serbia national tourism

Must-see attractions in Serbia

Belgrade Fortress

Some 115 battles have been fought over imposing, impressive Belgrade Fortress (aka Kalemegdan); the citadel was destroyed more than 40 times throughout…

Uvac Canyon

The Uvac River's spectacular meanders are the highlight of the 75-sq-km Uvac nature reserve in southwestern Serbia. The incredibly green river snakes…

Studenica Monastery

One of Serbia's most sacred sites, Unesco-listed Studenica was established in 1196 by the founder of the Serbian empire (and future saint) Stefan Nemanja…

Kadinjača Memorial Complex

Serbia's most grandiose spomenik (Yugoslav-era memorial), Kadinjača commemorates the Partisans from the Workers' Battalion who perished on this spot…

Memorial Museum '21st October'

Šumarice Memorial Park is home to a sombre museum that tells the harrowing story of the 1941 massacre of around 3000 Kragujevac civilians during the…

Petrovaradin Fortress

Towering over the river on a 40m-high volcanic slab, this mighty citadel, considered Europe's second-biggest fortress (and one of its best preserved), is…

Vratna Gates

The remote Negotin region hides one of the country's more dramatic natural phenomena. Three gigantic stone arches – known as Small Gate (Mala kapija), Big…

Museum of Yugoslavia

This must-visit museum houses an invaluable collection of more than 200,000 artefacts representing the fascinating, tumultuous history of Yugoslavia…

Lepenski Vir

What is now Đerdap National Park was once a major centre for Mesolithic- and Neolithic-era fishing communities, a past that has been wonderfully preserved…

Crna Reka Monastery

Secluded 13th-century Crna Reka (meaning 'black river') has a unique setting among Serbian monasteries: it's built into caves, seemingly hanging off a…

Gallery of Matica Srpska

First established in Pest (part of modern Budapest) in 1826 and moved to Novi Sad in 1864, this is one of Serbia's most important and long-standing…

Looming over Belgrade and topped with the tallest tower in the Balkans (204.5m), Mt Avala is a city landmark that makes for a pleasant break from the…

Museum of Contemporary Art

One of Belgrade's top cultural sights, this recently renovated museum is a treasure trove of 20th-century art from the ex-Yugoslav cultural space. The…

Marshal Tito's Mausoleum

A visit to Tito's mausoleum is obligatory. The big man rests in an aptly gigantic tomb in peaceful surrounds. Also on display are thousands of elaborate…

Subotica's first art nouveau building is the splendid 1902 synagogue designed by Marcell Komor and Deszö Jakab. Its stylised decorations in the form of…

Orthodox Cathedral

Second only in size to Belgrade's St Sava Temple, this huge Orthodox cathedral, completely restored after being destroyed in a fire in 2001, was…

Museum of Srem

The regional museum in the town of Sremska Mitrovica has a rich collection spanning prehistoric, Roman and medieval periods. Its undisputed highlight are…

National Museum

Lack of funding for renovations kept Serbia's National Museum mostly shuttered for 15 years, but its much ballyhooed 2018 reopening has been a great…

Manasija Monastery

Hemmed in by mammoth walls with 11 towers, Manasija (1418) was a fortified hideout for artists and writers fleeing the Turkish invasion. Many consider its…

Nikola Tesla Museum

Meet the man on the 100RSD note at one of Belgrade's best museums, where you can release your inner nerd with some wondrously sci-fi-ish interactive…

One of Europe's best by-the-Danube beaches, this 700m-long stretch morphs into a city of its own come summertime, with bars, stalls and all manner of…

Little House on the Drina

Tara National Park

Many people harbour dreams of building a log cabin in the middle of a forest, but how about one in the middle of a river? Almost 50 years ago, a group of…

Maglič Fortress

A forlorn guardian of the Ibar valley (20km south of Kraljevo), Maglič is one of Serbia's best-preserved medieval fortifications. Built in the 13th…

National Museum Zaječar

Zaječar's National Museum is where you can admire numerous findings from the Felix Romuliana archaeological site. They include the marble busts of…

Zepter Museum

This impressive collection of works by contemporary Serbian artists became Serbia’s first private museum in 2010, but remains somewhat hidden even though…

Ružica Church

The ivy-swathed Ružica Church looks innocuous from the outside; inside, you'll find chandeliers made by WWI Serbian soldiers from spent bullet casings,…

Royal Compound

Commissioned between the two world wars by soon-to-be-assassinated King Alexander I of Yugoslavia, the Royal and White Palaces in Belgrade's exclusive…

One of the few remaining symbols of ex-Yugoslavia, Marshal Tito's Blue Train nowadays serves as a mostly inaccessible museum but can be rented for travel…

Felix Romuliana

Unesco-listed Felix Romuliana was built for the Roman emperor Galerius and completed around AD 313. Ravaged by the Huns in the 5th century and abandoned…

Oplenac Royal Complex

Oplenac, in the town of Topola, is where Karađorđe plotted the Serbian insurrection against the Turks in 1804. One ticket grants access to all attractions…

Museum of Contemporary Art Vojvodina

Near to the Museum of Vojvodina's main building is this annexe. It is home to the city's premier collection of Serbian (particularly Vojvodinian) and…

Bač Fortress

For a concentrated hit of Vojvodina’s history, head to Bač, 65km west of Novi Sad. The town’s star attraction is its partially ruined fortress. Records…

Drvengrad ('Timbertown') in Mokra Gora was built by enigmatic filmmaker Emir Kusturica in 2002 for his film Life Is a Miracle. Quirky flourishes are…

Mileševa Monastery

The most cherished of Serbian medieval frescoes, Beli Anđeo (White Angel) can be admired – but not photographed! – inside the (fittingly) gleaming-white…

Golubac Fortress

The remains of this 10-tower fortified town brood majestically by the entrance to Đerdap National Park. Originally a Roman settlement, the fortress was…

Sveti Sava Temple

Sveti Sava is the Balkans' biggest (and the world's second biggest) Orthodox church, a fact made entirely obvious when looking at the city skyline from a…

Resava Cave

A winding 20km beyond Despotovac, the eight-million-year-old Resava Cave has 40-minute guided tours through impressive underground halls, featuring…

The resort town of Palić, 8km from Subotica, is home to a 5-sq-km lake popular with boaters, fisherfolk and afternoon amblers; its water isn't approved…

Old Foundry Museum

This fascinating museum is housed in the 1882 building of Kragujevac's old cannon factory (topolivnica). Part of the Prince's Arsenal industrial complex,…

Devil’s Town

Devil’s Town, in Serbia's deep south, is a cluster of 202 natural stone pyramids looming eerily over bright-red, acidic mineral streams. According to…

More destinations you need to see

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Serbia: 20+ Places To Visit in Serbia

Serbia was the third country that I visited on my last trip after the United Arab Emirates and Turkiye . For those who didn't know, I've been obsessed with the Balkan region for as long as I can remember, and visiting Serbia has marked a new milestone for me as I've just checked one of the top of my bucket list for this decade .

Initially, I wanted to travel around the whole Balkan region as I planned. But since I started my trip by the end of 2021, most European countries had not opened their border to Indonesian citizens yet at the time. Good thing for me, because as an Indonesian citizen, I am eligible to enter Serbia for 30 days within a year without a visa .

The good news is that I got to travel around and visit some of the must-visit places in Serbia. Dora, my best friend from Croatia, whom I've known for almost 20 years since MySpace, decided to drive to Serbia so we could have a lovely girls' trip throughout the country.

In this post, I'm going to list some of the best places to visit in Serbia and how to travel around the country.

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Big Tour in Belgrade and its surroundings City Boat Cruise in Belgrade Red Belgrade Communist Tour Historical Danube Tour Sargan 8 & Mokra Gora Tour from Belgrade Serbian Wine Tasting Experience Day Trip to Novi Sad from Belgrade

Table of Content

Why You Should Visit Serbia

As someone coming from a big country like Indonesia , I find Serbia so easy to explore since it seems like I could technically travel around the country for a week or two. Unlike its neighboring countries that are surrounded by coasts, Serbia is a landlocked country that is still worth your visit if you're into beautiful nature, history, and just a little fun to have a good break from your routine.

In the west part of Serbia, there's Tara National Park. Located close to the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, it's surrounded by Drina River, a river that marks the boundary between Serbia and Bosnia. While I didn't get a chance to stop by Tara National Park due to my unfortunate incident of getting pickpocketed in Belgrade, I got a chance to stroll around the banks of Drina when I was in Loznica.

As I visited Serbia during winter, Kopaonik and Zlatibor are the most popular winter destinations in the country as they have plenty of ski resorts where you can opt to spend the holidays in the country. While Dora and I was initially planning to stop by Kopaonik for skiing, the weather was super sunny when we got on a road trip throughout Serbia that we only got a chance to have a good lunch in Zlatibor with barely any snow in sight.

If you're bound to travel to Serbia in the summer, most people tell me that it's the best time to visit the country since they're also popular with the music festivals held in the loveliest time of the year. One of the most music festivals in Serbia, EXIT Festival has been held annually since it was founded in 2000. Dubbed as one of the best music festivals in Europe, it will be held for the first time in Novi Sad next month since it was canceled and held virtually in the past couple of years due to Covid-19.

From my understanding, Serbia always has something for everyone at each time of the year. As for me, I was determined to experience my first winter wonderland in Serbia last year and so I did, although I didn't get a chance to go skiing or do any typical winter activities there.

And despite the hiccup of my trip as my purse got stolen in Belgrade, I could say that I still got to enjoy Serbia to the fullest when I was there.

Although I didn't get a chance to visit every significant site in the country, I could definitely get you a list of places that you must consider visiting if you happen to travel to Serbia.

How to Travel Around Serbia

If there's anything I've come to understand when it comes to traveling around Europe, it is that the most convenient way to travel is by getting on a road trip, whether it is by renting a van or a car on your own. As Dora drove her own car, we basically only relied on Google Maps for the direction, and we only spent money on gas and food along the way.

While I'm not sure how to rent a van in Serbia, but if you need a car with an awesome driver, I'd totally recommend Milan Djordjevic if you want to travel around Serbia or you need a transfer to or from the airport. I used Milan's service from Nikola Tesla Airport to my apartment in Vracar, he's definitely someone you can rely on, and he offers inter-city and international services from and to Serbia.

How to Travel by a Public Bus in Serbia

Alternatively, you can also travel around Serbia by bus. Although to be fair, I experienced a massive culture shock when I got on the bus in Serbia for the first time. Getting on the bus in Serbia reminds me of the public bus in Indonesia in the 1990s, and it was quite shocking for me since I thought traveling by bus in Serbia would be at least similar to the public bus in Turkey . Boy, was I wrong!

Like most bus stations in Europe, bus stations in Serbia have inter-city and international bus services. I saw some Flixbus at the station when I was traveling by bus in Serbia, and although I've never traveled with Flixbus before, I suppose the brand is quite popular for traveling around Europe by bus.

Now, let's go back to traveling around Serbia by bus… I'm not sure if it's common in Europe, but I personally don't find traveling by bus in Serbia convenient or efficient at all. If it wasn't because of my friend Nikola who told me about how to travel by bus to Loznica, I doubt that I would find out how to effectively buy a bus ticket in Serbia. But thanks to him, at least I could share my experience now.

While there may be some booking platforms where you can book a bus ticket online in Serbia, going to the sales office may still be necessary if you want to take the bus in the country. I had to go to the sales office at the bus station in Belgrade when I traveled to Loznica and Novi Sad , and here's what happened!

When you purchase a bus ticket in Serbia, you will get a printed bus ticket and also a token to enter the designated platform at the bus station. Mind you, you shouldn't lose both of them because otherwise there's a chance you will have to repurchase the ticket. Serbia, just like all countries in Europe, implements GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) which won't require you to fill out your data when purchasing a bus ticket.

While it might protect your personal data, I eventually found the flaw in the practice when I lost my bus ticket from Belgrade to Novi Sad. As mentioned before, I got pickpocketed in Belgrade , and I put the ticket I bought in the stolen purse. Without my personal data, there was no way to reclaim the ticket so I had to repurchase it in the end.

The sales office at the bus station only accepts cash for the payment, so make sure you have enough money when you're queueing to buy a bus ticket through the sales office.

I got a chance to try two bus companies in Serbia, including Raketa AB and Lasta , and here's my take on both companies. I think it's a common practice in Serbia that you'll get a cheaper price for a return ticket, I made the mistake to buy a one-way ticket when I bought a bus ticket from Belgrade to Loznica, and I ended up having to pay double compared to if I bought a return ticket for the same route.

Anyway, according to my friend Nikola, Raketa is the best bus company in Serbia and I somehow understand why. So here's what you need to expect when you travel by bus around Serbia.

First of all, there's no assigned seat even for the inter-city bus in Serbia. And all the buses that I took stopped at every bus stop along the way and they would bring new passengers even when the seat was already full. So it seems that it's quite common that you can find passengers standing for an inter-city route like Belgrade to Novi Sad. That, at least, is what I experienced in both Raketa and Lasta bus company.

The only advantage of Raketa compared to Lasta is that their bus ticket includes the baggage facility. When I took Lasta bus to Novi Sad, I had to pay an extra 200 RSD (around $1.7 USD) to put my bag in the trunk.

If there's no change to the public bus system in Serbia, I suppose there's no guarantee that you would get a seat on the public bus even if you have a legit ticket for it. However, the best way to prevent that from happening is to always buy an official bus ticket from the main bus station since you could at least make sure to enter the bus first to claim your seat there.

So yeah, I personally wouldn't recommend traveling by bus in Serbia. But if you're looking into a budget option to travel around the country and you have to take the coach to get to your destination, be prepared for something that you may not have experienced elsewhere!

The Best Places to Visit in Serbia

In no particular order, I'm going to list some of the best places that I've visited in Serbia and add some snippets on why I'd consider them a place that will be worth visiting when you're in the country.

So, what are the must-visit spots in Serbia?

Places to Visit in Belgrade, Serbia

As I got a chance to stay in Serbia for a month without a visa this year, I decided to make Belgrade my home base for a few reasons. My main consideration is the easy access for me to get to the airport since my flight from and to Istanbul was from Nikola Tesla Airport in the capital city. But other than that, there are many places to visit in Belgrade.

As the main city that witnessed the country's turbulent history, it has almost everything to offer for travelers. Whether you're there for Yugo-nostalgia to trace back their history for when they were a part of deceased Yugoslavia, or you're there for the infamous nightlife scene, Belgrade is undoubtedly worth visiting for a few days alone.

1. The Temple of Saint Sava

Hram Svetog Save , or the Temple of Saint Sava in Serbian, is pretty much located in the center of Belgrade. Situated in the Vracar area of Belgrade, the temple was built at the estimated location of St. Sava's grave. St. Sava is the founder and the first archbishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

It is practically the landmark of Belgrade, or even Serbia in general. The biggest Orthodox temple in Serbia, St. Sava is also one of the world's largest Eastern Orthodox church buildings. Christmas Eve and Orthodox New Year are two of many large gatherings held in the temple.

However, unlike Catholics and other Christians who celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December, Serbian Orthodox Christians celebrate it on the 7th of January. Same goes as the Orthodox New Year as they celebrate it on the 15th of January instead of the 1st. The reason behind it was that the Orthodox Christian use the Julian calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar as regular Christians do for all the festive celebrations.

Whether you're an Orthodox Christian or not, St. Sava is a place that you must not miss in Belgrade. The building replicated the architecture of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, as it was inspired by the Serbian-Byzantine style. The exterior was finished in 2004, but the church isn't 100% done as a small part of it is still under construction.

