Serbia is hot on the new top European travel list for all the right reasons. A country of contrasts, Serbia balances young, colourful and bustling cities with verdant natural landscapes that are lush, green and ready to be explored in summer and winter wonderlands when snowfalls. In short, this landlocked country ticks boxes.
Serbian’s lively, positive attitude and enthusiasm for activity is addictive. Whether you are chatting with locals, out adventuring in the mountains, or sitting back with a drink, you’ll feel the energy oozing from this lively nation.
Not so long ago, Serbia did not have this reputation. A country that has survived war after war, Serbia established its current borders after World War II as part of Yugoslavia and only became independent again in the 1990s. This can still be felt in its city streets with distinctly Soviet buildings found on street corners.
The creativity of the Serbians will always pull through and this is where the charms of this country are found. In its pop-up cocktail bars, rubble to ritz coffee shops and live music everywhere you turn.
Outside of Serbia’s many cities, there are many unique ecosystems to be explored. From the high mountains of Kopaonik and Zlatibor to the deep gorges of Derdap, a visit to Serbia is a chance to explore an undiscovered natural landscape. It’s an adventure lover’s dream with endemic flora and fauna and well-established trails for skiers, hikers and bikers alike – this is the perfect year-round destination covering all your travel needs.
This travel guide to Serbia strikes the balance between seductive cities and luscious landscapes that will attract all manner of travellers to this beautiful landlocked country.
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When to Visit Serbia
From April onwards the weather continues to improve in Serbia as it progresses into European summer, which is the perfect time to explore Serbia if you are looking for a warm holiday. Throughout the country, rainfall is at its highest from May to June. That being said, Serbia is a mountainous country so be prepared for all manner of weather conditions. The weather can change at any moment!
From December into February, Serbia has the perfect conditions for skiing, particularly at the beginning of December when skiers and snowboards flock from all over Europe to enjoy Serbia’s best powder.
Useful fact: Stari Grad translates from Serbian to mean ‘old town’. Each city that you visit in Serbia, and other Balkan countries, will have one.
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Top Places to Go in Serbia
Serbia benefits from a balance of thriving natural landscapes, man-made wonders, archaeological findings and cities that are set to impress. Read on to find something for you;
Belgrade
Belgrade has been through a lot, and at long last, it’s starting to come out the other side as the thriving metropolis that it was always destined to be.
While in Belgrade, you’ll be drawn in by bustling cafes with the lingering smell of Serbia’s highly sought after coffee and tempted to have just one more spritz as it turns to the evening.
The city was once divided into what is referred to as the old and the new Belgrade. Now combined, most of your Belgrade travels will fall into the old side, however, should you be interested, wandering New Belgrade is an experience with a distinctly Soviet feel.
Belgrade is not the prettiest city; years of war have left many abandoned buildings, crumbling walls and a bit of a rusted look that may just surprise you. Running with the boho feel, Belgrade has cool cafes and restaurants, bars and boutiques at every turn!
Derdap Gorge
A must for all nature lovers on their Serbia travels, Derdap Gorge National Park is a staggering collaboration of natural and man-made wonders. The Iron Gates gorge, Golubac Fortress, the Danube and hundreds of creatures make this a formidable combination of attractions that appeal to all manner of travellers just like in this 10-day wine and history in Serbia tour.
As Serbia’s largest national park, Derdap Gorge does not hold back! Sitting on the border of Romania, Derdap Gorge is dramatically separated into four separate gorges by the Danube River with cliff faces sculpting the landscape for over 100 kilometres. Whether you choose to hike or cycle on the many trails that you can take, you’ll be guaranteed plenty of stops at viewpoints to enjoy its beauty on the way.
Novi Sad
The charms of Novi Sad will make you think this youthful city is like Belgrade’s cool younger brother.
With ruin-to-rustic bars spilling onto the streets at night and a burgeoning creative scene that can be felt emanating through its pastel pedestrianised walkway, Zmaj Jovina; Novi Sad is a city to get excited about while on holiday in Serbia.
