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Welcome to the heart of the Balkans, and a country that is full of surprises. With its fun party vibes, grand fortresses, and stunning nature, there are so any great places to visit, and things to do in Serbia. 

We spent three months enjoying our summer in the Balkans, over a week of that exploring all that Serbia has to offer. We found that the food was delicious, the people were fun, and the prices were amongst the cheapest in the area.

In this guide we're going to share everything you need to know about visiting Serbia, from the best places to visit, to local cuisine, from the cheapest way to get there, to the easiest ways to get around. So let's jump right in and learn all you need to know for a trip to Serbia.

Where is Serbia?

Serbia is a country located in the Balkans, which is a region that covers a portion of Eastern Europe. It is centrally located, and has several bordering countries around it. Hungary borders the north of the country, and Macedonia borders the south. Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania all border the western coast of Serbia, while Romania and Bulgaria border the eastern coast.

Getting to Serbia

Being the heart of the Balkans, Serbia is one of the most well-connected countries in Eastern Europe. Here are a few different ways that you can visit.

Flying into Serbia

Serbia's biggest airport is in its capital, which is the city of Belgrade. The easiest way to start a trip to Serbia would be to fly there. However, you can also fly into one of the smaller airports such as Nis or Morava.

Cities that fly direct to Belgrade include  Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Ankara, Athens, Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Bucharest, Dortmund, Dubai, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Larnaca, Ljubljana, Malmo, Malta, Memmingen, Milan, Moscow, Munich, Paris, Podgorica, Saint Petersburg, Prague, Rome, Sarajevo, Skopje, Sofia, Stockholm, Tehran, Tirana, Tivat, Valencia, Vienna, Warsaw, Zagreb, and Zurich.

Cities that fly to Nis include Belgrade, Cologne, Dortmund, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Ljubljana, Luqa, Memmingen, Milan, Stockholm, and Vienna. Additionally, Morava hosts flights to and from Istanbul. 

Driving to Serbia

For our Balkan trip we actually rented a car in Bucharest, and then crossed over to Serbia from Romania. Crossing with a car was super easy, and customs did not take a lot of time at all.

Something that is very important to note, is that you CANNOT cross into Serbia from Kosovo via the land border (neither in a car or a bus). This is because Serbia does not recognize Kosovo as being a separate country. If you do cross from Kosovo, you will not receive an entry stamp into Serbia, which will give you issues when you are trying to leave.

Not only that, but I actually got kicked off of a bus leaving Pristina to Belgrade a few years ago. There are in fact public buses that do the trip, but foreigners are not allowed on them. Not knowing this, I bought a ticket, and 10 minutes into the trip they found out I'm not from Serbia or Kosovo so I had to get off!

Buses to Serbia

If you don't have a car like we had, don't worry! There are tons of cities in the Balkans and Eastern Europe that service Serbian cities for affordable prices.

Here are a few buses from surrounding cities that you can book:

• Budapest to Belgrade
• Podgorica to Belgrade
• Sarajevo to Belgrade
• Skopje to Belgrade
• Sofia to Belgrade
• Zagreb to Belgrade
• Skopje to Nis
• Thessaloniki to Nis

Note: You CANNOT take a bus from anywhere in Kosovo into Serbia. You will have to enter via one of the other cities above such as Skopje or Podgorica.

Entry Requirements for Serbia

Every country has different requirements regarding visas, as well as those due to covid. Here is everything you need to know for traveling to Serbia.

Visa Requirements for Serbia

Tourists are allowed to visit Serbia without a visa for a total of 90 days within a 180 day period. Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of entry.

Covid Entry Requirements for Serbia

Serbia no longer has any restrictions for entry due to Covid, which means that travelers  are all welcome, despite their vaccination status. We also found that like all of the other Balkan countries, things are very relaxed, and it's rare to find anyone wearing a mask anywhere.

Local Adjustments

Whenever traveling there are certain things that you may forget about, which could differ from the place you are coming from. These are what we call "local adjustments". Here are some of them to keep in mind while traveling to Serbia.

Language

The official language in Serbia is Serbian. It's also very much the same language as the surrounding countries of Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

One thing that can get a bit confusing in Serbia is that they use two different alphabets, making it hard to read things. Generally speaking, not many people speak English throughout the country, especially in smaller towns. However, we did find that many more spoke English in the capital. 

