Curious about the best places to visit in Serbia? Serbia is a southeastern European country with its capital, Belgrade, being one of the largest and oldest cities in the region. Like North Macedonia and Albania, Serbia is often overlooked by travelers, which is truly undeserved.
Serbia might be small, but it boasts plenty of amazing places to visit. You’ll find stunning valleys, gorges, rivers, and mountains, along with beautiful cities featuring remarkable architecture.
Sounds lovely, right? Ready to explore? You’re in the right place. Here’s a list of some of the best spots to visit in Serbia to help you plan your trip.
Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia. While it may not be the most beautiful of Eastern European capitals due to the heavy damage from the 1999 bombing, it has a gritty charm and beauty in its corners if you know where to look. This rugged allure is why many adventurous tourists love Belgrade.
Even though it’s not on the usual backpacker trail, Belgrade is a must-visit. The city is steeped in history, offers great dining options, and has a vibrant nightlife. The people are incredibly hospitable and kind. Belgrade is also known as one of the best party destinations in Eastern Europe, with some wild clubs.
What can you do in Belgrade?
Visit Belgrade Fortress and the expansive Kalemegdan Park, which are the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Check out the Church of Saint Sava, the city’s standout landmark and the largest Orthodox church in Serbia. The main dome of this church was modeled after the Hagia Sophia. Stroll down Skadarlija, a charming vintage street in the old town. Visit the Nikola Tesla Museum and the Aeronautical Museum Belgrade. And don’t miss the Western City Gate of Belgrade—a unique, 36-story brutalist skyscraper with a revolving restaurant at the top. Other brutalist structures to see include the “Televizorka” in Block 28 and the striking apartment towers of Testera in the Konjarnik suburb.
Uvac is a significant natural reserve in Serbia known for its canyon-like valley surrounded by mountains. The Uvac river meanders through the valley, creating spectacular landscapes and scenic viewpoints. The reserve is also notable for its successful griffon vulture preservation project.
The Studenica Monastery is a 12th-century Serbian Orthodox monastery famous for its 13th and 14th-century Byzantine-style fresco paintings. As a well-preserved example of Serbian Orthodox Church architecture, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986 and is one of Serbia’s most sacred sites.
Novi Sad, the second-largest city in Serbia, is located on the banks of the Danube River. The city’s most notable landmark is Petrovaradin Fortress, which dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries. It features a clock tower and a network of tunnels. Across the river, the old quarter, Stari Grad, boasts beautiful architecture, monuments, museums, cafes, restaurants, and shops. Key buildings include the gothic Roman Catholic Church of the Name of Mary and the neo-Renaissance City Hall.
Đavolja Varoš, or Devil’s Town, in southern Serbia is known for its unique rock formations resembling towers or pyramids. These formations, shaped by volcanic activity millions of years ago, are 2 to 15 meters tall and 4 to 6 meters wide at the base. This peculiar landscape is a unique sight not to be missed.
Subotica is a charming multicultural city known for its art nouveau architecture. The most beautiful buildings are located along the pedestrian strip of Korzo or on the main square. Don’t miss the Subotica Synagogue, a stunning Hungarian Art Nouveau synagogue believed to be the second-largest in Europe. It was fully renovated and reopened in March 2018.
Djerdap National Park is Serbia’s largest national park, featuring the famous Iron Gate—a gorge on the Danube River forming the boundary between Serbia and Romania. Part of the park is a UNESCO global geopark, the first one in Serbia, which includes the Iron Gates Gorge as well as parts of the Miroč and Kučaj mountain massifs. Within the park, don’t miss Golubac Fortress, a 14th-century stronghold with a tumultuous history, having repelled over 120 conquering attacks over time.