If you look past recent conflicts and its status as a disputed territory, Kosovo is a welcoming destination rich in culture and character. Visiting medieval monasteries, discovering the region’s ancient history, and exploring serene mountain scenery are just a few things to do in Kosovo. Plus, thanks to its small size, you’re never far from fascinating attractions such as Rugova Canyon and Visoki Dečani Monastery—whether you base yourself in the capital of Pristina or smaller cities such as Prizren and Peja.
Thanks to its many mountains, Kosovo is no stranger to snow, so expect it to be quite cold if you visit in the winter months (November-January). The best time to visit Kosovo is during summer (June-August) when the weather is ideal for outdoor sightseeing in cities and mountains. July and August are generally the busiest times for tourism in Kosovo, but it doesn’t attract many visitors, so crowds shouldn’t be an issue.
Kosovo’s network of buses connects its cities and towns, so it’s the best way to get around if you haven’t rented a car. Buses run regularly between Kosovo’s largest cities, Pristina, Prizren, Gjakova, and Peja. There are also bus services to remote places such as the Rugova Canyon. Most cities and towns in Kosovo are comfortably walkable, but you can also get around Pristina by local bus.
When visiting the popular Patriarchate of Peć Monastery and the Visoki Dečani Monastery, remember to bring your passport. To visit both you need your passport to go through a UN security check. It’s also useful to know both the Albanian and Serbian names for cities, places, and attractions to make navigating by yourself easier; for instance, you may see the city in Kosovo’s west referred to as Peja, Peje, or Peć.
