Serbia is a land of untouched nature and warm people, there is so much history preserved there, even though the country is slowly embracing modernization.
For me, Serbia wasn’t just another travel destination; it became my second home. What started as a plan to spend just one month turned into nine unforgettable years.
During my time in Serbia, I found love, made lifelong friends, and collected memories that still bring a smile to my face. Whether it was hiking in the breathtaking Tara National Park, enjoying the taste of local dishes like sarma and ajvar, or enjoying the lively nights in Belgrade, Serbia left an indelible mark on my heart.
I feel the country is underrated by many. People often would tell me they think Serbia is a dangerous country. They would have second thoughts about the country due to its location in Eastern Europe. I challenged all of them to visit and spend at least 10 days to see by themselves its beauty and feel the Serbian vibes.
What stood out for me in Serbia is its people; Serbs are among the most selfless people I ever met. In countless situations, strangers went out of their way to help and ensure that my experience in their land was good.
If you enjoy hiking, Serbia has dozens of mountains and places waiting for you to explore them. Many places I went on hikes were known only by a handful of locals I knew. The hiking scene is growing slowly but big enough to provide great experiences for adventurers.
I crafted an entire travel guide for ecotourism in Serbia if you are interested in saving time doing research and want to go straight to the action.
Serbia’s history is long and goes back thousands of years, with its earliest inhabitants being ancient tribes who settled in the Balkans. The region later became part of the Roman Empire, leaving behind archaeological sites like Đerdap and Viminacium.
In the medieval period, Serbia emerged as a powerful kingdom under rulers like Stefan Nemanja and his descendants. The Serbian Empire peaked in the 14th century, known for its cultural and religious achievements, including the construction of monasteries like Studenica and Žiča.
However, the empire fell to the Ottomans in 1389 after the Battle of Kosovo. The 19th century saw a series of uprisings leading to Serbia’s independence.
In the 20th century, Serbia became part of Yugoslavia, a multi-ethnic federation. The breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s brought challenges, including conflicts and economic struggles.
Today, Serbia is an independent nation, following a capitalist regime where you can still see the remains of socialism in many parts of the country.
Serbia’s geography is very diverse. The country contains open fields ideal for farming and even a desert in the north, mountains in the south, and several river valleys in between. The Danube River, Europe’s second-longest river, runs through Serbia, creating nice views and important trade routes.
Other major rivers in the country include the Sava, Lim, and Morava, which help Serbs to boost agricultural lands and production.
Kopaonik, Tara, and Zlatibor are among the mountain ranges for those who love to be in nature and hike. The hiking scene in Serbia is growing slowly, but there are dozens of options, many of which even my local Serbian friends don’t know.
Serbia has a couple of national parks and nature reserves that offer great views and diverse wildlife. Parks like Fruska Gora are only one hour away from Belgrade, which is perfect for a day’s escape from the big city.
The climate varies between regions but is generally continental. Summers are warm, with temperatures reaching 35°C, sometimes even more. Winters can be cold, very cold, especially in mountainous areas, where snow is everywhere.
Spring and autumn are mild, making them ideal seasons for exploring the country’s natural beauty and cultural sites. The mixed geography and climate make Serbia a good destination for any season of the year. I wrote a whole guide about each season in Serbia. Click here if you are interested in learning more.
Thinking about flying to Serbia? Check flight options on Kiwi, it's my favorite way to book plane tickets:
Serbia is one of those places that surprises you once you are there. For many, it’s not always the first destination that comes to mind when you think of Europe, but once you’re there, it’s impossible not to fall for its charm.
If you’re into hiking, you’re in for a treat. The country is full of hiking trails that take you through forests, mountains, open plain fields, and river valleys.
Think of places like Tara National Park, where the views over the Drina River will make you forget all about your Instagram feed—this is the kind of beauty you just want to appreciate without distractions.
And if you’re up for a challenge, the peaks of Kopaonik or the magical wilderness of Stara Planina will keep your boots dusty and your body exhausted after a long and intense hike.
