serbia travel guide pdf

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Diverse, welcoming and a hell of a lot of fun – everything you never heard about Serbia is true. Best of all, this landlocked country in the heart of the Balkans is still delightfully off the tourist trail. While the feisty Serbian spirit is embodied in Belgrade’s world-class nightlife and Novi Sad’s epic EXIT Festival, look beyond these historic metropolises and you’ll discover a crucible of cultures and unsullied outdoors ripe for exploration.

Best Things to Do

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Belgrade Fortress

Belgrade Fortress

Some 115 battles have been fought over imposing, impressive Belgrade Fortress (aka Kalemegdan); the citadel was destroyed more than 40 times throughout…

Uvac Canyon

Uvac Canyon

The Uvac River's spectacular meanders are the highlight of the 75-sq-km Uvac nature reserve in southwestern Serbia. The incredibly green river snakes…

Studenica Monastery, Kraljevo, Serbia ; Shutterstock ID 631705469; Your name (First / Last): Brana V; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Serbia destination pages

Studenica Monastery

One of Serbia's most sacred sites, Unesco-listed Studenica was established in 1196 by the founder of the Serbian empire (and future saint) Stefan Nemanja…

Kadinjača Memorial Complex

Kadinjača Memorial Complex

Serbia's most grandiose spomenik (Yugoslav-era memorial), Kadinjača commemorates the Partisans from the Workers' Battalion who perished on this spot…

Memorial Museum '21st October'

Memorial Museum '21st October'

Šumarice Memorial Park is home to a sombre museum that tells the harrowing story of the 1941 massacre of around 3000 Kragujevac civilians during the…

Petrovaradin fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia

Petrovaradin Fortress

Towering over the river on a 40m-high volcanic slab, this mighty citadel, considered Europe's second-biggest fortress (and one of its best preserved), is…

Vratna Gates

Vratna Gates

The remote Negotin region hides one of the country's more dramatic natural phenomena. Three gigantic stone arches – known as Small Gate (Mala kapija), Big…

Museum of Yugoslavia

Museum of Yugoslavia

This must-visit museum houses an invaluable collection of more than 200,000 artefacts representing the fascinating, tumultuous history of Yugoslavia…

Top picks from our travel experts

7 unmissable experiences in serbia.

Drvengrad

Drvengrad ('Timbertown') in Mokra Gora was built by enigmatic filmmaker Emir Kusturica in 2002 for his film Life Is a Miracle. Quirky flourishes are…

Tito's Mausoleum.

Marshal Tito's Mausoleum

A visit to Tito's mausoleum is obligatory. The big man rests in an aptly gigantic tomb in peaceful surrounds. Also on display are thousands of elaborate…

Šargan Eight

Šargan Eight

The Šargan Eight tourist train, stationed in Mokra Gora, was once part of a narrow-gauge railway linking Belgrade with Sarajevo and Dubrovnik. The joy of…

Golubac Fortress

Golubac Fortress

The remains of this 10-tower fortified town brood majestically by the entrance to Đerdap National Park. Originally a Roman settlement, the fortress was…

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Leading Culture and Adventure Travel Blog by Becki Enright. Looking at the world with a different angle to change perceptions of misunderstood places, for the best in travel.

serbia travel guide pdf

Misunderstood Destinations , Serbia

Serbia Travel Guide – The Balkan Country in Post Conflict Revival

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to handpicked partners, including tours, gear and booking sites. If you click through or buy something via one of them, I may receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and allows this site to keep running.

This Serbia travel guide shows you how to see a country in revival alongside the best places to visit in Serbia, whose nature wilderness and centuries-old past are far more reflective of its persona than the modern history we know. 

Travel to Serbia might still raise a contentious debate. Over 18 years ago, ethnic conflicts were still tearing apart a region of Europe, formally known as Yugoslavia. An ethnic divide amongst six republics fighting for independence and control raged for ten years from 1991, leaving a chunk of the continent – a country of South Slavic nations established in the aftermath of World War I – dissolved and economically damaged.

Much of it remains misunderstood to potential travellers in the wake of relative peace.

Many countries involved in the conflict – in the now western Balkans region – include Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. They have or are still healing from their wounds and welcoming visitors with open arms.

One of those is Serbia.

A tiny House on the River Drina in Serbia, perched on a rock in the middle of the water, surrounded by forest.

Understand the Complex History of Serbia

Why travel to serbia , getting to serbia, getting around serbia, not staying in official accommodation you need to register, best time to visit serbia, is serbia safe for tourists and visitors, belgrade – the reviving capital, novi sad – the capital of culture, valjevo and nature preserve, bajina bašta and tara national park, kadinjača memorial complex, ride the sargan eight railway to mokra gora, visit zlatibor and serbia’s mountainous region, uvac gorge and nature reserve, see žiča monastery – the history of serbian kings, novi pazar – see the religious diversity of serbia, visit topola – serbia’s wine region, guča – trumpet festival centre, what is serbian food like, can i enter kosovo from serbia, travelling to serbia with new eyes, serbia travel guide  – what to know before you go.

Once a Kingdom on par with Rome and Constantinople, then occupied as part of the Ottoman Empire, it later co-founded Yugoslavia with other South Slavic peoples following World War I. Yet, the Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s and the devastation that followed are what many remember most of the region.

It’s no secret that during the early 1990’s – that saw the individual wars of independence and nationalism take place – Serbia exercised more power in the political decision making, thus becoming more heavily involved in the devastating Yugoslav Wars. It is something many could discuss and argue about for hours and which still is contentious today. Kosovo, a disputed territory of Serbia, still has yet to be formally recognised in Europe as an independent state.

That should be of no reflection on the Serbia of today, of the Serbian people rebuilding their country and mending the cracks, just like their neighbours. Many potential visitors can’t disconnect from the fact that the conflict only ended in 1999 (with a peace agreement in Kumanovo, Macedonia). Yet, it should be noted that also equals many years passed.

To see it differently. Under the glare of former headlines, Serbia is shouting about its stunningly beautiful country flanked by mountainous plains mixed with historically preserved towns and cities.

None of these things disappeared during the war. They were shrouded, ready to be unveiled when the time came for a new beginning – in a Serbia that, even if somewhat still politically fragmented, is both safe and open for exploration.

As an area of the continent now thriving and paving a solid path for tourism, more and more people are travelling here to understand it better and soon find there’s more to it than its troubled past.

Orange red houses poke through thick forest on the banks of the Danube River in Serbia.

In Serbia: historically preserved urban hubs flanked by hills and low mountains.

Air Serbia has direct flights connecting a host of European, US and UK cities to Serbia’s capital, Belgrade. The main airport in Serbia is Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG).

From the airport, you can take a 30-minute minibus A1 to Slavija Square (around 2 Euro) or bus 72 to Zeleni Venac Square (less than 1 Euro). A Taxi takes half the time but is more expensive, and will cost approximately 15 Euro. Make sure to use the official ‘Taxi Info’ service counters and get a paper receipt to give to the driver. 

It is easy to move around Serbia from Belgrade city and map out a round trip that brings you back to the capital. 

Long-distance buses and trains connect Belgrade to mainland European capitals, including Budapest, Vienna, Sofia, Bar, and Zagreb.

Visa for Serbia

Serbia is not yet a part of the EU, but there’s visa-free entry for visits of up to 90 days to the Republic of Serbia for those residing in or holding passports or valid visas from countries of the Schengen area and EU member states. Along with a host of other countries, Canada and the US can also enter Serbia without a visa. 

You can check here if you need a visa for Serbia , based on what passport you hold.

Since car hire is easy to arrange from the airport and within Belgrade, and with highways connecting neighbouring countries, many travel around Serbia by car. 

However, for those who don’t drive, there are excellent public transport options. 

A car on a the end of a road curving around a hill backed forest.

Serbia transport and road infrastructure.

Serbia by bus

There are various local bus companies that service connections between the cities, smaller towns, and nature areas. Lasta Beograd and  Stup  Vršac are two prominent bus companies in Serbia that get you to popular destinations and lesser-known sights and places of interest. 

Belgrade is your base for Serbia travel and the well-established starting point for spending days and weeks travelling across a country with good transport and tourism infrastructure. Serbia is no post-conflict wild west, although you will find yourself getting lost within its untouched and little-known nature-filled hinterlands.

For example:

  • Belgrade to Novi Sad by bus takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs 5 Euro / 588 Serbian Dinar. >> Buy tickets.
  • Novi Sad to Subotica (in the north) takes 1 hour 50 minutes and costs 7 Euro / 824 Serbian Dinar. >> Buy tickets .
  • Belgrade to Nis (in the south) takes 3 hours and costs 11 Euro / 1294 Serbian Dinar. >> Buy tickets.

Give yourself a least an hour before departure to arrive and purchase tickets at Belgrade’s bus station in Savski Venac – it’s a large area with two terminals, and you’ll need some time to navigate and find your bus. 

Serbia by Train

The train lines are more limited but connect Belgrade to Novi Sad and Subotica and Belgrade to Nis. The service is much better utilised by those holding Eurail passes. 

CarGo in Belgrade 

Uber doesn’t operate in Belgrade, but CarGo is the leading car ride app in Serbia that serves the same purpose and works the same way. 

Serbia Tours

There’s not much in the way of dedicated Serbia tours, should you wish you have as much organised for you as possible and a guarantee of traveller camaraderie. G Adventures offers an overland tour that passes through Serbia – including Novi Sad and Belgrade – before continuing to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. 

This Western Serbia Tour is a day trip from Belgrade, travelling out to the countryside to see the House on the Drina River, ride the Sargan Eight train and the famous wooden village. Discover Eastern Serbia on a tour that includes the 15th-century Manasija Monastery, the 80-million-year-old Resava cave, and the Gornjak Monastery that’s known for having Serbia’s oldest Serbian fresco paintings.

Things can be a little tricky if you’re staying with a local friend or an Airbnb. According to the Serbian tourism website , foreigner registration and who takes responsibility is broken down as follows. 

“Serbian organisations and individuals providing accommodation to foreigners against payment, as well as locals hosting visiting foreigners, must register the foreigner’s stay with the local police station  within 24 hours  of the commencement of the accommodation arrangement, or of the foreign visitor’s arrival.

A foreigner not using official accommodation nor staying with a private individual must register his or her stay and change of address with the local police station  within 24 hours  of arriving at the place of residency or of the change of address. A place of residency is where a foreigner intends to stay for more than 24 hours.”

The shoulder seasons of March to May and September to October are the best time to visit Serbia. This time of the year sees more comfortable temperatures outside of the hot summer months of June to August – optimal when covering a lot of ground.

That’s not to say summer in Serbia should be avoided. In Serbia’s many gorges or higher elevations in the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains ranges, good time spent on or along the Danube River is a way of life to escape the urban heat. The famed EXIT music festival is also in July.

Serbia is considered a safe country to travel to and requires general caution and instinct like any other destination. Belgrade, in particular, feels just as vibrant and built up as any European capital. I never felt on guard in Serbia, nor did I encounter any issues as a female traveller. Mostly we were welcomed by locals, eager to show you the other side of their country.

Three women and two men sitting around a table with drinks and smiling at the camera.

The warm welcome from locals in Serbia.

The only area where an opportunist took his chances (pretending to be a police officer) was Novi Pazar – a lesser-known town and not used to tourists. While unnerving for myself and my male friend who was with me, we caught on to the fact that other people at the coffee shop were a part of the act and insisted he come to the hotel with us if he wished to see our ID. He soon backed down.

The only part of Serbia associated with a higher level of caution is the towns and broader area on the border to Kosovo, where political tension is still present.

Best Places to Visit in Serbia – Where to Go

The Republic of Serbia is a large, landlocked landmass in the central Balkans, and choosing where to go can be hard to narrow down. Need some help? Below are some of my highlights and the best things to see in Serbia. Click the Google map for a better understanding of distance and get planning. 

A google map showing destinations in Serbia and where to travel.

Like most visitors to Serbia, Belgrade was my first stop. My tip is to give yourself as much time here as possible – at least four days ideally. Not knowing what to expect outside the fortress and historical monuments, I was thrown headfirst into a cosmopolitan city of artistic revival that hummed amongst pastel coloured classicism.  It was everything I was hoping it would still be as a focal Balkan capital. Belgrade is still tinged with structural damage and underlying economic issues, but it is the new Serbia’s vibrant, tenacious, and determined heart. 

READ MORE:   Travel to Belgrade  – The Defiant Heart of a New Serbia

Stone walls and staircases of the hilltop Belgrade Fortress, overlooking a forested area next to a River.

Climb Belgrade Fortress for history and city views.

A woman walking through a cobblestoned street with a tree, with a white building on the left and a glass building covered in pink pot hanging flowers on the right.

Strolls in old Belgrade.

Beige and brown classical architecture buildings in a pedestrian street in Belgrade city.

Classical architecture in Belgrade city centre.

Novi Sad’s preserved cultural heritage makes it a city showpiece like Belgrade, nominated as the European Capital of Culture 2021.

The elegantly detailed city centre, marked by the “Square of Freedom”, sits the City Hall, Catholic Cathedral of Mary’s Name, and the monument of Svetozar Miletic is a stroll for the senses. Houses and palaces in candy colours, side streets full of museums and art galleries, small passages (like Zmaj Jovina and Dunavska) invite you to explore before you land in the pumping café and bar-lined Laza Telečki street –  the sundown meeting place.

A dark, tall statue of a man in a public square and in front of a classical, cream coloured building with a silver roof spire..

Svetozar Miletic Monument in Novi Sad’s Freedom Square.

People gather around a small, black statue outside an opulent, mansion-like orange and yellow building in Novi Sad, Serbia.

The stunning Orthodox Bishops Palace in Novi Sad Serbia.

People walking down a pedestrian street in Nove Sad, Serbia, lined with pastel coloured buildings, glowing from the sunset in the background.

Sundown in Novi Sad city centre.

A highlight is the 18th-century Petrovaradin Fortress, divided into Upper and Lower towns. Climb up through the arched gateway passages to the symbolic clock tower with opposite time hands (large shows hours and small shows minutes). From here, you can look out over the Danube and get a bird’s-eye view of the grid streets of the Lower Fortress town, whose crumbling Baroque architecture retains stories of old in their fading facades.

Elevated view from the corner stone of a Fortress in Novi Sad, overlooking a group of brown and orange roof houses, the river, a white arch and skyscrapers in the distance.

Clamber the Petrovaradin Fortress for city views across the river.

Elevated view of the Novi Sad city skyline from a grassy point with a brick wall and black lamppost in the foreground.

Picturesque Novi Sad.

Enjoying the great outdoors of Serbia should be factored into your visit in a country that is 75% mountainous and thus scattered with rolling green, protected nature parks, canyons, rivers and lakes. But where do you start? 

READ MORE:   Nature Attractions in Serbia  – Pristine Land You Never Knew Existed.

I got off-track and wild in Valjevo – a city that is 90 minutes southwest of Belgrade. But the town wasn’t the main reason for visiting – the adjacent spindle of a nature reserve connected to it was. We trekked through the 50km long Gradac River Gorge (Klisura Reke Gradac) that runs through the steep slopes and high rock formations of the Canyon. 

Three people wading through a shallow river in a forested gorge in Serbia.

Trekking through the Gradac River Gorge in western Serbia.

Two groups of people walking through the open area of a forested gorge. Tree dotted rock mounds can be seen in the distance.

Canyon walls and walks.

Three hours south of Belgrade is Bajina Bašta – a village in south-western Serbia close to the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s also the perfect starting point to visit Tara National Park, where you can see the famous postcard-perfect scene House on the River Drina . Once a refuge for sailors and swimmers in an area of crashing waves, it’s become one of the main symbols of the area.

A tiny red house with a green roof, perched on a rock in the middle of a lake backed by forests and hills.

The House on the River Drina – one of Serbia’s most iconic places.

Kadinjača Memorial Complex is 90 minutes east of Tara National Park, on the highway that connects Bajina Bašta with Užice. It’s a striking memorial in honour of the Workers Battalion of Užice, who died here fighting against the Germans in November 1941 during the Battle of Kadinjača. It is both a burial ground and an exhibition space with the intent of piercing emotion. Huge, white stone sculptures sharply contrast with the low slope hills, and another stone stands isolated, depicting a large bullet hole.

Mist hovers above a church structure hat stands on a hilltop at the end of a curling stone pathway that weaves past large and slanted white stones.

The Kadinjača Memorial Complex is in honour of those who lost their lives during WWII.

A large white stone, carved to look like the shattering from a bullet, overlooks a green mountainous valley.

The bullet hole sculpture at Kadinjača Memorial Complex in Serbia.

On the Southern fringes of Tara National Park, you can start an adventure that eliminates the need to take another bus. An alternative look at Serbia’s natural scenery includes riding the Sargan Eight narrow gorge railway further south to the Mokra Gora. 

Mokra Gora is well known for Drvengrad – Serbia’s traditional wooden village and timber town elevated on a plateau between Tara National Park and the mountainous Zlatibor. Quaint and with bygone historical reference as a living village, Drvengrad was built as a film set for the Serbian drama Life is a Miracle by Emir Kusturica and was never deconstructed when the movie wrapped. 

A dark green wood panelled train - The Sargan Eight Railway in Serbia - at the station platform with orange roofed buildings, in the direction of the mountains.

The timeworn splendor of riding the Sargan Eight narrow gorge railway.

A painting of a man of a building made of wood with a huge grey roof with windows.

The film set props of Drvengrad – Serbia’s traditional wooden village.

People gather around stalls at a bundle of traditional wooden houses with thatched roofs, elevated with views of the forested mountains.

The remote timber town of Serbia.

Continue 30 minutes south from Mokra Gora and journey through the mountainous valleys and open-air spa region of Zlatibor, which is more than its ski resort reputation. In spring and summer, this area is a stunning circuit of hiking trails. 

Mist rises over a lake surrounded by rolling hills covered in thick forest.

Views over Lake Ribnica in Zlatibor, Serbia.

Mist rises above a green valley. In the foreground is an isolated shite house with an orange roof and a grouping of pine trees.

Escape to the Zlatibor region.

Continue further south from Zlatibor and visit the mountain park and biodiverse Uvac Special Nature Reserve. The highlight is winding through the magnificent bends of the  Uvac Gorge on a slow motorboat.

If not on the path of a longer trip in Serbia, you can book an Uvac Nature Reserve tour from Belgrade, which includes a hike and a boat trip. 

A woman with long hair, wearing a red top, sits of a tyre swing overlooking a winding gorge surrounded by hills and forest.

Swing with a view over the Uvac Gorge.

The wide of the Uvac Gorge in Serbia and the reflection of the cliffs and clouds in the water.

A journey through Uvac Special Nature Reserve along the Uvac Gorge.

East of Zlatibor and around three hours south of Belgrade is one of Serbia’s most historically prized Orthodox monasteries. The earthy red 13th-century Žiča Monastery was constructed on the orders of the first King of Serbia, Stefan the First-Crowned, and became the coronation church for all Serbian Kings on his orders. It was declared a Cultural Monument of Exceptional Importance in 1979.

Two religious buildings stand upon vivid green grass. In the foreground, a pavilion structure with a bright blue roof. In the background, a round church painted in a bright burnt red.

Visit the Žiča Monastery- one of Serbia’s most historically protected buildings.

A pavilion with a bright blue roof stands in front of small orange tower structure and small triangular roofed building, in a manicured garden with stall, thin trees.

Continue further south from the Uvac Nature Reserve, and you will get to the valley town of Novi Pazar , located snugly within the Golija and Rogozna mountains. Off the grid from the main cities and surrounding nature are smaller towns with their distinct flair, which helps build a bigger picture of Serbia’s religious, cultural, and artistic diversity.

When Yugoslavia was founded, it was made up of South Slavic Christian and Muslim nations, although the latter is now a minority. Novi Pazar is a predominantly Muslim town that shows a different side to Serbia – architecturally, artistically and culturally. It’s small and appears nondescript at first sight, but wander its streets and accept the invitations from locals to try warming bread from the bakery and sip coffee at their house. Smiles soon overcame language barriers in an area of the country that wrestles with a bad reputation and an almost isolation in its Muslim identity, despite not being off-limits.

View from a white stone-walled river, looking towards a village in the hills made up of white houses with orange rooftops.

Visit Novi Pazar and see a destination in Serbia that’s often overlooked.

A man drinks water from an ochre red and white marble structure that stands with a public square surrounded by white buildings and orange rooftops.

Life in the valley town of Novi Pazar.

People walk through a large open square with a statue of a man holding a flag and a rifle. The square is surrounded by trees.

A decorated public square in Novi Pazar.

Only one hour south of Belgrade is bounteous landscapes with the foundations of good terroir – Serbia’s winemaking area of Topola. And not many people know about it. A region with award-winning vineyards that produce regionally characteristic sweet wine, such as the Aleksandrovich Winery and its superb Triumph series. Close to the vineyards is the hilltop five-domed St. George’s Church in Oplenac – a mausoleum of one of Serbia’s dynastic families. It features a marble floor and spectacular mosaic wall images and icons. 

