Curious about what to see in Serbia? Wondering about the must-visit places in this country? I’ve compiled a list of 17 places in Serbia with the help of some friends from the country. Each location is beautiful and unique in its own way.
Before you check out the list, just a heads up: I didn’t rank these places by how beautiful they are. Beauty’s in the eye of the beholder, right? So it’s tough to put a number on that. The list simply follows an order to give some structure, starting from one point.
1. Novi Sad
I firmly believe that Belgrade is the prime attraction for tourists, and even if you haven’t visited it yet, you’re likely familiar with it. That’s why for my first place to visit in Serbia, I’m choosing the second largest city in our country – the magical Novi Sad, the administrative center of Vojvodina. I say ‘magical’ because the affection many citizens of Serbia hold for this city is somewhat indescribable. Could it be the charm of its streets, the Vojvodinian lifestyle, or the views of the Danube from Petrovaradin Fortress? You’ll discover it yourself after spending your weekend there.
Located less than 100 kilometers from the capital, it’s easily reachable by train. With its efficient public transportation and reasonably priced taxi services, navigating the city is a breeze.
Usually, my first stop as a tourist is the city center, or Old Town. This area isn’t just home to significant political and public institutions, but also to the City Hall, an architectural gem built in the Neo-Renaissance style. A notable monument to Svetozar Miletić, an important political figure in Vojvodina, stands proudly in front.
Freedom Square is a vibrant hub, often hosting various concerts and fairs with stalls. Here lies one of the city’s icons – the Roman Catholic church “Name of Mary”. It’s an interesting fact that although it’s commonly referred to as a cathedral by locals and tourists, it technically isn’t one. Also, a visit to Danube Park, which transforms into the Ice Forest skating rink in winter, and the renowned Petrovaradin Fortress, is a must. The fortress and the unique “Drunken Clock” are trademarks of Novi Sad, serving as the venue for the famous “Exit” music festival, which annually draws in over 200,000 people.
If you’re like me, planning a visit with friends, you won’t want to miss Laze Telečki Street. At night, it becomes the epicenter of nightlife. The street is alive with the sounds of tamburitza music and local bands, along with techno and rock. Novi Sad, in my experience, is not just an excellent choice for a relaxing weekend but also a perfect spot for lively entertainment.
2. Niš
Niš is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a history that spans thousands of years. To fully explore and understand its culture, history, and the other marvels of Niš, you’d need quite a bit of time.
Niš is regarded as the birthplace of the Balkans, a junction where different cultures and civilizations have met. It’s notable for many significant historical events, particularly as the birthplace of the renowned Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great.
One of the key attractions in Niš is Niš Fortress, dating back to the 18th century, an imposing architectural structure. Additionally, you can visit the symbolic site of Constantine the Great’s birth, the Red Cross.
The city also offers numerous museums, like the Archaeological Museum, where you can delve deeper into the rich history of the region. Nearby is Stara Planina, famous for its ski resorts and hiking opportunities.
Niš is also recognized for its cuisine. You should try traditional dishes like ćevapi, pljeskavica, and ajvar. Restaurants in Niš provide authentic tastes of Balkan cuisine. Moreover, the city is known for good wines, so don’t forget to sample the local wines during your visit.
3. Zlatibor
An increasingly popular tourist destination and an excellent choice for trips in Serbia throughout the year. Spending a winter weekend in Zlatibor definitely includes skiing at Tornik, riding motorized or traditional sleds, and various other snow activities. Yet, other seasons on this mountain can be equally captivating.
Apart from enjoying “komplet lepinja” and other gourmet specialties, visiting this mountain offers a great opportunity to explore the hidden corners of Zlatibor. In the northeast of Zlatibor lies the famous Stopića Cave, one of the most significant caves in our country.
This is a river cave through which the Trnavski stream flows. Its biggest attraction is the tufa bathtubs, usually filled with water and made even more impressive by the light of various shades. There’s even a waterfall inside called “Source of Life”. The entrance fee to the cave is 250 dinars, and the tour includes a guide who will give you a detailed introduction to this natural wonder.
