Often neglected off tourist maps, Serbia in the West Balkans is a wonderful country, perfect of all kinds of traveler. It offers amazing nightlife, finger-licking food, hospitable people and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the whole Europe.
Having been fought over by Romans, Ottomans, Hapsburgs and various other people, Serbia of today is a true blend of cultures, nationalities and religions, and a place filled with amazing tourist destinations.
Here are just some of the best places to visit that will definitely put Serbia on the map.
Having been fought over by Romans, Ottomans, Hapsburgs and various other people, Serbia of today is a true blend of cultures, nationalities and religions, and a place filled with amazing tourist destinations.
Here are just some of the best places to visit that will definitely put Serbia on the map.
Guest Post by Ian Lewis
When visiting Serbia, start in the Capital, Belgrade
Beograd (Belgrade)
It’s always a smart idea to start from the country’s capital. In this case, welcome to Belgrade! Even though it wasn’t always as pretty and peaceful as it is today (over 115 wars were fought over this city, and it was burned 44 times), Belgrade is a wonderful city. It hosts numerous fun events from film and music festivals to beer fests and book fairs.
Kalemegdan Fortress is probably the highlight of the visit. This huge fortress envelops the city’s most beautiful parks and its museums and monuments. You also must stroll down Knez Mihailova Street, the most famous street of Belgrade full of shops, cafes, restaurants and other “it” spots.
It’s always a smart idea to start from the country’s capital. In this case, welcome to Belgrade! Even though it wasn’t always as pretty and peaceful as it is today (over 115 wars were fought over this city, and it was burned 44 times), Belgrade is a wonderful city. It hosts numerous fun events from film and music festivals to beer fests and book fairs.
Kalemegdan Fortress is probably the highlight of the visit. This huge fortress envelops the city’s most beautiful parks and its museums and monuments. You also must stroll down Knez Mihailova Street, the most famous street of Belgrade full of shops, cafes, restaurants and other “it” spots.
Novi Sad hosts the awesome Exit Music Festival every year
Novi Sad
Novi Sad is a relatively young city (at least to European standards). It lies on the river Danube and is Serbia’s second largest city. What most people love about Novi Sad is its laid-back vibe, with locals relaxing in cafés and parks and strolling the streets. Novi Sad is probably best known for its Exit music festival held at one of the most attractive festival venues in the world, Petrovaradin Fortress.
If you happen to visit Novi Sad in July, make sure to grab some tickets and get the chance to enjoy banging performance of some of the biggest music stars of today. When you’re tired of partying, check out the old town hall, enjoy ice cream and just soak up the relaxing atmosphere of the city.
Novi Sad is a relatively young city (at least to European standards). It lies on the river Danube and is Serbia’s second largest city. What most people love about Novi Sad is its laid-back vibe, with locals relaxing in cafés and parks and strolling the streets. Novi Sad is probably best known for its Exit music festival held at one of the most attractive festival venues in the world, Petrovaradin Fortress.
If you happen to visit Novi Sad in July, make sure to grab some tickets and get the chance to enjoy banging performance of some of the biggest music stars of today. When you’re tired of partying, check out the old town hall, enjoy ice cream and just soak up the relaxing atmosphere of the city.
Kopaonik boats the most beautiful rugged mountainous view in all of Serbia
Kopaonik
Kopaonik is the country’s highest mountain and probably its most beautiful national park. Rugged yet scenic, this mountain becomes home to thousands of skiers from all over the world once the first snows appear. Its many resorts provide snow lovers with 25 ski lifts that can handle over 32,000 skiers every hour! In the summer, Kopaonik is a perfect place for hiking with its many interesting rock formations, hot springs and waterfalls.
However, since the snows are very generous in winter and roads narrow and winding all year round, be careful when driving in Kopaonik. If you’re inexperienced, make sure to look up some tips for safe mountain driving and keep an eye on your speed. Kopaonik has stood on its place for thousands and thousands of years and it’s not going anywhere!
Kopaonik is the country’s highest mountain and probably its most beautiful national park. Rugged yet scenic, this mountain becomes home to thousands of skiers from all over the world once the first snows appear. Its many resorts provide snow lovers with 25 ski lifts that can handle over 32,000 skiers every hour! In the summer, Kopaonik is a perfect place for hiking with its many interesting rock formations, hot springs and waterfalls.
