Your Essential Guide to Serbia

Nestled in the heart of the Balkans, Serbia may not rank high on typical travel itineraries compared to popular destinations like Croatia and Greece. However, its unspoiled charm and lack of tourist crowds make for an incredibly authentic experience.

Prepare to discover a surprising range of diversity, both in stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural influences shaped by a complex history. Serbia offers much more than its dynamic capital. As you explore, you'll encounter striking contrasts, from the Austro-Hungarian architecture of Subotica in the flower-laden northern plains, where the forests by the Danube resonate with the sounds of red deer, to the Ottoman-era mosques in Novi Pazar within the rugged Dinaric highlands, where griffon vultures soar above the winding Uvac canyon. Bring your sense of adventure and set off on the road.

What is the best time to visit Serbia?

Serbia experiences four distinct seasons and offers festivities throughout the year, so the ideal time to visit really depends on your preferences. Spring and fall provide pleasant weather, perfect for hiking or mountain biking in the national parks and nature reserves. Belgrade’s bustling cultural scene includes events like the Belgrade Dance Festival in March and the famous Bitef international theater festival in October, along with thrilling sports activities.

Summers can be quite hot, making activities like rafting on the Ibar or Lim rivers and kayaking in the Ovčar-Kablar gorge or Uvac canyon fantastic ways to cool down. Notable summer music festivals include Exit in Novi Sad, the Nišville jazz festival in Niš, and the lively Guča trumpet festival in central Serbia.

In winter, enjoy skiing at the Kopaonik ski resort or snowshoeing in Golija to avoid crowded trails. The village of Drvengrad in the western mountains hosts the Küstendorf international film festival every January.

How long should I plan to stay in Serbia?

For your first trip, a long weekend is perfect for immersing yourself in Belgrade’s vibrant urban atmosphere, with a day set aside to relax in Novi Sad, just a quick half-hour train ride away.

Spending a week is ideal for discovering nearby regions like the northern Vojvodina province or central Šumadija, both rich in tradition, gastronomy, thermal spas, and wine routes.

With around 10 days, you can select one or two national parks for hiking, cycling, and seasonal activities, or take a road trip to explore the more remote areas featuring traditional villages and historical sites.

Is it easy to travel within Serbia?

Serbia is well-connected to much of Europe and beyond via Belgrade airport, along with a smaller airport in Niš. Currently, there is only one international train route linking Belgrade to Bar on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast. Note that Serbia does not recognize Kosovo border crossings as international, so entering from Kosovo may pose challenges unless you first enter Kosovo from Serbia.

Serbia boasts reliable long-distance bus services. For the speedy train between Belgrade and Novi Sad, be sure to download the Srbijavoz app. Major car rental agencies operate at Belgrade airport, while street parking follows regulated zones and hours, with tickets often payable via SMS. Three EuroVelo routes (6, 11, and 13) traverse Serbia.

On public transport in Belgrade, the fare covers buses, minibuses, trolleybuses, and trams (use the Beograd Plus app). The city features a rideshare app called CarGo, along with Yandex. Novi Sad offers a bicycle-sharing program and boasts over 100 kilometers (62 miles) of bike paths.

Must-see attractions in Serbia

Explore the vibrant urban scenes of Belgrade and Novi Sad

Belgrade, a city with many identities and historical layers, showcases its Yugoslav-era charm through striking brutalist architecture. Reflect on its 2300-year journey at Kalemegdan Fortress, then dive into its contemporary scene with street art tours from Belgrade Art Tours, trendy fashion from emerging designers in the Belgrade Design District, and innovative dishes at Iva New Balkan Cuisine, alongside the lively cocktail bars of the Dorćol neighborhood.

Novi Sad, named the 2022 European Capital of Culture, features an old town rich in Habsburg heritage and the impressive 18th-century Petrovaradin Fortress, home to the lively Exit festival each July. Enjoy art galleries presenting works from Byzantine to modern eras, attend a classical concert in the Secession-style synagogue, and soak in the city’s relaxed vibe by biking along the Danube or watching life unfold on Štrand beach.

Embrace outdoor adventures in Tara and Ðerdap national parks

Tara, nestled in the Dinaric Alps of western Serbia, is a picturesque area where endangered brown bears roam in lush forests. It features a network of hiking trails leading to stunning viewpoints over deep canyons, along with mountain biking routes that vary from forest paths to paved roads. The emerald Drina River and Tara’s two lakes offer excellent opportunities for rafting and kayaking.