However, the Temple of St. Sava is still worth visiting. If you're an Orthodox Christian, you may want to stop by and pray. Even if you're not, you can visit the temple while taking some time to adore its architecture and beautiful murals.

2. Kalemegdan Park and the Belgrade Fortress

Only walking distance from the famous Republic Square that is usually used as a meeting point in the center of Belgrade, the Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Fortress are among many must-visit places while you're in the capital city of Serbia.

Not only because it's free entry to have a nice stroll around the fortress and the park, you can also enjoy the view of Belgrade and the Danube River from the bench at the park. I stopped by the fortress and Kalemegdan twice when I was in Belgrade, but unfortunately, the weather didn't get along with me since the first time I went there, it was raining so heavily while the second one it was super cold to the point I decided to go back home. LOL.

Built from the 2nd to 18th centuries, the fortress was destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, but it has always been the symbol of Belgrade since the beginning of the civilization of the capital city. Built on a white ridge above Sava and Danube River, it was where the name Beograd – literally translated as the ‘white city' – (the local name for Belgrade) came from.

Belgrade Fortress witnessed how the city was conquered from one army to another. Traced back from Roman era, to Serbs and Turks, Kalemegdan used to be the fighting field to protect the people of Belgrade from the enemies.

Around the corner facing the walls of the city, you will be able to find the “Victor” monument to symbolize the victory of Belgrade over the periods of time. If you're lucky, you can also get to see other parts of the fortress including the Roman Well, the gunpowder magazine, and even the old Turkish Hamam .

3. Republic Square

Hands down the most recognizable area in Belgrade, Republic Square has often been used as the meeting point for anyone who's up to hang out in the capital city of Serbia. The square itself showcased the famous landmarks in the capital city, including the National Museum, the National Theater, and the statue of Prince Michael. Hence, the name of the pedestrian street being Knez Mihailova.

It connects Kolarceva intersection with the pedestrian street Knez Mihailova. While strolling around the area itself can be pretty fun, the area seems to be a good place for shopping or just hanging out around cafes and bars.

There's also a big mall at the corner of Knez Mihailova that is not too far from Kalemegdan Park, Rajiceva Shopping Center. Now, Knez Mihailova is a pretty big area to stroll around, but whenever I got around the pedestrian street and I urgently needed to go to the toilet, I always headed to Rajiceva to use their public toilet.

Also, another culture shock that I experienced in Serbia is how rare it is to find black tea even at the supermarket. I noticed it when I went to Aroma close to my apartment in Vracar, and the only tea option they had there was the fruity tea. Well, I eventually found a pack of black teabags when I went to Maxi at Rajiceva.

4. Skadarlija

The bohemian street in Serbia, Skadarlija has become the second most visited area in Belgrade after Kalemegdan and Belgrade Fortress. Formerly the municipality of Belgrade, Skadarlija is definitely well-preserved as it is protected by the local law as a cultural-historical area in the capital city of Serbia.

Nowadays, Skadarlija has become one of the fanciest areas in Belgrade, with picturesque pedestrian streets and many bars and cafes in the surrounding areas.

During my stay in Belgrade, I only went to Skadarlija area once despite I got a chance to stroll around Knez Mihailova more than twice. When I stopped by Skadarlija, it was at around 4 or so and it was raining at the time.

I'm not sure if the area was more popular at night or it was a little too quiet when I went there because of the rain, but rest assured… I personally thought that Knez Mihailova is definitely more crowded than Skadarlija.

The cobbled street with some excellent cafe options, I would recommend visiting Skadarlija at night since I was there in the evening, and I don't think it was the best time to stop by the area. Well, the cobblestone on the street certainly made it a bit challenging to stroll around when it was raining, but it was still a nice stroll! 😉

5. Museum of Yugoslavia and The House of Flowers

It's hard not to go all Yugo-nostalgia when you're in Serbia. It was only in 2003 when Yugoslavia eventually changed its name to Serbia and Montenegro. And before 2003, God knows what they've been through with their turbulent history under the name of Yugoslavia.

Museum of Yugoslavia in Belgrade is the best place to visit if you want to reminisce the good old days of Yugoslavia in its glory. On top of that, it's almost impossible to talk about Yugoslavia without mentioning Josip Broz Tito in the conversation.

A respectful leader in his time, he was the lifetime president of Yugoslavia from 1953 to his passing in 1980. He was buried in the House of Flowers in Belgrade, alongside his wife, Jovanka Broz, who died later in 2013. The House of Flowers is located in the same area as the Museum of Yugoslavia. When you get a chance to visit Belgrade, you certainly shouldn't miss this museum in your itinerary!

For 400 dinars (around $3.6 USD), you can get the entrance ticket to the three museum buildings in the area, including the 25 May Museum, the House of Flowers, and the Old Museum. The latter is located in the center, close to the museum's entrance. However, since you need to go to the ticket office first to be eligible for the entrance, what I did was visiting the 25 May Museum first, with the Old Museum being the last exhibition that I visited when I went to visit the Museum of Yugoslavia. 

The 25 May Museum was opened on the same date in 1962 as a present for Josip Broz Tito's 70th birthday. This museum building showcases the gifts and souvenirs given to Josip Broz Tito until 1962. And how excited I was to see  wayang kulit , Indonesian leather puppet, on one of the first shelves at the museum! Suddenly, I felt home already. LOL. 

The museum also showcases some of Tito's personal belongings, including his uniform, ties, etc. On the other side, the museum also chronicles so many puzzles of history that were once Yugoslavia. 

Close to the exit, you will also see some recent pieces of news in the post-2006 after Serbia and Montenegro split. I could recognize the face of Boris Tadic in a split second, because I wrote about him a lot when I wrote my thesis at the university. 

Annexed to the 25 May Museum is the House of Flowers, the building where the resting place of the late president Josip Broz Tito was buried alongside his wife, Jovanka Broz.

On each side of the tombstones, you can also see Tito's post-partum chronicles from the funeral pictures, the headline news on the day he died, and some letters and other sentimental messages sent after his passing. The House of Flowers is basically the Memorial Center for the former president of Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito.

And the last museum building was the Old Museum. When I entered the building, there was an event held there. I think it was some diplomatic event as the security approached me and asked if I was a representative from one of the embassies. When I said I wasn't, he told me to wait and come back after 1 PM since the museum would be reopened for the visitors then.

There's also a cafe close to the ticket sales office, but since I was too lazy to go back there, I ended up waiting in front of the Old Museum building for around 30 minutes or so. And when I got there, I was actually quite surprised that the Old Museum actually looks the most modern one compared to the other museum buildings at the complex.

The Old Museum exhibits the revolutionary industry in the former Yugoslavia area in its glory. Checking out what they've had at the museum, I remember when I spoke to Dora on our road trip about Yugo-nostalgia, and how she mentioned that people from the older generation believe that Yugoslavia used to be advanced in their technology industry. And that was showcased right there at the Old Museum.

6. Nikola Tesla Museum

If you want to pick up fights with someone from the Balkans, start with where Nikola Tesla comes from. LOL.

A prolific scientist who was underrated in his time, he finally gained the recognition he deserved only after he died. Born in an area that is currently a part of modern Croatia, he came from a Serbian family, with his father being a priest of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

According to the tour guide at Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade , there are many museums dedicated to Nikola Tesla, but it's only in Belgrade where you can visit the urn of the late scientist.

As my apartment in Belgrade was located in Vracar, the museum was only walking distance from where I stayed. My first attempt to visit the museum, I forgot it was Saturday. The queue was so long that I decided to come back later.

However, with me getting pickpocketed and I had to deal with so much paperwork in Belgrade, I could only come back again to the museum in the last few days I was in the capital city of Serbia. Lucky for me, when I visited the museum, the staff at the museum told me that there would be one more guided tour in English as it was the last tour on that day.

I went there at 3 o'clock, and the staff told me to come back at 4 o'clock so I could join the last tour of the day in English. While you could just visit the museum impromptu and see the next guided tour in your language there, you can also check the schedule for the tour via Nikola Tesla Museum website .

With the entrance ticket of 800 dinars (around $7 USD) for a guided tour in English, Nikola Tesla Museum was the place with the most expensive ticket price that I've been to in Serbia. But it's not super pricey either, so I suppose the price just makes sense, if anything.

The museum itself isn't very big. If anything, it's probably the smallest museum that I've been in Belgrade. But then again, I only managed to visit Museum of Yugoslavia and the Ethnographic Museum in Belgrade.

Nikola Tesla Museum has been divided into 4 sections. The first one would be the auditorium, where the tour guide would play a short video about Nikola Tesla and also introduce you to some of his inventions. After that, the tour guide would showcase some of his biggest innovations, including the famous Tesla Coil and let you experience them firsthand.

The tour guide will invite volunteers to try them out, so don't be shy to raise your hand and be one of the visitors to try Nikola Tesla's masterpieces while the tour guide demonstrates how they work.

After the demonstration, visitors can go to the other sections close to the entrance door. The first section will showcase the early life of Nikola Tesla, from when he was born, his family, to his decision to migrate to the United States. You will also be able to see some of his personal belonging, including his suits, gloves, and travel bag.

And the last section, which wouldn't exist in the other Nikola Tesla Museums outside Belgrade… The urn of the famous scientist. You can even pay respect, and thank him “in person” for his inventions that make our lives easier today.

As most of the items at Nikola Tesla Museum were delivered to Belgrade from New York by Tesla's nephew and his attorney, I also managed to approach the tour guide as there's something that bugged me at the time. So, I asked if maybe, Tesla's family received some kind of royalty from some brand using their name (I'm looking at you, Elon!), but according to the staff at the museum, they didn't.

7. Red Star and Partizan Stadium

If you're a football fan, you definitely shouldn't miss the home of Partizan and Red Star Belgrade. Known as one of the most bitter football rivalries in Europe, just like whenever you talk about Serbia's background in general, talking about their rivalry can be cultural, political, and not solely related to football as a game itself.

While I wouldn't recommend you go there during the derby because it could be some kind of life and death situation (seriously, though!), visiting Rajko Mitic Stadium (the current name of Red Star Stadium) and Partizan Stadium can be a nice stroll to see their home grounds.

The two stadiums are quite close to one and the other. Red Star Stadium is located in Dedinje, while Partizan Stadium is in Autokomanda. In between, you'll be able to stroll through some parks and also the residential houses as you can walk for around 15 to 30 minutes to visit both stadiums.

I suppose it would be even nicer if you could get a chance to stop by the museum when either team has a home game. However, since I went there during Christmas break, I was quite happy to just get there and burn calories while trying to sneak in and see the stadium from outside.

Well, technically I had a date when I went to both stadiums. And I enjoyed it a little too much that I just noticed that I didn't have any pictures taken at Partizan Stadium.

A bohemian village that is popular for its cafes and nightlife in the summer, but as I visited there during winter, the area was quiet, making it a nice place to stroll around and enjoy the view of the Danube river and even the picturesque landscape of Zemun from Gardos Hill.

Zemun only became a municipality of Belgrade in 1934, and it is believed that the local people in Zemun rarely consider themselves Belgradian because of that. The area used to be the border between Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires back in the day.

You can take a public bus from Belgrade city center, and it takes around an hour to get to Zemun. As I stayed in Vracar at the time, I remember I took bus number 83 and stopping at the Svetozara Papica bus stop in Zemun.

And then I strolled around Zemun and went through the bank of the Danube River before taking a little hike to Gardos Hill area. The symbol of Zemun, the Millenary Monument or known as Gardos Tower was built in 1986 and not so far from there, Zemun Cemetery is the spot that fascinated me the most.

From a pluralist perspective, the cemetery was so beautiful as it's basically a landmark where you can see how people from various religions were buried together on the same land. If you want to go all philosophical, after all that's what life is all about. You may have different backgrounds, but life will come to an end and we'll be back to where we were.

But other than that, as someone who loves visiting cemeteries when I travel , I find Zemun Cemetery fascinating since there are so many ancient tombstones that God knows how long it's been there. And some of them have super unique tombstones, like I could recognize that people from 1800s or so tend to use the sculpture of their torso for their tombstone when the more recent ones normally use the regular photographs. I also found some tombstone that seems to be reserved by people who are still alive.

Places to Visit in Loznica, Serbia

Located on the right bank of the Drina River, Loznica is close to the border of Serbia and Bosnia. And since my passport can't cross the border because of my visa situation, that was the closest thing I got to Bosnia. Well, technically, Bosnia was in front of my eyes when I stood at the Serbian bank of the Drina River.

Around 2 hours from Belgrade, Loznica can be reached by bus from the capital city. The city center is much smaller than Belgrade, but it's still worth visiting if you're the kind of traveler who enjoys off-the-beaten-path destinations in the country.

9. Banja Koviljaca

One of the most popular tourist spots in Loznica, Banja Koviljaca the oldest spa town in Serbia. Located around 30 minutes drive from Loznica city center, it's also known as Kraljevska Banja (The Royal Spa) as it was built under King Aleksandar I of Yugoslavia as an entertainment salon.

Kursalon, the most notable building at Banja Koviljaca, was one of the first casinos opened in the Balkan region. The area was once famous for fancy spas and parties, and these days you can adore the historic buildings while strolling around the park in their surroundings.

Entering the area is free, but if you're in the mood to treat yourself, book a spa appointment to experience it firsthand at Kovilje wellness center. Not sure how it was during the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, but it can sure give you some vibes to enjoy the luxury of being a Yugoslavian royal for a moment.

When I had it myself, the spa itself cost 2500 dinar (around $23 USD) per pax, but you will get access to all spa facilities, including the thermal bath, jacuzzi, and sauna. While the building remains the original one from back in the early 1900s, the facilities are actually quite modern to the point that I couldn't even notice that I was enjoying a spa treatment at the building that stood there through the up and down of Yugoslavia.

Known as one of the first trench battles in World War I, the Battle of Gucevo was fought between the Serbian and Austro-Hungarian Army, starting on the 8th of September until late November 1914. The significant place where the battle occurred is only around 16 kilometers from Loznica city center, or around 30 minutes drive from Banja Koviljaca.

At the peak of Mountain Gucevo was built the pyramid monument with an ossuary of around 3,200 remains of soldiers who died in the Great War. A sad place at its times, nowadays Gucevo has become one of the most beautiful places (and off-the-beaten-path!) to visit in Serbia, with a view of Serbia and Bosnia in sight from where the monument stands.

The only downside is that you have no choice but to drive or rent a car to get there. However, if you can arrange your transportation around Loznica, Gucevo is quite easy to reach from Banja Koviljaca. Bring a bouquet of flowers if you can, so you can also leave it on the ossuary to pay respect for the deceased soul at the peak of the mountain.

Known as the birthplace of Vuk Stefanovic Karadzic, Trsic has become an ethno-park that is popular among the local Serbians. Vuk Karadzic was a Serbian linguist who reformed the modern Serbian language.

He was the one who began the reformation of the language and gave the Serbians a standardized literary language, consisting of 30 characters of the Serbian alphabet that includes the six new characters of the Serbian Cyrillic alphabet (Ђ, Ј, Љ, Њ, Ћ and Џ).

The entrance to the whole area of Trsic is free, but there's an entrance ticket if you want to visit the house where Vuk Karadzic was born. I'm not sure about the price since the house was closed for visitors when I went there.

However, even without visiting the memorial house, I think a visit to Trsic is definitely recommended for anyone planning to go to Loznica. Trsic is such a beautiful place to stroll around, I would recommend a visit to Trsic in the morning so you can also get on a hike to Milicin Konak and have an authentic Serbian breakfast there.

