The Best Cities to Visit in Serbia

With the end of the pandemic in sight traveling is once again an option that’s back on the table. However, between the many locations, you’ve been longing to visit ever since the lockdown started, making a choice might prove harder than you thought.

It’s about high time to plan your next trip and we’re here to help you out. We’ve prepared a list of five of the most interesting cities you can visit in Serbia — a great travel destination in the Western Balkans, that can offer you everything from a rich history, good food, interesting architecture, and affordable prices.

Belgrade

If you’ve never been to Serbia before, the capital city of Belgrade simply has to be at the top of your itinerary. Not only is it the biggest city in this European country, but it’s also full to the brim with amazing historical, cultural, and gastronomical locations.

Starting with the monuments, among which you can find the Kalemegdan fortress, the Temple of Saint Sava, the Tower of Avala, and many, many others, you also have a myriad of choices when it comes to food, drinks, and shopping. Visiting the main Knez Mihailova Street and Zemun’s pier, together with Skadarlija, Belgrade’s bohemian quarter, is a wonderful way to spend your day and immerse yourself in the Serbian mentality. On the other hand, the National Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, as well as the Nikola Tesla Museum, and the Museum of Illusions are only four of the dozen options when it comes to sightseeing.

Novi Sad

In 2022 Novi Sad has been picked as the Cultural Capital of Europe. With a lot of exhibitions, activities, and programs following this manifestation, visiting this city in the region of Vojvodina can make for a delightful trip.

Green, peaceful, and a lot slower moving than a majority of bigger cities, Novi Sad offers lots of things to do. You could spend your afternoon at the Svetozar Miletić Square or roam around Dunavska street. Nearby is also Dunavski park, a quaint and beautiful spot at the heart of the city, surrounded by cafes and restaurants on its edges. The Petrovaradin Fortress, home to the annual EXIT Music Festival is a must-visit, with the river bank being an amazing place for a long stroll.

Subotica

Close to the Hungarian border, Subotica is quite a unique and interesting spot in this Western Balkan country. With a lot of Austrian influences from the 19th century, the feeling of the city is much different compared to other towns and places in Serbia.

In Subotica, you can do a lot of exploring. From the colorful Blue Fountain and City Hall, all the way to the Synagogue and the Cathedral of Saint Teresa of Avila, history mixes with art and architecture in the most interesting way. A bit more than half an hour away is the beautiful lake Palić and the famous Zvonko Bogdan Winery, which are both must-sees of the most northern city in Serbia.

Smederevo

If you’re a fan of medieval history Smederevo is the place for you. Not only is this one of the oldest cities in Serbia, with its roots going all the way back to the 14th century, but it’s also home to one of the biggest fortresses in Europe and some of the best wines you’ll ever get to try.

Smederevo is a place surrounded by lore and legend and offers you a Game of Thrones like experience when it comes to sightseeing. However, there’s so much more to do than explore only historical sites. The city center is alive and thriving with a lot of cafes, restaurants, and shops in the town square and the main Kralja Petra Street. The Danube Pier can give you a wonderful view of the river, especially during sunset, and the Museum of Smederevo together with the Golden Hill Villa offer some more opportunities for learning about Serbia.

Niš

Located in the south of Serbia, Niš is another one of those hidden gems. Another place of great historical importance, Niš is a must-visit with its enormous fortress, the so-called Skull tower, and some World War II monuments that you can visit on a daily basis.

Aside from the Bubanj Memorial Park, which is a feat of architecture in and of itself, the city is set on the banks of the Nišava river with thriving restaurant life. If you find yourself in this part of Serbia, you need to try at least some kind of roštilj (different kinds of grilled and roasted meats), since the Southern region is wildly known for its local cuisine.

So, pack your bags and plan your next trip. The beautiful cities of Serbia are waiting to throw you off your feet.

Photo: Olesya Kuznetsova/Shutterstock

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