Currency

The currency used in Serbia is the Serbian dinar. The conversion to the USD as well as the euro are about 1 to 100. Basically if you want to know the price of something quickly, the easiest way is to divide it by 100, dropping the last two numbers.

Most places in Serbia are cash only, even many of the hotels and restaurants. There are plenty of ATMs around the cities, so you'll have no problem getting cash out. 

Outlets

Serbia uses the same plug types as the majority of European countries, which are types C, E, & F. The standard voltage in Serbia is 230 V with a standard frequency of 50 Hz.

Water Potability

Tap water is overall safe to drink in Serbia. There are some places that serve tap water in restaurants, and some that do not. However, it is perfectly safe to have the water from the tap throughout the country. 

Tipping Culture

The tipping culture in Serbia is similar to many other destinations in Europe, which is on average 10% of the bill. Many restaurants in bigger cities will actually include a service charge in the bill, so make sure to check first. If it's not included and you are paying with credit card, make sure to have cash to leave a tip.

Things to Do in Serbia: The Best Places to Visit

Now that you know the basics for visiting Serbia, let's jump into the fun stuff. We're going to share with you the best things to do in Serbia, and where the best places are to visit throughout the country.

Belgrade

A visit to Serbia isn't complete without checking out its capital city. Belgrade is home to tons of history, beautiful architecture, and all the best vibes. We loved Belgrade for its parties, markets, and overall fun atmosphere. 

Want to know more about what to do in Belgrade? We have a full article that you can check out by checking the link below!

Suggested Read: The Best Things to Do in Belgrade

Want to sign up for e tour in Belgrade? Here are a few that you can choose from:

Novi Sad

Another one of our favorite places to visit is actually a great day trip from Belgrade. Novi Sad is located just an hour north of Serbia's capital, and beloved by both locals and tourists. Full of pastel buildings, live music, and cute shops, you'll definitely want to make a stop here.

Want to visit Novi Sad on a tour from Belgrade? Here are a few options to choose from:

Subotica

Welcome to Serbia's northernmost city, which is just an hour north of Novi Sad, and two hours north of Belgrade. We love Subotica as a joint day trip from Belgrade along with Novi Sad, or to spend a night. This adorable city has stunning architecture, and some really great restaurants. For one of our favorites head to Gurinovic, which has a beautiful outdoor garden and delicious homemade specialties.

Studenica

This is one of the most sacred parts of of the country, and one of the top attractions in Serbia. Studenica is a grand monastery from the 12th century. As one of the largest and richest monasteries, this is one of the top things to do in Serbia for those that are religious or like to dive into the history of the country. There is even a hotel right outside the monastery that many people stay at for a night while exploring Studenica.

Want to visit Studenica and some other great attractions in Serbia in an all-in-one excursion? Here are some options:

Zlatibor

This was hands down our favorite area of the country, with some of the best things to do in Serbia. Zlatibor is a small town surrounded by beautiful nature such as mountains, waterfalls, lakes, and more. There is so much to explore, that we actually went back a second time because our first visit wasn't long enough.

Want to know all there is to do in Zlatibor and around it? Make sure to check out our complete guide below:

Suggested Read: Why You Should Travel to Zlatibor, Serbia 

Want to explore Zlatibor? Here are a few tours you can choose from (also from Belgrade):

Radan

If you love nature and plan on being in the south of Serbia, then definitely add Radan to your list. This area is full of beautiful landscapes, as well as neighboring towns with spas. Keep reading to hear one of the top attractions in Serbia that is located in Radan!

Nis

Located in the south, this is the third largest city in Serbia. We visited Nis as our first stop when we drove from Romania. It's the perfect spot to stop on a road trip to break up your travels. Nis is a great place to learn about the dark history of Serbia, with two of its main attractions being the fortress and the concentration camp.

Want to see the best that Nis has to offer? Here are some activities that you can sign up for:

Things to Do in Serbia: Activities and Attractions in Serbia

Now that you know the best places to visit in Serbia, let's check out some of the other top attractions in Serbia. Here are the best things to do in Serbia outside of the main cities and towns.

