easy travel flat serbien

Wander-Lush

See the Best of Northern Serbia: Easy 7-Day Serbia Itinerary

My one-week Serbia itinerary visiting three of the top cities in Northern Serbia plus one national park is ideal for first-time visitors.

From the concrete jungle of gritty Belgrade to the pretty Art Nouveau towns in the north, Serbia is a haven for wine-lovers, electronic music fans, architecture buffs, Yugo-nostalgics and hikers alike.

Admittedly I’m none of those things – but I thoroughly enjoyed trying a little bit of everything when I spent a fortnight travelling around Serbia last winter.

My Serbia itinerary brings sews together the best parts of the country’s north for an easy 7-day tour by bus or train.

Based off the route I followed on my trip around the Balkans, it’s packed with actionable advice – including the best things to do in Serbia, instructions for getting around, and other handy tips.

Are you planning a visit to Serbia? – Don’t miss my in-depth guide to Novi Sad , Serbia’s coolest city. – Check out my Balkans Travel Guide for tips and recommendations for bordering countries. – If you love road tripping, don’t miss my Balkans road trip planner for inspiring routes around Serbia and beyond.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Serbia itinerary essentials

I travelled pretty extensively through all 12 Balkan states and I think Serbia is one of the easiest countries in the region for travellers. The intercity bus system is great and easy to navigate, accommodation options are plentiful, and English is widely spoken, which makes it easy to troubleshoot any logistical issues.

Here are my tips for planning the perfect Serbia itinerary.

Do you need a visa for Serbia?

Serbia’s tourist visa policy is very similar to the Schengen countries (although it is not included in the Schengen Area). Citizens of 96 countries (including Australia, the UK and the US) can visit Serbia visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Some nationalities (including some countries in Asia, the Middle East and Africa) are required to apply for a visa in advance.

I recommend using iVisa to check if you need a visa and to apply for an expedited visa online .

Where to start your Serbia itinerary

Belgrade (Serbia’s capital city) is the country’s main transport hub and the natural place to start your travels if you’re flying into the country. There are also regular coach bus connections between Belgrade and neighbouring countries: Hungary, Romania, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Having said that, I don’t necessarily recommend starting your Serbia travels in Belgrade.

Belgrade is quite a polarising city that many people find overwhelming (or underwhelming, depending how you look at it). I wasn’t a huge fan of Belgrade myself, and I think that if I had started my trip there, it probably would have coloured my impression of the whole country.

Instead, I recommend you start your Serbia itinerary in Novi Sad, the second-biggest city, also located in the north. The two are a mere hour-and-a-bit apart, so you can easily transit to Novi Sad by bus after you arrive in the capital. If you’re flying into Belgrade, I recommend pre-organising an airport transfer to take you to the bus station.

Of course this is just my opinion – you could easily flip this itinerary and start with a few days in the capital before continuing north.

If you happen to be entering Serbia overland from Hungary, western Romania or eastern Croatia, you can easily find bus services to either Novi Sad or Subotica. We entered the country from Osijek in Croatia and had Novi Sad as our first stop.

When is the best time to visit Serbia?

Belgrade, Novi Sad and Subotica are all destinations you can visit at any time of year.

Because of the way our 6-month Balkans itinerary worked out, we ended up in Serbia in March, which was admittedly still a little chilly and grey for our liking. If I had a choice, I would visit Serbia in late springtime as this season seems to have the best weather conditions.

Summer (June to August) is the hottest time of year in Serbia, and temperatures in concrete-heavy Belgrade can be oppressive. On the other hand, summer and early fall is a great time to go hiking in Serbia’s national parks. If you’re interested in food and wine, fall is also great for experiencing the wine harvest .

Getting around Serbia by bus

Serbia’s bus system is one of the best we encountered in the Balkans. Services are plentiful, fares are well-priced, and in our experience, everything runs true to schedule. We travelled around the country (and the entire Balkans region) exclusively by coach bus. Lasta is the most popular and reliable coach company in Serbia.

I suggest using the Polazak website to find bus schedules and fares in English. We always bought our bus tickets from the station a day in advance – especially recommended if it’s summer or a holiday. You also have the option to buy your tickets online using the Polazak website, although extra charges usually apply.

Bus stations in Serbia have a few quirks. Some of the bigger stations charge entry to access the platforms (usually a couple of dollars equivalent in local currency), meaning you have to buy a platform token in addition to your bus ticket.

Coaches always charge extra for any luggage you want to store under the bus. When we travelled in Serbia, the cost was 60 denars (approx. 60 US cents) per piece of luggage. Bags are tagged before being stowed and you have to present your ticket stub to collect them again, so don’t lose it.

Hiring a car in Serbia

Self-driving can be a good option for confident drivers if you want more flexibility in your itinerary. Serbia has some of the best roads in the region and cheap car rentals; however fuel prices and tolls are on the expensive side. Here are more tips for driving in Serbia .

Personally I recommend using Serbia’s bus network – it’s cheap and efficient. If you do decide to self-drive, I suggest using the Discover Cars website to explore your options and find the best price on a rental. They aggregate a good range of manual and auto transmission cars from international hire companies, with the option to pick up a vehicle in either Belgrade or Novi Sad.

Click here to find a rental car in Serbia using Discover Cars.

Where to stay in Serbia

The final piece of the Serbia logistics puzzle is accommodation. Finding a place to stay in Serbia is very easy, especially in the cities. Hostels, guesthouses and boutique hotels are all widely available. Private apartments are also very popular and can be booked either through Airbnb or Booking.com.

We used Airbnb throughout Serbia and had consistently good experiences. As with the rest of the region, Airbnb is a great choice if you want something self-contained and well-priced.

I’ve included specific accommodation recommendations (including links to the places we stayed at) in the itinerary below. 

How much to budget for your trip

Serbia is a very affordable travel destination by European standards. For context, we found prices cheaper than Croatia or Slovenia, but slightly more expensive than Bosnia and Herzegovina or Montenegro.

Belgrade was one of the more expensive Balkan capitals we visited. To keep costs down, I recommend using Airbnb and eating at local restaurants.

• Budget traveller: 20-30 USD/day (hostel, buses, local meals)
• Mid-range: 30-50 USD/day (guesthouse or Airbnb, buses & taxis, restaurant meals)
• All-out: 50-100+ USD/day (boutique hotel, taxis & private transfers, restaurant meals)

We spent roughly 56,000 denars (approx. 570 USD) for two people for two weeks of travel in Serbia, excluding accommodation.

The perfect 7 days in Serbia itinerary

[belgrade] – novi sad – subotica – belgrade – tara national park (mokra gora).

This Serbia itinerary focuses almost exclusively on the north, with more options to continue your travels in the south at the end. True to my travel style, it prioritises culture, history, food and wine over outdoor activities – although there is one national park included.

As I mentioned, we spent two weeks in Serbia and followed this exact itinerary, albeit at a slower pace. I think one week is the perfect amount of time to spend in Serbia if you’re a first-time visitor and you don’t mind moving around at a reasonably face pace.

Days 1 & 2: Start your Serbia itinerary in Novi Sad

Serbia’s second-largest city and capital of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Novi Sad is the perfect introduction to Northern Serbia.

Novi Sad has a classic European feel thanks to its Hapsburg-era architecture and multitude of outdoor cafes. The Danube runs through the heart of the city, giving it notes of Budapest with a distinctly Serbian edge. One of the many must-dos in Novi Sad is to try the locavore restaurants and wineries that make use of local produce.

Roam the pedestrian boulevard in search of your next kafa hit, duck into Danube’s Park for a stroll under the trees, and seek out the pretty walkways and interiors along the main street.

Novi Sad was considered Serbia’s cultural capital up until the early 20th century and was at one time known by the nickname ‘Serbian Athens’ . This legacy lives on in the dozens of literary and music festivals held throughout the year, most famously EXIT Festival , which takes place on the grounds of Petrovaradin Fortress every summer.

In 2021, Novi Sad will take up its position as European Capital of Culture , an accolade that’s sure to cement its reputation as one of the loveliest cities to visit in the Balkans.

I recommend spending a full day in Novi Sad and adding an extra day to your itinerary for a side trip to the town of Sremski Karlovci.

Things to do in Novi Sad

• Saunter down Dunavska Street to Trg Slobode. Novi Sad’s pedestrian mall is lined with beautiful architecture, cute shops and outdoor cafes. The main square, Trg Slobode, is where you can find some of the city’s most spectacular buildings including the Name of Mary Cathedral.
• Eat lunch at Project 72. A locavore feast in one of the city’s most beautiful dining rooms.
• Sunset at Petrovaradin Fortress. Wander across the river to take in the views from Novi Sad’s fortress. There is an outdoor terrace bar perfectly positioned for a sunset view over the river. Arrive early to explore the complex, with its clock tower, draw bridges and stone tunnels.
• Take a day trip to Sremski Karlovci. Northern Serbia’s prettiest town is just 30 minutes from Novi Sad by bus. Discover the Baroque architecture (including the colourful Grammar School) and visit the gorgeous Museum of Beekeeping. There are several small wineries in town that offer tastings (Podrum Bajilo and Winery Mrdjanin are both recommended). A local bus to Sremski Karlovci from Novi Sad costs 300 denars (approx. 3 USD) per person return. 

For more excellent things to do in Novi Sad, read my Novi Sad city guide.

Where to stay in Novi Sad

When we visited Novi Sad, we stayed at this centrally located Airbnb . Nikola, the host, is very kind and helpful, and the location of the self-contained flat can’t be beat.

If you prefer a hotel, these properties are all centrally located and have excellent ratings (9/10 or higher) on Booking.com:

• Budget hostel: City Hostel
• Mid-range hotel: Garni Citi Hotel Veliki
• Boutique hotel: Hotel Fontana

Day 3: Make your way north to Subotica

Subotica is located an hour north of Novi Sad, very close to the Hungarian border. A small, quiet city by any measure, Subotica is full of architectural treasures and stands out as my absolute favourite place in Serbia.

Subotica is normally associated with one thing: Art Nouveau . Along with its sister city Szeged over the border, Subotica boasts some of the most divine examples of this architectural style anywhere in Europe. The most famous of all is the Raichle Palace (pictured at the top of this article and again below), a private residence built in 1904.

Like Novi Sad, Subotica is an outdoor city whose streets beg for long afternoon walks. A day is the perfect amount of time to explore Subotica on foot, with time for a trip to Palic Lake in the late afternoon.

How to get to Subotica from Novi Sad

There are bus departures at least once an hour from Novi Sad’s MAS Central Bus Station to Subotica, starting from 6am and continuing until around 9pm. (Note that Novi Sad has multiple bus stations – be sure to double check in advance.) Travel time to Subotica is just over 60 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

When booked online through Polazak, Tickets cost between 4-7 Euros depending on the service. We paid 7.90 denars (approx. 8 USD) per person for tickets when we travelled. Check times and prices here .

Things to do in Subotica

• Take a self-guided walking tour of Subotica’s architecture. Subotica Tourism has put together several DIY audio tours through the city that you can follow to see the prettiest buildings. We listened to three of the four tracks and really enjoyed the experience. Highlights of the Art Nouveau tour include the Town Hall building on the main square, the National Theatre and of course the Raichle Palace.
• Go inside Subotica Synagogue. If Raichle Palace has the prettiest facade, Subotica Synagogue definitely holds claim to the most impressive interior. This is seriously one of the most evocative buildings I’ve ever been inside (I liken the experience to visiting the Sagrada Familia). Completed in 1902, it’s no longer active but has been expertly restored with help from the World Monuments Fund. The story of Subotica’s Jewish community is wrapped up in the building and is very, very moving – I highly recommend reading up before you go. The synagogue is open from 10am-6pm every day except Monday. Entrance costs 250 denars (approx. 2.50 USD) per person and is worth every cent.

