Serbia Travel Guide — Everything You Need to Know About Vacationing and Traveling in the Country

Hi! My name is Tatiana, and I’m glad to see you here on my travel guide to Serbia, followMe2Serbia! The main goal of my Serbia guide is to provide detailed and up-to-date information for anyone who wants to plan an independent trip to Serbia or is simply planning a short 1- or 2-day trip. I’ve gathered everything you need to know about Serbia before your first trip in one place: from prices and attractions to tips on choosing resorts and understanding the local culture. I hope this site will be your trusted guide if you’re planning your first vacation in Serbia or preparing for an independent trip around the country.

Vacation in Serbia: Rakija, Pljeskavica, Festivals, Thermal Spas, and Holy Sites

First off, I want to dispel the misconception that there’s nothing to do in Serbia—that aside from Belgrade and Novi Sad, there’s nothing worth seeing. But that’s not true. Serbia is a country of festivals, delicious food, beautiful nature, and health resorts. It boasts stunning examples of Brutalist architecture and the legacy of Hungarian Art Nouveau. Serbia may not have Blue Flag beaches, but it does have a cozy atmosphere and the boundless hospitality of the Serbian people. I’ve put together a list of the main things Serbia is famous for.

2026 Trip to Serbia: What You Need to Know and How to Prepare

What do you need to know if you want to travel to Serbia on your own?

1. You don’t need a visa to visit Serbia. There is a huge list of nationalities who can travel to Serbia visa-free. List of documents required for entry and important rules →
2. Travel health insurance is not required for a trip to Serbia. However, there are exceptions. If you plan to engage in active recreation (ski resorts, hiking, kayaking, rafting, and via ferrata), you’ll need comprehensive travel insurance. You can purchase this on the TripInsurance website.
3. Serbia’s currency is the Serbian dinar. The approximate exchange rate is 1€ = 117 dinars. You can exchange dollars and euros for dinars at currency exchange offices throughout the country. A passport is not required. More details about money and how to pay in Serbia →
4. The official language is Serbian, but many Serbs speak English well.
5. People smoke indoors in Serbia. This shocks many tourists, but such is the culture of the Balkans. However, cafes and restaurants have recently begun to separate smoking and non-smoking areas or ban smoking altogether.
6. The electrical outlets in Serbia are standard Euro-style sockets. No additional adapters are needed.

Traveling to Serbia on Your Own: Tips on How to Start Preparing

Here’s a checklist on how to prepare for a trip to Serbia:

1. Check your documents. To enter Serbia, you only need a valid international passport. Your driver’s license must be a plastic one with your full name written in Latin letters.
2. Buy plane tickets. The easiest way to get to Serbia at 2026 is to fly. Serbia’s main airport is Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade, but there are two other international airports as well. A detailed article covering all the ins and outs of how and from where you can currently travel to Serbia. In it, I also explain which airport is best to fly into.
3. Book accommodations. Belgrade isn’t just a convenient starting point for traveling around the country—it’s also an interesting city. Both hotels and private apartments are popular on 2026 in Serbia. It’s safer to book accommodations on Booking.com—there are many options with no prepayment required and free cancellation without penalties. Here’s a link to a selection of hotels in Serbia’s capital.
4. Book a taxi from the airport to your hotel or apartment. To get to your hotel stress-free after your arrival, book a transfer in advance. In a separate article, I discuss all the ways to get from Belgrade Airport to your hotel, how much it costs, and how tourists are often scammed.
5. Book a car. The best way to see Serbia is by car. Most car rental agencies are located in Belgrade. You may have trouble finding rentals in smaller towns. Detailed instructions on how and where to book a car in Serbia →
6. Bring money. How much money to bring to Serbia—plan on at least 50 euros per person per day. This covers food and transportation. Set aside a separate budget for excursions and entertainment. I’ve covered the trip budget in more detail, including price examples, in my article “How Much Money Should You Bring for a Vacation in Serbia?”
7. Bring any medications and a doctor’s prescription if you’re on a specific treatment regimen. Keep in mind that only basic medications are sold over the counter in Serbia. Antibiotics, hormonal medications, and other serious drugs can only be purchased with a prescription.

Now let’s talk in more detail about the important things every tourist should know.

What currency should you bring to Serbia?

