Gjakova.
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Overview

Gjakova/Gjakovë (Albanian) or Đakovica (Serbian) is a city in western Kosovo with about 79,000 inhabitants (2024). Set among mountains with hiking trails, Gjakova is a center of culture and learning, and famous for its Grand Bazaar with many kinds of traditional handicrafts for sale.

Understand

It was established as a trading town, home to the largest bazaar in the Balkans, called Çarshia e Madhe (the Grand Bazaar). The spirit of craftsmanship and some of the trades practiced there still survive today. The city is centrally located in the Dukagjin Valley of western Kosovo, equal distance between the cities of Prizren to the south and Peja to the north. It also has a historic link to the Gjakova Highlands, now across the border in northern Albania.

The townspeople pride themselves in their sense of town music practiced, humour and sarcasm which distinguish it from the rest of Kosovo and enforce the local character. Gjakova has contributed several important leaders to the history of Kosovo, such as World War II partisan and post-war leader Fadil Hoxha and communist Yugoslav Presidency Chairman Mahmut Bakalli, as well as to the cultural scene.

Gjakova was badly hit by the Kosovo War of 1998–99, fought between Kosovo Liberation Army guerrillas demanding independence and Serbian forces. Around 75% of the town's population was driven out by the Serb Army during the war, and many of the city's homes and important monuments were burnt down or otherwise destroyed. After the war, most of the town's ethnic Albanian inhabitants returned (comprising up to 98% of the population). Many of the stores in the old-town area, locally known as Çarshia e Madhe, were rebuilt.

While in Gjakova, make sure you talk to the locals, especially the young ones, since they are more proficient in English. And you will hear a story about every corner of the city.

The town has sizable diasporas in Switzerland, Germany, and Belgium. Especially during the summer months, you might see many expensive foreign cars from these countries circling around town. The foreign family members return here for vacation as well as for marriages because this way the whole family can join the wedding. The Çarshia e Madhe has many shops specialized in wedding attire.

Municipal Tourist Information Office.

Get in

The inter-city bus station is at the entrance of the town when coming from Pristina, with easy access to the town.

If you are in Shkodra, you can have an adventurous route via Lake Koman. Get a furgon (minivan) at 06:00 from Shkodra to Koman. There you can catch the passenger or car ferry to Fierzë, then get a furgon (van) to Bajram Curri and another furgon to Gjakova, arriving around mid-day in Gjakova.

If you are in Skopje, take the bus going either to Pristina or Prizren, then from there take another bus to Gjakova.

By plane Pristina International Airport Adem Jashari is 65 km away from Gjakova. From there you can get a taxi, or walk to the roundabout in Fushë Kosovë on the outskirt of Pristina and wait there for the Gjakova bus passing by from Pristina.

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. A longer but safer way might be to go through the M9 Ibrahim Rugova highway taking Gjakova exit. The road from Montenegro will take you first to Peja, Gjakova is another 36 km to the south. If you come from Albania, the easiest way is through the highway Durres - Kukes - Prizren, then taking the Gjakova exit with another 25 km on the Prizren-Gjakova regional road.

Get around

On foot Since the city is not that big, the best way to get to see it is by walking.

By bicycle Gjakova is the bike capital of Kosovo, and itself is quite suitable for biking.

See

Some monuments in Gjakova had to be repaired or rebuilt after their destruction during the war. Enjoy the walk through the scenic old town. There, you should visit the guesthouse/restaurant Hani i Haraqisë which sits on a small street with shops specialized in woodwork. The church and the main Hadum Mosque have also been rebuilt and can be visited (opening times change).

The Grand Bazaar. 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.

Some of the main handicrafts: Cradlemakers - Gjakova is known for its cradle makers, attracting buyers from around Kosovo. There are still a few artisans left by the Hadum Mosque. Production of arms - Gunsmiths Silversmiths Tailors ("Terzinjtë") Curriers ("Tabakët") Woolen white hat ("Qeleshe") craft

Haraçia's Inn. 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.

Xhamia e Mulla Jusufit. Built in 1850, it is one of the most authentic monuments of Gjakova

Hadum Mosque. 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). .

Saint Paul and Saint Peter Church. 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).

Church of Saint Anthony. 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.

The Grand Autocephalous Balcanic Tekke. One of the oldest monuments built in Gjakova, showing a unique style of building 10 minutes on foot away from the centre.

The Bektashi Tekke. 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.

Tabak Bridge. 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.

Terezi Bridge. 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 houses below are characterized by interesting and unique architecture, of mainly traditional and oriental style.

House of Rexhep Haxhi Ismaili. 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.

Tower house (kulla) of Abdullah Pashë Dreni. 3-5 minutes on foot from the centre, at the entrance of the Grand Bazaar of Gjakova. It serves as the Tourist Information Centre.