The green sloping rows of vines, backed by orange buildings in Serbia's wine region of Topola.

The vineyards of Topola – Serbia’s wine region.

Immaculate rows of green vineyards and orange soil, looking towards sloping hills and white and orange houses.

The terroir of Topola and Serbia’s underrated wine cultivation.

Three people walk outside a large white marble church, with six mint green domes, four of which are topped with gold crosses.

In Topola, visit the St. Georges Church in Oplenac.

The interior of the St. Georges Church in Serbia, decorated with mosaic pictures mainly in a deep blue and gold. A large bronze chandelier hangs in the centre.

St. Georges Church in Serbia has one of the most beautifully painted interiors.

Around two hours south of Belgrade and north of Uvac is the village of Gu ča, known famously for its annual trumpet festival, which is a good enough reason to go.

Even if you are not a trumpet fan, the sheer amount of performers lighting up the town with all manner of these distinct low hums and beats will forever reverberate in you. Guča is where a unique cultural festival instinctively brings people together.

A band of trumpet players plays to an audience sitting around large wood tables. A typical scene from the Trumpet Festival in Serbia.

Entertainment at the Guča Trumpet Festival.

People walking in both direction down a street with wooden houses with stone roofs, in the Serbian village of Guca.

Many people visit Guča for its famed Trumpet Festival alone.

Inside a wooden building, trumpet players in green t-shirts play to the crowd, some of whom are dancing.

Guča’s Trumpet Festival turns into an all-night-long revelry.

Food in Serbia is a staple part of socialisation. Should you be invited to a feast by a local, wholeheartedly embrace it and enjoy it. Serbian cuisine is typically meat heavy, including Sarma : stuffed grape leaves filled with minced meat, Cevapi : grilled meat shaped liked tiny sausages and Kajmak: a curd based spread served with warm bread. All are usually served with side salads, fruit relishes and spicy chutneys and finished with chilled Rakija : the potent national drink that’s very much like Schnapps.

Four image showing various Serbian food dishes. Clockwise: cold cuts, bread and spreads; sausage shaped meat with chopped onions, a small bottle of alcohol in ice and a table spread of mixed salads.

Enjoy the best Serbian food on your travels throughout the country.

First of all, the subject of Kosovo in Serbia is controversial and disputed – discuss it at your peril. Serbia doesn’t recognise Kosovo as an independent state or a country.

Now, to enter Kosovo from Serbia is fine since Serbia does not acknowledge the border and claims Kosovo as part of it. You can travel there and re-enter Serbia, no problem. However, if you enter Kosovo from neighbouring Montenegro, Albania, or North Macedonia land borders, then you will not be able to enter Serbia. Why? You don’t have the stamp for official entry in Serbia via Belgrade airport or the land crossing from Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia. 

The future is positive for a country so tangled in political fragmentation. To travel in Serbia is to remember there is more to it than the image shadowed in atrocity and devastation. A sum of its centuries-old past that is more than the modern history we know.

A country in a rebuild that deserves the right kind of attention now.

People standing in a line on a hanging bridge over a gorge backed by forest.

See Serbia from a different perspective and change your perceptions.

My trip to Serbia was created in conjunction with the National Tourism Organisation of Serbia for the #MySerbia campaign travelling with locals for a deeper insight into the country. All opinions on this Serbia travel blog remain my own. 

About Becki

Becki Enright is a British Travel Press Award-winning writer whose work focuses on changing perceptions about misunderstood aspects of destinations. Her writing combines storytelling with insight into the social, historical, political and economic factors that shape the country or place in relation to tourism. Becki has appeared live on Sky News and CNN and has contributed to high profile media including National Geographic, Time.com, Guardian online, New York Times, Grazia and Buzzfeed.

7 April 2016 at 11:17 am

Awesome post! Add Exit Festival from Novi Sad to the list too 😉 It’s one of the most famous and best music summer festivals in Europe 😉

31 March 2016 at 7:12 am

Great post with beautiful pictures. It was nice to discover a new place by reading your blog. I have had neighbours from Serbia when I was living in Vienna, now I can see how their country looks.

Jennifer says

22 March 2016 at 2:45 am

Great post, I would love to visit Serbia. My partner went about 6 years ago and enjoyed it almost admittedly he didn’t see much of the country on ‘van tour’. We are both living in New Zealand now but we would like to travel to this area of Europe soon. The scenery in the countryside looks stunning and I am sure all the small villages and towns are full of history.

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serbia travel guide pdf

The BeauTraveler

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Serbia: 20+ Places To Visit in Serbia

Serbia was the third country that I visited on my last trip after the United Arab Emirates and Turkiye . For those who didn't know, I've been obsessed with the Balkan region for as long as I can remember, and visiting Serbia has marked a new milestone for me as I've just checked one of the top of my bucket list for this decade .

Initially, I wanted to travel around the whole Balkan region as I planned. But since I started my trip by the end of 2021, most European countries had not opened their border to Indonesian citizens yet at the time. Good thing for me, because as an Indonesian citizen, I am eligible to enter Serbia for 30 days within a year without a visa .

The good news is that I got to travel around and visit some of the must-visit places in Serbia. Dora, my best friend from Croatia, whom I've known for almost 20 years since MySpace, decided to drive to Serbia so we could have a lovely girls' trip throughout the country.

In this post, I'm going to list some of the best places to visit in Serbia and how to travel around the country.

serbia travel guide pdf

✭ Are you planning to explore Serbia at the last minute? ✭

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Why You Should Visit Serbia

An exhibition about Serbian political history at Museum of Yugoslavia in Belgrade, Serbia.

As someone coming from a big country like Indonesia , I find Serbia so easy to explore since it seems like I could technically travel around the country for a week or two. Unlike its neighboring countries that are surrounded by coasts, Serbia is a landlocked country that is still worth your visit if you're into beautiful nature, history, and just a little fun to have a good break from your routine.

In the west part of Serbia, there's Tara National Park. Located close to the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, it's surrounded by Drina River, a river that marks the boundary between Serbia and Bosnia. While I didn't get a chance to stop by Tara National Park due to my unfortunate incident of getting pickpocketed in Belgrade, I got a chance to stroll around the banks of Drina when I was in Loznica.

As I visited Serbia during winter, Kopaonik and Zlatibor are the most popular winter destinations in the country as they have plenty of ski resorts where you can opt to spend the holidays in the country. While Dora and I was initially planning to stop by Kopaonik for skiing, the weather was super sunny when we got on a road trip throughout Serbia that we only got a chance to have a good lunch in Zlatibor with barely any snow in sight.

The fortress at Kalemegdan in Belgrade, Serbia.

If you're bound to travel to Serbia in the summer, most people tell me that it's the best time to visit the country since they're also popular with the music festivals held in the loveliest time of the year. One of the most music festivals in Serbia, EXIT Festival has been held annually since it was founded in 2000. Dubbed as one of the best music festivals in Europe, it will be held for the first time in Novi Sad next month since it was canceled and held virtually in the past couple of years due to Covid-19.

From my understanding, Serbia always has something for everyone at each time of the year. As for me, I was determined to experience my first winter wonderland in Serbia last year and so I did, although I didn't get a chance to go skiing or do any typical winter activities there.

And despite the hiccup of my trip as my purse got stolen in Belgrade, I could say that I still got to enjoy Serbia to the fullest when I was there.

Although I didn't get a chance to visit every significant site in the country, I could definitely get you a list of places that you must consider visiting if you happen to travel to Serbia.

How to Travel Around Serbia

If there's anything I've come to understand when it comes to traveling around Europe, it is that the most convenient way to travel is by getting on a road trip, whether it is by renting a van or a car on your own. As Dora drove her own car, we basically only relied on Google Maps for the direction, and we only spent money on gas and food along the way.

While I'm not sure how to rent a van in Serbia, but if you need a car with an awesome driver, I'd totally recommend Milan Djordjevic if you want to travel around Serbia or you need a transfer to or from the airport. I used Milan's service from Nikola Tesla Airport to my apartment in Vracar, he's definitely someone you can rely on, and he offers inter-city and international services from and to Serbia.

How to Travel by a Public Bus in Serbia

Alternatively, you can also travel around Serbia by bus. Although to be fair, I experienced a massive culture shock when I got on the bus in Serbia for the first time. Getting on the bus in Serbia reminds me of the public bus in Indonesia in the 1990s, and it was quite shocking for me since I thought traveling by bus in Serbia would be at least similar to the public bus in Turkey . Boy, was I wrong!

Waiting for the bus in Serbia bus station.

Like most bus stations in Europe, bus stations in Serbia have inter-city and international bus services. I saw some Flixbus at the station when I was traveling by bus in Serbia, and although I've never traveled with Flixbus before, I suppose the brand is quite popular for traveling around Europe by bus.

Now, let's go back to traveling around Serbia by bus… I'm not sure if it's common in Europe, but I personally don't find traveling by bus in Serbia convenient or efficient at all. If it wasn't because of my friend Nikola who told me about how to travel by bus to Loznica, I doubt that I would find out how to effectively buy a bus ticket in Serbia. But thanks to him, at least I could share my experience now.

While there may be some booking platforms where you can book a bus ticket online in Serbia, going to the sales office may still be necessary if you want to take the bus in the country. I had to go to the sales office at the bus station in Belgrade when I traveled to Loznica and Novi Sad , and here's what happened!

When you purchase a bus ticket in Serbia, you will get a printed bus ticket and also a token to enter the designated platform at the bus station. Mind you, you shouldn't lose both of them because otherwise there's a chance you will have to repurchase the ticket. Serbia, just like all countries in Europe, implements GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) which won't require you to fill out your data when purchasing a bus ticket.

While it might protect your personal data, I eventually found the flaw in the practice when I lost my bus ticket from Belgrade to Novi Sad. As mentioned before, I got pickpocketed in Belgrade , and I put the ticket I bought in the stolen purse. Without my personal data, there was no way to reclaim the ticket so I had to repurchase it in the end.

Queueing to enter the bus station using the token.

The sales office at the bus station only accepts cash for the payment, so make sure you have enough money when you're queueing to buy a bus ticket through the sales office.

I got a chance to try two bus companies in Serbia, including Raketa AB and Lasta , and here's my take on both companies. I think it's a common practice in Serbia that you'll get a cheaper price for a return ticket, I made the mistake to buy a one-way ticket when I bought a bus ticket from Belgrade to Loznica, and I ended up having to pay double compared to if I bought a return ticket for the same route.

Anyway, according to my friend Nikola, Raketa is the best bus company in Serbia and I somehow understand why. So here's what you need to expect when you travel by bus around Serbia.

First of all, there's no assigned seat even for the inter-city bus in Serbia. And all the buses that I took stopped at every bus stop along the way and they would bring new passengers even when the seat was already full. So it seems that it's quite common that you can find passengers standing for an inter-city route like Belgrade to Novi Sad. That, at least, is what I experienced in both Raketa and Lasta bus company.

The only advantage of Raketa compared to Lasta is that their bus ticket includes the baggage facility. When I took Lasta bus to Novi Sad, I had to pay an extra 200 RSD (around $1.7 USD) to put my bag in the trunk.

If there's no change to the public bus system in Serbia, I suppose there's no guarantee that you would get a seat on the public bus even if you have a legit ticket for it. However, the best way to prevent that from happening is to always buy an official bus ticket from the main bus station since you could at least make sure to enter the bus first to claim your seat there.

So yeah, I personally wouldn't recommend traveling by bus in Serbia. But if you're looking into a budget option to travel around the country and you have to take the coach to get to your destination, be prepared for something that you may not have experienced elsewhere!

The Best Places to Visit in Serbia

In no particular order, I'm going to list some of the best places that I've visited in Serbia and add some snippets on why I'd consider them a place that will be worth visiting when you're in the country.

So, what are the must-visit spots in Serbia?

Places to Visit in Belgrade, Serbia

As I got a chance to stay in Serbia for a month without a visa this year, I decided to make Belgrade my home base for a few reasons. My main consideration is the easy access for me to get to the airport since my flight from and to Istanbul was from Nikola Tesla Airport in the capital city. But other than that, there are many places to visit in Belgrade.

As the main city that witnessed the country's turbulent history, it has almost everything to offer for travelers. Whether you're there for Yugo-nostalgia to trace back their history for when they were a part of deceased Yugoslavia, or you're there for the infamous nightlife scene, Belgrade is undoubtedly worth visiting for a few days alone.

1. The Temple of Saint Sava

The Temple of St. Sava in Belgrade, Serbia.

Hram Svetog Save , or the Temple of Saint Sava in Serbian, is pretty much located in the center of Belgrade. Situated in the Vracar area of Belgrade, the temple was built at the estimated location of St. Sava's grave. St. Sava is the founder and the first archbishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

It is practically the landmark of Belgrade, or even Serbia in general. The biggest Orthodox temple in Serbia, St. Sava is also one of the world's largest Eastern Orthodox church buildings. Christmas Eve and Orthodox New Year are two of many large gatherings held in the temple.

Inside the Temple of St. Sava in Belgrade, Serbia.

However, unlike Catholics and other Christians who celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December, Serbian Orthodox Christians celebrate it on the 7th of January. Same goes as the Orthodox New Year as they celebrate it on the 15th of January instead of the 1st. The reason behind it was that the Orthodox Christian use the Julian calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar as regular Christians do for all the festive celebrations.

Whether you're an Orthodox Christian or not, St. Sava is a place that you must not miss in Belgrade. The building replicated the architecture of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, as it was inspired by the Serbian-Byzantine style. The exterior was finished in 2004, but the church isn't 100% done as a small part of it is still under construction.

However, the Temple of St. Sava is still worth visiting. If you're an Orthodox Christian, you may want to stop by and pray. Even if you're not, you can visit the temple while taking some time to adore its architecture and beautiful murals.

2. Kalemegdan Park and the Belgrade Fortress

Kalemegdan, the Belgrade Fortress in Serbia.

Only walking distance from the famous Republic Square that is usually used as a meeting point in the center of Belgrade, the Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Fortress are among many must-visit places while you're in the capital city of Serbia.

Not only because it's free entry to have a nice stroll around the fortress and the park, you can also enjoy the view of Belgrade and the Danube River from the bench at the park. I stopped by the fortress and Kalemegdan twice when I was in Belgrade, but unfortunately, the weather didn't get along with me since the first time I went there, it was raining so heavily while the second one it was super cold to the point I decided to go back home. LOL.

Built from the 2nd to 18th centuries, the fortress was destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, but it has always been the symbol of Belgrade since the beginning of the civilization of the capital city. Built on a white ridge above Sava and Danube River, it was where the name Beograd – literally translated as the ‘white city' – (the local name for Belgrade) came from.

Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress in Serbia.

Belgrade Fortress witnessed how the city was conquered from one army to another. Traced back from Roman era, to Serbs and Turks, Kalemegdan used to be the fighting field to protect the people of Belgrade from the enemies.

Around the corner facing the walls of the city, you will be able to find the “Victor” monument to symbolize the victory of Belgrade over the periods of time. If you're lucky, you can also get to see other parts of the fortress including the Roman Well, the gunpowder magazine, and even the old Turkish Hamam .

3. Republic Square

Republic Square in Belgrade, Serbia.

Hands down the most recognizable area in Belgrade, Republic Square has often been used as the meeting point for anyone who's up to hang out in the capital city of Serbia. The square itself showcased the famous landmarks in the capital city, including the National Museum, the National Theater, and the statue of Prince Michael. Hence, the name of the pedestrian street being Knez Mihailova.

It connects Kolarceva intersection with the pedestrian street Knez Mihailova. While strolling around the area itself can be pretty fun, the area seems to be a good place for shopping or just hanging out around cafes and bars.

Kolarceva street in Belgrade, Serbia.

There's also a big mall at the corner of Knez Mihailova that is not too far from Kalemegdan Park, Rajiceva Shopping Center. Now, Knez Mihailova is a pretty big area to stroll around, but whenever I got around the pedestrian street and I urgently needed to go to the toilet, I always headed to Rajiceva to use their public toilet.

Also, another culture shock that I experienced in Serbia is how rare it is to find black tea even at the supermarket. I noticed it when I went to Aroma close to my apartment in Vracar, and the only tea option they had there was the fruity tea. Well, I eventually found a pack of black teabags when I went to Maxi at Rajiceva.

4. Skadarlija

Skadarlija in Belgrade, Serbia.

The bohemian street in Serbia, Skadarlija has become the second most visited area in Belgrade after Kalemegdan and Belgrade Fortress. Formerly the municipality of Belgrade, Skadarlija is definitely well-preserved as it is protected by the local law as a cultural-historical area in the capital city of Serbia.

Nowadays, Skadarlija has become one of the fanciest areas in Belgrade, with picturesque pedestrian streets and many bars and cafes in the surrounding areas.

During my stay in Belgrade, I only went to Skadarlija area once despite I got a chance to stroll around Knez Mihailova more than twice. When I stopped by Skadarlija, it was at around 4 or so and it was raining at the time.

I'm not sure if the area was more popular at night or it was a little too quiet when I went there because of the rain, but rest assured… I personally thought that Knez Mihailova is definitely more crowded than Skadarlija.

Skadarlija, the bohemian quarter in Belgrade, Serbia.

The cobbled street with some excellent cafe options, I would recommend visiting Skadarlija at night since I was there in the evening, and I don't think it was the best time to stop by the area. Well, the cobblestone on the street certainly made it a bit challenging to stroll around when it was raining, but it was still a nice stroll! 😉

5. Museum of Yugoslavia and The House of Flowers

Museum of Yugoslavia in Belgrade, Serbia.

It's hard not to go all Yugo-nostalgia when you're in Serbia. It was only in 2003 when Yugoslavia eventually changed its name to Serbia and Montenegro. And before 2003, God knows what they've been through with their turbulent history under the name of Yugoslavia.

Museum of Yugoslavia in Belgrade is the best place to visit if you want to reminisce the good old days of Yugoslavia in its glory. On top of that, it's almost impossible to talk about Yugoslavia without mentioning Josip Broz Tito in the conversation.

A respectful leader in his time, he was the lifetime president of Yugoslavia from 1953 to his passing in 1980. He was buried in the House of Flowers in Belgrade, alongside his wife, Jovanka Broz, who died later in 2013. The House of Flowers is located in the same area as the Museum of Yugoslavia. When you get a chance to visit Belgrade, you certainly shouldn't miss this museum in your itinerary!

25th May Museum at Museum of Yugoslavia in Belgrade, Serbia.

For 400 dinars (around $3.6 USD), you can get the entrance ticket to the three museum buildings in the area, including the 25 May Museum, the House of Flowers, and the Old Museum. The latter is located in the center, close to the museum's entrance. However, since you need to go to the ticket office first to be eligible for the entrance, what I did was visiting the 25 May Museum first, with the Old Museum being the last exhibition that I visited when I went to visit the Museum of Yugoslavia. 

The 25 May Museum was opened on the same date in 1962 as a present for Josip Broz Tito's 70th birthday. This museum building showcases the gifts and souvenirs given to Josip Broz Tito until 1962. And how excited I was to see  wayang kulit , Indonesian leather puppet, on one of the first shelves at the museum! Suddenly, I felt home already. LOL. 

The museum also showcases some of Tito's personal belongings, including his uniform, ties, etc. On the other side, the museum also chronicles so many puzzles of history that were once Yugoslavia. 

Close to the exit, you will also see some recent pieces of news in the post-2006 after Serbia and Montenegro split. I could recognize the face of Boris Tadic in a split second, because I wrote about him a lot when I wrote my thesis at the university. 

Annexed to the 25 May Museum is the House of Flowers, the building where the resting place of the late president Josip Broz Tito was buried alongside his wife, Jovanka Broz.

On each side of the tombstones, you can also see Tito's post-partum chronicles from the funeral pictures, the headline news on the day he died, and some letters and other sentimental messages sent after his passing. The House of Flowers is basically the Memorial Center for the former president of Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito.

And the last museum building was the Old Museum. When I entered the building, there was an event held there. I think it was some diplomatic event as the security approached me and asked if I was a representative from one of the embassies. When I said I wasn't, he told me to wait and come back after 1 PM since the museum would be reopened for the visitors then.

There's also a cafe close to the ticket sales office, but since I was too lazy to go back there, I ended up waiting in front of the Old Museum building for around 30 minutes or so. And when I got there, I was actually quite surprised that the Old Museum actually looks the most modern one compared to the other museum buildings at the complex.

The Old Museum exhibits the revolutionary industry in the former Yugoslavia area in its glory. Checking out what they've had at the museum, I remember when I spoke to Dora on our road trip about Yugo-nostalgia, and how she mentioned that people from the older generation believe that Yugoslavia used to be advanced in their technology industry. And that was showcased right there at the Old Museum.