Serbia has its own national currency — the Serbian dinar. Shops, cafes, restaurants, and gas stations all accept dinars.

The approximate exchange rate is 1€ = 117 dinars.

Here’s a detailed article about money in Serbia, where I not only talk about the country’s currency but also share tips on how to pay cost-effectively without extra fees, where to exchange currency, and other useful information.

The most common currencies at exchange offices (menjacnica) are euros and dollars. This answers the question, “What currency should I bring to Serbia?” You don’t need a passport to exchange currency for dinars.

You can pay by card almost everywhere in Serbia, even on public transportation. If you have a multi-currency card, it’s convenient to use it. At some ATMs, you can even withdraw euros from a multi-currency card.

The UnionPay system is available, but not everywhere. Some ATMs support UnionPay, such as OTP banka (the green bank), Poštanska Štedionica (the blue bank), but you won’t be able to pay with a UnionPay card in stores or on public transportation.

How much does a vacation in Serbia cost at 2026?

It’s hard to say exactly how much money to bring to Serbia. It all depends on how long your trip will be—three days or a week—and how many people are traveling with you. I recommend budgeting a minimum of 50 euros per person per day. Don’t be alarmed by this amount. You won’t necessarily spend all 50 euros every day, but it’s better to bring a little extra than to run out of money.

In a separate article, I’ve provided a detailed breakdown of prices in Belgrade and other cities in Serbia at 2026. This will help you plan your travel budget more accurately. Here, I’ll just give a few examples.

Examples of prices in Serbia:

• Public transportation in Belgrade is free.
• A bed in a hostel starts at 16 € per night.
• A room for two in a budget hotel starts at 20 € per night.
• The average price for a room in a good hotel starts at 40 € per night.
• 95 octane gasoline—1.85 €/liter.

Food prices in Serbia, according to 2026, are roughly as follows:

• Fast food, such as palačinke (pancakes with various fillings), costs 3–6 €.
• An average cappuccino costs 2–3 €.
• Average breakfast bill per person: 5–7 €.
• Average bill for lunch per person: 10–12 €.
• In Belgrade’s tourist areas, prices can range from 12–20€ per dish.

Internet and Mobile Communications in Serbia

Serbia has several mobile carriers with excellent 4G coverage throughout the country. A 5G network was launched at the end of 2025. Wi-Fi and internet are available in virtually all hotels, except for secluded eco-cabins somewhere in the mountains—but those are extremely rare. And in Belgrade, there’s even Wi-Fi on public transportation!

Which SIM card should a tourist choose to stay connected and have internet access?

1. You can buy a SIM card from the Serbian carriers MTS or A1 right at the airport. They offer good travel plans with internet access. Another popular carrier is Yettel.
2. You can buy an eSIM from Unisim or Yesim with unlimited data worldwide. You’ll have internet access in any country without having to switch SIM cards. For example, if you’re flying with a layover in Turkey or Dubai, you’ll stay connected with a Yesim eSIM. If you’re planning a trip through several Balkan countries—such as Serbia, Bosnia, and Montenegro—this is a very convenient option. I use an eSIM like this for my own travels.

How to Get Around Serbia — Transportation and Logistics

You can use both public and private transportation to get around Serbia. The cheapest option is public transportation. The most convenient is private transportation. To rent a car in Serbia, you just need a plastic driver’s license and to be at least 23 years old. I’ve written several detailed articles on the best ways for tourists to get around Serbia.

1. Transportation in Serbia—a comprehensive article where I’ve compiled everything a tourist needs to know about trains, buses, car-sharing, and ride-sharing.
2. Top Tours in Serbia—an article with an overview of tours that will take you to the country’s main and most famous locations. For those who don’t want to deal with logistics and enjoy listening to guides’ stories.
3. A Guide to Renting a Car in Serbia—a detailed article for independent travelers who want to explore Serbia on their own. A list of 1–2-day itineraries for trips around Serbia will be published soon. For now, you can read guides to the country’s attractions and plan your own itinerary.

An Orthodox cross in the center of the ruined chapel at the summit of Shilyak

Where to go in Serbia on your first visit?

The hardest part is planning your first trip. What to see, how to get there, and how many days to spend in each place. To start, you should decide what you want from your trip: to improve your health, explore the country, party in clubs, or escape civilization in the mountains? All of this is Serbia, but it’s about completely different parts of the country.

