Things to do in Serbia

What to see and do in Serbia: a shorter list of 25 experiences, not yet checked against sources.

25 things to do in Serbia

History

Explore the ramparts of Belgrade Fortress (Kalemegdan)

Belgrade

Wander the ancient walls and lush park of Belgrade's historic citadel, offering panoramic views over the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers.

Culture

Stroll through the cobbled streets of Skadarlija, the Bohemian Quarter

Belgrade

Lose yourself in this 19th-century artists' haven, lined with kafanas, cobblestones, and live tamburitza music that echoes a bygone era.

Culture

Marvel at the vast interior of the Temple of Saint Sava

Belgrade

Stand beneath the monumental dome of one of the world's largest Orthodox churches, with its shimmering mosaics and serene marble floors.

Nightlife

Party on a floating river club (splav) on the Sava River

New Belgrade

Dance until dawn on a permanently moored barge turned nightclub, a quintessential Belgrade nightlife experience fueled by DJs and the river breeze.

History

Admire Petrovaradin Fortress and its reversed clock tower

Novi Sad

Cross the Danube to the 'Gibraltar of the Danube', where the clock tower's large minute hand confuses ships and the ramparts host Europe's leading music festival.

Hidden gem

Wander the Art Nouveau streets of Subotica

Subotica

Discover a hidden trove of Hungarian Secession architecture, from the ornamental City Hall to pastel-hued synagogues, near the Hungarian border.

Nature

Hike through the surreal stone spires of Đavolja Varoš (Devil's Town)

Kuršumlija

Trek among 202 eerie earthen pyramids topped with stone caps in a stark southern landscape, considered one of the world's most unusual rock formations.

Adventure

Raft the emerald Drina River past the iconic Drina River House

Bajina Bašta

Paddle through the deep canyon of the Drina, passing by the famous wooden house perched on a rock in mid-stream, for an exhilarating day trip.

Hidden gem

Photograph the lonely Drina River House from the riverbank

Bajina Bašta

Capture the fairy-tale image of a tiny wooden house balancing on a rock in the middle of the emerald Drina, a symbol of resilience that became a worldwide sensation.

Nature

Descend into the glittering caverns of Resava Cave

Despotovac

Follow a guided path through one of Serbia's largest cave systems, admiring stalactites, flowstone formations, and the 'hall of the lions' in cool underground chambers.

Adventure

Ride the historic Šargan Eight narrow-gauge railway

Mokra Gora

Chug through the scenic Mokra Gora mountains on a vintage train that loops in a figure-eight to conquer steep gradients, passing 22 tunnels and 5 bridges.

Culture

Step into the filmic ethno-village of Drvengrad (Küstendorf)

Mokra Gora

Roam a hand-built wooden village created by director Emir Kusturica, with a cinema, Orthodox church, and streets named after personal heroes and icons.

Nature

Cruise through the towering Iron Gates Gorge (Đerdap)

Đerdap National Park

Drift through the dramatic Danube canyon where the river cuts through the Carpathians, passing the ancient rock-carved Decebalus head and forested cliffs.

Hidden gem

Uncover prehistoric Europe at Lepenski Vir

Donji Milanovac

Stand among the meticulously preserved Mesolithic settlement and its enigmatic fish-like stone sculptures at this archaeo-park on the Danube's banks.

Nightlife

Dance at the EXIT Festival inside Petrovaradin Fortress

Novi Sad

Join thousands in the moats and tunnels of this 18th-century fortress for one of Europe's most atmospheric music festivals, blending history with cutting-edge beats.

Food

Dine on authentic Serbian classics at the oldest kafana 'Znak pitanja' (Question Mark)

Belgrade

Savour grilled meats, sarma, and rakija under the low wooden beams of this 1823 tavern, steeped in the chatter of artists and revolutionaries.

Food

Devour a giant pljeskavica at a late-night street grill in the city centre

Belgrade

Order a Leskovac-style spiced burger patty loaded with kajmak from a bustling kiosk near Republic Square, the ultimate Balkan fast‑food indulgence.

Nature

Hike to the secluded Gostilje Waterfall in the Zlatibor highlands

Zlatibor

Follow a forest trail to a 20-metre cascade that plunges over limestone cliffs into a cool pool, a hidden reward on the slopes of the Dinaric Alps.

History

Contemplate the medieval frescoes of Studenica Monastery

near Kraljevo

Visit the white-marble UNESCO-listed 12th-century royal mausoleum, where luminous Byzantine frescoes and a serene setting reflect the birth of Serbian statehood.

History

Stand at the gates of Golubac Fortress where the Danube narrows

Golubac

Explore nine towering bastions of this 14th-century stronghold perched at the edge of the Iron Gates, its battlements offering sweeping river vistas.

Hidden gem

Soak in the healing mineral springs of Vrnjačka Banja

Vrnjačka Banja

Relax in Serbia's most celebrated spa town, sipping water from the hot spring fountains and strolling the romantic bridges and manicured parks.

History

Confront the chilling Skull Tower (Ćele kula) in Niš

Niš

Peer at the 19th-century tower embedded with 952 human skulls, a haunting monument built by Ottoman troops that now stands as a symbol of Serbian resistance.

City

Window-shop and people-watch along Knez Mihailova Street

Belgrade

Walk Belgrade's bustling pedestrian spine, lined with historic facades, cafe terraces, and street musicians, linking Kalemegdan Park with Republic Square.

City

Watch sunset from the Pobednik (Victor) monument at Belgrade Fortress

Belgrade

End the day beside the triumphant bronze warrior atop his column, as the sky turns gold and the rivers below reflect the glow over the city.

History

Examine the war-scarred frescoes of Manasija Monastery

Despotovac

Walk the formidable towers and crenellated walls of this 15th-century 'fortress of the soul', where vivid frescoes tell stories of warrior despots.

Nearby destinations

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