However, since the snows are very generous in winter and roads narrow and winding all year round, be careful when driving in Kopaonik. If you’re inexperienced, make sure to look up some tips for safe mountain driving and keep an eye on your speed. Kopaonik has stood on its place for thousands and thousands of years and it’s not going anywhere!
Derdap Gorge is better known by it's other name "The Iron Gate"
Đerdap
The Đerdap Gorge (it’s more of a river actually) is a place of magic. Even though it’s described as a ‘border designed by deity’, not even that description can do it justice! Water dominates this magnificent site, bordered by dramatic cliffs and filled with unforgettable sights. This is a place made for all adventurers, nature lovers and photographers seeking that one special shot. If you struggle with the name, refer to this gorge by its other name, the Iron Gate—we admit it’s much easier to pronounce.
The Đerdap Gorge (it’s more of a river actually) is a place of magic. Even though it’s described as a ‘border designed by deity’, not even that description can do it justice! Water dominates this magnificent site, bordered by dramatic cliffs and filled with unforgettable sights. This is a place made for all adventurers, nature lovers and photographers seeking that one special shot. If you struggle with the name, refer to this gorge by its other name, the Iron Gate—we admit it’s much easier to pronounce.
Did you know that Subotica in Serbia hosts Europe's largest flea market?
Subotica
Even though it’s only the country’s fifth largest city, Subotica really is one of the best places to visit on your Serbian adventure. This city with the highest Catholic population in the country is speckled with Art Nouveau buildings, gorgeous squares and wonderful parks. Make sure to check out the city hall and the synagogue, both from the early 1900s. If you want to relax, grab a cup of Turkish coffee on the main square and enjoy the leisurely people. Later, hit Buvljak, one of Europe’s largest flea markets with mind-blowing prices!
Even though it’s only the country’s fifth largest city, Subotica really is one of the best places to visit on your Serbian adventure. This city with the highest Catholic population in the country is speckled with Art Nouveau buildings, gorgeous squares and wonderful parks. Make sure to check out the city hall and the synagogue, both from the early 1900s. If you want to relax, grab a cup of Turkish coffee on the main square and enjoy the leisurely people. Later, hit Buvljak, one of Europe’s largest flea markets with mind-blowing prices!
The rising peaks of Devil's Town should not be missed when visiting Serbia
Devil’s Town
Thanks to erosion, Serbia has one of the most unique and majestic rock formations in the world, Devil’s Town. Local legend tells of an unlucky wedding party tricked by the devil, cursed to guard the area, and serve as a cautionary tale for every traveler. Sinisterly standing in southern Serbia, Devil’s Town is composed of more than 200 rock spikes that rise up over the landscape.
Whilst the ‘cursed wedding guests’ exist in folklore unmoved for hundreds of years, in geology, the rocky pillars are ever-changing; they collapse and leave room for new growths to form. The entire spectacle of Devil’s Town is truly unique and a sight to see, especially for nature, science and photography lovers.
Now that you know all about the wild nightlife of Belgrade, musical power of Novi Sad and breathtaking sights of Kopaonik and Đerdap, you can come to Serbia and actually experience all these magical things. Some of the wonders of Serbia can’t be described with words, so you’ll just have to check them out yourself. Save some money for traveling and have a quality Serbian adventure in the summer!
Thanks to erosion, Serbia has one of the most unique and majestic rock formations in the world, Devil’s Town. Local legend tells of an unlucky wedding party tricked by the devil, cursed to guard the area, and serve as a cautionary tale for every traveler. Sinisterly standing in southern Serbia, Devil’s Town is composed of more than 200 rock spikes that rise up over the landscape.
Whilst the ‘cursed wedding guests’ exist in folklore unmoved for hundreds of years, in geology, the rocky pillars are ever-changing; they collapse and leave room for new growths to form. The entire spectacle of Devil’s Town is truly unique and a sight to see, especially for nature, science and photography lovers.
Now that you know all about the wild nightlife of Belgrade, musical power of Novi Sad and breathtaking sights of Kopaonik and Đerdap, you can come to Serbia and actually experience all these magical things. Some of the wonders of Serbia can’t be described with words, so you’ll just have to check them out yourself. Save some money for traveling and have a quality Serbian adventure in the summer!
Author Bio: Ian Lewis is a father, writer, and a traveler. He’s passionate about many forms of strength training and spent years lifting all kinds of heavy objects.
His favorite quote - There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.
You can find him on Twitter.
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