Serbia

Serbia is a country packed with diverse attractions that reflect its layered history and natural beauty. Begin in Belgrade, the capital, where the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress overlooks the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers, offering sweeping views and centuries of military history. The surrounding park and cobblestone streets lead to bohemian Skadarlija, Belgrade’s charming restaurant quarter filled with traditional music and candlelit patios. Just across the river, the modern side of the city reveals itself with waterfront promenades, nightlife hotspots like Savamala, and the ever-growing Belgrade Waterfront development. Don’t miss the colossal Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, gleaming with white marble and a golden dome. Outside the capital, the picturesque city of Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest, is known for the imposing Petrovaradin Fortress and its annual EXIT Music Festival, set dramatically above the Danube. Niš, in the south, is one of the oldest cities in Europe and home to the Niš Fortress and the chilling Skull Tower, a brutal Ottoman relic. For natural wonders, Drvengrad and the scenic Šargan Eight Railway offer nostalgic rides through mountain tunnels. The Đavolja Varoš (Devil’s Town) rock formations and the Uvac Canyon, known for its dramatic meanders and rare griffon vultures, provide breathtaking landscapes. Serbia also boasts a wealth of thermal spas, including Vrnjačka Banja, and ancient Orthodox monasteries tucked into hillsides, such as Studenica, Sopoćani, and Manasija.

Serbian cuisine is bold, hearty, and deeply satisfying — a carnivore’s paradise that also honors the rhythms of Orthodox fasting with rich, meatless options. The undisputed staple is ćevapi, small grilled minced meat sausages served with chopped onion, ajvar (a smoky red pepper relish), and fluffy flatbread. Pljeskavica, a Balkan-style hamburger often filled with cheese or spices, is another street food favorite. Sarma (cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice), gibanica (a layered cheese and phyllo pastry), and prebranac (baked beans with paprika and onions) feature heavily in home cooking. Winter brings comforting stews like pasulj (bean stew) and paprikaš (meat stew with paprika), often eaten with kifla (crescent-shaped bread). For dessert, indulge in krempita (a custard-cream pastry), palačinke (crepes filled with jam, chocolate, or nuts), and slatko, a preserved fruit delicacy served to guests with a glass of water. Coffee is taken strong and thick in the Turkish style, often sipped slowly during long conversations. Rakija, the national fruit brandy (especially šljivovica, made from plums), is offered on nearly every celebratory or welcoming occasion.

Serbia has a well-connected, if somewhat aging, transportation network. Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport is the main international gateway, and from there, you can travel by bus or taxi to the city center. Buses are the most reliable and commonly used mode of intercity travel, with frequent services between all major towns and regions — providers like Lasta and Nis Ekspres are well-regarded. Trains are available but tend to be slower and less punctual, though the new high-speed rail line from Belgrade to Novi Sad is efficient and scenic. Within cities, local buses and trolleys are affordable but can be crowded; in Belgrade, you’ll need a BusPlus card for public transit. Taxis are inexpensive by European standards, but make sure to use licensed cabs and insist on the meter. Apps like CarGo (a local ride-hailing app) are useful, though availability may be limited outside major cities. Driving is feasible for those looking to explore rural monasteries or mountainous areas, but roads in some regions can be narrow and winding. Fuel is widely available, and road signs are typically bilingual in Serbian and English.

Serbia remains one of Europe’s most budget-friendly destinations. You can easily find meals at bakeries or local restaurants for under €5, and hearty street food is widely available. Kafana-style restaurants (traditional taverns) often serve generous portions for modest prices, and many host free live music in the evenings. Accommodation ranges from inexpensive hostels in Belgrade and Novi Sad to affordable guesthouses in smaller towns — often under €25 a night. Public transport is cheap and reliable, and museum entrance fees are generally low, with discounts for students and EU passport holders. Tap water is safe to drink, so bring a refillable bottle to save on costs. Consider traveling in shoulder seasons (May–June or September–October), when weather is mild and lodging is more available. Don’t hesitate to use local markets for fresh fruit, bread, or snacks, which are both cheap and delicious.

Serbia is a very safe country for tourists, with low rates of violent crime and friendly, helpful locals. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, is rare but can occur in crowded areas like markets, train stations, or festivals — use common sense and keep your belongings close. Taxis should be official and metered, as some unlicensed drivers may try to overcharge foreigners. Scams are uncommon, but it’s still good to remain aware of your surroundings in tourist-heavy zones. Protests or political gatherings occasionally take place in Belgrade; they are usually peaceful but best avoided. Tap water is safe to drink, and food hygiene is generally good. Healthcare services in urban areas are decent and affordable, though travel insurance is still recommended. LGBTQ+ travelers should be aware that while attitudes are improving, public displays of affection may attract attention in rural areas.