• Eat lunch at Boss Caffe. Located in the courtyard behind Richle Palace, this local favourite features outdoor dining surrounded by flourishes of Art Nouveau. We ate here twice and really enjoyed the food. The menu is huge and well-priced; we paid 1000 denars (approx. 10 USD) for lunch for 2 people.
• Take a side trip to Lake Palic . Just 10km from Subotica (around 20 minutes by local bus), Lake Palic used to be an elite spa retreat. It features yet more beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, most notably the Grand Terrace complex on the shore of the lake (it now houses a cafe), and a handful of villas tucked in the forest beyond. We walked around the lake accompanied by one of the audio tour tracks.

Where to stay in Subotica

We stayed at the cute Apartment Libra in Subotica , a very comfortable, well-positioned flat with a great kitchen. It was very warm and cosy in winter, and our host Ljubomir even picked us up from the bus station when we arrived.

Other options in Subotica:

• Budget hostel: Hostel Put Svile
• Mid-range hotel: Hotel Forum Garni

Days 4 & 5: Continue to the big city, Belgrade

Now that you’ve eased your way into Northern Serbia, it’s time to hit the big city. 

Before visiting, I only ever associated Belgrade (the ‘White City’) with socialism and Yugoslav history, not realising that it’s actually one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe . Yes, it’s mostly grey concrete on the surface, but there are countless layers of Roman, Ottoman and Yugoslavian heritage to peel back, and no shortage of excellent museums and walking tours to help you do it.

For a balanced experience, I recommend dividing your time in Belgrade between the distinctive ‘old’ and ‘new’ (Socialist) parts of the city, located on the eastern and western banks of the river respectively.

How to get to Belgrade from Subotica

There are a dozen coaches to Belgrade from Subotica every day, departing from the bus station near the railway station and terminating at the BAS Central Bus Station in Belgrade. Buses start running in the early morning (around 4am) and continue until 6pm. Travel time is 3-3.5 hours depending on the service.

Tickets cost 8-12 Euros when purchased online. When we travelled, we paid 1,235 denars (approx. 12.70 USD) per person for tickets purchased at the bus station. Check times and fares here .

Things to do in Belgrade

• Visit Kalemegdan Fortress. Belgrade Fortress sits at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers and affords magnificent views of New Belgrade. Entrance is free.
• Get hands-on at the Nikola Tesla Museum . Serbia holds claim to inventor and engineer Nikola Tesla as their favourite homegrown hero. His museum in Belgrade is fascinating – even (or especially) if you don’t know much about his work. The Tesla Coil Demonstration will make your hair stand up on end. Entrance to the museum costs 500 denars (approx. 5 USD) per person.
• Visit the House of Flowers. This is the final resting place of another historical icon associated with Serbia, albeit for very different reasons. Josip Broz Tito’s mausoleum is an extravagant greenhouse-like atrium surrounded by lovely gardens. The adjacent Museum of the History of Yugoslavia is a huge, fascinating display of Yugoslav history. The whole thing is slightly macabre, but it’s a must-see in Belgrade

• Wander back in time in Zemun. Located behind New Belgrade, Zemun was described to me by a local as ‘a city within a city’, and it certainly feels that way. This was a separate town until it was absorbed into Belgrade in the 1930s, and locals have managed to hold onto that romantic small-town feel. You’ll find a picturesque town square, lively outdoor markets, and more cafes than you can count.
• Summit Avala Tower for a view. This icon of Belgrade’s skyline was famously destroyed during the war and later rebuilt. Today it contains an observation deck and cafe at the top. Access to the tower is via a lovely hiking trail that starts on the outskirts of the city. Entrance costs 300 denars (approx. 3 USD) per person.

Read more: My complete guide to visiting Avala Tower from Belgrade.

• Bike around New Belgrade: The best way to explore New Belgrade, the western half of the city, is by bike. This area is pancake-flat and there are a number of pathways that link monumental concrete buildings such as the Hotel Yugoslavia with Belgrade’s vast commieblocks and pockets of green parkland. We joined a guided cycling tour with local company iBike and loved it.
• Try a slice of Moscow Shnit. Belgrade’s favourite sweet treat is a delicious cake prepared at Hotel Moscow in the city centre. The recipe is a guarded secret, but I can tell you it’s very light and fruity (perfect for enjoying on the outdoor terrace under a blue sky). The hotel and cafe are iconic in Belgrade.

Where to stay in Belgrade

We stayed at the exceptional Downtown Art Deco Studio , located right in the centre of the city. It was one of the best apartments we stayed at anywhere in the Balkans.

Most Belgrade Airbnbs are concentrated around the northern end of the city on the eastern side of the river. This is also where you’ll find most museums and tourist attractions, plus some great restaurants.

I recommend staying in either the Skadarlija or Dorcol (the oldest part of Belgrade) neighbourhoods.

• Budget hostel: Balkan Soul Hostel
• Mid-range hotel: Hotel Rex
• Boutique hotel: Mama Shelter Belgrade or 7 Rooms Suites

Days 6 & 7: Finish on a high in Tara National Park

It’s a bit of a mission to reach central Serbia’s western corner, but it’s more than worth the long bus ride. Tara National Park is the most heavily forested part of the country and is widely considered to be Serbia’s most pristine pocket of nature . Yet relatively few foreign tourists ever make it here.

Aside from hiking and river sports on the Drina , this area is also brimming with cute villages , history and culture, so there’s something for everyone at any time of year.

How to get to Tara National Park from Belgrade

There are no direct buses from Belgrade to the towns of Mokra Gora or Mitrovac, so you need to transfer through the town of Zlatibor to access the park.

There are a dozen direct buses to Zlatibor leaving Belgrade’s main station from 6.15am onwards. Travel time is around 4 hours , and tickets cost around 13 Euros (or 18 Euros return) when reserved online. Check times and prices here .

Travel time from Zlatibor to Mokra Gora is 30 minutes and can be done either by local bus or taxi.

If you want to avoid a long morning of travel and you have to get back to Belgrade for your flight home anyway, another option is to take a day trip to Tara National Park from Belgrade. This full-day tour includes transfers from Belgrade with a professional driver and a guide to show you all the highlights of the beautiful Drina River Valley.

We did something similar and visited Tara National Park on a day trip from Sarajevo.

Things to do in and around Tara National Park

• Go hiking. There are marked trails all over the park, ranging from short day hikes to multi-day affairs. Most start from Mitrovac where there is a tourist office that can furnish you with maps.
• Photograph the cute Drina River House. A wooden house perched on a stone in the river that marks the border between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, this is one of the icons of Tara National Park.
• Admire the frescoes at Raca Monastery. A 13th-century monastery containing a set of important paintings. There are several hiking trails to fresh water springs in the area.
• Visit the weird and wonderful Drvengrad village. Originally built as a film set for the movie Life is a Miracle, this charming model village has become a symbol of Serbia. The film director’s personal collection of vintage cars are scattered amongst the wooden houses and churches. There is a film festival held here every summer.

• Ride the historic Sargan Eight Steam Train. Construction on this narrow-gauge railway started during World War I to link Serbia and Austro-Hungary. Today it’s a scenic railway that runs between the towns of Mokra Gora and Vitasi via tracks that cling to the side of the mountain valley.
• Catch the view from Banjska Stena. It was a sea of fog when we visited Tara National Park’s most famous viewpoint, but I’ve been reassured that the panorama is phenomenal on a clear day!
• Venture to Zlatibor. Serbia’s most popular mountain resort town is located south-east of the National Park, in the shadow of Mount Zlatibor. Here you can find lovely accommodations and more hiking trails.

Where to stay near Tara National Park

The most popular places to stay when visiting Tara National Park are Mitrovac (a good base for hiking) and Mokra Gora . There are some lovely homestyle accommodations in and around the national park – my favourite is this sweet cabin .

See more options in Mokra Gora on Booking.com.

Extend your Serbia itinerary: Other places to visit

If you have more time, you might consider including one or more of these additional destinations to your Serbia itinerary.

Uvac Nature Reserve – add 1-2 days

Located south of Mokra Gora and Tara National Park, this park features biodiverse wetlands and a very picturesque winding river.

To get there, you can take a train to Nova Varos and spend a few nights inside the park, or you can join a day tour from Belgrade .

Nis – add 1-2 days

Serbia’s third-largest city, Nis is located in the country’s south-east, around 230km from Belgrade. It’s accessible by coach from the capital or if you want to add it to the end of your itinerary, you can take a bus from the city of Uzice near Tara National Park.

I didn’t get to visit Nis this time, but I’d love to go back and spend some time exploring the city that traditionally linked Belgrade and Istanbul. (I had no idea Nis was the birthplace of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great.)

If you’re planning a visit, I recommend this guide to Nis.

Novi Pazar – add 2-3 days

Also located in southern Serbia, Novi Pazar has always been considered Serbia’s cultural and religious crossroads. It has a long and fascinating history, as evidenced by the many important monuments located in and around the city.

You can learn more about Novi Pazar here.

Onward travel from Serbia

If your flight home is departing from the capital, you can simply loop back to Belgrade from Tara National Park (departing Uzice or Zlatibor) by bus.

If you’re continuing on overland, you can transit west into Bosnia and Herzegovina (first stop: Visegrad) or north-west into Croatia. Another option is to head to Novi Pazar from Tara National Park then continue overland to Montenegro .

Can you cross into Kosovo from Serbia?

If you want to continue your travels in Prishtina and Prizren , you’ll need to read up on the different options for getting to Kosovo to Serbia. There are rules in place that could prevent you from visiting Serbia again in the future, so it’s very important you do your due diligence.

Refer to this detailed guide about crossing into Kosovo legally.

Easy Serbia itinerary: Save it for later

One of the best blogs I have come across online. Everything a traveler should know about a country/place is very well captured and explained. Thanks a lot. More power to you!

Thanks Nabeel for the kind words!

Absolutely very useful blog, am sure this help me plan well for my serbia trip.

Thanks for your comment, Dheepan! Happy travels to Serbia!

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The perfect 1 week itinerary for Serbia

• February 25, 2022
• 11 Comments

Serbia is one of those off-beat, unspoken-of countries that one doesn’t think of putting in their bucket list. I also probably wouldn’t have made it, had it not been for the pandemic. Considering that in 2021, most countries were still closed or battling high cases of Covid-19, only the smaller, lesser-known countries had opened their borders for tourism and Serbia was one of them. For me, just being able to get out and explore a new country is more important than checking off items in my travel bucket list, so I booked my tickets and landed alone in Serbia, wide-eyed like a child in a new school, ready for an adventure, not knowing what to expect. Of course, I had my 1-week itinerary for Serbia planned out before I travelled but the destination had changed last minute, leaving me with very less time to do my research.

Is 1 week too much for Serbia? I always say that if you really wish to explore a country in-depth, you need way more than a week. But like me, if you are really pressured on time, even 5 days are enough. With short trips, I always make it a point to balance out checking off the key ‘touristy’ places to visit and spending some time in the countryside or exploring something off-beat and lesser known.

My suggested 1-week itinerary for Serbia starts from the capital city, Belgrade. If you have less time, only 1 day is enough in the city or if you’re more of a city person than a nature-loving one, then you could choose to spend even more than 2 days, soaking in the vibe. I highly recommend renting a car to explore the outskirts but when you’re in Belgrade, renting a car is the worst idea so I’d recommend doing it only once you’re ready to leave the city.

Read here about All you need to know about planning a road trip in Serbia .

Day 0 & 1: Belgrade

Belgrade is easy to explore on foot/ using public transportation. A lively city, Belgrade deserves at least 1 day in your 1-week itinerary for Serbia, if not 2. For a detailed 2-day itinerary, with tips and suggestions, click here to read my post on What to do in Belgrade in 2 days.