• Belgrade—the country’s capital—offers the most packed itinerary in all of Serbia. Here you’ll find all the legendary clubs, the coolest parties, Michelin-starred restaurants, and international sporting events. Serbs say that Belgrade never sleeps, and I can confirm that.
• Novi Sad is a city for a quieter, more relaxed getaway. You can take a day trip here from Belgrade, or stay for 1–2 days and visit Subotica and Palic while you’re at it. But if you’re visiting Serbia for the first time and only for a week, I don’t see the point in choosing Novi Sad as your base. Novi Sad hosts the legendary Exit music festival.
• Bani are Serbian therapeutic resorts built around thermal mineral springs, designed for medical treatment or wellness vacations. If you have a medical condition that calls for it, head straight to the bani of your choice. I’ve described what each one specializes in in this article. Health is the most important thing.
• Vrnjacka Banja—if you simply want to combine business with pleasure and improve your health while on vacation, I can recommend Vrnjacka Banja with its famous health resorts and spa complexes. In addition, the resort is conveniently located for exploring Serbia. You can read more about this resort town in this article →
• Tara, Kopaonik, Stara Planina, Zlatar, Sokobanja—if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and be at one with nature. I deliberately don’t recommend Zlatibor, because it’s currently a crowded and noisy resort.

You can find more detailed information about all these places in this travel guide.

Meat mixture

Infected Mushrooms' Concert in Belgrade

There are sausages hanging in the upper left corner. The prushch is lying in the lower right corner of the photo.

Rakia is drunk from test-tube-like glasses or from little bottles like these, which also resemble test tubes

Which cities should you visit in Serbia?

Serbia is very diverse. The cities of Vojvodina (the northern part of the country) are very different from those in Central Serbia. And when it comes to Southern Serbia, Serbs often joke, “The further south, the sadder it gets.” Why is that? Vojvodina was part of Austria-Hungary. The region has preserved its old pre-war architecture and the aesthetic of Austrian and Hungarian urban planning. Central and Southern Serbia were under Ottoman rule for a long time, and during World War II, they were occupied by the Germans and Bulgarians. The influence of the Ottoman Empire is evident in both the architecture and the language. To see this contrast, I highly recommend visiting these cities:

• Subotica—the most beautiful city in Serbia. The gingerbread house designed by Hungarian architect Ferenc Reichle is the city’s symbol. Subotica Guide →
• Novi Sad is considered the cultural capital of Serbia. Be sure to stop by the fortress in Petrovaradin. I’ve written a separate article on what to see in Novi Sad →
• Belgrade is Serbia’s largest city and the country’s capital. I’ve written a separate travel guide to Belgrade, but I want to emphasize this point: Serbia’s capital is actually three cities in one. Be sure to visit Old Belgrade with its pre-war architecture, New Belgrade with its brutalist socialist architecture, and Zemun, which was a separate city for a long time.
• Topola is a small town in Šumadija, but it’s very important to Serbs. It’s home to the residence and family church of the Karađorđević dynasty. The first Karageorge (Karadjordje) led the first uprising against Turkish rule, which—through a series of victories and setbacks—led to Serbia’s liberation from the yoke of the Ottoman Empire.
• The city of Pirot is where two Serbian symbols are produced: Kačkaval cheese and Pirot čilim (rug). There’s also a unique pizzeria here that serves pizza topped with lamb. This local specialty has even gained recognition in Italy!

Cities of Serbia in photos:

The Millennium Tower, or Gardoš—Zemun’s Landmark

Knez Mihailova Street is Belgrade's main street

View of Novi Sad from the Petrovaradin Fortress

Of course, these are by no means all the cities worth visiting. For example, Zrenjanin and Čačak are definitely worth seeing. The former is called the “Serbian Amsterdam,” while the latter is considered the capital of pečenica (meat roasted on a spit) in Serbia.

When is the best time to visit Serbia for a vacation?

Small Serbia offers vacation options any time of year. You can answer the question “when to go to Serbia for a vacation” once you’ve decided on the purpose of your trip:

• Health and wellness vacations—any time of year; spa complexes and health resorts are open year-round.
• Skiing — in winter, preferably from late December through early March.
• Food and wine — year-round.
• Active vacation (cycling, running, hiking)—it’s best to visit national parks starting in mid-spring. International and local marathons are held year-round, even in winter, but there are more of them in spring and summer.
• Water-based recreation—summer and early fall.

Serbia in Winter

It’s worth visiting Serbia in winter if you want to relax at ski resorts or thermal springs. Serbia is home to Kopaonik, the best ski resort in the Balkans. Here is a list of all the ski resorts in Serbia.

• In January, Serbia celebrates Božić—Serbian Christmas—one of the country’s largest and most revered Orthodox holidays.
• Several food festivals are also held in winter, such as the festival of the famous Peglana kobasica (smooth sausage) in Pirot.
• In early February, Belgrade hosts the Winter Night Half Marathon—the coldest race in Serbia’s capital. I’ve enjoyed running it for several years in a row.

These are just a few examples of what you can do in Serbia in the winter. I’ve written more about this in my article “What to Do in Serbia in the Winter?”

Here are a few of my photos from winter trips around Serbia:

On Božić, Serbs gather in churchyards and light bonfires. The more sparks there are, the more luck and happiness they’ll have.

Božic is one of the most revered Orthodox holidays in Serbia

Kopaonik offers a variety of slopes—ranging from easy to challenging black runs

Serbia in Spring

The weather in Serbia is unstable during the first half of spring. Sandstorms with muddy rain come from Africa. This phenomenon is typical throughout southern Europe. Neighboring Montenegro suffers particularly badly from the muddy rain.

Serbia blooms in the spring. Fruit trees begin to bloom in late March, and it’s very beautiful—especially when the Japanese cherry and magnolia trees are in bloom. In Belgrade, magnolia trees bloom in the city center and in the older neighborhoods, while Japanese cherry trees bloom near the Church of St. Sava and in the Jevremovac Botanical Park.

Easter is traditionally celebrated in April—a major holiday for Serbs. The Belgrade International Marathon (Belgrade Marathon), which has been held since 1988, takes place in Belgrade in April! In 2024, 12,000 participants from all over the world registered for the marathon!

Late spring is the perfect time to hike through national parks, see waterfalls, and admire fields in bloom.

The magnolias bloom so beautifully in Belgrade in April

St. Sava Cathedral in Belgrade is the largest Orthodox cathedral in the Balkans

Spring is a great time to travel to Serbia

Serbia in the Summer

Serbia is different in the summer. I don’t like July and August in Belgrade—it’s very hot then. But it’s perfect in Kopaonik National Park or on Stara Planina. June is the best time to visit Serbia, especially if it’s your first time.

I took a picture with the trumpeters while they were buying soft drinks 🙂

I'm looking at the beautiful view of the Deliblatska Desert

You can explore Lake Medzuvrše by kayak, SUP board, or boat

There are many cultural and music festivals in the summer:

• At the end of June, there’s the Fruška Gora Wine Festival, the Belgrade Beer Fest, the Arsenal Fest music festival in Kragujevac, the carnival in Bela Crkva, and the Night Marathon in Novi Sad.
• In early July, the Exit Festival takes place in Novi Sad, and at the end of the month, the legendary Drina Regatta.
• In August, the most quintessentially Balkan festival, the Sabor of Trumpeters, takes place in Gucha.

This is just a small fraction of the events. More than a hundred events are held every month throughout Serbia.

Serbia in the Fall

In the fall, the weather in Serbia is stable, mild, dry, and sunny. It’s a great time for a vacation in the mountains and hiking in national parks. There are also many festivals in the fall, such as Dani Ludae in Kikinda. It’s a contest to see who has grown the biggest pumpkin. Here are a few photos from a fall trip around the country:

The "Reddest" Village in Serbia—Donja Lokošnica

In the fall, all the streets in Donja Lokosnica are decorated with paprika

Owls arrive in Kikinda to spend the winter in late fall

Things to Do in Serbia and Must-See Destinations

A vacation in Serbia absolutely must include culinary tourism, active recreation to stay in shape after indulging in Serbian portions, unbridled fun, and wellness treatments to recover from it all:D Serbia has national parks, wineries, and health resorts. Be sure to read the article “10 Things to Do in Serbia.”

