BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN SERBIA

Serbia is a landlocked country in the Balkans famous for its role in the recent 1990s wars. However, it is now becoming a popular tourist destination thanks to its wonderful food, nightlife, nature, and historical buildings. In this list of the 20 best places to visit in Serbia you’ll find the coolest Serbia things to do. So you can prepare your ideal Serbia itinerary according to your time, budget, and interests. 

There’s lots of things to see in Serbia, yet don’t be overwhelmed as I am here to help. If you love urban spaces, cities such as Belgrade, Novi Sad and Nis will make your delights. Head to Sokobanja or Vrnjacka Banja for a spa break, and to Sremski Karlovci for the ebay wine. If you’d rather spend your Serbia holiday surrounded by nature, visit the Devil’s Town, Iron Gate, and Uvac Canyon. Alternatively, if you’re a history lover, add Golubac Fortress and the roman ruins of Gamzigrad onto your list of what to see in Serbia. 

This country of 7 million inhabitants, surrounded by Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia Herzegovina, and Croatia is ideal for a city break and a road trip. Packed with vibrant cities, medieval villages, green valleys, rich culture, and delicious inexpensive cuisine Serbia is waiting. Book those flights and keep handy this list of best places to visit in Serbia. It’s time to enjoy!

Best urban places to visit in Serbia

1. Belgrade

Belgrade is the ultimate best place to visit in Serbia, as it’s the country’s capital and largest city. Here you’ll find lots of historical places, religious buildings, fancy architecture, museums, parks, shopping streets. And a vibrant nightlife, as Belgrade is one of the best places for clubbing in Serbia and all of Europe. Check out this ultimate list of the best things to do in Belgrade when preparing your trip. There is so much to do in this wonderful city.

Among Belgrade’s highlights, make sure to visit the Kalemegdan Fortress, the church of Saint Sava, and republic Square. The commercial street Knez Mihailova and the farmers market Zeleni Venac are great for shopping and people watching. If you’d rather visit a museum, the one dedicated to Nikola Tesla and the Museum of Yugoslavia are my favourite.

Looking for alternative places to visit in Belgrade? Head to the Skadarlija, known as the bohemian quarter. Or to Zemun, one of the most tranquil neighbourhoods despite having suffered lots during the 1999 NATO bombings. Taking a cruise along the Danube or enjoying a meal and a night out on its docks are also among the coolest things to do in Belgrade.

2. Novi Sad

Novi Sad is one of the best places in Serbia for travelers who enjoy laid-back cities, architecture, and great food. As well as great music, as Novi Sad hosts the EXIT music festival, one of the best across Europe.

Located 100km north of Belgrade, Novi Sad is Serbia’s second largest city. Within the old town you’ll find lovely shopping streets, restaurants, cafes, old bridges, churches, museums, and a wonderful river promenade. Among the things to do Novi Sad make sure to explore Miletic square, the town hall, Dvorac Dundjerski castle, the orthodox Church of the Great Martyr St. George, and the Dunavski Park.

However, what truly makes Novi Sad one of the best places to visit in Serbia is Petrovaradin Fortress. The fortress is the city’s landmark. It has been on the hands of Romans, Byzantines, Celts, Turks, and Austro-Hungarians, always overlooking and protecting Novi Sad. It hosts a 16-kilometre long system of underground tunnels. Additionally, plenty of new walls, bridges, control gates, and fortifications have been added to its walls along the years. To the point that back in the 17th century this fortress was the biggest in all of Europe.

Petrovaradin Fortress has an upper town with old military barracks, a clock tower and a museum on Novi Sad city. There is also a lower town with residences, the Monastery of St. George, and the famous Belgrade Gate. When in the area, spend some time properly admiring the clock tower. This one is very unique as the minute and hour hands are reversed so fishermen on the Danube can see them. And it you are not claustrophobic, consider joining a tour to explore some of the foretresses’ underground tunnels.

3. Nis

Another great place to explore among the best cities in Serbia is Nis. This university town is the country’s third largest hub and is home to many interesting things to see in Serbia. Moreover, as it’s 2.5 hours south of Belgrade it makes a cool stop on the way to either Sofia in Bulgaria, 2 hours 20 minutes away, or Skopje in Macedonia which is also reachable within 2 hours and 20 minutes. 

Dating back to 279 BC, Nis is one of the oldest cities in Europe. It’s also the hometown of Constantine the Great, founder of Constantinople, who has a beautiful memorial in the old town. Nearby you’ll also find the remains of 18th century Nis Fortress, Niska Banja park, and the Bunbanj Memorial Park. The latter, in remembrance of the concentration camp that once was in the area. Additionally, Nis is very lively and there’s lots of cool restaurants and cafes to relax and enjoy some treats.