6. Nikola Tesla Museum

Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade, Serbia.

If you want to pick up fights with someone from the Balkans, start with where Nikola Tesla comes from. LOL.

A prolific scientist who was underrated in his time, he finally gained the recognition he deserved only after he died. Born in an area that is currently a part of modern Croatia, he came from a Serbian family, with his father being a priest of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

According to the tour guide at Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade , there are many museums dedicated to Nikola Tesla, but it's only in Belgrade where you can visit the urn of the late scientist.

As my apartment in Belgrade was located in Vracar, the museum was only walking distance from where I stayed. My first attempt to visit the museum, I forgot it was Saturday. The queue was so long that I decided to come back later.

However, with me getting pickpocketed and I had to deal with so much paperwork in Belgrade, I could only come back again to the museum in the last few days I was in the capital city of Serbia. Lucky for me, when I visited the museum, the staff at the museum told me that there would be one more guided tour in English as it was the last tour on that day.

I went there at 3 o'clock, and the staff told me to come back at 4 o'clock so I could join the last tour of the day in English. While you could just visit the museum impromptu and see the next guided tour in your language there, you can also check the schedule for the tour via Nikola Tesla Museum website .

The schedule to guided tours at Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade, Serbia.

With the entrance ticket of 800 dinars (around $7 USD) for a guided tour in English, Nikola Tesla Museum was the place with the most expensive ticket price that I've been to in Serbia. But it's not super pricey either, so I suppose the price just makes sense, if anything.

The museum itself isn't very big. If anything, it's probably the smallest museum that I've been in Belgrade. But then again, I only managed to visit Museum of Yugoslavia and the Ethnographic Museum in Belgrade.

Nikola Tesla Museum has been divided into 4 sections. The first one would be the auditorium, where the tour guide would play a short video about Nikola Tesla and also introduce you to some of his inventions. After that, the tour guide would showcase some of his biggest innovations, including the famous Tesla Coil and let you experience them firsthand.

The tour guide will invite volunteers to try them out, so don't be shy to raise your hand and be one of the visitors to try Nikola Tesla's masterpieces while the tour guide demonstrates how they work.

After the demonstration, visitors can go to the other sections close to the entrance door. The first section will showcase the early life of Nikola Tesla, from when he was born, his family, to his decision to migrate to the United States. You will also be able to see some of his personal belonging, including his suits, gloves, and travel bag.

And the last section, which wouldn't exist in the other Nikola Tesla Museums outside Belgrade… The urn of the famous scientist. You can even pay respect, and thank him “in person” for his inventions that make our lives easier today.

As most of the items at Nikola Tesla Museum were delivered to Belgrade from New York by Tesla's nephew and his attorney, I also managed to approach the tour guide as there's something that bugged me at the time. So, I asked if maybe, Tesla's family received some kind of royalty from some brand using their name (I'm looking at you, Elon!), but according to the staff at the museum, they didn't.

7. Red Star and Partizan Stadium

Rajko Mitic Stadium, the home ground of Red Star Belgrade which is also the largest football stadium in Serbia.

If you're a football fan, you definitely shouldn't miss the home of Partizan and Red Star Belgrade. Known as one of the most bitter football rivalries in Europe, just like whenever you talk about Serbia's background in general, talking about their rivalry can be cultural, political, and not solely related to football as a game itself.

While I wouldn't recommend you go there during the derby because it could be some kind of life and death situation (seriously, though!), visiting Rajko Mitic Stadium (the current name of Red Star Stadium) and Partizan Stadium can be a nice stroll to see their home grounds.

The Yugoslavian army tank in front of Red Star Stadium in Belgrade, Serbia.

The two stadiums are quite close to one and the other. Red Star Stadium is located in Dedinje, while Partizan Stadium is in Autokomanda. In between, you'll be able to stroll through some parks and also the residential houses as you can walk for around 15 to 30 minutes to visit both stadiums.

I suppose it would be even nicer if you could get a chance to stop by the museum when either team has a home game. However, since I went there during Christmas break, I was quite happy to just get there and burn calories while trying to sneak in and see the stadium from outside.

Well, technically I had a date when I went to both stadiums. And I enjoyed it a little too much that I just noticed that I didn't have any pictures taken at Partizan Stadium.

The Millenary Monument, known as Gardos Tower in Zemun, Belgrade.

A bohemian village that is popular for its cafes and nightlife in the summer, but as I visited there during winter, the area was quiet, making it a nice place to stroll around and enjoy the view of the Danube river and even the picturesque landscape of Zemun from Gardos Hill.

Zemun only became a municipality of Belgrade in 1934, and it is believed that the local people in Zemun rarely consider themselves Belgradian because of that. The area used to be the border between Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires back in the day.

Zemun Square in Belgrade, Serbia.

You can take a public bus from Belgrade city center, and it takes around an hour to get to Zemun. As I stayed in Vracar at the time, I remember I took bus number 83 and stopping at the Svetozara Papica bus stop in Zemun.

And then I strolled around Zemun and went through the bank of the Danube River before taking a little hike to Gardos Hill area. The symbol of Zemun, the Millenary Monument or known as Gardos Tower was built in 1986 and not so far from there, Zemun Cemetery is the spot that fascinated me the most.

From a pluralist perspective, the cemetery was so beautiful as it's basically a landmark where you can see how people from various religions were buried together on the same land. If you want to go all philosophical, after all that's what life is all about. You may have different backgrounds, but life will come to an end and we'll be back to where we were.

But other than that, as someone who loves visiting cemeteries when I travel , I find Zemun Cemetery fascinating since there are so many ancient tombstones that God knows how long it's been there. And some of them have super unique tombstones, like I could recognize that people from 1800s or so tend to use the sculpture of their torso for their tombstone when the more recent ones normally use the regular photographs. I also found some tombstone that seems to be reserved by people who are still alive.

Places to Visit in Loznica, Serbia

Located on the right bank of the Drina River, Loznica is close to the border of Serbia and Bosnia. And since my passport can't cross the border because of my visa situation, that was the closest thing I got to Bosnia. Well, technically, Bosnia was in front of my eyes when I stood at the Serbian bank of the Drina River.

Around 2 hours from Belgrade, Loznica can be reached by bus from the capital city. The city center is much smaller than Belgrade, but it's still worth visiting if you're the kind of traveler who enjoys off-the-beaten-path destinations in the country.

9. Banja Koviljaca

Banja Koviljaca in Loznica, Serbia.

One of the most popular tourist spots in Loznica, Banja Koviljaca the oldest spa town in Serbia. Located around 30 minutes drive from Loznica city center, it's also known as Kraljevska Banja (The Royal Spa) as it was built under King Aleksandar I of Yugoslavia as an entertainment salon.

Kursalon, the most notable building at Banja Koviljaca, was one of the first casinos opened in the Balkan region. The area was once famous for fancy spas and parties, and these days you can adore the historic buildings while strolling around the park in their surroundings.

Banja Koviljaca, a spa town in Loznica, Serbia.

Entering the area is free, but if you're in the mood to treat yourself, book a spa appointment to experience it firsthand at Kovilje wellness center. Not sure how it was during the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, but it can sure give you some vibes to enjoy the luxury of being a Yugoslavian royal for a moment.

When I had it myself, the spa itself cost 2500 dinar (around $23 USD) per pax, but you will get access to all spa facilities, including the thermal bath, jacuzzi, and sauna. While the building remains the original one from back in the early 1900s, the facilities are actually quite modern to the point that I couldn't even notice that I was enjoying a spa treatment at the building that stood there through the up and down of Yugoslavia.

The monument to honor Serbian and Austro-Hungarian soldiers in the World War I at the peak of Crni vrh in Mount Gucevo, Serbia.

Known as one of the first trench battles in World War I, the Battle of Gucevo was fought between the Serbian and Austro-Hungarian Army, starting on the 8th of September until late November 1914. The significant place where the battle occurred is only around 16 kilometers from Loznica city center, or around 30 minutes drive from Banja Koviljaca.

At the peak of Mountain Gucevo was built the pyramid monument with an ossuary of around 3,200 remains of soldiers who died in the Great War. A sad place at its times, nowadays Gucevo has become one of the most beautiful places (and off-the-beaten-path!) to visit in Serbia, with a view of Serbia and Bosnia in sight from where the monument stands.

The monument ossuary at Gucevo in Loznica, Serbia.

The only downside is that you have no choice but to drive or rent a car to get there. However, if you can arrange your transportation around Loznica, Gucevo is quite easy to reach from Banja Koviljaca. Bring a bouquet of flowers if you can, so you can also leave it on the ossuary to pay respect for the deceased soul at the peak of the mountain.

Trsic, the birthplace of Vuk Karadzic.

Known as the birthplace of Vuk Stefanovic Karadzic, Trsic has become an ethno-park that is popular among the local Serbians. Vuk Karadzic was a Serbian linguist who reformed the modern Serbian language.

He was the one who began the reformation of the language and gave the Serbians a standardized literary language, consisting of 30 characters of the Serbian alphabet that includes the six new characters of the Serbian Cyrillic alphabet (Ђ, Ј, Љ, Њ, Ћ and Џ).

Vuk Karadzic statue in front of the school building in Trsic, Serbia.

The entrance to the whole area of Trsic is free, but there's an entrance ticket if you want to visit the house where Vuk Karadzic was born. I'm not sure about the price since the house was closed for visitors when I went there.

However, even without visiting the memorial house, I think a visit to Trsic is definitely recommended for anyone planning to go to Loznica. Trsic is such a beautiful place to stroll around, I would recommend a visit to Trsic in the morning so you can also get on a hike to Milicin Konak and have an authentic Serbian breakfast there.

12. Suncana Reka

Suncana Reka in Banja Koviljaca, Serbia.

Suncana Reka, or the Serbian words for “Sunny River”, is a 5 hectares of recreational center around 9 km from Loznica city center. It is mostly known for the location of filming for a Serbian TV series titled “ Greh Njene Majke “, or “The Sin of Her Mother” in English. The series was filmed in 2009 based on Mir-Jam's novel that took the setting of Serbia during World War II.

Located on the right bank of the Drina River in Gornja Koviljaca village, Suncana Reka offers bed and breakfasts, an authentic Serbian restaurant and various sporting facilities, including amusement parks and children playgrounds. Suncana Reka is a kid-friendly travel destination if you plan a short trip to Loznica with your children.

A chapel at Suncana Reka in West Serbia.

Bordering Serbia and Bosnia, you can take a walk by the riverbank of Drina at Suncana Reka, and you can see Bosnia closely. Well, given the idea I have a particular problem with visa application and I couldn't enter Bosnia because of my passport at the time, that was the closest thing I was to Bosnia.

And speaking of Drina, you will find an area at Suncana Reka that is dedicated to Robert de Niro. You may wonder why out of sudden there's an honorable mention of Robert de Niro here, but apparently, it's because he has adopted Diahnne Abbott's daughter, who was named Drena after the Drina River.

I didn't pay anything for the entrance to Suncana Reka, but instead I went to the restaurant and had another Serbian breakfast there.

Places to Visit in Novi Sad, Serbia

The second-largest city in Serbia after Belgrade, Novi Sad was named the European Youth Capital in 2019. On top of that, the city is also one of the most ethnically diverse areas in the country as it has been the home to minority groups like Hungarians, Croats, Slovaks, and Romanians for centuries.

Nowadays, Novi Sad is also known as the city of music and arts in Serbia. The city hosts EXIT music festival in the summer every year at Petrovaradin Fortress, and Novi Sad seems to be popular for its nightlife scene as well.

Well, I went to Novi Sad by the end of the year, and I have to admit that I got a major culture shock since the city was practically dead during the holidays. Getting used to being spoilt with crowded public places during holidays back home in Indonesia , I learned the hard way that apparently, in Europe almost everything is literally closed during the holidays to the point that it got so hard to just find some place to eat without the reservation.

I think I quite understand why the city is loved by many people who have visited Serbia. The city gives some kind of vibrant vibes, minus the hustle and bustle you will experience in Belgrade. However, after what happened to me during the holidays last year, I wouldn't recommend visiting Novi Sad during Christmas or New Year for the best experience.

13. Petrovaradin Fortress

Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia.

Known as the venue of EXIT music festival in modern Serbia, Petrovaradin Fortress used to be a significant military fort for the Austro-Hungarian rulers. Situated on the right bank of Danube river, the settlement around Petrovaradin Fortress could be traced back to 3000 B.C.

The name Petrovaradin itself was believed to consist of three words from different languages – “ Petra ” from the Latin word that means rock, “ var ” which means city in Hungarian, and “ din ” which is the Turkish word for faith. So the name Petrovaradin is loosely translated as “the city on the rock as solid as faith”.

serbia travel guide pdf

Is Petrovaradin Fortress worth visiting even if you're not in Novi Sad to attend the EXIT festival? Absolutely!

Just like pretty much all the fortresses around Serbia, you can visit the fortress for free. Whether you want to enjoy the exquisite view of Novi Sad and Danube River from the fortress or have a sip of coffee at the restaurant, Petrovaradin Fortress is hand down the must-visit place in Novi Sad.

If you get a chance to go to Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, pay attention to the Clock Tower at the Ludwig bastion as it's unique on its own. I thought it was just another significant clock tower like Big Ben in London , Atkinson Clock Tower in Kota Kinabalu or Saat Kulesi in Izmir , but actually it's not.

When you're there, pay attention to the arrows at the clock as instead of the short hand representing the hour, and the long hand for the minutes, the arrows at Petrovaradin Clock Tower work the other way around. As you can see in the picture above, I was there around 1.15 PM, but the time shows as if I was there at 3.05 PM.

14. Dunavska Street

Dunavska Street in Novi Sad, Serbia.

It's really hard to miss this charming promenade, as you will pass Dunavska Street if you're heading to Petrovaradin Fortress from Trg Slobode, the Old Town in Novi Sad. I'm not big into taking photo of myself, but I sure wish I traveled with someone there since the view of the street was super instagrammable. LOL.

I'm not sure how the street looks like on regular days, but since I went there on New Year's day, the street was quiet since you could barely find any restaurant or cafe open.

Dunavska Street in Novi Sad, Serbia.

This was also something I struggled with the most while traveling during the holidays in Novi Sad, as I feel like I didn't enjoy the city to the fullest since there's a limited number of restaurants that were open when I was there, and I literally only grabbed something to eat at the place that was open and served food.

To be fair, I feel like I could've traveled more of Dunavska Street because as I said, the cobblestone and the colorful building there is such a good combination for beautiful photographs. But on the other hand, traveling solo during the holidays when I could barely find a restaurant that was open got me quite anxious, so I just headed back to Trg Slobode as the area was more lively at the time.

15. Trg Slobode

Trg Slobode, the old town square in Novi Sad, Serbia.

The main square in Novi Sad, Trg Slobode (Liberty Square in English) is the central pedestrian area in the city. With so many cafes and restaurants in the surrounding are, along with the beautiful architecture of various buildings from the City Hall, cathedral, church, or regular shops and markets where you can find something to buy for souvenirs.

Surrounding the City Hall, you can also read some snippets of historical events in Novi Sad. They put the plate for each event in the periodical order, and you can read some trivial things that happened in the city. From historical events to anything related to some notable figures in the city. I may not know all the events listed on those plates, but I sure did recognize the name when they honorably mentioned the birth of Monica Seles in 1973.

Trg Slobode in Novi Sad, Serbia.

As I stayed at a hotel far away from the city center, I honestly would recommend you to find a hotel close to Trg Slobode for easy access to all the must-visit spots in Novi Sad. From the city square, you can easily stroll around the promenade and enjoy a nice walk through the Danube Park or the river.

There's also plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area there, so this would be a perfect spot to immerse the city of Novi Sad to the fullest.

16. Danube River and Park

Strolling around Danube River in Novi Sad, Serbia.

The second-longest river in Europe, my friend Dora shared a way to easily remember some fun geographical fact about Danube River. She told me that along with Vienna in Austria , there are three other capital cities starting with the letter B, where the Danube flows throughout Europe, and they include Belgrade, Budapest (Hungary) , and Bratislava (Slovakia) .

I personally only strolled around the Danube when I visited Zemun, and at the time the weather was quite terrible so I don't think I enjoyed the walk as much as when I did it in Novi Sad. When I strolled around the riverbank in Novi Sad, the weather was so lovely, and it was sunny outside so I definitely enjoyed it more.

The view of Danube River in Novi Sad, Serbia.

Another reason why I find taking a walk around Danube River in Novi Sad enjoyable is also the fact that there are some bridges that are lovely to see around Novi Sad. From afar, you can also see the majestic Petrovaradin Fortress from the bench if you stroll on the right bank of the river from Trg Slobode.

While you're there, don't forget to stop by Danube Park as well. Again, I feel like I didn't get to enjoy its beauty to the fullest as when I went there, some parts of Danube Park were closed due to some minor construction.

Places to Visit in Mokra Gora, Serbia

Technically, when I got on a road trip with Dora, I've been to more places in Serbia than what I've listed in the article. In total, we've also stopped by Sokolici, Cacak, Vrnjacka Banja, Zlatibor, and Leskovac on our 5-day trip through Serbia.

However, since our time was limited and we didn't really get to experience the highlight of each destination, and I personally think some of the spots are a hard pass (for example, the Roman Bath in Cacak kinda reminds me of the Macedonian Tower in Edirne ).

We only got some time to feast in Zlatibor on our way from Cacak to Vrnjacka Banja. We tried to get on the gondola, but we missed it since we only arrived in Zlatibor around 3.30 PM when the gondola was closed at 3 PM.

Thankfully, after Zlatibor we managed to stop by Mokra Gora, a village in Uzice that is known for the narrow-gauged heritage railway in Serbia. To be fair, we only spent a few hours around Mokra Gora, but I think the experience is more justified to share than Zlatibor in this case.

17. Sargan 8

Sargan Eight Train in Mokra Gora, Serbia.

A hard miss since we didn't get a chance to get on the train on the historical railway, but we still managed to have fun with a few puppies around Mokra Gora station when we got there!

Dubbed as one of the best tourism villages in the world by the UN World Tourism Organization, the name Sargan Eight comes from the railway line from Mokra Gora to Sargan Vitasi that has a shape like number 8.

The puppies in Mokra Gora, Serbia.

The railway construction began during World War I with the initial plan to create a route connecting Serbia and Austro-Hungary at the time. However, the progress was halted due to the explosion during the digging for the “Budim” tunnel, which killed all the workers in the process.

They resumed the work in 1921, and that's when the number 8 design came up and built before they finally departed the first train for the route on January 25th, 1925. In the past, the line also connected Belgrade and Sarajevo onward to the Adriatic Sea in Dubrovnik , until in the mid-1990s when the Homeland Society of Mokra Gora inspected and reported the deterioration in some of the tunnels on its railway.

Serbian Ministry of Tourism and the then Yugoslav State Railway (now Zeleznice Srbije or Serbian Railway) were responsible to take over the reconstruction from 1999 to 2003 before it finally reopened in the summer 2003.

Since I didn't get a chance to get on the train itself as we only got there at around 5 PM or so, I didn't have the firsthand experience when it comes to getting on the scenic route of Sargan Eight. However, I don't know what's the deal with so many puppies around the train station, but I literally had some fun playing with the pups when I was there.

18. Drvengrad

Drvengrad in Mokra Gora, Serbia.

Pretty much like Suncana Reka in Loznica, Drvengrad in Mokra Gora was also built by a Sarajevo-born movie director, Emir Kusturica, for his movie “ Zivot je cudo “. Also known as Küstendorf, the name is the word play of the German word for village ( dorf ), and Kusturica's nickname ( kusta ). 

Apparently, big movie names like Johnny Depp (God knows he's been on the news lately after the defamation trial against Amber Heard! LOL) and Gael Garcia Bernal have visited this village, and you can see how they used a lot of movie legends as the street name around the village. One that I remember from my visit then is Bruce Lee. 

The entrance ticket to Drvengrad in Mokra Gora, Serbia.

The entrance ticket to Drvengrad cost 250 dinar (around $2.2 USD). I imagine it would be a scenic place during the daylight. Still, since I went there after the sunset, I didn't experience that myself. Nonetheless, I would still recommend visiting Drvengrad at night since the village is full of night lights and it kinda gives some kind of romantic vibes at night.

There's also a restaurant inside Drvengrad in case you'd like to stop by and enjoy a shot of rakija or something.

Places to Visit in Nis, Serbia

When I told Dora I wanted to visit Nis, she asked me why. To be fair, at the time I didn't do enough research to see some of the must-visit places in Nis, but I knew for sure I wanted to go to the Skull Tower ever since I saw one of the posts about it from a fellow travel blogger. Also, you know how I'm particularly interested in dark tourism.