In the east, the Carpathian and Balkan mountain ranges collide spectacularly in Ðerdap. Here, the mighty Danube carves its way through the limestone cliffs of the Iron Gates gorge, marking the deepest and narrowest stretches of its entire journey. This breathtaking landscape offers a reward for cyclists on the EuroVelo 6 route, hikers scaling the heights of Mt Miroč, and those exploring by boat.

Indulge in Vojvodinian cuisine and local wines

Serbian cuisine, influenced by Mediterranean, Turkish, and Hungarian flavors, is typically seasonal and organic. Vojvodina province stands out as the heart of local gastronomy, where the slow-food movement is deeply rooted in traditional homesteads (salaši) and riverside taverns (čarde) scattered across the fertile plains and along the Danube.

With a long history of winemaking, Serbia boasts numerous wine routes featuring ancient grape varieties like prokupac (red) and tamjanika (white). The hills of Fruška Gora, just south of Novi Sad, host many small family-run wineries. In eastern Serbia, the Negotin area is renowned for its historic stone wine cellars from the 19th century, while the southern Župa region still showcases old rustic winegrowers' lodges.

Journey through history in southern Serbia

Traveling south from Belgrade, you'll encounter a landscape rich with historical landmarks that offer a deeper understanding of the country's essence. Nestled in a lush valley since 1196, the Studenica monastery boasts white-marble walls with Romanesque elements and breathtaking Byzantine frescoes, recognized as a World Heritage site. The beautifully restored 14th-century Golubac fortress overlooks the entrance to Ðerdap gorge from a rocky cliff, featuring nine towers with stunning views of the Danube. Meanwhile, the Sirogojno open-air museum on the pine-clad slopes of Zlatibor showcases a 19th-century rural village with authentic wooden and stone cabins and traditional crafts. The WWII memorial complex at Kadinjača is a striking example of Yugoslav socialist modernism, with its white-granite monoliths on a mountaintop reminiscent of a futuristic Stonehenge.

What I love most about Serbia

For me, Serbia is a paradise for road trips. A blend of experiences awaits in nearly every direction, promising endless discovery: from caves and waterfalls to wildlife, spas, wineries, crafts, and a rich history. In recent years, tour operators have recognized this appeal, offering day and weekend trips throughout much of the year; consider checking out Serbian Adventures and Explore Serbia.

One of my top highlights is a getaway to the countryside. Serene villages nestled in pristine nature offer not just a perfect setting for relaxation but also an authentic glimpse into local life. Serbian Rural Tourism provides numerous bookable options across the country, with a few standout spots being Bački Monoštor, hidden in Vojvodina’s 'Amazon of Europe,' the stone village of Gostuša on Stara Planina (Old Mountain) in the southeast, and the remote Kamena Gora in southwestern Serbia’s highlands.

What is the estimated cost of traveling in Serbia?

Serbia is generally affordable, especially in rural areas, though prices rise significantly in the capital, popular mountain and spa destinations, or during major festivals. The local currency is the dinar (RSD); ATMs and currency exchange services are widely available, and credit cards are commonly accepted, although cash is preferable in villages and handy for markets, kiosks, or taxi fares. As of now, €1 is approximately 117 RSD.

• Hostel room: 1700–3100 RSD
• Self-catering apartment: 2300–4600 RSD
• High-speed train ticket from Belgrade to Novi Sad: 660 RSD
• Daily fare for public transport in Belgrade: 120 RSD
• Dinner for two: 2500–5000 RSD
• Slice of burek (rich pastry filled with meat or cheese): 120–160 RSD
• Coffee: 150–300 RSD
• Beer/pint at a bar: 350–550 RSD

Is it safe to travel in Serbia?

Despite common misconceptions stemming from its challenging history, Serbia is a safe destination for travelers. In rural areas, you will find a particularly warm welcome, as these regions see fewer foreign visitors. As in any major city, be cautious of pickpockets in Belgrade, especially on busy public transport.

Is religion prevalent among the people of Serbia?

While the countryside features numerous monasteries and the Orthodox faith is integral to Serbian national identity, relatively few people practice religion actively. In Vojvodina and southern Serbia, there are notable Catholic and Muslim communities, respectively. When visiting churches and mosques, it’s advisable to dress modestly, covering both legs and shoulders.

How prevalent is English in Serbia?

Generally, the younger population speaks English quite well. Those employed in the tourism sector typically know English and often another major European language. However, in village homestays, older hosts may not speak English, but their genuine hospitality will more than compensate for any language barriers.

What writing system is used in Serbia?

Serbians effortlessly switch between the Cyrillic and Latin scripts. Both alphabets are officially recognized and often coexist on street signs and restaurant menus. While Cyrillic is required for government use, Latin is predominantly utilized online.