12. Suncana Reka

Suncana Reka, or the Serbian words for “Sunny River”, is a 5 hectares of recreational center around 9 km from Loznica city center. It is mostly known for the location of filming for a Serbian TV series titled “ Greh Njene Majke “, or “The Sin of Her Mother” in English. The series was filmed in 2009 based on Mir-Jam's novel that took the setting of Serbia during World War II.

Located on the right bank of the Drina River in Gornja Koviljaca village, Suncana Reka offers bed and breakfasts, an authentic Serbian restaurant and various sporting facilities, including amusement parks and children playgrounds. Suncana Reka is a kid-friendly travel destination if you plan a short trip to Loznica with your children.

Bordering Serbia and Bosnia, you can take a walk by the riverbank of Drina at Suncana Reka, and you can see Bosnia closely. Well, given the idea I have a particular problem with visa application and I couldn't enter Bosnia because of my passport at the time, that was the closest thing I was to Bosnia.

And speaking of Drina, you will find an area at Suncana Reka that is dedicated to Robert de Niro. You may wonder why out of sudden there's an honorable mention of Robert de Niro here, but apparently, it's because he has adopted Diahnne Abbott's daughter, who was named Drena after the Drina River.

I didn't pay anything for the entrance to Suncana Reka, but instead I went to the restaurant and had another Serbian breakfast there.

Places to Visit in Novi Sad, Serbia

The second-largest city in Serbia after Belgrade, Novi Sad was named the European Youth Capital in 2019. On top of that, the city is also one of the most ethnically diverse areas in the country as it has been the home to minority groups like Hungarians, Croats, Slovaks, and Romanians for centuries.

Nowadays, Novi Sad is also known as the city of music and arts in Serbia. The city hosts EXIT music festival in the summer every year at Petrovaradin Fortress, and Novi Sad seems to be popular for its nightlife scene as well.

Well, I went to Novi Sad by the end of the year, and I have to admit that I got a major culture shock since the city was practically dead during the holidays. Getting used to being spoilt with crowded public places during holidays back home in Indonesia , I learned the hard way that apparently, in Europe almost everything is literally closed during the holidays to the point that it got so hard to just find some place to eat without the reservation.

I think I quite understand why the city is loved by many people who have visited Serbia. The city gives some kind of vibrant vibes, minus the hustle and bustle you will experience in Belgrade. However, after what happened to me during the holidays last year, I wouldn't recommend visiting Novi Sad during Christmas or New Year for the best experience.

13. Petrovaradin Fortress

Known as the venue of EXIT music festival in modern Serbia, Petrovaradin Fortress used to be a significant military fort for the Austro-Hungarian rulers. Situated on the right bank of Danube river, the settlement around Petrovaradin Fortress could be traced back to 3000 B.C.

The name Petrovaradin itself was believed to consist of three words from different languages – “ Petra ” from the Latin word that means rock, “ var ” which means city in Hungarian, and “ din ” which is the Turkish word for faith. So the name Petrovaradin is loosely translated as “the city on the rock as solid as faith”.

Is Petrovaradin Fortress worth visiting even if you're not in Novi Sad to attend the EXIT festival? Absolutely!

Just like pretty much all the fortresses around Serbia, you can visit the fortress for free. Whether you want to enjoy the exquisite view of Novi Sad and Danube River from the fortress or have a sip of coffee at the restaurant, Petrovaradin Fortress is hand down the must-visit place in Novi Sad.

If you get a chance to go to Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, pay attention to the Clock Tower at the Ludwig bastion as it's unique on its own. I thought it was just another significant clock tower like Big Ben in London , Atkinson Clock Tower in Kota Kinabalu or Saat Kulesi in Izmir , but actually it's not.

When you're there, pay attention to the arrows at the clock as instead of the short hand representing the hour, and the long hand for the minutes, the arrows at Petrovaradin Clock Tower work the other way around. As you can see in the picture above, I was there around 1.15 PM, but the time shows as if I was there at 3.05 PM.

14. Dunavska Street

It's really hard to miss this charming promenade, as you will pass Dunavska Street if you're heading to Petrovaradin Fortress from Trg Slobode, the Old Town in Novi Sad. I'm not big into taking photo of myself, but I sure wish I traveled with someone there since the view of the street was super instagrammable. LOL.

I'm not sure how the street looks like on regular days, but since I went there on New Year's day, the street was quiet since you could barely find any restaurant or cafe open.

This was also something I struggled with the most while traveling during the holidays in Novi Sad, as I feel like I didn't enjoy the city to the fullest since there's a limited number of restaurants that were open when I was there, and I literally only grabbed something to eat at the place that was open and served food.

To be fair, I feel like I could've traveled more of Dunavska Street because as I said, the cobblestone and the colorful building there is such a good combination for beautiful photographs. But on the other hand, traveling solo during the holidays when I could barely find a restaurant that was open got me quite anxious, so I just headed back to Trg Slobode as the area was more lively at the time.

15. Trg Slobode

The main square in Novi Sad, Trg Slobode (Liberty Square in English) is the central pedestrian area in the city. With so many cafes and restaurants in the surrounding are, along with the beautiful architecture of various buildings from the City Hall, cathedral, church, or regular shops and markets where you can find something to buy for souvenirs.

Surrounding the City Hall, you can also read some snippets of historical events in Novi Sad. They put the plate for each event in the periodical order, and you can read some trivial things that happened in the city. From historical events to anything related to some notable figures in the city. I may not know all the events listed on those plates, but I sure did recognize the name when they honorably mentioned the birth of Monica Seles in 1973.

As I stayed at a hotel far away from the city center, I honestly would recommend you to find a hotel close to Trg Slobode for easy access to all the must-visit spots in Novi Sad. From the city square, you can easily stroll around the promenade and enjoy a nice walk through the Danube Park or the river.

There's also plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area there, so this would be a perfect spot to immerse the city of Novi Sad to the fullest.

16. Danube River and Park

The second-longest river in Europe, my friend Dora shared a way to easily remember some fun geographical fact about Danube River. She told me that along with Vienna in Austria , there are three other capital cities starting with the letter B, where the Danube flows throughout Europe, and they include Belgrade, Budapest (Hungary) , and Bratislava (Slovakia) .

I personally only strolled around the Danube when I visited Zemun, and at the time the weather was quite terrible so I don't think I enjoyed the walk as much as when I did it in Novi Sad. When I strolled around the riverbank in Novi Sad, the weather was so lovely, and it was sunny outside so I definitely enjoyed it more.

Another reason why I find taking a walk around Danube River in Novi Sad enjoyable is also the fact that there are some bridges that are lovely to see around Novi Sad. From afar, you can also see the majestic Petrovaradin Fortress from the bench if you stroll on the right bank of the river from Trg Slobode.

While you're there, don't forget to stop by Danube Park as well. Again, I feel like I didn't get to enjoy its beauty to the fullest as when I went there, some parts of Danube Park were closed due to some minor construction.

Places to Visit in Mokra Gora, Serbia

Technically, when I got on a road trip with Dora, I've been to more places in Serbia than what I've listed in the article. In total, we've also stopped by Sokolici, Cacak, Vrnjacka Banja, Zlatibor, and Leskovac on our 5-day trip through Serbia.

However, since our time was limited and we didn't really get to experience the highlight of each destination, and I personally think some of the spots are a hard pass (for example, the Roman Bath in Cacak kinda reminds me of the Macedonian Tower in Edirne ).

We only got some time to feast in Zlatibor on our way from Cacak to Vrnjacka Banja. We tried to get on the gondola, but we missed it since we only arrived in Zlatibor around 3.30 PM when the gondola was closed at 3 PM.

Thankfully, after Zlatibor we managed to stop by Mokra Gora, a village in Uzice that is known for the narrow-gauged heritage railway in Serbia. To be fair, we only spent a few hours around Mokra Gora, but I think the experience is more justified to share than Zlatibor in this case.

17. Sargan 8

A hard miss since we didn't get a chance to get on the train on the historical railway, but we still managed to have fun with a few puppies around Mokra Gora station when we got there!

Dubbed as one of the best tourism villages in the world by the UN World Tourism Organization, the name Sargan Eight comes from the railway line from Mokra Gora to Sargan Vitasi that has a shape like number 8.

The railway construction began during World War I with the initial plan to create a route connecting Serbia and Austro-Hungary at the time. However, the progress was halted due to the explosion during the digging for the “Budim” tunnel, which killed all the workers in the process.

They resumed the work in 1921, and that's when the number 8 design came up and built before they finally departed the first train for the route on January 25th, 1925. In the past, the line also connected Belgrade and Sarajevo onward to the Adriatic Sea in Dubrovnik , until in the mid-1990s when the Homeland Society of Mokra Gora inspected and reported the deterioration in some of the tunnels on its railway.

Serbian Ministry of Tourism and the then Yugoslav State Railway (now Zeleznice Srbije or Serbian Railway) were responsible to take over the reconstruction from 1999 to 2003 before it finally reopened in the summer 2003.

Since I didn't get a chance to get on the train itself as we only got there at around 5 PM or so, I didn't have the firsthand experience when it comes to getting on the scenic route of Sargan Eight. However, I don't know what's the deal with so many puppies around the train station, but I literally had some fun playing with the pups when I was there.

18. Drvengrad

Pretty much like Suncana Reka in Loznica, Drvengrad in Mokra Gora was also built by a Sarajevo-born movie director, Emir Kusturica, for his movie “ Zivot je cudo “. Also known as Küstendorf, the name is the word play of the German word for village ( dorf ), and Kusturica's nickname ( kusta ). 

Apparently, big movie names like Johnny Depp (God knows he's been on the news lately after the defamation trial against Amber Heard! LOL) and Gael Garcia Bernal have visited this village, and you can see how they used a lot of movie legends as the street name around the village. One that I remember from my visit then is Bruce Lee. 

The entrance ticket to Drvengrad cost 250 dinar (around $2.2 USD). I imagine it would be a scenic place during the daylight. Still, since I went there after the sunset, I didn't experience that myself. Nonetheless, I would still recommend visiting Drvengrad at night since the village is full of night lights and it kinda gives some kind of romantic vibes at night.

There's also a restaurant inside Drvengrad in case you'd like to stop by and enjoy a shot of rakija or something.

Places to Visit in Nis, Serbia

When I told Dora I wanted to visit Nis, she asked me why. To be fair, at the time I didn't do enough research to see some of the must-visit places in Nis, but I knew for sure I wanted to go to the Skull Tower ever since I saw one of the posts about it from a fellow travel blogger. Also, you know how I'm particularly interested in dark tourism.

The third-largest city in Serbia after Belgrade and Novi Sad, Nis had a turbulent history under the Romans, the Ottomans, and even the Nazis during World War II. My Serbian friend in Loznica, Nikola, he lived in Nis for a few months or so, and he thought Nis was somehow the blandest city in Serbia that he's ever been. According to him, it's most likely because even now Nis is the poorest area in Serbia.

Thankfully, Dora agreed that we had to go to Nis together because based on her experience when she visited Nis, she had nothing but nice things about the city because she said the people there are so warm, nice food and cheap too. So, off we went to Nis and I'm just glad that I managed to visit the city when I got the chance!

19. Skull Tower

Just like its name,  Cele Kula  or “Skull Tower” in Nis, the tower was built by the Ottoman Empire during the First Serbian Uprising, following the Battle of Cegar in May 1809. Constructed by order of Turkish general Hurshid Pasha to warn the rebellious Serbs at the time, the Skull Tower has now become a symbol of defiance of Serbs on their first attempt to freedom against the Ottomans. 

The original tower contained 952 skulls embedded in a 4.5 meters high building. There are only around 50 skulls left in the tower walls today, but of course it wouldn't lessen the tragedy behind the construction itself. 

I'm not sure how much the ticket is for regular tourists, because for some reason the lady at the ticket counter gave Dora and me a special discount for students, and we only paid 150 dinar (around $1.3 USD) per pax. But I don't think it will exceed 300 dinar.

The chapel of the Skull Tower itself isn't that big, to be fair. The shape of the tower reminds me of the memorial tower I've seen at the  Killing Fields in Phnom Penh , I could be wrong but the Skull Tower in Nis looks slightly smaller than that.

In one corner, there is a skull that is believed to be Stevan Sindjelic, the Serbian revolutionary commander who decided to conduct a suicidal explosion to kill himself, along with the Serbian and Ottoman soldiers on the Battle of Cegar. 

20. Nis Fortress

If the Skull Tower is located a bit farther from the city center, Nis Fortress is only walking distance from the main city square in Nis. An ancient area with a long history situated on the right bank of Nisava River, you shouldn't miss Nis Fortress on your itinerary in the city.

Compared to Petrovaradin and even Belgrade Fortress, I personally think Nis Fortress more fascinating. The Ottomans completed the construction of the fortress in the 18th century, Nis Fortress was built over the remains of Roman, Byzantine and Medieval forts.

If Petrovaradin Fortress has become the venue of EXIT Festival in Novi Sad, the amphitheater of Nis Fortress has been used as the location for Nis Film Festival, which is also the most attended film festival held in Serbia. Formerly the biggest film festival throughout Yugoslavia, Nis has been the venue for the event since 1966.

Even if you don't visit Nis Fortress during its peak season, the area is definitely an excellent place for a relaxing stroll while tracing back the time of its turbulent history. Close to the entrance at Stambol Gate, there's an outdoor cafe where you can stop by to take a sip of coffee before exploring the fortress area.

The fortress area is quite huge, I think you can spare 1-2 hours around the fortress and you may still miss a spot or two. There, you can find a small mosque called Bali Bey Mosque. Not sure if it was named after Malkocoglu Bali Bey or someone else.

You can also see the other ruins of the fortress, from the famous ruins of the ancient street, the old gunpowder magazine, and even some ancient tombstones and sarcophagus.

I'm not sure if it has any significant value behind it, but I suppose it has something to do with the fact that Nis Fortress is also the venue for Nis Jazz Festival, but in some parts of the ruins, you can also see some beautiful mural around the fortress.

21. Crveni Krst Concentration Camp

Another place to visit if you're a dark tourism enthusiast planning to go to Nis.  Crveni Krst  or Red Cross Concentration Camp was initially built as a transit camp during World War II. Operated by the German Gestapo, the concentration camp was where around 35,000 Serbs, Jews, and Romanis were captured during the war. 

On the 12th of February 1942, 150 inmates managed to escape and killed 11 guards at Crveni Krst Concentration Camp in Nis. However, as a result of this attempt, 1100 hostages were killed at Mount Bubanj later that month. 

Liberated by the Yugoslav Partizan in 1944, approximately around 10,000 people were killed at this concentration camp in Nis. 

In 1967, a memorial museum started operating on the former campgrounds and you can visit Crveni Krst Concentration Camp with an entrance ticket for 200 dinar (around $1.78 USD) per pax.

On the first floor, you can read the details of the history behind the concentration camp. You can also see the illustration of the barracks where the Nazis kept the prisoners in the 1940s.

On the second floor, you can also see the list of documented inmates who had been imprisoned at the concentration camp during its operation. As Germans destroyed most of the relevant documents that shows the exact number of prisoners at the camp, there are only around 1900 names written there.

You can also climb to the loft and see the cells with the original barbed wires used as a punishment for the prisoners. During our visit at Crveni Krst Concentration Museum, we also encountered a Serbian dude who recommended a movie called Lager Nis . The latter is an old movie entailing the story of the night on the 12th of February in 1942.