Day 2: Novi Sad via Sremski Karlovci

This is when I recommend you rent a car. Novi Sad is hardly a 1-hour drive from Belgrade if you take the toll road A1 (which is highly recommended, even though you’ll end up paying about €5. It might seem pricey but it’s totally worth it. If you’re a wine lover, I recommend a detour to this sleepy wine town called Sremski Karlovci , just 20 minutes before Novi Sad. Home to historical buildings, both Baroque & neoclassical, it is a charming little town with narrow, winding cobbled stone streets, wineries at every corner, and little boutique selling local delicacies, harvests, and handcrafted goods. Park right outside the village center and prepare to spend about 2 hours here, exploring the charming neighbourhoods and shopping for some souvenirs (of which, wine should be in the list). Walk into one of the many hidden wineries, some of which are in the yards of the locals who own vineyards and are into grape harvesting. There’s nothing like trying some fresh, locally made wine.

Sremski Karlovci

You’ll be in Novi Sad by afternoon, which gives you the entire evening to enjoy the laid-back vibe, the thriving urban art scene, some amazing local food, suave cafes, and bustling market where you can buy unique souvenirs. Start from Freedom Square , flanked on all sides by some of the most historically significant & architecturally grand buildings. Visit the Orthodox Cathedral, The Name of Mary Catholic church , and the hidden alleyways, replete with street art and charming cafes.

From here, take the Zmaj Jovina , Novi Sad’s main pedestrianised street, clotted with pastel-colored outdoor cafes and bistros. This is also where you’ll find The Manual Company , known for its collection of unique souvenirs.

In the evening, cross the bridge over the Danube to Petrovaradin, where you can visit the famous bakery of Novi Sad, Multi Tarte . They close early, so make sure to get there before 5 pm if you don’t want to miss out on the best cakes, desserts & Serbian classics in the city. The apple-vanilla pie comes highly recommended!

Freedom Square

From here, visit the Petrovaradin Fortress . A winding brick staircase will take you to the top where you can enjoy the open-air museum with the fortress walls, arched gates, and some areas converted into terrace cafes & restaurants, offering dazzling views of the city below from a vantage point. Novi Sad is known for its nightlife, due to the young crowd that lives there. It’s lively, entertaining & wild, in parts. A tiny street called Laze Teleckog is full of affordable pubs, best for a night crawl.  There are also classic nightclubs and strip clubs (for both men & women!).

Climbing the stairs to Petrovaradin Fortress

Over the Danube

Suggested budget place to stay in Novi Sad: Garni Hotel Planeta Inn

Day 3: Day trip to Subotica

In my 1-week itinerary for Serbia, I made sure to include this off-beat, charming art nouveau town, about an hour’s drive from Novi Sad. You could spend the whole day here easily, with a relaxed vibe and tranquillity. For details on how to get here and what to do, read my post on Why you should visit Subotica from Novi Sad .

In the evening, you can return either to Novi Sad or Belgrade. If you choose to return to Novi Sad, your drive to Zlatibor on the next day is bound to be longer (3.5 hours) vs Belgrade (2 hours, 45 min).

Day 5 : Uvac Special Nature Reserve

Zlatibor forms the perfect base for 3 nights, in your 1-week itinerary for Serbia. On this day, head to Uvac Special Nature Reserve. It’s best to get an early start to the day, especially if you choose to take the boat tour. For details on how to get there, what to do and where to go, read my post on Everything you need to know about visiting Uvac Special Nature Reserve .

Day 6 : Tara National Park

Prepare for a delightful day of exploration in the gorgeous mountains of Tara National Park. Excellent lakes, stunning hiking trails, historical villages & beautiful riverside restaurants make this place worth spending an entire day (if not more), in your 1-week itinerary for Serbia.

Tara National Park

While there is a lot to see in this area, if you only have a day, read my detailed post on What to see in 1 day in Tara National Park, Serbia.

Day 7 : Back to Belgrade via Golubac Fortress

If you're in Serbia for only 5 days, you can skip this part altogether. However, if you have time, it makes for a great roadtrip to visit this medieval fortress Golubac in the East side of Serbia, and drive through the idyllic Đerdap National Park , enjoying splendid vistas over the Danube, and visit the Silver Lake (Srebrno jezero). 

Do you wish to migrate to Serbia and looking for more info on Serbia residency ? Find here the right sources to read more about what you need to know.

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I would love to visit this under-the-radar country. I totally agree that it’s hard to explore any country in a week, so I love the 1-week itinerary that brings you to Belgrade and nearby to get a feel for the culture and landscape.

I unfortunately didn’t have much time when I visited Serbia and only had chance to visit Belgrade. I would love to go back and explore the places you have listed as they look beautiful, especially the national parks and nature reserves and Novi Sad.

I agree with you! 5 days may just be enough to explore the place. I also want to explore non-‘touristy’ and see/ experience the place like a local. It would be nice too to visit the countryside especially if there is available transportation. Thank you for sharing this itinerary. This is helpful.

When I think about Serbia, small towns and green nature what came to my mind. And I think I wasn’t wrong. Every towns in your itinerary offers that beauty. As someone from Texas, I’m intrigued to know why they built El Paso City in Zlatibor.

You had me at ‘sleepy wine town’! Sremski Karlovci sounds like the type of place I’d like to spend more than a few hours – but with the art scene in Subotica and panoramic views of Zlatibor calling me, it’s easy to see why 7 days is just enough. Something tells me I’d want to plan longer exploring this charming underrated destination with so much to offer. Thanks for putting it on my radar!

It seems you visited some very interesting spots in Serbia, despite having only one week there. We wanted to visited it too when we were in Crioatia, but we had a loaded itinerary and couldn’t fit it in. You made me curious about Golubac Fortress, so I’d love to visit it.

Looks beautiful there! Serbia is one of those places that I always wanted to go but I didn’t know much about it. So it was nice to find this post. I think Tara National Park is the only place I had read about before. And I would love to see it in person someday.

This seems like the perfect itinerary to cover some interesting spots in Serbia. I loved your day two the most, especially the attractions like Petrovaradin Fortress. Would be interesting to walk around that area. And then, I enjoyed reading about the Tara National Park. Lovely guide

This is a great one-week itinerary for Serbia. You really managed to make good use of your limited time in the country. I did not know that Serbia also has a wine culture, so I made a not about Sremsi Karlovci. I hope there are accomodation options in the town, because I would not want to drive after wine tasting….

Woah, I had no idea Serbia looked like this. I think some people (like myself) have a stereotypical image of ‘snow and cold’ when we think about Serbia, but there is so much lush nature. Thanks for sharing!

Medha Verma

I think a lot of people get confused between Serbia and Siberia 😉 I don’t blame you, I did too, before I actually went there!

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Traveling in Serbia — Takeaways from an Unexpected Trip

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The Balkans have always been my favorite place to travel, but until recently, I hadn’t done much traveling in Serbia. For years, it was the Balkan country I had explored the least, only spending a few days in Belgrade before flying on to Latvia. You can read about that trip here.

That changed this year. I ended up in Serbia unexpectedly as the first part of my move to Prague, where my UK-born boyfriend has lived for 18 years, and where I was supposed to move in May. We have been banned from each other’s countries for months.

While the EU banned US citizens (some countries like Croatia made exceptions), Serbia is not part of the EU. But with rising COVID cases in the US, we thought we wouldn’t have this chance for much longer — that if we didn’t get me to Serbia now and start the process of getting me into the Czech Republic as a partner of a Czech resident, we might lose our window for months.

We both arrived in Serbia on June 27 and ended up staying for two weeks as we waited for updates from the Czech Republic.

We began in Belgrade and traveled on to Djerdap National Park, the Negotin wine region, Sokobanja, and Novi Sad before riots struck the country and we left for Croatia.

Serbia Travel

Do you have any preconceptions about Serbia? You might not. I find that in the US — specifically, outside Chicago and the midwest, which are rich with Central Europeans — Serbia either has no narrative or has the narrative as “the bad guys.” Particularly when it comes to the Balkan conflicts of the last 30 years.

Beyond that, Serbia doesn’t have a lot of “must-visit” destinations. You could make the argument that Serbia doesn’t have much to offer in comparison to its neighbors — none of the wild coastline, wacky architecture, or blue-green lakes that you come to expect in Croatia, Montenegro, or North Macedonia.

Serbia does has its charms — but they’re not obvious. They’re not going to knock you over the head and you have to work to find them. Locals who seem standoffish at first but feed you like a long-lost family member. River gorges surrounded by limestone cliffs. Pink and white crenellated buildings in a picture-perfect old town.

This is Serbia.

Traveling in Serbia During Coronavirus

Serbia is not part of the EU, and has had some of Europe’s most relaxed entry requirements during the coronavirus pandemic. At the time I arrived (June 27, 2020), Americans were permitted to enter the country with no COVID-19 test nor quarantine necessary. I chose to be tested shortly before my flight to protect my fellow passengers and was found to be negative for COVID-19.

AirSerbia has nonstop flights from New York City to Belgrade, and I took the chance to fly direct with no stopovers. (I took the train from Boston to New York, a remarkably low fare of $39.) Other than nearly having a heart attack in the check-in line when the woman behind me asked, “Oh, you have a US passport? My husband does and they said they wouldn’t let him in,” and double-checking with the flight agent that yes, I would be let in, it was fine.

The flight was nearly full (ugh) but I did get an empty seat on one side of me and an aisle seat on the other. I ate a big meal before the flight and thus kept my mask on for all nine hours from JFK to Belgrade. The AirSerbia flight attendants were vigilant about making sure everyone stayed masked outside of meal times.

Keep in mind that entry requirements are changing constantly, often day-by-day, especially in Europe. They have probably changed since I published this. Be sure to do your own research.

As for how we behaved on the ground, we took many precautions.

First off, we traveled exclusively by driving in Charlie’s car — never public transportation or cabs. We wore masks whenever we were indoors. We ate almost every meal outside, or would cook or take home takeaway meals. We sanitized constantly. We kept our distance from people. Our routine was the same as it was in Mexico City , when the virus began to ramp up — work all day, go out for food and a long walk.

So how are things in Serbia right now?

In Belgrade, most people wore masks in indoor shops, like the grocery store, but outdoors, few did. In the park at sunset, kids would climb all over each other on the playground and nobody was practicing any form of social distancing.

In rural areas like Djerdap National Park and the Negotin wine region, it was as if nobody realized what was happening — almost no Serbians wore masks and people would reach out to shake hands, confused when I would put my hand on my heart, bent forward slightly, and said, “Nice to meet you.” (AOC suggested this instead of shaking hands. Trying to make it my thing.)

In Sokobanja, some people wore masks, but bizarrely, about 90% of them didn’t wear masks over their noses, making them effectively pointless.

Novi Sad was similar to Belgrade, but overall I think people there tended to wear masks there the most.

Serbia is a lesser-developed country in Europe.

Since the beginning of time, people have been saying, “Want to spend less money in Europe? Head east.” Not that Serbia is Eastern Europe — it’s very much Central Europe, the Balkans, the former Yugoslavia.

You do get a lot of value for money in Serbia, especially outside Belgrade — it’s one of the cheapest countries in Central Europe. You can get decent private accommodation for under $30 per night, and meals for just a few dollars. But you pay for it in terms of development.

Let me tell you about a place we stayed. It was a little guesthouse on top of a hill with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Flowers sprung out from every direction; you can tell it was gardened with love. The food was delicious. And the owners were very pleasant people.

But the road to the guesthouse was unfinished and you had to park a long way away and drag your bags. There was only one outlet in the room, which was used for a lamp, so you could either have light or use no power. There was literally nowhere comfortable to sit on the entire property. I woke up at 6:00 AM because the bathroom smelled so foul.

This tended to be par for the course in much of rural Serbia. Charlie’s company, JayWay Travel , works with mid-range to luxury American travelers, and he pointed out that very few hotels in rural Serbia would fit their standards.

Off the beaten path in Serbia is VERY off the beaten path.

Everyone wants to go off the beaten path. But honestly, for most international travelers, Serbia is an off the beaten path choice to begin with. You’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of off-the-beaten-path travel — lower prices, fewer tourists — in Serbia’s more popular destinations, like Belgrade and Novi Sad.

