Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Prizren, Kosovo

Kosovo isn't usually included in itineraries when traveling around Europe. I was in the Balkans and was curious about what the country had to offer. I had limited time during my trip around the region so I decided to visit Prizren for a couple of days.

Read more about my trip around Kosovo's cultural capital.

Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Prizren

Located in the foothills of the Šar Mountains, Prizren has an eclectic mix of influences from the Christians to the Muslims. It was Serbia's capital in the 14th century. It was a trading and cultural center during its heyday. Ancient mosques, churches, and traditional houses dot Prizren's picturesque historic center.

How to Get a Schengen Visa

The simplest way for Filipino passport holders to enter Kosovo is to use a valid multiple entry Schengen visa. You'll most likely want to visit other countries in the Balkans, not just Kosovo. A valid and used Schengen visa is a convenient option. Some of the basic requirements include a valid passport, financial documents, travel history, and certificate of employment just to name a few.

You can read more about getting a visa here: how to get a Schengen visa for Filipinos

How to Get to Prizren

You have some options when you plan on getting into Prizren.

By Air (via Pristina)

Pristina International Airport (PRN) is the main international airport in Kosovo, located about 80 km (50 miles) from Prizren.

From Pristina Airport to Prizren:

By Taxi/Private Car: This is the most convenient option and will take around 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic.
By Bus: There are buses from Pristina to Prizren that run regularly. The trip usually takes around 1.5 hours, and tickets are quite affordable.

By Bus

From Pristina: Buses to Prizren are available regularly from the main bus station in Pristina. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
From Other Cities: If you're coming from neighboring countries like Albania, North Macedonia, or Montenegro, buses from major cities (like Tirana, Skopje, or Podgorica) also go to Prizren. The trip may take longer, depending on your location. You might also have to transfer in a different city before Prizren.

Things to Do in Prizren

Prizren's not a big city, but it has interesting places to visit. It's also a chill place to spend a few days in when you decide to explore the Balkans.

Prizren Fortress

One of the most (or probably the most) popular attraction in Prizren is the fort. This centuries old fortress perched atop a hill provides the best vantage point that overlooks the city. I walked all the way up here during the summer in Kosovo. It was worth it just for the views. The ideal time to visit would be around sunset.

Explore the Old Town

The old town is where you'll likely spend most of your time in while in Prizren. You'll see the profound influence of the Ottomans while exploring the historic center. This is where you'll also find many of the cultural and historic buildings and structures in the city such as the Sinan Pasha Mosque and the Old Stone Bridge. Shops and local restaurants line its streets. It's a nice place to hang out in and try local cuisine.

Sinan Pasha Mosque

Like it's neighbor, Kosovo has a mixed influence of Islam and Christian heritage because of the different empires that once ruled over them. The Sinan Pasha Mosque is an Ottoman-epoch mosque that dates to the 17th century.

Old Stone Bridge

This bridge is a cultural monument that dates to the 16th century. It has undergone renovations and preservations because of the structural damage it has incurred over the centuries.

Our Lady of Ljevis

This church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Medieval Monuments in Kosovo category. It dates to the 14th century when a former King of Serbia had it built. When the Ottomans took over, they converted this church into a mosque and had a minaret built.

Albanian League of Prizren Museum

This complex is an important cultural and historical museum. Here you'll find an art gallery, a school, written documents, displays about the history of the league, and weapons and paintings.

Walk along the Prizren River

Prizren isn't a big city but I found it quite charming. It reminded me of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You can walk along the Prizren River to admire the city or simple as a break after sightseeing.

Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour

This Catholic church dates to the 19th century however, after excavations local authorities found remnants of a much older structure dating to the 5th century.

Getting around Prizren

Prizren is a relatively small city. You won't need to rely on public transportation as much if you'll stick to the historic center where most attractions are. Walking is your go-to option. Attractions are within walking distance from each other. You can also hail a taxi to explore the city. However, you need to agree on a price first or ask for the driver to use the meter.

Where to Stay in Prizren

Prizren is a budget-friendly city which you can include in your budget and itinerary for Prizren. You can find private rooms and hostel dorms depending on our budget. I often stay in hostel dorms because they're the affordable option. I browse www.booking.com to find accommodation.

Budget for Prizren

You can easily go on a budget in Prizren. It's a budget-friendly destination even compared with the other already affordable cities in the Balkans. You can go as low as approximately €30-€35 a day while you're here. It includes a bed in a hostel dorm, food and drinks, and public transportation. Since most attractions are in the historic center, you won't need public transportation or taxis as much. You'll be walking most of the time. You can increase your budget depending on your accommodation and where you eat.

You might want to read my other posts about the countries in the Balkans: