How to Spend 48 Hours in Kosovo: A Weekend Itinerary in Europe’s Youngest Capital

Tucked in the heart of the Balkans, Kosovo is Europe’s youngest—and one of its most misunderstood—countries. Officially declaring independence from Serbia in 2008, Kosovo has since been recognized by over 100 countries, including the U.S. and most of the EU. But its status remains disputed: Serbia, along with powers like Russia and China, still sees it as a breakaway province. While borders and politics remain tense, Kosovo’s identity is crystal clear—this is an overwhelmingly Albanian nation, from its language and food to its pride and traditions.

Kosovo is one of Europe’s least visited countries, attracting fewer than 300,000 visitors in 2024—a number that pales in comparison to the 4 million+ who visited its neighbor, Serbia.

How I visited Kosovo

Pristina, Kosovo’s capital is a short drive from Skopje, North Macedonia. You can take a taxi here, which is just a little over an hour, or take a 1.5-to-2-hour bus ride from Skopje station, which is roughly €8. 

What to see in Kosovo?

Kosovo is a small country (10,887 km²)—slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Connecticut—so you can cover a lot of ground in a few days. I focused my time on two cities: Pristina and Prizren, the capital and the second-largest city, respectively.

Pristina

I’ll be honest—Pristina isn’t the most exciting city. Truth be told, you can probably see all the main highlights in half a day. A quick Google search will show you a list of places that aren’t all that interesting, so I skipped those. Here are the ones I found worth visiting:

1. Bill Clinton Statue & Boulevard

Kosovo Albanians see Bill Clinton as a hero for leading the 1999 NATO airstrikes that stopped Serbia’s crackdown on ethnic Albanians. His actions helped end the war and paved the way for Kosovo’s independence in 2008. As a result, Kosovo is arguably the most pro-American country in Europe—you’ll find American flags all over.

2. Mother Teresa Cathedral

This modern cathedral honors one of Kosovo’s (and Albania’s) most beloved humanitarians. It’s a peaceful site, a cultural symbol, and one of the city’s architectural highlights

3. National Library of Kosovo

The National Library stands out with its unique exterior—covered in geometric metal mesh and topped by 99 domes. Its bold design blends modern architecture with cultural heritage, making it one of Pristina’s most striking and talked-about landmarks.

4. Visit Liburnia

Liburnia is a downtown restaurant known for its authentic Albanian cuisine and warm ambiance. Set in a charming 19th-century Ottoman-style building, it blends rustic charm with modern touches for a cozy yet stylish dining experience. The food is tasty, hearty, and reasonably priced—making it a great spot to enjoy traditional flavors without breaking the bank.

That is pretty much Pristina, which isn’t a lot. I recommend you do walk around the city and get a feel for the place; you might discover a hidden gem!

Prizren 

Prizren is often called Kosovo’s cultural capital—and for good reason. It’s full of Ottoman-era architecture, cobblestone streets, and lively bazaars. Like Pristina, it’s a small city, and most visitors come to see the old town at its heart.

The Old Stone Bridge is Prizren’s most famous landmark. You’ll find both tourists and locals taking pictures here—it’s the most photographed spot in all of Kosovo. You only need about three hours to explore the town comfortably.

Overall Thoughts

Kosovo might not be on everyone’s travel list yet, but that’s part of the charm. It’s a place full of history, culture, and really friendly people who are proud to share their home. Pristina gives you a peek into the country’s new vibe, while Prizren feels like stepping back in time with its beautiful old streets and buildings. If you’re up for something different and want to explore a part of Europe that’s still a bit off the beaten path, Kosovo is definitely worth a visit. You’ll leave with some great stories and maybe even a few surprises along the way.