The Summary of Traveling to Serbia

I spent most of my time in Belgrade when I was in Serbia for a month. I wish I could explore more places in Serbia, but the minor hiccup when I got pickpocketed left me no choice but to modify my plan, so I didn't get a chance to visit a few places on my list, including Avala Tower and Tara National Park.

However, if I could sum up a few things about traveling to Serbia, here are some things I'd like to highlight.

Is it safe to travel to Serbia?

I'm not a fan of this question in particular, but I will give you some context for you to decide whether Serbia is safe to travel or not .

I traveled to Serbia during the holidays, meaning I was in Serbia for Christmas and New Year. My purse got stolen in Belgrade on the 28th of December, and when I returned to Belgrade after the road trip with Dora, I met another Haidar, a fellow Indonesian traveler who also got his phone stolen on the bus.

Now, I'm not sure if it occurs regularly in Belgrade with pickpocketers and all that, but when I spoke to Haidar, we just tried to be positive and assumed that people in Serbia were desperate during the holidays as they needed money to buy gifts for their family.

Nonetheless, better be prepared than sorry, so if you get on a public transportation in Serbia, be it a city bus or a mini bus, always make sure that you put your belongings where you can see them, because those pickpocketers are definitely pro!

Apart from that, I think Serbia is relatively safe, even for solo female travelers. I realized that I had to put extra caution when it comes to my belongings compared to when I was traveling in Turkey, but I think it would be so exaggerating to say that Serbia isn't safe to travel to.

What are the requirements to travel to Serbia?

Serbia is quite chill when it comes to Covid-19, to be fair. It was only in Serbia that I rarely saw people wearing masks on the public transportation. As per March 2022, there are no restrictions to enter Serbia, so I don't think it's necessary for you to take a PCR test in order to travel to Serbia.

Since I traveled to Serbia before March, I still took a PCR test in Izmir before leaving to Serbia. During my travel to Serbia, showing your vaccination certificate was also mandatory after 8 PM. The regulation about this has also been lifted in March 2022.

Is Serbia expensive for tourists?

Not really. You can visit a lot of must-visit places in Serbia for free, and even if they come with an entrance ticket, the price rarely exceeds $5 USD.

And even though Serbia doesn't have a metro, public transportation in big cities like Belgrade, Novi Sad, or Nis is pretty reliable and affordable. For me, I got used to checking the public transportation line using Google Map, but I found the information is not available in Novi Sad, although it worked perfectly in Belgrade. When I traveled to Novi Sad, I relied on Moovit app to check the public transportation route I could take around the city.

There's also some differences in the public transportation system in each city. In Belgrade, you can purchase Busplus, a bus card that you can get at the nearest Moj Kiosk to travel around the capital city with the public bus. In Novi Sad, you can pay directly to the driver if you use a public bus there.

So, unlike bus systems in Turkey like the one in either Istanbul or Izmir, all doors would be opened for the bus in Belgrade, making it harder for the authority to check who properly pays for the ride and who doesn't. However, refrain from cheating the system because they will occasionally conduct the inspection and if you get caught without the card or there's no proof that you've paid for the bus ride, you will get fined for up to 6000 dinar!

Over all, I find Serbia quite affordable to explore. The only downside was when I was craving Asian food, because I realized that the food was expensive and the taste was kinda mehhhh… LOL.

So yeah, those are some tips about traveling to Serbia and some places you should visit if you get a chance to stop by this ex-Yugoslavian country. Do you have any additional advice about traveling to Serbia that you'd like to add? More recommended place to stop by Serbia? Drop a comment below, and cheerio! 🙂

Marya The BeauTraveler

I am the founder and main editor at The BeauTraveler. I spent 4 years working in the aviation industry but ironically got to travel more right after quitting the industry in 2015. Born and raised in Indonesia, I started working remotely in 2017, and while I stay at home most of the time, I also regularly spend 2-3 months living a semi-digital nomad life elsewhere every year.

Like my post?

11 thoughts on “The Ultimate Travel Guide to Serbia: 20+ Places To Visit in Serbia”

Oh, I’ve traveled through several countries on the Balkans, but haven’t been to Serbia yet. Your guide showed me that I should put it on our road trip the next time we’re on the Balkans!

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Home > Discover The 57 Best Things to Do In Serbia With Our Travel Guide

Discover The 57 Best Things to Do In Serbia With Our Travel Guide

Written by our local expert Bram

Bram was born and raised in Belgium and has traveled the Balkans & beyond. He is a professional freelance travel writer and photographer specializing in outdoor travel with an emphasis on national parks, nature, and wildlife.

Landlocked countries are often filled with countless different landscapes and sights to be explored, as is the case with Serbia, one of the best places to visit in the Balkans. Here are the best things to do in Serbia.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Serbia Travel Guide: Best Things To Do In Serbia

Have you ever considered visiting Serbia?

Most people can rattle off the top 10 things to do in Serbia, but we went a little further—listing more than 50 ideas of what to see while you are in the Balkan beauty.

A complete list of Serbian attractions would be far too many to list, but we did our best to ask our team far and wide which of the top sights in Serbia they recommend.

This list will prepare you to  rent a car and explore Serbia yourself!

Historical And Cultural Sites

1. studenica monastery.

Surrounded by the beautiful Ibar River gorge, you will find the Studenica monastery. Here, you will find the Church of the Mother of God, frescoes, and art back to the 13th century. The former royal history here means unique architecture dating back to 1183.

2. Lepenski Vir

This hugely popular archaeological site is set in the equally beautiful Derdap Gorge, next to the Danube. Many artifacts from 6500 – 5500 BC have been found here, and the central part is thought to have been a former ritual site. There are many other areas of interest to explore.

3. Gamzigrad

Gamzigrad is an exceptionally well-preserved former Roman town dating back to the 3rd or 4th century. UNESCO listed that it  is packed with remains to explore , including an imperial palace complex and former city walls.

4. House Of Flowers Mausoleum

Head to the resting place of the former president of Yugoslavia, Tito, and gaze upon the architecture and water features that decorate it. Situated near the main entrance, you will also see a terrace designed to overlook the entire city, so great views can be seen from here.

5. Belgrade Fortress

Exceptionally well preserved, this is a place to visit for all the family, with fantastic views from the top over the whole city. The complex includes museums and parks the children will enjoy, as well as great fortifications and history to explore.

6. Viminacium

Dating back to the 1st century, you will find ruins of a former settlement that is still incredibly preserved considering its age. You can head here from February to November and tour the area, and it’s certainly worth reading up a little beforehand to get the most out of your time in this incredibly historic area.

7. Golubac Fortress

Right on the banks of the mighty Danube River, you will find this fairytale city, looked over by an impressive fortress high on the hillside. Views from here are breathtaking, located at the widest section of the river itself.

8. Ethnographic Museum

Located in the capital, this is the best way to head back in time without venturing too far out of the city. Here, you will find artifacts of old village life, traditional costumes, and information on ancient traditions.

9. Nikola Tesla Museum

Belgrade has numerous museums, but this particular one has interactive displays and live shows of inventions by the scientist Nikola Tesla ; it is a great place to take the kids or anyone interested in science.

10. Red Cross Concentration Camp

In Niš , you will find this former Nazi concentration camp, one of the best preserved on the continent. This is certainly not a visit for the faint-hearted, but it will undoubtedly make you think about past atrocities, with stories and displays about those difficult times.

11. Palace Of Princess Ljubica

Dating back to 1831, you will find true old-world luxury here, with highly well-preserved buildings and artifacts. There is a guided tour every Saturday to help you learn more about privileged life back in the day.

12. Petrovaradin Fortress

History buffs should be heading to this museum, with a giant clock tower with reversed time hands, allowing fishermen from far away to tell the time. The citadel sits high on a hill, with many steps to reach it, and is a great window back in time to when prisoners were held as far back as 1692.

13. St Aleksandar Nevski Church

The interior of this church of St Aleksandar is breathtaking. It dates back to around 1877, making it one of the oldest.

14. Gallery Of Frescoes

In Belgrade, there is a museum dedicated to all things artistic. It has full-sized copies of art, mainly relating to church designs from the Byzantine period.

15. Medieval Capital And Roman Legacy

After a unique day tour from Belgrade, you should take a closer look at the Medieval Capital and Roman Legacy Tour.

This eight-hour excursion takes you to the historic city of Smederevo , which was the capital of Serbia in the Middle Ages. Since Roman times, this ancient settlement was one of the gateways between the West and East. Incidentally, it was the first Roman town sacked by Atilla the Hun and the last Serbian town to fall to the Ottomans.

Journeying down the Danube River, you will explore the region’s history, from Roman ruins to Byzantine heritage and Serbian culture . After visiting Smederevo, the tour continues with a traditional Serbian lunch, a visit to a local winery, and a stroll around the magnificent Roman Complex of Viminacium.

16. Ottoman Era In Nis – Skull Tower

Located in the country’s southeast, Nis is the third-largest city in Serbia . It is packed with relics and ruins dating back to the Ottoman era. Mediana, a former Roman town, a massive fortress, and the worryingly named Skull Tower, is close by.

Nature And Outdoor Activities

17. palic natural spa.

Close to the town of Palic, you will find a dedicated and stunning nature park , home to a natural spa on the northern section of Palic Lake. Here, you can spot wildlife until your heart’s content, with countless species of birds to check out.

18. Zaovine

Families will love heading to this beautiful national park  in the high mountains of the Tara, Crni Vrh, Stolac, and Zvezda ranges. You can enjoy hiking and water sports during the summer, and you can ski and snowboard during the winter snow.

21. Djerdap National Park

This vast national park is fantastic for nature lovers and is home to many wildlife and flora species. Again, you can enjoy hiking and walking trails and check out the rugged Djerdap Gorge.

22. Sargan Eight Railway Starting At Mokra Gora

This picturesque railway route was once part of the way through Belgrade to Sarajevo, which has since closed and takes three hours to complete.

Get your countryside destinations fixed by heading through the lush, green countryside for much of the way. You begin your ride at Mokra Gora , near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s the ideal thing to do with kids in Serbia.

23. White Water Rafting (Uvac, Lim & Drina Rivers)

You must visit at least one of the many major rivers in Serbia, and Spring is the best time to go.

Try your hand at rafting just after the snow melts and rivers are flowing fast! The rivers Drina, Lim, Ibar, and Uvac are top spots for the sport, with various classes of white water , so you are sure to find one that suits your skill level.

24. Bird Watching

The unique natural and green landscapes across the country are a fantastic bird-watching opportunity, and Serbia is home to around 360 species. The top spots are the Uvac River Gorge, Mount Tara, and Djerdap Gorge.

25. Marked Hiking Trail

We’ve mentioned a few areas with hiking opportunities, but Serbia is a haven for hikers overall . The Djerdap National Park, Fruska Gora, and the Tara National Park are some notable destinations.

26. Canyoning 

The huge mountains and gorges that make up the entire country’s backbone are fantastic for canyoning. If you make your way to Tara National Park to try it, beware of the bears! Tresnjica Gorge and Seoski Potok are two incredible destinations to give this sport a try.

27. Danube Cruise

The section of the Danube, which runs through Serbia, can easily be cruised by boats of various sizes and with several different itineraries. Do a little research ahead to see where you want to go and decide if you wish to go for a small, quaint, or sizeable ship-style cruise.

28. Swimming In The Sava

The Sava is the longest river in the region, so if you fancy taking a dip in its waters, head to Ada Medica, a small island that is also quite picturesque in its own right. There are private floating houses and cabins on stilts to be found here, as well as a beautiful grassed beach area.

29. Cheap Skiing At Kopaonik Ski Resort

If you love skiing but can’t afford the enormous price tag of some of Europe’s better-known resorts , check out Serbia’s mountains for a much cheaper experience with the same thrill level.

Kopaonik in the south is a very popular spot, Zlatibor in the west, perhaps better for intermediates or beginners, and Mokra Gora, which has a snowboarding center.

30. Danube Bike Trail

Cycling is big business in Serbia, presumably because of the ever-changing landscapes, and there is no trail more epic than the scenic Danube Bike Trail. This is exceptionally long, so perhaps only follow part of it, with 1040km inside Serbia. If you want to compete more seriously, check out the Tour de Serbie every June.

31. Swimming In The Danube

If you are not a strong swimmer, don’t attempt this one, but if you are pretty experienced, you can take a dip in several spots on the Danube. One of the best places for swimming is Lido Beach on Great War Island (Belgrade); however, Lake Ada Ciganlija is also a good choice.

32. Miroc Mountain

You will need to apply for a permit to climb it, but the hassle and effort are worth it for the views you will see from the top. The highest peak is called Miroc, and you can find accommodation within the area relatively quickly, such as in Kladovo and Tekije.

33. Kopaonik

This beautiful mountainous park is one of the sunniest parts of the country, and you can enjoy great outdoor activities here, as well as walking and climbing, with amazing views to be seen. During winter, this area also turns into a ski resort .

34. Devil’s Town

The landscape will pique your interest. Right in the country’s south, you will find a town with an otherworldly appearance; it has been dubbed ‘Devil’s Town.’ This is perhaps because of the rocky erosion that has taken place over the years, or it could be because of local legends that tell tales of demons and creatures that roamed the land and made slightly worrying noises.

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Festivals and events, 35. drvengrad festival in kustendorff.

This popular cultural festival is a must-visit. It usually takes place in January and offers the chance to enjoy international and local films while also possibly spotting a celebrity or two.

36. EXIT Festival

If you’ve done sightseeing and are ready for something a little more modern, head to one of Serbia’s major cities  – Novi Sad , just north of the capital. Here you can enjoy this hugely popular outdoor music festival .

Traditionally held in July, also known as ‘Exit in Serbia,’ the festival offers the opportunity to enjoy the warm sunshine before dancing the night away.

City And Urban Experiences

37. cycling tour of belgrade sights.

If you want to be active and see the sights simultaneously, I Bike Belgrade organizes guided cycling tours around the city’s central areas. These tours allow you to get some exercise, see the main highlights, and do it all with the help of a guide.

All you need to do is grab a Belgrade sightseeing map and pedal off on your adventure.

38. Hop-On & Off Belgrade Sightseeing Bus

A Belgrade top 10 list is never complete without this bus. This is an excellent family-friendly trip around the city – all without giving yourself blisters and hearing the kids moan about all the walking.

Use the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus to its maximum potential. It has several routes, and you can choose the way that suits your interests. Hop off if you want to explore further before re-joining the next tour.

39. Serious Shopping In Belgrade

You can’t deny it: while sightseeing and nature are lovely, sometimes we all want to indulge in a little retail therapy. In Serbia, your best destination is undoubtedly the capital city – Belgrade.

Packed with High Street shops, many names you will recognize, and more local stores, you can take a few souvenirs home .

40. Belgrade City Zoo

Right in the city’s heart, you will find this large and famous zoo, which is the perfect day out for all the families in Serbia. The zoo now covers a vast 14 hectares and is home to many species of animals.

41. Architecture On Belgrade’s Knez Mihailova Street

This used to be where the affluent lived, but nowadays, you can enjoy shopping, street art, and beautiful architecture on this iconic street.

The Serbian Crown Hotel is an excellent example of architecture and history; you’ll see just why it’s one of the most famous buildings in Serbia when you are there.

42. Authentic Cuisine In Skadarlija, Belgrade

Skadarlija is the city’s old quarter, dating back to around the 19th century, and is packed with restaurants, mainly serving traditional dishes. Be sure to try pljeskavica, a local meat dish, usually lamb, with various vegetables and the world-famous cevapi.

