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While parts of the Balkans like Croatia and Montenegro have seen a surge in tourism numbers in recent years, Kosovo remains one of the least-visited countries in Europe, with just over 450,000 travellers coming here in 2025.
Thanks to a cheap Wizz Air flight from London Luton to North Macedonia’s capital, Skopje, I finally had the chance to visit for myself this May.
With a jam-packed itinerary to maximise my time before my return to Doha, where our Euronews Travel hub is, I only had a day in Kosovo, and so had to choose between Prishtina and Prizren, ultimately landing on the latter as the country’s cultural capital.
Thinking about heading there yourself? Here are the best things to see and do in Prizren, what to eat and drink – and some top tips.
Things to see and do in Prizren
Take a photo next to the Old Stone Bridge
Originally built during the 16th century, the Old Stone Bridge over the Prizren Bistrica (pictured above) is the city’s most iconic sight.
If you’re looking to capture “the shot” in Prizren, cross over to the side opposite Shadervan Square for a picture with the bridge and Sinan Pasha Mosque in the background.
The original bridge was destroyed following flooding in 1979, so the current bridge dates back to the early 1980s – but it still maintains all of its charm.
Pay a visit to Sinan Pasha Mosque
Speaking of, the Sinan Pasha Mosque is also a must-visit. Completed in 1615, the Ottoman-era mosque has gorgeous interiors with floral motifs and Arabic script.
As with all mosques, you’ll need to remove your shoes before entering, and women will need to cover their hair. There are headscarves you can borrow just inside the entrance.
Admire the frescoes at Our Lady of Ljeviš church
Part of Kosovo’s UNESCO-listed Medieval Monuments in Kosovo, Our Lady of Ljeviš is a Serbian-Orthodox church that dates back to the 14th century.
Of note are the frescoes inside, which were created by Byzantine Greek painter Michael Astrapas and his associate Eutychios. Rather unique, they cover rare topics like the transience of life from the novel on Barlaam and Ioasaph, and feature personifications of day and night, which represent the New and Old Testament.
The church was turned into a mosque in the 15th century, with the original paintings damaged after being covered with mortar. You can even spot some Arabic script on the walls in the initial entryway.
Having been further damaged during the 2004 unrest, entry to the church is restricted. There is a police guard station just outside, and you’ll need to show your ID to go inside.
Learn about archaeology in a former Ottoman hammam
Prizren’s Archaeological Museum is found within a former Ottoman hammam. Here, you can learn about the various discoveries made in the surrounding areas, including the famed Runner of Prizren.
A clock tower is also part of the complex, and you can climb up to the top for views over the city.
Another bathhouse, the Gazi Mehmet Pasha Hammam, has also previously served as a cultural space but is currently closed for renovation works. Keep an eye out for when this reopens.
Look around the Albanian League of Prizren Museum
The six stars on Kosovo’s flag represent its major ethnic groups, one of which is the Albanians, and you can learn all about their role in the city at the Albanian League of Prizren Museum.
The museum details the political group’s history, and there is also an ethnographic section that shows typical Albanian outfits from the different areas in which they lived around this time.
Climb up to Kalaja Fortress
A 15-minute hike above the city centre, Kalaja Fortress in its current form has protected the city since the time of the Byzantine Empire.
It’s free to visit, and the views over the city are unrivalled. A great sunset spot, if you’re here when the sunset drags well past the closing time of 7 pm, there are plenty of places on the road up or outside the main gate you can snap away from.
The UCK sign within the fortress represents the Ushtria Çlirimtare e Kosovës, or the Kosovo Liberation Army, and you’ll find similar signs and memorials throughout the country.
Drink from the water fountain in Shadërvan Square
It’s said that taking a drink from the water fountain in Prizren’s main square will guarantee you return, so sip away if you’ve fallen in love with the city.
This is also where you’ll find a huge concentration of restaurants and bars to visit…
What to eat and drink in Prizren
Like much of the Balkans, Kosovo is big on its byrek, and you’ll find plenty of spots serving it.
As my visit was rather short, I’m certainly not qualified to tell you the best place for it, but I’m sure you’ll be satisfied no matter where you try it. The Ottomans also brought with them boza, a fermented corn drink.
For a drink with a view, try BarAca, which is just behind the Sinan Pasha Mosque.
I was also a fan of Te Kizini, which serves up very cold glasses of draft Peja and bottled craft beers.
Next time I’ll visit Prizren for…
Bunar Fest, held at the end of May, sees residents take part in river tubing on the Prizren Bistrica.
An all-day (and all-night…) event, there are lots of musical performances planned, too.
How to get to Prizren
Buses from Kosovo’s capital Prishtina operate regularly and take around an hour and 45 minutes. Prishtina airport has direct flights from cities including Berlin, Brussels, Lyon, Vienna and Oslo.
Alternatively, buses are also available from Albania’s Tirana and North Macedonia’s Skopje. Buses from either capital take three hours.
Top tips
Cash is still king in Kosovo – I wasn’t able to pay with my card in any of the places I visited.
The country is more than 90% Muslim, so you should pay attention to holidays like Eid and be aware that opening hours may change during Ramadan.
Ramadan is a great time to visit, as you’ll be able to experience the magic of iftar. Rather than the traditional Ramadan cannons, I was told that Kosovo uses fireworks to mark the end of the day’s fast.
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