Coined as the Serbian Athens, Novi Sad has been bringing in the accolades to Serbia for years now, rightfully earning the city its crown. However, you may be surprised to hear that Novi Sad is quiet. Outside of the excitement of the famed EXIT Festival, the laid-back vibe of this city will lull you into the ultimate state of relaxation punctuated by live music and art galleries.
Skiing on Kopaonik Mountain
As Serbia’s largest mountain range that stretches into Kosovo, Kopaonik has room for a national park that protects some of Serbia’s endemic species as well as the largest skiing centre in the country.
Nature lovers will rejoice in Kopaonik National Park’s flora and fauna which is one of the richest subalpine ecosystems in the country with many endemic flora species. The national park also has a history of volcanic activity which has resulted in bountiful zinc, iron and lead excavations. Animals who wander the park include golden eagles, tawny and eagle owls as well as wildcats.
Ravni Kopaonik is a centre for skiing and tourism where there are many routes that will delight both novice and experienced skiers looking for the ultimate Serbia tourist place. The other is Brzeca which has an impressive 24 lifts and over 55 kilometres of slopes for all abilities. This truly is a powder lover’s dream.
Uvac Natural Reserve
This beautiful reserve is characterised by the flow of the Uvac River that starts at the Zlatibor mountain and finishes at Zlatar mountain. It has carved deep limestone canyons of unmistakable beauty into its landscape. The Uvac River is used to generate energy that has taken the form of four artificial lakes.
Uvac Nature Reserve sits in the southwest of Serbia and has received particular recognition for its efforts to preserve concentrations of griffon vultures who live around the Uvac Lake. In addition to the vulture, there are also over 250 different species of rare birds that live around the Uvac River.
The natural reserve is perfect for a day of hiking on your Servia travels where you can see amazing views from the 12 viewpoints that are located throughout the park.
Nis
Each city in Serbia has an unmistakable charm, and Nis will lure you in with its character-building contrasts.
With a history of being a thriving city since the Roman Empire, Nis still has traces of its Turkish and Ottoman rule in its streets, not forgetting the harrowing reminder of being home to one of the Nazi’s most notorious camps.
However, modern-day Nis is a bit of a buzzword. Students bustle in the streets to the sound of the city’s thriving music scene while families and local artisans make weekend markets a delight to the senses. Come summertime, there is rarely a moment where there is not something happening in Nis as you’ll see on this 16-day grand Balkan tour. It’s the sort of city that will always surprise you – if you keep your finger on the pulse!
Zlatibor Mountain
As Serbia’s most famous mountain range, Zlatibor mountain warrants some attention. This year-round destination reaps the benefits of its nature. Zlatibor enjoys a unique positioning that generates the current of both sea and mountain minerals, creating some of the freshest air you’ll ever breathe!
Once you have cleaned out the toxins, you’ll struggle to choose what to do first, there are few Serbia excursions that are not in Zlatibor. From spring to summer, nature lovers will love the hiking, horse riding and cycling trails that take you through pine forests, meadows, mountain streams and pastures. In winter, Zlatibor mountain turns into Serbia’s top ski resort with schools and slopes for all abilities!
Drvengrad
A film set turned tourist attraction, Drvengrad is a traditional timber town, as the name suggests, nestled between the Tara and Zlatibor mountains.
The town is made out of timber houses and log cabins that were found around Serbia and brought here to make an idealistic atmosphere for director Emir Kusturica’s award-winning film. With streets named after famous people from around the world and key features like an art gallery, library and pastry shops, the village seems fully functional.
You can visit Drvengrad easily from Belgrade, as you will see on this 7-day Balkan essentials of Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina tour.
Charming Subotica
Sitting on the Hungarian border is a quiet city with a distinctly beautiful charm. Subotica travel is romantic, to say the least. Walking along the tree-lined streets you’ll run into ornate architectural gems and beautiful terrace restaurants that encourage you to sit back and people-watch while dining on Serbia’s favourite cuisine.