However, the city’s highlight is not for every tourist. So think carefully about how close you’d like to get to it. What Nis is most famous for is its skull tower. This is indeed is an old tower built out of stones and human skulls of Serbs decapitated by the Turks. 

Back in the early 1800s Nis was home to one of the first risings against the Ottoman. Upon defeating the rebels, the Turks decapitated all of them and used their skulls to build a tower. One to serve as a reminder that anyone daring to challenge the regime would end up likewise. Today over 60 of these skulls remain stuck to the tower and are perfectly visible when walking around it. Undeniably a unique sight among the best places to visit in Serbia.

4. Subotica

Subotica is one of the nicest cities what to see in Serbia. It’s packed with Art Nouveau buildings, pastel-coloured houses, and wonderful gardens. Among the Serbia places to visit, this northern city close to Hungary and 180 km away from Belgrade has a special fairy tale charm not to be missed. 

The coolest Serbia attractions located in Subotica are the city hall, the synagogue, and the Raichle Palace. Subotica’s city hall is indeed an art nouveau landmark in Serbia. It’s designed by Hungarian architects who packed it with courtyards, fountains, huge halls, stained glass windows, and lots of stunning details. Although the building is still in use as a city hall, it’s open to visitors. Schedule your visit from 7am to 3pm Monday to Friday and from 8am to 6pm on Saturdays. You’ll get the best views over the city from its tower, so make sure to climb it. 

Subotica is also home to Buvljak flea market, one of the largest in Europe. And of a wonderful blue fountain, and many cozy restaurants. Additionally, as it’s the largest catholic city in the country, the 18th century Cathedral of St. Theresa of Avila (Spanish, like me) is also worth a visit. For those with some extra time in town, head to Lake Palic to enjoy some swimming, fishing, or a stunning sunset by the waters. 

5. Sokobanja

Sokobanja is a famous spa town in Eastern Serbia, about 220km and 2.5 hours from Belgrade. Its location is stunning, by the Moravica River and the slopes of Mount Ozren, so it also makes a great hiking base. 

Those exploring this city in Serbia can have the best time enjoying a day at the mountains and an afternoon in a spa. This is meant to be really helpful in treating cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. However, there’s much more to enjoy in Sokobanja. Here you’ll also find ruins of roman thermal baths and 16th century turkish hammams, cool streets, cafes, restaurants, and much more. 

6. Sremski Karlovci

Sremski Karlovci is a beautiful Serbian town located 80 km north of Belgrade and just 13 km south of Novi Sad. Thus it’s in the region of Vojvodina, famous for its great local wines and beautiful vineyards. Additionally, thanks to its dominant baroque architecture, Sremski Karlovci is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Serbia and a delight for photography enthusiasts. 

Those including this town in their Serbia itinerary will come across the Saint Nikolaj orthodox cathedral, the Chapel of Peace, the Four Lions fountain made of red marble, the first ever high school in Serbia, and lots of charming townhouses. The town is also home to any boutique wineries selling reds, roses, whites, and bermet which is a local spiced wine so famous it got to be served on the Titanic. If you are looking for a cool place where to combine history, religion and wine make sure to add Sremski Karlovci among the best places to visit in Serbia.

7. Vrnjačka Banja

Vrnjacka Banja is a lovely spa town in southern Serbia, 200 km from Belgrade. Among the cities of Serbia, Vrnjacka Banja is famous for its many hot springs of healing properties which both locals and tourists have enjoyed for thousands of years now. 

Thus, this city is a must see in Serbia if you are looking for a peaceful town where to relax, walk along its parks, and take sulfur baths as the romans used to do. Vrnjacka Banja Merkur and Fontana Wellness & Spa Center are among the best rated hammams in town, check them out when you visit serbia.

Best historical places to visit in Serbia

8. Golubac Fortress

Golubac is a stunning Serbian medieval fortress built on a giant rock over the waters of the Danube. One of the Serbia places to visit that will forever remain on the visitor’s memory, as its beauty is hard to beat. it’s not everyday that one gets to see a castle packed with winding bridges, steep towers, and huge walls spread around a hill and down to the water.

This 14th century defence fortress has been ruled by Turks, Hungarians, Bulgarians, Austrians and Serbs. Moreover, local legends state it has survived over 120 attacks between the Ottoman the and Hungarian forces. In any case, the fortress is now a wonderful serene sight best enjoyed from the waters on a river cruise. Some of these boat tours will take you to Golubac Fortress and the Iron Gate (item 16 below) on the same day, you can check them out here.

9. Gamzigrad

If you are looking at including some ancient sites in your Serbia tourism itinerary, the roman ruins at Gamzigrad have you covered. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is indeed one of the best places to see ancient ruins in Serbia and all of the Balkans. Here you’ll find remains of a palace, temples, and public baths along with a memorial complex.

