The essence of Kosovo lies in two cities—one new, one old: Pristina represents the contemporary narrative of a young nation, while Prizren boasts the most well-preserved Ottoman-style old town. The two cities are about 80 kilometers apart and take around two hours by bus. Staying two nights in each is ideal.
In the morning, arrive in the city via Skopje Airport or Pristina Airport. Start by taking a photo with the Skanderbeg Square and the NEWBORN monument. In the afternoon, walk along Bill Clinton Boulevard to see the bronze statue of Bill Clinton erected in 1999—a local tribute to NATO’s air support. Along the way, visit the former site of the U.S. Embassy. In the evening, enjoy a local beer at the bar street on Rruga Fehmi Agani.
In the morning, visit the beehive-shaped National and University Library (a controversial building covered with white domes on the roof), then explore the ethnology museum’s exhibits on marriage customs and carpet weaving. In the afternoon, take a private car to the Gračanica Monastery, located 9 kilometers away, to see its 14th-century frescoes. On the way back, climb to Mount Gërmia to watch the sunset over the city.
Take an early morning bus to Prizren. In the afternoon, follow a route that connects three Ottoman-era buildings: the Mosque of Loka Madh, the Sinan Pasha Mosque, and the Rustem Pasha Mosque, interspersed with stops for Turkish tea by the Shadervan Fountain. In the evening, climb up to Kalaja Fortress to overlook the city’s red-tiled rooftops and the snow-capped peaks of Šar Mountain in the distance.
In the morning, explore the Silversmiths’ Street (Esnaf Market) and the 19th-century Turkish Bath Museum. Buy handmade copperware and honey. Have lunch featuring Prizren’s signature dish, qebap (a local favorite often served at banquets). In the afternoon, take a bus back to Pristina, then fly out in the evening or stay overnight near the airport.