Serbia

Serbia Travel Guide: Things to Know Before You Go

We spent a month in Belgrade and a month in Novi Sad during the summer of our third year traveling full-time. Before you embark on your Serbian adventure, there are a few things you should know to make the most of your trip.

Significantly, Serbian architecture includes beautiful monasteries and fortresses that offer a glimpse into its past. Exploring Serbia’s monasteries and fortresses is like stepping back in time, each site revealing a piece of the country’s rich history. From the majestic Studenica Monastery to the imposing Petrovaradin Fortress, these architectural wonders are a must-visit for history buffs and culture enthusiasts alike.

Additionally, Serbian food is a delightful mix of flavors influenced by its Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian past. Be sure to try local specialties such as cevapi (grilled minced meat), sarma (cabbage rolls), and ajvar (red pepper relish).

Finally, Serbian wine is another hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The country’s wine regions produce excellent wines that are slowly gaining recognition on the international stage. Don’t miss the chance to sample some local wine varieties during your visit to Serbia.

visa is not required for U.S. passport holders for temporary tourist and business trips for up to 90 days (during a six-month period, starting from the day of the first entry). 

Belgrade

Belgrade is known for its vibrant nightlife and rich history. The capital city of Serbia offers a dynamic mix of old-world charm and modern attractions. Explore the historic Belgrade Fortress, stroll down the bustling Knez Mihailova Street, or unwind at one of the many chic cafes along the Sava River.

Belgrade, Serbia

Novi Sad

Novi Sad is a city in northern Serbia on the banks of the Danube River. It is the second-largest city in Serbia after Belgrade and the capital of the autonomous province of Vojvodina.

The old town, Stari Grad, is home to the Gothic Revival Name of Mary Church and the neo-Renaissance City Hall.

Petrovaradin Fortress is across the river on top of a bluff. It dates to the 17th and 18th centuries and has a network of tunnels.

Novi Sad, Serbia

Future Destinations

TBD

Serbian Food

Serbian cuisine is a traditional Balkan cuisine that reflects Serbia’s culinary methods and traditions. Its roots can be traced back to Serbian history, which includes centuries of cultural influence and contact with the Greeks, the Byzantine Empire, the Ottomans, and Serbia’s Balkan neighbors, especially during Yugoslavia.

Historically, Serbian food evolved from pastoral customs that involved sheep farming in mountainous regions, an environment more conducive to raising animals than farming vegetables. As a result, traditional Serbian food is richer in animal products and basic grains such as corn, wheat, and oats rather than fresh vegetable dishes.

During the Middle Ages, there was a shift from reliance on lamb or mutton to the production of cured meats, such as sausages, bacon, and ham products, which were made from keeping pigs for the annual cull.

Traditional Dishes

Traditional dishes in Serbia include:

  • sarma – a mix of ground pork or beef with rice rolled in leaves of cabbage
  • gibanica – an egg and cheese pie made with filo dough
  • pljeskavica – a ground beef or pork patty
  • ćevapi – grilled meat
  • paprikaš – a soup made of paprika
  • gulaš – soup of meat and vegetables usually seasoned with paprika and other spices
  • Karađorđeva šnicla – a schnitzel

 

Serbian Wine

Thanks to Serbia’s fertile soil and favorable climate, dozens of different grape varieties grow there, all of which are used to produce a diverse assortment of wines.

Serbia has a rich winemaking tradition that dates back to antiquity. While there have been ups and downs, winegrowing in Serbia is currently experiencing a renaissance. Old vineyards are being replanted, and new ones are emerging.

White Wine

The oldest native white grape variety from Serbia is Tamjanika, a Muscat variety that originated in Southern France but has been grown in Serbia for more than 500 years. Other indigenous white grapes include:

  • Smederevka
  • Krstač
  • Dinka

 

Red Wine

The oldest red grape from Serbia is Prokupac, which was known even in the early Middle Ages. Other indigenous red grapes include:

  • Vranac
  • Krajinska Tamjanika Crna (Muscadel of black roses)
  • Začinak

 

Serbian Architecture

Serbia’s architecture has a long, rich, and diverse history. Some of the major European styles, from Roman to Postmodern, are demonstrated, including renowned examples of Raška, Serbo-Byzantine with its revival, Morava, Baroque, Classical, and Modern architecture, with prime examples in Brutalism and Streamline Moderne.

Raška Style

The Raška style is characterized by single-nave basilica and single-drum dome structures. Typically, there is a narthex on the west side, and lower wards, such as transepts and parecclesions (or apse), on the south and north. The exterior designs of the church buildings were done in the Romanesque style.

Serbo-Byzantine Style

The Serbo-Byzantine Style is an ecclesiastical architectural style that thrived in the Serbian Late Middle Ages. It was created by blending contemporary Byzantine architecture with Serbian Raskan influences to establish a new style.

This style is characterized by the use of an inscribed cross form with one or five domes, often accompanied by a narthex on the west side. The exterior design of the church buildings follows a Byzantine style, using grey or yellowish stones and red bricks arranged to create decorative patterns on the façade.

Morava Style

The Morava style is characterized by churches built in the form of a cross with additional apses for singing on the south and north sides. This style is considered to be more authentically Serbian compared to the Raška and Serbo-Byzantine styles, which were influenced by Romanesque and Byzantine architecture.

Classical Style

Neoclassicism movement was concentrated in large city centers such as Belgrade, used for important institutions and religious buildings between the 18th and early 20th centuries. It would often be used as a basis design element for other historic revival styles at the time (most notable Neo-baroque), contributing to eclecticism.

Brutalism Style

During the late 1950s and early 1960s, Brutalism gained popularity in Yugoslavia, particularly in Serbia. This architectural style transformed building construction by altering the design, scale, and use of concrete elements. Yugoslav Brutalism in Serbia combined aspects of modernism, structuralism, metabolism, and constructivism.

FAQs About Serbia

What was Serbia formerly called?

Serbia was formerly part of Yugoslavia and was known as the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) from 1992 to 2003, and then as the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro from 2003 to 2006 before becoming an independent state simply known as Serbia.

Is Serbia good for tourists?

Serbia is a country with a rich architectural history, encompassing various styles such as Byzantine, Morava, Classical, and Brutalism. Each style reflects a different era and influences present in Serbian architecture.

When it comes to tourism, Serbia offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors. From lively cities like Belgrade with its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene to the serene landscapes of rural Serbia, there is something for everyone. The country’s historical sites, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality make it an appealing destination for tourists looking to explore off the beaten path.

Is it safe to travel to Serbia now?

Serbia’s growing popularity as a tourist destination has led to increased safety measures and infrastructure improvements, making it relatively safe for travelers. We spent two months in Serbia during the summer of 2024 and always felt completely safe.

Like any other country, it’s advisable to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings while traveling in Serbia. As with any travel destination, staying informed about local conditions and following basic safety precautions will enhance your experience in this diverse and culturally rich country.

Is Serbia a cheap country to visit?

Serbia is known for being a budget-friendly destination, offering affordable accommodation, dining, and transportation options compared to other European countries. Travelers can explore Serbia without breaking the bank, making it an attractive choice for those looking for a cost-effective travel experience.

How many days are enough for Serbia?

The ideal duration for a trip to Serbia depends on your interests and the places you want to explore. Generally, spending around 7-10 days allows you to visit major cities like Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Nis, as well as experience the countryside and historical sites comfortably. However, if you have specific interests or wish to delve deeper into certain aspects of Serbian culture, extending your stay to 2 weeks or more would be beneficial. Ultimately, tailor your itinerary based on what you hope to experience in this diverse and welcoming country.