patties for lunch.
And honestly? They were delicious.
Large portions for two, plus coffee and tea, cost us around €10.
Light, Space and 3D
Not far from Reporting House, we found a fascinating art and cultural space.
They hold 30-minute light shows every day, with different themes depending on the program.
The show we saw explored how the sun changes throughout different periods of time, introduced us to the Solar System and transformed it into a 3D experience.
It was absolutely wonderful.
It’s a great experience for both adults and children. In 2026, tickets cost around €7 per person, and the program changes from day to day.
I spent the entire 30 minutes smiling.
Dinner and Trilece
By evening, we had walked a ridiculous number of steps and decided it was time for dinner.
We ordered chicken pesto pasta and, for dessert, trilece, a popular Balkan dessert. The name literally means “three milks.” It’s a soft, creamy dessert soaked in milk, with a delicate caramel flavor. The entire dinner for two cost around €20.
A perfect ending to a long and surprisingly eventful day.
Day 2: Bakeries, Museums and Red Maples
Early the next morning, we went to a local bakery and simply picked whatever pastry caught our attention first.
Everything here seems delicious — unless you’re on a diet.
We tried burek, a Balkan pastry traditionally filled with meat or cheese. It was delicious, although quite rich, so the main challenge is not eating too much.
Then came autumn streets covered in red maple leaves and, of course, a latte in hand.
Our next stop was the Ethnological Museum of Kosovo, right in the center of the city.
Entrance is free, and a guide can tell you about traditional life, culture and clothing. One thing I noticed: practically every museum employee we spoke to spoke excellent English. That makes traveling around Kosovo incredibly easy.
Next, we visited Reporting House, a relatively new museum that tells another important part of Kosovo’s history. Once again, admission was free. And once again, we left genuinely impressed.
Bill Clinton and Another Piece of History
After a small snack, we walked about two kilometers to the Bill Clinton statue.
Clinton is widely respected in Kosovo for the role the United States played during the Kosovo War and for supporting Kosovo Albanians in the late 1990s.
To a tourist, it might look like just another statue. To the city, it means much more. And that’s how we ended our third day.
Day 4: No Plans at All
We deliberately left our fourth day completely open. A little shopping. Souvenirs. A slow pumpkin latte at Mulliri. And simply wandering around without a route. Honestly, it was one of my favorite days.
Should You Visit Prizren?
Absolutely.
If you have enough time, give it at least a full day. Buses leave from Pristina’s central bus station, but check the schedule in advance.
Renting a car is another option. But we don’t regret staying in Pristina this time.
Quite the opposite — it gave us the chance to really experience the city instead of rushing from one destination to another.
Is Kosovo Worth Visiting?
Yes. Kosovo has its own atmosphere, a complicated history and a very strong sense of a long struggle for independence.
As someone from Ukraine, I found that especially moving. Some parts of its story hit close to home.
We spent four wonderful days in Kosovo. The people were kind and welcoming, the city is relatively small, and yet there is plenty to see, eat and learn about. Did I fall in love with Pristina? No. Skopje is still number one for me. But I’m definitely glad I got to see this young, rebuilding part of the Balkans.
Kosovo still has a long road ahead. But somehow, I have a feeling it’s going to make it. And I would be glad if this article will help you to plan your next trip! ❤️
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