Off-The-Beaten-Path in Europe: 5 Days Traveling Across Serbia

Getting To Serbia

What’s better than a country in a prime location? Serbia, nestled in the heart of the Balkans and the Pannonian Plain, is a landlocked gem that has earned its reputation as the crossroads of Europe. The country shares borders with Hungary to the north, Romania and Bulgaria to the east, North Macedonia and Kosovo to the south, and Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro to the west, making it a true central hub in the continent. 

Many of the direct train services have been paused since the pandemic; however, most travelers visiting the country will fly into Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, as it has various incoming flights from around Europe and daily Air Serbia flights. When I flew from Boston I had a short layover in NYC, but the flight was pretty seamless.

Where To Stay In Serbia

What stands out most about Serbia is the welcoming nature of the locals and the level of hospitality you’ll find across various businesses. Simply put, they’re extremely open to tourists and sharing their love for their country. One of the best options for first-timers looking for a central location is the Boutique Hotel Museum. 

Located just steps from the main square, the hotel is close to various restaurants, bars, shops, and notable sites. In the lobby, Bar Artem is ideal for an evening nightcap, while Restaurant Pavo serves a vast breakfast buffet each morning for guests. The hotel has everything you’ll need in a cozy environment in the heart of Belgrade. There’s also an on-site fitness center and a select few spa services. 

Exploring Belgrade & Its Neighborhoods

Traveling around Belgrade is an adventure, where the old and the new blend seamlessly. From the historic Kalemegdan Fortress, offering panoramic views of the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, to the bustling Knez Mihailova Street, the city’s main pedestrian zone, there’s always something to explore. You can wander through charming bohemian neighborhoods like Skadarlija, sample local delicacies, or enjoy the vibrant café culture. The city’s lively nightlife, diverse architecture, and rich history make it an unforgettable destination for any traveler.

Where To Eat In Belgrade

Like many cultures around the world, meals in Serbia bring families and loved ones together. Family-style is the norm, and dining in Belgrade is an experience in and of itself. Overflowing platters of food, samples of Rakja, and a taste of a little of everything. Some favorites include: 

• Restaurant Manufaktura - A cozy spot in the heart of Belgrade with traditional foods
• Dva Jelena - Classic representation of a Serbian ‘Kafana’ with live music
• Dokolica Bistro - Relaxed breakfast/lunch restaurant in a local area
• Kapetanija Restaurant - Upscale dining along the waterfront 
• Lorenzo & Kakalamba - A spin on Italian dishes in an extremely quirky atmosphere
• Hyde Park - Beautifully decorated interiors with a relaxing outdoor dining area
• Restaurant Kolubara - Traditional wooden interiors, music, and Serbian foods
• Restaurant Ambar - Waterfront dining and delicious tapas dishes

What To Do Around Belgrade

Explore Belgrade like a local on a walking tour of the city center! You’ll get to see iconic spots like the Belgrade Fortress and the impressive St. Sava Temple. Dive into the past at the Nikola Tesla Museum and the Museum of Yugoslav History, including Tito’s Flower Museum. Take a relaxing break by Ada Lake, then wander through the charming Zemun neighborhood. To wrap it all up, enjoy a rakija tasting at the Belgrade Distillery and get a true taste of Serbian culture.

A Day In Vojvodina Province

Just over an hour outside Belgrade sits the autonomous province of Vojvodina in Northern Serbia. Known for its flat landscapes, fertile plains, and cultural diversity, the region is home to numerous charming towns and Serbia’s second largest city.

On route to the capital of Novi Sad, you’ll want to stop at the beautiful grounds of the Krusedol Monastery. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the bright red exteriors of the entrance. Continue driving for around 15 minutes or so, and you’ll find yourself in the quaint town of Sremski Karlovci. 

A charming town nestled along the banks of the Danube, Sremski Karlovci showcases the rich culture and history of Serbia – with an extremely underrated wine community (and more than 20 wineries in the region. Be sure to stop by the Zivanovic Wine & Honey Museum where you can do tastings of both! 

End your adventures in Vojvodina with a stroll through the colorful city of Novi Sad. It’s easy to spend a day here browsing the shops, exploring Petrovaradin Fortress, or people watching in Freedom Square. Want to be surrounded by locals and hanging furniture (yes, you read that right)? Head over to Restaurant Plava Frajla for a traditional feast. 

A Day In Vrsac

Continuing on with the trend of charming towns and cities, Vršac is a historic town near the Romanian border. The town is renowned for its medieval Vršac Castle, nearby vineyards, and the Vršac Mountains- which offer many scenic trails for hikers. If you want to learn about the history of this region, then the City Museum is the best place to begin, followed by a visit to the Farmacy on the Stairs (literally), which dates back to 1784.

There’s no point visiting a region known for its wine, without sampling some! Helvecia 1880 Wine Cellar offers traditional dishes and wine on a wide stretch of land with impeccable views. To experience true Serbian hospitality, visit the Vinarija Rnjak Winery, run by Ljilijana and Miroslav Rnjak. I promise you’ll leave with a full belly, new appreciation for wine, and new friends that won’t want you to leave!

Day On The Danube

With a deep rooted history that spans decades, it’s no wonder Serbia is scattered with so many museums, archaeological sites, and intriguing stories. Over an hour from Belgrade along the Danube, you’ll find various historical areas. 

Archeology buffs rejoice! Your first stop along the Danube should be at Viminacium. A significant Roman site, once a thriving military and civilian settlement from the 1st to 4th centuries CE, Viminacium is now a vast necropolis, containing over 14,000 graves, many with intricate grave goods, painted tombs, and mosaics, offering valuable insights into Roman burial customs (you’ll even see the remains of a wooly mammoth). 

Golubac Fortress is like something straight out of a fairytale, with dramatic views of Romania across the river. This medieval marvel dates back to the 14th century, and today you can explore its 10 towers, a grand keep, and a gate tower.

Lepenski Vir is the oldest urban settlement in Europe, dating back to around 10,000 BCE. This ancient site is a real treat for history lovers, offering a glimpse into the lives of some of Europe’s earliest inhabitants. The settlement is famous for its cool, trapezoid-shaped houses, intricate fish traps, and strange yet fascinating stone sculptures of humans and animals.

If you’re looking to explore a lesser-known part of Europe with a compelling story to tell, then Serbia is your place. You’ll be welcomed with open arms, invited to experience the culture, traditions, and way of life, and benefit from affordable prices!