Walking Tour of Gjakova's Old Bazaar

Why Walk

Gjakova is best seen on foot. The historic core is compact, the main street is closed to traffic, and every stop below lies within a short stroll of the next. Start at the north entrance of the bazaar, and allow a relaxed half day with a lunch stop.

The Route

  1. Kulla of Abdullah Pashë Dreni. The stone tower of 1790 at the bazaar entrance houses the Tourist Information Centre, where maps and guide contacts are available on weekdays.
  2. Hadum Mosque. View the exterior and the courtyard, and the site of the old library. Go outside prayer times and dress modestly, since this is a working mosque.
  3. Sylejman Hadum Aga Street. Walk the length of the Old Bazaar, past craft shops and cafés. Ku Zine at no. 51 is a quick stop for samun with suxhuk, from about 1 EUR.
  4. Clock Tower and Hani i Haraçisë. See the tower from outside, then have lunch in the old caravanserai, where mains cost about 5 to 10 EUR.
  5. Sheh Emin Tekke and Bektashi Tekke. The Sheh Emin Tekke sits at the northern end of the bazaar. Visit with respect and by arrangement, and go inside the Bektashi Tekke if it is open to visitors.
  6. Taliq Bridge. This pedestrian bridge of 1816 crosses the Krena at the southern edge of the bazaar and is a good place to finish.
  7. Tabak Bridge (optional). The 1771 bridge over the Erenik lies south of town. Allow extra time to reach it, and treat it as a separate outing.

Çabrati Hill

A steep climb west of the bazaar leads up Çabrati hill, and it takes about 30 minutes on foot. It is not suitable for larger vehicles. The first stop on the hill is the Çabrat martyrs’ and fallen cemetery, a place of mourning where visitors keep quiet and respectful. Beyond it are a viewpoint and restaurant terraces, such as Oxygen at 128 Martirët e Lirisë, where meals cost about 5 to 10 EUR.

Practical Tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, because the hill is steep.
  • Taxis in town cost about 2 to 5 EUR if you want a ride back from the hill.
  • Cafés and bars along the main street stay open into the evening, often to 23:00 or later, so the route also works as a late stroll.
  • The euro is the currency.

Getting to the Start

Fly into Pristina, as Gjakova Airport is a military airfield with no civilian flights. The bus to Gjakova takes 1 h 15 to 1 h 30 and costs about 5 EUR on average. The bus station is at the town entrance from Pristina, and a taxi on to the bazaar costs about 2 to 5 EUR.

Read more: sightseeing in Gjakova gives the history behind each landmark.

Walking notes and venue addresses are on Wikivoyage , bus fares are on Gjirafa Travel , and a guided version of the route can be booked through GetYourGuide .