Best Places to Visit in Serbia

This is your go-to sign if you have been planning a trip to the enchanting land of Serbia! At the crossroads of civilisations for centuries, Serbia, located in south-eastern Europe, is a treasure trove of the cultural heritage of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences.

Although relatively small, Serbia has much to offer visitors - from vibrant cities to stunning mountains and rich history. It also has a range of delicious cuisines, including the specialities such as Cevapi, Rakija, Kajmak, and more.

Serbia is certainly a gem that deserves to be on your travel bucket list. Before packing your bags, let’s have a look at the best places to visit in Serbia.

Places to Visit in Serbia - An Overview

In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the top Serbian places to visit and activities to try out. Here’s an overview of the top 10 places to visit in Serbia -

Best Places to Visit in Summer	Best Places to Visit in Winter	Best Places to Visit with Family
Đerdap National Park	Kopaonik Mountains	Belgrade
Fruska Gora	Novi Sad	Fruska Gora
Tara Mountains	Ada Ciganlija	Subotica
Ada Ciganlija	Nis	Đerdap National Park

1. Đerdap National Park

Đerdap National Park is a protected area located in the eastern part of Serbia along the Danube River. The park is named after the Iron Gates Gorge, a series of gorges and rapids running along the Danube River.

This place is also a great destination for solo travellers in Serbia’s places to visit. It has several archaeological sites including the Lepenski Vir archaeological site, one of Europe's oldest human settlements.

Here are some must-visit places in Đerdap National Park -

• Iron Gates Gorge: As mentioned earlier, the Iron Gates Gorge is a stunning series of gorges and rapids running along the Danube River, forming the border between Romania and Serbia. Among the most popular attractions here is the rock sculpture of Decebalus, a Dacian king who fought against the Roman Empire. It is one of the largest rock sculptures in Europe and measures a height of 55 metres.
• Golubac Fortress: This fortress is situated on a hill overlooking the Danube River and was built to protect the region from invasions from the east. The fortress consists of a series of exquisite towers and walls built on a rocky outcrop. You can explore the fortress and its impressive architecture, including the tower of the Despot, the gate tower, and the dungeon tower.
• Lepenski Vir Archaeological Site: This archaeological site is mainly known for its unique and intricate stone sculptures depicting human faces and animals. These sculptures, dating back to the Mesolithic era, are considered among the oldest examples of representational art in Europe.

2. Fruška Gora

Fruška Gora, our next entry in the top 10 places to visit in Serbia, is a mountain range in northern Serbia. As a tourist, you can enjoy many activities in one place here such as hiking and biking on its many trails, visiting the historic monasteries dating back to the 15th century, exploring various vineyards and wineries in the region, and more.

• Krušedol Monastery: Among Serbia’s most important monasteries, it is dedicated to the nativity of the Virgin Mary and has exquisite frescoes and iconography. You can also find several vineyards nearby and enjoy a leisurely wine-tasting experience!
• Sremski Karlovci: This historic town is known for its beautiful baroque architecture, museums, and wineries. Serving as the capital of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the 18th and 19th centuries, it is also the site where the famous Peace Treaty of Karlowitz was signed in 1699.
• National Park Fruška Gora: This park is a protected natural area just 80 kilometres from Belgrade, making it an easily accessible tourist place. As the oldest national park in the country, it is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna due to its location at the intersection of several different ecosystems.
• Monastery Hopovo: It was built on the site of an older church and is dedicated to Saint Nicholas. The monastery uniquely blends architectural styles, namely Byzantine, Gothic, and Baroque. It has a distinctive three-nave layout, with a large central dome and two smaller side domes, the unique architecture of which makes it one of the best places to visit in Serbia.

3. Tara Mountains

Next on the list of the best places to visit in Serbia is Tara Mountains, a fascinating mountain range in western Serbia popular for its pristine forests and crystal-clear rivers. The region's traditional cuisine, including stuffed cabbage rolls, grilled meat, and trout, is also a highlight for many tourists. The area is also home to several cultural and historic sites, such as the Tara National Park, the Banjska Stena viewpoint, and the nearby Bajina Bašta.

• Drina River Canyon: Located on the border between Serbia, Bosnia, and Herzegovina, it is home to rare bird species like the golden eagle and peregrine falcon. The most notable feature of the canyon is the Djurdjevica Tara Bridge, an incredible concrete arch bridge that spans the river and offers breathtaking canyon views.
• Tara National Park: This park covers an area of over 19,000 hectares and is home to numerous species of plants and animals like the Balkan Lynx, bald eagle, and more. The park also has several cultural and historical landmarks nearby, including the Raca Monastery and the Bajina Basta Hydroelectric Power Plant (an important example of modernist architecture).
• Rača River: This river has some of the tallest waterfalls in Serbia. You can hike along a scenic trail that leads to the base of the falls, where you can savour its beauty and the mist that rises from the water. The river canyon is also home to Jarevac Lake and Raca Monastery. With its combo of stunning waters and falls, it is considered one of the underrated yet best places to visit in Serbia.
• Banjska Stena Viewpoint: It is 10 kilometres from Mitrovac village and offers panoramic views of the Tara River Canyon. This point derives its name from Banjsko vrelo, an incredible spring below this viewpoint.

