Serbia is a buzzy and boisterous country, compact enough for visitors to sample both Belgrade’s urban hedonism and the gentler pace of the smaller towns or national parks. It's also one of Europe’s most affordable destinations to boot. Grittier than its neighbour Croatia, it is nevertheless an integral part of any backpacker’s Balkan tour. Here is our pick of the best things to do in Serbia.
The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget, your essential guide for visiting Europe.
One of the best things to do in Serbia is to explore the vibrant city of Belgrade. This is a vigorous, high-energy city, especially in spring and summer, when all ages throng the streets at all hours. With a seemingly endless supply of bars and clubs, the city’s pulsing nightlife is one of the unexpected high points on any European itinerary.
The city’s most attention-grabbing attraction is the Kalemegdan Fortress. Meanwhile just outside the park’s boundary is the Old City, whose dense lattice of streets conceals Belgrade’s most interesting sights. Beyond here lie several more sights worth seeing, including the Church of St Sava, one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches, and the very worthwhile Nikola Tesla Museum.
This tailor-made trip to the treasures of Serbia starts in the capital city of Belgrade, where you can explore the bohemian heart of the city. You will be able to explore the natural and historic beauty of Serbia like Tara National Park and the century-old winery Aleksandrović.
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One of the best things to do in Serbia is to explore the vibrant city of Belgrade © Shutterstock
Situated on the main road and rail routes towards Budapest some 75km northwest of Belgrade, Novi Sad has long charmed visitors with its comely buildings – remnants of Austro-Hungarian rule. Today it’s an emphatically young town – especially in the summer when thousands of international revellers swarm to Petrovaradin Fortress for the four-day EXIT festival.
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Novi Sad, Serbia © Shutterstock
Novi Sad developed in tandem with the huge Petrovaradin Fortress (open access) on the Danube’s south bank. The fortress rises picturesquely from rolls of a green hillside, its delicate lemon-yellow buildings set inside sturdy fortifications.
For four days at the beginning of July, the grounds of Petrovaradin Fortress are overrun by EXIT Festival revellers. Now established as one of the premier music events in Europe, EXIT attracts some of the very biggest names in pop, techno and hip-hop.
Petrovaradin Fortress, Novi Sad, Danube, River, Serbia © Shutterstock
Shadowing Novi Sad to the south are the low rolling hills of the Fruška Gora, once an island in the now-evaporated Pannonian Sea. One of the best things to do in is to explore this national park with its orchards and vineyards and a web of simple hiking trails. The hills – known among devotees as the Holy Mountain – also house sixteen monasteries.
About 15km south of Novi Sad, just off the main road before the village of Irig, is Novo Hopovo, where a Byzantine church is housed within a picturesque monastery. Not far off are two more sixteenth-century monastic churches: elegant white Krušedol, and Vrdnik-Ravanica, which has Tsar Lazar’s collarbone on display.
Red Poppies dominate this view of Fruska Gora in Serbia © Shutterstock
On the eastern fringes of the Fruška Gora National Park, the enchanting small town of Sremski Karlovci makes for a great little trip out of Novi Sad. Its main square, Branka Radičevića, with the Orthodox and Catholic churches and the Four Lions fountain is highly picturesque. However, Sremski Karlovci’s status as a national treasure comes courtesy of its speciality wine, Bermet, made exclusively here since 1770.
The tourist information office on the main square can point you to the delightful wine cellar owned by the Živanović family. Here you can buy your own supplies – swing open the side gate to enter their orchard. There’s also a quaint beekeeping museum. Alternatively, relax with a glass or two on the outdoor decking of the hotel of the same name on the main square.
Located approximately 175km north of Belgrade, Subotica in Vojvodina presents itself as a splendid alternative to the bustling capital. As one of the best things to do in Serbia, this charming city offers a captivating contrast to Belgrade's energy and vibrancy. Its Secessionist buildings, green spaces, wide pavements and burghers riding around on old-fashioned bicycles all contribute to its unspoilt, wholesome air.
Just a stone’s throw from Hungary, Subotica feels tangibly more like its northern neighbour. Historically, the ties are close: Subotica reached its apotheosis in the years of the Austro-Hungarian Empire when it was granted the status of a Royal Free Town.
Reichl Palace, Subotica © xbrchx/Shutterstock
The first and greatest of the Serbian monasteries is Studenica, set against the wild, roaming slopes some 12km (and accessible by bus) from the village of Ušče. It was established in 1190 by Stefan Nemanja, founder of the Nemanjić dynasty, whose marble tomb lies in the Church of the Virgin Mary.