Once known as Felix Romuliana, the city dates back to 298 AD and was built by the Emperor Galerius. He dedicated it to his mother, who was a priestess of a pagan cult, and they are both buried within the grounds. This Serbia sightseeing must lies in Sourhern Serbia, close to the Bulgarian border, to the point it’s 230km from Belgrade and only 200km from Sofia. The fortress is open from 8am to 8pm April to November and to 4pm during the winter months while the entrance fee is below $2.20. Serbia tourist places are never expensive, which makes all things to see in Serbia even more appealing.

10. Smederevo Fortress

Smederevo Fortress is yet another medieval fortress that castle fans will certainly consider one of the most beautiful places in Serbia. The Ottomans built it in the 15th century using Constantinople’s city walls as a model, which make it a great example of traditional defensive medieval architecture. The fortress walls are over 1.5 km long and 2 metres tick and were once completely surrounded by water. Additionally, the walls host 25 towers of 25 metres each.

The fortress of Smederevo is strategically located 50k southeast of Belgrade, at the confluence of the Danube and Jezava rivers, right between the Balkans and Central Europe. Therefore, Smederevo was the Serbian capital in the Middle Ages, and soon became a huge religious and commercial hub.

As the fortress is well preserved, it’s now used as a park and cultural venue. The place is open for visitors daily from 8am to 8pm and the entrance fee is below $1.20.

11. Zica Monastery

The Zica Monastery is one of the most religiously significant buildings in Serbia. That is because it was founded in the 13th century by St. Sava himself, and was the seat of the Serbian Archbishop for its first 34 years of existence. Additionally, it served as place of corporation from numerous Serbian kings. Thus, if you love history and religion Zica Monastery should be on your wish list of best places to visit in Serbia.

The church will catch your eye from outside due to the bright red of its walls and blue domes. However, the most impressive bits await inside. The ground floor of the church is home to many old frescos showcasing Jesus’ crucifixion and several images of the Apostoled St. Peter and St. John and of Stefan Prvovencani and his son. The monastery is open daily form 6am to 6pm.

12. Studenica Monastery

Studenica is one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches and an absolute icon of the Serbian church thanks to its stunning iconography. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands in central Serbia, 3 hours from Belgrade, in a beautiful mountain valley. It was built in 1190 under the orders of Stefan Nemanja, founder of Serbia, and combines two architectural styles: Byzantine and Romanesque.

The monastery is home to two separate churches made of white marble. These are the Church of the King and the Church of the Virgin. There’s also an on-site museum showcasing several clerical artefacts and relics from the church. And the final resting place of Stefan Nemanja himself.

Nevertheless, the monastery’s highlight are the many 13th and 14th frescos decorating the church walls. These are of Byzantine style and considered the most prominent artistic work in all of Serbian history. Therefore, if you appreciate medieval churches and its artworks, make sure to add Studenica to your must see tourist attractions in Serbia.

13. Oplenac

Oplenac is a church and mausoleum complex in Western Serbia, about 75 km from Belgrade. This culturally relevant site is a highlight of Serbia tourism thanks to its impressive mosaics and the many royal tombs it hosts.

The orthodox St George Church is from the late 1900s and consists in a beautiful white building with several domes. It’s accessible through a steep walk along a park. Although the outside is quite impressive, it’s its crypt and the stunnign mosaics on its ground flor that make it one of the best places to visit in Serbia.

The nearby mausoleum is the final resting place of Serbian King Peter I, along with over 26 members of the Karadordevic royal family. The area is also full of decorations. Its religious mosais from celiing to floor are a must see in Serbia. The complex is open from 8am to 7pm and entrance fee is below $3.50.

14. Sopoćani Monastery

Sopocani is a stunning medieval monastery of the Serbian Orthodox church. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and worth a visit both for its beautiful tower bell and it’s wonderful frescoes. These date from 1270 and are among the finest in medieval Serbian and Byzantine art.

The monastery is an hour north of Belgrade, near Ras, Serbia’s capital during the medieval era. Therefore, it can easily be visited in a haf day tour from Belgrade. And those willing to visit some local monasteries without venture too far form the city should definitely add Sopocani to their list of best places to visit in Serbia.

Best natural places to visit in Serbia

15. Devil’s Town – Davolja Varos

Davolja Varos, known as Devil’s town in English, is one of the coolest natural tourist attractions in Serbia. This rare geomorphological site dates back to millions of years ago and is a consequence of erosion, which keeps changing it year after year. Technically speaking, Devil’s Town is a complex of over 200 rock formations in the shape of 2 to 6 metre tall towers with round stones at their tops.