43. Vibrant Nightlife In The Capital

You might not have Serbia down as a place to party , but the capital city is bright and vibrant during the evening! If you’re looking for a place to dance, you can find cheap places to head, more affordable drinks, and a wide range of nightclubs.

44. Aviation Museum In Belgrade

Anyone interested in World War II should head to Belgrade’s Aviation Museum, where several planes are kept, as well as rare artifacts and pieces of aircraft.

45. Timber Town

Drvengrad is home to Timber Town, overlooked by the imposing Zlatibor Mountain. This small village was built as a film set in 2002 and is a pretty and colorful place to visit. You can also see a full-sized statue of the actor Johnny Depp here – random but interesting!

46. Subotica

Other than Belgrade, a trip to Serbia must include Subotica . The city is a multicultural mix of Hungarians, Serbians , and Croatians living next to each other, and it has so far remained undiscovered by many.

Recreational And Leisure Activities

As already mentioned, a Danube Cruise makes for a beautiful recreational activity in Serbia. Don’t forget to add these other ideas to your itinerary too:

47. Open Air Museum In Zlatibor

The Sirogojno Open Air Museum is a great way to learn more about 19th-century life in the country while enjoying the fresh air! Wander around the hillside setting as you explore the museum and the wooden houses that make up its landscape.

48. Wine Route

Serbia is packed with different wine routes to follow. You can check out the stunning scenery and taste and learn about production simultaneously.

Fruska Gora is a famous wine region where Riesling is produced. Sauvignon is popular here. The Smederevo Wine Route is another popular one, with the glistening Danube on one side and the Morava on the other side.

49. Bela Crkva

This small town is picture-perfect, surrounded by green hills, fragrant flowers, lakes, and small villages. If you want to explore Serbia’s authentic side, head here for tradition and culture, which is away from the big city.

50. The House On The Rock: Drina River House

If you are in the River Drina area for rafting or a nature break, check out the famous house on the Rock; this is literally what it says, but it is worth more than that! This former fisherman’s residence was built in the middle of the river, perched high on a rock.

51. St Sava Church At Night

Belgrade is home to the seriously impressive and rather beautiful St. Sava Church. While this is a treat at any time of the day, at night, it is lit up and almost glows; certainly one for the camera.

52. A Day At The Beach In Novi Sad 

While Serbia is landlocked, the huge Danube has some beaches, and the best is perhaps in Novi Sad , where there is a long stretch of sand to relax on and plentiful nightlife options for your evening entertainment.

Serbia Tours

While many travelers prefer to “do their own thing” and be spontaneous while on holiday, many people also like to be taken care of.

That could mean many things, from excellent restaurant service to superior hotel hospitality and facilities. Besides, organized tours can be considered a welcome service, eliminating the time and effort necessary to plan a trip. This leaves you much more time to enjoy what you’re doing. If you’re looking for some of the best tours in Serbia, take a look at those below. They’re all fantastic, comfortable, informative, and reasonably priced.

Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, is the country’s central hub of many things, from commerce to culture, architecture, and art. There are many tours in the city that you can join of all types and lengths. However, there are several great excursions if you plan to explore the rest of Serbia. Read on to find out some of the best tours in Serbia.

53. Belgrade (Walking) Tours

There are so many Belgrade tours that picking one can be challenging. From free historical walks to biking tours to Segway tours and bar crawls, you can explore this bustling, historic city in various ways.

An effective way to start any visit to a new city is by joining one of the free walking tours. That’ll give you an excellent introduction and allow you to get your bearings. Also, you might even meet some new friends in the meantime!

54. Food And Culture Tour In Belgrade

Of all of the tour choices in Belgrade, one stands out. The Food and Culture Tour in Belgrade. This tour is a great way to get to know Serbian culture , identity, heritage, and customs. You can look up what to eat in Serbia here  to get a head start on the fun.

On this tour, you will taste a variety of typical dishes, snacks, and drinks in authentic Serbian eateries.

55. Pannonia Wonderland – Sremski Karlovci

The Pannonia Wonderland Tour takes you to Vojvodina, Serbia’s largest province, and its many highlights.

This fantastic tour immerses you in 17th- to 19th-century Serbia, arguably the nation’s cultural heyday.

Major stops include Novi Sad’s town with its numerous architectural masterpieces; Sremski Karlovci, a gorgeous Baroque village that used to be the Serbian cultural and spiritual center during the Austro-Hungarian period and is one of the country’s  premier wine regions; and beautiful Fruška Gora National Park .

56. Down The Resava Gorge

From a great cave and waterfalls to ancient architecture and one of the most unusual attractions in Serbia, the Down the Resava Gorge Tour has it all. Starting and ending in Belgrade , this day tour’s first stop is the town of Despotovac, where you will visit the Park of Miniatures.

This extraordinary place features many models of monasteries in Serbia dating back to the Middle Ages, offering a closer look into the medieval kingdom of Serbia.

Your afternoon activity is exploring Resava Cave, the oldest surveyed cave in Serbia—more than 80 million years old. The next stop is an actual monastery, the Manasija Monastery, dating from the 15th century. Lunch will be enjoyed while overlooking the beautiful Veliki Buk—Lisina waterfall.

57. Tara National Park

Last on our list of things to do in Serbia is one for adventurers. If you don’t have much time but still want to experience the tremendous Serbian outdoors, the Tara National Park Tour is one of the best tours in Serbia for you. This full-day excursion takes you into the mountains of western Serbia for a day filled with natural beauty and traditional food .

There are many highlights on the way, such as the Drina River itself and the house that stands on a rock in the middle of it, Perucac Lake, the Goat Rock viewpoint, and the Wooden Town, a traditional Serbian village constructed by Serbian film director Emir Kusturica.

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Serbia’s Climate

Serbia has varying climates, depending on where you venture. If you plan on an epic country-wide adventure, you should be ready for different weather conditions depending on your travel direction.

The northern portion of Serbia is known to have a continental climate, which means winters are cold but not freezing and summers can be very hot and humid. Rain in this part of the country is spread evenly throughout the year.

If you head to the central part of Serbia , then you can expect a moderate continental climate, which is a slightly less extreme version of what you will experience in the north.

However, heading south, you will find winters that experience snowfall, often substantial, with freezing temperatures before the mercury soars during the summer, with very little rain at this time.

Where Is Serbia In The Balkans?

It is located in the South of Europe, part of the Balkans , sharing land borders with Montenegro , Bosnia & Herzegovina , Bulgaria , Croatia, Hungary, Macedonia , Albania , and Romania – every one of those countries has left its small mark on the country.

But Serbia isn’t a copy-paste of its neighbors—au contraire—Serbia has much on offer that is unique. Lucky for you, Serbia is not as touristy as its neighbor (hello, yes, we are talking about you, Croatia!).

Belgrade is Serbia’s massive capital city, packed with architecture and history to explore, but don’t just see Belgrade’s top attractions. The country is unquestionably an explorer’s dream.

Planning Your Trip: Serbia Travel Tips

• Croatia and Serbia have complex histories. While they are neighbors and share many similarities, we recommend you don’t ask just anybody about the ’90s war—the topic can make some very upset
• There is limited tourist information in Serbia , and many sites don’t even have signs – so ask a friendly local
• Serbia has an extensive bus network, making it easy to travel between the major cities. However, for things further afield, you will need to rent a car, book a group tour, or get a private transfer
• While flights to Serbia run all year round, you must factor in times when places and attractions are closed

Serbia might be relatively unknown regarding tourism, but this country boasts an exciting history, stunning natural treasures, and outdoor adventures. The capital is also home to an incredibly vibrant nightlife scene, making Serbia the perfect blend of old and new.

You’ve now got your list of the famous places in Serbia; tell us, are you ready to visit Serbia, and if so, where will you start first?

• Hostels in Serbia and Hotels in Serbia
• Day Trips From Belgrade
• Things to do in Belgrade
• Hiking Via Dinarica
• Best Souvenirs To Bring Home From Serbia
• 7 Best Ski Resorts In Serbia
• Ultimate Guide To The National Parks Of Serbia
• The 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Serbia

Comments (9)

Serbia is so beautiful. It’s been trending as one of the hottest tourist destinations in the last years. Amazing place.

These all things really very interesting, do you know its also a good place to visit Serbia, The Nowhere in the Balkans is there anything quite like this

Nice blog, During this season I want to plan a trip to some attractive destination and I think Serbia is a best for visit…Thanks for give me a reasons to go there,It’s helpful for me..

Thanks for the great job you have done, Nice Details…

Such breathtaking scenery and stunning architecture!

Thanks for the amazing post. Loved the details. Never knew Serbia was this beautiful.

Such fantastic pictures..!! Loved your blogging. Great work and thanks for sharing this beautiful post…

Such a great comprehensive post. I didn’t realise there was so much to see and do in Serbia. We still need to do a wine/vineyard tour!

Woooooooooow! I love your pics and your story. We are normal, warm people, hospitality is extremely important here. Belgrade is like any other big city, parks, coffee shops, people, transportation. :D

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Home » Travel Guides » Serbia » 15 Best Places to Visit in Serbia

15 Best Places to Visit in Serbia

Serbia has something for everyone, from lively urban attractions, to calm and peaceful towns and villages that dot the magnificent countryside. It is also known for being one of the cheapest destinations in the Balkans, so if you are planning a trip to the region then Serbia is well worth a visit.

Aside from a wealth of cultural and historic relics to enjoy, there is also a swinging cafe and bar scene as well as throbbing nightlife and some of arguably the world’s best music festivals. Whatever you do, don’t be put off by Serbia’s often uncomfortable history. Times have changed, and this is one place not to miss.

Let’s explore the best places to visit in Serbia :

1. Belgrade

Serbia’s capital Belgrade is located at the intersection between the Danube and the Sava rivers, and is an eclectic, if sometimes arresting, mix of old and new styles, from 19th century buildings to Art Nouveau structures.

There is a little bit of everything in Belgrade, including the dominating Kalemegdan Fortress, located in Kalemegdan Park, the remains of which stand today. The park is also home to the Military Museum that even features the remnants of a US Stealth Bomber for those keen to learn about the military history of the region.

Aside from the fortress there are Orthodox churches, colourful facades, and quaint squares aplenty, but for something more unexpected head over to the island of Ada Ciganlija or ‘Gypsy Island’ in the south of Belgrade to find yourself at something of a self styled beach resort. Here you will find beaches that stretch along the banks of the Sava, and you can enjoy swimming, water sports like waterskiing, and a large area of parkland for those who enjoy checking out the local plant and wildlife.

Tours : For tours check out Travel & Event Team Serbia

2. Fruška Gora Mountain and National Park

Located in the region of Syrmia, Fruška Gora Mountain is found on the border with neighbouring Croatia, and is affectionately known as the ‘Jewel of Serbia’. The mountain region includes a protected area known as Fruška Gora Park, and is studded with vineyards and wineries that are well worth a visit for grape enthusiasts.

Rambling, hiking, climbing and picnicking are all popular pursuits in the region, but perhaps the biggest draw here are the Orthodox monasteries that are scattered all over the countryside, some of which are said to date back to the 12th century and are now protected. The scenery here is spectacular, and many visitors come to enjoy the stunning views and unhurried pace that allows you to explore the region at your leisure.

3. Sokobanja

Serbia is well known for its spa towns, once the retreat of choice of Roman emperors, and none more so than the town of Sokobanja in the east of the country.

Locals and celebrities flock here for the thermal waters that are said to have deeply healing properties, and there is a public ‘hamam’ or steam room that dates from the 17th century. As well as the hot springs, visitors also travel to Sokobanja for the crisp air said to be high in negative ions and free from air pollution due to the increased elevation, leading to the phrase ‘climatic spa’ to describe the treatment that breathing in the fresh air provides.

The region of Vinca, located outside of Belgrade, is one of the most important places in the history of Serbia, as it is home to the archaeological site Belo brdo, meaning ‘White Hill’. The area was made famous by the archaeological finds uncovered in Vinca, many made of stone or bone, including statues, ornaments, and drinking vessels, and visitors can tour the site as well as the museum that showcases these examples of Neolithic culture that are said to date from approximately 5,000 to 4,000 BC.

Vinca is also known as a stop off point for river cruises along the Danube, and the local docks are famous for the fish restaurants that dot the neighbourhood for those who want to try some of the freshly caught fish on offer.

5. Kopaonik

If you like winter sports and happen to be visiting Serbia during the winter season, from December to April, then come to the Kopaonik mountain range and get ready to hit the slopes, whatever your level of ability or previous experience. There are a whopping twenty four ski lifts that service the area, and categories of slopes of all levels to choose from, as well as skiing and snowboarding available at the Kopaonik Ski Resort.

If you happen to be travelling out of ski season, then there is still plenty to enjoy in Kopaonik, as you can partake in mountain climbing, hiking, and bird watching. Also of interest for hikers or ramblers are the wooden buildings that are plentiful in the region and include timbre shrines and churches.

6. Lepenski Vir

A famous site in the central Balkan Peninsula, Lepenski Vir dates from approximately 9,000 to 6,000 BC and features important archaeological relics that budding archaeologists are sure to love. The site features displaced and preserved buildings and sculptures, many of which feature fish motifs, as well as shrines and river stones said to represent ancient gods. The site also displays figurines from 7,000 BC in the form of pre-historic men and women in expressionistic styles.

The third largest city in Serbia, located in the south of the country, Niš is known for being a university town as well as the birthplace of the Roman emperor Constantine. As such, there is a relaxed and fun-loving vibe to the city, as well as a number of attractions of historical importance, not least the Memorial of Constantine the Great, proudly on show in the centre of the city.

Another place of historic note in Niš is the Niš Fotress, built in the 18th century, and it is here that the two sides of the city expertly meet, as the area in front of the fortress is home to rows of cafes that are much loved by the student population looking for some rest and relaxation.

The Zlatar Mountain Range, topped by the highest peak Golo brdo, is not a particularly well kept secret in Serbia, as locals flock here to enjoy all that the region has to offer. The area is full of meadows, lakes, and forests, and its elevation and fresh air have put it on the map as a kind of spa location for those looking to relax and commune with nature far away from the sprawling cities.

During the colder months, those who enjoy winter sport can indulge in skiing on the many slopes accessible via a dedicated ski lift that provides stunning views over the lush valleys beneath. There are also three artificial lakes that offer opportunities for boating, rafting, and fishing, as well as a number of picturesque wooden churches and monasteries scattered around the countryside.

9. Leskovac

If you come to the city of Leskovac in southern Serbia for one thing only, then make sure that it’s the meat. The city attracts hordes of visitors for its annual Roštiljijada or Barbecue Week held in September, a festival that celebrates all things grilled meat over a period of five days of revelry. To fully get into the meaty spirit, the main section of the city is closed off from cars, and food stalls set up in order for traders to show off their wares, and cooking competitions, music events, and performances are also held.

10. Oplenac

Oplenac, in western Serbia, offers a completely different view of the country, and is an important cultural and historical site due to the St George Church and the Oplenac Mausoleum.

The church, also known as Oplenac Church is an Orthodox church built in the 1900s that is also the final resting place of King Peter I, and the mausoleum section itself houses the remains of 26 members of the Karadordevic royal family. The church and mausoleum are said to be some of the most beautiful buildings in all of Serbia, in particular due to the decorative and impressive mosaics that cover the inside.