Serbians are known for their warmth, pride, and directness — expect hearty handshakes, long meals, and lots of conversation. Hospitality is a cornerstone of the culture, and it’s common to be offered coffee or rakija even during short visits. Always accept with a smile, and never refuse food or drink without a polite excuse. Address people with “Dobar dan” (good day) or “Zdravo” (hello), and be respectful of elders, offering your seat on public transit when appropriate. Dress modestly when visiting churches or monasteries — women may be asked to cover their heads and shoulders. Tipping is customary: 10% in restaurants is appreciated if not already included in the bill. Political conversations, particularly about Kosovo, can be sensitive; it’s best to listen rather than debate. Photography is generally welcomed, but always ask before photographing people, especially in traditional settings.

Serbia is ideal for curious, culturally inclined travelers who enjoy urban grit mixed with nature, as well as history lovers, festival-goers, and adventure seekers. Whether you’re sipping rakija in a mountain village, watching sunset over the Danube from a fortress wall, or dancing till dawn in Belgrade’s floating nightclubs, Serbia delivers a multi-dimensional, affordable, and unpolished charm that’s impossible to forget.

Budget travelers will find great options in well-rated hostels like Hedonist Hostel in Belgrade or Downtown Hostel in Novi Sad, which offer dorms, communal kitchens, and local tours. In smaller towns, sobe (private rooms in homes) are common and often listed on Booking.com for under €20 per night. Mid-range travelers might opt for cozy boutique hotels like Garni Hotel Mint in Belgrade or Hotel Leopold I in Novi Sad, both offering great locations and elegant decor. In spa towns like Vrnjačka Banja, charming family-run inns provide restful settings and thermal wellness. Luxury travelers can indulge at properties such as the Square Nine Hotel in Belgrade, offering modern elegance with a rooftop terrace, spa, and fine dining, or the Hotel Prezident in Novi Sad, known for its top-tier amenities, indoor pools, and serene garden settings.

A frequent mistake is underestimating the language barrier in rural areas — English may not be spoken outside cities, so having a phrasebook or translation app is useful. Some travelers also miss out on Serbia’s natural side, focusing only on Belgrade and Novi Sad and skipping national parks or wine regions. Overpacking for summer is another misstep — the climate is hot and dry, and lightweight clothing is best. It’s also important to know that not all taxis are honest — insist on the meter or use apps like CarGo. Finally, don’t assume Kosovo is a casual conversation topic; it remains politically sensitive, and respectful silence is often best.

Use CarGo for ride-hailing in Belgrade. Moovit and BusPlus are helpful for navigating public transport. Google Translate with offline Serbian downloaded is useful, especially in Cyrillic-heavy zones. Maps.me is great for offline trail maps. For train or bus schedules, Srbija Voz and local bus company websites offer up-to-date info. Consider downloading Air Serbia or Belgrade Airport apps for flight tracking. Viber and WhatsApp are widely used for messaging, and local SIM cards are cheap and easy to get from providers like MTS or Telenor.

A well-paced 10-day trip could begin with 3 days in Belgrade, exploring historic sites, riverfront cafés, and lively nightlife. Then head to Novi Sad for 2 days, including the Petrovaradin Fortress and wine tastings in nearby Fruska Gora. Spend a day or two in Niš to dive into Serbia’s Roman past and Ottoman legacy. Then, head to western Serbia to experience the Drvengrad village, Šargan Railway, and natural parks. End your trip in Zlatibor or Tara National Park, perfect for hiking, relaxation, and exploring traditional mountain culture. This mix provides urban excitement, historical exploration, and rural tranquility.

Serbia is home to one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe — Niš, the birthplace of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. The country also lays claim to the inventor Nikola Tesla, whose name graces airports, museums, and statues throughout the land. The EXIT Festival in Novi Sad is one of Europe’s largest and most beloved music festivals, hosted inside the 18th-century Petrovaradin Fortress. Serbia is also famous for Guča, the world’s largest trumpet festival, which draws hundreds of thousands of fans to a small village for music, dancing, and celebration. The Serbian Orthodox Church has a long and deeply rooted tradition, and many of its ancient monasteries are inscribed on UNESCO’s heritage list. And perhaps surprisingly, Serbia has one of the fastest-growing wine and rakija scenes in the Balkans, with dozens of small producers offering tastings and tours in the countryside.