Serbia is an extraordinary country. History murmurs among the walls of its ancient fortresses and pristine landscapes, and the sounds of modern life rumble through the sparkling cities. This sensational Balkan treat holds a mishmash of thrilling destinations that will captivate every wandering soul.
Explore the scenic landscapes, from the Dinaric Alps’ rugged peaks to the Iron Gates’ rhythmic waters, where the mighty Danube carves its path. You’ll find some of the best river cruising in Europe in this country of rivers and lakes.
Be enchanted by the creative wonder of Novi Sad, crowned by the majestic Petrovardin Fortress. You’ll be ensconced in the tranquility of Fruska Gora’s monasteries. See the bustling streets of Belgrade, where the capital’s nightlife pulsates in the glow of the Kalemegdan Fortress. Along the peaceful beauty of the meandering Drina River, Serbia is a book of memories waiting to be made.
5 Best Cities to Visit in Serbia and What to Do There
In Serbia, you’ll find a new experience waiting to be unveiled in every city. See Belgrade’s exciting nightlife and the magical old town of Novi Sad. You’ll be enthralled by Nis’s citadels and fabulous bazaars, each with its own magnetism and history.
Subotica’s art nouveau-style architecture and colorful markets offer an exciting insight into the Serbian people and their origins. Last but not least is Kragujevac, which is rich in heritage and has engaging museums and parks— perfect for tired feet to unwind in peace.
Each city in Serbia offers a one-of-a-kind signature, warm hospitality, and, of course, some of the best European food you’ll ever taste.
Belgrade
As Serbia’s enticing capital city, Belgrade offers a special blend of old-school charm, intriguing history, and modern comfort. Positioned on the Danube and Sava rivers, this city is always flourishing with color and excitement.
Belgrade is a place of fantastic fortresses, museums, 19th-century architecture, and distinctive Serbian culture. Sip a cocktail with a view of the river or dance until the sun comes up in a city with some of the best nightlife in Europe. If you’d rather stick to dry land, head to Savamala, the city’s uber-trendy district.
Taste a few of the most delectable cevapcici (Serbian meat rissoles) in Belagrade’s Old Town. Or, grab a coffee or a fresh seafood lunch at one of the many riverside eateries.
Top Landmarks to Visit in Belgrade
Belgrade’s most well-known landmark is the Kalemegdan Fortress, which dates back to the biblical era. If you’re feeling bold, try a tour of the fortress’s underground.
Knez Mihajlova Street is the city’s main pedestrian street. There, you’ll find shops, quaint stalls, buskers, and the illustrious Zepter Museum among the elegant 19th-century architecture.
Zemun lies across the Sava River, where you’ll find prime examples of Belgrade’s Habsburg architectural legacy. This suburb is an ode to Serbia’s Austro-Hungarian history. Climb up to the top of Gardos Tower for scenic views of the city.
Ada Ciganlija is a river island on the Sava, which was turned into a peninsula. Serbia’s only Blue Flag beach is great for cooling off in the water, kayaking, or attempting the massive obstacle course.
Novi Sad
Novi Sad sits along the Danube River, drawing visitors in with its rich history and culture. The city has a timeless aura, with its cobbled streets, elegant architecture, and charming cafes.
The vibrant arts scene is highlighted by the city’s many galleries and festivals. Foodies will delight in the local culinary offerings in the city’s fragrant markets.
Explore the verdant parks or the lush Fruska Gora National Park, where you can find some picturesque trails, for a few of the best hikes in Europe.
Top Landmarks to Visit in Novi Sad
Fruska Gora National Park is a picture of beauty. The rolling landscapes are home to the Fruska Gora Monasteries. The park is also known for its wineries, with some vineyards dating back to the Roman Empire.
Petrovaradin fortress is a 17th-century citadel. Nicknamed the Gibraltar on the Danube, the citadel has its own museums where you can tour the eerie catacombs. The site also hosts the famous EXIT festival every July. Take a peek at the clock tower, which has its hands reversed to help fishermen tell the time.
Niš
Niš is Serbia’s third-largest city, with so many cool things to offer. As the birthplace of Constantine the Great, Niš is one of Europe’s oldest cities. As you walk through the city, you’ll find many tidbits that testify to its historical importance. For instance, Niš was the site of Yugoslavia’s first Nazi concentration camp, Crveni Krst.
