Best tourist destinations in Serbia – Top 10 locations for a memorable experience

Serbia has a handful of interesting tourist destinations. On this occasion, we will get acquainted with the ones that tourism professionals consider an indispensable part of the local experience.

Belgrade is one of the most interesting cities in Southeastern Europe. It is full of historical and cultural sites as well as modern attractions. One of the most illustrious is the Kalemegdan Fortress, located on a hill above the Sava and Danube rivers. This imposing building offers a beautiful view of the city and its rivers. Another popular attraction is Skadarlia, a bohemian neighborhood known for its restaurants and live music. It is a favorite among tourists because of its romantic atmosphere.

The city center is defined by Knez Mihailova Street, which is also the main pedestrian zone, with numerous shops, cafes and restaurants. The street also leads to Republic Square, which is surrounded by historical buildings. Belgrade has many museums, galleries and cultural institutions such as the National Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art and MTS Hall, one of the most modern theater halls in the region. Overall, the city has a diverse tourist offer that will satisfy different tastes and interests.

Novi Sad, the second largest city in Serbia, has a rich cultural heritage that attracts tourists from all over the world. One of the most famous local attractions is the Petrovaradin Fortress, a colossal structure towering over Danube river. The fortress is known for its baroque architecture, but also for the EXIT festival which takes place here every summer. Another popular landmark of Novi Sad is the Danube Park, with numerous lakes, fountains and hiking trails.

The central square (Freedom Square) is surrounded by historical sites, cafes and restaurants. Tourists can also visit the Serbian National Theater, the oldest theater institution in Serbia. Novi Sad also has numerous galleries and museums, including the Museum of Voivodina and Gallery of Matica Srpska. As the provincial capital, Novi Sad is a city of truly rich culture, beautiful parks and classic sights that are worth visiting and exploring in more detail.

Kopaonik is one of the most visited mountain resorts in Serbia. It is known for its wonderful landscapes and professional ski resorts, which are certainly its biggest attraction. In addition to downhill skiing, you can try other winter activities, such as sledding, ice skating and snow scooters. When it comes to summer activities, guests can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding. Kopaonik National Park, known for its rich flora and fauna, is also worth a visit.

Many tourists are also attracted by the Jelovarnik waterfall, which is located near the tourist center of Brzece and is one of the highest waterfalls in Serbia (71m). Kopaonik offers several accommodation options, from hotels and apartments to mountain houses and cottages, so there is a range from cheap to luxury lodging. All things considered, Kopaonik is perfect for active holidays, regardless of the season.

Zlatibor is currently the most sought-after mountain destination in Serbia, known for its fresh air and numerous activities. This mountain massif is located in southwestern Serbia, near the town of Uzice. Suggested activities include skiing, snowboarding and hiking. The great attractions of Zlatibor are its thermal baths and spa centers. Visitors can also enjoy authentic restaurants and cafes, as well as shopping for handmade souvenirs.

You can also visit interesting museums, especially the Old Village Museum, which preserves numerous testimonies of how life used to be in this area. The Railway Museum will present the history of railway traffic in Serbia. Another great attraction is the Stopica cave, one of the largest in Serbia. Visitors can see beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, as well as underground lakes. In short, Zlatibor offers a wide range of activities for all ages and tastes.

Niš is one of the largest cities in Serbia, known for its rich history and culture. Its main sight is the Nish Fortress, built in the 18th century, in the very center of the city. Today, the building serves as a cultural center and venue for concerts and other events. Another important sight is the Cele Tower. It was built in the 15th century as part of a Turkish fort. In modern times, it was repurposed into a museum, preserving the history of the city and the Turkish occupation.

Visitors can also tour Mediana, an archaeological site from the Roman period. Mediana was a large estate with a luxurious villa and spa used by the Roman emperor Constantine the Great. Nish also offers a large selection of restaurants and cafes, as well as a beautiful central park, where visitors can enjoy walks through impressive alleys. Following personal preference, you can find a wealth of cultural content, but also natural sights and numerous opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment.

Golubac is a picturesque town on the Danube, in the region of eastern Serbia. It is famous for its impressive medieval fortress that rises above the river. The building dates back to the 14th century and has a very rich history. Inside the fortress there are permanent exhibitions showing the history of the city and its surroundings; visitors can also enjoy a beautiful view of the river. Golubac also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling.

Nearby attractions include the Djerdap National Park with outstanding natural beauty. Guests have the opportunity to taste traditional Serbian dishes and drinks in one of the numerous restaurants and cafes. The local fish stew is especially popular among tourists. The fortress or Golubac Grad, as it is also called, is one of the most important sights in the whole of Serbia, and a tourist destination that you should not miss.

Vrnjacka banja (spa), one of the most visited spas in Serbia, is located in the central part of the country, near the town of Kraljevo. It is known for its natural beauty, medical treatments and numerous recreational opportunities. Vrnjacki Park is a definitive landmark, covering over 600 hectares, along with a beautiful view of Western Morava River. The park has a wealth of mineral water springs, children’s playgrounds and hiking/cycling trails.

Visitors like to visit the medieval monastery Zica, which is located close to the spa. As many as seven Serbian kings were crowned in the monastery; today it serves as a museum and religious center. Apart from religious tourism, Vrnjacka Banja offers opportunities for swimming, horse riding, golf, tennis and fishing. The spa is famous for its medicinal treatments, which include massages, thermal baths, inhalations and mud therapies.

Djavolja Varos is an authentic natural phenomenon, located in the southwestern part of Serbia, not far from Kursumlija. The site consists of over 200 stone pillars up to 15 meters high. These were created by the erosion of the soft soil base and the harder stone layer that protected this area from rain and wind. Djavolja Varos also has beautiful surrounding nature. Nearby sights include the Radan Mountain and the Pusta River, which is great for rafting and fishing. Guests are welcomed with traditional Serbian dishes served in local restaurants.

Fruska Gora is a mountain massif in the north of Serbia, on the territory of Voivodina. Due to its extraordinary natural beauty and cultural heritage, it has exceptional touristic importance. There are over 35 monasteries, some of which are unique examples of Serbian religious architecture. The mountain also boasts beautiful nature, with numerous forests, meadows and lakes. It is therefore recommended for walking, hiking, cycling and other outdoor activities. Local vineyards and wine cellars can be equally alluring. Namely, the region produces some of the best wines in Serbia, such as Bermet, Riesling and Traminac.

Tara is an impressive mountain resort in the region of western Serbia, near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tara National Park covers over 19,000 hectares of beautiful nature. The park has some of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Serbia, especially Banjska Stena and Crnjeskovo. With over 50 kilometers of landscaped trails, Tara is great for hiking, walking and cycling. Another local attraction is Lake Perucac, suitable for swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking. There are numerous restaurants and cafes around the lake, where visitors can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.