But Serbia isn’t just about the great outdoors. It’s also a cultural goldmine. From the streets of Belgrade, where history feels alive in every corner, to the quiet charm of Novi Sad, there’s always a story waiting to be uncovered.
Museums here aren’t just buildings with artifacts—they’re gateways to the past, like the Yugoslavia and Nikola Tesla Museums, where you can deepen your knowledge about the country’s past.
And let’s not forget the archaeological sites. Places like Gamzigrad-Romuliana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will transport you back to the Roman Empire, while the medieval monasteries spread across the countryside are like stepping into a living painting.
Tara National Park is one of Serbia’s natural gems. Located in the western part of the country, it’s a paradise for hikers. Trails go through pine forests and along cliffs.
The Drina River below the park adds a great view, especially from viewpoints like Banjska Stena. Don’t worry about the difficulty of the trails, there are options for hikers of all levels.
If you are looking for more adrenaline, the Tara River is perfect for rafting. Joining a tour lets you experience the park from a different perspective. You’ll pass forests, cliffs, and even waterfalls as you navigate the river.
Fruška Gora, often called the “Jewel of Serbia,” is a good place for cyclists. The place contains several vineyards, medieval monasteries, and ideal trails for mountain biking.
Pedaling through its hills, you’ll pass rows of grapevines, villages, and hidden spots in the forest that are perfect for a picnic. It’s a laid-back way to explore Serbia’s wine culture.
Places like Ledinci are perfect to experience the wine culture. I stayed there for a few days and enjoyed tasting good homemade wine and exploring the region. Dragan was a great host, and my experience in his accommodation couldn’t be better; he even prepared a vegetarian breakfast for us.
You can also embark on an adventure cycling from Belgrade to Novi Sad. I have written a guide for this experience.
Kopaonik is Serbia’s largest mountain range and a year-round playground for outdoor lovers. In winter, it transforms into a great ski resort, perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Kopaonik Ski Resort is the biggest one in the Balkans region.
When the snow melts, many hiking trails open up, revealing forests and wide panoramic views that last for miles. Hiking there feels like stepping into a postcard; every time I visit, it feels like experiencing the place for the first time.
The mountain is also home to sports events like the Tri Strane Kopaonik, a mountain bike competition that happens there yearly.
Besides the outdoor adventures, Kopaonik is also known as a good place to feel nature and relax, forgetting about the busy city vibes.
Anyone exploring Serbia’s capital must visit the Belgrade Fortress. This historic site, located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, feels like stepping back in time. Centuries of history are written into every stone.
The fortress is also a great spot to watch the sunset. As the sky turns yellow, the rivers below reflect the light, creating a scene that’s pure magic.
It’s common to see many locals walking around the fortress with their friends. The fortress is also a good place to bring someone for a date to get to know each other; just a tip.
Studenica Monastery is a masterpiece of medieval architecture located in a valley surrounded by forests. Founded in the 12th century, its white marble walls became a symbol of art and history in the country.
The monastery remains open and active today, so if you’re looking for spiritual calm or inspiration, Studenica is definitely worth a visit.
Gamzigrad-Romuliana is a great opportunity to learn about the history of the Roman Empire. This ancient palace-fortress was built by Emperor Galerius in the 3rd century, and its ruins are remarkably well-preserved.
While walking through its gates, you’ll see mosaics, palaces, and temples. The site is protected by UNESCO since it is a world heritage site.
It also offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, adding more nature to the experience. If you love history, then Gamzigrad-Romuliana is a must-see during your visit.
Located on the banks of the Danube River, Golubac is a medieval fortress with a long story to tell, like many places in Serbia. With its 10 towers and stone walls, it guarded the river for centuries against invaders.
Today, you can walk around inside and learn more about its history. The fortress offers views of the Iron Gates gorge. If you love history, joining a guided tour is a good idea since it will bring Golubac’s turbulent past to life, from Ottoman sieges to medieval rivalries.