The third-largest city in Serbia after Belgrade and Novi Sad, Nis had a turbulent history under the Romans, the Ottomans, and even the Nazis during World War II. My Serbian friend in Loznica, Nikola, he lived in Nis for a few months or so, and he thought Nis was somehow the blandest city in Serbia that he's ever been. According to him, it's most likely because even now Nis is the poorest area in Serbia.

Thankfully, Dora agreed that we had to go to Nis together because based on her experience when she visited Nis, she had nothing but nice things about the city because she said the people there are so warm, nice food and cheap too. So, off we went to Nis and I'm just glad that I managed to visit the city when I got the chance!

19. Skull Tower

The entrance ticket to the Skull Tower in Nis, Serbia.

Just like its name,  Cele Kula  or “Skull Tower” in Nis, the tower was built by the Ottoman Empire during the First Serbian Uprising, following the Battle of Cegar in May 1809. Constructed by order of Turkish general Hurshid Pasha to warn the rebellious Serbs at the time, the Skull Tower has now become a symbol of defiance of Serbs on their first attempt to freedom against the Ottomans. 

The original tower contained 952 skulls embedded in a 4.5 meters high building. There are only around 50 skulls left in the tower walls today, but of course it wouldn't lessen the tragedy behind the construction itself. 

Skull Tower in Nis, Serbia.

I'm not sure how much the ticket is for regular tourists, because for some reason the lady at the ticket counter gave Dora and me a special discount for students, and we only paid 150 dinar (around $1.3 USD) per pax. But I don't think it will exceed 300 dinar.

The chapel of the Skull Tower itself isn't that big, to be fair. The shape of the tower reminds me of the memorial tower I've seen at the  Killing Fields in Phnom Penh , I could be wrong but the Skull Tower in Nis looks slightly smaller than that.

In one corner, there is a skull that is believed to be Stevan Sindjelic, the Serbian revolutionary commander who decided to conduct a suicidal explosion to kill himself, along with the Serbian and Ottoman soldiers on the Battle of Cegar. 

20. Nis Fortress

Nis Fortress in South Serbia.

If the Skull Tower is located a bit farther from the city center, Nis Fortress is only walking distance from the main city square in Nis. An ancient area with a long history situated on the right bank of Nisava River, you shouldn't miss Nis Fortress on your itinerary in the city.

Compared to Petrovaradin and even Belgrade Fortress, I personally think Nis Fortress more fascinating. The Ottomans completed the construction of the fortress in the 18th century, Nis Fortress was built over the remains of Roman, Byzantine and Medieval forts.

Nis Fortress in South Serbia.

If Petrovaradin Fortress has become the venue of EXIT Festival in Novi Sad, the amphitheater of Nis Fortress has been used as the location for Nis Film Festival , which is also the most attended film festival held in Serbia. Formerly the biggest film festival throughout Yugoslavia, Nis has been the venue for the event since 1966.

Even if you don't visit Nis Fortress during its peak season, the area is definitely an excellent place for a relaxing stroll while tracing back the time of its turbulent history. Close to the entrance at Stambol Gate, there's an outdoor cafe where you can stop by to take a sip of coffee before exploring the fortress area.

The fortress area is quite huge, I think you can spare 1-2 hours around the fortress and you may still miss a spot or two. There, you can find a small mosque called Bali Bey Mosque. Not sure if it was named after Malkocoglu Bali Bey or someone else.

You can also see the other ruins of the fortress, from the famous ruins of the ancient street, the old gunpowder magazine, and even some ancient tombstones and sarcophagus.

I'm not sure if it has any significant value behind it, but I suppose it has something to do with the fact that Nis Fortress is also the venue for Nis Jazz Festival, but in some parts of the ruins, you can also see some beautiful mural around the fortress.

21. Crveni Krst Concentration Camp

Crveni Krst Concentration Camp in Nis, Serbia.

Another place to visit if you're a dark tourism enthusiast planning to go to Nis.  Crveni Krst  or Red Cross Concentration Camp was initially built as a transit camp during World War II. Operated by the German Gestapo, the concentration camp was where around 35,000 Serbs, Jews, and Romanis were captured during the war. 

On the 12th of February 1942, 150 inmates managed to escape and killed 11 guards at Crveni Krst Concentration Camp in Nis. However, as a result of this attempt, 1100 hostages were killed at Mount Bubanj later that month. 

Liberated by the Yugoslav Partizan in 1944, approximately around 10,000 people were killed at this concentration camp in Nis. 

Red Cross Concentration Camp in Nis, Serbia.

In 1967, a memorial museum started operating on the former campgrounds and you can visit Crveni Krst Concentration Camp with an entrance ticket for 200 dinar (around $1.78 USD) per pax.

On the first floor, you can read the details of the history behind the concentration camp. You can also see the illustration of the barracks where the Nazis kept the prisoners in the 1940s.

On the second floor, you can also see the list of documented inmates who had been imprisoned at the concentration camp during its operation. As Germans destroyed most of the relevant documents that shows the exact number of prisoners at the camp, there are only around 1900 names written there.

You can also climb to the loft and see the cells with the original barbed wires used as a punishment for the prisoners. During our visit at Crveni Krst Concentration Museum, we also encountered a Serbian dude who recommended a movie called Lager Nis . The latter is an old movie entailing the story of the night on the 12th of February in 1942.

The Summary of Traveling to Serbia

I spent most of my time in Belgrade when I was in Serbia for a month. I wish I could explore more places in Serbia, but the minor hiccup when I got pickpocketed left me no choice but to modify my plan, so I didn't get a chance to visit a few places on my list, including Avala Tower and Tara National Park.

However, if I could sum up a few things about traveling to Serbia, here are some things I'd like to highlight.

Is it safe to travel to Serbia?

I'm not a fan of this question in particular, but I will give you some context for you to decide whether Serbia is safe to travel or not .

I traveled to Serbia during the holidays, meaning I was in Serbia for Christmas and New Year. My purse got stolen in Belgrade on the 28th of December, and when I returned to Belgrade after the road trip with Dora, I met another Haidar, a fellow Indonesian traveler who also got his phone stolen on the bus.

Now, I'm not sure if it occurs regularly in Belgrade with pickpocketers and all that, but when I spoke to Haidar, we just tried to be positive and assumed that people in Serbia were desperate during the holidays as they needed money to buy gifts for their family.

Nonetheless, better be prepared than sorry, so if you get on a public transportation in Serbia, be it a city bus or a mini bus, always make sure that you put your belongings where you can see them, because those pickpocketers are definitely pro!

Apart from that, I think Serbia is relatively safe, even for solo female travelers. I realized that I had to put extra caution when it comes to my belongings compared to when I was traveling in Turkey, but I think it would be so exaggerating to say that Serbia isn't safe to travel to.

What are the requirements to travel to Serbia?

Serbia is quite chill when it comes to Covid-19, to be fair. It was only in Serbia that I rarely saw people wearing masks on the public transportation. As per March 2022, there are no restrictions to enter Serbia, so I don't think it's necessary for you to take a PCR test in order to travel to Serbia.

Since I traveled to Serbia before March, I still took a PCR test in Izmir before leaving to Serbia. During my travel to Serbia, showing your vaccination certificate was also mandatory after 8 PM. The regulation about this has also been lifted in March 2022.

Serbian signature dish.

Is Serbia expensive for tourists?

Not really. You can visit a lot of must-visit places in Serbia for free, and even if they come with an entrance ticket, the price rarely exceeds $5 USD.

And even though Serbia doesn't have a metro, public transportation in big cities like Belgrade, Novi Sad, or Nis is pretty reliable and affordable. For me, I got used to checking the public transportation line using Google Map, but I found the information is not available in Novi Sad, although it worked perfectly in Belgrade. When I traveled to Novi Sad, I relied on Moovit app to check the public transportation route I could take around the city.

There's also some differences in the public transportation system in each city. In Belgrade, you can purchase Busplus, a bus card that you can get at the nearest Moj Kiosk to travel around the capital city with the public bus. In Novi Sad, you can pay directly to the driver if you use a public bus there.

So, unlike bus systems in Turkey like the one in either Istanbul or Izmir, all doors would be opened for the bus in Belgrade, making it harder for the authority to check who properly pays for the ride and who doesn't. However, refrain from cheating the system because they will occasionally conduct the inspection and if you get caught without the card or there's no proof that you've paid for the bus ride, you will get fined for up to 6000 dinar!

Over all, I find Serbia quite affordable to explore. The only downside was when I was craving Asian food, because I realized that the food was expensive and the taste was kinda mehhhh… LOL.

So yeah, those are some tips about traveling to Serbia and some places you should visit if you get a chance to stop by this ex-Yugoslavian country. Do you have any additional advice about traveling to Serbia that you'd like to add? More recommended place to stop by Serbia? Drop a comment below, and cheerio! 🙂

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Serbia: 20+ Places to Visit in Serbia - The BeauTraveler

Marya The BeauTraveler

I am the founder and main editor at The BeauTraveler. I spent 4 years working in the aviation industry but ironically got to travel more right after quitting the industry in 2015. Born and raised in Indonesia, I started working remotely in 2017, and while I stay at home most of the time, I also regularly spend 2-3 months living a semi-digital nomad life elsewhere every year.

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11 thoughts on “The Ultimate Travel Guide to Serbia: 20+ Places To Visit in Serbia”

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Oh, I’ve traveled through several countries on the Balkans, but haven’t been to Serbia yet. Your guide showed me that I should put it on our road trip the next time we’re on the Balkans!

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Serbia - Tara, Serbia

Introducing Serbia

About serbia.

  • Images of Serbia
  • History, language & culture
  • Weather & geography
  • Doing business & staying in touch

Plan your trip

  • Travel to Serbia
  • Where to stay

While you’re there

  • Things to see & do
  • Shopping & nightlife
  • Food & drink
  • Getting around

Before you go

  • Passport & visa
  • Public Holidays
  • Money & duty free

Book your flights

  • Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport

Serbia travel guide

Although its reputation took a hammering during the disastrous collapse of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, Serbia has since become one of Eastern Europe’s most entertaining destinations. Much of that is down to Belgrade, which, despite NATO bombing during the Milosevic regime, has emerged as a dynamic, edgy city with an appetite for hedonism.

Home to numerous excellent museums and galleries, a wide range of restaurants and cafés, and some of the best nightlife in southeast Europe, Belgrade is drawing comparisons with some of the world’s coolest cities. It is also helping lead the rest of the country into a bright and hopeful future, with a young generation of creative and outward-looking Serbs reshaping the historic land that was founded as a principality some 1,200 years ago.

Away from the capital, Novi Sad is an attractive, lively city with an elegant centre and picturesque fortress overlooking over the Danube. In the far north, Subotica has an array of secessionist architecture and a notable Hungarian character.

The province of Vojvodina, north of Belgrade, has some excellent wetland habitats that are home to numerous bird species, while south of the capital the countryside consists of lush, wooded valleys with hidden-away Orthodox monasteries. Scattered among the country's more mountainous regions are a number of vast national parks.

Serbia is known for the forthright character of its citizens; its resilient culture has survived numerous occupiers and foreign rulers over the centuries. Despite their formidable reputation, visitors will find Serbs to be passionate but welcoming. As an Orthodox Christian country, it remains to a large degree deeply religious, though this fact is belied somewhat by the hedonism found in its bigger cities.

While there are still some political problems in Serbia, which has yet to formally recognise Kosovo after it unilaterally declared independence in 2008, the country has turned a corner. It is officially a EU candidate and many Serbs are hopeful of the change in economic fortunes that might be brought by becoming a full member.

77,474 sq km (35,246 sq miles).

8,812,705 (UN estimate 2016).

92.6 per sq km.

President Aleksandar Vucic since June 2017.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic since June 2017.

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

  • advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
  • information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Serbia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Serbia’s embassy in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Serbia.

Passport validity requirements

If you are visiting Serbia, your passport should be valid for at least 90 days after your planned date of departure from Serbia.

Registration

You must register with the local police where you’re staying within 24 hours of your arrival in Serbia. If you’re staying in a hotel, check-in staff will register you automatically. If you do not register, you could get a fine, and face arrest and a court appearance.

Visa requirements

British nationals do not need a visa to visit Serbia for up to 90 days. For further information on entry and exit requirements, contact the Serbian embassy in the UK .

If you want to extend your stay in Serbia, you must apply for temporary residence status. You must do this at the police station where you’re registered at least 30 days before the 90-day period expires. For more information visit the website of the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

Checks at border control

Make sure you get your passport stamped.

When entering Serbia, make sure border guards stamp your passport. Temporary residents should have an exit-entry visa as well as a residence stamp. If you try to leave Serbia without an entry stamp or exit-entry visa, you may face charges of illegal immigration, a heavy fine and a prison sentence.

You should only enter Serbia through recognised border crossings. Serbian borders remain open for entry and exit, subject to any entry requirements currently in place in neighbouring countries.

Travelling between Serbia and Kosovo

The authorities in Serbia do not consider the designated crossing points with Kosovo to be official international border crossing points.

It is possible to travel from Serbia to Kosovo, and back again.

You cannot travel from Kosovo to Serbia without a Serbian entry stamp from Belgrade, Niš or Kraljevo airports, or one of Serbia’s other border crossings with:

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • North Macedonia

You are likely to be refused entry without a valid Serbian entry stamp. You should take a route through a third country.

Border guards have denied foreign nationals entry to Serbia if they have Republic of Kosovo stamps in their passports. We are also aware of isolated incidents where Serbian authorities have cancelled Kosovo stamps in passports of foreign nationals.

Tensions between Serbia and Kosovo can cause difficulties at border crossings with Kosovo.

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Serbia guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Serbia . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

You must declare items of value if you are temporarily bringing them to Serbia to avoid customs charges – for example, jewellery, cameras and computing equipment.

Taking money into Serbia

If you are carrying more than 10,000 euros (or an equal amount in other currencies), you must:

  • complete a declaration form at customs on arrival in Serbia – a customs officer will certify this by signing or stamping the form
  • keep a copy of the certified form while you are in Serbia
  • show the certified form when you leave Serbia
  • show a receipt if you are carrying Serbian dinars bought from a foreign bank

Customs officers may seize your money if you do not follow these rules.

You should exchange any unwanted dinars before you leave Serbia. British banks do not normally exchange dinars. Do not use street dealers. Only change money through banks or official exchange offices.

It is not possible to exchange Scottish and Northern Irish banknotes in Serbia.

You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice .

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Serbia

Terrorist attacks in Serbia can’t be ruled out.

There is a general threat from terrorism. There may be increased security in place over the festive period, including at Christmas markets and other major events that might attract large crowds. Remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Terrorists may target religious sites, including churches.

Political situation

There is the potential for disturbances in Belgrade and other towns and cities. There have been mass gatherings in Belgrade and other cities since May 2023. Further gatherings are planned. These can cause significant disruption, including to public transport. You should:

  • keep up to date with local developments
  • plan ahead to avoid disruption
  • avoid crowds or demonstrations to avoid injury

Protecting your belongings

Take sensible precautions to protect yourself from street crime, particularly in larger cities. Pickpockets work in tourist areas, airports, on public transport and at motorway petrol stations.

As a foreigner, criminals may assume you are carrying large amounts of cash. Four-wheel drive and luxury vehicles are also popular targets.

Some sporting events have had incidents of violence and petty crime. Report all incidents of crime to the local police and get a report.

Unexploded landmines and bombs

There is still some danger from unexploded landmines and bombs from the 1999 war in Kosovo and Serbia. Most of the affected areas are in the mountains to the north and east of Kosovo. Take special care in these areas and keep to marked roads.

Thick vegetation covers most of the dangerous areas. Do not touch anything suspicious and report it to the police.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal id.

It is a legal requirement to carry your passport (as a tourist) or ID card (as a resident) with you for identification purposes. Keep a copy separately in a safe place.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

There are strict penalties for possessing and trafficking drugs, including long prison sentences.

Using cameras in secure areas

Taking photographs of military and police installations, personnel or vehicles anywhere in Serbia may lead to arrest or difficulties with the authorities.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are legal in Serbia, and there are anti-discrimination laws. There are LGBT+ friendly hostels, clubs and other events in Belgrade. However, the level of public prejudice against LGBT+ people is still relatively high. Be aware that showing affection in public could result in unwanted attention.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Transport risks

Road travel.

You need either a 1968 international driving permit ( IDP ) or a valid UK driving licence to drive in Serbia. The 1949 IDP is not accepted anymore. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel. You can buy an IDP in person from some UK post offices – find your nearest post office branch that offers this service.

You can drive with a UK driving licence or IDP for a series of short visits up to a year after you first entered Serbia, or for a single stay of up to 6 months. If you’re staying longer than 6 months, you must get a local licence.

If you are planning to drive in Serbia, see information on driving abroad and read the RAC Serbia guide .

The general standard of roads in Serbia varies widely. Roads are worse in rural areas, especially after bad weather. One particularly dangerous road is the Ibarska Magistrala (linking Belgrade, via Čačak and Užice, to Montenegro).

Dial 1987 for roadside assistance.

You should only use registered taxis – look for a municipal registration number alongside the cab number. Instead of hailing a taxi, you can call one of the radio taxi phone numbers (most operators speak English). See information about taxis and public transport from the Belgrade tourism organisation .

Many Serbian car hire firms will not allow you to drive their vehicles to Kosovo, Albania or Bulgaria because of security concerns. There have been some incidents where Serbian registered cars have been vandalised, or in some cases set on fire, in more isolated areas of Kosovo.

Bringing a vehicle into Serbia

If you are bringing a vehicle to Serbia, you must have vehicle registration and ownership documents and a locally valid insurance policy. European green card vehicle insurance is now valid in Serbia, but you no longer need to hold a green card. Confirm with your insurance company that your policy covers Serbia.

Contact the Serbian embassy in London if you have more detailed questions about bringing a vehicle to Serbia. The British embassy cannot help you if you arrive at the border without the correct documents.

Rail travel

Trains can be slow, particularly in winter when there are often long delays. On overnight trains, sleeping berths can be locked from the inside for safety. Each carriage has an attendant. Local police carry out random ID checks onboard trains in Serbia. Thieves operate on trains, so take particular care that documents and other valuables are safe.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Forest fires.

During especially hot and dry periods there is a danger of forest fires. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas. Make sure cigarette are properly extinguished and do not light barbecues.

Parts of Serbia can flood after heavy rain. See flood warnings from the Serbian Hydrometeorological Service . If floods affect your area, follow the instructions of the Serbian authorities.

Earthquakes

Serbia lies in a seismically active zone, and earth tremors are common. Serious earthquakes are less frequent but can occur. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice on what to before, during and after an earthquake.

Before you travel check that:

your destination can provide the healthcare you may need

you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 194 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Serbia guide

where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Healthcare facilities in Serbia

You can view a list of English-speaking doctors in Serbia .

There is a reciprocal healthcare agreement for British nationals visiting Serbia, which entitles you to free emergency treatment. To get treatment you must show:

  • a British passport
  • evidence of registration with the local police (if you’re not staying in a hotel)
  • a certificate confirming entitlement to benefit under the UK Social Security Acts – you can get the certificate from HM Revenue & Customs before you travel or contact the British Embassy if you need assistance

You may need to pay cash for non-emergency treatment or treatment that is not covered under the reciprocal agreement. Make sure you can access money to cover medical treatment.

Some private clinics in Serbia offer treatment for addiction which may not meet UK standards. Seek advice from your local GP or health provider in the UK before undertaking any treatment.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Serbia

All emergencies: 112

Ambulance: 194

Police: 192

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

  • where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
  • how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

  • finding English-speaking lawyers , funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Serbia.
  • dealing with a death in Serbia
  • being arrested in Serbia
  • getting help if you’re a victim of crime
  • what to do if you’re in hospital
  • if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you are abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission .

You can also contact FCDO online .

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges .

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

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Serbia charms with its spirited cities, historic sites, and hearty cuisine. Wander through Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Fortress, sample authentic Serbian rakija, or admire the monasteries of Fruska Gora. Discover the allure of Serbia with our travel guide.

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Serbia Travel Guide

Bouncing back strong from COVID-19, Serbia is a cultural crossroads home to majestic natural scenery, historic landmarks and unique hospitality.

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Novi Sad In Focus

On the banks of the River Danube, Serbia’s second biggest city, Novi Sad was proclaimed as the European Capital of Culture for 2022.

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A Two-Week Travel Itinerary to Serbia

The monument to Prince Mihailo stands in front of Belgrade’s National Museum in Republic Square 

You might be able to cover a lot of ground and see a lot of things in Serbia in a week , but it clearly isn’t enough to get a true feel of the country. Two weeks? Now we’re talking. Fourteen days are enough to see every corner of this remarkable country. You should stay longer, of course… Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Day 1: take it easy in subotica.