King Milan Square is the center of the city, where you’ll find the Monument to the Liberators of Niš. It’s also a great spot to check out the city’s architectural gems.
Lastly, visit Tinkers Alley, which is bursting with heavenly places to eat and is part of the true essence of the city.
Top Landmarks to Visit in Niš
Skull Tower is Niš’s most popular attraction. This slightly morbid but wildly fascinating structure is made up of the skulls of Serb rebels embedded into the stone. While only 58 of the original 952 skulls remain, the structure is still an unforgettable sight.
Niš Fortress was built by the Ottomans in the 18th century. The land the fort was built on was also previously used by Romans, Byzantines, and even Medieval soldiers. During World War I, the fortress was overtaken by Bulgarians and used to imprison Serbians.
Subotica
Subotica is a melting pot of Serbian, Hungarian, and Croatian flavors. Located near the Hungarian border, this colorful city is a haven for inspiration seekers and artists. The city’s pastel-colored facades and Art Nouveau-style architecture blend with the leafy, laid-back feel of the city, making it one of the most beautiful cities in Serbia to visit.
Indulge in the city’s unique cuisine, from Hungarian to Balkan to the cutest pancake place featuring a massive range of every type you can think of. Even the McDonald’s in Subotica has an Art Nouveau flair!
Top Landmarks to Visit in Subotica
Raichle Palace is probably Subotica’s prettiest building. A mansion built in 1904 for Ferenc Raichle, the large home looks like it fell out of the pages of a fairytale. It is now the home of the Modern Art Gallery of Subotica.
The Subotica Synagogue is probably the most beautiful synagogue you’ll ever see. The intricate stained glass, floral exterior, and zig-zagged roof bring this place of worship to life. It’s the only remaining synagogue in the world with this kind of architecture and the second-largest synagogue in Europe.
Kragujevac
Once the capital of Serbia, Kragujevac has a longstanding military history and was a hub for revolutionaries of the time.
Kragujevac is filled with historic military sites, churches, and parks. The city is heavily influenced by Prince Miloš Obrenović, a cattle herder who became the prince of Serbia. As the head of state at the time, Milos the Great was responsible for many of the structures and architecture present in the city today.
Top Landmarks to Visit in Kragujevac
You should visit Šumarice Memorial Park, a sprawling trip into Serbia’s bloody past. The park is dotted with sculptures serving as memorials to the 1941 Kragujevac massacre that occurred there.
Milosev Venac is in the old center of the city and is a complex of buildings ordered by Prince Milos. The group includes palaces, churches, museums, markets, a theater, and some government buildings.
FAQs About the Best Places to Visit in Serbia
If you still have burning questions, here are some of the most commonly asked ones when visiting Serbia.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Serbia?
The best time to visit Serbia is generally between March and May, as well as September and October. The summer months between June and August can be sweltering, so you may want to book accordingly to avoid the heat.
What Is the Currency Used in Serbia?
The Serbian Dinar is used in Serbia. You can also use Euros, but you may find using Dinars cheaper. Cards are not always widely accepted in Serbia, so make sure you have cash on hand, just in case.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Serbia?
If you’re coming from a country on Serbia’s visa exemption list, then you don’t need a visa to visit for tourism purposes. You’ll be approved for a short-term stay when you arrive. If you come from one of the non-exempt countries, then you will need a visa to travel to Serbia.
How Many Days Are Enough to Visit Serbia?
You’ll need at least five days to be able to see a few of Serbia’s cities and do one or two tours or day trips. If you’d like to check out the landscape, national parks, and exciting nightlife, you need at least a week to include those in your itinerary.
Wrapping Up Serbia’s Top Destinations
By now, you’ve undoubtedly discovered what a treasure trove this enchanting country is. From the buzz of Belgrade to the history of Novi Sad and the hidden pull of Subotica, Serbia offers a diverse array of unforgettable experiences waiting to be discovered.
Whether it’s culture, natural beauty, or vibrant nightlife you’re looking for, Serbia delivers on all of them, with some extra on the side. So, while you plan to tour Europe, make sure you make space on your itinerary to see Serbia. In this glorious journey, you’ll find warmth and hospitality around every corner, along with some amazing memories.