A Day Trip from Skopje to Kosovo: What to See, Do & Know

While staying in Skopje, Macedonia over the summer, I couldn’t believe that the Kosovan border was only an hour away, so I knew I wanted to do a day trip to Kosovo.

We weren’t sure if there would be that much to see and do, or explore on our own, so we decided on a private Kosovo day trip tour that covered Pristina and Prizren, then whizzed us back to Skopje before the end of the day.

Well, I was actually blown away! Pristina was a really beautiful city and I could have stayed much longer (the stunning library and the gorgeous bookshops were also a major plus).

So, whether you’re looking for UNESCO heritage sites, Ottoman bazaars, or scenic mountain views, a day trip from North Macedonia’s capital to Europe’s youngest country is well worth it. Here’s what you need to know for a day trip from Skopje to Kosovo:

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How to Get to Kosovo

By Car

The fastest and most flexible way. Skopje to Pristina (Kosovo’s capital) takes about 1–1.5 hours via the M2/E65. The border crossing at Hani i Elezit/Blace is usually straightforward, but bring your passport and check visa requirements.

You can rent a car (Booking.com has the best price comparisons), but we decided against this because there was an extra charge for border crossings, so the tour worked out as better value.

By Bus

Several daily buses connect Skopje to Pristina. The journey is around 2 hours each way. This option is budget-friendly but less flexible. Here is an example timetable:

By Train

There was previously a train service from Skopje to Kosovo, but this has been suspended for some time and not likely to start up again any time soon.

Day Trip to Kosovo Tour

Some guided tours from Skopje focus just on Pristina and its surrounds, while others combine Pristina and Prizren in one day. We opted for the latter because we wanted to see more than one place in Kosovo. This is the tour that we took:

Here are some more options (you can also do a day trip to Kosovo from Tirana, Albania):

Kosovo Map

Here’s a map to show how far each location is:

Top Stops on a Kosovo Day Trip

1. Pristina – The Capital City

We started in Pristina, the capital city, which is further from Skopje than Prizren. Our guide said he sometimes switches the order depending on traffic and how busy Prizren will be.

Here are some of the top sights:

• Newborn Monument: Symbol of Kosovo’s independence, repainted annually with new designs.

• Mother Teresa Square: Central pedestrian zone with cafes and people-watching.

• National Library of Kosovo: Famous for its unusual architectural design. I took a lot of photos here:

• Ethnological Museum (Emin Gjiku Complex): A beautifully preserved Ottoman house with exhibits on traditional Kosovar life.

We spent around 2–3 hours here, including some free time, before heading south.

Did we manage to visit Pristina the one day that the most famous Albanian Kosovan in the world happened to be there? Yes, we did.

2. Gračanica Monastery

About 15 minutes outside Pristina, this 14th-century Serbian Orthodox monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stunning Byzantine frescoes. A peaceful stop that gives insight into Kosovo’s religious and cultural diversity.

3. Prizren – The Cultural Gem

An hour and a half south of Pristina, Prizren is often considered Kosovo’s most charming city.

• Old Stone Bridge & Shadervan Square: The heart of the city, lined with Ottoman architecture and lively cafes.
• Sinan Pasha Mosque: A landmark mosque overlooking the river.

• Prizren Fortress: A short uphill walk rewards you with panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
• Bazaars & Artisan Shops: Perfect for picking up handicrafts or trying local sweets.

If you only have time for one stop beyond Pristina, make it Prizren. Our guide said that most visitors prefer Prizren to Pristina, but personally, I preferred the capital. I found Prizren a bit touristy with not as much to do, and there was a lot of trash about.

Practical Tips

• Currency: Kosovo uses the euro (€). Credit cards and contactless are widely accepted payment methods.
• Language: Albanian is the main language, with Serbian also spoken. English is increasingly common, especially with younger people.
• Food to Try: Flija (layered pastry), qebapa (grilled meat), and baklava with strong Balkan coffee.
• Timing: A full day trip is doable if you start early. Skopje → Pristina → Gračanica → Prizren → Skopje makes for a rewarding circuit.

Understanding the Kosovo Conflict

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, following years of tension and the 1998–1999 conflict between Serbian forces and ethnic Albanian groups. While over 100 countries recognize Kosovo as an independent state, Serbia (and some other nations) do not.

For more on “Is Kosovo a country?” see my post on country counting and why I choose not to do it.

Today, Kosovo is generally safe and welcoming for visitors, but political sensitivities remain. Travelers should avoid discussing the conflict in casual conversation, be respectful of both Albanian and Serbian cultural heritage.

Beyond a Day Trip: Where to Stay in Kosovo

If you have more than a day, spending a night in Kosovo allows you to experience its lively evenings and slower pace of travel. We definitely wished we’d stayed for a full weekend (even more so considering Dua Lipa was playing in Pristina!).

Pristina: The capital has a growing selection of modern hotels and boutique stays. It’s ideal if you want nightlife, international dining, and easy access to cultural sites.

Prizren: For a more atmospheric experience, base yourself in Prizren’s old town, where charming guesthouses and riverside hotels put you within walking distance of the fortress, mosques, and lively squares.

Peja (Pec): Nestled against the Rugova Mountains, Peja is a great choice if you’re interested in hiking, nature, and exploring Kosovo’s monasteries.

Staying overnight not only breaks up travel time but also lets you enjoy traditional dinners, evening strolls, and the warm hospitality Kosovo is known for.

My Day Trip from Skopje to Kosovo

I really enjoyed the day trip from Skopje to Kosovo and would highly recommend it for anyone looking to dip their toe into a very young country with a lot of rich, yet troubled, history.

However, if you have more time to spare, consider staying at least a night to truly get a chance to see everything you want to. Although I enjoyed the tour and our guide was Kosovan-Albanian/Macedonian so he was able to share a lot of great context and insights, I would have preferred to be able to explore a bit more on my own.

Have you been to Kosovo and do you have any further tips to share? Please leave your recommendations and suggestions in the comments.