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From Wikitravel

Gjakova is a city and municipality in western Kosovo[a]. It is also the administrative centre of the homonymous district. The municipality's population is estimated at 150,000 (2007).[1] The city is located at 42°23′N 20°26′E / 42.39°N 20.43°E / 42.39; 20.43.

There are a number of theories concerning the name of the town: that it derives from the Serbian word đak (pupil) from earlier d(i)jak[2]; that it is named after one of the large land-owners of the area, Jak Vula - Jakova - Gjakova - (Serb Djakovica)[citation needed]; or that it derives from the Albanian word for "blood" (gjak)[3]

[edit] Get in

[edit] Get around

There are insufficient funds to reconstruct the postwar damaged cultural heritage. Most of the old Architecture has been destroyed from the Serb army during the war.

Since the city is not that big, best way to get to see it is by walking! Make sure you talk to the locals, especially the young ones, since they're more proficient in English. And you will hear a story about every corner of the city. Talking about the past is a very actual subject, but people avoid it since many families there have lost at least 1 dear member. This is a life experience, it will change you forever...enjoy!

[edit][add listing] See

The Radoniqi Lake is worth visiting! Its close to the Airport 7 km away. Taking a cab to there wouldn’t cost more than €15. Beware though, its drinking water, therefore swimming is prohibited! (Unless you go thru bushes in the other side of the lake where guards cannot see.)

Or, you could drive 8 km towards the proper Albanian border and take a Ferry to go Shkoder in the Komani Lake. The ferry runs twice a day. An amazing 2 hour trip thru the canyons! Enjoy!

[edit][add listing] Do

Gjakova city offers many thinks to do, the prices too are low. There are 4 city pools , there are many historic monuments .

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

There are two classy traditional Restaurants in Gjakove. Qabrati (spelled Chabrati) is on the top of the hill overlooking the city. They serve traditional Albanian food which includes proper 300gram beef Steaks and fresh Salads with olives tomatoes cucumbers and onions and many other local dishes. The other one is called Hani te Qarshia e vjeter, is an old traditional house built during the 1stWW has a nice cobblestone garden, excellent food and reasonable pricing.

[edit][add listing] Drink

One of the best places to go is Hard Rock Caffe - Gjakova, cheap prices and good music. Also well-known local band called "NA" plays live every Wednesday night. So don't miss it !!!

There’s also a restaurant called Qabrati on a hill overlooking the city. Take a cab and within 10 min you'll be there enjoying a wonderful view of the city. Food there is excellent and cheap. A 300gr steak can be had for only €6 and beers for only €1.

Peja Beer is a MUST. Cocktails are bit hard to find. Long drinks cost not more than €2-3. Tipping is not mandatory but probably highly appreciated!

Spirits are also cheap. In any given Bar/Pub you can taste the home make Raki for €1 per shot (at least 5 cl that is). There are 2 discos in town which are usualy open on Fri and Saturdays! The city is quite crowded especially during summer time due to large numbers of expats visiting friends and family!

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Hotel Jakova and Hotel Pashtriku. Prices range from €25-70. Not posh but good enough for an average tourist. Taxis are quite cheap, you can get around the city for €2-3 tops. There are plenty or Cafes and Bars in Qarshia e Vogel (downtown) where you can go and have a Peja beer, relax and eventually meet youngs which would be excited to meet someone new in town.

[edit] Safety

Be aware that 70 % of the city has been destroyed and people there struggle to lead a dignified life, so, showing off is probably something that you want to avoid. And security is at its highest level, you're probably more secure there than in London; you can walk at anytime at night in the city and not be worried about anything! Have fun and enjoy!

[edit] Get out

Nightlife is pretty active during summer time. Young crowds go out on a promenade on the main street and then end up in bars and clubs. There live music during weekends, either Rock or Albanian folk music (mainly in restaurants on wedding occasions).