If you plan to explore the area further, I recommend you extend your experience by visiting the Derdap National Park. It is worth hiking to the Miroc peak in the national park and visiting Kapetan Misig Breg, a famous restaurant in Serbia where you can try homemade food.
Sremski Karlovci is Serbia’s wine country gem, whose wine culture dates back to the Roman Empire. Nowadays, the city houses wine festivals and has many wineries that produce good quality products.
The region produces some of the country’s best wines, like Bermet, a sweet, aromatic wine with a history dating back centuries. Visiting a local winery lets you try these unique flavors while learning more about their influence on the Serbian lifestyle.
Many wineries offer tours where you can walk through the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy a glass (or two) with a view.
Novi Sad is the second-largest city in Serbia, and although it is growing, its peaceful vibes remain. People in Novi Sad take their time doing things, and that’s true. You can easily see that when talking to them, eating outside, or drinking with friends.
The city houses the Petrovaradim fortress, a great place to walk and feel the presence of the Serbian past. During the summer, the fortress transforms itself for the Exit Festival, one of the biggest in Europe.
For many locals, Novi Sad is a good place to spend the weekend, feeling a calmer city vibe than the busy Belgrade. Interestingly enough, if you ask a person who lives in Novi Sad if they would live in Belgrade, chances are that most of them will say that Belgrade is too fast and busy and that they are used to how Novi Sad is.
The Guča Trumpet Festival is a wild celebration of music, tradition, and pure joy. It is one of my favorite festivals in Serbia. Held every August in the small town of Guča, it attracts thousands of visitors from different places.
The air is filled with the sound of trumpets as musicians compete with each other, showing their trumpets and performing in an intense and high-energy atmosphere filled with a lot of drinks.
But Guča is more than just music. There, you will find barbecue, lively dancing, and a sense of community that’s hard to beat. Guča is an experience that stays with you long. It doesn’t matter if you want to drink, dance, mingle with locals, or feel the vibes; it will be a great memory.
For this experience, you need a Serbian friend :). Slava is the most profound tradition at the heart of Serbian culture. Each family celebrates their patron saint’s day with a feast, bringing loved ones together.
The table is filled with food, along with meals like roasted meats and homemade bread. There are different types of Slavas, and each one will determine how they celebrate and what will be served to the guests.
The host of the Slavas has a vital role in making sure that every guest is enjoying themselves and that everything is sorted for them.
It’s a time for gratitude, reflection, and connection. If you’re lucky enough to be invited to a Slava, you’ll experience Serbian hospitality in its warmest and most authentic way.
Subotica, located in northern Serbia, is known for its unique architecture, heavily influenced by the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. The city has a remarkable collection of Art Nouveau buildings, including the City Hall and the Subotica Synagogue, one of the most beautiful synagogues in Europe.
Cycling around the city is fairly easy, and there are many bike lanes and shops where it is possible to rent a bicycle. A nice activity is to explore the city and visit the Palic Lake cycling.
The lake is only 10km away from the city center of Subotica. Don’t miss the opportunity to drink a coffee in one of the many bars around the lake area and enjoy the view.
Stara Planina mountain range is a place you shouldn’t miss if you love to hike. The area has dozens of hiking trails; one can spend days exploring all the main peaks.
It has hills and dense forests, especially along the Babin Zub and Midžor peaks. During the winter, the slopes transform into a snowy playground for skiing and snowboarding. The Stara Planina ski resort is the second biggest in Serbia, being a great option for beginners and mid-level adventurers.
Traditional villages are in the area where you can book accommodation and experience authentic Serbian hospitality. Try local dishes like kačamak (cornmeal porridge) and relax in guesthouses after a day of winter sports.
Serbia’s cultural heritage is rich in history, tradition, and art. From medieval monasteries to folk festivals, this country has a way of pulling you into its long and deep history. Walking around downtown Belgrade, I feel like every corner is a page from a history book but with a special touch that makes it all come alive.
One of the reasons for this feeling is the fact that Serbs love to keep their tradition. They see change carefully; many prefer to keep things as they are without touching them.
