Gjakova

It was established as a trading town, sporting the largest bazaar in the Balkans, called Çarshia e Madhe (the Grand Bazaar). The tradesmanship spirit and some of the trades practiced still remain in the city. 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 practised, 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 the independence of Kosovo and Serbian forces. Around 75% of 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, much of town's ethnic Albanian inhabitants returned (who make 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.

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).

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

• 🌍 City tour, Hadum Aga, n. n. (next to Sylejman Hadum Aga Mosque at the Grand Bazaar), ☏ +383 390 327 850, +383 45 676 015, touristofficegjakova@gmail.com. By arrangement. 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. Price by arrangement. 
• 🌍 Radoniqi Lake (close to the airport, 7 km away; taking a cab to there wouldn't cost more than €15). Radoniqi Lake is the drinking water source of the town, therefore swimming is prohibited! free. 

Metal handicrafts, utensils and engravings can be bought at various places around town, including at the Grand Bazaar. Plis, the white traditional Albanian hat, can also be bought starting at €5.

Cuisine in Gjakova is not very diverse, but offers the traditional Kosovo cuisine in a modest setting and at reasonable prices.

• 🌍 Hani i Haraçisë, Qamil Bakalli st. (off Ismail Qemali st), ☏ +383 44 236 838, +383 44 344 719. 08-23. Han means roadhouse, a role it served for some 200 years, but this object has been turned into a restaurant for the last 50 years. Traditional qebaba (Balkan kebabs) is recommended. Next door Hani i Vjetër which is part of the complex has an even better atmosphere although the food is not as good. If visiting in the morning, ask for paqë (beef soup) here. €5-10. 

• 🌍 Çarshia e Jupave, Ismail Qemaili st. Nr. 9, Gjakovë (at the northern entrance of Grand Bazaar), ☏ +383 44 129 159, +383 49 129 159, +383390 330 444, fax: +383 390 330 444, info@Çarshiaejupave.com. Traditional oven-cooked dishes here are the best in town and meat dishes are of high quality. Accompany your meal with strong local brandy called rakija. €7-15. 
• 🌍 Jaki Grill, Gjon Nikollë Kazazi, Gjakovë 50000 (near the Catholic Church, in the outskirts towards Albanian border), ☏ +38344616922. M-Sa 09:00-23:00. BBQ with premium pork meats also served which is rare in Kosovo. Next to Pizzeria Mario Napolitano. (updated May 2023)
• 🌍 Oxygen, Martin Camaj st. (take the uphill to the end of the paved road at Çabrati Hill), ☏ +38349404730. Eat in relaxed family-friendly atmosphere with a great view of the city. Standard meat-based plates are served here. €5-10. 
• 🌍 Restaurant Promaja, Ujz, Gjakova 50500 (near White Drin river, on the national road to Prizren), ☏ +38344430198. Agrotourism restaurant with farm grown foods. (updated May 2022)
• 🌍 Mario Napolitano, Rr. Gjon Nikollë Kazazi (outside town in the direction of Albania, by the two Catholic churches, next to Jaki Grill), ☏ +38348799778. 16:00-23:00. Exquisite pizzeria in the Neapolitan tradition. Pasta also served. Pork items with quality meats and cheeses also offered. Reservation is recommended. €12 for a full course. (updated May 2023)

Çarshia e Vjetër pedestrian area has numerous cafes and is the main place where young people gather.

Outside the town, in the Shkugëza Forest, several cafes are located. Locals walk to the area and drink their espressos or machiatos. Standard food is also available.

• 🌍 Damë (at the Palace of Culture, in the central park), ☏ +38345442211. food and drinks in a modern setting. (updated May 2022)
• 🌍 D.E.L. House Bar, Marin Barleti st. (near the Cultural Centre, in the centre of the city). It's a nice place to have a great party, especially during the weekends. €0.70 and up. 
• 🌍 Ku Zine (at Çarshia e Madhe (Grand Bazaar)). Nice mix of old and modern. Food is also offered here. €0.70 and up. 
• 🌍 Old Barrel (in the Grand Bazaar). nice outdoor seating area in the Bazaar. (updated May 2024)
• Retrospektiv, Ismail Qemajli st, nr. 58 (the Grand Bazaar). It's known for being the only rock café in the town and for being open till the last guest leaves. €0.70 and up. 
• 🌍 HD Club, Gjon Buzuku st. (if you are in the centre of the city, you can go there on foot easily, only by following the main Mother Theresa st., which may take you 20 minutes of walking, or you can get a cab and pay €2). Frequented by the youth of all over Kosovo, it is known as one of the best nightclubs in the country. €0.70 and up. 
• 🌍 N'Pub, Mother Theresa st. (Small Bazaar), ☏ +383 44 601 331. It is an indoor nightclub which is open only during the winter season. You can find there some great parties with live music and cheap beers. €0.70 and up. 

