Best things to do in Serbia

21.07.2023 - 07:52 / roughguides.com

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 – and it’s 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, 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, while 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.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Belgrade.

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.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Novi Sad.

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