We went WAY off the beaten path in Serbia — to Eastern Serbia. It didn’t quite get to the “Why would you even come here?” levels that I experienced in Albania , but our presence was as perplexing as it was welcomed.

Perhaps this was an effect of COVID, but we only met one non-Serbian traveler: the Swiss boyfriend of a Serbian woman. Aside from that, we were definitely the odd ones out!

Serbia is all about the meat.

Serbians know their way around a grill! Their cuisine is very meat-heavy, and some of the popular dishes involve meat on the grill. We feasted on pljeksavica , the Serbian style of hamburger, and ćevapi , sausage-like meat links that are great in a sandwich, as well as higher-end meat dishes like grilled venison, duck, pršut (prosciutto) and other cured meats.

Serbians also love their dairy products and produce lots of cheeses, as well as kajmak (a soft creamy cheese-like product good on bread).

I ordered plenty of šopska salads: cucumbers and tomatoes with onions and a huge pile of soft white feta-like cheese on top. Whenever I’m in the Balkans, I eat šopska salads at least once a day! Serbia also does great stuffed peppers, which are often stuffed with kajmak or soft cheeses.

It’s good food, but it does get repetitive, and it makes you crave veggies. Luckily in Belgrade and Novi Sad, there are plenty of international restaurants where you can get in some variety.

But once we got into rural areas, we realized that most places had the same menu over and over: ćevapi, pljeksavica, other roasted meats, sometimes fish in riverside areas, (very well seasoned) fries, šopska salad. For days, that was all there was.

At one point I ordered a chicken schnitzel and felt like a vegan by comparison.

If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you’ll do fine in Belgrade and Novi Sad. In rural Serbia, vegetarians should get ready to eat a lot of šopska salads. But if you’re a vegan in rural Serbia, I genuinely have no idea how you’d survive — just salads and bread. Unlike most countries, Serbia doesn’t serve many (or any?) bean-based dishes on rural menus; while there are some Serbian bean dishes, almost all of them involve meat.

I would be very cautious if you were planning a trip to Serbia as a vegetarian or vegan. At the very least, you’d need to plan ahead and bring extra protein.

Serbians will feed you SO well at home.

We stayed in a few places that served dinner or breakfast — and my God, we were served truly insane volumes of food. See that photo above? That’s for TWO of us! Fish soup, baked fish, fried vegetables, boiled string beans, spinach with kajmak, tomato and cucumber salad, plum-stuffed cake for dessert, even our own freshly baked loaf of bread.

The next morning, we were served giant slabs of fried bread stuffed with cheese, which we topped with homemade plum and apricot jam.

At another place, we grabbed some yogurt and muesli for breakfast and figured that would be enough. Then they brought us out EIGHT giant pieces of cheese-stuffed pastries, each roughly the size of a serving of lasagna.

People smoke like chimneys in Serbia.

This is probably my least favorite thing about traveling in the Balkans — the prevalence of smoking. But in Serbia, they bring it to the next level.

It’s common for Serbians to smoke through meals, to smoke indoors, and to chain smoke cigarette after cigarette.

When I was in Armenia last year , I remarked how jarring it was to hear the phrase, “Smoking or non-smoking?” when entering a restaurant. I thought we had given up on pretending that smoking and non-smoking sections actually worked. Well, Serbia still does that, too! I walked into a cafe to use a bathroom and saw ashtrays on half the tables and non-smoking signs on the other half. So weird.

I couldn’t get used to the smoke and was very glad to leave that behind.

Kosovo is a sensitive subject.

Years ago, I made the mistake of mentioning I was going to Kosovo at a Couchsurfing meetup that included Serbians. It did not go well. Serbians believe that Kosovo is occupied Serbian territory and should not be seen as their own country.

I visited Kosovo in 2013 and received the warmest welcome I’ve received anywhere in the world — because of my American passport. Prishtina, Kosovo’s capital, is famous for its statue of Bill Clinton (right in front of a dress shop called Hillary, which made me burst out laughing).

Just a tip: don’t mention Kosovo among Serbians you don’t know, just for the sake of decorum. It’s a painful subject for many Serbians; not bringing up painful subjects with strangers is basic manners. If you know them better, or they bring it up, you might be able to have an illuminating conversation about Kosovo, but that’s not a guarantee.

Finally, be careful of visiting Kosovo on a Serbia trip. If you enter Serbia, enter Kosovo, then leave Kosovo to Albania, Montenegro, or North Macedonia, Serbia will say that you left the country illegally. Instead, go back to Serbia’s territory before moving on to a different country.

In short, leave the way you came in. Enter Serbia, leave Serbia for anywhere but Kosovo unless you backtrack. Enter Kosovo, leave Kosovo for anywhere but Serbia unless you backtrack.

Places to Visit in Serbia

If you’re arriving by plane, your trip to Serbia will probably start in Belgrade. Here are some of the places I visited on this trip.

Belgrade is pretty cool.

Belgrade is perhaps most famous for its wild nightlife, complete with river barge clubs. We didn’t take part in any of that. But it’s a fun city with some nice cafes and restaurants. My favorite things about Belgrade are the excellent coffeeshops (cigarette smoke notwithstanding) and surprisingly, the gelato shops! LUFF and Crna Ovca are two great gelato places.

We stayed in the Vračar neighborhood, which I recommend. It’s home to the coolest restaurants and cafes, but away from the big commercial zones. This apartment was great and well-priced.

Serbia’s stretch of the Danube is stunning.

After doing a bit of research, I came across photos of Djerdap Gorge in Djerdap National Park, running along the banks of the Danube in Eastern Serbia. It turns out this stretch of the Danube, called the Iron Gates, is often cited as the most beautiful part of an eastern Danube river cruise.

Most fascinating was hearing about the history of this part of the world. During the rule of Ceauşescu, Romanians would try to escape across the Danube to what was then Yugoslavia. Snipers would patrol the area, shooting anyone who would cross. Eventually the Romanians figured out how to use pressurized gas canisters to zip them across the water quickly.

The Danube flows all the way to the Black Sea, and you see long, flat ships delivering cargo (or coming back empty). Russian is the official language of the Danube and all captains traversing the Danube must speak Russian.

Just a few months ago we visited Sumidero Canyon in Chiapas, Mexico , which had a very similar look but much more dramatic and wild.

Djerdap National Park doesn’t get a lot of international press, but the Iron Gates alone are worth the trip.

Golubac Fortress is a great place to photograph on the edge of the Danube.

And the sunset views behind the fortress were excellent.

We made the long journey to a Blederije Waterfall, deep in the woods — not quite worth the trip or long walk, but still a bucolic place to visit.

The Negotin Wine Region has a burgeoning industry.

So many countries have wine industries that you don’t even know about — but because they’re such small producers, you won’t see them on American store shelves. ( Moldova, you’re bleak as hell , but damn you can make a good red wine.)

We heard that the rural eastern part of Serbia was filled with wineries — specifically, the Negotin wine region. As we left Djerdap National Park, the landscape turned agricultural and we drove past tall stalks of corn and endless fields of sunflowers.

We stayed at Dunjin Konak , a country house in the town of Rogljevo, outside Negotin. We had a chance to visit a nearby winery and sample their interesting wines. They served it, in true Serbian style, with a giant plate of cheese and kajmak, more than any two people could eat on their own!

It made a very interesting stay — and it hurt to hear that we had been their first visitors in months.

Oh, and just so you know — rakija , the clear brandy-like drink popular in Serbia, is deadly . Only have a little bit of it, and definitely don’t go drink for drink with a Serbian!

Sokobanja is a quirky little town.

Sokobanja is a Serbian spa town and a popular spot in Serbia for domestic tourism. Interestingly, spa towns are considered family destinations in Serbia! There are also lots of outdoor activities, like hiking and kayaking, and the lakeside homes on the edge of Sokobanja are lovely.

We didn’t take part in any spa activities due to current circumstances, but we did enjoy walking through the town. In true Balkan style, there is a pedestrian street lined with cafes that is the place for all-day people-watching.

Novi Sad is wonderful.

Novi Sad was my favorite place in Serbia by far. This city, the second-largest in Serbia, was ruled by the Austro-Hungarian Empire and feels much more Western European than Belgrade. The architecture in the old town is beautiful.

But coming to Novi Sad after a week in rural Serbia made it all the sweeter. We immediately went to a sushi restaurant for lunch, then headed to a cafe to work outside while sipping some perfectly made flat whites. After a week of cevapis and bad coffee, it was like heaven.

We stayed in this fantastic apartment. I have no words for how much I ADORED this apartment — and it cost less than $30 per night. Newly renovated, two bedrooms, great kitchen, modern bathroom, skylights, super-comfortable bed and couch, huge TV, an actual desk and a comfortable dining table to work from. Even a 70s-patterned wall that made a great Zoom backdrop! PLEASE STAY THERE IF YOU GO TO NOVI SAD. The owners are lovely people, too.

We were going to stay in Novi Sad for at least a week. I could have happily stayed there for a month, working from our funky apartment, grocery shopping, going out for affordable sushi. Then everything fell apart.

Why We Left Serbia

Our original plan was to head to Serbia and stay there until we had word on when I could return to the Czech Republic. But toward the end of our time there, protests erupted in Belgrade.

Serbians across the political spectrum protested the government. While international media including the New York Times said that this began as the result of a reinstated weekend lockdown, locals told me this was inaccurate — that this was simply the straw that broke the camel’s back, the latest example of corruption in an authoritarian regime.

Police responded with violence and attacked the Belgrade protestors with tear gas. The next night, protests spread to other parts of Serbia, including Novi Sad.

I’m not afraid of protests. I’ve traveled in Bangkok during the protests of 2013 and Greece during its financial crisis in 2015 , both of which resulted in constant “ARE YOU OKAY?” messages from home. Most of the time, the American media (particularly cable news) plays up international incidents as much more dangerous than they actually are. Additionally, 98% of the time protests can easily be avoided.

Unfortunately, 2020 is not an ordinary time.

The countries of Europe are constantly changing which countries are on the green, yellow, and red lists, which affects who is allowed to cross borders. Serbia had sharply rising COVID cases and was on thin ice to begin with — adding protests to the mix could cause countries to ban people coming from Serbia and put me at risk of not being allowed to return to the Czech Republic.

Around that time, we also found out that Americans could visit Croatia (to our shock) with a relevant form filled out and proof of paid accommodation. And Charlie’s Croatian colleagues sent him a note that the Croatian government was about to reinstate a mandatory quarantine for people coming from Serbia, but would give Croatians a few days to come back before making it official.

It was obvious to us — as much as we loved Novi Sad and that glorious apartment, as cheap as it would be to stay, it was time to leave Serbia. Plus, Croatia is part of the EU, and being in the EU for 14+ days would make it easier for me to get into the Czech Republic.

We crossed the border on July 10. The Serbian immigration officers gave us the most thorough luggage search we’ve received (on the way out?!) then told us to tell our friends that Serbians are nice people, that they should come to Serbia. The Croatian officer barely glimpsed at our passports, forms, and accommodation documentation and let us in in less than five minutes.

(Just FYI — since then, Croatia is now requiring Americans to quarantine for two weeks or present a negative PCR test taken within the past 48 hours. Again, this is changing constantly.)

Is Serbia worth it?

Yes, of course visiting Serbia is worth it! But it’s not worth visiting Serbia right now unless you have an essential reason for travel — in my case, reuniting with my partner and facilitating my move to the Czech Republic.

I do not recommend traveling in Serbia right now due to the difficult situation with coronavirus and rapidly changing border agreements. It’s too precarious. And honestly, this is not the time for leisure trips anywhere.

But if you’re reading this post when coronavirus is no longer a threat, I do think Serbia is worth it — if you’re an experienced traveler who appreciates off-the-beaten-path types of places and is definitely not a vegan.

