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Sixth-largest city in Kosovo
Photo: Gresasyla, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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It is one of the rarest of its kind. An architectural and cultural complex, with a length of 1 km, including a space of about 35,000 m2, it holds over 500 crafts-work shops.
Being in the southern part of the Bazaar (15-20 minutes on foot), the Haraçia Inn is one of the oldest objects in Gjakova. It has a characteristic wooden construction style, with a beautiful balcony or "çardak". Having two floors and a wonderful yard, it has almost saved the original shape, while nowadays it is exploited as a museum-restaurant, where people can be served with traditional foods.
Built in 1850, it is one of the most authentic monuments of Gjakova
Xhamia e Hadumit
Hadum Mosque (Xhamia e Hadumit) is one of the very first monuments which marks the history of the town of Gjakova. Built in 1594–95, it represents a cultural, educational and religious center of this area. After sustaining damage during the 1999 Kosovo War, it was reconstructed and is now open not only for religious and educational purposes, but also for touristic and cultural visits. 10 minutes on foot away from the centre of the city, on the road of the Old Bazaar of Gjakova (also known as the Grand Bazaar of Gjakova) (Albanian: Çarshia e Vjetër e Gjakovës or Çarshia e Madhe e Gjakovës).
Kisha e Shën Palit dhe Shën Pjetrit
One of the tallest monuments in Gjakova, which can be seen from different points of the town, and can be reached 25-30 minutes on foot (just in front of the Saint Anton (Shna Ndou) Church).
Kisha e Shna Ndout
Another church worth mentioning which is in front of the Saint Paul and Saint Peter Church. Although it has been renovated, it kept its original architectural importance.
One of the oldest monuments built in Gjakova, showing a unique style of building 10 minutes on foot away from the centre.
Well-known not only in Gjakova, but more widely in Kosovo. What characterizes the Bektashi are their unique Islamic ideology, indicating the diversity of beliefs in Kosovo and the prevalence of religious tolerance. Babai, the spiritual leader of the tekke, always takes pleasure in showing the tekke and talk about its history.
The Tabak Bridge built in 1771, lies over River Erenik, and used to be a bounding bridge between Gjakova and Shkodra. It has an attractive scenery.
An 18th-century bridge with a length of 190 m and eleven arches. Located in the southeastern part of Gjakova, on the road to Prizren, can be reached easily by car, bus, or taxi in about 15-20 minutes. Another 5 km along the road, you will find White Drin Canyon—worth a visit.
The house of Rexhep Haxhi Ismaili is now used also as the museum of Gjakova. 10 minutes on foot from the centre, it is just to the right side of the main road, in front of the Gjakova municipal government building.
3-5 minutes on foot from the centre, at the entrance of the Grand Bazaar of Gjakova. It serves as the Tourist Information Centre.
Shkugëza Park (Albanian: Parku i Shkugëzës or just Shkugëza) is 3 km from the city. It has a large area of planted pine trees, with bike trails, walking trails and daily-stay corners. Four restaurants are in the area. It can be reached in 10 minutes by car, 20 minutes by bicycle or 45 minutes on foot.
Çabrati Hill (Albanian: Kodra e Çabratit; or just Çabrati) is also known as the city's hill. With several restaurants and night clubs, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the city at any time of the day, especially at night. A 30-minute walk from the city is rewarded with an impressive vista at the top. With exception to small cars and bicycles, other vehicles are not recommended due to the steepness of the hill.
Close to the Gjakova Airport, 7 km away. Taking a cab to the lake should not cost more than €15. As it's the area's source of drinking water, swimming is prohibited.
Ura e Fshajt
A canyon near Gjakova. Relatively short, only being about 900 m long and 45 m deep. At its start is Fshajt Bridge, a bridge which attracts divers from all around the region.
The tour includes all the major cultural monuments starting from Avdullah Pashë Dreni Kulla followed by the Shejh Emini Tekke. The visit continues to the Grand Bazaar, to the grain market, the handicrafts: quilt workers, saddlers, tobacco pipe makers, a visit to the 16th century Mosque of Hadum Aga then a traditional house for a tea break. The tour continues with a visit to a group of craftsman who create handmade wooden boxes. Also included is an opportunity to visit the Bektashi Tekke and the stories of the "Babai" (Spiritual leader of the Tekke). The visit is followed by a visit to the 16th-century Hani i Haraçise and the Ethnographic Museum, an old traditional house with many interesting wooden carved pieces.
Radoniqi Lake is the drinking water source of the town, therefore swimming is prohibited!
Festivali "Ditët e Shqiptarit"
a summer cultural festival held over several weekends in July and August. Evening concerts of Albanian artists are particularly interesting.
a 21 and 12 km annual trail race held in the second part of September, starting in the Old Town and heading towards Shkugëza Forest.
Produces wines, rakia, and fruit liqueurs from locally sourced fruits such as grapes, apples, plums, pears and cherries. The distillery has become a notable stop for visitors interested in local beverages and gastronomy. Guests can take part in guided tastings, try traditional food pairings, and learn about the distillation and wine-making process. The distillery also hosts cultural and culinary events and is expanding with new agritourism activities. Tours and tastings including group tours are available by reservation.
