Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
Stop researching. Start exploring.Discover all 71 highlights,ranked
and organized into practical routes.
Get instant access
Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Kosovo doesn’t require any specific vaccinations for entry, but it’s smart to be up-to-date on routine vaccines like MMR, DTP, and varicella. Consider hepatitis A and B vaccines since you might encounter contaminated food or water. If you’re exploring rural areas, the rabies vaccine is worth considering, especially if you plan on hiking or interacting with animals. Always check the latest health advisories before you travel.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Kosovo, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for KosovoCulture & Customs
Respect is crucial in Kosovo. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites. When dining, try to taste local dishes; it’s a sign of politeness. Handshakes are common for greetings, but be aware that it’s more common among men. If you’re a woman, wait for a man to extend his hand first.
Avoid discussing politics, especially about Serbia and Kosovo’s status. For LGBTQ+ travelers, public displays of affection are not recommended, as attitudes can be conservative. Solo female travelers generally find Kosovo safe, but staying aware and using common sense is always wise.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Kosovo.
- Flia: A traditional layered pastry made with simple ingredients like flour, water, and butter. Often served with yogurt or cheese, it’s a dish for special occasions and gatherings, symbolizing hospitality.
- Burek: A savory pastry filled with cheese, meat, or spinach. It’s a staple snack or meal for many Kosovars and a popular street food, reflecting the region’s Ottoman influences.
- Tavë Kosi: Though originally an Albanian dish, it’s popular in Kosovo too. It’s a baked lamb and rice casserole with a tangy yogurt sauce, offering a comforting and hearty meal experience.
- Sarma: Cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and minced meat, often served with yogurt. A dish that brings families together, especially during holidays, showcasing the area’s Balkan culinary connections.
- Sharska Pleskavica: A grilled meat patty, often stuffed with cheese or peppers. It’s a juicy treat beloved in the Balkans, perfect for meat lovers looking to dive into local flavors.
In Kosovo, locals generally drink tap water, but it’s hit or miss in terms of quality due to varying treatment standards across regions. It’s usually safe, but tourists might want to play it safe with bottled or filtered water to avoid any potential stomach issues. Consider using a portable water filter just to be on the safe side, especially if you’re venturing into rural areas.
The main language in Kosovo is
Albanian. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Albanian skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Kosovo includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Kosovo,
English is increasingly spoken, especially among younger generations and in urban areas. Many Kosovars, particularly those involved in tourism, hospitality, and business, have a good command of English. In cities like Pristina, you will find that many signs, menus, and information are available in English, making navigation easier for English-speaking travelers.
However, outside of major cities or in rural areas, English proficiency may decline. Older generations may have limited English skills, as their education primarily focused on other languages like Serbian or Albanian. Despite this, Kosovars are generally friendly and willing to help, often using gestures or basic phrases to communicate.
Overall, while you may encounter some language barriers in more remote areas, English is widely understood in Kosovo, making it relatively easy for travelers to get around and engage with locals.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Kosovo is EUR (€).
In Kosovo, euros are the way to go since they’re the official currency. You’ll find ATMs pretty much everywhere in cities and bigger towns, and they usually work with international cards. Just remember, some might charge a fee, so check with your bank.
Cash is handy for small purchases, especially in rural areas where card acceptance can be hit or miss. Avoid carrying U.S. dollars — exchange rates aren’t great, and they’re not commonly accepted.
Most shops and restaurants in cities will take cards, but always have some cash on hand for markets or smaller eateries. For currency exchange, stick to banks or exchange offices for better rates. Skip airports or hotels as they tend to give you less bang for your buck.
Tipping in Kosovo isn’t mandatory but is appreciated, especially in restaurants and cafes. Leaving around 5-10% of the bill is common if the service was good. Taxi drivers and hotel staff don’t usually expect tips, but rounding up the fare or leaving small change is a nice gesture.
Best Backpacking
.jpg)
Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere..jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.v2.webp){kind=logo}