11. Novi Sad

The second largest city in Serbia, Novi Sad is the capital of Vojvodina Province, and is a stop on the tourist circuit that is definitely not to be missed. The city is perhaps most famous for its dominating landmark, the Petrovaradin Fortress, a protected building that dates from the 17th century and keeps a watchful eye over the city, as well as the EXIT music festival that is held annually in July, and is said to be one of the key summer music festivals to attend in the whole of Europe.

Picturesque spots in the city are also plentiful such as the Varadin Bridge that spans the Danube, and you can also enjoy river cruises to take in the city from the water if you prefer. For those who like history and culture, visit the Stari Grad area of the city, where you will find war memorials, museums, art galleries, bars, and cafes that make it the perfect place to wander the streets and soak in the atmosphere.

12. Mokra Gora

Mokra Gora is a lush valley with spectacular landscape that also houses the village of the same name whose claim to fame is its period railway.

The village has been restored to resemble its original state in days gone by, and a must-do activity here is to visit the famous railway station and take a train ride through the Mokra Gora valley, taking in all the sights along the way. The track is shaped like a figure eight and neatly loops back to Mokra Gora at the end of the trip.

13. Drvengrad

If you fancy doing something a little different in Serbia then don’t miss out on another attraction in the Mokra Gora valley, this time Drvengard or ‘Timber Town’.

The village was actually originally built as a film set by local director Emir Kusturica for the film ‘Life is a Miracle, and the village has stood ever since and is now a fully running ethnic open-air museum. With a strong dedication to the arts, there are film festivals, music concerts, art classes, and workshops held at Drvengrad throughout the year.

14. Sirogojno

Close to Mokra Gora you will find the quaint village of Sirogojno, that also features an open-air museum or self styled ‘ethnic village’ that includes period timbre structures like a traditional Serbian dairy, an inn and a bakery. Locals are on hand to demonstrate traditional arts and crafts from the region.

Sirogojno is said to be an excellent place to sample the local food and drink, with traditional Serbian dishes lovingly prepared from recipes handed down over centuries. If you want to try the local tipple then you can have a glass or two of ‘rakija’, a Serbian brandy.

15. Drina River

If you want to experience an adrenalin rush in the great outdoors then head to the west of Serbia to explore its wealth of majestic scenery and extreme sports options.

Of these, the Drina River is known as a great spot for those who want to try their hand at white water rafting, and you can sign up with a number of local companies who will take you out on the water with trained guides who will show you how to raft safely as well as talking you through the diverse flora and fauna in the region as you float by.

15 Best Places to Visit in Serbia:

• Fruška Gora Mountain and National Park
• Lepenski Vir
• Drina River

Wander-Lush

See the Best of Northern Serbia: Easy 7-Day Serbia Itinerary

My one-week Serbia itinerary visiting three of the top cities in Northern Serbia plus one national park is ideal for first-time visitors.

From the concrete jungle of gritty Belgrade to the pretty Art Nouveau towns in the north, Serbia is a haven for wine-lovers, electronic music fans, architecture buffs, Yugo-nostalgics and hikers alike.

Admittedly I’m none of those things – but I thoroughly enjoyed trying a little bit of everything when I spent a fortnight travelling around Serbia last winter.

My Serbia itinerary brings sews together the best parts of the country’s north for an easy 7-day tour by bus or train.

Based off the route I followed on my trip around the Balkans, it’s packed with actionable advice – including the best things to do in Serbia, instructions for getting around, and other handy tips.

Are you planning a visit to Serbia? – Don’t miss my in-depth guide to Novi Sad , Serbia’s coolest city. – Check out my Balkans Travel Guide for tips and recommendations for bordering countries. – If you love road tripping, don’t miss my Balkans road trip planner for inspiring routes around Serbia and beyond.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Serbia itinerary essentials

I travelled pretty extensively through all 12 Balkan states and I think Serbia is one of the easiest countries in the region for travellers. The intercity bus system is great and easy to navigate, accommodation options are plentiful, and English is widely spoken, which makes it easy to troubleshoot any logistical issues.

Here are my tips for planning the perfect Serbia itinerary.

Do you need a visa for Serbia?

Serbia’s tourist visa policy is very similar to the Schengen countries (although it is not included in the Schengen Area). Citizens of 96 countries (including Australia, the UK and the US) can visit Serbia visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Some nationalities (including some countries in Asia, the Middle East and Africa) are required to apply for a visa in advance.

I recommend using iVisa to check if you need a visa and to apply for an expedited visa online .

Where to start your Serbia itinerary

Belgrade (Serbia’s capital city) is the country’s main transport hub and the natural place to start your travels if you’re flying into the country. There are also regular coach bus connections between Belgrade and neighbouring countries: Hungary, Romania, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Having said that, I don’t necessarily recommend starting your Serbia travels in Belgrade.

Belgrade is quite a polarising city that many people find overwhelming (or underwhelming, depending how you look at it). I wasn’t a huge fan of Belgrade myself, and I think that if I had started my trip there, it probably would have coloured my impression of the whole country.

Instead, I recommend you start your Serbia itinerary in Novi Sad, the second-biggest city, also located in the north. The two are a mere hour-and-a-bit apart, so you can easily transit to Novi Sad by bus after you arrive in the capital. If you’re flying into Belgrade, I recommend pre-organising an airport transfer to take you to the bus station.

Of course this is just my opinion – you could easily flip this itinerary and start with a few days in the capital before continuing north.

If you happen to be entering Serbia overland from Hungary, western Romania or eastern Croatia, you can easily find bus services to either Novi Sad or Subotica. We entered the country from Osijek in Croatia and had Novi Sad as our first stop.

When is the best time to visit Serbia?

Belgrade, Novi Sad and Subotica are all destinations you can visit at any time of year.

Because of the way our 6-month Balkans itinerary worked out, we ended up in Serbia in March, which was admittedly still a little chilly and grey for our liking. If I had a choice, I would visit Serbia in late springtime as this season seems to have the best weather conditions.

Summer (June to August) is the hottest time of year in Serbia, and temperatures in concrete-heavy Belgrade can be oppressive. On the other hand, summer and early fall is a great time to go hiking in Serbia’s national parks. If you’re interested in food and wine, fall is also great for experiencing the wine harvest .

Getting around Serbia by bus

Serbia’s bus system is one of the best we encountered in the Balkans. Services are plentiful, fares are well-priced, and in our experience, everything runs true to schedule. We travelled around the country (and the entire Balkans region) exclusively by coach bus. Lasta is the most popular and reliable coach company in Serbia.

I suggest using the Polazak website to find bus schedules and fares in English. We always bought our bus tickets from the station a day in advance – especially recommended if it’s summer or a holiday. You also have the option to buy your tickets online using the Polazak website, although extra charges usually apply.

Bus stations in Serbia have a few quirks. Some of the bigger stations charge entry to access the platforms (usually a couple of dollars equivalent in local currency), meaning you have to buy a platform token in addition to your bus ticket.

Coaches always charge extra for any luggage you want to store under the bus. When we travelled in Serbia, the cost was 60 denars (approx. 60 US cents) per piece of luggage. Bags are tagged before being stowed and you have to present your ticket stub to collect them again, so don’t lose it.

Hiring a car in Serbia

Self-driving can be a good option for confident drivers if you want more flexibility in your itinerary. Serbia has some of the best roads in the region and cheap car rentals; however fuel prices and tolls are on the expensive side. Here are more tips for driving in Serbia .

Personally I recommend using Serbia’s bus network – it’s cheap and efficient. If you do decide to self-drive, I suggest using the Discover Cars website to explore your options and find the best price on a rental. They aggregate a good range of manual and auto transmission cars from international hire companies, with the option to pick up a vehicle in either Belgrade or Novi Sad.

Click here to find a rental car in Serbia using Discover Cars.

Where to stay in Serbia

The final piece of the Serbia logistics puzzle is accommodation. Finding a place to stay in Serbia is very easy, especially in the cities. Hostels, guesthouses and boutique hotels are all widely available. Private apartments are also very popular and can be booked either through Airbnb or Booking.com.

We used Airbnb throughout Serbia and had consistently good experiences. As with the rest of the region, Airbnb is a great choice if you want something self-contained and well-priced.

I’ve included specific accommodation recommendations (including links to the places we stayed at) in the itinerary below. 

How much to budget for your trip

Serbia is a very affordable travel destination by European standards. For context, we found prices cheaper than Croatia or Slovenia, but slightly more expensive than Bosnia and Herzegovina or Montenegro.

Belgrade was one of the more expensive Balkan capitals we visited. To keep costs down, I recommend using Airbnb and eating at local restaurants.

• Budget traveller: 20-30 USD/day (hostel, buses, local meals)
• Mid-range: 30-50 USD/day (guesthouse or Airbnb, buses & taxis, restaurant meals)
• All-out: 50-100+ USD/day (boutique hotel, taxis & private transfers, restaurant meals)

We spent roughly 56,000 denars (approx. 570 USD) for two people for two weeks of travel in Serbia, excluding accommodation.

The perfect 7 days in Serbia itinerary

[belgrade] – novi sad – subotica – belgrade – tara national park (mokra gora).

This Serbia itinerary focuses almost exclusively on the north, with more options to continue your travels in the south at the end. True to my travel style, it prioritises culture, history, food and wine over outdoor activities – although there is one national park included.

As I mentioned, we spent two weeks in Serbia and followed this exact itinerary, albeit at a slower pace. I think one week is the perfect amount of time to spend in Serbia if you’re a first-time visitor and you don’t mind moving around at a reasonably face pace.

Days 1 & 2: Start your Serbia itinerary in Novi Sad

Serbia’s second-largest city and capital of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Novi Sad is the perfect introduction to Northern Serbia.

Novi Sad has a classic European feel thanks to its Hapsburg-era architecture and multitude of outdoor cafes. The Danube runs through the heart of the city, giving it notes of Budapest with a distinctly Serbian edge. One of the many must-dos in Novi Sad is to try the locavore restaurants and wineries that make use of local produce.

Roam the pedestrian boulevard in search of your next kafa hit, duck into Danube’s Park for a stroll under the trees, and seek out the pretty walkways and interiors along the main street.

Novi Sad was considered Serbia’s cultural capital up until the early 20th century and was at one time known by the nickname ‘Serbian Athens’ . This legacy lives on in the dozens of literary and music festivals held throughout the year, most famously EXIT Festival , which takes place on the grounds of Petrovaradin Fortress every summer.

In 2021, Novi Sad will take up its position as European Capital of Culture , an accolade that’s sure to cement its reputation as one of the loveliest cities to visit in the Balkans.

I recommend spending a full day in Novi Sad and adding an extra day to your itinerary for a side trip to the town of Sremski Karlovci.

Things to do in Novi Sad

• Saunter down Dunavska Street to Trg Slobode. Novi Sad’s pedestrian mall is lined with beautiful architecture, cute shops and outdoor cafes. The main square, Trg Slobode, is where you can find some of the city’s most spectacular buildings including the Name of Mary Cathedral.
• Eat lunch at Project 72. A locavore feast in one of the city’s most beautiful dining rooms.
• Sunset at Petrovaradin Fortress. Wander across the river to take in the views from Novi Sad’s fortress. There is an outdoor terrace bar perfectly positioned for a sunset view over the river. Arrive early to explore the complex, with its clock tower, draw bridges and stone tunnels.
• Take a day trip to Sremski Karlovci. Northern Serbia’s prettiest town is just 30 minutes from Novi Sad by bus. Discover the Baroque architecture (including the colourful Grammar School) and visit the gorgeous Museum of Beekeeping. There are several small wineries in town that offer tastings (Podrum Bajilo and Winery Mrdjanin are both recommended). A local bus to Sremski Karlovci from Novi Sad costs 300 denars (approx. 3 USD) per person return. 

For more excellent things to do in Novi Sad, read my Novi Sad city guide.

Where to stay in Novi Sad

When we visited Novi Sad, we stayed at this centrally located Airbnb . Nikola, the host, is very kind and helpful, and the location of the self-contained flat can’t be beat.

If you prefer a hotel, these properties are all centrally located and have excellent ratings (9/10 or higher) on Booking.com:

• Budget hostel: City Hostel
• Mid-range hotel: Garni Citi Hotel Veliki
• Boutique hotel: Hotel Fontana

Day 3: Make your way north to Subotica

Subotica is located an hour north of Novi Sad, very close to the Hungarian border. A small, quiet city by any measure, Subotica is full of architectural treasures and stands out as my absolute favourite place in Serbia.

Subotica is normally associated with one thing: Art Nouveau . Along with its sister city Szeged over the border, Subotica boasts some of the most divine examples of this architectural style anywhere in Europe. The most famous of all is the Raichle Palace (pictured at the top of this article and again below), a private residence built in 1904.

Like Novi Sad, Subotica is an outdoor city whose streets beg for long afternoon walks. A day is the perfect amount of time to explore Subotica on foot, with time for a trip to Palic Lake in the late afternoon.

How to get to Subotica from Novi Sad

There are bus departures at least once an hour from Novi Sad’s MAS Central Bus Station to Subotica, starting from 6am and continuing until around 9pm. (Note that Novi Sad has multiple bus stations – be sure to double check in advance.) Travel time to Subotica is just over 60 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

When booked online through Polazak, Tickets cost between 4-7 Euros depending on the service. We paid 7.90 denars (approx. 8 USD) per person for tickets when we travelled. Check times and prices here .

Things to do in Subotica

• Take a self-guided walking tour of Subotica’s architecture. Subotica Tourism has put together several DIY audio tours through the city that you can follow to see the prettiest buildings. We listened to three of the four tracks and really enjoyed the experience. Highlights of the Art Nouveau tour include the Town Hall building on the main square, the National Theatre and of course the Raichle Palace.
• Go inside Subotica Synagogue. If Raichle Palace has the prettiest facade, Subotica Synagogue definitely holds claim to the most impressive interior. This is seriously one of the most evocative buildings I’ve ever been inside (I liken the experience to visiting the Sagrada Familia). Completed in 1902, it’s no longer active but has been expertly restored with help from the World Monuments Fund. The story of Subotica’s Jewish community is wrapped up in the building and is very, very moving – I highly recommend reading up before you go. The synagogue is open from 10am-6pm every day except Monday. Entrance costs 250 denars (approx. 2.50 USD) per person and is worth every cent.

• Eat lunch at Boss Caffe. Located in the courtyard behind Richle Palace, this local favourite features outdoor dining surrounded by flourishes of Art Nouveau. We ate here twice and really enjoyed the food. The menu is huge and well-priced; we paid 1000 denars (approx. 10 USD) for lunch for 2 people.
• Take a side trip to Lake Palic . Just 10km from Subotica (around 20 minutes by local bus), Lake Palic used to be an elite spa retreat. It features yet more beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, most notably the Grand Terrace complex on the shore of the lake (it now houses a cafe), and a handful of villas tucked in the forest beyond. We walked around the lake accompanied by one of the audio tour tracks.

Where to stay in Subotica

We stayed at the cute Apartment Libra in Subotica , a very comfortable, well-positioned flat with a great kitchen. It was very warm and cosy in winter, and our host Ljubomir even picked us up from the bus station when we arrived.

Other options in Subotica:

• Budget hostel: Hostel Put Svile
• Mid-range hotel: Hotel Forum Garni

Days 4 & 5: Continue to the big city, Belgrade

Now that you’ve eased your way into Northern Serbia, it’s time to hit the big city. 

Before visiting, I only ever associated Belgrade (the ‘White City’) with socialism and Yugoslav history, not realising that it’s actually one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe . Yes, it’s mostly grey concrete on the surface, but there are countless layers of Roman, Ottoman and Yugoslavian heritage to peel back, and no shortage of excellent museums and walking tours to help you do it.