We regularly add city guides for Serbia and put together helpful lists:

• Top 15 Places to Visit in Serbia
• How to Plan a Trip to Zlatibor to Get the Most Out of It, and 15 Must-See Places in Zlatibor
• What to See in Novi Sad, Serbia’s Most Beautiful City
• A Comprehensive Guide to Belgrade
• Road Trip Routes Through Serbia
• The 5 Best Tours in Serbia

How to Save Money in Serbia?

Serbia is a very affordable country to travel in, but here are a few tips on how to keep your travel budget down:

1. Instead of a hotel, stay at a B&B (bed and breakfast). Check out affordable B&Bs on Booking.com—the prices and reviews are inspiring.
2. Belgrade offers free city tours in English. Admission to churches is free. And one of the main attractions of Serbia’s capital—its Brutalist architecture and murals—is open 24/7 and free for everyone.
3. State museums are free on the last Saturday of the month.
4. Eat at “Kuvana Hrana” or “Domaca Hrana” cafeterias. They serve fresh, delicious ready-made meals that Serbs themselves eat. You can have a hearty lunch with meat for 5–7 euros.
5. If you enjoy shopping, use the Global Blue (tax-free) system to get a tax refund on your purchases when you leave Serbia.

👮‍♀️ Is Serbia safe?

Serbia is a safe and hospitable country. The people here are friendly and always try to help or offer advice.

The biggest danger in Serbia is gaining extra weight on vacation. That’s because the food is delicious, the portions are huge, and it’s simply impossible to walk past a bakery with its fragrant and tempting pastries!

Tourist Reviews of Serbia: Pros and Cons of a Vacation in the Country

Everyone has their own expectations for a vacation in Serbia, their own budget, and their own priorities. Some come with their families, some for medical treatment, and some to actively explore the country. But overall, people mention the same pros and cons.

In one of the reviews about Serbia, someone listed the Roma as a drawback. They said the Roma look unkempt and create a sense of danger. What can I say about this?

There are indeed many Roma living in Serbia, especially in Belgrade. They sell flowers at markets, work for the city’s public utilities, and play in bands at weddings and in kafanas. You can often find these lively and cheerful Romani bands on Knez Mihailova Street in central Belgrade.

But it would be unfair not to mention the Roma beggars, who usually walk alongside cars at major intersections holding signs that say “Help however you can” or try to wash a car’s windshield and then ask for money in return. Sometimes beggars come into street cafes and offer to sell you something—paper handkerchiefs, for example. This doesn’t happen often, but it does happen. If you ignore them, they’ll just walk away.

These Gypsy bands walk down the street and play well-known Serbian songs. Sometimes passersby give them money.

Beach Vacations in Serbia: What Serbian Beaches Are Like

One of the most important questions about vacationing in Serbia is, “What’s the sea like in Serbia?” The answer is: the seas that border Serbia are the Adriatic, the Aegean, and the Black Sea.

I hope you got my joke. Serbia has neither access to the sea nor its own coastline. All of the country’s most popular seaside resorts are located in Montenegro, Greece, and Bulgaria. For obvious reasons, Serbs don’t go to Croatia or Albania to swim.

For Russians, the closest visa-free seaside destination from Serbia is in Montenegro. It’s a 1-hour flight from Belgrade. Learn more about how to get from Serbia to Montenegro → If you’ve never been to Montenegro before, here’s a guide to Montenegro’s resorts.

All of Serbia’s beaches are located along the banks of rivers or lakes. A vacation at Serbia’s lakes is a special treat. There are many lakes here, though most are man-made. Some are wild, while others have well-developed infrastructure. For example, Lake Ada Ciganlija is Belgrade’s main beach. A beach vacation in Serbia looks like this:

Serbia has no coastline. It has only rivers and lakes.

The lakes near Bila Tserkva are a popular vacation spot for families with children

I wish you a wonderful vacation in Serbia! I hope my travel guide will be a valuable source of information and a reliable companion for you both in planning your trip and while traveling through Serbia. Feel free to ask any questions about Serbia in the comments.

Tatiana Shemyakina,
creator and author of the Serbia travel guide

Do you like FollowMe2Serbia? Support the project by sharing the link to FollowMe2Serbia.com on social media 👍

To support the project, you can follow us on Instagram: @followme2serbia. This means a lot to me!