When I decided to take a solo trip to Kosovo from Albania, everyone thought I was crazy. “It’s dangerous!” they cried. “There’s nothing interesting to see!” Despite the warnings, I went anyway. What can I say, I’m a rebel. I have been to 40 countries so far, so I know very well what’s good for me and what’s not.
After four days of traveling solo through Kosovo, I returned unscathed. I actually felt safe for the most part. Sure, the public transit was chaotic, but the people didn’t seem to care that I was a tourist, let alone a solo female traveler. When I told locals I met that I was visiting their country, they were delighted and showed me nothing but kindness.
Kosovo gets a bad rap, but I’m here to share my experience and set the record straight. This little country nestled in the Balkans, with its capital Pristina and the charming town of Prizren, turned out to be a hidden gem. My solo adventure in Kosovo proved that it’s possible for women to travel there safely and have an amazing time.
How Safe Is Kosovo For Female Solo Travelers?
Kosovo is generally safe for women traveling alone. I visited the capital, Pristina, and the historic town of Prizren near the Albanian border by myself. I felt very safe the whole time. The only area I’d avoid is the northern part of Kosovo, like Mitrovica, Leposavic, and Zvečan. Other than that, you should be good at exploring the rest of Kosovo on your own as a woman.
Arriving In Kosovo From Albania: My First Impressions
When I arrived in Kosovo after a few days in Tirana, Albania, I wasn’t sure what to expect. All I knew was that Kosovo had a complicated history and a reputation for being unsafe. However, my first impressions upon crossing the border were positive. By the way, the border crossing was incredibly smooth!
The roads seemed rough around the edges in some places, but the gorgeous mountains made up for it. As I made my way to Pristina, the capital, I jumped in a taxi. The taxi driver was friendly and chatted with me, asking where I was from and why I came to visit.
As a woman traveling alone, I know it’s usually better not to say that I am alone. So when he asked, I told him I was visiting a friend I met in Germany, even though that wasn’t true. I just made up a story to feel safer.
In Pristina, I explored the center, Newborn monument, and every corner of the city. Locals were welcoming and happy to see a tourist. Some even approached me to chat, curious about my travels.
After a few days exploring Pristina, I headed to Prizren, a town with Ottoman architecture, cobblestone lanes, and a lively cafe scene. Like in Pristina, I never felt unsafe or unwelcome. While Kosovo’s infrastructure and traffic were somewhat chaotic, the kindness of the people made up for it. My solo trip to Kosovo taught me that you can’t always believe a country’s reputation – you have to experience it for yourself!
Exploring Pristina And Feeling Safe As A Solo Female Traveler
When I traveled to Kosovo, I wasn’t sure what to expect as a solo female traveler. However, after spending a few days exploring Pristina, the charming capital city, I felt very safe and welcomed.
Exploring Pristina
As soon as I arrived in Pristina from Tirana, Albania, I started walking around the city center. The traffic and public transport seemed chaotic, but the people were kind. When I told locals I was a tourist, they were excited and happy to help.
Pristina has an interesting mix of Ottoman architecture, Communist buildings, and modern developments. I spent hours wandering the streets, checking out historical mosques like the Imperial Mosque, and grabbing an americano at one of the many cafes. The Newborn Monument, depicting the country’s independence, was one of my favorite spots.
At night, I dined on delicious kebabs, burek pastry, and grilled vegetables. The affordable prices and friendly staff at restaurants made eating alone enjoyable.
The city has a long way to go, but its charm and hospitality will stay with me. Overall, Pristina and its people made my first solo trip to Kosovo memorable for all the right reasons.
Prizren: Kosovo’s Hidden Gem For Solo Female Travelers
Prizren was a hidden gem I discovered during my solo travels in Kosovo. Only a 90-minute bus ride from Pristina, Prizren felt like stepping into another era.
The historic city center is filled with cobblestone streets, Ottoman-era architecture like the Sinan Pasha Mosque, and remnants of its once-large Serbian Orthodox population. I spent hours wandering the charming streets, soaking in the atmosphere and stopping in at the many cafes along the river.
Even though I was traveling alone, I felt completely at ease in Prizren. The pace of life felt slower and more relaxed compared to Pristina. There were even more tourists than Pristina.
Prizren charmed me with its mix of cultural influences, welcoming spirit, and natural beauty. If you’re traveling solo in Kosovo as a female, don’t miss this off-the-beaten-path gem. The laid-back vibe and friendly faces will make you feel right at ease. The good thing is that Prizren is located very close to Albania, so if you’re staying in Albania only. plan Prizren as a one-day trip.
Useful Tips
As a solo female traveler in Kosovo, I felt generally safe during my 4-day trip, but there were a few precautions I made sure to take:
Cash Is King
Carry cash with you since many places don’t accept cards. ATMs aren’t always easy to find either. You can find some, for example, on Mother Teresa’s Square, but they’ll charge you more fees. I took out enough Euros from an ATM in Tirana, Albania, before crossing the border – just in case.
Avoid Stray Dogs
Don’t touch or feed stray dogs. While most seemed docile, some could be aggressive. It’s best to give them space. I am mentioning this because there are dogs literally everywhere.
Dark Areas
Avoid walking alone in dimly lit or empty areas at night. Although Kosovo has a low crime rate, it’s always a good idea for solo travelers to exercise caution after dark, no matter where you are.
Public Transit
Kosovo’s public transit and traffic seemed rather chaotic to me. Taxis were affordable, but I made sure the meter was running to avoid getting overcharged. If you can, avoid taxis at the bus station. They are overpriced!
You’re A Novelty
People were curious about me as a tourist. When I said this was my 40th country, most were surprised but also happy to welcome me. Their kindness and hospitality were heartwarming. Despite Kosovo’s difficult past and bad reputation, the country felt safe, and the people were very friendly towards me.
By taking normal travel safety precautions and with an open mind, I found Kosovo an enjoyable place to visit as a solo female. The natural scenery, historic sights, and amazing food made it a trip to remember!
Final Words
Kosovo turned out to be full of surprises for me. Despite its difficult history and reputation, I found it to be a welcoming place for a solo female traveler. Though Pristina and Prizren were lovely, what I’ll remember most are the friendly faces who were happy to share their country with an open-minded visitor.
My four days of exploring solo went by too quickly. Kosovo, you have a special place in my heart – I hope more travelers discover your hidden charms!