Many monasteries throughout the country are well preserved. These places show how much religion was present in Serbia.
Festivals celebrate life and bring another opportunity to hang out with friends and loved ones. There are so many festivals in Serbia that I need to write an entire blog post about them. The Guča Trumpet and EXIT Festivals mentioned in the previous section are among the biggest, bringing thousands of people together.
Music and dance are also part of the Serbian culture. Traditional folk music, with its intense melodies and rhythms, is often played in Kafanas (Serbian taverns) and bars/clubs.
The kolo, a circle dance, brings people together at weddings and celebrations. It’s impossible not to feel the energy when the music starts and the dancing begins.
Food is another essential part of the Serbian heritage. Dishes like sarma (stuffed cabbage) and pljeskavica (Serbian burger) are more than meals—they’re traditions passed down through generations. Pair them with rakija, the Serbian spirit, and you’ve got a taste of Serbian hospitality.
Serbia is one of my favorite countries for ecotourism; there are so many options that you wouldn’t believe they exist in such a country. Many landscapes feel remarkably untouched, and the sustainability mindset is growing.
The country is a playground for those who love nature. Nothing is perfect, of course. Some work exploiting natural resources caused harm to the environment in the past, and sadly, some are still happening as I write this, but many areas are intact from the hands of corporations.
I met many people from mountain lodges who told me about conservation efforts made by mountaineers around the country to preserve its nature. Ecotourism is a growing industry in Serbia, and there is room for improvement.
Tara National Park, Fruska Gora, and Stara Planina are the most prominent ecotourism hotspots in the country. These are great places for hikes, rafting tours, cycling, and winter sports.
The Iron Gates, where the Danube cuts through cliffs, is a natural phenomenon. You can join a boat tour and appreciate the views from a different perspective while learning about its history and role in the country’s past.
Serbia’s commitment to preserving its natural treasures and the number of available options make it an ideal destination for eco-conscious travelers. If you want to check a detailed travel guide about ecotourism in Serbia, check the guide I made.
Get your hands on the ultimate travel guide to uncover the hidden gems of ecotourism in Serbia. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore the country like a local!
Serbian food is strong and deeply rooted in tradition, which consists mostly of meat. If you are vegan/vegetarian, you will manage to survive well in the country if you cook your meals.
In Belgrade and Novi Sad, you can find restaurants with non-meat options, but you need to double-check their options first to see if they suit you; Google Maps is a good resource to check that.
The best way to start tasting Serbian cuisine is with pljeskavica, Serbia’s answer to a burger (please don’t tell a Serb that pljeskavica is a burger). This juicy, spiced patty is grilled and served with kajmak (creamy dairy spread), ajvar (roasted red pepper sauce), or other sauces like mayonnaise. There are variations where ham or cheese are stuffed in it, adding more flavor and calories to the end product.
Then there’s sarma, cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice, slow-cooked until tender. It’s a dish that brings families together, especially during celebrations like Slava. You can find vegetarian versions of this dish.
Don’t miss ćevapi, small grilled meat in the format of sausages served with flatbread and onions. This dish is a variation of the Turkish kebap, which shows the Ottoman influence in Serbia to this day.
For something sweet, you must try baklava and the famous Serbian sweet pancakes (palačinka), stuffed with different fruits combined with EuroKrem. One thing to know about Serbs is that they love EuroKrem; it’s like a national thing, and everybody agrees on it!!
Another must-try is gibanica, a pastry filled with cheese and eggs, perfect with a cup of strong Serbian coffee.
Serbia’s gastronomy isn’t just about the food—it’s about the experience. From family-run restaurants to open-air markets, every meal feels like a celebration in the country. And with a glass of rakija (the Serbian spirit) in hand, you’ll quickly understand why Serbians take such pride in their culinary heritage and cuisine.
In this section, I will try to convince you to visit Serbia by telling you the pros I saw while living there for nine years:
The goal of this section is to inform you in advance about possible challenges you can face during your trip:
These are fun and interesting facts about Serbia that I think you should know:
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