Places to Visit in Serbia

This hidden European gem is a perfect place for any kind of holiday; from a quick getaway to a well-planned month-long stay. Serbia offers everything you can want; historical monuments, cascading waterfalls, stunning fortresses, atmospheric cafes, friendly people and fine dining. Just make sure to plan your trip well keeping in mind the best time to visit Serbia. Finally, don't forget travel insurance plan for Serbia before you leave for your Balkans adventure!

List of Places to Visit in Serbia

This landlocked country is diverse and welcomes tourists from all over the world. Be it the famous fortress of Belgrade or the EXIT Music Festival held in Novi Sad every year, you will find many amazing places to visit in Serbia. To help you shortlist, here are some must-visit cities and their key attractions you shouldn't miss while on your trip:

• Belgrade
• Novi Sad
• Zlatibor
• Kragujevac
• Nis
• Subotica
• Pancevo

These are some of the best places to visit in Serbia that you shouldn’t miss. Make sure to read up on them and prepare accordingly, especially important travel documents such as a valid visa for Serbia and good overseas travel health insurance.

Belgrade

The capital of Serbia, Belgrade can be a perfect starting point for your Balkan Tour in the country. The city is busy and sociable, with plenty of things to do here. The city lies near the Sava and Danube rivers and is an eclectic combination of several architectural styles. You can visit many of its museums or casually spend an evening at one of the chic coffee houses.

Don't miss the Belgrade Fortress and the nearby Kalemegdan Park when you're on a day tour and is surely among the most popular places to visit in Serbia. The city has several historical and well-preserved neighborhoods including the 100-year-old Skadarlika and the Knez Mihailova.

You can also have a leisurely picnic near the Ada Ciganlija or visit a specialty museum such as the Museum of Illusions. Don't forget to visit St. Sava Temple and the National Museum Belgrade before you move on to another city.

Novi Sad

Also popular as the Athens of Serbia, Novi Sad should be on your bucket list of places to visit in Serbia. It was also recently named the European Capital of Culture in 2022. Packed with historical sites, this place is a must-visit for anyone who wants to see buildings as old as the Hapsburg as well as groove to the beats of an international music festival. The city has picturesque cafes and monuments hidden away in winding alleys and neighborhoods with food and sights you won't regret.

Novi Sad is famous for being a city of music, artists and Serbia's cultural heart. With proud cultural diversity, it is also one of the safest and most inclusive places to visit in Serbia. Home to multiple ethnic groups including Croats, Romanians, Hungarian and Slovaks, the place has multiple places of worship and is easy to explore thanks to its flat terrain and extensive cycle paths. Don't forget to visit the 700-meter long beach, the Strand to take a little swim or just some sunbathing.

Some other very beautiful places include the Fruska Gora National Park, the Museum of Vojvodina, the impressive 18th-century Petrovaradin Fortress and the Svilara Cultural Station for some authentic local experience. The city's markets are stocked with seasonal fruits and unique souvenirs, especially leatherworks.  While you're there, don't forget to stop at a vinski podrum (wine cellar) for Bermet, their specialty local wine and the indulgent Index Sandwich.

Zlatibor

If you're waiting for a retreat in the mountains and real Serbian hospitality, Zlatibor offers many quaint villages for you to have a quiet time in. Located in the western part of Serbia, Zlatibor is famous for its Tara National Park and the 1,000-meter high Zlatar mountain. The region offers perfect hiking trails during summers and skiing in winters. The scenic towns boast large meadows and old wooden churches.

Other than the Magical Three (Mokra Gora, the Sargan Eight and Drvengrad), there are several sites you shouldn't miss. Some of the most popular places to visit in Serbia are in this otherwise offbeat city, including the Sirogojno Open-Air Museum and the Gostilje Waterfall. The city offers several spas and restaurants to help you get a taste of some East European cuisine. Don't forget to visit the Sirogojno, Zlatibar's speciality museum and the stunning Stopica Cave.

Kragujevac

A significant city heavily influenced by the Ottoman Empire, Kragujevac has several ancient buildings and is the industrial centre of the country. The city lies along the Lepenica River and offers a plethora of amazing and affordable restaurants. When looking for restaurants in Kragujevac, keep an eye out for the karađorđeva šnicla and Cevapi, their specialty. Make sure to visit the Šumarice Memorial Park, Milosev Venac, Prince's Arsenal; the oldest weaponry in the country.

This place too is full of Art Nouveau buildings and is famous for domestic wines and liqueur made by nuns. Also, visit the Old Foundry Museum and the Old Church and Assembly. The nightlife is equally raucous and offers great party scenes if you’re looking for affordable places to visit in Serbia.

Nis

Nis boasts of impressive history and equally impressive monuments, making it an important centre of tourism. Being the birthplace of numerous Roman emperors and later ruled by the Ottoman Empire, Nis is the third-largest city of the country and an all-rounder among different places to visit in Serbia. The city is equally happening as it has preserved history; with amazing cafes and cocktail bars to cater to its student population, a tourist can get almost everything here.

If you're a student visiting this city, don't forget to carry an international student travel insurance plan to make the most of this trip. From live music scenes to excellent cuisine, you can attend many festivals, events, and a lot more.

Make sure to visit the Nis Fortress, and the Skull Tower, an eerie but important place consisting of rows of human skulls. You can also visit the birthplace of Emperor Constantine at the Mediana archaeological site dating back to 272 AD. Some other significant places include Tinker's Alley, Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Crveni Krst camp, the Bubanj Memorial Site and the Latin Church in Gornji Matejevac.

Subotica

Located in the north, the City of Subotica lies between two rivers: Tisa and Danube. The fifth-largest city of the country is full of heritage assets, lavish buildings and a multicultural population, making it one of the most popular places to visit in Serbia. You are sure to find great food and amazing wines here; along with year-round music festivals, events and activities. Compared to the rest of the country, it has the most number of art nouveau buildings. The main square is home to the city hall known for its remarkable blue fountain and several cafes. Don't miss the lakeside resort; the Palić, almost in the suburbs of Subotica. Other important landmarks include the Subotica Synagogue, St. Theresa of Avila Cathedral, Modern Art Gallery, and Freedom Square, often used to stage concerts and markets throughout the year.

Pancevo

While very close to Belgrade, most visitors ignore this place because of its industrial significance. However, beer connoisseurs will know that here is the Balkan's oldest brewery, as well as a museum for the Weifert Beer, the most popular beer, served throughout Serbia.

The city has beautiful parks and spectacular mansions ranging from Neoclassical to Austro-Hungarian architectural styles. This inland port also has several graceful churches and offers significant sights including the Vajfert Museum, the 14th-century Vojlovica Monastery, and the beautiful National Garden. If you're into flea markets, don't miss the big market in Buvljak, famous for fresh produce and other items. Lastly, Pancevo has Serbia's best Burek; a sweet or savory pastry found throughout Serbia and eaten as a breakfast food.