In a travel region as vast and rich as The Balkans, it’s easy for certain destinations to fall through the cracks. This is especially true for places not called “Dubrovnik” and “Mostar.”
Unfortunately, in the case of landlocked Serbia, the entire country falls by the wayside for far too many travelers. The good news? Now that you’ve happened upon my informative, inspiring content, you no longer have to be among them.
The better news? My Serbia itinerary makes planning your trip the second-easiest thing you’ll do this year (the first being, of course, enjoying your time in Serbia!).
Where to Base Yourself in Serbia
It should come as no surprise that Belgrade, as the capital of and largest city in Serbia, makes the best base for exploring the country. This is especially true on shorter visits. Since you’ll be seeing most other destinations in the country on day trips, Belgrade hotels will effectively serve as your “home” while you do the work of discover the rest of Serbia.
This is also true even if you simply stick to the city, from typical tourist attractions to sports games. One way to bet on basketball, for example, is to do so virtually from the comfort of your room. This way, rather than wasting time in a physical casino, you can place your bets during your downtime, and expend your energy sightseeing at castles, museums and wineries.
My Favorite Things to Do in Serbia
Lean into the comforts of Belgrade
Belgrade is not the most beautiful city, but it is an interesting and diverse one. This is true whether you’re saying prayers within the Temple of San Sava, conducting experiments at the Museum of Nikola Tesla or watching the sunset from Kalamegdan fortress.
Discover underrated Serbian cuisine
Like within the Balkans more broadly, cuisine is an unexpected highlight of every Serbia trip. I especially love cevapi cici, which are patties of perfectly seasoned ground meat. These and other dishes remind me vaguely of Turkish food, though there’s something unique about the flavor of food in Serbia.
Take a day trip to Novi Sad
If you love the vibe of Belgrade but prefer to visit a more traditionally attractive city, Novi Sad is your best bet. Located not far outside the capital, Novi Sad resembles something out of a storybook, with the view from Petrovaradin Fortress especially impressive.
(But don’t forget Sremski Karlovci)
Another great day trip from Belgrade, as I wrote about in my Serbia travel blog at the time of my trip, is Sremski Karlovci. Although this is a smaller city than Novi Sad (and a much smaller one than Belgrade), it punches far about its weight when it comes to the local wineries for which it is famous.
Don’t push too hard
Serbia might be bigger than it looks on the map, and there is indeed more to see here than you’re probably expecting. On the other hand, the worst thing you can do is push or try too hard on your trip. The key to enjoying Serbia, in fact, is letting things happen—and letting yourself fall in love with the country.
How Many Days Do You Need in Serbia?
Serbia, like many smaller countries in Europe, is bigger than it looks on the map. At the same time, it’s very likely that you will be visiting Serbia in conjunction with a larger Balkan trip, including the Dalmatian Coast and rural Bosnia. As a result, we need to come to some sort of realistic balance. For instance, it’s not feasible that most people will be able to devote more than a week or so to Serbia.
In reality, of course, the answer to how many days in Serbia you are likely to spend is even smaller than that. For many travelers, the answer is somewhere between 2-5. Two days—a weekend in Belgrade—is perfect if you simply want to see the city. You can increase this to five if you take all the potential day trips I’ve suggested within this Serbia travel guide.
Other FAQ About Visiting Serbia
How many days in Serbia is enough?
You could spend a couple of weeks in Serbia, but I find that a more realistic option for most travelers is somewhere between 2-5. This takes into account the fact that you will probably be visiting Serbia in the context of a broader Balkan trip.
Is Serbia worth seeing?
Serbia is a country that tends to impress travelers, primarily because of how little they expect from it. Whether because of the eclectic urban life in Belgrade, or the beautiful countryside in Sremski Karlovci, Serbia punches high above its weight.
Is Serbia expensive for tourists?
Serbia is one of the cheapest countries in Europe, whether you’re a budget backpacker or a luxury traveler. Many visitors can get by spending less than €100 per person per day, even with three meals out per day and three- or even four-star accommodations.
The Bottom Line
I hope my Serbia itinerary has made it easier for you to plan your trip to this underrated Balkan beauty. From the storied streets of Belgrade, to the tucked-away wine cellars of Sremski Karlovci, to the fairytale cobbles and cathedrals of Novi Sad, Serbia has a way of shattering expectations. This is true whether you come for a long weekend in the capital (with a perfectly-curated day trip or two), or spend an entire week here in order to give your trip some breathing room. The best way to optimize your Serbia sojourn? Why, hiring me as your Travel Coach, of course!
