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Must-Visit Prizren: 12 Best Things to Do in Prizren, Kosovo
- Aug 5
- 9 min read
Prizren isn’t just another Balkan city; it’s an historical and cultural city of Kosovo, just one hour away from the capital.
The city has been shaped by its long history, from Illyrian, Roman, Byzantine, Serbian, and Ottoman. Archaeological proof is found from the Bronze Age.
In the first century, Prizren came under Roman rule and became a part of its province. It used to be an important trade route connecting the Adriatic coast with the Balkans.
Later, the city became a part of the Byzantine Empire. Even the hilltop Prizren Fortress was built during the Byzantine period.
During the 13th and 14th centuries, Prizren was under the medieval Serbian state.
After 1455, the city was ruled by the Ottoman Empire for four and a half centuries.
During Ottoman times, it turned into one of the leading administrative, commercial, and cultural centers in the western Balkans
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After the First Balkan War in 1912, Prizren was captured by the Kingdom of Serbia and later came under the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
In the 20th century, the city remained notable for its multicultural character and historic architecture.
During the Kosovo War (1998–1999), the city was heavily impacted. But you can still see the landmarks from Ottoman times: mosques, Orthodox churches, and Catholic churches, and they celebrate their well-preserved Ottoman-era center, medieval monuments, and festivals.
How to Reach Prizren:
i. How to Reach Prizren from Pristina:
Prizren doesn't have its own airport, but it is well connected by road.
Pristina International Airport Adem Jashari is approximately 70–90 km from Prizren, and the drive takes less than one hour.
You can take an airport bus to Pristina Bus Station, from where you can catch a regular bus to Prizren. The bus makes several local stops along the route, so the journey usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Alternatively, you can hire a taxi directly from Pristina International Airport to Prizren.
Airport taxis can be relatively expensive.
During our stay, we used a local taxi service that was much more cost-effective. We contacted the driver via WhatsApp, agreed on the fare in advance, and the taxi usually arrived within 10 minutes. We paid €50 for a one-way trip from Pristina Airport to Prizren.
ii. How to Reach Prizren from Albania:
You can also travel to Prizren by bus from several cities in Albania. There are regular buses from Tirana, and the journey takes approximately 3 hours.
iii. How to Reach Prizren from North Macedonia:
You can also take a bus from several cities in North Macedonia. There are regular buses from Skopje, and the journey to Prizren takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Buses are the most economical way to travel, although they may take longer because they make multiple stops along the route. If you prefer a faster and more comfortable journey, a taxi or private car is a better option.
Note: There is currently no passenger rail service to Prizren.
How many days do you need in Prizren?
Most travelers only need 1–2 days to explore Prizren. If you're short on time, it's also an easy day trip from Pristina, which is exactly what we did.
We left at 7:00 AM and arrived in Prizren by 8:00 AM, giving us plenty of time to see the city's main attractions.
A day is enough to cover the highlights, but if you'd like to enjoy the city's relaxed atmosphere, stroll through the old town at a leisurely pace, or experience its vibrant evening scene, we recommend staying overnight.
Is Prizren cheap to visit?
Yes! Prizren is one of the most affordable cities to visit in Europe. You can enjoy a delicious lunch at a good restaurant for under €10, and most attractions and activities are budget-friendly, making it an excellent destination for travelers looking for great value.
Is Prizren worth visiting?
Absolutely! If we had to recommend just one city to visit in Kosovo, it would be Prizren. With its rich history, charming cobblestone streets, beautiful Ottoman-era architecture, and warm local hospitality,
Prizren offers the perfect blend of culture, history, and authentic Balkan charm. It's easily one of the highlights of any trip to Kosovo.
Best time to visit Prizren:
The best time to visit Prizren is during spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October). We also visited Prizren at the beginning of May; the weather was perfect.
It was sunny in the day and got a bit cold at night - so it was perfect for exploring the city's historic landmarks and outdoor cafés without the intense summer heat.
The busiest seasons are July and August, especially in August during the Dokufest International Documentary and Short Film Festival held in August.
The city hosts cultural events and outdoor screenings, and be mindful that the hotel gets a bit expensive during this time. During winter, it’s a bit cold, but it’s less crowded.
Is Prizren safe for tourists?
Yes. Prizren is absolutely safe for solo travelers, and the locals are very welcoming. The city is also safe to explore in the evening.
However, when it gets crowded, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and watch out for pickpockets. You may also come across people asking for money, but you can simply and politely decline.
You should also be mindful when using taxis - always choose licensed taxis.
Things to do in Prizren
1. Prizren Fortress (Kalaja e Prizrenit):
One of the most iconic landmarks in Prizren is the Prizren Fortress, also known as Kalaja e Prizrenit.
The fortress dates back to the Byzantine era and was later rebuilt and expanded by the Serbian Empire and the Ottoman Empire.
It takes around 20 minutes to hike to the fortress, and you'll be rewarded with beautiful panoramic views of Prizren's red-roofed houses, the Bistrica River, and the city's historic mosques and churches.
Although much of the fortress is now in ruins, you can still walk along its ancient walls, explore the remains of its towers, and enjoy the stunning mountain backdrop.
2. Sinan Pasha Mosque:
One of the most famous landmarks in Prizren is the Sinan Pasha Mosque. It is a reminder of the city's Ottoman heritage, having been built in 1615 by Sofi Sinan Pasha.
The mosque is known for its elegant dome, tall minaret, and beautifully decorated interior featuring intricate floral frescoes and Arabic calligraphy.
The mosque is open to visitors outside of prayer hours. When visiting, it's important to respect the mosque's customs by removing your shoes before entering and dressing modestly.
Women are expected to cover their heads, but scarves and abayas are available at the entrance to borrow during their visit.