Studenica’s superb frescoes were the work of an innovative but still anonymous Greek painter who created trompe-l’oeil images to resemble mosaics.
Studenica, Serbia © Angelaoblak/Shutterstock
The Tara National Park is located in western Serbia and is named after the most beautiful mountain in Serbia, the Tara Mountain. Visiting the park is one of the best things to do in Serbia for outdoor enthusiasts. Here you will find a huge variety of recreational options, ranging from hiking trails, mountain biking to rafting on the Drina River.
In addition to the stunning nature, Tara National Park also offers a number of historical sites to explore. In particular, the Rača Monastery is a significant monument of Serbia's medieval heritage.
Beautiful autumn day in Tara National Park, Mokra Gora, Serbia © Shutterstock
Also, a must-see while in Tara National Park is the artificial Perucac Lake. The lake was made by damming the river Drina and constructing the Bajina Bašta hydroelectric station. The lake is a popular destination for all kinds of water activities, including boating and especially fishing. Situated near the lake is the Mramorje Necropolis, which is one of the best-preserved necropolises in the region.
If you are curious and looking for a remarkable journey filled with true wilderness, lovely people and life-changing adventures this tailor-made trip to Serbia & Montenegro is what you need. Enjoy the diverse UNESCO sites, glorious mountain peaks and crystal blue waters.
Perucac artificial lake on the Drina River in Serbia © Shutterstock
One of the best things to do in Serbia is to visit the picturesque mountain village of Mokra Gora, located between the mountains of Tara and Zlatibor. A popular tourist attraction here is the Šargan Eight narrow railway track, which offers the best way to enjoy the local stunning scenery.
Nearby on Mećavnik Hill is the famous ethnic village of Drvengrad. This village was built on the initiative of director Emil Kusturica and was the location for the production of his film "Life is a Miracle".
Ethno village near Mokra Gora in Zlatibor surroundings, Serbia © Shutterstock
The pleasant university town of Niš, 235km southeast of Belgrade, is a useful stopover point between Belgrade and Sofia or Skopje. Its collection of intriguing – if macabre – sights is a gritty reminder of the darker sides of Serbia’s history.
Ćele Kula (The Skull Tower) makes for gruesome sightseeing. It dates from 1809, when Stevan Sinđelić, commander of a nationalist uprising, found his men surrounded by the Turkish army on nearby Čegar Hill and took drastic action against his adversaries.
Following the battle, to deter future rebellion the ruling Pasha ordered that the heads of the Serbian soldiers killed in the battle be stuffed and mounted on the tower. 952 went into creating this macabre totem pole, though today only 58 remain.
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Skulls from skull tower in Nis - Serbia © Shutterstock
Djavolja Varoš (Devil's Town) is a unique natural landmark in southern Serbia, which is a mountain formation that has been shaped by centuries of erosion. The name 'Devil's Town' has its origins in local legends and folklore, which attribute the creation of this formation to otherworldly forces.
Djavolja Varoš consists of more than 200 rock formations, varying in height from 2 to 15 metres. Nearby is the village of Djake (the name comes from the Albanian word "gjak", meaning blood).
The rock formations of Djavolja Varos located in Serbia © Shutterstock
One of the most stunning natural attractions in Serbia and Southeastern Europe is the Iron Gate, a gorge located on the Danube River. The name 'Iron Gate' is derived from the impressive rock formations and narrow passageway that create a gate-like entrance to the gorge. The towering walls of the gorge are reaching heights of over 300 metres, creating a majestic and awe-inspiring spectacle.
The Iron Gates is a gorge on the Danube River, Serbia © Shutterstock
The Golubac Fortress was once a fortified medieval town, on the south bank of the Danube River. Today it is known for its outstanding fortress, the origins of which can be traced back to the 14th century. In the past, the Golubac fortress had a very important military significance and played a major role in defending the region during conflicts throughout history.
When visiting the fortress, you can enjoy the medieval architecture and picturesque surroundings, take a tour of the fortress and also go boating on the Danube River.
Golubac medieval fortress located on the Danube river on Serbian bank © Shutterstock
Visiting Serbia is a truly unforgettable experience. For more inspirational travel tips check our Rough Guide books.
If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Serbia without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.
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written by
Rough Guides Editors
updated 03.08.2023
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