4. Kragujevac

Kragujevac is a city in central Serbia, located about 140 km southeast of the capital city of Belgrade. It is the fourth largest city in Serbia and serves as the administrative centre of the Šumadija District. Situated on the banks of river Lepenica, it has a rich history dating back to the 15th century, when it was an important industrial and cultural centre during the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

• Gruža Lake: Gruža Lake is an artificial lake near Kragujevac, Serbia. It was formed in the 1980s as a reservoir for the surrounding villages. Surrounded by hills and forests, it provides a truly picturesque backdrop for visitors. Some popular tourist attractions nearby include the mediaeval fortress Borač and more.
• Prince's Arsenal: This historic building was built in the early 19th century as a weapon-manufacturing facility for the Serbian army during the reign of Prince Miloš Obrenović. The building features a unique blend of Serbian and Western architectural styles, with a striking white facade, ornate balconies, and intricate stonework.
• Sumarice Memorial Park: It is a site of historical significance. The memorial park commemorates the tragic events in Kragujevac during World War II when the Nazi occupation forces executed more than 3,000 Serbian civilians. The memorial park was designed by architect Bogdan Bogdanović and features 15 statues between two sites.
• Princely Serbian Theatre: Founded in 1835, it is among the oldest theatres in Serbia. You can book a visit to watch the theatrical performances. Make sure to check out the International Theatre Festival conducted annually in October.

5. Kopaonik Mountains

Kopaonik Mountains, the largest mountain range in Serbia, is home to various traditional villages and towns, including Brzeće, which serves as a gateway to the Kopaonik National Park. Kopaonik is a popular destination for skiing, with around 60 kilometres of ski slopes that make it one of Serbia’s best places to visit for winter sports enthusiasts.

• Kopaonik National Park: This park is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts, with several species of plants and animals found here. You should also check out the park's highest peak - Pancic Peak - where you can feel the refreshing air with a hint of the fragrance of the surrounding flora.
• Kopaonik Ski Resort: Kopaonik Mountains are home to several ski resorts including the Kopaonik Ski Resort, the largest one in Serbia. It is easily accessible from the nearby towns of Brzeće and Raška and offers a range of accommodation options for visitors.
• Kraljevi Čardaci Spa: This spa is located in the heart of the Kopaonik Mountains and offers a range of wellness and beauty treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps. With this spa featuring numerous indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and steam rooms, it is a great place for relaxation and rejuvenation after your treks!
• Pancic's Peak: This is the highest peak in the Kopaonik Mountains, named after the famous Serbian botanist Josif Pancic who first studied the flora of Kopaonik. The peak is accessible via a chairlift from the Kopaonik Ski Resort, which takes visitors to the summit in just a few minutes.

At the summit of this peak, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The peak is also home to a meteorological station and a small restaurant.

6. Novi Sad

Located in the northern part of Serbia, Novi Sad is the second-largest city in the country. It is situated on the banks of the Danube River and is considered one of the most beautiful places to visit in Serbia. If you are into art, you should certainly visit this place and explore the historic Petrovaradin Fortress, the neo-Gothic Catholic Cathedral of the Name of Mary, and the Art Nouveau-style Synagogue.

• Petrovaradin Fortress: Located on the bank of the Danube River, one of its most distinctive features is its clock tower, which has become a symbol of Novi Sad. You can climb to the top of the clock tower for panoramic views of the city and the Danube River.
• The City Center: Among the most popular landmarks in the City Center is the main square, known as Trg Slobode (Freedom Square). It is a great place to start your exploration of various historic buildings nearby like the City Hall, the Catholic Cathedral, and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral.
• Danube Park: Created in the late 19th century as a public garden and promenade, it has a pretty pond as well as an islet in the middle. You can spot birds and trees of different species (hazelnut, chestnut, birch, and more), in the park, and check out recreational facilities such as a children's playground, tennis courts, and a small amphitheatre that hosts cultural events.
• Museum of Vojvodina: This is a prominent museum in the Vojvodina region, with a humongous collection of around 400 thousand artefacts! You can take time to visit this place and discover the country’s past - right from the Palaeolithic era to the Middle Ages and modern history.

7. Zlatibor

Next on the list of the top 10 places to visit in Serbia is Zlatibor, located in southwestern Serbia in the Dinaric Alps Mountain range. It is also known for its traditional cuisine, which includes dishes made from locally sourced ingredients such as lamb, trout, and wild mushrooms. This is also among the best places to visit in Serbia in winter, as it becomes a hotspot for skiing and snowboarding.

