Serbia is one of the defining states of the Balkans, so it’s no wonder that the country has many natural and cultural attractions.
It borders Hungary to the north, Romania and Bulgaria to the east, North Macedonia and Albania to the south, Montenegro to the southwest, and Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia to the west.
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Best places in Serbia
Belgrade
The capital of Serbia is the country’s political, cultural, and economic center.
The city of more than 1.6 million inhabitants is located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers and boasts over 7,000 years of history. The city’s name (Belgrade – „White City”) comes from the white stone walls of the medieval fortification.
The oldest part of the city is the Kalemegdan fortress and park at the confluence of the Danube and Sava. The Saint Sava Cathedral is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. It’s one of Belgrade’s most recognizable symbols, with its interior decorated with impressive mosaics. The most famous cultural institution is the Nikola Tesla Museum, which showcases the life and inventions of the famous inventor and scientist.
Tara National Park
One of Serbia’s most beautiful natural areas is located in the western part of the country, near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
One of the park’s most iconic sights is the deep Drina Canyon, one of Europe’s deepest and most beautiful river bends. The clear, emerald-green water of the river and the panorama from the Banjska Stena viewpoint offer a spectacular view.
The park has more than 200 km of marked hiking trails. You can also explore Lake Perućac and the Rača Monastery.
Novi Sad
Serbia’s second-largest city and the capital of the autonomous province of Vojvodina. It’s often called the „Serbian Athens” due to its artistic and educational significance.
Its most important attraction is the Petrovaradin Fortress rising on the right bank of the Danube. Built by the Austrians in the 18th century, the fortress played a strategic role throughout history. Today it offers beautiful views of the city and the river, and houses the Clock Tower, which became famous for its unusual reversed hands: the large hand shows the hours, and the small one shows the minutes.
The Museum of Vojvodina’s rich collection showcases the history of Vojvodina from archaeology through folk art to modern times.
Studenica Monastery
One of Serbia’s most important religious and historical sites is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The monastery was founded at the end of the 12th century by Stefan Nemanja I, the founder of the medieval Serbian state, who lived here as a monk at the end of his life. Studenica was the family monastery of the Nemanjić dynasty, and several kings, including Stefan Nemanja himself, are buried here.
Its central building is the Church of the Virgin Mary, built at the end of the 12th century. Its white marble facade and Byzantine-style domes represent the pinnacle of Serbian medieval architecture.
Iron Gate Gorge
One of the most spectacular and largest gorges of the Danube, located on the border of Serbia and Romania, where the Carpathians meet the Balkan Mountains.
The gorge is part of Đerdap National Park. It’s divided into four smaller sections: Golubac Gorge, Gospoda Gorge, Kazan Gorge, and Sip Gorge. The Kazan Gorge is the narrowest and most picturesque section, where the Danube winds between rock walls.
Golubac Fortress, a medieval fortress at the entrance to the gorge, is an iconic attraction of the Iron Gate. It’s beautifully restored and offers fantastic views of the river. Other notable attractions include Trajan’s Plaque and the Decebalus Rex rock sculpture.
Niš
Serbia’s third-largest city is located in the southeastern part of the country.
It was an important city of the Roman Empire. Emperor Constantine I, who made Christianity the state religion, was born here. During the Middle Ages, the city was an important fortress for the Byzantine Empire and later for the Serbian Kingdom.
Its main attraction is the Niš Fortress in the center. Built in the 18th century in Ottoman style, it was constructed on the remains of Roman and medieval fortifications. Today the fortress houses parks, museums, and cultural events.
One of its most haunting historical memorials is the Skull Tower (Cele-kula). After the battle of 1809, the Ottomans built a tower from the skulls of Serbian rebels to deter insurgents. The tower now serves as a museum.
Đavolja Varoš
„The Devil’s Town” is one of Serbia’s most unique natural wonders, famous for its incredible geological formations.
The area features 202 natural stone pillars that are 2-15 meters high with diameters ranging from 0.5-3 meters. These pillars support stone blocks of various sizes on their tops, creating a unique and impressive sight.
There are two special springs here with high mineral content. The Devil’s Water (Voda Đavolja) is highly acidic with extremely high mineral content. The Red Spring (Crveno Vrelo) gets its name from the iron in the water, which gives the spring and its surroundings a reddish color.
Šabac
This city on the Sava River near the Bosnian border is an important historical and cultural center.
It became a strategically important fortress in the 15th century. Under Ottoman rule, it became an important military and commercial center. In the early 19th century, during the Serbian uprisings, it played a key role in the independence struggles.
One of its most significant institutions is the Macva Museum. It presents the history of Šabac and the cultural heritage of the Macva region. The permanent exhibitions span from Roman times to the modern era.
Its famous event is the Šabac Fair. This annual fair is one of the largest and most famous in Serbia, attracting tens of thousands of visitors.
Vrnjačka Banja
One of Serbia’s most famous and popular resorts is located at the foot of the Kopaonik Mountains.
Its most famous attraction is the spa and thermal waters, known for their healing properties. The town has several thermal springs suitable for treating various ailments, including joint diseases, intestinal problems, and stress relief. The most famous springs include the Vrnjačka and Slatina springs.
Kopaonik National Park
Serbia’s largest national park is located in the heart of the Kopaonik Mountains.
Its highest peak is 2,017 meters high. The peak offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and provides excellent hiking opportunities. The peak is frequently visited by mountaineers and hikers.
In winter, it’s a true ski paradise, known as the country’s largest ski resort. The ski area features more than 50 km of cross-country ski trails and more than 25 km of ski slopes, offering opportunities for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Subotica
This settlement near the Hungarian border is one of the most interesting cities in the Balkans due to its diverse ethnic composition.
The Subotica City Hall is one of the city’s most famous architectural monuments, a masterpiece of Art Nouveau style. Built in the early 20th century with neo-Gothic elements, it features wonderful architectural details such as colorful mosaics and a spectacular tower. The Church of Saint Theresa is one of the city’s most beautiful religious buildings, also built in neo-Gothic style in the late 1800s.
Lake Palić near Subotica is a popular resort that attracts many tourists during the summer months. Parks, restaurants, and promenades around the lake provide pleasant relaxation.
Sremski Karlovci
One of Vojvodina’s most charming settlements is known for its baroque architecture and rich cultural heritage.
It got its name from the Karlovitz noble family. In the 18th century, Sremski Karlovci became one of the centers of the Serbian Orthodox Church. It houses the seat of the Serbian Orthodox Patriarchate and was the site of the famous Karlowitz Synod.
In 1699, the peace treaty ending the Ottoman-Turkish war was signed here, which was a significant historical event for Europe. The negotiations were held in a circular pavilion, which is a symbolic site.
Located at the foot of the Fruška Gora mountains, the city is one of Serbia’s most important wine regions. It’s famous for its wine cellars and wine festivals, especially the famous Bermet dessert wine, which is a special local specialty.