How I would do Serbia differently next time

If I came back to Serbia, I would definitely plan my time differently.

I would spend a little time in Belgrade but more time in Novi Sad. I’d use Novi Sad as a base to visit Fruška Gora National Park, an easy day trip, and I’d head down to Tara National Park for some of the best scenery in the country. If I had the time, I’d make the journey to Instagram-famous Uvac Canyon, where the teal river curves back and forth through the countryside.

That would be very nice.

More on the Balkans:

Solo Female Travel in the Balkans: A Guide

What’s it like to travel in Albania?

Magnificent North Macedonia Will Surprise You

The Ultimate Slovenia Road Trip Itinerary

Dubrovnik Survival Guide

Have you been to Serbia? What did you think of it?

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The Five Foot Traveler

Reaching new heights, road trip stunning serbia for one week: the ultimate guide.

by Sarah Gallo | Jun 14, 2018 | Europe , Reviews , Serbia , Transportation Reviews | 12 comments

Serbia is one of those countries where you just simply need a rental car in order to experience all that it has to offer! It is not an easy country to explore via public transportation, so we decided to rent a car with Auto Europe  and set off on a Serbia road trip! After an amazing European Road Trip through Switzerland with Auto Europe last year, I knew that the process would be seamless. Upon disembarking our plane, we made our way to the car rental counter and were taken to our brand new Citroen C3 – it still had that new car smell!

Getting around Serbia by car was easy as could be, as their roads are well maintained and signed. Of course, having a car with a built-in GPS helped immensely! Serbia is an absolutely beautiful country that is just waiting to be explored.  Interested in road tripping Serbia? Here is the perfect 7 day itinerary!

Day 1 & 2 – Belgrade

Serbia’s capital city, Belgrade, is the only European capital located at the confluence of two rivers – the Sava and Danube rivers. While it’s not a traditionally “pretty” European city, it has its own unique vibe and style. There’s quite a bit of history within Belgrade itself – as it’s been under the rule of the Ottomans and Austro-Hungarians prior to becoming part of Yugoslavia, then Serbia and Montenegro then finally just Serbia.

In fact, Belgrade has had more wars on its soil than any other European capital and has been completely destroyed 44 times over its history. Spend some time wandering around and learning about Belgrade . I highly recommend doing all of the free walking tours offered each and every day, as they will give you great insight into the city.

Sleep: Check out your hotel options in Belgrade here. We slept in a floating hotel on the Danube!

Day 3 – Golubac, Lepenski Vir, Kosmaj

After exploring Belgrade for two days, take a day trip to explore Eastern Serbia. Aim to leave between 8-9am and make your way to Golubac Fortress. Golubac Fortress was a medieval fortified town built in the 14th Century by the Ottoman Empire. During the Middle Ages, this was the site of many battles between the Ottoman Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary. Over the years, it’s been passed from the Turks to the Bulgarians, Hungarians, Serbs, then Austrians. Finally in 1867, it was officially handed over to Serbia and remains a site to see today!

From Golubac Fortress, drive 30 minutes down the road to Lepenski Vir. Lepenski Vir very well may have been the birthplace of civilization in Europe!  Archeological findings showed that humans have been at this site since 8,000 BC! The site was once one large settlement and, in the adjacent museum, one could see the skeletons found, their pottery, and sculptures.  This is commonly referred to as “the first city in Europe,” so it was definitely a necessity on our European Road Trip.

On your way back to Belgrade, stop by Kosmaj Spomenik, a monument in Central Serbia dedicated to the partisans who fought the German occupation just south of Belgrade during WWII. It’s not a touristy spot by any means, but we decided to drive up the highest peak in the region to this monument in remembrance of the 5,000 soldiers who lost their lives in the battle.

Sleep: Belgrade

Day 4 – Sremski Karlovci and Novi Sad

From Belgrade, drive about an hour north to Sremski Karlovci, a sleepy little wine town. Drive up to Magarcev Breg for a fantastic view of Sremski Karlovci and the Danube River. After finding a shady parking spot, take some time to meander around town. Be sure to stop by Benišek Veselinović, one of the oldest wineries in the country, as it’s been in operation for over 300 years in the same family.

You’ll finish up in Sremski Karlovci by noon, then hop in your car and drive to Novi Sad! It’s Serbia’s second largest city, but it certainly doesn’t feel that way. With plenty of Hungarian influence in their architecture, Novi Sad has a completely different feel from Belgrade. It’s known as the center of culture in the country and has a much more laid back lifestyle. I highly recommend the free walking tour that leaves every day at 5pm from the Serbian National Theater.

Sleep: Novi Sad

Day 5 – House on the River Drina, Banjska Stena, Terzica Avila  

From Novi Sad, prepare for a bit of a drive as you head to Eastern Serbia. Take a quick break to photograph the Drina River House before continuing onwards to the Banjska Stena viewpoint in the Tara Mountains. It’s very easy to access as the entire hike is only about one kilometer, but it’s absolutely stunning! Locals say that it’s the best viewpoint in the Tara Mountains.

Then, for a bit of local culture, continue onwards to Terzica Avila. This ethno village is completely free of charge, and you can have a traditional lunch or snack there as well. Serbia is dotted with ethno villages that take you back in time to what the old villages in Serbia used to look like and, quite frankly, many still look like this today. It’s incredibly charming, bright, and colorful.

Continue onwards to Zlatibor, which serves as the perfect home base in the region.

Sleep: Zlatibor

Day 6 – Sirogojno, Zlatar Lake, and Gorijle Waterfall  or Uvac National Park or Sargan 8 and Drvengrad

Now for your sixth day, you have three different options.

• Visit Sirogojno, Gostilje Waterfall, and Zlatar Lake
• Explore Uvac National Park
• Ride the Sargan 8 and wander through Drvengrad

We tried, and planned, to do all three options but, at the end of the day only succeeded in accomplishing the first option, as option two & three ended up being too difficult to arrange without knowing Serbian. Use your best judgment of course. If you’re planning to do Uvac National Park, I highly recommend doing it as part of an organized tour because there are no trail maps and it’s extremely challenging to find Serbia’s iconic viewpoint of the meandering river Uvac.

Then, if you plan to do the Sargan 8 train ride, we discovered that you have to book your tickets in advance, so I’d recommend having your hotel in Belgrade call and make your reservation a few days prior to arriving.  Since we weren’t part of a tour for Uvac, nor knew enough Serbian to book ourselves tickets on the Sargan 8, we went for option one.

We began our day by visiting Sirogojno, an open-air ethno museum. Unlike Drvengrad, the made-up movie set from Life is a Miracle, Sirogojno was once a fully operational, traditional village. It’s a beautiful property and the perfect look into what life used to be like.

After spending time exploring the ins and outs of Sirogojno, continue further to Gostilje Waterfall. It is well marked and maintained, and a lovely stroll through the park.

If you feel like adding one more stop to your day, drive about 30 minutes south and you’ll hit Zlatar Lake, which is simply pristine.

Take in the views before heading back to Zlatibor.

Day 7 – Back to Belgrade

On your final day, grab yourself a crepe at a stall by the lake in Zlatibor, pack your bags, and start the drive back to Belgrade!

Upon completion of this Serbia road trip with Auto Europe , you will have seen the best sites Serbia has to offer, and some of its greatest off-the-beaten-path sites too! Soak in the untouched natural beauty this country has to offer, dive into its history, and enjoy your drive!

Interested in a Serbia Road Trip? Pin It Please!

12 Comments

What a perfect road trip, Sarah. I have friends from Novi Sad, whom I follow on IG but met in Macedonia; they are always showing off the delights of their cultural capital. The history of Serbia is very interesting. I learned a bit about it while studying with some folks of all parts of former Yugoslavia – there is still some animosity amongst them and also toward Americans because of our involved in the 1990s. The nature looks magnificent and a place I would likely spend my time. Thanks for sharing.

Jess || https://www.learningfromstrangers.com

Sounds like a terrific experience, Sarah.

I needed to point out inaccuracy in your article. On Day 5, travelling from Novi Sad you say:

“From Novi Sad, prepare for a bit of a drive as you head to Eastern Serbia. Take a quick break to photograph the Drina River House before continuing onwards to the Banjska Stena viewpoint in the Tara Mountains.

Drina and Tara are in Western Serbia.

Be well and many more trips! Goran

I stumbled upon this since i am thinking of a roadtrip there myself. Maybe asded 1 week romania, or would serbia be enough for a 2 week trip? I had a question, where did you sleep along the way?

You can easily spend two weeks in Serbia! But if you want to change it up, it’s definitely easy to get between Romania and Serbia, and to explore both countries. I slept in a combination of hotels and AirBnBs along the way — where you’d stay exactly would be dependent upon your itinerary.

Thanks a Gr8 itinerary but if we do it as suggested how many continuous nights in Belgrade and (roughly) where to do the other nights?

Thanks! I spent 2 nights in Belgrade before completing the rest of this itinerary. You can view my full Belgrade article here: https://www.thefivefoottraveler.com/10-things-to-see-in-belgrade/

Love your route! Do you think is safe for a female solo traveler to rent a car and explore Serbia?

I highly recommend it! I’d definitely say it is safe enough for a solo female traveler to rent a car and explore Serbia — everyone was incredibly kind and I didn’t experience any issues at all 🙂

Hi Sarah, we followed your itinerary and had a wonderful time in Serbia last week. Based on your blog, we had booked the Sargan 8 train trip in advance and had good memories. Thank you!!

So happy to hear it! Glad you enjoyed – it’s a beautiful country!

Dear Sarah,

Thank you for your article. It is very interesting and exciting!

I have a question, how easy was for you to drive from Belgrade to other sites? Is it difficult to drive in Belgrade?

You’re welcome! We had no problem driving and found it quite easy. Hope this helps!

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Hi, I’m Sarah!

Hello World! I’m Sarah Gallo, The Five Foot Traveler, and I choose to dream out loud. After conquering a crippling fear of flying, I’ve developed an unquenchable passion for traveling. Since my newfound freedom, I have set foot on all seven continents, explored 114 countries, and continue to strive to live life to the fullest. Continue Reading…

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Travel Guide Serbia

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Serbia is a buzzy and boisterous country, compact enough for visitors to sample both Belgrade’s urban hedonism and the gentler pace of the smaller towns or national parks within a few days – and it’s one of Europe’s most affordable destinations to boot. Grittier than its blue-eyed neighbour Croatia, it is nevertheless an integral part of any backpacker’s Balkan tour: at the heart of the region, it gives easy access to the cluster of cultures and histories crammed into this small corner of Europe.

Where to go in Serbia

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7 days  / from 1280 USD

Explore Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina

Explore the highlights of Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Enjoy interactive ways of sightseeing and get ready to discover some beautiful natural sites like the Zlatibor Mountain and the Međuvršje Lake. Don't forget to sample some local specialities like burek or ćevapi.

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The treasures of Serbia

The treasures of Serbia are ready to be discovered. The trip starts in the capital city of Belgrade, where you can explore the bohemian heart of the city. You will be able to explore the natural and historic beauty of Serbia like Tara National Park and the century-old winery Aleksandrović.

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Balkan Puzzle

A visit to the Balkans is an incredible experience, get ready for memorable flavours of the traditional cuisine and hospitable locals while you explore the sights: stunning panoramic views, tiny to the Adriatic coastline, idyllic and fertile valleys, pristine rivers and lakes.

Serbia’s young, European-minded population brings a bubbling energy to its bars, cafés and clubs, producing an adrenaline-charged nightlife unmatched anywhere else in the Balkans. The general determination to have a good time confounds the expectations of many a traveller, arriving with memories of the 1990s, when Serbia’s name was not often off war reporters’ lips. Today, it’s just as likely to attract headlines for its crop of world-class tennis players or the annual EXIT festival in Novi Sad.

Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, is a sociable, hectic city that energizes and exhausts by turns. Northwest of the city on the iron-flat Vojvodina Plain sits lovely Novi Sad, window to the Fruška Gora hills, while further north – a stone’s throw from the border with Hungary – enchanting Subotica is sprinkled with early twentieth-century Secessionist architecture. Deep in the mountainous tract of land to the south of Belgrade are three key struts of Serbia’s religio-cultural heritage – Žiča, Studenica and Sopoćani monasteries. East of here, Niš is a pleasant small city to pause in en route to or from Bulgaria or Macedonia.

Top image © Aleksandar Todorovic/Shutterstock

Discover more places in Serbia

Population 7.5 million (excluding Kosovo)

Area 88,361 sq km

Language Serbian

Currency Dinar (din)

Capital Belgrade (population: 1.6 million)

International phone code 381

Serbia uses the Cyrillic alphabet as well as the Latin one. Many street signs and bus and train timetables are in Cyrillic only, so it’s worth being able to decode at least the first few letters of a word. Serbian, like Bosnian, is very closely related to Croatian and all three languages will be understood in all three countries.

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updated 26.04.2021

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3 Perfect Balkans Itinerary Options: 10 Days, 1 Month, and More [+PDF]

Traveling and backpacking in the Balkans is an extraordinary experience that offers the best of Europe on a backpacker budget. This Balkans itinerary will deliver the best of Europe. Delicious, Italian and Turkish-inspired food and drink. World-class beaches and Rivieras. Towering alps and the southernmost fjords in Europe. The Balkans backpacking experience offers so much to love in such a small area and at a great price that it should be top of every traveler’s list.

Read on to discover the best of the Balkans, the essentials for a perfect experience wandering the Balkans, including the best route and itinerary for 10 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 4 or more weeks.

My experience exploring Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia, Serbia, and more was one of the highlights of my European backpacking experience. Amazing food, plenty of great drink (wine and Rakja), never-ending parties, captaining a boat, extraordinary nature of towering mountains in bays, fantastic beaches, plenty of friends and friendly locals, and more. In this Balkans itinerary, I’ll share the must-see sights and experiences and how to make them happen to help you craft the perfect Balkans backpacking experience for you.

CONTENTS OF THIS PERFECT BALKANS ITINERARY

• Quick Balkans Itinerary for 10 Days to 14 Days
• The Full Balkans Travel Itinerary (3+ Weeks)
• Why The Balkans
• Balkans Tour Options to Consider
• Slovenia : Fairy tale like nature, lakes, and forests
• Croatia : Castles, Game of Thrones, wine, Italian inspired cuisine, an exquisite coastline
• Bosnia and Herzegovina : History, Ottoman influenced culture and cuisine
• Serbia : Never ending parties on the riverfront, fusion foods, rakija culture
• Montenegro : Norwegian styled fjords in warm, welcoming waters
• Albania : The Albanian Riviera’s amazing beaches and the Albanian alps
• Bulgaria : Artsy neighborhoods, nature, and gourmet locavore food culture for cheap

The Additional Balkans Destinations

• Kosovo (Optional)
• Macedonia (Optional)

Logistics of Traveling the Balkans

• Balkans Travel Budget & Tips
• Visas and Crossing Borders in the Balkans
• Travel Insurance: Do You Need It In The Balkans?
• When To Visit The Balkans
• Tips for Staying In The Balkans On A Budget
• Balkans Packing List Essentials
• How To Get Around The Balkans
• Balkans Travel FAQ

BALKANS ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS: THE TOP 10 THINGS TO EXPERIENCE IN THE BALKANS

• Montenegro: The southernmost fjords in Europe and beautiful waterways
• Albania: Undiscovered escapes, beautiful rivieras that rival the Greek isles, Albanian Alps
• Croatia: Medieval architectural beauty and a “Balkans meets Venetian Italy” vibe
• The Albanian Riviera
• The Albanian Alps
• The fjords of Montenegro
• The castles of Croatia
• National Parks throughout
• World-class beaches in Albanian, Croatia, and Montenegro
• Scandinavian style fjords and towering mountains in Montenegro
• Rich food and amazing wine influenced by the Italians, the Ottomans, and Eastern Europe
• Medieval castles and city centers along the entire Balkans backpacking route

WHAT TO SEE AND DO WHILE YOU’RE IN THE BALKANS

KEY BALKAN ITINERARIES

THE TWO PERFECT BALKANS ITINERARY OPTIONS FOR YOUR TRIP: 10 DAYS AND MORE

The Balkans is such an impressive destination for backpackers and travelers because it offers so much for every type of traveler – and it just so happens to be budget-friendly too. Any one of the core Balkan countries could easily be a multi-week destination.

To balance maximum experience with enjoyment, we’ve created 2 separate itineraries.

The first option is the Balkans itinerary for 10 days , which focuses on the highlight destinations and experiences of the Balkans that no one can miss and skips the countries with redundant views or experiences.

The second is the full Balkans itinerary for 2-3 weeks or more , the itinerary achieves the same (maximum enjoyment and unique experiences), but at a slower, more enjoyable pace and more sites in each country added to ensure constant enjoyment. This itinerary includes everything you need to see in the Balkans if time is no issue and you’re one of the lucky backpackers on the long trail. If you’re backpacking in the Balkans, this full Balkans itinerary is the option you need.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A FREE PDF OF THIS GUIDE!!

BALKANS ITINERARY (10 DAYS)

Balkans travel is something that every traveler should experience, but not all travelers have the full month necessary to backpack and slow travel the Balkans. This Balkans itinerary for 10 days packs the best sites, tastes, and experiences of the region into a smooth, 10-day jaunt.

With this 10 day Balkans itinerary, every single day will be mind-blowing and enjoyable and leave you wanting to return to the Balkans very soon.

If you are pressed for time, this 10-day itinerary delivers the best of the Balkans – beaches, food, Roman ruins and architecture, and more. However, if you have more time to spare, I highly recommend spending a month or more moving slowly through the Balkans and staying a little longer anywhere that catches your interests.

Read on to discover the places I recommend for a full Balkans itinerary of a few weeks or more.

THE FULL BALKANS TRAVEL ITINERARY (2 TO 6 WEEKS)

The Balkans has just as much richness, beauty, and culture as much more popular and crowded Western Europe, without the crowds and at a far cheaper price tag – fjords, mountains, and national parks as good as any in Scandinavia, wine that rivals Italy and France, rich hearty food that is unmatched, ruins that rival Rome, beaches that are on par with the islands of Greece, Spain, and France, and nightlife that puts Barcelona and Majorca to shame.

If you have a month or more to spare, I highly recommend backpacking the Balkans with this full Balkans travel itinerary.

This itinerary traces a trail through the Balkans, traversable by bus with manageable stops along the way every few hours, giving you a “best of the Balkans” tour, doable on a budget easily by bus.

For those travelers with more time for wandering and backpacking the Balkans, this itinerary shares every place you need to visit and see.

HOW TO USE THESE ITINERARIES

Both of the itineraries above, the Balkans 10-day itinerary and the itinerary, are perfect. Which itinerary you choose obviously depends on how much time you have to travel. For the longer itinerary, you should choose or eliminate destinations based on your own travel style – backpacker, budget traveler, outdoorsy, or party hungry.

If you only have ~10 days, stick to our 10-day itinerary, and you’ll hit the highlights of the regions and the best thing that each country has to offer.

If you’re traveling for 2+ weeks or backpacking, use the full itinerary omitting Kosovo, Macedonia, and Macedonia if you need to save time. Otherwise, hop the bus and enjoy each destination on our list.

If you find a city or country that you particularly enjoy, you should absolutely stay longer in that city or country.

Stay longer in countries where you love the sights, food, people, and lifestyle. As you travel, if you find a country/culture you love, stay longer and add more cities from that country to your itinerary (I recommend a few for each country).

The experience will change drastically once you leave each country as each Balkan country is very unique, so soak it up while you’re there – food, drink, people, architecture, and nature.

Plus , you can always go back and explore other destinations, so live in the moment as much as possible when you travel.

WHY I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE BALKANS

If you’re looking for some of the most diverse (in culture, religion, language) and untouched parts of Europe, Balkans is a great place to go. The Balkans region has seen it all: from Macedonia’s Roman ruins and stunning mountain ranges in Kosovo to Croatia’s stunning shades of blue lagoons and epic beaches. What attracted me and my experience backpacking the Balkans

• European experience on a Southeast Asia travel budget
• Plenty of “ vacation nature ” and natural beauty – fjords, rivieras, waterfalls, and alps – within a short ride
• The best beaches in Europe for extremely cheap
• “Old World” and medieval cities and architecture bring Game of Thrones to life with castles and walled city centers.
• The varied and rich food : everything from Italian-inspired Istrian, hearty Slavic, and Ottoman/Middle Eastern -inspired Bosnian.
• The drink: Croatian, especially Istrian, wines are underrated, and world-class thanks to Italian influence, and the Rakija (local firewater) is interesting, complex and varied across the Balkans
• Compact and accessible traveling : most of the adventures are hours away from each other by an easily booked and cheap bus or train
• Easy visa situation: whereas the rest of Europe in the Schengen zone only allows 90 days per six months in all of the European Union, each Balkan state offers easily renewable and free visas from 30 days to 6 months
• Less crowded than the rest of Europe with all of the experience
• Plenty of history intact with cities built by Roman emperors , recent wars, and recently opened borders (Albania)

The Balkan region – Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Slovenia, Serbia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina – offers amazing food, hearty and rich, that will satisfy any taste buds and wine as good as anywhere else in Europe. If you are looking for a “European vibe” but want an experience that’s cheaper, less crowded, and less touristy than the typical destinations, then the Balkans is a perfect place to visit.

The Balkans will give you an unforgettable experience – just make sure to pack your swimsuit, hiking shoes!

BEST BALKANS TOUR OPTIONS

If you’re not in the mood for indie travel, or if you’re pressed for time and want to see all of the Balkans in two weeks but want to skip the logistics planning, I highly recommend attending one of these reputable Balkans tours.

THE FULL BALKANS ITINERARY

Click to Jump to The itineraries

| SLOVENIA | | CROATIA | | MONTENEGRO | | BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | | SERBIA | | ALBANIA | | BULGARIA |

———-

THE ADDITIONAL BALKAN TRAVEL ITINERARY DESTINATIONS

| MACEDONIA | | KOSOVO |

Quaint European towns and Insta-worthy lakes, forests, and caves

For nature lovers and sober travelers, Slovenia is a picturesque and green destination that may be worth adding to your itinerary.

Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital and Europe’s greenest city, is a charming and quintessentially European city – walkable with cobblestone streets and a Riverwalk with plenty of coffee shops to enjoy the cool weather and peacefully picturesque views.

One hour away from the capital Slovenia’s biggest tourist destinations – Bled and Lake Bled – are nestled in the Julian Alps and deliver tons of Insta-worthy views. Hike up to Bled castle, boat to a church on an island, visit the charming village of Ribcev Laz on the shore of Lake Bled and take a cable car ride to the top of Mount Vogel for a panorama view.

End this leg of the trip by visiting the most toured cave in Europe (Postojna cave) and seeing the castle built into it (Predjama Castle) on your way to Croatia.

If you want to jump right into sunny beaches and lively nightlife, I suggest going straight to Croatia.

TIME NEEDED:

3 Days (1 Day in Ljubljana, 1 Day in Bled, 1 Day visiting Postojna Cave And Predjama Castle)

ESSENTIAL FOOD & DRINK

• Kremna rezina
• Kranjska klobasa
• Bograč
• Idrijski žlikrofi
• Pogača
• Štruklji
• Prekmurska gibanica

SLOVENIA VISA

Slovenia is part of the Schengen zone, so the Schengen visa applies – 90 days in a 180 day period, shared with all of the Schengen zone / EU countries

BUDGET/PRICES: ~$50 per day

• Hostel Dorm: $25/night
• Budget Hotel: $45/night
• Food: $15/day
• Transportation: $10 to $15 per day average, to visit attractions
• Attractions: ~$25

MOVING ON: From Ljublana, or anywhere else in Slovenia, if you are on a shorter itinerary (2 weeks or less), hop a bus (~8 hours) or a train (~10 hours + $38) to Split, Croatia, from Ljublana . If you are on a longer itinerary, hop a 5-hour bus or train (~$15) to Pula, Croatia and enjoy Istria .