SHBA Pashtriku
Mountaineering club in the area going on regular hikes every Sunday. Dedicated guided hikes can also be provided by arrangement.
Kosovo Tourist Guides Association
Umbrella organization of tourist guides in Kosovo. They will put you in touch with a local guide suitable for your activity.
popular sandwich and other fast food place
qebaptore is a traditional grilled meats restaurant you will see in every corner Kosovo. This is your typical qebaptore. Needless to say, this is not for vegetarians. It can be a quick place to fill our stomach before moving on.
located in traditional Kulla tower house, this restaurant and its shaded garden offer traditional Albanian casserole meat plates at reasonable prices.
Haraçia's Inn
Han means roadhouse, a role it served for some 200 years, though it has been used as a restaurant for the last 50 years. Traditional qebaba (Balkan kebabs) is recommended.
Next door to Hani i Haraçisë is Hani i Vjetër which is part of the Han complex and has an even better atmosphere although the food is not as good. If visiting in the morning, ask for paqë (beef soup) here.
probably one of the best qebaptore's in Gjakova. Various grilled meats offered. Ask for 'paqë' (beef soup) in the morning.
BBQ with premium pork meats also served which is rare in Kosovo. Next to Pizzeria Mario Napolitano.
Traditional oven-cooked dishes and meat dishes are of high quality. You can accompany your meal with strong local brandy called rakija.
Exquisite pizzeria in the Neapolitan tradition. Pasta also served. Pork items with quality meats and cheeses also offered. Reservation is recommended.
te Bashora
fish restaurant with a nice garden in what used to be a family house.
seafood restaurant by a fisherman owner. Various types of fishes from the rivers around Gjakova and northern Albania are available.
fast sea food
Eat in relaxed family-friendly atmosphere with a great view of the city. Standard meat-based plates are served here.
Albanian and Italian foods
usual offerings with a nice view of the city below
Albanian foods prepared in wood oven
Traditional food in a quiet area covered in trees.
Nice mix of old and modern. Some food is also offered. Try the traditional samun with suxhuk.
A nice outdoor seating area in the Bazaar.
Snacks and cakes also offered in the park.
Food and drinks in a modern setting.
more of a youthful clientele with parties on weekend nights. Note that smoking areas are not fully isolated.
2 km away from the city center, at the edge of Shkugëz Forest. Sun can be intense here if you are seated outside.
nice outdoors seating in a wooded area. There is another cafe next door.
Çarshia e Jupave Hotel combines the traditions of the old city with modern Kosovo luxuries by offering a comfortable place to rest, dine, shop and do business. Çarshia e Jupave Hotel is based on a Jupa family tradition from the 1950s. Services: 24-hour reception desk, room service, wake-up service, electronic key-system, WiFi Internet access, non-smoking rooms, heating and air conditioning in your room, lockable safe, laundry and dry cleaning services, fax and copy services, smoke detectors, secure luggage storage, elevator, security, camera system, secure underground private parking, taxi reservation service, credit cards are accepted.
Hotel Pashtriku is the biggest hotel in the city. Services: free Wi-Fi, free parking, bar, restaurant, 24-hour front desk, lift, room service, conference room, fitness centre, exchange service, laundry service, indoor pool.
2 km away from the city center. Built in 2013 in the Shkugëz forest area, suitable for relaxing although weekend summer nights can be loud due to wedding parties. Services: Wi-Fi Internet access, restaurant, pool, bar, parking.
a newly opened hotel with 42 rooms and apartments, with easy access.
Services: restaurant (with a diverse cuisine), conference room, banquet hall, reception 24/7, Wi-Fi Internet, underground parking.
Hostel-F is a family-run hostel which offers accommodation with 24-hr front-desk, homemade breakfast, free street parking and laundry service.
A traditional stone house built at the end of the 18th century with very warm ambiance. Has been used as a school and to house refugees.
Guesthouse 1897 is a hostel that offers beds in dorm rooms and private rooms. You will experience a comfortable stay in a traditional city house renovated in 2019.
Authentic kulla in the historical stone village of Dranoc. Bed and breakfast with traditional dishes.
Hotel Ari is a modern and elegant hotel located about 1 km from the center of Gjakova. It offers a peaceful stay with a blend of comfort and style.
Hotel 12 is a modern, family-friendly hotel in the center of the city, offering stylish rooms, free WiFi, parking, a restaurant and a terrace.
A modern hotel with comfortable rooms, free WiFi, air conditioning and free parking.
It offers a restaurant/bar, a conference room, free parking, and free WiFi.
Offers small artistic gifts including spirits.
An art shop with cultural motifs from the area.
Artisanal foods sourced by this NGO which supports women in need.
a recently opened open air mall, it consists of numerous shops and cafes.
an indoor shopping center and supe.rmarket
By plane
Pristina International Airport Adem Jashari (PRN) is 65 km away from Gjakova.
By car
From Pristina, Gjakova is 90 km away on a partly highway road. Note that as of 2026 this road is partially under construction requiring cautious driving.
By bicycle
Gjakova is the bike capital of Kosovo, and itself is quite suitable for biking.
By taxi
Taxis are quite inexpensive: you can get around the city for €2-5 at most.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Prishtina · International · PRN
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