For a balanced experience, I recommend dividing your time in Belgrade between the distinctive ‘old’ and ‘new’ (Socialist) parts of the city, located on the eastern and western banks of the river respectively.

How to get to Belgrade from Subotica

There are a dozen coaches to Belgrade from Subotica every day, departing from the bus station near the railway station and terminating at the BAS Central Bus Station in Belgrade. Buses start running in the early morning (around 4am) and continue until 6pm. Travel time is 3-3.5 hours depending on the service.

Tickets cost 8-12 Euros when purchased online. When we travelled, we paid 1,235 denars (approx. 12.70 USD) per person for tickets purchased at the bus station. Check times and fares here .

Things to do in Belgrade

• Visit Kalemegdan Fortress. Belgrade Fortress sits at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers and affords magnificent views of New Belgrade. Entrance is free.
• Get hands-on at the Nikola Tesla Museum . Serbia holds claim to inventor and engineer Nikola Tesla as their favourite homegrown hero. His museum in Belgrade is fascinating – even (or especially) if you don’t know much about his work. The Tesla Coil Demonstration will make your hair stand up on end. Entrance to the museum costs 500 denars (approx. 5 USD) per person.
• Visit the House of Flowers. This is the final resting place of another historical icon associated with Serbia, albeit for very different reasons. Josip Broz Tito’s mausoleum is an extravagant greenhouse-like atrium surrounded by lovely gardens. The adjacent Museum of the History of Yugoslavia is a huge, fascinating display of Yugoslav history. The whole thing is slightly macabre, but it’s a must-see in Belgrade

• Wander back in time in Zemun. Located behind New Belgrade, Zemun was described to me by a local as ‘a city within a city’, and it certainly feels that way. This was a separate town until it was absorbed into Belgrade in the 1930s, and locals have managed to hold onto that romantic small-town feel. You’ll find a picturesque town square, lively outdoor markets, and more cafes than you can count.
• Summit Avala Tower for a view. This icon of Belgrade’s skyline was famously destroyed during the war and later rebuilt. Today it contains an observation deck and cafe at the top. Access to the tower is via a lovely hiking trail that starts on the outskirts of the city. Entrance costs 300 denars (approx. 3 USD) per person.

Read more: My complete guide to visiting Avala Tower from Belgrade.

• Bike around New Belgrade: The best way to explore New Belgrade, the western half of the city, is by bike. This area is pancake-flat and there are a number of pathways that link monumental concrete buildings such as the Hotel Yugoslavia with Belgrade’s vast commieblocks and pockets of green parkland. We joined a guided cycling tour with local company iBike and loved it.
• Try a slice of Moscow Shnit. Belgrade’s favourite sweet treat is a delicious cake prepared at Hotel Moscow in the city centre. The recipe is a guarded secret, but I can tell you it’s very light and fruity (perfect for enjoying on the outdoor terrace under a blue sky). The hotel and cafe are iconic in Belgrade.

Where to stay in Belgrade

We stayed at the exceptional Downtown Art Deco Studio , located right in the centre of the city. It was one of the best apartments we stayed at anywhere in the Balkans.

Most Belgrade Airbnbs are concentrated around the northern end of the city on the eastern side of the river. This is also where you’ll find most museums and tourist attractions, plus some great restaurants.

I recommend staying in either the Skadarlija or Dorcol (the oldest part of Belgrade) neighbourhoods.

• Budget hostel: Balkan Soul Hostel
• Mid-range hotel: Hotel Rex
• Boutique hotel: Mama Shelter Belgrade or 7 Rooms Suites

Days 6 & 7: Finish on a high in Tara National Park

It’s a bit of a mission to reach central Serbia’s western corner, but it’s more than worth the long bus ride. Tara National Park is the most heavily forested part of the country and is widely considered to be Serbia’s most pristine pocket of nature . Yet relatively few foreign tourists ever make it here.

Aside from hiking and river sports on the Drina , this area is also brimming with cute villages , history and culture, so there’s something for everyone at any time of year.

How to get to Tara National Park from Belgrade

There are no direct buses from Belgrade to the towns of Mokra Gora or Mitrovac, so you need to transfer through the town of Zlatibor to access the park.

There are a dozen direct buses to Zlatibor leaving Belgrade’s main station from 6.15am onwards. Travel time is around 4 hours , and tickets cost around 13 Euros (or 18 Euros return) when reserved online. Check times and prices here .

Travel time from Zlatibor to Mokra Gora is 30 minutes and can be done either by local bus or taxi.

If you want to avoid a long morning of travel and you have to get back to Belgrade for your flight home anyway, another option is to take a day trip to Tara National Park from Belgrade. This full-day tour includes transfers from Belgrade with a professional driver and a guide to show you all the highlights of the beautiful Drina River Valley.

We did something similar and visited Tara National Park on a day trip from Sarajevo.

Things to do in and around Tara National Park

• Go hiking. There are marked trails all over the park, ranging from short day hikes to multi-day affairs. Most start from Mitrovac where there is a tourist office that can furnish you with maps.
• Photograph the cute Drina River House. A wooden house perched on a stone in the river that marks the border between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, this is one of the icons of Tara National Park.
• Admire the frescoes at Raca Monastery. A 13th-century monastery containing a set of important paintings. There are several hiking trails to fresh water springs in the area.
• Visit the weird and wonderful Drvengrad village. Originally built as a film set for the movie Life is a Miracle, this charming model village has become a symbol of Serbia. The film director’s personal collection of vintage cars are scattered amongst the wooden houses and churches. There is a film festival held here every summer.

• Ride the historic Sargan Eight Steam Train. Construction on this narrow-gauge railway started during World War I to link Serbia and Austro-Hungary. Today it’s a scenic railway that runs between the towns of Mokra Gora and Vitasi via tracks that cling to the side of the mountain valley.
• Catch the view from Banjska Stena. It was a sea of fog when we visited Tara National Park’s most famous viewpoint, but I’ve been reassured that the panorama is phenomenal on a clear day!
• Venture to Zlatibor. Serbia’s most popular mountain resort town is located south-east of the National Park, in the shadow of Mount Zlatibor. Here you can find lovely accommodations and more hiking trails.

Where to stay near Tara National Park

The most popular places to stay when visiting Tara National Park are Mitrovac (a good base for hiking) and Mokra Gora . There are some lovely homestyle accommodations in and around the national park – my favourite is this sweet cabin .

See more options in Mokra Gora on Booking.com.

Extend your Serbia itinerary: Other places to visit

If you have more time, you might consider including one or more of these additional destinations to your Serbia itinerary.

Uvac Nature Reserve – add 1-2 days

Located south of Mokra Gora and Tara National Park, this park features biodiverse wetlands and a very picturesque winding river.

To get there, you can take a train to Nova Varos and spend a few nights inside the park, or you can join a day tour from Belgrade .

Nis – add 1-2 days

Serbia’s third-largest city, Nis is located in the country’s south-east, around 230km from Belgrade. It’s accessible by coach from the capital or if you want to add it to the end of your itinerary, you can take a bus from the city of Uzice near Tara National Park.

I didn’t get to visit Nis this time, but I’d love to go back and spend some time exploring the city that traditionally linked Belgrade and Istanbul. (I had no idea Nis was the birthplace of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great.)

If you’re planning a visit, I recommend this guide to Nis.

Novi Pazar – add 2-3 days

Also located in southern Serbia, Novi Pazar has always been considered Serbia’s cultural and religious crossroads. It has a long and fascinating history, as evidenced by the many important monuments located in and around the city.

You can learn more about Novi Pazar here.

Onward travel from Serbia

If your flight home is departing from the capital, you can simply loop back to Belgrade from Tara National Park (departing Uzice or Zlatibor) by bus.

If you’re continuing on overland, you can transit west into Bosnia and Herzegovina (first stop: Visegrad) or north-west into Croatia. Another option is to head to Novi Pazar from Tara National Park then continue overland to Montenegro .

Can you cross into Kosovo from Serbia?

If you want to continue your travels in Prishtina and Prizren , you’ll need to read up on the different options for getting to Kosovo to Serbia. There are rules in place that could prevent you from visiting Serbia again in the future, so it’s very important you do your due diligence.

Refer to this detailed guide about crossing into Kosovo legally.

Easy Serbia itinerary: Save it for later

One of the best blogs I have come across online. Everything a traveler should know about a country/place is very well captured and explained. Thanks a lot. More power to you!

Thanks Nabeel for the kind words!

Absolutely very useful blog, am sure this help me plan well for my serbia trip.

Thanks for your comment, Dheepan! Happy travels to Serbia!

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National Parks

Naslov 3 dolor sit amet.

Serbia boasts five national parks: Fruška Gora , Đerdap Gorge/Iron Gate , Tara , Kopaonik and Šar Mountain .

In the national parks, you can set out on a quest to find some of the most endangered species of flora and fauna, enjoy breath-taking views or collect medicinal wild herbs and mushrooms. From the slopes of Mt. Fruška Gora you will experience a unique view of the undulating Panonian plain, while Đerdap will stun you with views of the deepest gorge in Europe. On Tara Mountain you can see the endemic Serbian spruce ( Picea omorika ); Kopaonik Mountain entices you with its lush of flora and fauna, while Šar Mountain beckons with the surreal beauty of its glacial lakes. Once you’ve experienced all that nature has to offer, you may wish to rest a little and take a break nearby at one of the historical monuments, some of which date back to Prehistoric times. Whichever activity you choose to engage in, the national parks of Serbia will always welcome you with open arms.

UNESCO Reserves

Nature parks

Natural Monuments

Nature Reserves

Rivers and Lakes

If you are wondering about things to do at the Tara National Park, we will tell you that this mountain offers numerous opportunities for an active, interesting and, relaxing holiday.

The national park tara extends almost over the entire area of the mountain, which certainly belongs to the most beautiful serbian destinations for rest and relaxation. coniferous forests are the main characteristics of tara, and they also make it the most forested mountain of serbia and the region . the abundance of natural resources on this mountain will give you real enjoyment during your stay. it is one of the favorite destinations for nature lovers and active holidays., smeštaj na tari je veoma raznovrsan i možete ga pronaći u brojnim selima ovih krajeva., tara is located in the western part of serbia and belongs to the inner chain of the dinarides (dinaric alps). it is 50 km long, 22 km wide, and has an average altitude of 1200 meters. its highest peak is kozji rid (1591 m)..

It has rich and diverse tourist values: ecologically preserved natural environment, mountainous terrain with moderate altitude, suitable grounds for winter and summer activities, beneficial climate, Drina with artificial lake Perućac. Because of all this, Tara is one of the most attractive regions in Serbia, and in many ways unique in Europe and the world. Tara Mountain is both a summer and winter destination, and Kaluđerske Bare and Mitrovac are two major visitor centers.

As much as 80% of the National Park area is covered by mixed forests of spruce, fir and beech. Out of over 1000 different plants, about 20 are endemic in nature, the most famous among them is Pancic Spruce , the symbol of Tara - a relic of the Tertiary and a Balkan endemic that survived The Great Ice Age in very limited habitats in the middle flow of the Drina River.

Here are the 8 best suggestions for things to do in the Tara National Park. The proposals are mostly related to spring and summertime.

1) Choose a hiking tour where you will visit the most beautiful viewpoints of Tara

There are numerous and beautiful viewpoints on tara. the most visited are banjska stena and bilješka stena, then crnjeskovo, sjenic, and osluša, from where views are fantastic..

Banjska Stena is visited by more and more tourists, from where is a wonderful view of the impressive Drina Canyon. You can reach the viewpoint from Mitrovac by a footpath that is 7 km long, with a slight ascent. You can also take the car at a distance of about 1 km from the viewpoint, then after about 15 minutes walk along the macadam and forest road, you will reach Banjska Stena.

The second most visited viewpoint is Crnjeskovo , which can be reached by footpath about 6 km in length from the center of Kaludjerske Bare.

There are over 290 km marked hiking trails on Tara. According to your capabilities and preferences, you can choose trails from easy, moderate, and difficult category.

The starting points for hiking are:

• Kaludjerske Bare – a plateau at the restaurant Jeremicak
• Mitrovac – in front of Tara National Park Visitors Center
• Mountain Zvijezda and Crni vrh (Black peak) – the lodge at Predov krst
• Rasište – a mountain hut (an old school) in the village Sedaljka

Below you can find general characteristics of some hiking trails on Tara.

Easy category – t echnically not-demanding hiking tours from 5 to 10 km in length:.

• Mitrovac – Banjska Stena viewpoint (12 km, 300 m total ascend, duration of the tour 4 h)
• Predov krst – Bilješka Stena viewpoint (12 km, 400 m total ascend, duration of the tour 5 h)
• Kaludjerske Bare – Crnejskovo viewpoint – Jarevac Lake (8.5 km, 400 m total ascend, duration of the tour 5 h)

Moderate category – t echnically not-demanding hiking tours from 10 to 20 km in length:

• Čehova kuća – Veliki Kraj (13 km, 800 m total ascend, duration of the tour 6 h)
• Kaludjerske Bare – Platno – Jasikovice – Podgrad – Kulina (17 km, 730 m total ascend, duration of the tour 7 h)
• The Raca Monastery – Čokići – Crnjeskovo viewpoint – Sokolarica (16,7 km, 1150 m total ascend, duration of the tour 7 h)
• Rasište Jagoštica – Drlije viewpoint – Bilješka Stena viewpoint (13 km, 700 m total ascend, duration of the tour 6 h)

Difficult category – t echnically demanding hiking tours from 12 to 25 km in length:

• Predov Krst – Veliki stolac 1675 m – Sjenič viewpoint (20 km, 1100 m total ascend, duration of the tour 8 h)
• Brusnica viewpoints (12 km, 860 m total ascend, duration of the tour 8 h)

There are also hiking trails in the Tara Mountains that belong to long-distance hiking trails, such as the Via Dinarica Green Line and the European long-distance path E7.

Via Dinarica is a tourist product that represents a set of mountaineering and hiking trails connecting natural and cultural sights in the Dinaric area of the Western Balkans.

The Green Line in Serbia, to which Tara belongs, connects mountaineering, hiking, and biking trails in the north-western Dinarides. The total length of the marked trails of Via Dinarica on Tara is about 40 km.

How are the hiking trails marked?

Hiking trails on Tara are marked with 3 types of hiking marks that you should follow: white point in the red circle, red and white stripes and yellow signposts at the beginning of the paths and at crossroads.

European long-distance path E7 is marked with yellow point in the red circle, red-yellow stripes and yellow signposts at the beginning of the trails and at crossroads.

Hiking trail Via Dinarica is marked with a white point inside the green circle, green and white stripes, yellow signposts at the beginning of the trails and at crossroads and green signposts.

If you want to go for more demanding hiking tours on Tara, we definitely recommend you to find a hiking guide.

You can let us organize your hiking tour on Tara by filling out the form below.

Inquiry for a hiking tour

2) Relax by kayaking tour on the Drina river

What to do in the tara national park if it's a hot summer day and you want to be active. kayaking an emerald drina is the best way to experience the river, be active without getting too tired., the drina river is one of the cleanest rivers in serbia. in ancient times, the drina river was called drinos. because of the green color of water, people gave it name zelenika (zeleno=green)., the kayak tour is of a recreational nature. it is performed in stable kayaks and no previous experience is required ..