Discover Devil's Town

Earlier we mentioned the different places to visit in Serbia, and this is one of the top attractions in Serbia's mountain area of Radan. Also known as Đavolja Varoš, Devil's Town is a unique formation that can only be found a few places in the world, which consists of over 200 earth pyramids. 

Note: The location on Google maps is actually wrong, and we lost a few hours driving in the mountains the wrong way. That's why we're creating a customized map with all of our tips and secrets!

Roam the Old Villages

One of our favorite things to do in Serbia was to explore the adorable old villages. Take a step back in time and check out these unique spots to explore around the area of Zlatibor.

Sirogojno

Located outside Zlatibor, Sirogojno is a collection of history and architecture taken from traditional houses from the 1800's. After years of bringing in houses from all over the country, there is now a full village with about 70 buildings to check out. Sirogojno is one of our favorite attractions in Serbia because it brings you back to simpler times, and was super fun to photograph.

Drvengrad

This is another great spot just outside the center of Zlatibor. Drvengrad is a small historic village that was built by a famous Serbian director. Made for his movie "Life is a Miracle" in 2003, it is now an open museum for locals and tourists to enjoy.

Here you can find a small church, local handicrafts, and a museum, as well as a restaurant. The ticket to enter is 250 dinar, which is about $2.50 USD. 

Want to take a day trip that includes Drvengrad? Here are a few options from both Belgrade and Sarajevo:

El Paso City

El Paso is an amusement park and hotel near Zlatibor that resembles the Wild West of the US. You can ride a mechanical bull, practice archery, or even sleep in an old school wagon! This is definitely one of the most unique attractions in Serbia, and is perfect for families to check out. The ticket to enter is 500 dinar, and is free to enter if you are staying the night.

Want to book a night there? Simply check out the link below:

El Paso City on Booking.com

Visit the Monasteries

Serbia is a pretty religious country, and has a lot of beautiful monasteries to check out. We already mentioned the biggest one, Studenica. But here are a few more to add to your list.

• Monastery Kumanica: Located at the south-westernmost point of the country, just over the border from Montenegro
• Blagoveštenje: Located east of Zlatibor, and south of Belgrade
• Manasija: Located south of Belgrade and is a great day trip

Explore the Fortresses

Other than the big monasteries, Serbia also has some stunning fortresses to check out. Here are some of our favorite ones.

• Belgrade Fortress: Located in the heart of the capital, this is one of the top attractions in Serbia's capital.
• Uzice: Located in western Serbia, this is the most stunning fortress, and is best appreciated by drone.
• Goluba Fortress: Located right along the Danube River, you can visit on a day trip from Belgrade, or see it from the Romanian side of the Danube.

Chase Waterfalls

We love waterfalls, and Serbia actually has some beautiful ones. None of them are super famous, making all of them easy to explore without crowds. Here are a few of our favorite ones:

• Gosilje: A series of 7 different waterfalls easily navigated inside a park in western Serbia
• Sopotnicki Vodopadi: A true hidden gem near the western border of the country with a small bridge going across it
• Jelovarnik: A short 5 minute hike leads to this hidden gem that is right over the border with Kosovo.

Explore Tara National Park

If you're looking for one of the best things to do in Serbia when it comes to nature, then this is definitely it. Tara National Park borders Bosnia & Herzegovina, and is full of mountains, lakes, hikes, and fun activities like zip lining. There is a ton to explore in this beautiful natural area of Serbia. Make sure to check out our Google Maps of Serbia to see all of the specific locations.

Want to explore the highlights of Tara National Park? Here are a few that you can check out:

Check Out Some Other Cool Landscapes

Now that you know most of the top attractions in Serbia, we have a few more great hidden gems to share with you.

• Ovcarsko-Kablarska Klisura: A beautiful gorge in western Serbia
• Uvac: This man-made gorge is shaped like a snake, and can be observed from above by just a short walk off the parking area.
• Krupajsko Vrelo: A series of turquoise pools and falls located between Nis and Belgrade
• Resavska Pecina: An elaborate cave system also located between Nis and Belgrade

Getting Around Serbia

Getting from one city to another in Serbia is quite easy and cheap, as they are connected by public buses. However, if you'd like to explore some of best things to do in Serbia when it comes to nature, you'll definitely want to rent a car. Within cities themselves, you will not need a car at all, as parking can be difficult, and cities are very pedestrian friendly, but if you want to discover places like Zlatibor, or check out some of the greta hidden gems, this is where a car will definitely be necessary.