Lake Palić

This is going to be a heady two weeks, so it is best to take things easy to begin with. After arriving at Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade, immediately head north to the flat plains of Vojvodina. Don’t stop until you approach the border with Hungary and the exquisite town of Subotica, one of the finest in the northern part of the country. Check into a local hotel before heading out to Lake Palić , for a relaxing afternoon ahead of the big trip.

Day 2: The Serbian Athens

Things can begin in earnest on day two. Make the short trip to Novi Sad , the capital of Vojvodina and the city known as the Serbian Athens. Novi Sad is the second largest town in Serbia, and there is plenty to see on both sides of the river. Tick off the city centre sights on the first day, before spending the night at dom b-612.

Day 3: Sremski Karlovci and Petrovaradin

Sremski Karlovci

Novi Sad is a great base for exploring the many towns and villages of Vojvodina. Sremski Karlovci may well be the prettiest town in the entire country , and it packs plenty into its small borders. The town is a treat to say the least, and you won’t find a more pleasant spot for a relaxing morning in the entire nation. Head back to Novi Sad for the afternoon and evening, allowing plenty of time to explore every nook and cranny in Petrovaradin Fortress. The home of EXIT Festival, the complex offers some of the finest views in the city and is a fabulous place to get a sunset dinner. You don’t need us to recommend that, do you?

people cheering on a mountain

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Day 4: Monasteries and mindfulness in Fruška Gora

The lush greenery of Fruška Gora

Vojvodina is an overwhelmingly flat part of the country, which makes Fruška Gora stand out all the more. Serbia’s northern national park is a veritable banquet of greenery, the lush forests only interrupted by the many monasteries that were built within this most tranquil landscape. We’ll be heading to Belgrade on Day 5, so best to get some serenity in before the intensity of the capital.

Day 5: Time to hit the capital

Belgrade is a special place. Most capital cities hold an important place in their nation’s hearts, but the value of the White City is something else altogether. Spend your first day in the city getting to know the parks and green spaces , easing your way into Beograd before an intense day of sightseeing and debauchery.

serbia travel guide pdf

Day 6: Sightseeing and shots

It is difficult to miss Saint Sava Church in Belgrade

After a couple of days of relative relaxation, you should be ready to hit the museums, galleries, monuments and churches that Belgrade has to offer. The Nikola Tesla Museum and Tito’s House of Flowers are musts, as is the Church of St. Sava and the smaller Church of St. Mark. Be sure to explore Kalemegdan Fortress, too, as it’s the number one attraction in the entire city. Let’s go ahead and say that day 6 is a Saturday, and there is no better place to be on a Saturday night than in Belgrade. The city’s nightlife comes with a reputation that precedes it, no matter what you’re looking for. Beograd’s clubs are legendary, but it has just as impressive a roster of beer pubs these days. For a little bit of everything, spend your evening at Cetinjska .

Day 7: Coffee, Zemun and New Belgrade

The perfect tranquility of Zemun’s riverside

You may well have a hangover following a night of madness, so you would be wise to spend day 7 loading up on coffee and food. After getting an early caffeine fix in one of the many cafes of Dorćol (we heartily recommend Meduza), head across the river for a lazy afternoon in Zemun , Belgrade’s most passionately independent municipality. After checking out Gardoš and the Kej, lazily stroll over to New Belgrade to see what Tito had in mind when he expressed a desire for a big, modern capital. If you want to see what the future of the past looked like, this is where you need to go.

Day 8: Dip into Serbia’s difficult past

The Interrupted Flight monument in Kragujevac

Although there is strong temptation to head east to the majesty of Golubac Fortress and the Đerdap Gorge, the relative lack of time means journeying south is the better option for now. Not all the way south of course, as we need to head west first. Kragujevac is the next destination, but stop off at Mount Avala for a picnic by the Monument to the Unknown Hero. Forty kilometres further south is Kosmaj , home to one of Serbia’s many iconic monuments to those lost in the battle against fascism in World War II. The monuments have received plenty of criticism from all corners of the globe, and many have indeed fallen into disrepair. They still amaze however, either in ambition of design or sheer scope of size. Continue the journey south Kragujevac , Serbia’s fourth largest city and one of its most underrated. Kragujevac is home to its own monument park , commemorating the thousands killed in a World War II massacre here.

Day 9: Head west to the mountains

Idyllic Drvengrad

Day eight involved no small amount of intense history, so it might be a good idea to head into the clouds to clear your head. The west of Serbia is home to some of the nation’s finest mountains, and Mokra Gora is first on our list. There is plenty to see and do here, including Emir Kusturica ’s idyllic Drvengrad village and the Šargan Eight light railway.

Day 10: Serbia’s most awesome spot

The mountain-hopping will continue, and there isn’t far to travel at all between Mokra Gora and Tara National Park. Serbia is home to plenty of stunning mountains and national parks, but Tara arguably takes the biscuit. The magnificent Drina River hems the national park in, allowing Serbia’s most forested area to flourish with breathtaking gorges and astonishing ravines.

Day 11: The King’s Town

After the magnificence of the west, it is time to head back into Serbia’s interior for a little bit of history. Kraljevo is a short drive from the national parks, but the route allows you to get a feel for the rural side of the nation before jumping back into society. Kraljevo is one of the most historic towns in the country, and its name (which means ‘King’s Town’) didn’t come about by accident. Seven Serbian kings have been crowned here, and it was actually the nation’s capital following the liberation in 1819. The city made headlines for the wrong reasons 180 years later, when it was the site of the first NATO bomb to fall on Yugoslavia.

Day 12: The spiritual side of Serbia

The time to head south has come, but there is plenty to see between Kraljevo and Niš. Two of Serbia’s most important monasteries are found here, and no trip to this part of the country is complete without visiting either. Žiča is a 13th century monastery founded by St. Sava , arguably the most important individual in the early stages of the Serbian state. Žiča may be bettered by the nearby Studenica , which remains one of the largest and richest Serbian monasteries. Put bluntly, this is one of the most remarkable sights in the entire country, and it is impossible to understand the complex history of this nation without spending an afternoon at Studenica.

Day 13: Serbia’s finest food

The grisly Skull Tower in Niš

With just two days left on the itinerary, Niš awaits. Serbia’s southern towns are arguably its friendliest, and it is easy to understand why. Everything seems to taste a little bit better down here, and carnivores are in for an absolute treat. Stop off at Kafana Marjan just outside the city, but leave a little bit of space for the evening meal (this might not be an actual option). Niš is an energetic student town that often resembles an overly excitable new friend, so make the most of its vibrant zeal and effervescence. If your most famous attraction was a tower made of skulls, you’d probably cling onto everything life has to offer as well.

Day 14: The last supper in Leškovac

If you are leaving the country out of Belgrade then you’ll have to hop back up to the capital quick and sharp, but Niš also has an international airport to make use of. If you’re lucky enough to be flying out of the south, head over to nearby Leškovac for your final Serbian meal . The city of Leškovac is famous nationwide for its food, and its annual Roštiljijada (Barbecue Week) is one of Serbia’s most attended festivals. The festival is home to world’s largest hamburger, which you absolutely won’t be able to eat before your flight. You’ll definitely fill your stomach however, ensuring that you leave Serbia with plenty to remember.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

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serbia travel guide pdf

Places to Stay

The best hotels to book in serbia for every traveller.

serbia travel guide pdf

Balkan Brass: Visit Serbia’s Guča Trumpet Festival Through the Lens of Photographer Tommy Sussex

serbia travel guide pdf

Guides & Tips

A day in belgrade: how to spend 24 hours in the serbian capital.

serbia travel guide pdf

Why You Need to Visit Southern Serbia

serbia travel guide pdf

See & Do

The top 11 things to do in vojvodina, serbia.

serbia travel guide pdf

10 Great Poems that Capture the Spirit of Serbia

serbia travel guide pdf

Architecture

The 9 most impressive civil engineering projects in serbia.

serbia travel guide pdf

7 Awesome Independent Stores in Dorcol, Belgrade

serbia travel guide pdf

Bars & Cafes

The 7 best bars and cafes in valjevo, serbia.

serbia travel guide pdf

Restaurants

The 7 best restaurants in novi pazar, serbia.

serbia travel guide pdf

The Best Spas and Wellness Retreats in Serbia

serbia travel guide pdf

Regions [ edit ]

Serbia can be divided into five regions and one de facto independent republic:

serbia travel guide pdf

Disputed territory [ edit ]

The status of Kosovo — an Albanian-majority land today though historically part of Serbia and the site of the 1389 Battle of Kosovo, to this day a highly charged event in which the Serbian defenders were annihilated but also killed most of the attacking Ottoman forces and the Ottoman Sultan in the process — is quite controversial in Serbia, which does not recognise the region as independent.

Understand [ edit ]

serbia travel guide pdf

Serbs are a warm people and welcoming towards foreigners. Most younger Serbs will speak some English and will be eager to practise it (seniors, however, are more likely to speak German and/or French), so you will be able to find your way around by asking directions. Most tourists come to Serbia in the summer and you can often hear German, Italian, French and English in the streets of Belgrade, while Slovenian tourists pour in for the New Year holidays.

Climate [ edit ]

In the north: continental climate (cold winters and hot, humid summers with well distributed rainfall); central portion: moderate continental climate; and to the south: hot, dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall.

Geography [ edit ]

Extremely varied: to the north, rich fertile plains; to the east, limestone ranges and basins; to the southeast, ancient mountains and hills. Although the region around the town of Mionica has been known for some earthquakes, these were by no means destructive. The highest point is Đeravica at 2656 m.

History [ edit ]

serbia travel guide pdf

There were seventeen Roman emperors born in the territory of today's Serbia, more than in Gaul ( France and Belgium ), Iberia ( Spain and Portugal ) or indeed any other modern country's territory but Italy , and they all left monuments and built palaces in or close to their birthplaces. It may well be that the oldest ever found human settlements in Europe, if not in the world, can be found in country of Serbia. The longest stretch of the river Danube, longer than in any other European country is in Serbia. The giant hydroelectric dam of Đerdap has created a lake stretching for many miles out of the Đerdap Canyon with its famous Roman road to the East build by the Emperor Trajan.

The first Serbian state under that name was formed in the late 8th century, becoming a kingdom in the 12th century and expanding by the mid-14th century to an empire that comprised most of the Balkans. In 1389, however, the Serbs lost a decisive battle in the Kosovo field against the Ottoman Empire . Serbia managed to preserve its freedom for another seventy years, only to be finally overwhelmed by the Turks in 1459.

With several brief interludes of 2-5 years each and one longer one (1717-1739) when the territory of Serbia south of the rivers Danube and Sava was incorporated into the Austrian Empire , it remained under Ottoman rule until an uprising in the early 1800s grew into a full-scale war (Serbian Revolution aka First Serbian Uprising) led to the restoration of Serbian autonomy in 1815 and full independence in 1837. However, after 160 years under the Turks (the same as most of Croatia and Hungary), Northern Serbia (Vojvodina) was under the Austrian rule from the 1690s.

The 1914 Austro-Hungarian invasion of Serbia following the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand by an ethnic Serb high school student precipitated the first World War . In its aftermath in 1918, victorious Serbia gathered all south Slav lands (Croatia, Slovenia, Slavonia, Dalmatia, Bosnia and Hercegovina, and Montenegro) into the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes; The country's name was changed to Yugoslavia in 1929. Invasion and occupation by Germany and Italy in 1941 during World War II was resisted by the communist-led guerrilla (Yugoslav Partisans), and at times by the Royal Yugoslav Army in fatherland (Chetniks), commanded by Lt.-Gen Dragoljub Mihajlović; Chetniks at times fought both invaders and Partisans, switching sides between resisting to openly collaborating with the invaders. The Partisans, commanded by Field-Marshal Josip Broz Tito, emerged victorious and formed a provisional government that abolished the monarchy and proclaimed a republic in 1946 after a dubious referendum. At the end of the war, nearly all ethnic Germans left the country. Although pro-Communist, J.B. Tito's new government was heavily anti-Stalinist and successfully steered its own delicate path between the Warsaw Pact nations and the West for the next four and a half decades.

In the early 1990s, post-Tito Yugoslavia began to unravel along ethnic lines: Slovenia , Croatia , and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia all split from the Yugoslav Union in 1991; and Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1992. All of efforts to preserve Yugoslavia were unsuccessful and bloody civil wars broke out in Croatia and in Bosnia. The remaining republics of Serbia and Montenegro declared a new "Federal Republic of Yugoslavia" (FRY) in 1992. Slobodan Milošević was elected the first president of Serbia.

In the late 1990s, the conflict with the Albanian separatist movement in Kosovo led to a NATO bombing campaign and direct intervention in support of the separatists, which left the placement of Kosovo under a UN administration. Slobodan Milošević, by this time elected for the president of the federation, lost in the Federal elections in the fall of 2000 to Vojislav Koštunica. The country reestablished its membership in the UN and started preparations to join the EU. However, progress on EU accession talks has been slow, as the EU has demanded that Serbia recognise Kosovo's independence as a prerequisite for membership.

In 2002, the republics of Serbia and Montenegro began negotiations to forge a looser relationship, which led to the 2003 name change of the country to "Serbia and Montenegro". Serbia and Montenegro dissolved in June 2006 when the Montenegrin independence referendum was approved by a narrow margin. Kosovo unilaterally declared its independence from Serbia in 2008; however, this act remains unrecognised by Serbia and many other countries.

National holidays [ edit ]

January 1–2 (New Year's Day), January 7 (Eastern Orthodox Christmas), January 14 (working day) (Orthodox New Year), January 27 (working day) (Saint Sava's Feast Day), February 15–16 (Sretenje/Groundhog Day (Candlemas)/Serbian National Day), Good Friday and Easter Monday (according to Orthodox calendar), May 1–2 (Labour Day), May 9 (working day) (Victory Day), June 28 (working day) (Vidovdan/St Vitus Day) and November 11 (Armistice Day) are designated as state holidays. Major retail establishments such as supermarkets and shopping malls remain open on all of these days except January 1 and January 7. There are also several officially designated days on which only the members of certain religious minorities have the right for a day off. In practice this means that in the northernmost areas of the country, including Subotica , where there is a sizeable Catholic population, many shops close on December 25 - Christmas Day according to the Gregorian calendar.

Measures [ edit ]

Serbia, like most countries in the world, uses the Metric system .

Visitor information [ edit ]

  • Experience Serbia

Talk [ edit ]

The official Serbian language is similar to Croatian and Bosnian, and mutually intelligible with them to a very high degree. Before the era of nationalist linguistic policies and the breakup of the former Yugoslavia, all of those dialects were all known as Serbo-Croatian. Today, people in the former Yugoslavia no longer use this general term for what remains a common language. The written form is officially written with Cyrillic script in the country but occasionally in non-governmental situations, the Roman alphabet is used.

English is commonly spoken by younger adults who grew after the fall of communism, and they are also quite willing to practise it with foreigners. On the other hand, older people who grew up under communist rule rarely speak any English. You can also try with German, French, Russian, Spanish or Italian which are taught in school.

If you speak other South Slavic languages such as Bulgarian and Macedonian, it can prove to be occasionally helpful for you, as those languages have many similarities with Serbian. Older people may speak Russian or German as they were the main foreign languages taught in school during the Yugoslav era, though they have been largely supplanted by English among the younger generation.

In Vojvodina, most people speak Serbian, but other languages are also used. In some towns near the Hungarian border, you are more likely to hear Hungarian. There are many smaller minorities (Slovaks, Romanians, Roma people), who often speak their native languages.

In churches, the liturgical language is Church Slavonic , which differs significantly from any modern Slavic language.

Get in [ edit ]

Entry requirements [ edit ].

serbia travel guide pdf

Foreign nationals of the following countries/territories can enter Serbia visa-free ( Government website ):

  • For up to 90 days in 6 months: Albania , Andorra , Argentina , Armenia , Australia , Austria , Azerbaijan , Bahrain , Belgium , Bolivia , Bosnia and Herzegovina , Brazil , Bulgaria , Canada , Chile , Costa Rica , Croatia , Cuba , Cyprus , Czech Republic , Denmark , Estonia , Finland , France , Germany , Greece , Holy See , Hungary , Iceland , Ireland , Israel , Italy , Japan , Latvia , Liechtenstein , Lithuania , Luxembourg , Macau , Malta , Mexico , Moldova , Monaco , Mongolia , Montenegro , Netherlands , New Zealand , North Macedonia , Norway , Oman , Peru , Poland , Portugal , Qatar , Romania , San Marino , Seychelles , Singapore , Slovakia , Slovenia , South Korea , Spain , Sweden , Switzerland , Tunisia , Turkey , United Arab Emirates , United Kingdom , United States , Uruguay
  • For up to 30 days, extendable up to 90 days within any 180 day period: Belarus , China , Kazakhstan , Russia
  • For up to 30 days within any 60 day period: Ukraine
  • For up to 30 days within one year: Bahamas , Barbados , Colombia , Georgia , Guinea-Bissau , India , Indonesia , Iran , Jamaica , Paraguay , Saint Vincent and the Grenadines , Suriname
  • For up to 14 days: Hong Kong

Citizens of the following countries can enter and stay up to 90 days in 6 months with their National ID card: Austria , Belgium , Bosnia and Herzegovina , Bulgaria , Croatia , Cyprus , Czech Republic , Denmark , Estonia , Finland , France , Germany , Greece , Hungary , Iceland , Ireland , Italy , Latvia , Lithuania , Luxembourg , Malta , Montenegro , Netherlands , North Macedonia , Norway , Poland , Portugal , Romania , Slovakia , Slovenia , Spain , Sweden , Switzerland , United Kingdom .

Valid visa holders and residents of the European Union and Schengen Area member states and the United States can enter Serbia without a visa for a maximum stay of 90 days within 180 days, provided the visa remains valid for the entire length of stay.

Serbia has announced that visitors with Kosovar visas or passport stamps will not be allowed into the country. However, it seems that instead, the visas and stamps will be overstamped with a "cancelled" stamp. Entering Serbia through Kosovo without a Serbian entry stamp is considered as an illegal entry and can be met with stiff penalties; however, leaving Serbia via Kosovo is not a problem.

Customs controls are fairly straightforward, but a notable regulation is that you are allowed to move only 120,000 Serbian dinars (RSD) into and out of the country, and notes larger than RSD 1000 are not allowed to move across the border. You can take up to €10,000 through the border without declaration. Since bank transfers from Serbia are still difficult cash is still the easiest option for medium sums.

By plane [ edit ]

  • Belgrade The main airport of Serbia is the Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport ( BEG  IATA ), 15 km from downtown Belgrade. Major European airlines fly to Belgrade. Serbian national airline Air Serbia flies to all major cities in Europe, northern Africa and the Middle East. Another airline with many destinations from Belgrade is Wizz Air .
  • Niš - Serbia's second international airport is in Niš: Niš Constantine the Great International Airport ( INI  IATA ). Air Serbia, Ryanair and Wizz Air operate here several routes. Airplane tickets to Niš tend to be very cheap, but planes fly there only from a few European destinations.
  • Kraljevo (Morava Airport, also known as Lađevci) - small regional but international airport ( KVO  IATA ), served by Air Serbia from Istanbul, Tivat, Vienna and Thessaloniki. There are no direct connections to town apart from taxi or rental cars. However, buses on the Belgrade-Kraljevo service pass along the highway 1km from the airport. To get there from Belgrade, buy ticket to Lađevci, ask the driver to be dropped off at the Tavnik gas station and walk 1 km to the terminal.

By train [ edit ]

Serbian railways are not in the best condition these days - as of summer 2022, most international train routes are closed, with direct trains from to Belgrade from Zagreb, Budapest, Skopje, Sofia, Athens, Vienna, Timisoara etc no longer operating. This might get better in the future, when the respective railways are upgraded/rebuilt. There might be some regional cross border services operating, but these are of a little interest to most visitors. The most useful one would probably be the Szeged-Subotica service, innaugurated in 2023.

The only international IC level train operating is one night express per day from Bar. The daytime express that offers scenic views on route operates only during the summer.

serbia travel guide pdf

For timetables and all other infos check website of the Serbian passenger railway company .

A cheap way of travelling to or from Serbia might be the Balkan Flexipass .

By car [ edit ]

serbia travel guide pdf

If your vehicle is registered and insured in an EU country you do not need a green card. Otherwise, make sure that your Green Card has an uncancelled "SRB" box. Coming in from Hungary, the Szeged/Horgos border crossing is notorious for its congestion. If crossing the border from Hungary, try the Tompa/Kelebija crossing point, about 20 km west.

Police are generally stationed at major junctions or at underpasses to control traffic and speed. Drivers commonly warn others of a police presence by flicking the high-beams on two or three times. Police interceptors patrol all major highways. Drivers speeding and/or driving aggressively are stopped. Speeds of up to 140 km/h in 120 km/h zones are usually, but not always, tolerated.