The kayak tour is accompanied by experienced kayak instructors who hold a short paddling course before the tour. Children can also go on the tour. It usually lasts 3 hours with breaks. The start is at the Perućac dam. From the attractions on the tour, you will see the waterfall on the river Vrelo and Little House on the Rock at the Drina river where a tour ends. The tour length is about 15 km.

Small river Vrelo the river is located near Perućac, at the entrance to the Drina canyon. It is 365 meters long, so many say that the Vrelo River is long - one year.

Little house on the Rock at the Drina river is one of the symbol of the town Bajina Bašta. The wooden cottage on an isolated rock in the middle of the Drina River was first built in the summer of 1968. A group of boys made a place to rest on a rock from a nearby collapsed shed to protect themselves from the sun. Swollen Drina took the planks off the rock that fall, but the idea remained. The following year, in the summer of 1969, the first cottage on the rock was built. The material was transported to the rock by boats and kayaks, larger pieces were lowered into the water, then were grabbed, pulled out of the water and brought to the rock. Thus began the story of a rock cottage that lasted for many years.

With its water levels, the Drina flooded, demolished and carried the house several times. However, it is always being repaired or new was built. It is now a tourist attraction that is being visited by more and more tourists. National Geography magazine dedicated a number to it when it was named one of their photos in August 2012 in one of their competitions. This caused a lot of worldwide attention, so on March 9, 2013, the English Daily Mail devoted it article, wondering how the house had resisted the wild nature for so many years. The "Business Insider" ranked in the top 16 strangest houses in the world.

For those who want, kayaking can also be extended to Rogacica. In that case, the length of the kayak tour is 26 km.

Book a kayaking tour on the Drina

3) Spend the day cruising on the impressive Drina Canyon

Cruising the drina canyon will convince you why this canyon is one of the most beautiful in europe. it will show you all its beauty. you will hear interesting stories about the drina canyon, significant historical persons from this area, and other interesting facts..

The Drina canyon is the third deepest in the world, after the Colorado Canyon (USA) and the Tara canyon (Montenegro). It is the composite valley type, at the border of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The deepest and most impressive part of the canyon is built by the Drina, climbing the slopes of the Mount Zvijezda, wherein some parts the canyon is deep and up to a thousand meters. The canyon is embedded in massive and rarely layered middle-eastern limestone. The canyon sides are very steep with numerous ponds and scum, covered with forest and shrub vegetation, but often vertical, bare rocky surfaces occur. Apart from Pancic Spruce, there are other rare and relict species such as black hornbeam, and black pine. There are also rain-forests on the edges of the Drina canyon, such as Topli Do, or beech forests in Raca Canyon. Drina Canyon is also a permanent habitat of brown bears and chamois.

Boarding into a ship is at 8 am, at the Sidro Restaurant, located on the right side of the road after the Perućac Dam. It is an all-day tourist excursion, where you will spend about 4 hours on a ship in one direction and in the town of Visegrad for 2 hours.

The cruise is in a large tourist boat that is well equipped. You will have the opportunity to choose a seat and then walk to the deck or to the roof of the boat from where you will see all the power of the Drina River and its magnificent canyon.

The time spent in Visegrad and Andricgrad will complete this day. You will hear the story of the life of our Nobel Prize winner Ivo Andric and the characters from his most famous novel, "The Bridge on the Drina". As you walk the streets of Visegrad, you get the impression that you can meet them and that they will appear behind a corner at any moment.

In Visegrad, at the point where the mountains that make up the narrow and deep canyons of the Drina split into a vast valley, stands a stone, 500 years old the Mehmet-pasha Sokolovic Bridge with 11 broad-leaved lanes, known by everyone as "The Bridge on the Drina” (na Drini ćuprija). The bridge is about 250 meters long and about 10 meters wide, except in the middle where it is expanded with two terraces, on each side one by one. It is one of the most monumental parts of architecture dating from the 15th to the 19th century. It is the national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina that is also on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Andrićgrad It is is a tourist, cultural, administrative and educational complex located on the peninsula between the Drina and Rzav rivers, some 300 meters from the Bridge on the Drina.

Andricgrad was created as the idea of the famous director Emir Kusturica about a stone medieval town inspired by the work and characters of the Nobel Prize winner Ivo Andric. In architectural terms, the city itself is a mixture of different epochs and styles that have been shifting through the history of this area: The Byzantine style, the Ottoman period, the Renaissance, the classicism. During the walk through the main street-corset, visitors will be able to return to the past which connects two periods - fragments of the Renaissance with the Ottoman period and Byzantium.

After sightseeing of Visegrad, you'll again board into a ship, which arrives back to Perucac at 6.30 pm.

4) Swim and enjoy on Perućac Lake and Zaovine Lake

Zaovine and perucac lake with their clean water offer numerous opportunities for a perfect holiday in a mountain ambiance..

The Perucac Lake is located in the natural bend of the canyon of the Drina River between Bajina Basta and Visegrad. It covers the Tara mountain where the National Park Tara is, representing one of the symbols of nearby Bajina Bašta. It is very suitable for fishing and swimming.

Perućac Lake is artificial, created by blocking the flow of the Drina River for the needs of hydroelectric power plant in Bajina Bašta. The lake is about 60 m deep and 54 m long. The largest part of the lake is located in the Drina canyon, which starts 7 km from the dam. This canyon section is surrounded by a steeply bank bordered by rock cliffs and stone blocks that plunge vertically into the water.

There is a beach on Lake Perucac which has pontoons with swimming pools for children. The swimming area is surrounded by buoys, with lifeguards on the shore and a lifeboat on the water constantly present. There are also showers, slides, and jumping boards. It is possible to rent pedal boats, boats, and kayaks there. There are good restaurants nearby.

Zaovine Lake is one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Serbia. It is located on Tara Mountain near the village of Zaovine. The water is very clean, with little treatment in the water treatment plants, it is used for drinking.

The lake was formed between 1975 and 1983, when the Beli Rzav stream was blocked by dams near the peak Kik (958 m). At the highest water level, the lake surface is at an altitude of about 880 m. The maximum depth is about 110 meters. The lake is being filled by two streams Konjska Reka and Beli Rzav. The lake is an accumulation of the reversible hydro-power plant "Bajina Bašta" in Perucac with which it is connected by a vertical pipeline.

There are not many beach facilities on the lake, but swimming in the clear water of this mountain lake is a real pleasure. It is located near the dam Lazići and the restaurant Tarsko jezero, which offers a beautiful view of the surroundings and the small lake Spajići. You can leave your car or bike near the beach in a small parking lot.

Zaovine is a forested mountain area in the southwestern part of Tara Mountain. With its 28 hamlets and an area of over 6,000 hectares, it is the most extensive village in the municipality of Bajina Bašta.

Zaovine is famous as the place where the living fossil of the flora – Pancic Spruce was discovered. In the hamlet of Đurići, in 1875, the famous botanist Josif Pančić discovered a new species of conifers, to which he gives the name Pancic Spruce ( Picea omorika He also mentioned it as an ice beauty. Zaovine Lake and Beli Rzav Canyon are ideal places for fishing (trout, rockfish, chub, barbel), orientation, finding food in nature. There are several viewpoints: Zmajevac, Bela Voda, and, Gavran where you can relax after a walk and enjoy the well-deserved rest in a beautiful ambiance.

5) Be adventurous and dare to go on an exciting canyoning tour

If you want a little more excitement, canyoning tours are one of the great things to do in the national park tara. there are several canyons on tara that you can pass through, but with the presence of a guide and the necessary equipment..

For beginners, the best is Canyon of White Rzav It is a combination of hiking and beautiful canyoning.

The tour starts from the Lazići dam in Zaovine and goes down to the old school in Đurići. From there, you follow the course of the river to enter the canyon after one kilometre. Passing through the canyon last around 4 h. In two positions it is necessary to use the rope and on several places swimming through deep water. After exiting the canyon, continues hiking down the river to the village of Kršanje and further to Kotroman. The tour duration is about 6 hours, where there is an 8 km hike and a 2 km pass through the canyon.

Beli (White) Rzav is an extremely clean river. Its characteristics are the color of the substrate with white stones in the river bed. It springs in the village of Zaovine, on the western slopes of Tara, 23 km long. Thanks to such a river bed, even in summer and the highest temperatures, Beli Rzav is an cold river.

Book canyoning tour Beli Rzav

More technically demanding to pass is the canyon of the Raca river.

Passing through the Rača Canyon is a superb experience for the agile and daring. It is a pure canyoning tour with a length of 5.5 km, which is full of interesting details and waterfalls. It starts from Lake Jarevac and ends at the source of Lađevac next to the medieval Rača monastery.

The tour is recommended for physically active persons. It was the final exam for the cadets in the Military Academy of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Passing through the canyon lasts about 6 h.

For canyoning tours the necessary equipment is provided – helmets, climbing belts, climbing ropes, and neoprene suits depending on weather conditions.

The canyon is located in the middle course of the river Raca, which springs in the area of Kaludjerske Bare, in the northern part of the Tara mountain, and flows into the Drina near Bajina Basta. The canyon's depth is from 330 to 350 meters. In the central part, the canyon is very narrow, only a few meters wide, and the sides are rocky, polished and completely vertical. On the right side of the canyon, at the exit of the canyon, there is an alkaline-thermal karst springs Ladjevac with a water temperature of 15-18 °C.

6) Choose a bike route through the heart of Tara Mountain and its conifer forests

More than 75 km of cycling routes are available in the tara national park starting from tourist centers. therefore, if you are a fan of mountain biking, you definitely have what to do in the tara national park..

The high altitude makes the ride an exceptionally attractive experience.

A tour of medium difficulty is Visoka Tara dužine 26 km.

The start of the route is from the Educational Center of the Tara National Park in the village of Sljivovica, located on Kaludjerska Bare-Mitrovac road.

On the wider territory of Racanska Sljivovica there is a natural reserve, rich in forests of fir, spruce, and beech forest. The trail continues across Tarabica brdo, to Beserovacke bare.

You can also get to the viewpoint Osluša . near Mitrovac, overlooking the Drina and Bajina Bašta. The next point is the air spa and weekend village Sokolina , above the Raca canyon. The surroundings of Sokolina, a natural reserve of the Raca Canyon, are a natural habitat of a protected species of brown bear. Nearby are Sokolarica viewpoint, the Ladjevac Thermal Spring and the Raca Monastery. Through Sokolina and Rustina you will reach the last point of the route, Racanska Sljivovica.

Ova ruta će vas povesti kroz srce planine Tare , gde ćete videti lepotu i raznovrsnost ove zadivljujuće planine.

Path: Sljivovica – Tarabica brdo – Grebenski put – Beserovacke bare – Lokvice – Sokolina – Rustine – Sljivovica

The route desription

Length: 26 km

Minimum height: 929 m

Maximum height: 1309 m

Altitude difference: 380 m

Total ascend/descent 1183 m

The route can be ridden in both directions. It requires average physical fitness, but riding in the opposite direction is somewhat harder since the climb starts in the final third of the route. There are no technically demanding sections. There are forest and macadam road surfaces and only a part of the trail surface is asphalt.

You can also ride a bike on the macadam road from Mitrovac to the Banjska Stena viewpoint. Also, by bicycle you can take the asphalt road to Zaovinsko Lake which is about 9 km away from Mitrovac.

The more demanding biking route is Carska Tara dužine 42 km.

Mount Tara is known as the Empress of Serbian mountains. If you want to see it from all angles it is best to take “The Emperor’s Road “. On the 42 km long road stretching from Kaludjerske Bare to Perućac you will be able to see the most beautiful and diverse treasures Tara has to offer. While riding a bike, you can enjoy the view of vast meadows nestled in gentle valleys with towering lone pine trees, dense virgin forests, breathtaking cliffs, and the inevitable Drina River and Perućac Lake. The path leads to numerous lookouts with spectacular views. The route ascends slightly for the first 15 kilometres up to Tankosin Grob (grave) and then the descent begins.

Path: Kaludjerske bare – Dobro polje – Ljuto polje – Tankosin Grob – Mitrovac – Rastiste – Perucac Lake – Perucac

Length: 42 km

Minimum height: 236 m n.v.

Maximum height: 1287 m n.v.

Altitude difference: 1051 m

Total ascent: 1737 m

Total descent: 2537 m

Absolute ascent: 800 m

It is possible to cycle in the opposite direction but it requires extreme physical fitness while a cyclist of average fitness can cover the basic route direction. The route takes around eight hours for an average recreational cyclist to ride the whole route. There are no technically demanding sections. The surface of the trail is 65% macadam and the rest of the surface layer consists of asphalt.

If you don't have your own bike, you can rent it at the Tara National Park Visitors Center or at Kaludjerske Bare.

7) Watch the bears from the National Park Observatory

What to do in tara national park if you are interested in wildlife watching, mountain tara is known as a natural habitat for brown bears (ursus arctos) with over 50 individuals in the area..

It is not common to meet them because they are afraid of people. When a bear senses the presence of a human, it immediately leaves the area, mostly before we notice it. However, that still can happen. The risk of attack is low. Bears only attack humans if they feel threatened, when they are provoked or when they protect the cubs.

However, if happens that you meet a bear, the most important thing is to stay calm and act responsibly. Do not run away but slowly go back.

The Tara National Park offers the opportunity to see a brown bear in its natural habitat, from safe observation points at feeding sites.

Feeding sites are places where bears are fed at times when experts estimate that there is not enough food in nature. Of the total 4 feeding sites, 2 are available for tourists.

Bears watching tours are being organized for small groups (maximum 3 people) in the presence of the Tara National Park ranger. They can be in the early morning or afternoon lasting for 4-5 hours. Tours are organized between May and October. It is necessary to check the available dates and prices a few days earlier.

After a multimedia presentation on the Tara National Park and a story about the brown bear monitoring program, the off-road rangers drive you deep into the woods. After exiting the vehicle, you'll walk a few hundred meters and get to the observation deck where you'll wait for the appearance of bears in complete peace.

You are very likely to see a bear, but since it is a wild animal, it is not fully guaranteed that you will see it. During earlier tours, the success rate was 60%.

Keep in mind that wild animals have their own way of life, while humans are just trying to get them as close as possible in their natural habitat.

8) Visit cultural and historical monuments and tourist attractions near Tara

What to do in tara national park if you are more interested in culture and history the surroundings of tara are full of cultural and historical monuments from various historical eras that you can visit..

The most known is the monastery Rača, that has been a source of spirituality and literacy in this part of Serbia since the twelfth century. It was erected by the Serbian King Dragutin in the former Sokolska land. It was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt from ashes.

Medieval fortress Solotnik (Kulina or Kulingrad) is a fortress near the village of Solotuša, 10 km south of Bajina Basta on the slopes of Tara. It is situated on a stone hill that steeply descends into the Solotusa River.

There is not much historical data on the construction, but it is assumed that the fortress was erected in the Middle Ages to provide a road linking Uzice City and Visegrad. In its immediate surroundings there are remains of settlements from the time of the Celts and Romans. Today it is mostly in ruins, of which the rampart of a rectangular base with the rest of the entrance was held.

In Perucac and Rasiste there are Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards that are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Mramorje or Bagruša is a medieval necropolis of stećak tombstones, located in Perućac and one of the most preserved necropolises in the area. The necropolis was formed in the fourteenth century and had about 200 tombstones, made of hard limestone, the largest specimens reaching a length of 2 meters, with a width and height of almost 1 meter. Later sources record the number of 122 monuments, while, according to the latest figures, there are 93.

As you can see, there are numerous opportunities in Tara National Park for one fulfilled vacation. We believe we inspired you to for its exploring.

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