Just 20 kilometers from the center of Zlatibor is the village of Gostilje, known for its waterfall. The Gostilje Waterfall features a jet of water falling about 20 meters from the Gostilje River. Surrounded by moss-covered rocks, following the river downstream from the waterfall leads to a series of smaller waterfalls, whirlpools, and rapids. The entrance fee is 150 dinars for adults and 100 dinars for children aged 6 to 14, while it’s free for younger children.
4. Subotica
Subotica is a city in northern Serbia, near the Hungarian border, and in my view, it’s the most beautiful city in Serbia. It’s renowned for its architecture and rich cultural heritage. One of the city’s architectural jewels is the Town Hall, built in the early 20th century.
The city also hosts a variety of churches and synagogues, showcasing the diverse ethnic community living there. A must-visit is the Subotica Synagogue, one of the most exquisite synagogues in Europe.
Subotica is close to Lake Palić, a popular destination for summer vacations.Here, you can swim and engage in various sports activities, with cycling being particularly popular. The lake is teeming with fish, making it an excellent spot for anglers. Palić is also known for its therapeutic properties, thanks to the lake mud rich in essential minerals and the sources of mineral water.
A visit to the Palić Zoo is a must for tourists, where you can see over 60 species of animals. The zoo also features a botanical section with more than 260 types of trees and shrubs.
5. Sombor
Sombor is a city that beautifully blends faith and love. Due to its diverse population, you’ll find a synagogue, an Orthodox, and a Catholic church here. The city is adorned with magnificent buildings that captivate with their size and architecture. Sombor is known as the greenest city, which you’ll notice while strolling through its charming streets.
In the city center, you can find a schematic representation of all the interesting things you can see in the city. This is a fantastic idea! The symbol of the city is the County Hall, home to Serbia’s largest painting, “The Battle of Senta”. Did you know that Serbia and Hungary once had a legal dispute over this painting?
Another special point of pride for the people of Sombor is the house where the revered Laza Kostić lived. Today, it’s not just a house but also the first Serbian reading room. The feeling is priceless when you realize that in this very house, some of Laza Kostić’s greatest works were penned.
6. Devil’s Town
If there were ever a contest for the most unusual place in Serbia, I think Devil’s Town would easily top that list, and probably even win the competition. Located on Mount Radan in southern Serbia, about 89 kilometers from Niš, Devil’s Town is one of the very rare natural phenomena where, over many years, 202 stone figures or pillars were formed, ranging in height from two to 15 meters, along with two sources of highly acidic water with high mineralization.
There’s an intriguing legend associated with this place. It tells a story of the devil preparing “devil’s water” for the local inhabitants, after which the dazed villagers decided to marry a brother and sister. A good fairy tried to thwart his plan and bring the wedding party to their senses, but failed.
As they proceeded with the bride and groom towards the church for the wedding, the fairy prayed to God to prevent this sacrilege. God answered her prayers, merged the sky with the earth, sent a strong, cold wind, and turned the wedding party, along with the bride and groom, to stone, thus creating Devil’s Town.
7. Golubac
Another monument of exceptional importance and a fantastic place to visit in Serbia is the Golubac Fortress, commonly known as Golubac. It’s located in Đerdap National Park, perched on high cliffs along the Danube River. This medieval fortress has a turbulent history and its remains are found at the entrance to the Đerdap Gorge. Golubac was strategically built in an important geostrategic area, and the exact time of its construction remains unknown.
This significant cultural and historical landmark was renovated at the beginning of 2019, making the fortress fully accessible to tourists. The interior is divided into four zones, each differing in accessibility, difficulty, and ticket price.
The Green Zone is intended for all categories of tourists (with a ticket price of 600 dinars). The Blue Zone is moderately difficult, accessible only with an employee escort (costing 800 dinars), and the same applies to the Red Zone, which is more challenging. The Black Zone is extremely difficult and requires the highest level of physical fitness from tourists (entry costs 1200 dinars).