GETTING THERE: As Slovenia is the start of many travelers’ and backpackers’ trails in the Balkans, the cheapest option is to fly into Bupadest, Hungary, enjoy the beauty of Budapest for a few days and then travel from Budapest, Hungary, to Ljublana, Slovenia by 7-hour train (~$30) or 7-hour bus (~$30) .

SLOVENIA ITINERARY

Slovenia has some amazing natural beauty that is world-class and that travelers rave about – but so do Montenegro, Croatia, and Albania, without being as far from the central Balkans backpacking route. Additionally, Slovenia offers very little outside of nature – while the rest of the Balkans offer rich food, drink, entertainment, and history.

Though Slovenia is remarkably beautiful, if you’re short on time traveling the Balkans, I recommend skipping Slovenia and starting your tour further south, closer to the action.

The Ljubljana city center was planned like an old baroque town, with cobbled streets and a Roman-style canal, catering to a day of walking and a leisurely lifestyle. This is a city that has been preserved in its original form, with buildings from all periods represented, all the while still moving forward. In 2014, Ljublana was awarded the Greenest City in Europe for its dedication to and advancements in sustainability, proving that Ljublana’s soul matched its surrounding beauty of turquoise lakes and sprawling forests.

Ljubljana also has a rich literary and artistic tradition, possibly cultivated by its welcoming cafes, with writers such as Nobel Prize winner Ivo Andric and poets like France Preseren make it their home for much of the 19th century. These literary giants influenced not just Ljublana but also much of the Balkans region as well through their work and by inspiring other writers.

WHAT TO DO IN LJUBLJANA

• Preseren Square and Tromostovje Triple Bridge
• Ljubljana Old Town, walking its two main streets
• Visit the Ljubljana Castle by funicular or hike
• Dragon Bridge
• Walk the riverfront
• Visit Congress Square
• Tivoli Park
• Museum of Illusions

TIME NEEDED: 1 Day

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS LJUBLANA:

WHERE TO STAY IN LJUBLANA

The hostel or hotel standards in Slovenia are great, so just choose one that fits your style. However, be choosy about the location to maximize your experience – either the Old Town or the Modern City Center are where you should look for accommodation. H20 Hostel comes highly recommended.

LAKE BLED / BLED

Bled, Slovenia, is a charming little town tucked up in the Julian Alps with the farily tale like Lake Bled situated right beside it. For those backpackers and travelers that love calm, pristine outdoor beauty and just the experience of strolling through a new place, Bled (just like the rest of Slovenia) will capture your heart.

Visitors can enjoy a stroll through the historic and beautiful city center, eating traditional Slovenian cuisine at one of many cafes or restaurants, or just picnic on flat rocks that jut out into the lake. Bled’s historic core is the winding castle on the hill on one side of the lake and the church on top of the hill on the other side of the lake. There are also many tours to take to explore the tiny, hidden, and less well-known, but still equally if not more stunning, parts of Slovenia that are offered by many different tour operators.

On the other side of the lake, on an island in the middle of the Krasna zalza (beautiful grove), stands a small, beautifully constructed church. It is said to be one of the most photographed churches in all of North-Eastern Europe.

Bled Castle was built in the 13th century by the Habsburgs as a summer residence. It has medieval turrets, and its view can be seen from throughout Slovenia. The castle is richly furnished and houses many treasurers; one that should not be missed is called “Prince Luitpold’s Treasure.” The treasure becomes more interesting because it contains some of Napoleon’s personal effects, including a memento made for the French emperor by a craftsman from Bled.

• Postojna Cave and Predma Castle inside
• Visit the town of Piran – full of Venetian architecture and coastline the rivals Italy and Croatia + Tartans Square, Saint Georges Church, and amazing seafood.

WHAT TO DO IN BLED, SLOVENIA

• Boat to the Church of the Mother of God on Lake Bled
• Hike to Bled castle
• Cable car to the top of Mount Vogel

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS AND CAFES

Sun-soaked beaches, Game of Thrones-style walled cities, and Venetian influence culture

Croatia’s Dalmatian coast is filled with countless amazing beaches and medieval-style cities worthy of Game of Thrones. The Croatian islands are party havens in the summertime that give you the must-experience opportunity to rent and captain your own boat for about ~$50 per day.

Between wanderings in Croatia, the rich food inspired by Italy just across the Adriatic Sea, and the great wine a rakija culture will keep you entertained. You could easily spend an entire trip in Croatia alone.

Croatia’s capital city, Zagreb, is a contemporary wonder. Its pedestrian-friendly streets lined with galleries and interesting shops hold fantastic treasures to be discovered at every turn. Foodies delight in the wide array of restaurants where one can sample everything from the old regional delicacies (try ćevapčići Slavinski) to original Southeast Asian fusion combos.

Endless nightlife options throughout Croatia offer partying high atop skyscrapers, in underground subterranean nightclubs nicknamed ‘catacombs,’ to islands that exist solely for nightlife and run until sunrise when they morph into normal beaches.

From its regal castle in Dubrovnik on the coast to modern marvels like The House of Croatian Parliament (Sabor) by architect Vjenceslav Richter, Croatia is filled with cultural riches that dance along pristine, unspoiled coastlines.

The Balkans are not only about wild mountains and alpine vistas – but they’re also home to some of Europe’s most spectacular coastline – the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia. The Dalmatian Coast, with its countless islands (think Hvar or Vis), packs in everything from laid-back fishing villages to cosmopolitan beach resorts. And did we mention the water? Well, it’s just turquoise, but it’s warm, clear, and everything you hope for in a riviera paradise.

No matter what kind of traveler you are, Croatia has something for you.

CROATIA ITINERARY

CROATIA TRAVEL INFO

HIGHLIGHTS OF CROATIA

• Cheap truffles
• Great wine in Istria inspired by the Italian style, and heavier, “Balkan style pasta.”
• Castles and medieval cities
• Rocky beaches with warm, clear water
• Never-ending nightlife

ESSENTIAL FOOD & DRINK ACROSS CROATIA

• Istrian cuisine
• Raznijci (meat skewers),
• Zagrebacki odrezak (veal stuffed with ham and cheese)
• Janjetina (lamb and herbs)
• Istrian wine
• Raznijci (meat skewers)

GETTING AROUND CROATIA:

Throughout Croatia, your travel mode of choice will be either by bus or rideshare. https://www.buscroatia.com/ is your best option for researching bus routes, and Rome2Rio.com is your second best option for researching routes, times, and prices. In both cases, book your ticket at the bus terminal as listed times can change and there are usually more routes and times listed than on these sites.

MOVING ON FROM CROATIA

From Croatia, I highly recommend going into Montenegro then Albania if you are on a shorter trip (less than two weeks). If you are traveling for longer (more than two weeks), travel by bus into Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mostar, then Sarajevo), up to Belgrade, Serbia, then back to Croatia, and continue south into Montenegro and Albania.

Leaving Croatia, you are perfectly situated in the Balkans to go anywhere – Slovenia, Bosnia, Montenegro, or a little further to Albania. If you travel to one of the adjacent, nearby countries (Bosnia, Montenegro, or Albania), traveling by bus is your best option, and you can research routes on Rome2Rio and book accordingly. Be sure to read the country sections in this guide to find out visa guidelines for each country.

For travel to Slovenia (Ljublana) and Serbia, a flight (~$90) is your best bet, as the bus to Ljubljana is 14 hours and the bus to Belgrade is 8 hours.

VISA: No visa is required for tourist visits less than 90 days – Croatia is not part of the Schengen zone

BUDGET/PRICES:

• €10-15 for a dorm bed in a hostel, ~25 per night for a private hostel room or budget hotel room

PULA, CROATIA

Pula is a low-key highlight of Croatia. Whereas the rest of Croatia boasts Game of thrones vibes and never-ending nightlife, Pula has a uniquely Istrian feel, heart food that combines Italian influence with Croatian traditions, fantastic wine (in the Italian tradition), low key beaches, and plenty of ruins.

Pula has been occupied by exactly 22 countries, and each has left its mark, although now the area feels very much like forgotten Italian countryside as the city was part of Italy up until 1942. Many of the residents do still speak Italian.

The colosseum that sits in the middle of town, a remnant of the Roman Empire’s occupation, is one of many ruins and archeological sites to explore. Last, there is a vast, still unmapped underground tunnel network beneath the city.

HIGHLIGHTS OF PULA, CROATIA

• Roman ruins and restored Roman empire era structures
• Rocky Beaches and cliff diving
• Food: Cheap truffles, great wine in Istria inspired by the Italian style, and heavier, “Balkan style pasta”
• Malvasia – The local white wine – normally the house wine

WHAT TO DO AND SITES TO SEE IN AND AROUND PULA

• See the Roman Coliseum (The Amphitheater), walking distance from downtown Pula.
• Pula – Built in the 1600s by the Venetians, designed by a French architect
• Roman Temple in Town
• The Triumph Arch
• Pula Daily Market from 7am to 3pm
• Archeological Museum of Istria
• Hop a bus and take the Nr1 line to Stone for 11 Kuna (1.5€) or take an Uber for 5€. Take the bus from the bus station is in front of Corso Kavana & Tapas Bar / Your Private Kingdom Cocktails.
• Go to the café in the campground behind the bus station in Stoja for decent Calamari (60 Kuna) and cocktails.
• Rt Kamenjak – rent a bike in the city at the last bus stop in the city of Premantura. Pick a bike shop at any place in that city.

WHERE TO EAT IN PULA

• Jupiter: Delicious, hearty, Istrian cuisine at an amazing price. Great wine selection too. The Local Wine (Malvasia), Istarski odrezak, and gnocci were the highlights
• Vodnjanka: Great seafood
• Parabuto: Call for reservations as it books up quickly each night
• Tappo: Next to the coliseum. Great for wine and tapas
• Hook & Cook: “Sea to table” restaurant
• Kod Kadre: Meat Restaurant. LOTS of meat

BEST CAFÉ’S IN PULA Have coffee in the main square, in view of a Roman Temple and Ruins. These were my favorite café’s

• Cjvajner Café
• Bistro Nonno
• Caffe Djana

GOING OUT AND NIGHTLIFE IN PULA If you’re planning to party, then you may want to skip Pula. This mellow town is wonderful, filled with great food and wine and plenty of rocky beaches, but the nightlife is scant compared to the rest of Croatia. However, if you plan to go out, these places are your best bet:

For the local scene, go out Thursdays. Start with drinking in the park until about 1 and then move to Uljanik, the local club that specializes in Electronica and Croatian Rock.

For more excitement, go out on the weekends. Pietras Julias – Pizzeria by day, club by night. The music can be a toss-up, depending on the DJ, but this is still the place to go during the weekend.

BARS AND NIGHTLIFE IN PULA

• The Shipyard
• Old City Pub
• Click (the James Joyce Bar)
• Enoteca Istriana – A bar near the Amphitheater that showcases regional wines
• Tapos – next to the amphitheater. Stylish and creative Tapas bar with a very cool/chill vibe

Drinking Tip: Check if the house wine is local; if it is, go for it. It’s usually delicious and always cheap.

PULA WALKING TOUR PATH

• Amphitheater
• Hercules Gate
• Arch of the Surgai (for a family that ruled for 1600 years, the family that won the battle that arose after the death of Julius Ceasar).
• Roman Mosaik – hidden underground House. Punishment of Darci
• Forum (City Center)
• Temple of Augustus
• Front wall from the Middle Ages
• Back Wall from The Temple of Dianna (Goddess of Hunting)
• Sidewall – 1970’s

WHERE TO SLEEP IN PULA

• Crazy House Hostel
• Antique hostel

OTHER TIPS ON PULA

• Summer is the best time to visit, and the most popular restaurants generally close between October and May.