While in Subotica, you’ll never have to worry about missing out on something great, this compact city can be explored thoroughly in a day. No matter what you choose to do, your walk must go past Raichle Palace, a building that has boldly been named as the most beautiful in all of Europe.
Serbia Monasteries Not to Miss
Monasteries litter the Serbian landscape, offering a glimpse into the sacred world of religion and its place within Serbian history.
Orthodox Catholicism is the religion that charges Serbia, so much so that many say that you are not considered Serb if you don’t practice the religion. With that, come many, many monasteries and churches that are led by monks.
Found in the most unassuming places, the monasteries date back to the medieval era and run into the more recent 20th century, despite the Serbian Orthodox church not officially forming until 1920. The monasteries have acted as both religious places and as a form of refuge for monks across the country in an effort to preserve the religion in protest against invader’s ideals.
Some of the most notable are Sopocani Monastery in the region of Ras, Mileseva Monastery near Prijepolje, and Zica and Studenica Monastery which are both near Kraljevo, and some of the most important in the country.
A must on any Serbia tour package, visiting any monastery in Serbia will guarantee a peek through the window of the country’s eventful history.
How to Get Around Serbia
Bus
The bus systems that navigate Serbia are extensive, comfortable and affordable. However, the seasoned traveller may not be surprised to learn that you may be left in unexpected places waiting after one bus leaves you for a few hours with the promise that another will come soon. If this sounds like a living nightmare to you, you may wish to opt for another option.
While reservations may be offered, it’s only worthwhile during peak season.
Private Driver and Self-Drive
Should you wish to explore the more remote parts of Serbia or are looking to explore outside the towns and cities (and you should), hiring a driver with one of our Local Designers will make your trip a breeze.
Adventure lovers will leap at the opportunity to take to the wheel in Serbia. While undulating landscapes and things to see in the most unexpected places, doing a self-drive tour in Serbia is an incredibly rewarding experience. What’s more, you can expand your Serbia travels further afield to other Balkan countries like Hungary, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bicycle
While cycling is not very popular in the cities, pedalling through countryside destinations in the summertime is a relaxing way to experience Serbia’s greenery. Mountainous destinations like Zlatibor and Tara National Park are great for mountain bikers looking for a challenge.
Train
For a relaxing and scenic way to hop between Serbia’s cities, jumping on the train is a wonderful alternative to taking the car. Serbian Railways connects all of Serbia’s major cities with some stops at smaller places along the way. More of an attraction than a mode of transport, the Sargan Eight railway is a popular means of sightseeing in Mokra Gora.
Where to Stay in Serbia
Serbia does not do things by half measures and accommodation is a great example. Ranging from high-end luxury to budget-friendly simple hostels, you’ll find an impressive range of options here;
Nis
The majority of accommodation options in Nis are within close proximity to the city centre. As a much smaller city than the capital, Belgrade, there is less variety, however, the accommodation options in Nis are all of a very good standard.
From large hotels to guesthouses and hostels, Nis accommodation options are light, bright and spacious with a sophisticated flair.
Belgrade
For travellers, there are two areas to consider when in Belgrade, Republic Square and the Stari Grad. Both of these areas put you within reaching distance of all that Belgrade has to offer while also being within close proximity to many restaurants and bars.
Interesting alternatives to these areas include Dorcol, Belgrade’s old-time food haven and Vracar, if you are looking to experience a more luxurious side to the city.
Novi Sad
As Serbia’s second-largest city, Novi Sad has a variety of accommodation options in the city centre which is perfect for first-time travellers looking to explore all that there is here. For a more local experience, you can find many options in the surrounding areas that are still within walking distance to all Novi Sad has to offer; however, these sit comfortably in the mid-range to high-end.