If you are planning on driving like we did, it's important to ask locals about parking. We ended up getting a ticket because we didn't understand any of the signs, which we had to pay in cash before leaving the country. Luckily though, tickets are very inexpensive, and ours only set us back $9 USD.

Things to Do in Serbia: Local Food & Drink

One of our favorite things to do in Serbia was to try the different foods, and to eat out at all the great restaurants. Serbian cuisine is super delicious, and meals are extremely affordable. Unlike the surrounding Balkan countries, Serbia is located inland and around the mountains. For this reason you'll see less fish dishes, and a lot more meat.

Here are some of Serbian foods you should try:

• Gibanica- a traditional pastry dish typically made with cottage cheese and eggs
• Zaljanica- a cheese and spinach pie with layers of flaky phyllo dough
• Proja- a popular corn bread throughout the Balkans
• Cevapi- minced meat in the shape of a sausage- this is one of the most typical things to try
• Leskovacka Muckalica- a barbecued meat and vegetable stew
• Lepinje- a Balkan flatbread that you can find served as a sandwich with local meats
• Sarma- cabbage rolls with minced meat (also traditional to Romania)
• Shopska Salad- a salad made with tomato, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and sharp white cheese (not lettuce based)
• Poppy Seed Strudel- a typical dessert that can be taken on the go, typically found on the streets or in markets
• Ajvar- a red sauce made with bell peppers and eggplant which can be found in all restaurants and supermarkets

Is Serbia Safe?

When we first visited Serbia, we truly didn't know what to expect when it came to safety. Many countries in Eastern Europe get a bad reputation, which had us a bit worried at first. However, this was definitely not the case at all in Serbia. Truthfully it is  a very safe country, and the people are extremity helpful and friendly. We never had any issues walking around solo, or at night.

Other Things to Know About Visiting Serbia

Now that you know all of the best things to do in Serbia, and how to navigate the country, we have a few other things to share with you.

Weather in Serbia

Serbia experiences all four seasons. It has very hot summers, and super cold winters, where there is snow as well. If you head to the mountains it will also be a bit colder than the cities.

The Best Time to Visit Serbia

The two months that we think Serbia is the best to visit are January and August. August is festival season, and Belgrade is home to some of the best festivals in all of Europe. We visited Serbia in June and had perfect weather and a great time. However, our next visit will definitely be during August.

Another great time to visit Serbia is for Christmas. This isn't in December though. Actually, Serbia, as well as many other Eastern European countries, celebrates Christmas the first week of January. While most of the Christmas markets throughout Europe occur in December, you can then enjoy Serbia's amazing Christmas markets to start off the new year. Not only that, but January 14th they also celebrate the new year again, so you'll have a full month of festivities to look forward to.

Packing for a Trip to Serbia

Packing for a trip to Serbia definitely depends on which of the things to do in Serbia you decide on. If you are visiting the capital, you'll only need city clothes, and if you plan on visiting nature, we suggest bringing layers, comfortable clothing, and sneakers.

Another thing to note is that girls in Serbia really dress to impress. Whether they are going to dinner with their friends, or church on Sunday morning, you will always find them done up with well done hair, makeup, and beautiful dresses. Every day is a fashion show in Serbia (especially Belgrade), so it's a great opportunity to pack nice outfits that you wouldn't use as much on a common basis.

We had such a great time on our trip exploring the best things to do in Serbia. There is such great food, nature, and prices in this country, and so many reasons for visiting. We spent a little over a week, and found it to be the perfect amount of time to explore the top attractions in Serbia, and get a feel for this Balkan country.

Want to know more about specific Serbian areas or other countries in the area? We have a ton of guides already, and new ones coming each week. Make sure to subscribe to our page to get the latest updates, as well as exclusive deals on our products and services.

Want to plan a trip to Serbia? Well, we can help! Not only do we have full guides to share our top spots, but we can organize customized itineraries for the best rates out there. ur goal is to help you be a better traveler, and save money along the way. Want to learn a bit more about how it works? Take a look at the different travel planning packages that we have.

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