The traffic law is strict. No person under age of 14 is permitted to ride in the front seat, seat belts are obligatory for all passengers, blood alcohol content is limited to 0.03% and fines start at €30 for smaller violations and go up to 60 days in prison and €5,000 for causing a larger traffic accident (both locals and foreigners). Keep in mind that if you kill someone in an accident, a prison sentence will be almost unavoidable. If you are driving on country and local roads, pay attention to the bicycle riders, tractors and other heavy agricultural machines, especially at night! They can be without proper light signalisation and hard to see, so slow down at night.

The highway is tolled, but the toll is no longer higher for foreigners than for locals. Highway tolls cost on average €0.03/km and can be paid in Serbian dinars or euros. They are charged by road section, so it's possible to pay more if only part of section is used. Main roads and populated areas are well covered with gas stations providing you wide range of common fuels (eurodiesel, unleaded petrol, etc.) LPG stations are not so numerous, but are in satisfying numbers on main roads and major cities.

Serbian Auto-Moto Association (AMSS) phone number is 1987 and they provide all kinds of services (information, tows, repairs). Private tow services can be expensive, some a blunt rip-off. Most of the major car companies have their appointed services in Serbia.

By bus [ edit ]

Vienna - Buses leave from Vienna International Busterminal (Erdberg) almost every day. For destinations south of Belgrade, Zoran Reisen coaches leave at 15:00 on Friday, and charge around €45 for a one-way trip.

For more information, see the timetable in English [dead link] (arrivals/departures) of the Belgrade bus station, the Novi Sad public transport company page under "polasci sa autobuske stanice". Polazak.rs also has accurate timetables.

By boat [ edit ]

There are boat tours, which pass through Belgrade. These are Trafalgar Tours in English, which cruise along the Danube and have a two-day stopover in Belgrade.

By thumb [ edit ]

Hitchhiking across Serbia is still acceptable and most drivers will treat you like a friend. However, necessary precautions should still be taken. Generally, it is easy to hitchhike through Vojvodina and much more difficult to hitch a ride from Belgrade to the south, to Kosovo, or North Macedonia and Montenegro. The Hitchhiker's Guide to Serbia [dead link] offers a collection of hitchhiking tips for a number of cities and towns in Serbia. It was made by the members of the Serbia Travel Club, an association of independent travellers from Serbia, and is available in English and Serbian.

By bike [ edit ]

The cycling route EuroVelo 6 which runs from the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea, crosses Serbia by following the Danube river. Most of the advised itinerary follows minor paved roads, and directions are clearly indicated by a specific EuroVelo 6 signage.

Although too few cities offer appropriate cyclist-friendly infrastructures, cycling is slowly gaining interest among the population as an economic and sustainable alternative way of touring and commuting.

Get around [ edit ]

Public transportation is generally not in very good shape outside of Belgrade. Trams and newer buses are exclusive to the capital, while intercity transport and transport whithin other smaller cities and towns uses older buses or more expensive minibuses. The coverage, however, is still pretty good in other towns as well. The quality of public transport whithin Belgrade itself is good and has vastly improved lately as most of the bus fleet was replaced by brand new gas powered buses.

The capital itself has around 120 public transport lines which can get you anywhere whithin the city you might want to go. A majority of these lines are bus lines, but some are trolleybus, tram and minibus lines.

Minibuses are way more expensive (~€2 per ride) than regular public transport as they are owned by private companies.

Public transport cost in Belgrade fluctuates depending on the zone you're in. A map of the zones can be found here [dead link] .

A public transport ticket can be either bought directly from the driver upon entering the vehicle or by using a BeoGRADSKA card on one of the card readers inside the vehicle. The card itself costs RSD250 and can be topped up with any amount of money. This card can be bought in kiosks around the city. The money is then deducted from the card every time its scanned. This form of ticket is valid for 90 minutes.

If you intend on buying the ticket from the driver make sure you have the exact amount in rsd as drivers are more often than not unable to give back change.

The cost of a ticket is as follows (as of Jan 2023):

  • BeoGRADSKA card : valid for 90 minutes.

Zones 1 and 2: RSD90,

Zone 3: RSD90,

Zone 4: RSD90,

Zones 1—3: RSD130,

Zones 1—4: RSD270,

Zones 3 and 4: RSD180.

  • One time ticket bought from the driver : valid until you get off the bus.

Zones 1 and 2: RSD150,

Zone 3: RSD150,

Zones 1—3: RSD300,

Zones 3 and 4: RSD300,

Zones 1—4: RSD400

On minibus lines you must buy tickets from the driver. They cost RSD200 for regular minibus lines and RSD400 for the airport minibus line (A1).

The most common and convenient way of getting around Serbia is by bus. See Bus travel in the former Yugoslavia for more information. For timetables (though not the prices) you can check polazak.rs

serbia travel guide pdf

Trains in Serbia are considerably slower than most of Western/Central Europe, but they can be a quite scenic way of seeing the country. On most of the routes trains are also slower than buses, exceptions being the lines running from Belgrade to Novi Sad, and to the Croatian border (Šid). They can be a lot cheaper (up to 40%), however. Trains are considerably more often on time, but the intensity of rail services has been decreased on most lines (with some international lines being suspended).

Most railways journeys are operated by new trains (Stadler Flirt for electrified lines and Metrovagonmash RA-2 for non-electrified ones, but you can still find some of the older trains in use on peripheral lines (JŽ class 412/416 made in the Soviet Union), and even some of the old East German diesel rail-buses (Šinobus), latter, mostly in regional use in Banat) and more regular locomotive-hauled trains serving international lines.

All trains are operated by Serbian Railways' passenger branch SrbijaVoz [dead link] . (timetables available, though, for some reason, prices are available just for certain routes. For train prices for all routes you can check polazak.rs . You would need to choose a railway station in the places you are travelling to (marked with a train symbol, and followed by ŽS .

In 2022 a train line from Novi Sad to Belgrade was opened. This is a semi-high speed rail, reaching Novi Sad in around 30 minutes. The ticket costs RSD400.

Train types [ edit ]

There are several train types in regular passenger service, but the type of the train rarely influences the actual journey time, or train speed. They also differ slightly in prices.

Brzi (Fast) trains (marked with a B on timetables), which theoretically stop on fewer stops (though this mostly means, the most peripheral ones).

RegioEkspres trains (marked with a Re on timetables), which stop on most stations (this usually means all).

These two types of trains have a supplement that is added to the ticket (50 RSD for journeys up to 50 km, and 100 RSD for journeys over 50 km, for Re trains, and 100 RSD for B trains)

Putnički (Passenger) (marked with a PT on timetables) trains, which stop at all stations and don't have a supplement. This type is becoming increasingly uncommon as ŽS is phasing it out in favour of Re trains.

Train travel times and prices [ edit ]

Train travel in most of Serbia is in no way time-saving, though it can be a very good option for budget travelers. There are (in theory) two classes in B and Re trains (1st and 2nd, 1st being 20% more expensive)), though this is increasingly meaningless as new Stadler and Metrovagonmash trains have very few 1st class seats (4 in every train), and they are almost always taken by the conductors, and getting them to move can be challenging. There is almost never a 1st class carriage on most international trains either.

Travel times on most lines are much longer than travelling by bus, and many cities in Central Serbia aren't connected to Belgrade directly (and timetable planners don't make it a priority to allow for fast and easy changes). This situation leaves a prospective train traveler with few possibilities of enjoying rail travel to smaller cities.

Generally, it is easier, cheaper and more comfortable (and sometimes faster) to take a train from Belgrade to Novi Sad (40 mins, ~400 RSD one way). Traveling from Belgrade to Niš is another option, though this journey is much longer than by bus (~5½ hr opposed to ~3 hr), and can get very uncomfortable if you're traveling in newer Stadler trains, as their seats were built for shorter travel times (it can also be very frustrating to sit in a completely modern train with an LCD screen constantly showing you travel speeds of 45 km/hr). This journey can, on the other hand, be a very nice, and scenic experience, if you, for example, take a PT train from Zemun (departing Belgrade Centre station at 15:22 and arriving at 20:52, costing 784 RSD) which is still operated by old compartment carriages and locomotive hauled (and almost always completely empty (June 2022).

The long-lasting change (starting in the 1980s) of Railway Terminals from Glavna Železnička Stanica Beograd (Belgrade Main Railway Station) to Beograd Centar/Prokop (Belgrade Centre/Prokop) has been (as of the 2017/18 timetable) completed. All trains go to Beograd Centar, the old station has been closed permanently. The problem with this is that Beograd Centar is mostly unbuilt, having only the platforms and no station building, and being infamously hard to reach (as Belgrade locals like to say, it has only 1½ bus lines going to it (one going from nowhere to nowhere and another (very irregularly) going from nowhere to Slavija square). If you are going from Novi Sad, Subotica or Šid, you should consider exiting the train at Novi Beograd and taking a bus or a tram to the city centre. Or you could take the city railway (BG:Voz from Beograd Centar either to Novi Beograd or Karađorđev Park/Vukov spomenik, which are more centrally located. Avoid trains arriving late at night because neither Novi Beograd Station nor Belgrade Centre are a good place to be at night, and there is virtually no public transport there after 23:00. Beograd Centar was built as a railway hub for the Yugoslav Railways, and was planned for many more and much bigger trains that it sees now, so be sure you're waiting at the right platform and stay close to the middle, because otherwise you might miss your train.

You must buy tickets at the train station before boarding the train (unless the ticket window is closed (usually only very late at night, and never in main cities). A ticket is valid for a specific train, not (as is common in Western Europe, a line), so you can't hop-on hop-off. Tickets are not sold online.

The cashiers usually speak little English, so you should have a piece of paper with your destination written on it, and if you don't want to the next train, the number of that train. The cashier will sometimes ask you if you want a reservation, and if you speak no Serbo-Croatian, they will usually put it without asking. This reservation costs RSD110, and has no real purpose, as it only guarantees you a seat, and trains are almost never full (except the Belgrade-Novi Sad line). Also, even if you have it, conductors can be unwilling to fight other passengers to give you the seat, and you can bet that no one on the train will have a reservation for a particular seat you take. If you don't wish to take the reservation you should just say bez rezervacije (bez rezervatsiye) when buying a ticket.

Roads are in a good shape. The main motorways are completed, going in East/West and North/South direction, with toll gates at every exit and before major cities. When going outside the motorways, the roads are well maintained, but full of pedestrians, and somewhat erratic drivers. Aside from the motorways, the roads usually go through the centers of towns and villages, which slows down most journeys. As the public transportation is often lacking, cars tends to be the only viable way of getting to more remote parts of the country. Police checks are common like in other European countries (not very common). Google Maps and other major navigation providers work well in Serbia, just prepare yourself with offline maps if you don't want to spend a fortune on data roaming.

Gas is usually slightly cheaper than in nearby EU countries, but still expensive by non-european standards.Shopping around for cheaper gas is not necessary.

In Serbia, there have been attempts to scam motorists by stopping a car and telling them it is faulty. Tourists are advised to go to a local garage to have their car repaired, where exorbitant repair prices are charged. Scam attempts have been made on the Belgrade-Nis motorway, among others. It is advisable to use only authorised repairers.

See [ edit ]

serbia travel guide pdf

Serbia's many sights include stunning castles, Medieval monasteries, lovely traditional villages and bustling cities with baroque parks and art-deco architecture.

Cities and villages [ edit ]

Its capital, Belgrade , is a lively and upcoming European city with the Sava and Danube rivers running right through it. Certainly not a boring city, it has a plethora of interesting destinations, old and new.. Stroll through Prince Michael Street, the cities main pedestrian street, or stop by for a drink in one of Skadarlija 's many restaurants. There are a lot of old buildings on all four banks, including the huge Kalemegdan Fortress , that has been built, modeled and remodeled by the Celts, Romans, Byzantines, Serbs, Austrians and Turks in a time span of over 2000 years. Once an important military fortification, it now serves as a central park of Belgrade with beautiful views facing the north-west. Within the fort is a zoo, a military museum, a couple churches rich in history, galleries, parks, sports fields, etc. It has a multitude of various towers and ports, and two long walking/biking paths along both rivers. Other Belgrade sights include the modern Temple of Saint Sava , the National Museum and the Old Court Palace . The river island Ada Ciganlija has an artificial lake and an 8 km long gravel beach, and is a close option if one doesn't want to bathe in pools. Should one want the contrary, Tasmajdan park is, along with the famous church of St. Mark, filled with pools and even houses a water polo team. It's a lively place with lots of sports and entertainment, cafes and restaurants, some of which are opened the whole year round. Zemun , now part of the Belgrade urban area, developed under Hungarian and later Habsburg influence for most of its history and is a pleasant area with a distinct feeling dissimilar to Belgrade. It offers plenty of entertainment and restaurants on its Zemun quay , on the bank of the Danube.

Novi Sad is another delightful city, with the Petrovaradin Fortress (one of the greatest and best preserved 18th-century fortresses in Europe) as its main sight. The city also has a number of lovely parks that just ask for a long afternoon stroll or picnic. Sremski Karlovci near Novi Sad has a rich history, numerous monuments, museums, churches, galleries and famous wine cellars. Town of Novi Pazar , your last stop before Kosovo , has a distinct Turkish heritage and a bunch of great monasteries in the surrounding area.

Mokra Gora is a village reconstructed in a traditional style in the popular mountain region of Zlatibor . The village of Sirogojno is in the same region, with a nice open air museum and lots of traditional crafts on display. Very nearby is the traditional village of Drvengrad , also known as Mećavnik , which the Serbian film director Emir Kusturica built for his film Life is a Miracle . After you see the villages, Zlatibor offers some great ski-resorts, hiking trails and landscapes. Or hop on the Šargan Eight , a narrow-gauge heritage railway running from Mokra Gora to Šargan Vitasi station (Zlatibor and Tara mountains). When it comes to the number of bridges and tunnels, and the rise of 18 per thousand, Sargan Eight is unique in Europe and a ride on the 8-shaped track is a popular pass time for tourists.

Monasteries [ edit ]

Serbia is home to a great number of Medieval orthodox monasteries, many with excellent fresco masterpieces inside. The 12th-century monastery of Studenica (near Kraljevo ) is one of the finest examples and recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Its two churches are built in white marble and boast some stunning 13th and 14th century Byzantine paintings. Žiča , also near Kraljevo , was founded around 1207 and painted red as a symbol of the blood of the martyrs of the early Christian church. The frescos at Sopoćani (near Novi Pazar ) are considered some of the finest examples of their time, and the monastery is on the World Heritage list together with ruins of ancient Stari Ras , once the capital of the Serbian state of Raška but deserted in the 13th century. The fortified Manasija monastery near Despotovac is protected by massive walls and towers, and although much of its original frescos were damaged beyond repair during the Ottoman rule, it's still well worth a visit. In the beautiful Kučaj mountains, Ravanica near Ćuprija was assaulted, damaged and rebuilt time and again during history. It is the burial place of Lazar of Serbia, who is a saint of the orthodox Serbian church and a hero in Serbian epic poetry. Other fine monasteries include the Mileševa monastery near Prijepolje , with its world famous "White Angel" fresco, and Krušedol near Syrmia . The famous medieval monasteries were protected by UNESCO are: The Pec Patriarchate (monastery), Gracanica monastery, and the monastery of Visoki Decani.

If you stay only in Belgrade, be sure to visit Frescoes museum in the centre which will provide you with a glimpse of a Serbian fresco paintings as it holds copies of the most famous and beautiful frescoes from various monasteries.

National parks [ edit ]

serbia travel guide pdf

Of the several national parks and natural areas in the country, Fruška Gora is undoubtedly one of the best. Dotted with ancient monasteries and wineries, it combines orchards and vineyards on its vast plains with tight forests on its plains. The Tara National Park covers some 20,000 hectares in the west of the country. There, the steep gorges of the Drina river and the high mountain peaks provide some stunning views that make a long hike well worth your effort. The mountainous landscape of Kopaonik , in the south, offers some great ski and snowboard opportunities, great views and a rich flora.

Largest national park in the country is Đerdap in the eastern part of the country, on the border with Romania. It consists of the Djerdap (Iron Gate) gorge thru which the river Danube runs and its beautiful surroundings of almost untouched nature. It is simply breathtaking and best experienced from a boat cruise. It can be also toured by bus or a car with many belvederes to stop and enjoy its views. EuroVelo 6 cycling route also runs through it.

Spas and resorts [ edit ]

Serbia is the land of spas. There are many thermal and mineral water springs and most of them are turned into healing and resting resorts. Vrnjačka Banja is the largest and most popular of them and is traditionally very attractive tourist resort for rest and recreation. It's the only mineral spa with a water temperature to match that of the human body, 36.5 °C. Sokobanja is another famous spa and tourist place in Serbia known for its moderate continental climate and untouched nature - immense surfaces of woods, fresh air and a lot of thermo-mineral sources. Palić is a lovely city in the north. Its baroque parks, monuments of art nouveau architecture and a long tradition in catering made it a fashionable summer resort and spa for the 19th and 20th century elite.

Archeological sites [ edit ]

serbia travel guide pdf

Viminacium near the village of Stari Kostolac is an important archaeological site and was Serbia's first excavation project in the 1880s. It was once the provincial capital of the Roman province of Moesia (today's Serbia) and dates back to the 1st century. At the site you'll find archaeological remains of temples, streets, squares, a large amphitheatre, palaces, hippodromes and Roman baths. Another major archaeological site (and doubling as a spa) is that of Gamzigrad . It hosts the remnants of an ancient Roman complex of palaces and temples called Felix Romuliana , and is considered one of the most prominent and best preserved late-Roman sites.

Lepenski Vir , situated in national park Đerdap, 160 km east of Belgrade, between towns of Golubac and Donji Milanovac, is the site of oldest neolithic settlement in Europe and is part of UNESCO world heritage. It is very well preserved and famous for its fish-like sculptures. From neolithic period there is also an archaeological site Vinča, less spectacular though, but a must - see. It is in Belgrade suburb of Vinča, 20 km from city centre.

Sremska Mitrovica is a town over the remainings of Sirmium, a provincial capital of the Roman Empire , destroyed in attacks by Avars in 505 AD. The remainings are under the whole town, but there are exposed excavations on several places. Ten Roman emperors were born in or around Sirmium. It was the capital of the Panonnia province and the Praetorian prefecture of Illyricum.

Festivals and nightlife [ edit ]

serbia travel guide pdf

Foam Fest - Belgrade Foam Fest is a spectacular electronic music stage event. It began in 2009 and more than 60,000 people have visited it since then. LED screens arranged all over the Arena, with hundreds of light guns, lasers, robo heads and other light and sound equipment, numerous foamfalls and foam guns will classify this event again as a manifestation that sets new production standards in Serbia and the region Belgrade Foam Fest [dead link] .

Exit festival – Biggest music festival in SE Europe, that is happening in the beginning of July, in Novi Sad, on Petrovaradin fortress [1] .

serbia travel guide pdf

Festival of traditional brass bands, "Trumpet Festival" in Guca village is held every year at the beginning of August.Festival of traditional brass bands, "Trumpet Festival" in Guca village 20 km from the town of Cacak. During the festival in this small town a few days to go over half a million visitors.The festival in Guca is perhaps the biggest festival of this type, including a lot of visitors from abroad.

serbia travel guide pdf

Belgrade Beer Fest , which takes place at Ušće every August offers a taste of domestic and foreign beers and some good rock music [2] .

Belgrade is very famous for its all-night-party clubs. If you are looking for a place to feel the local atmosphere and good vibes, visit bohemian street “Skadarlija”. Please have a look at the Belgrade article for further options.

New Year's Eve [ edit ]

Restaurants, clubs, cafés and hotels are usually full-booked and organise New Years celebrations with food and live music.

However, Serbian New Year's celebrations are most known for the outdoors festivities in Belgrade, and several other major cities such as Novi Sad, Niš and Jagodina. As of mid-December, cities are extensively decorated and lit. The decorations remain until way into January due to the persistent influence of the old Julian calendar. Throughout the region, especially amongst former Yugoslav republics, Belgrade is known as the place to be for major parties, concerts and happenings. It has become common for large groups of Slovenes to visit their former capital and celebrate the beginning of a new year. Especially since the mid-1990s, street celebrations grew into mass gatherings with hundreds of thousands of people, celebrating New Year on one of several locations throughout Belgrade.

Also, on January 14, Serbians celebrate the so-called Serbian New Year, which is New Year's Eve by the Eastern Church calendar. In the night between January 13 and 14, you can re-live New Year's Eve.

Tipping [ edit ]

Tips are never considered a strict obligation since service charges are always included in the bill, however rounding up or leaving a tip (10-15%) is common in restaurants (not in fast-food restaurants) if the customer is satisfied with the service. Tips are also accepted in bars and taxicabs (usually by rounding up the amount paid - e.g. if the taximeter displays RSD 592, give 600).