The site stands in Southern Serbia, about 3.5 hours form Belgrade, near Kursumlija town. The place is so unique that many legends surround it. To the point its very name comes from one of them. This mysterious destination is called Devil’s Town as the rocks resemble a gourp of peple turned into stone. According to the locla legend, these are indeed wedding guests petrified by the devil upon rejecting his order to wed a brother and a sister.

Regardless of its magical or georigraphical origins, the area is really unique and certainly one of the best palces to visit in Serbia.

16. Iron Gate – Derdap Gorge

Iron Gate is a nickname to Derdap Gorge, the stunning border separating Serbia and Romania. The actual border is a dam over river Danube built in the 1960s to control the water flow. It is now a popular Serbia tourist spot for boat trips and river cruises. As it’s made of several gorges stretching over 115 km, navigating through its stunning passages is one of the best things to do in Serbia. 

The rocky cliffs, dense forests and vibrant waters are mesmerizing. And along with the several monasteries in the area make Derdap Gorge one of the best places to visit in Serbia. If you’d like to experience it in person,  you can book this memorable boat tour here.

17. Tara National Park

Tara National Park in Serbia is a different natural wonder than Tara Canyon in Bosnia Herzegovina and Montenegro. Please do not mix these up. Serbia’s Tara National Park, declared so in 1981, is a beautiful mountain area in Western Serbia, by the Drina River Gorge. About 200km and 4 hours from Belgrade, quite close to the Bosnian border.  

The park is the perfect place for a day of hiking, swimming, kayaking and even rafting. However, what makes it famous are the over 40 brown bears that live in the area. That’s the largest number in a single location across Serbia. Therefore, if you love nature and wildlife, one of the best things to do in Serbia is to join a bear watching tour. These will take you around the feeding stations and include at least a night in a woodencabin in the forest. All of them are equipped with high-tech wildlife cameras to detect every bear around. What a cool experience to have in Serbia.

18. Uvac Canyon

Uvac Canyon is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Serbia. This protected area is famous for the stunning winding curves and meanders of the Uvac river along a canyon of steep cliffs. The place is also home to three lakes of crystal clear waters, the Uvac, Zlatar, and Radoinja lakes, and of the largest cave complex in Serbia. 

One of the coolest things to do in Uvac Canyon is hiking to one (or some) of the over dozen viewpoints located above the gorge. The views over the meanders from these lookout decks are mesmerizing. Alternative (or additionally!) another great way of enjoying this Serbia must see spot is by taking a boat tour. Especially those that also include a tour of the nearby caves. Make sure to look out for griffon vultures when in the area, as there’s meant to be plenty of these birds along the river.

19. Fruška Gora National Park

Fruska Gora, also known as the Jewel of Serbia, is Serbia’s oldest National Park. This protected mountain region is in the region of Syrmia. That’s close to the border with Croatia, about 100km from Belgrade and just 25km from Novi Sad. 

The area is home to vineyards and wineries, and also to monasteries such as Novo Hopovo which are well worth a visit. Therefore, those who love nature will have a blast hiking, cycling, and climbing in the region. While those who prefer to enjoy the outdoors from a distance can also have the best time in Fruska Gora by going on a wine tour or admiring its medieval Orthodox monasteries.

20. Kopaonik Ski Resort

If you are wondering what to do in Serbia in wintertime, the answer is Kopaonik ski resort. Also known as Serbia’s Winter Wonderland, Kopaonik is Serbia’s highest mountain and main ski resort. Therefore, it’s the best place in the country to enjoy winter sports. You’ll find it in southern Serbia, close to the border with Kosovo, and about 3.5 hours or 275km from Belgrade. 

Kopaonik is operational from November until May, which is much longer than most of Western Europe skiing facilities. It features thirty ski lifts with a capacity of 32,000 skiers per hour. And has slopes to cater skiers of all levels. There’s also plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants and even night clubs in the area, so get ready for a cool apres ski. Need more? A daily pass is below $28 per person. That’s almost half price of what it would cost in Western Europe. I wish I had learnt earlier that countries such as Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, and Serbia have awesome skiing facilities. Can’t wait to try them out.

Recap on the best places to visit in Serbia

Despite being landlocked and having a tragic past as the core territory of the former Socialist Sate of Yugoslavia, Serbia such an interesting place to visit from a tourist perspective. A country home to lively cities with everything one could look for and tiny rural villages where to unwind and relax. A place that has destroyed and been destroyed. A land of historical sites, ancient rivers, traditional cuisine, and modern music festivals.

Thus, if you are looking for an affordable yet vibrant city break, a historical road trip, and/or a wonderful holiday surrounded by nature, Serbia has you covered. You can see more of my solo trip to Serbia on my Instagram and Tiktok. There and on the comments below I am always available to help plan your own trips. Safe and happy travels everyone.