8. Leskovac
If there’s one food that Serbs are famous for, it would be the pljeskavica, and nowhere is it more perfect than in Leskovac. The significance of pljeskavica to Leskovac is perhaps best illustrated by the fact that they’ve dedicated an entire festival to it. Each summer, usually towards the end of August, more than 500,000 people gather to enjoy the culinary skills of local masters.
This is undoubtedly the most visited grill festival in the entire Southeastern Europe and one of the largest food festivals in the region.
9. Fruška Gora
Declared a national park in 1960, Fruška Gora is a unique island mountain in the Pannonian Plain. Due to its location, history, and varied climatic conditions, it’s known for its numerous fossil remains of flora and fauna, earning it the nickname “mirror of geological past”. The nature here is truly special, and the landscapes you’ll see are among the most charming you’ll ever encounter.
One thing you must visit while here are some of the 16 Orthodox monasteries, renowned for their distinctive architecture, rich treasuries, libraries, and frescoes.
10. Divčibare
For those who love nature, the mountains are undoubtedly the most enchanting places in Serbia. The most famous settlement of Mount Maljen, and a favorite destination for tourists, is the town of Divčibare. It’s a mountain plateau extending from Crni Vrh, Paljba, Golubac to Veliko Brdo. Divčibare might be the best choice if you need a break from work and daily duties, as you will spend your time here breathing clean, fresh air, walking on trails, and exploring the natural beauty of this mountain.
Even though the center of Divčibare is well-developed, this settlement has still retained its charm. Nearby, you can see vast meadows with medicinal herbs and charming wooden bridges. There’s also a market in the center that tourists particularly love, where you can buy various local handicrafts.
The most interesting things to see in Divčibare are the Crna Reka canyon, the Skakalo waterfall on the Manastirica river, four protected forests, and the highest peak of the mountain – Crni Vrh. A perfect way to end a day spent walking and enjoying nature is having dinner with specialties from this region. The restaurants Maljen and Pepa are particularly popular with tourists.
11. Vrnjačka Banja
Vrnjačka Banja is located in Central Serbia on the slopes of Mount Goč, and it’s the largest spa town in our country. It’s a destination that’s extremely popular as both a tourist and a health center.
There are seven mineral springs in Vrnjačka Banja, so it’s no surprise that this place is known as a healing resort. Tourists often choose to stay in wellness & spa centers, where you can also spend the night.
In the vicinity of Vrnjačka Banja, there are numerous medieval monuments. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit some of the most valuable Serbian monasteries such as Studenica and Žiča, as well as fortresses like Maglič and Ras.
12. Sokobanja
Sokobanja is one of the most beautiful places for relaxation in Serbia and, according to many, the most interesting spa town in the country. It’s situated in the municipality of the same name, located in the Zaječar District, at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level.
In the center of Sokobanja, you’ll find the famous Turkish bath, which holds museum value and is protected by the state. If it seems familiar, it’s probably because scenes from the film “Zona Zamfirova” were shot here. While adults will be fascinated by the Turkish bath, children will probably enjoy the aqua park.
Also, make sure to visit Soko Grad, located about 2 km from Sokobanja. It’s perched on a rock rising above the Moravica River. Besides seeing the remnants of the old fortress, you’ll have an exceptional view of the surrounding area.
The territory of Sokobanja also includes picnic areas and a forest park. Nearby, just 9 kilometers away, is Bovansko Lake. The lake is 8 kilometers long and great for both swimming and fishing.
In conclusion…
Serbia offers a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and natural wonders waiting to be explored. From the vibrant streets of Novi Sad to the ancient history of Niš, and from the picturesque landscapes of Zlatibor to the architectural marvels of Subotica and Sombor, each destination promises a unique experience.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper understanding of Serbia’s heritage, this diverse country has something for everyone. So pack your bags, don’t forget your travel insurance to Serbia and embark on a journey, and let Serbia enchant you with its beauty and charm.