Shopping [ edit ]

Imported western food is available in many supermarkets, especially in the "Idea" chain.

In nearly all Serbian pharmacies ( apoteka ), you can buy prescription drugs without prescription.

Prices tend to be on par with the rest of the Balkans. However, import taxes make clothes and shoes in Serbia very expensive.

Eat [ edit ]

Serbian food is a typical Balkan mix of Central European, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern dishes. Serbs are very proud of their food, which is heavy on grilled meats and sausages, local cheeses and bread. Serbia is predominantly a meat-loving nation. In all major cities, there are many international restaurants, such as Italian, Chinese, Mexican, Thai, Lebanese. In Belgrade you can even find sushi or kosher food.

There are international fast-food franchises such as McDonald's, KFC, and Pizza Hut. On the whole, prices are cheap compared to Western Europe with main dishes ranging from RSD 600 to 2400 per person.

Vegetarian foods [ edit ]

Pure vegetarian restaurants are rare, but many places will provide you with non-meat food (just ask for 'posno'-general term for non - meat foods). Numerous fast-food stands (burgers, barbecue, pizza, hot dog, pancakes...) and bakeries (Asian and European pastry, pitas...) are usually very good and will satisfy your needs at a reasonable price. Pizza, sandwiches, and pancakes (crepes) are also commonly found. Salads are primarily tomato, cucumber, and onion, or cabbage. Local produce is fresh and organic.

Serbian-style coffee [ edit ]

Coffee culture in Belgrade is particularly developed; walking about the central areas of the city you will find sprawling terraces and cafés, serving all types of coffee and sweets, particularly Viennese type cakes and local specialties. Be sure to try Serbian Turkish-style coffee, and chestnut purée with whipped cream, a local specialty especially at Republic Square (available mostly during winter).

Sleep [ edit ]

Stay safe [ edit ].

serbia travel guide pdf

Serbia is generally a safe place to visit. The locals are incredibly polite and helpful in case you require any assistance. (If you need any help finding/reaching a place, it's best to ask a younger person for help, as they are more likely to speak English.) However, you should always be aware of pickpockets, mainly in crowded tourist places and on public transportation. Street robberies, assaults or murders are highly unusual, even in dark or remote parts of a city/town. One should always watch out for drivers, who can be very rude to pedestrians or cyclists. There is also widespread intolerance against LGBT people.

Emergency phone numbers are: 192 - police; 193 - fire dept. and 194 - ambulance.

Following the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s, reports of UXOs (unexploded ordnance) have occurred outside the major cities. Keep an eye out for markings which may signify a potential UXO zone when outside the cities and always stick to well-trod paths. If you find a suspicious object resembling a bomb/mortar/landmine, don't touch it . Report it to the nearest police station immediately. Most UXOs have been cleared, though, so it is very unlikely that you will find any.

Floods are common in spring and autumn in river basins - the Danube, Sava, Tisza and Drina.

Serbia is located in a seismically active area, so earthquakes are possible. However, earthquakes causing major damage are rare. The last recorded earthquake was in Kraljevo in November 2010.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Tap water is perfectly safe to drink, and mainly of a good quality, too. There are also many springs and fountains with excellent-quality drinking water - the most popular ones being the fountain on Knez Mihailova in Belgrade, and the many fountains in the city of Nis . One must pay attention when it comes to water in Vojvodina. Some regions (like Kikinda and Zrenjanin) have heavily polluted water that is not even used for cooking, only as industrial water.

Respect [ edit ]

Serbs are a very friendly, polite and hospitable people, especially in the southern parts of the country.

When you are invited into a Serbian home, make sure to bring them a gift if you are coming for the first time. Anything is fine from flowers to chocolate or something representative from your country. When you arrive at a rural house, take off your shoes unless the owner explicitly tells you to keep them on. When inside the house, don't ask for anything, for they will surely offer it. If you are thirsty it is polite to ask for a glass of water. The host probably forgot to offer you a drink and will do so.

In a bus or a tram it is considered polite to offer an elderly person or a pregnant woman a place to sit.

Because many Serbs feel frustrated by the 1990s Yugoslavian Wars or the NATO bombing of Serbia, it is best to avoid discussion of them. If someone brings the topic up, try to avoid giving any strong opinions until you can assess your acquaintance's views. Do not voice support for Kosovo's independence. The U.S.'s vocal support of Kosovar independence and the 1999 air strikes caused some ill will directed towards the West, particularly towards the U.S. (though this is rarely extrapolated to individual American tourists). However, if you share the views of most Serbs, some may be willing to discuss the subject and many will be happy speaking to a Westerner who shares their views.

On the other hand, talking about Socialist Yugoslavia and Tito will not raise as many eyebrows, as most will not hesitate to talk about it and some may even approach it with a strong degree of affection towards that more stable and more peaceful era. Serbia does not recognise the independence of Kosovo but maintains diplomatic relations with Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.

Like the citizens of other ex-Yugoslavia countries, Serbs do not like their country to be described as part of "Eastern Europe". A common misconception is that Serbia was part of the Soviet Bloc (in fact, it was part of Yugoslavia, which split with the Eastern bloc in 1948). Unlike in most other European nations east of the Iron Curtain where anti-Russia sentiment is high due to Soviet dominance over those nations during the Cold War, in Serbia, Russians are generally seen as friendly brotherly people. People have no problems talking about the communist period or Tito and often express nostalgia for it. Serbian views of the Russian invasion of Ukraine are also pretty mixed and there are quite a few (very vocal) people who support the invasion. This however does not necessarily apply to the entire nation and many people who have experienced the Yugoslav wars will be against the war despite disliking Western countries (especially the U.S.).

When toasting in Serbia, as in most European countries, make sure you make eye contact. You may be invited to drink gallons but are expected to be able to hold your drink. Being obviously drunk is a sign of bad taste, lack of character, and worse. Be careful: "rakija", a plum spirit (usually about 53% alcohol content), is stronger than you might expect, and will make you drunk fast! It is always nice to toast in your companion's native tongue. Cheers is živeli in Serbian.

Don't point with your finger at someone. This is considered rude.

Socially, displays of affection among the younger generation are as in Western Europe, but the older generation (over 65) is quite conservative.

The word molim (please) is key to polite conversation in Serbian. It basically means please , but also you're welcome , an appropriate response when somebody thanks you (and says hvala ). It also means I beg your pardon? . Just saying Šta ? ( What?) can sound rude. It may be said that the usage of the word molim is similar to the usage of bitte in German.

Like most European languages, Serbian has formal and informal ways of saying you ( Vi and ti ). Use the formal Vi version when addressing older people. People are normally not addressed or referred to by their first names, except among friends or relatives.

Connect [ edit ]

There are three GSM/UMTS mobile phone networks in Serbia: MTS, Telenor and Vip. Prepaid SIM cards usually cost RSD 200-300 and there is no need for identification when buying them at a store in person. Most small stores and kiosks that sell newspapers and cigarettes in Belgrade offer the SIM cards. A good option (as of April 2018) is the VIP 7-day card for 300RSD including 8GB of LTE Internet (but no call or SMS credit).

But you need to have a valid Serbian ID for online order of prepaid SIM card from Telenor (the only operator known which takes online orders).

In some stores you can buy a simple mobile phone packaged with prepaid SIM card for RSD 2000–3000.

Don't forget that Serbia is not in the EU, so using a SIM card issued in an EU country will cost you a fortune.

Most hotels have internet connections, and plenty of restaurants have Wi-Fi hotspots.

Go next [ edit ]

The land border can be crossed to Croatia , Hungary , Romania , Bulgaria , North Macedonia , Kosovo , Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina .

Serbia has ultra-low-cost flights to several European countries and from Belgrade to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates . (updated May 2022)

serbia travel guide pdf

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Serbia Travel Guide: Tips, Reviews, and Inspiration

Currency: Serbia’s official currency is the Serbian Dinar (RSD). Credit cards are now accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it’s always safe to carry some cash for taxis or markets. If you have a bank card with little or no ATM fees (like our favorite Charles Schwab checking account card), the cheapest way to get dinars is directly through an ATM. 

Power adapters: The power plugs and sockets are type F, like in most of Europe. The standard voltage is 230 V, meaning you can use your appliances if the voltage in your country is between 220 – 240 V (UK, Europe, Australia, and most of Asia and Africa). If you’re visiting from somewhere else (like the US), you’ll need a voltage converter to keep your electronics safe.

Make sure to bring your universal travel adapter with you since they can be more expensive or tougher to find here. We love the Bestek power adapter, which can charge up to 7 devices at the same time and also works as a converter, and the Tripshell Elago adapter if you’re looking for something smaller.

Language: Serbian is the country’s national language. It’s a very complicated Slavic language with two alphabets. You’ll notice most things around the country are written in both alphabets, but there are some street names and signs only written in Cyrillic. A majority of people speak English, especially in bigger cities like Serbia or Novi Sad, and they’re always looking to practice with foreigners.

In the more rural areas, you may encounter people who only speak Serbian. But don’t worry, they are generally very patient and eager to help tourists. When in doubt, you can rely on one of our favorite phrases: “Izvinite, da li govorite engleski?” (Eez-Vee-Knee-Te, da lee go-vaur-ee-te en-gle-ski) which translates to “excuse me, do you speak English.”

Visa requirements: Most countries in the Americas, Europe, and Asia do not require a visa for stays shorter than 90 days, however, some do. Those coming from most African countries will need to obtain a visa beforehand. Every foreigner visiting Serbia must register with the government by submitting a form known as a white card or bela karta. If you are staying in a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb, you don’t need to register in person, as the owners of the place will take care of it on your behalf. If you’re staying in a private residence, you’ll need to register in person at the nearest police station. Check this out for more information about this process.

If you’re looking for more details about life in Serbia, check out our full handbook and detailed guide to living in Belgrade here . 

Not To Overlook

Healthcare: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance before embarking on your trip. No matter how careful you are, accidents are prone to happen, and the last thing you want is to have a m edical emergency abroad with no financial protection.

There are several companies out there, but after relying on them more than once, we can say we are extremely satisfied with SafetyWing and highly recommend it to others looking for peace of mind while traveling.

Overall, their platform is incredibly easy to use and the entire process is straightforward, and their customer service is knowledgeable, kind, and eager to help. What’s also great is that you can purchase the insurance at any point from anywhere in the world, meaning you don’t have to do it before your trip, and there is no limit on the duration of your trip.

And if you require medical assistance while in Serbia, we recommend visiting one of the three private healthcare institutions ( MediGroup , Bel Medic , or Euromedik ). They all have reliable centers throughout the bigger cities and appointments can be made easily and usually scheduled within the same day. We’ve had some funny interactions with doctors across Belgrade which you can check out here  if you’re looking for a laugh!

Safety: This is a key, and sometimes surprising part of this Serbia travel guide. Though Serbia has a complicated history, we have never felt unsafe here. To be honest, it has felt surprisingly safe. As in many places, pickpocketing can happen, especially in public transportation, so make sure to keep your belongings close. Some taxi drivers tend to overcharge foreigners, so if you’re flagging a taxi in the city, make sure to choose one with a Pink Taxi sign. Alternatively, you can download apps like CarGo  or  Yandex . 

You’ll likely read stories about corruption or the mafia. Unfortunately, those are true, but tourists are almost never the target of this type of crime. Just be aware of your surroundings and don’t be afraid to ask the locals if you have any more questions – they are very welcoming and want to make sure their country is represented in the best possible way. If you need even more convincing, check out  our story on one of Serbia’s most unlikely expats.

People:   Serbian people are very welcoming and eager to help. They are very honest and often don’t sugarcoat comments or questions, so don’t be surprised if you get asked personal questions shortly after meeting someone. It’s part of their charm and they generally just want to make sure you’re not overpaying and having the best time possible. 

Serbians love coffee and Rakija (a Serbian-style brandy). They can often spend hours at a kafana (traditional cafe), chatting and sipping on one of these drinks. 

How To Get Around

Public transportation:   The city of Belgrade is generally very walkable, though there are buses and trams throughout the city as well. They are not the most reliable, so if you’re in a rush, a taxi may be the better alternative. You can buy a Beogradska kartica card at several kiosks and they work on a pay-as-you-go basis. The card will cost you about $3 and you can add as much money as you’d like. For reference, a 90-minute trip costs $1. You can use any of the doors when you enter the bus, just make sure to scan the card against the e-reader until you get verification.

The bus controllers occasionally get on the bus to enforce compliance with paying for ride feeds. They are in plain clothes so you won’t usually be able to recognize them. They get on with all the other passengers and will lock all the card scanner devices (so you can’t scan now if you didn’t before) before going through the bus asking to check your card to see if you have paid. If you haven’t, the fine is around $65. You can pay in cash or with a credit card on the spot.

Car rental:  If you’re looking to travel throughout the country, we recommend renting a car. It’s the easiest way to get around and many of the roads have been recently renovated. However, roads tend to be narrow and windy around the mountain regions. There are local rental options that we’ve used before, including Zim Car Rental Beograd . But pick-up options are only offered in Belgrade and they do run out of cars pretty quickly in peak season. For a larger option with more variety, we recommend using Discover Cars to find the best deals.

Hills in Bajina Basta, Serbia

Best Time to Visit

Weather: No Serbia travel guide could be complete without a note about the weather. While you can visit Serbia at any time, keep in mind that Serbia’s climate is considered “moderately continental. This means summers are hot (up to 40℃/104°F) and winters are cold (as low as -15℃/5°F). Serbia can be impacted by the cold air referred to as Košava, which usually comes from the southeast, from the Carpathians in the east, coming into Serbia through the Romanian border. It then blows northwest through Serbia and towards the rest of the continent. And it’s also hit by the warm air from the Mediterranean Sea or Africa, so the temperature tends to vary greatly. 

For us, the best time to visit Serbia is between April-June or September-November. You’ll notice people really come alive once Spring hits and temperatures become milder, and the Fall months push everyone to enjoy the last few months of sun and the turning leaves. If you choose to come in the winter, we would recommend avoiding bigger cities and sticking to the mountains as the air can become very unpleasant when people start burning coal for heat.

EXIT Fest is the most popular and it takes place every year in the Petrovaradin fortress in the city of Novi Sad in July or August. It is a renowned music festival across Europe, with more than 1000 artists (including David Guetta) performing at over 40 stages. We attended in 2021 and getting to watch bands perform from all over the world in an ancient fortress is an unforgettable experience!

Lovefest is another summer music festival, generally held every first weekend in August in the city of Vrnjačka Banja. It’s known for its different stages – some with pools, some surrounded by trees and house tunes, and some that only fit 99 people to keep the feel small. 

May is all about food festivals around the country, with everything from honey to sausage. In July, the municipality of Bajina Bašta hosts Drina Regatta. It goes on for three days and has everything from swimming and fish soup competitions, to a fun day floating down the Drina River on a raft with music and hundreds of people.

And in August or September, the Belgrade Beer Fest takes over a big park in Belgrade for five days, serving domestic and foreign brews.

If you’re looking for something very traditional, you can see locals jumping into different lakes around the country, racing for the Christian cross in January. Many believe the water keeps away unclean forces, heals the sick, and protects the healthy. And in February, wineries across Serbia celebrate Saint Trifun on Valentine’s Day. He is widely venerated as the protector of wine and vineyards, and on his day local priests bless the branches of a vine to bless the new wine season. We were invited by locals to enjoy leftovers the day after this holiday and it is still one of our favorite memories. 

Slavas: Slavas are one of the most common traditions across Serbia. This is a Serbian Orthodox Christian tradition where the family celebrates their family saint, considered their protectors. There are different ways to celebrate, but they have usually been going on for generations and generally involve special rituals and lots of good food and wine.

If you ever go to one, be careful about eating too much food in the first round. Even if it looks like the main course, it probably isn’t! 

Rough Budget: Serbia tends to be a fairly affordable country, but of course, prices can be as cheap or expensive as you’d like. Prices in Belgrade are more expensive than in the countryside, with accommodations being the largest expense. The rough estimate below applies to Belgrade prices, which you can assume to be generally the most expensive around the country.

Piper running in Kladovo, Serbia

Accomodation (per night)

  • Private room: $15-30
  • Hostels: $20-50
  • Mid-range: $60-90
  • Splurge: $100+

Food in Sicevo Gorge

Food (meal for one)

  • Bakeries/street food: $1-3
  • Restaurant: $5-15
  • Very nice restaurant: $15+

serbia travel guide pdf

  • City bus: $3 for a card + $1 per 90 minute ride
  • Multi-city bus: $5-15 depending on distance
  • Rental car: $25 per day

Key Serbia travel guide tip – electronics in Serbia are very expensive. They are all generally imported, so prices are much higher than they would generally be in the US. So if you’re hoping to buy a camera or a kindle, for example, make sure to bring it from home or purchase it in advance. It will save you quite a bit of time and money – just make sure to follow any voltage rules to keep them from frying.

Where to Stay

Serbia is a cultural mix between east and west – and has something to offer everyone. It has a buzzing vibrant capital city, centuries of history to explore, beautiful lust mountains, and remote spots to relax in.

The range of accommodations varies widely – from affordable hostels and weekend homes to luxurious hotels in the city.  But, finding the right place can be a time-consuming challenge, especially if you go remote. 

That’s why we compiled two lists for you: one has the best places to stay across Serbia, suiting every type of travel budget, and the other one is specifically about the pros and cons of the top neighborhoods in Belgrade .

House on Lake Perucac, Serbia in the fog

Where to Stay in Serbia

Favorite accommodations in Belgrade and around the country, for those traveling on a budget or for those looking to splurge on a vacation.

View of Belgrade from river

Best Neighborhoods in Belgrade

Guide outlining the pros and cons of six key neighborhoods in Belgrade and our favorite accommodations for each of them – from luxury to budget spots.

Where to Go

For a country about the size of Florida, Serbia varies dramatically both culturally and geographically in different regions of the country. Each region has a lot to offer and similarly to other places, the capital city is a region in and of itself. While this Serbia travel guide is quite general and offers an overall approach to the country, you can check out the four travel guides below for tips for visiting the region and the top things to do and see in each of them.

North Serbia

West Serbia

East Serbia

Tips for Traveling with a Pup

Serbia is one of the most dog-friendly countries we’ve ever been to. Most people love dogs and are generally very welcoming of them. Many families in Serbia have pets, and it is not uncommon to see dogs out and about in public places. Dogs are welcome in most restaurants and cafes, with few exceptions. Of course, it’s always safe to call first if you plan on bringing your pet, but the list of places we’ve been denied because of a pup is very small.

One of our favorite things about Serbians is their understanding that dogs are dogs. If our pup gets into a little squabble with another dog, that owner will generally understand that it’s best for the dogs to figure it out themselves. You’ll rarely see the other person get upset or try to get involved, which we greatly appreciate.

Dogs off leash are common and we’ve been particularly impressed by how well-trained some dogs are, walking right next to their owners on the street. We certainly cannot let our dog Piper off-leash on the street, but we do love how common it is to see dogs playing off-leash in parks or fortresses across Belgrade.

However, two negative things to note: 1) there are a lot of stray dogs, particularly in the countryside, so don’t be surprised if you see them. If you find yourself walking in a park and stumble upon a group of strays, we’ve been told the best way to scare them away (if you need to) is to scream at them or hit a stick against a tree, and they’ll be too scared to continue. We’ve only had this happen once to us in our three years of being in Serbia.

And 2) the idea of fixing your dog is not yet popular in Serbia so you’ll notice some protective issues, particularly with male dogs, so just keep an eye out.

Dogs playing in Belgrade

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Serbia Travel Guide

Serbia Travel Guides

Unique Serbia Itinerary For All Types of Travelers

Unique Serbia Itinerary For All Types of Travelers

Three one-week itineraries for all kinds of travelers – from those looking to stay in the cities to those seeking to explore the outdoors.

Where to Stay in Serbia: Our Favorite Hotels and Accommodations

Where to Stay in Serbia: Our Favorite Hotels and Accommodations

Accommodations in Serbia vary widely – from affordable weekend homes to luxurious hotels. Check out our top recommendations on where to stay.

Discover Vojvodina: A Travel Guide to Exploring North Serbia

Discover Vojvodina: A Travel Guide to Exploring North Serbia

Tips to traveling around north Serbia – home to some of the prettiest cities in Serbia, with its unique architectural vibe.

Discover Tara Park: A Travel Guide to Exploring West Serbia

Discover Tara Park: A Travel Guide to Exploring West Serbia

Everything you need to know about visiting west Serbia – from hiking the mountains and swiming the lakes to exploring the charming villages.

Tips for Visiting Sićevo Gorge in East Serbia

Tips for Visiting Sićevo Gorge in East Serbia

Full travel guide to Sićevo – one of the most magical villages in Serbia, with hiking trails, old vineyards, and charming hospitality.