The tower house (kulla) of Imer Hoxha in Junik, otherwise known as the Ode of Junik has a unique history.

Shkugëza Park. 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. 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.

Radoniqi Lake. Close to the Gjakova Airport, 7 km away. As it's the area's source of drinking water, swimming is prohibited.

White Drin Canyon. 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.

Do

Gjakova is surrounded by beautiful hikable mountain trails lush with greenery and water.

City tour. 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. Radoniqi Lake is the drinking water source of the town, therefore swimming is prohibited!

Days of the Albanian Festival. a summer cultural festival held over several weekends in July and August. Evening concerts of Albanian artists are particularly interesting.

Gjakova Trail Run. 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.

Risons Wine & Distillery. 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.

Guided hikes by Mountaineering Society Pashtriku. Mountaineering club in the area going on regular hikes every Sunday. Dedicated guided hikes can also be provided by arrangement.

GuideKS. Umbrella organization of tourist guides in Kosovo. They will put you in touch with a local guide suitable for your activity.

Buy

Gift shops Several gift shops are available around the Grand Bazaar.

Una. Offers small artistic gifts including spirits.

Atele Viki. An art shop with cultural motifs from the area.

Medica Gjakova. Artisanal foods sourced by this NGO which supports women in need.

Gjakova Park. a recently opened open air mall, it consists of numerous shops and cafes.

Nertili Shopping Center. an indoor shopping center and supe.rmarket

Eat

Gjakova offers the traditional Kosovo cuisine in a modest setting and at reasonable prices.

Dea Food. popular sandwich and other fast food place

Old Town. 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.

Restaurant Kulla. located in traditional Kulla tower house, this restaurant and its shaded garden offer traditional Albanian casserole meat plates at reasonable prices.

Hani i Haraçisë. 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.

Hani i Vjetër. 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.

Grill House. probably one of the best qebaptore's in Gjakova. Various grilled meats offered. Ask for 'paqë' (beef soup) in the morning.

Jaki Grill. BBQ with premium pork meats also served which is rare in Kosovo. Next to Pizzeria Mario Napolitano.

Çarshia e Jupave. Traditional oven-cooked dishes and meat dishes are of high quality. You can accompany your meal with strong local brandy called rakija.

Mario Napolitano. Exquisite pizzeria in the Neapolitan tradition. Pasta also served. Pork items with quality meats and cheeses also offered. Reservation is recommended.

Krapi. fish restaurant with a nice garden in what used to be a family house.

Qingji i Ujit. seafood restaurant by a fisherman owner. Various types of fishes from the rivers around Gjakova and northern Albania are available.

Oxygen. Eat in relaxed family-friendly atmosphere with a great view of the city. Standard meat-based plates are served here.

Villa Italia. Albanian and Italian foods

Sofra e Zanave. usual offerings with a nice view of the city below

Restaurant Begi Natyral. Albanian foods prepared in wood oven

Restaurant Te Bungat. Traditional food in a quiet area covered in trees.

Drink

Grand Bazaar (Çarshia e Vjetër) pedestrian area has numerous cafés and is the main place where young people gather, sitting outside when weather allows.

Outside the town, in the Shkugëza Forest, several cafes are located. Locals walk or drive to the area in scorching days and drink their espressos in the forest's shade. Standard food is also available here. Çabrati Hill is another option if you prefer a view of the city below.

Ku Zine. Nice mix of old and modern. Some food is also offered. Try the traditional samun with suxhuk.

Old Barrel. A nice outdoor seating area in the Bazaar.

Arra. Snacks and cakes also offered in the park.

Damë. Food and drinks in a modern setting.

D.E.L. House Bar. more of a youthful clientele with parties on weekend nights. Note that smoking areas are not fully isolated.

Resstaurant La Villa. 2 km away from the city center, at the edge of Shkugëz Forest. Sun can be intense here if you are seated outside.

Lisat e Vjetër. nice outdoors seating in a wooded area. There is another cafe next door.

Sleep

Several choices are available for sleeping.

Hotel Çarshia e Jupave. 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. 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.

Hotel La Villa. 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.

Hotel Miguna. a newly opened hotel with 42 rooms and apartments, with easy access.

Hotel Metropol. Services: restaurant (with a diverse cuisine), conference room, banquet hall, reception 24/7, Wi-Fi Internet, underground parking.

Hostel F. Hostel-F is a family-run hostel which offers accommodation with 24-hr front-desk, homemade breakfast, free street parking and laundry service.

Kulla Dula Guesthouse. 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. 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.

Kulla Isuf Mazrekaj. Authentic kulla in the historical stone village of Dranoc. Bed and breakfast with traditional dishes.

Hotel Ari. 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. 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.

Hotel Driada. A modern hotel with comfortable rooms, free WiFi, air conditioning and free parking.

Hotel Apollonia. It offers a restaurant/bar, a conference room, free parking, and free WiFi.