3. Sinan Pasha Mosque Courtyard and Small Bazaar (Çarshia e Vogël):
Sinan Pasha Mosque also has a small Bazaar in the courtyard, which reflects the traditional Ottoman heritage. The courtyard has small artisan shops, local cafés,
and traditional craft stores.
You can find traditional souvenirs and handmade jewelry. There is also a small cafe, where you can relax and enjoy the view and culture of the city.
4. Old Stone Bridge (Ura e Gurit)
The Old Stone Bridge, also known as Ura e Gurit, is one of the most picturesque spots in Prizren, with the back of Sinan Pasha Mosque.
The Old stone is located on the Bistrica River, and the bridge is surrounded by charming cafés, restaurants, and traditional Ottoman-style buildings.
The bridge dates back to the 16th century, but it was destroyed by severe flooding in 1979 and later rebuilt using its original design.
The Old Stone Bridge (Ura e Gurit) is one of the most iconic landmarks in Prizren and the heart of the city's historic center.
Spanning the Bistrica River, this elegant Ottoman-era bridge connects the old town with the bustling Shadervan Square and offers some of the best views of Prizren.
5. Albanian League of Prizren Museum:
Albanian League of Prizren was established in 1878 to protect Albanian territories and promote the political, cultural, and national rights of Albanians during the final years of the Ottoman Empire. Albanian League of Prizren Museum is located along
the banks of the Bistrica River.
It has the historical documents, photographs, traditional clothing, weapons, maps, and artifacts that tell the story of the League and its lasting impact on Albanian history. The museum isn’t huge. You can cover it in 30 minutes.
6. Old Town Prizren:
Prizren Old Town is one of the most charming places to visit in Kosovo. With its cobblestone streets, Ottoman-era architecture, and historic atmosphere, walking through the old town feels like stepping back in time.
The narrow streets, traditional buildings, and lively bazaars create the feeling of being in an authentic Ottoman marketplace.
You can start your Prizren Old Town walking tour from Shadervan Square, the vibrant heart of the city, surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and historic buildings. It’s
a great place to enjoy a coffee, relax, and experience the local atmosphere.
From there, wander through the Small Bazaar, where you’ll find local artisan shops, handmade souvenirs, traditional crafts, and cozy cafés. The old town is also a great place to shop for handcrafted jewelry, traditional textiles, locally made filigree, magnets, spices, and other unique souvenirs to take home.
Although Prizren Old Town is relatively small, you can easily spend around 2 hours exploring its charming streets, historic landmarks, and local shops. It’s one of the best places to experience the culture, history, and authentic charm of Prizren.
7. Relax by the Riverside in Prizren
There are lots of restaurants and Cafes located on the riverside of Prizren. You can take a stroll along the river and enjoy the charm of Prizren, and take a moment to enjoy a coffee, traditional dessert, or a local meal while taking in views of the historic surroundings.
The view of the surroundings, surrounded by Ottoman-era buildings, stone bridges, and the sound of flowing water, is magical.
8. Gazi Mehmed Pasha Hammam:
The Gazi Mehmed Pasha Hammam takes you back to the Ottoman era, and the architecture of the Hammam is very fascinating. The Hammam was built by Gazi Mehmed Pasha, an Ottoman governor, as a traditional public bathhouse.
The building reflects the bathing culture with domed ceilings, and it has separate sections for men and women. Hammam is no longer operational as a bathhouse and is currently undergoing renovation and is closed to visitors. But you can still enjoy the impressive exterior of the Hammam.
9. Archaeological Museum:
Archaeological Museum reflects a glimpse of Kosovo’s past. The museum is inside the Ottoman-era stone building, and it was constructed as a Turkish bathhouse and later on, transformed into a museum.
The museum has a collection of archaeological artifacts from different periods, including the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Roman, and medieval eras.
You can explore ancient pottery, tools, coins, jewelry, and other discoveries that highlight the rich cultural history of Prizren.
10. Clock Tower:
You can also visit the Clock Tower, which is next to the museum. You can also climb up to the clock tower.
11. Explore Rrugë Adem Jashari (Adem Jashari Street):
If you want to experience what everyday life feels like in Prizren, I highly recommend visiting Adem Jashari Street.
This is not one of the city's main tourist attractions, but it is a charming street where you can enjoy a relaxed walk and discover traditional shops, bridal dress stores, local businesses, and cozy cafés.
It’s a great place to step away from the main landmarks and experience the authentic, local side of Prizren.
12. Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour:
The Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour also reflects a Catholic community in Prizren. The Cathedral was built in the 1870s with an elegant architectural style.
Mother Teresa’s Statue is next to the church and reflects Mother Teresa’s Albanian heritage.
Best restaurants and Cafes to try in Prizren:
i. Konak Cafe & Restaurant:
If you're looking for a dining experience with one of the best views in the city, Konak Cafe & Restaurant is a great choice.
The restaurant also features a rooftop terrace overlooking the beautiful Sinan Pasha Mosque, making it a perfect spot for lunch, dinner, or a relaxing coffee break.
The menu offers a wide variety of Turkish dishes alongside international cuisine. You can also enjoy traditional Turkish tea or coffee while taking in the view.
We ordered the Adana Kebab and Lahmacun, and both were absolutely delicious, with a perfect blend of spices.
ii. Gatsby Eat & Drink:
If you want to enjoy a dining experience with a nice view of the river and good food, then you should also consider having a meal at Gatsby Eat & Drink.
We enjoyed pasta and Waffles with cocktails. The food was really good, and it’s perfect for both lunch and dinner.
iii. Corner 2:
Corner 2 offers a good, varied menu with different options from grilled meats and burgers to pizzas, sandwiches, and fresh salads.
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