20 Things to Do in Belgrade, Serbia that You Cannot Miss

20 Things to Do in Belgrade, Serbia that You Cannot Miss

After living in Serbia for two years, we created a list of our favorite things to do in Belgrade – from parks to the trendiest spots to try.

Where to Stay in Belgrade: Guide to the City’s Best Neighborhoods

Where to Stay in Belgrade: Guide to the City’s Best Neighborhoods

Pros and cons of the main neighborhoods in Belgrade and our favorite accommodations – compiled after living in the city for 2 years.

It’s Not a Must, But It’s Better to Have a Serbia Tour Guide

It’s Not a Must, But It’s Better to Have a Serbia Tour Guide

If we are looking to explore Serbia, Zeljko Petrovic, a registered Serbia tour guide, is our go to – and here is why he should be yours too.

Ultimate Road Trip Along Serbia’s Danube River

Ultimate Road Trip Along Serbia’s Danube River

The Danube connects 10 countries and makes for an incredible road trip across Serbia. Check out our 5-day itinerary and suggested stops here!

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Serbia travel guide: Everything you need to know

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Temple of St. Sava in Belgrade

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Buzzing cities, elegant architecture, a mind-bendingly varied history and some truly astonishing landscapes make Serbia one of the most compelling countries in Eastern Europe. It’s exuberant, hospitable (bring a big appetite) and crammed with cultural and culinary legacies from Ottoman and Habsburg times.

It’s also one of the most affordable places to visit: some of the prices, particularly food, drink and transport, will make you do a double take. Its national parks – encompassing river canyons, mountains, lakes, caves and forests – show off Serbia’s untamed nature and beauty.

Travel restrictions and entry requirements

Serbia no longer has any Covid entry requirements, including proof of vaccination or negative Covid test. Masks aren’t mandatory, although some parts of the population are still wearing them.

Best time to go

The months from spring to autumn are the best times, as winter can be cold and snowy (unless you want to go skiing in Serbia’s main ski resort of Kopaonik). Serbia has a busy schedule of festivals from May to September, especially in the capital, Belgrade, as well as the Exit Festival in Novi Sad in early July. Niš’s Nišville Jazz Festival takes place in August, as does the Belgrade Beer Festival and the riotous Guča Trumpet Festival. The Belgrade Book Fair in October is one of the biggest and oldest in the region. Christmas is also a popular time to come, especially Orthodox Christmas which is on 7 January (with the main festivities on 6 January).

Top regions and cities

Serbia’s capital hums with activity and is constantly on the move. With more and more of Stari Grad (Old Town) becoming pedestrianised, it’s a pleasure to wander its café-filled thoroughfares using the main artery, Knez Mihailova, as your starting point. Check out the fabulous art at the National Museum of Serbia in Republic Square before ambling along to Kalemegdan, the enormous and historic park that overlooks the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. You’ll see the riversides teeming with floating restaurants and clubs, while wide waterside paths invite lazy strolls and bike rides. Cross the Sava to the old Habsburg suburb of Zemun and wonderful views from its Gardoš Tower. Back in Stari Grad, you’ll be faced with the dizzying choices of places to eat and drink in the tree-lined streets of Dorćol. Further south in Vračar, you can’t miss the round white neo-Byzantine domes of Sveti Sava temple, whose fantastically glittering interior is finally nearly finished after more than a century in the making.

  • Belgrade city guide: Where to stay and what to do in Serbia’s capital

There’s a wonderfully relaxed pace of life in Novi Sad, the European Capital of Culture for 2022 and the largest city in northern Serbia’s multicultural Vojvodina region. Its pedestrianised centre is filled with handsome Habsburg architecture harbouring café terraces, with more bars and restaurants tucked away in little alleyways and minuscule squares. Start off among the pastel-coloured townhouses of Zmaj Jovina and along to Dunavska where you’ll soon come to the Museum of Vojvodina – an excellent place to bone up on the history of the region. Cross the Danube to reach the massive 18 th -century Petrovaradin Fortress (where the Exit Festival takes place) and the Novi Sad City Museum within. When the weather warms up, follow the wide footpath along the Danube to reach the city’s beach at Štrand.

  • Novi Sad guide: Where to eat, drink, shop and stay in Serbia’s second city

The southern Serbian birthplace of Constantine the Great has some fascinating things to see, including the imposing Niš Fortress built by the Turks in the 18 th century. It’s now part of a collection of sights in the main city park that features an amphitheatre for summertime events, the 16 th -century Bali-Beg Mosque, a zoo and a 15 th -century Turkish hammam that’s now a café. Join the evening korso (the Serbian version of the Italian passeggiata – a leisurely evening stroll) along pedestrianised Obrenovića and the Ottoman-style cafés and restaurants of Kopitareva. For a more sobering look at Serbian history, there’s the infamous Skull Tower, erected by the Turks in 1809, which is studded with the skulls of Serbs who died defying Ottoman rule.

Western Serbia

The region of western Serbia is packed with sights, including the mountains of Zlatibor, the Gostilje waterfall and the marvellous subterranean world of Stopića cave. You’ll find a few delightful oddities too: the open-air museum of Sirogojno reconstructed to look like a 19 th -century village, the feat of Austrian engineering that is the Šargan Eight heritage railway winding through the Mokra Gora mountain and the eccentric Drvengrad village created by the film director Emir Kusturica. The most spectacular sight, though, is the dramatic karst landscape of Tara National Park, which includes the Drina River that forms a natural border with Bosnia. It’s one of the most sublime places to hike and cycle along its 200km of trails. Hire a kayak and get a close-up look at the House on the Drina, a wooden fishing lodge perched on a rock in the middle of the river.

Fruška Gora National Park

Just south of Novi Sad is Fruška Gora, whose thickly forested mountains shelter 16 monasteries dating from the 15 th to the 18 th centuries, hiking and cycling trails and, in the foothills, vineyards producing top-class wines. Keep an eye out for wildlife including eagles, deer and lynx. It’s easy to visit from Novi Sad and the nearby town of Sremski Karlovci, the latter an enchanting place of baroque and neoclassical architecture.

Best under-the-radar destinations

You’re barely a dozen kilometres from the Hungarian border at Subotica, so it won’t come as a surprise to see this northern Serbian city decked out in bilingual signs. In fact, it was part of Hungary longer than it’s been in Serbia. It’s not just the liberal use of paprika in its restaurants that gives this city its spice. Subotica is a riot of colourful art nouveau/secessionist architecture, from its city hall (whose clocktower you can climb) to the wonderfully over-the-top Raichle Palace, now a modern art gallery. There’s more art nouveau loveliness in the neighbouring spa resort at Lake Palić, a 10km bus ride or cycle away.

At the point where the flatlands of Vojvodina’s Banat region get close to the Romanian border and the Carpathian mountains, the welcome sight of the Vršac hills come into view, with the attractive city of Vršac at its base. Some of Serbia’s best wine comes from the vineyards that cover the slopes above Vršac, and the city’s streets of 18 th -century classical and neo-gothic architecture make it a pleasure to explore. Go hiking in the Vršac hills and look out for the 14 th -century defensive tower from where you can get sweeping countryside views.

The Romans were among the first people to make use of Sokobanja’s thermal springs, and they’ve been enjoyed ever since. The hammam built by the Turks in the 17 th century is still in use today within this attractive spa resort an hour north of Niš. Surrounded by forested peaks and bisected by the Moravica River (which offers several river beaches to cool off in), Sokobanja is also in prime hiking and mountain biking territory. One of the trails leads to the ruins of Sokograd, a medieval fortress that offers impressive mountain vistas.

Best things to do

Explore uvac nature reserve.

The crazily serpentine Uvac River has the sort of twists and turns that can be best appreciated from one of several viewpoints above. Here you can see the steep forested slopes rising above vivid turquoise waters, while griffon vultures fly above. While you’re there, add a boat trip or a kayak journey along the river to your list of must-do activities.

Go to Djerdap National Park

Serbia’s largest national park hugs the right bank of the Danube and has several of the country’s most extraordinary sights. Nicknamed the Iron Gates, the Djerdap Gorge – actually a series of four gorges and three ravines – turns up on itineraries of river cruises and really is quite jaw dropping. At its head is the medieval Golubac Fortress, the sort of castle that belongs in a fairy tale. Soon you’ll come across one of Serbia’s most important historical sights: the Mesolithic and Neolithic Lepenski Vir archaeological site, which dates back to at least 7000BC.

Visit the monasteries

Serbia’s medieval monasteries are a fundamental part of the country’s heritage and history. One of the most visited is the 12 th -century Studenica Monastery in central Serbia, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site and is in the suitably peaceful setting of the Golija-Studenica biosphere reserve. It’s about an hour from one of Serbia’s prettiest monasteries, Žiča, which, like most of the others, is built in lavish neo-Byzantine style.

Follow the wine routes

Serbia makes superb wine that regularly wins international awards, but isn’t particularly well known outside its borders. Luckily there are official wine routes where you can visit vineyards for tastings, including around Subotica, Fruška Gora, Vršac and the Tuscan-like countryside outside Belgrade. In eastern Serbia where the borders of Romania and Bulgaria meet is Negotin; here, delectable Prokupac red wines are made in absurdly picturesque village stone cellars called pimnice .

Getting around

Serbia’s public transport is very affordable. While the Serbian Railways network is relatively limited, there’s a new high-speed train that connects Belgrade to Novi Sad in only 30 minutes. There are frequent buses around the country, although you might want to hire a car if you’re exploring beyond the major cities.

How to get there

The quickest way to get to Serbia is to fly to Belgrade, although flights can be very expensive unless booked far in advance. Other airports in Niš and Kraljevo are used for internal and regional flights. Getting there by train takes at least two days: take the Eurostar to Paris, change for the Munich train to Zagreb. Unfortunately, the Zagreb-Belgrade train is currently suspended and is replaced by a bus service.

Money-saving tip

If you arrive in Belgrade airport and need a taxi, order one from the official tourist information desk in the baggage claim area. You will pay a set price and avoid the touts outside the terminal charging more.

What’s the weather like?

Serbia has a typically Continental climate – long, hot summers and cold, snowy winters. It can get very hot in the summer and regularly is in the 30Cs.

What time zone is it in?

What currency do i need.

Serbian dinar.

What language is spoken?

Serbian is spoken, and many people in tourism and the hospitality business speak English.

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Serbia Travel Guide

National Geographic's latest travel stories about Serbia

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Belgrade Travel Guide

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Ada Ciganlija and Ada Bridge

Belgrade street names, church of st marko, church of st sava, drinking and nightlife, the ethnographical museum and gallery of frescoes, kalemegdan fortress, konak of princess ljubica, the museum of yugoslav history, nikola tesla museum, the orthodox cathedral and museum, parliament building, trg republike and around.

The city sits at a strategic point on the junction of the Danube and Sava rivers – something that has proved a source of weakness as well as strength over the ages: Belgrade has been captured as many as sixty times by Celts, Romans, Huns, Avars and more. The onslaught continued right through the twentieth century, when the city suffered heavy shelling during World War II and in 1999 withstood 78 days of NATO airstrikes.

All that considered, contemporary Belgrade is pretty picturesque. The mingling and merging of styles can be off-putting, particularly when a row of beautiful older frontages is interrupted by a postwar interloper, but the grand nineteenth-century buildings and delicate Art Nouveau facades still stand alongside the Yugoslav experimentation, eloquent witnesses of the city’s time under the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires.

The city’s most attention-grabbing attraction is the Kalemegdan Fortress . Just outside the park boundary is the Old City, whose dense lattice of streets conceals Belgrade’s most interesting sights. South of here is Belgrade’s central square, Trg Republike , and the old bohemian quarter of Skadarlija, beyond which lie several more sights worth seeing, including one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches. For a spot of rest and recuperation, head west across the Sava to the verdant suburb of Zemun , in New Belgrade, or further south towards the island of Ada Ciganlija , Belgrade’s own miniature beach resort.

Top image Zemun © DeStefano/Shutterstock

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The Rough Guides to Serbia and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

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Andy Turner

written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

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  • Guide MICHELIN 2024: 15 neue Bib Gourmands

Zwei Wochen vor der am 26. März in der Handelskammer Hamburg präsentiert der Guide MICHELIN Deutschland die neue Auswahl an Bib Gourmand Restaurants. Ganze 15 Lokale erhalten die Auszeichnung neu, insgesamt zählt die Selektion damit 199 „Bibs“.

Tipp der Redaktion Guide MICHELIN Deutschland Neue Bib Gourmands MICHELIN Guide Ceremony

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Der 1997 im Guide MICHELIN erstmals vergebene Bib Gourmand ist seit jeher eine überaus begehrte Auszeichnung, die für „unser bestes Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis“ steht. Bei ihrer sorgfältigen Recherche machen die MICHELIN Inspektor*innen das ganze Jahr hindurch Restaurants mit richtig guter Küche zu moderaten Preisen ausfindig.

In der diesjährigen Ausgabe des Guide MICHELIN Deutschland erhalten 15 Restaurants die Auszeichnung Bib Gourmand neu, insgesamt zählt die Selektion 199 „Bibs“. Die sowohl in der Stadt als auch auf dem Land gelegenen Restaurants bieten eine gute Mischung aus ganz unterschiedlichen Küchenstilen, von klassisch bis modern, von regional über mediterran bis asiatisch. Auch die vegetarische Küche ist zunehmend vertreten. Viele der Restaurants setzen sich für eine umweltfreundliche Gastronomie ein: Sie bevorzugen beispielsweise Produkte aus lokaler Produktion, kochen saisonal und reduzieren Lebensmittelabfälle konsequent. Und all das ohne Kompromisse bei der Qualität der Küche.

Sie möchten mehr über den Bib Gourmand erfahren? Lesen Sie den Artikel „Auf den ‚Bib‘ ist Verlass“

© Dennis Wiche/Hirsch

Eine gute Wahl: Die neuen Bib-Gourmand-Restaurants

Hier die vollständige liste der neuen bib-gourmand-restaurants:, unsere neuen bib gourmands auf der landkarte.

Die Auswahl der neuen und bestätigten Bib Gourmands für 2024 wird am 26. März 2024 im Zuge der in der Handelskammer Hamburg stattfindenden MICHELIN Guide Ceremony auf allen digitalen Plattformen des Guide MICHELIN aktualisiert.

Eine komplette Übersicht aller Bib Gourmands im Guide MICHELIN Deutschland finden Sie hier

Abonnieren sie auch unseren newsletter.

Illustration Image: Restaurant Die Krone © Philipp Reinhard/Krone

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  • MICHELIN Guide Ceremony

serbia travel guide pdf

Die Schweiz feiert ihre neuen MICHELIN Sterne

Zum zweiten Mal fand die MICHELIN Guide Ceremony an der renommierten EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne statt. Erfahren Sie, wer die diesjährigen Gewinner sind.

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Mentor Chef Award für 3-Sterne-Koch Christian Bau

Der im Zuge der MICHELIN Guide Ceremony verliehene Mentor Chef Award geht in diesem Jahr an Christian Bau aus dem 3-Sterne-Restaurant “Victor’s Fine Dining by christian bau”. Vergeben wird der Preis in Kooperation mit der Schweizer Uhrenmanufaktur Blancpain.

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Alle neuen Sterne – Guide MICHELIN 2023

Unter den insgesamt 334 Sternerestaurants finden sich ein neues 3-Sterne-Restaurant, acht neue 2-Sterne-Restaurants und 34 neue 1-Stern-Restaurants. Hier alle neuen Sterne des Guide MICHELIN Deutschland 2023

Entdecken Sie weitere Stories, die Sie bestimmt gerne lesen werden

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Die günstigsten Sternerestaurants Italiens

Wenn Sie glauben, dass Sternerestaurants unerschwinglich sind, wird Sie unsere Auswahl sicher angenehm überraschen. Wir haben einige italienischen Adressen aus dem Guide MICHELIN 2024 ausgewählt, die ein Menü unter 75 € anbieten. Entdecken Sie sie!

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März 2024: 13 neue Restaurants im Guide MICHELIN

Die Neuentdeckungen unserer Inspektor*innen beweisen es wieder einmal: Deutschland ist kulinarisch vielfältig aufgestellt: spanisch, asiatisch, italienisch, österreichisch… Sie haben die Wahl.

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Zürich: Erst degustieren, dann wunderbar übernachten

Am 2. und 3. März findet wieder das Premium-Event für Weinliebhaber „Matter of Taste“ statt. Wir haben für Sie fünf Hotels ausgesucht, in denen Sie nach der Verkostung einiger der besten Weine der Welt den Tag wunderbar ausklingen lassen können.

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Top Hotelbars für den perfekten After-Dinner-Drink

Sie sind jung oder wollen sich endlich mal wieder jung fühlen? Warum also nicht nach dem obligatorischen Restaurantbesuch in einer Bar versacken – von der aus Sie komfortabel in Ihr Bett fallen können.

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Perfekt für einen besonderen Abend!

Hier sind die Top-Empfehlungen unserer Inspektor*innen: Fünf handverlesene Valentinstag-Tipps, ausgesucht aus den neusten Restaurants der Selektion – perfekt für einen romantischen Abend!

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MICHELIN Guide Ceremony 2024 in Hamburg

Der Guide MICHELIN gibt am 26. März in der altehrwürdigen Handelskammer Hamburg seine Restaurantauswahl 2024 für Deutschland bekannt

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Highlight im Februar: „Margaux“ in Limburg an der Lahn

In diesem Monat steht bei uns das 2022 neu eröffnete Restaurant „Margaux“ im Mittelpunkt. Wir geben Ihnen Einblick in das Testessen in dem erst seit einem Jahr im Guide MICHELIN empfohlenen Restaurant und teilen mit Ihnen, was unseren Inspektor so begeistert hat.

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„Veganuary“ & „Dryjanuary“

Genuss und „Verzicht“ sind keinesfalls Widersprüche. Wenn Sie gesund ins neue Jahr starten möchten, dann ist dieses Berliner 2-Sterne-Restaurant Ihr „place to go“, denn hier heißt es im Januar „Veganuary“ und „Dryjanuary“.

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Die beliebtesten Hotels des Jahres 2023

Von allen Hotels, die im Jahr 2023 in den Guide MICHELIN aufgenommen wurden, haben Sie diese am meisten fasziniert.

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2023: Unsere Lieblingshotels

Wir haben jedes der Hotels, die 2023 in unsere Auswahl aufgenommen wurden, überprüft und die Adressen ausgewählt, die unserer Meinung nach die bemerkenswertesten Designs aufweisen. Diese Hotels unterscheiden sich nicht nur durch ihre Innen- und Außengestaltung, sondern auch durch die Art und Weise, wie sie sich in ihre Umgebung einfügen. Kompromisslos und mutig schafft jedes seine eigene Identität und bleibt dieser durch und durch treu.

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Restaurants rund um die Weihnachtsmärkte im Elsass

Es ist Saison, die Weihnachtsmärkte sind in vollem Gange. Aus den Holzhütten strömen die Düfte von Glühwein, Gewürzen und geschmolzenem Käse. Da heißt es Kurs nehmen auf die französische Region, in der es nicht weniger als 200 Märkte gibt: das Elsass! Hier finden Sie eine kleine Auswahl an Restaurants in der Nähe der schönsten Märkte vom Haut-Rhin bis zum Bas-Rhin.

Guide MICHELIN

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IMAGES

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  2. Serbia Tourism

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  3. Traveling to Serbia: Everything you need to know before you visit

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  4. Serbia Travel Guide

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  5. Belgrade, Serbia: A Complete Guide

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  6. Serbia Karte der wichtigsten Sehenswürdigkeiten

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VIDEO

  1. 5 Must Visit Destinations in Serbia

  2. Places to check out while in Belgrade

  3. #Travel to #Serbia

  4. My Experience in Serbia 🇷🇸

  5. BELGRADE SERBIA TRAVEL VLOG

  6. Most Beautiful Places in Serbia #shorts

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    Weather: No Serbia travel guide could be complete without a note about the weather. While you can visit Serbia at any time, keep in mind that Serbia's climate is considered "moderately continental. This means summers are hot (up to 40℃/104°F) and winters are cold (as low as -15℃/5°F).

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    The Rough Guides to Serbia and related travel guides. In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice. Buy US$34.99. Buy US$9.99. Studenica's superb frescoes were the work of an innovative but still anonymous Greek painter who created trompe-l'oeil images to resemble mosaics.

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  24. Guide MICHELIN 2024: 15 neue Bib Gourmands

    Eine gute Wahl: Die neuen Bib-Gourmand-Restaurants Unter den 15 neu mit dem Bib Gourmand ausgezeichneten Restaurants sei beispielsweise das MaMi's der Geschwister Marcel und Miriam Hertrampf erwähnt, ein Neuzugang in der Selektion. In dem sympathischen Restaurant in Berlin macht ein interessanter Mix unterschiedlicher Küchenstile - von spanisch bis asiatisch - Lust auf einen Besuch.