• Stopica Cave: Located near the Rožanstvo village, this cave has impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes that are a must-visit for nature lovers. It is a 1,600 m long cave and has an incredible waterfall called the ‘Source of Life’.
• Sirogojno: This is a picturesque village in the heart of Zlatibor, known for its traditional architecture and an open-air museum. You can find multiple buildings decorated with intricate carvings and painted motifs, reflecting the region's rich folk art tradition. The most famous attraction here is the ‘Old Village’, which is an open-air museum of old crafts and features exhibits of traditional crafts such as weaving, pottery, and blacksmithing. 
• Gostilje Waterfall: This waterfall is present in the Gostilje River Canyon, a picturesque area surrounded by dense forests and rugged cliffs. You can visit the nearby town of Užice and explore the town landmarks, including the Old Town district and the Užice Tower, a mediaeval fortress that dates back to the 14th century.
• Dino Park: If you are travelling with kids, don’t forget to visit this amusement centre! The park features animated dinosaurs that move and produce sound effects in a forest setting. It is the only dinosaur-themed park in the region and is suitable for children of every age.

8. Niš

Niš is another one among the best places to visit in Serbia. Located in southern Serbia, it includes stunning natural attractions such as the Suva Planina Mountain range and the Sićevo Gorge, a scenic canyon known for its hiking and rock climbing opportunities.

• Niš Fortress: This historic fortress is in the city's heart, dating back to the 18th century. It was built by the Ottoman empire on the site of a former Roman military camp. The fortress comprises several sections, including the Main Gate, the Bali-Beg Mosque, the Clock Tower, and the Hammam.
• Mediana Archaeological Site: Situated near the Nišava River, it served as the imperial residence of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. The complex includes a villa with several buildings, a large courtyard, baths, and water features.
• Skull Tower: This is a unique and macabre monument in the city centre, built in the early 19th century by the Ottomans using the skulls of Serbian rebels. Today, the Skull Tower is a powerful symbol of Serbian resistance and perseverance. It is located near the Niš Fortress and the Mediana Archaeological Site.
• Niš City Museum: Established in 1933, this museum is located in the city centre and showcases the history and culture of Niš. It features various exhibitions of art, archaeology, ethnography, and more. You can find around 40,000 artefacts here such as coins, epigraphs, medals, and more.

9. Belgrade

Belgrade, the capital of the country, is also among the top Serbian places to visit. Situated at the junction of the Sava and Danube rivers, it has a rich history and culture, with influences from the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires. Owing to its cultural and aesthetic significance, it is one of the most important places to visit in Serbia.

• Belgrade Fortress: This historic fortress is in the city's heart, dating back to the 3rd century. Its significance only increases when you consider the fact that it has been destroyed and rebuilt over 40 times throughout its history. The fortress also houses the Belgrade Zoo, one of Southeast Europe's oldest and largest zoos.
• Kalemegdan Park: The notable attractions inside and surrounding the park include the Monument of Gratitude to France, the Pobednik Monument (Victor Monument), and the Great War Island. You can enter the park for free and check out the fabulous views of the Danube and Sava rivers and the city skyline as well. 
• Saint Sava Temple: Saint Sava Temple is a Serbian Orthodox church located in the capital city of Belgrade. One of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, it is dedicated to Saint Sava, the first archbishop of the independent Serbian Orthodox Church. The church's interior is decorated with mosaics and frescoes and contains several important relics, reportedly including one of the Saint's fingers as well.
• Skadarlija: This is a pedestrian street located in the Bohemian district of Belgrade. Its traditional restaurants, cafes, and live music give it a lively artistic atmosphere, which has led to comparisons with Montmartre in Paris. Some of the most famous restaurants in Skadarlija include Dva Jelena, Tri Sesira, and Ima Dana.

10. Subotica

Making it to the list of the top  10 places to visit in Serbia is Subotica, located in northern Serbia. Primarily known for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and cultural diversity, it is also famous for its pastel aesthetics.

When exploring Subotica, you can find ample thermal baths and spa resorts. You will also find a multicultural heritage here, with a large Hungarian population along with a significant Serbian, Roma, and Croatian presence.

• City Hall: The City Hall of Subotica is one of the most impressive buildings in the city, located in the main square of the city. The building's façade features a large clock tower and sculptures of angels and other mythological figures. The interior of the City Hall is equally impressive, with its grand staircase, ornate chandeliers, and stained-glass windows.
• Subotica Synagogue: Also known as the Great Synagogue, it is divided into three main parts: the synagogue itself, the dome, and the clock tower. You should also closely examine its interior, which features ornate decorations and intricate stained glass windows that allow natural light to enter the space.
• Cathedral of St. Theresa: Also referred to as the Subotica Cathedral, it is a Roman Catholic church designed in the Baroque style by the architect Franz Kaufmann. Besides a bell tower that is 67 metres high and contains three bells, this cathedral also has a remarkable interior decorated with frescoes, sculptures, and paintings.

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To recap, Serbia is one of the best places to visit in Europe. Whether you are looking for monuments of rich history, incredible natural sites, or religious sites, you can find ample places to visit in Serbia for your taste. With our list of the top 10 places to visit in Serbia, you can easily plan your trip without getting confused!

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