Several choices are available for sleeping. The costs of sleeping ranges from €20-50 per night.

• 🌍 Hotel Çarshia e Jupave, Ismail Qemaili st. Nr. 9, Gjakovë (at the northern entrance of Grand Bazaar), ☏ +383 44 129 159, +383 49 129 159, +383 390 330 444, fax: +383 390 330 444, info@qarshiaejupave.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. 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 thee 1950s. Services: 24-hour reception desk, room rervice, 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. €30-100. (updated Jun 2017)
• 🌍 Hotel Pashtriku, Nëna Terezë st, Gjakovë (in the centre of the city), ☏ +383 390 327 101, hotel_pashtriku@yahoo.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. 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. €30-90. 
• 🌍 Hotel La Villa, Shkugez, Gjakovë, ☏ +383390 327 692. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. 2 km away from the city center. Built in 2013 in the surroundings of Shkugëz forest, suitable for relaxing although weekend summer nights can be loud due to wedding parties. Services: Wi-Fi Internet access, restaurant, pool, bar, parking. €30-60. 
• 🌍 Hotel Jakova, Migjeni st. (Blloku i Ri), Gjakovë (taking a taxi is recommended), ☏ +383 44 580 103, hoteljakova@hotmail.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Built in 1999 in the new part of town 5 min away from the city center by car.Services: Wi-Fi Internet access, restaurant, parking, bar. €20-40. 
• 🌍 Hotel Metropol, Nëna Terezë st., Gjakovë (In the direction of Peja, near the Firefighting Station), ☏ +383 44 388 169, +383 38 734 686, +383 38 734 658. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Services: restaurant (with a diverse cuisine), conference room, banquet hall, reception 24/7, Wi-Fi Internet, underground parking. €20-35. 
• 🌍 Hostel F, Hasan Dashi st. no. 31 (continue south from Hadum Mosque, make first right, then first left into the alley), ☏ +383 44 188 332, fatimeboshnjaku@gmail.com. Hostel-F is a family-run hostel which offers accommodation with 24-hr front-desk, homemade breakfast, free street parking and laundry service. €10-15. (updated Dec 2017)
• 🌍 Kulla Dula Guesthouse, Ganimete Terbeshi, 38, ☏ +383 44 464 576. 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. (updated May 2023)
• 🌍 Guesthouse 1897, Mithat Frasheri 86 (650 m from the northern entrance of Grand Bazaar), ☏ +38344608957. Check-in: 24/7, check-out: 10:00–11:00. Guesthouse 1897 is a hostel that offers beds in dorm rooms as well as private rooms. You will experience a comfort stay in a traditional city house renovated in 2019. It is 650 m from the northern entrance of the Grand Bazaar under the foot of Cabrati hill. Guesthouse 1897 offers a spacious rooms and common areas and the opportunity to travel back in time with its mini museum that is exhibited there. Services: 24-hr check-in, free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, traditional food, room service, free parking, laundry services, exhibition space and museum space. €10-15. (updated Jul 2019)
• 🌍 Kulla Isuf Mazrekaj, Village Dranoc. Very authentic kulla in the historical stone village of Dranoc. Bed and breakfast with traditional dishes. (updated Jun 2017)

Wireless Internet is widely available in cafés and restaurants throughout the city, although it's a good idea to ask if one is available before you sit down. Free public Wi-Fi is also available around the city through PTK (username: ptk, password: telekomi) and Fibrelink hotspots (no login). Internet cafés are also available at a cost of €0.60/hour with drinks served.

Several private phone calling shops with long-distance calling are available. You may also use the state telco company PTK main Gjakova branch downtown or several of its kiosks around the city to buy calling credit and use phone cabins.

Mobile telephony providers Vala and Ipko provide 3G and 4G internet telephony.