A first-time guide to Serbia
Tucked between tourism giants Croatia and Greece, landlocked Serbia might not often land on bucket lists.
- The absence of crowds and lack of overdone Instagram spots actually make Serbia’s travel experience feel more authentic.
You’ll find a surprising diversity here, shaped by both nature’s bounty and historical turbulence.
- As you roam, contrasts emerge: admire the art nouveau buildings of Subotica in the north, surrounded by sunflower fields, and venture south to the Ottoman mosques of Novi Pazar perched near the wild Uvac canyon.
- Curiosity is your best companion on these roads.
When should I go to Serbia?
Serbia’s four seasons and year-round festivals mean your best time to visit depends on your personal interests.
- Spring and fall offer perfect weather for hiking and mountain-biking in national parks.
- In Belgrade, enjoy vibrant events like the Dance Festival in March and Bitef Theater Festival in October.
During hot summers, cool off rafting on the Ibar or Lim rivers, or kayaking in the Ovčar-Kablar gorge.
- Music lovers flock to Exit Festival in Novi Sad, Nišville Jazz in Niš, and the Guča Trumpet Festival.
Winter brings opportunities for skiing in Kopaonik or snowshoeing in Golija, with the Küstendorf Film Festival lighting up Drvengrad village in January.
How much time should I spend in Serbia?
A long weekend is perfect to experience Belgrade’s urban energy, plus a relaxing day trip to Novi Sad by fast train.
- A week allows exploration of Vojvodina or Šumadija, rich in tradition, thermal spas, and wine routes.
With 10 days, dive deeper into national parks or road-trip through remote areas filled with traditional villages and historical gems.
Is it easy to get in and around Serbia?
Serbia connects well to Europe via Belgrade and Niš airports.
- However, crossing from Kosovo can be problematic if you didn’t first enter from Serbia.
Inside the country, long-distance buses are reliable.
- Use the Srbijavoz app for the fast train between Belgrade and Novi Sad.
- Car rentals are convenient at Belgrade Airport, but parking often requires SMS payments.
Cyclists will love the EuroVelo 6, 11, and 13 routes slicing through the country.
- Belgrade offers the Beograd Plus app for public transport, and CarGo or Yandex for rideshares, while Novi Sad boasts 100km of bike paths.
Top things to do in Serbia
Delve into Belgrade’s and Novi Sad’s urban scenes
Belgrade, a city of layers and contrasts, showcases Yugoslav brutalism and lively contemporary creativity.
- Wander through Kalemegdan Fortress, explore street art with Belgrade Art Tours, and enjoy new twists on Balkan cuisine at Iva New Balkan Cuisine.
Novi Sad, European Capital of Culture 2022, charms with its Habsburg old town and Petrovaradin Fortress.
- Visit art galleries, attend a concert in the Secession-style synagogue, or relax at Štrand beach.
Get active in the great outdoors of Tara and Ðerdap national parks
Tara National Park is a lush playground where brown bears roam dense forests.
- Trails lead to majestic viewpoints, while the Drina river invites for rafting and kayaking.
In the east, Ðerdap National Park amazes where the Danube carves through the Iron Gates gorge.
- It’s a paradise for cyclists, hikers, and boaters alike.
Sample Vojvodinian gastronomy and local wines
Serbian cuisine, influenced by Mediterranean, Turkish, and Hungarian flavors, is rooted in seasonality and organic ingredients.
- In Vojvodina, traditional salaši and čarde celebrate slow-food culture.
The country’s wine heritage thrives with ancient varieties like prokupac and tamjanika.
- Fruška Gora’s hills and the villages of Negotin and Župa are treasure troves for wine lovers.
Travel through time in southern Serbia
Southern Serbia brims with historic sites that reveal the nation’s soul.
- Visit the UNESCO-listed Studenica Monastery, the restored Golubac Fortress, and the open-air museum of Sirogojno.
The WWII memorial at Kadinjača impresses with its futuristic grandeur atop the mountains.
My favorite thing to do in Serbia
For me, Serbia is a road-tripper’s dream where discovery never stops.
- Tour operators like Serbian Adventures and Explore Serbia offer excellent day trips throughout the year.
My personal favorite is rural escape.
- Quiet villages like Bački Monoštor in the “Amazon of Europe”, Gostuša in the southeast, and Kamena Gora in the southwest offer authentic tranquility.
How much money do I need for Serbia?
Serbia is generally a great-value destination, especially outside big cities and tourist hubs.
- The currency is Serbian dinar (RSD), and while credit cards are common, cash is essential in rural areas.
Typical costs:
- Hostel room: 1700–3100RSD
- Self-catering apartment: 2300–4600RSD
- Belgrade–Novi Sad train ticket: 660RSD
- Public transport day fare: 120RSD
- Dinner for two: 2500–5000RSD
- Slice of burek: 120–160RSD
- Coffee: 150–300RSD
- Pint of beer: 350–550RSD
Is Serbia safe?
Despite lingering misconceptions, Serbia is very safe for travelers.
- Rural areas are especially welcoming to visitors.
In Belgrade, just be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
Are people in Serbia religious?
While Orthodox Christianity is important culturally, most Serbs are not deeply religious.
- Catholic and Muslim minorities are prominent in Vojvodina and the south.
When visiting churches or mosques, dress modestly by covering shoulders and legs.
How much English is spoken in Serbia?
The younger generation speaks good English, especially in tourism-related fields.
- In rural homestays, hosts might not know English, but warm hospitality bridges all gaps.
What alphabet do they use in Serbia?
Serbians easily switch between Cyrillic and Latin alphabets.
- You’ll see both on street signs, menus, and official documents.
Whether you’re drawn to untamed nature, rich history, or vibrant urban life, Serbia offers a refreshing journey far from the typical tourist trail. From cycling the Danube and tasting local wines to wandering ancient monasteries and savoring rural hospitality, every corner of the country promises authentic experiences and heartfelt connections. With its easygoing charm, diverse landscapes, and welcoming spirit, Serbia is not just a destination—it’s an adventure waiting to be lived.