Subotica
As a small town, Subotica is a stunning region with limited accommodation options. You’ll notice that higher-end options seem like grand palaces, whereas budget accommodation options are very much bottom range – this is what comes with visiting a small town! Not to worry, the charm and beauty of Subotica more than make up for it.
Food & Drinks You Have to Try in Serbia
Karadjordjeva Snicla
You might be surprised to discover that this dish is familiar to you!
Karadjordjeva šnicla is breaded veal, pork or beef, a meat dish that was the result of a chef not having chicken to hand for a chicken kiev! For those unfamiliar with Karadjordjeva šnicla (or a chicken kiev), it’s meat stuffed with cream and garlic, breaded and fried to create an oozy, delicious combination.
Ćevapi
Serbia is the land of grilled meats. You may shrug this off until you try it. Ćevapi in Serbia is a delicious small grilled sausage, however, in other Balkan countries, it varies. Traditionally served in bread with fried onion and sour cream, this is the best barbecue sausage roll you’ll ever have.
Đuveč
Add a little meat and vegetables, and cook them slowly in a tomato broth and you have Đuveč, a hearty stew that is a staple in Serbia. Interestingly, this dish came with the long slog of the Ottoman rule. Great for a cool day in the mountains, this dish is sure to warm you up.
Sarma
The comfort food of all Serbs, Sarma is a household favourite across the country and the Balkans. This simple dish is the sort of thing that your Grandma cooks you when you are home (if you are from this part of the world), a simple sour cabbage that holds together rice and mincemeat.
If you are visiting other countries in the Balkan region, you’ll encounter several variations of this dish, however, this is the most Serbian-style version.
Festivals to Watch Out For in Serbia
EXIT Festival
As Novi Sad’s biggest festival, and one that has put Serbia on the music festival map, knowing about the EXIT Festival can either be beneficial to avoid the city or beneficial because you want to go!
While the EXIT Festival is only held in Petrovaradin Fortress, it’s buzz can be felt throughout the city. Featuring some of the world’s most well-known artists, people flock from far and wide to attend, booking out all accommodation options in the city, and even camping on the streets.
Smederevska Jesen
Taking place in September to welcome in the autumn months, Smederevska Jesen is Serbia’s oldest festival that honours the vineyards of Smederevska. The event showcases a range of local products and expresses Serbia’s cultural heritage throughout Smederevo’s streets.
Nisville
Considered a valuable contribution to cultural tourism, Nisville is Serbia’s largest jazz festival. Taking over the fortress in Nis over August, the jazz festival welcomes artists from over the world, and with it come jazz lovers from the Balkans and beyond.
Kustendorf
We saved the best till last. Kustendorf is an internationally renowned film festival created by Emir Kusturica. The festival takes place in the village of Drvengrad, Kusturica’s own creation for his most famous film. The festival continues to grow from strength to strength, welcoming Serbia’s biggest celebrities.
Things to Know Before You Visit Serbia
Visa: It’s important to note that while Serbia is part of Europe, it has its own visa policy. Many countries are allowed to enter Serbia free for 90 days, it’s important to check the list before you go.
Money: The currency of Serbia is the Serbian dinar. At the time of writing, March 2021, 1 USD is equal to 98.23 Serbian dinar.
Language: In Serbia, people speak Serbian. This is a Slavic language that has some ties to neighbouring countries’ languages.
Respect: Wars in Serbia ended in 2001, people are traumatised. Be mindful and do not ask questions about it. Serbians are very proud of their country!
Inat: A cultural whip to remember before you go. In Serbia, ‘inat’ means that people will go to impressive lengths to do things because they have been told they can’t. In fact, it’s almost expected of you.
Pace: In Serbia, people take it easy. This translates to services, events, and life in general. It’s a way of life, so it’s important to be patient, sit back and relax, things will happen eventually.
Ready to Travel to Serbia?
As Europe’s new thriving country, this travel guide will have you exploring Serbia in no time! To take the next step on your journey by browsing a range of fully-customisable tours to Serbia.
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