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Prizren is arguably one of the prettiest towns in Kosovo and it is also a culture hub in the country.
Only 2 hours from the capital in Pristina, you can also easily reach Prizren from nearby countries as well or as part of a Balkan tour.
I’ve visited twice coming south from the northern town of Thessaloniki which is only a 5 hour drive.
For history lovers, you will also find a very culturally significant and historically interesting place (as is the history of Kosovo in general) so make sure to plan some time for extra sightseeing there.
A Short History of Prizren
The ethnic and religious background of Kosovo — and Prizren specifically — has shifted many times over the centuries, and some parts of that history are still either highly debated or considered taboo.
What isn’t contested is that the region was once part of the Byzantine Empire, then the Ottoman Empire, and later incorporated into Yugoslavia under Tito.
Kosovo’s path to independence was long and bloody, and it’s one that many outsiders still struggle to fully understand.
That tension — both cultural and economic — is still visible in the town’s architecture, where Ottoman-era mosques and Serbian Orthodox churches stand near Yugoslav monuments and post-war memorials.
Prizren also holds an important place in Albanian national history as the site where the League of Prizren was founded in 1878 — a political and cultural movement aimed at defending Albanian rights during the decline of the Ottoman Empire. You can learn more about it at the small but important League of Prizren Museum.
Where is Prizren?
Prizren is in the southern part of Kosovo, close to the North Macedonian and Albanian borders. It’s surrounded by the Sharr Mountains and has a river running through the center. It’s about 1.5 hours from Pristina by car and about 2 hours from Skopje, depending on the border crossing.
How to Get to Prizren
You can reach Prizren by car, bus, or private transfer. There are frequent minibuses from Pristina and shared taxis from Skopje or Kukës in Albania. If you’re driving from Greece like I did, it’s about 5 hours via Thessaloniki and Skopje.
The roads are not bad so if possible I would suggest to drive. You can also book a pick up service with a car if you want but I usually rent cars from Discover Cars.
Things to Do in Prizren
Visit the fortress
Start with the fortress. It’s an easy uphill walk and worth it for the views over the city and surrounding hills. The signage is minimal but it gives you a good sense of the city layout. You’ll want some breakfast in you before that though, or at least some coffee. The site is said to have been inhabited since the Late Bronze Age even though the current version was heavily influenced by the Ottoman period.
There is also no entrance fee to get in so there is no excuse. Plus the photos from the top are great.
Walk around the town
Back in town, the old part of Prizren is best explored on foot. I highly recommend joining a short walking tour with a guide. It costs next to nothing and you’ll get more insight into the buildings and history than you would on your own. You’ll walk past the Stone Bridge, the Sinan Pasha Mosque, and a handful of other Ottoman-era landmarks.
If you’re around on a quiet afternoon, walk along the river or head up towards Marash Park. There are also some gentler hikes in the hills behind the fortress, or you can just sit by the river and have coffee.
Go skiing in the winter
If you’re visiting in winter, you can use Prizren as a base to ski in Brezovica. It’s not a luxury resort but it’s affordable and popular with locals. It’s about 1.5 hours by car.
Visit the League of Prizren Museum
Don’t skip the League of Prizren Museum. It gives good background on the region’s political history and doesn’t take long to go through. You’ll find documents, photos and objects from when the League was founded that tell the story of the Albanian natioanl awakening movement in the late 19th century. The ticket is also less than $2.
Hike the highest peak of Kosovo
Not far from Prizren, you will find the start of the hike path to the highest peak of Kosovo (Velika Rudoka). It is not an easy hike to do, but it can be a great excursion even if you don’t reach the peak.
Day trip to Pristina
If you do day trip to the capital (Pristina) which is only a few hours away, make sure to check out the Bear Sanctuary where about 20 rescued brown bears live. It is a great place for kids and families as well.
Where to Stay in Prizren
Options are limited compared to other cities, but there are a few decent guesthouses and small hotels. Look for something central so you’re not navigating dark side streets at night.
Centrum Hotel is a solid middle-range option. Budget travelers can try Ura Hostel. There are also a few Airbnb’s which I used once but would not recommend. The location is great but cleaning standard is quite low since these are rooms/houses that the locals move out of when they have a booking. Not complaining, but also wouldn’t book again.
What to Eat in Prizren
Expect grilled meat, salads, and heavy traditional dishes. The lamb kebabs and byrek are worth trying, and most meals come with some kind of bread, salad, and sauce. There are a few good barbecue spots on the main road and near the river. Coffee culture is strong and many cafes stay open late. Also, the prices are still very low compared to other parts of Europe.
With that said, the grocery store is not cheap at all compared to minimum wage in the country.
Is it safe to visit Prizren?
Overall, Kosovo is not a hard place to visit, and I never felt unsafe in Prizren — even walking around after dark near the river.
That said, I wouldn’t go looking for trouble or put myself in risky situations if I were traveling solo.
It’s also a good reminder to carry cash (for ahem “unexpected fees”) or just for when vendors don’t accept cards. We had one of those classic bad-luck moments: we parked our car for a few hours, came back a bit late, paid the extra fee, and drove off — only to discover a nice gash in one of the tires.
Luckily, we found a garage nearby that could fix it — cash only, of course — though not for a friendly price. In general, keep a low profile and don’t draw unnecessary attention to yourself.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Must Know When Visiting Kosovo
- Emergency: Dial 112 for general emergencies, 193 for fire, 194 for ambulance, and 192 for police. English may not be guaranteed — having a local SIM or offline translator can help.
- Language: Albanian is the main language in Kosovo, with Serbian also spoken, especially in the north. English is surprisingly common among younger people and those working in tourism or cafes, especially in Pristina. But don’t count on it everywhere.
- Currency: Kosovo uses the Euro (€) even though it’s not an EU member. Card payments are widely accepted in cities, but you’ll need cash for small shops, mountain villages, or hiking regions like Brod.
- Navigation: Google Maps works well for cities and driving. But if you’re hiking (especially in Shar Mountains), you need offline GPS maps like Komoot. Don’t rely on trail signs.
- Transport: There are no Ubers. Taxis exist in cities but often don’t use meters, so agree on a price before you get in. Intercity buses are decent and very cheap. You can also rent a car easily from Pristina Airport — just double-check your insurance if crossing borders. If you rent, check out Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.
- Accommodation: Booking.com is great for hotels and guesthouses which are affordable. Prizren and Pristina have a wider range of options.
- Safety: Kosovo is generally very safe for travelers. Petty theft is rare, and people are very welcoming. That said, some areas in the north near Serbia can be tense, so avoid political protests or demonstrations. Solo travelers will likely feel fine in most towns.
- Tours & Activities: For hikes, cultural sites, and animal experiences (like the Bear Sanctuary), GetYourGuide has solid options with local guides. Prices are usually way cheaper than Western Europe and often include transport or meals.