SPLIT, CROATIA

Travelers should visit Split, Croatia, to explore Roman ruins, beautiful beaches, and amazing architecture.

Split is the second-largest city in Croatia, the main port on the Adriatic Sea coast of Dalmatia. The entire town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its most famous landmark is Diocletian’s Palace, a centuries-old historical site that was once one of the most important sites in the Roman Empire. Interesting fact – Roman Emperor Diocletian was the only Roman emperor to leave his station peacefully and avoid being murdered after. He did this by dividing the Roman Empire into fourths appointing a ruler over each so that they may quarrel with each other and leave him in peace. While Diocletian was executing this plan, he built the walled fortress of the palace in Split to retire peacefully and live out the remaining years of his life – as he did – and defend it if necessary. You will see when you arrive that this “palace” is the size of a small town and remained just as peaceful.

A guided tour will take you through its awe-inspiring corridors to some of the highlights, like its vast peristyle with an intricate mosaic floor and golden four-headed animal symbol of old imperial power.

Besides exploring this incredible palace, there are a number of other must-see sights in the area, like the ancient Titus’ Arch on its main promenade and Marjan Hill—a popular park that offers great views of the town.

Moderate to low-budget travelers can still enjoy Split by simply strolling along the seafront promenade where you will see all different kinds of cafes and shops, as well as many outdoor activities including volleyball, table tennis, star gazing or just hanging out on one of many sandy beaches. For those more interested in historical sites or some nightlife and partying, there are plenty of clubs where nightly events featuring both local DJs and international acts. The city’s Old Town is also jam-packed with restaurants offering some great Dalmatian cuisine; however, it can be for the more expensive side.

After soaking up the history and views of Split, hop a boat to the island Hvar to purely soak up the sun, party through the night, and captain your own boat…literally.

WHAT TO DO IN SPLIT, CROATIA

• Visit Diocletian’s Palace
• Enjoy a great, local lunch or dinner on the oceanfront boardwalk – aim for the north end for better prices.
• Specifically, eat at Konoba Matejuska or Hvar Harbor Restaurant
• Explore the city on foot and see all the sights of Split or with a free walking tour
• Visit Paskval Street in the old town for local jewelry and souvenirs.
• Visit the nearby Paklenica National Park for a little fun in nature (2 hours away)
• Take a boat to one of many Croatia islands like Korcula, Mljet and Vis for a day trip, or overnight to Hvar or Brac.
• Firstly, hop a ferry (1 hour, ~$8) to Hvar island to the sun and sip in a place that exists solely for pleasure. Hvar is a Croatian highlight not to be missed. After Hvar, continue by ferry (3.5 hrs, ~$30) from Hvar to Dubrovnik , or return back to Split and travel from Split to Dubrovnik by bus (~4 hours, ~$25)

HVAR, CROATIA

Hvar is a beautiful island in the Croatian Adriatic with amazing architecture, beaches, outdoor activities, and calm urban centers.

Hvar is a Croatian island located in the Adriatic Sea with some of Croatia’s most incredible scenery.

Hvar is also famous for its wines, handcrafted jewelry made out of volcanic stone & silver sea urchins. Tourists can visit different wineries to sample local wines by the glass. The island is very well known for its jewelry, made from the rare Lapis lazuli stone found in nearby mines all over the Balkans, which was highly prized by ancient societies as well as today’s fashion designers.

The vibrant nightlife scene is not necessarily as chaotic as other party islands, but it has its moments – especially if you make your way to the legendary “Carpe Diem.” There are plenty of bars and cafes that have live music every night of the week, and there is also an annual cultural event called “Cherry Night” held every July, during which Hvar celebrates the first sour cherries harvest every year. Local restaurants offer up amazing Mediterranean dishes that will make any foodie happy, including fresh fish and traditional Croatian cuisine like a filet of beef served with a delicious truffle sauce.

WHAT TO DO IN HVAR

• Visit the day bars, Hula Hula Hvar (bar) and Majerovica
• By night visit the never-ending party island of Carpe Diem
• Visit the beaches to the east and west of the main harbor. Beaches in the east rent kayaks for cheaper
• Rent a boat and motor you and your crew around the islands surrounding Hvar

WHERE TO STAY IN HVAR

• Villa Skansi
• The White Rabbit Hostel (Party centric)

MOVING ON FROM HVAR

After Hvar, continue by ferry (3.5 hrs, ~$30) from Hvar to Dubrovnik , or return back to Split and travel from Split to Dubrovnik by bus (~4 hours, ~$25)

DUBROVNIK CROATIA

Known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik offers more sights and activities than any other city in Croatia. The “Game of Thrones” esque old town is a prime destination for anyone looking to explore some Croatian history and culture and enjoy some amazing views from up high. The city was nearly destroyed during the 1992 war. Since then, Dubrovnik was rebuilt impeccably, maintaining a look that conjures feelings of a “Slavic Venice” considering Dubrovnik (and much of Croatia) were once ruled by the Venetian Empire.

Along with walking along the old city’s high walls and exploring fortifications (complete with cannons), there are also plenty of beautifully secluded beaches not too far away by car or public transportation from Dubrovnik. Just minutes outside of Dubrovnik, you can take it easy lounging on a beach that feels worlds away from busy Old Town. There are smaller gems like Ston where you can see some beautiful medieval architecture, go diving off its limestone rocks nicknamed “The Rocks,” and peaceful Lokrum island, littered with tons of peacocks.

Top your Dubrovnik experience with a sunset towering over the city after a cable car ride up Mount Sryoy, and you cap an epic experience before moving on to even better Balkans destinations.

WHAT TO DO IN DUBROVNIK

• Walk Stradun street, the main street in the Old Town, flanked by Venetian style buildings and Game of Thrones backdrops, ending at the clock tower
• Walk the Old Town city walls
• Old Town sites to see: Rector’s Palace,
• Hop a boat to Lokrum Island for the view, the experience, and peacocks
• Cable car ride up to 412 meters tall Mount Srdj for a birds-eye view of Dubrovnik
• Do a Game of Thrones walking Tour
• Enjoy the beaches that flank the city

TIME NEEDED: 1 to 2 days

ISLANDS NEAR DUBROVNIK TO CONSIDER

• Korcula: Beautiful Venetian architecture and the childhood home of Marco Polo, Princeton Beach, and winemaking
• Elite archipelago of 14 small islands: orchards and fruit groves, white sands beaches, more beautiful architecture and each island has a character all its own

COOL NOTES ON DUBROVNIK:

• The Old Town was a set for Star Wars as well as Game of Thrones

GETTING AROUND DUBROVNIK: On foot is your best and easiest bet as the best parts of Dubrovnik are walkable

WHERE TO STAY: The Old Quarter is a highlight and a great place to stay but pricey. Budget travelers should aim for the surrounding neighborhoods of Pile, Ploce, and Lapad. I highly recommend Hostel Angelina , and there are plenty of options on Airbnb

After you’ve finished exploring Dubrovnik, you’ve likely reached the end of your adventures in Croatia if you are taking the “from north to south” route through the Balkans. If you are in the Balkans for less than two weeks, hop a bus from Dubrovnik to Kotor, Montenegro (~3.5 hours, $8), for insanely beautiful fjords, towering green mountains, and warm, deep blue waters.

If you are on the extended tour through the Balkans, hop a bus on to Mostar, Bosnia, to begin the tour through Bosnia & Herzegovina and Serbia.

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

Ottoman food, culture, and heritage in the Balkans, with dense European history

Bosnia and Herzegovina deliver a unique experience in the Balkans thanks to heavy Ottoman influence in their culture, food, religion, and architecture, and due to the Bosnian history of war – from the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo, which started World War I, to the Bosnian War in the mid-1990s.

Bosnia used to be a small, medieval kingdom (and existed before Sarajevo); however, in the late 15th century, the Ottomans conquered the Bosnian kingdom, destroying much of the original history and leaving behind much of the culture and architecture we observe today.

Beyond the history-laden walking tours, Sarajevo delivers a rich experience of “Little Vienna meets Little Istanbul.”

Whereas other Balkan destinations deliver pure sunshine and pleasure, Bosnia and Herzegovina deliver culturally enriching and educational experiences in a way any travel will appreciate.

INTERESTING BOSNIAN FACTS: WHY THE BOSNIAN COASTLINE IS ONLY 17 KM LONG

Bosnia &Herzegovina have only 17km of coast: During the period of the Ottoman and Venetian empires, the Venetians controlled present-day northern Croatia. The Ottomans controlled Bosnia (without a coast at the time). Croatia (south of Bosnia) was the Dubrovnik republic. The Dubrovnik republic agreed to give the Ottomans the 17km of coastline to aid trade via access to the oceans, under the conditions that they would fight the Venetians if they ever attempted to invade. This is why present-day Bosnia has this coastline

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA ITINERARY

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA TRAVEL INFO

• Mostar: Cliff diving and a small-town feel
• Sarajevo: Vienna meets Istanbul, intense history (Balkan wars, WW2), unique foods,

ESSENTIAL FOOD & DRINK OF BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

• Dolma: Served many ways, but stuffed in onion and stuffed in peppers are the most common ways.
• Bey’s Soup or Begova Corba – slow-cooked chicken or beef and vegetables make a thick, slightly creamy, but extremely (simply) delicious soup.
• Klepe: Bosnian meat dumplings served with a creamy yogurt-like cream infused with garlic
• Cevapi: Simple, grilled rounds of minced meat served with a traditional bread somewhat like pita. Simple, yet filling. Good for an uneventful but tasty lunch
• Burek: A savory pastry filled with cheeses, meats, spinach, and the like (comes from Turkey and was brought to the Balkans by the Ottomans). Try it for a quick breakfast.
• Baklava: A layered pastry of flaky bread covered in honey and sugary sweet sauce. Common in many Middle Eastern countries and Greece. Absolutely delicious! Similar to everywhere else in the Balkans and the Middle East, it’s no less enjoyable here. Perfect with a cup of coffee

VISA: Most nationalities can stay for 90 days free without a visa but need to have at least 6 months validity on their passport on arrival

BUDGET/PRICES: $45/ Day for hosteling backpackers and ~$75 for budget travelers staying in budget hotels

CONNECTIVITY: HT Eronet SIM cards for 3G coverage

MOSTAR, BOSNIA  

The famous Old Bridge, built-in 1566 over the Neretva River, is one of Mostar’s most recognizable features. It was destroyed in 1993 when Croat forces bombed it in order to create a dividing line across the Balkans. Reconstruction began in 2002 and ended ten years later; today, it is again one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s top tourist attractions.

But there isn’t just cultural significance here–this city also has plenty of natural beauty: nearby peaks can reach 3,000 meters high (10,000 feet). Take a hike through Medjugorje (30 minutes away) or its surrounding hillsides for some epic views that are rarely seen by anyone but locals–as well as perhaps sightings of wild animals like deer.

Also, check out Kravice waterfalls – some of the tallest in the Balkans at 80 feet tall – between Split, Croatia and Mostar, 45 minutes away from Mostar. There is a swimming pool at the foot of these falls, and you can take a walk along a path that goes behind them to see where it all comes from. Many day hikers picnic along the shores and enjoy the paradise.

If you need one more destination around Mostar and in Bosnia, consider experiencing some local cuisine on Pliva Lake’s shore, featuring plenty of fresh fish and other delicacies, but expect a 2+ hour drive to get there.

The Balkans are known for their hospitable locals–and this is no different in Mostar! Take the time to talk with some of the friendly people who help run shops and cafes. You’ll be able to get a taste of local life that you wouldn’t otherwise see as a tourist.

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOSTAR BOSNIA

• The Stari-Mos Bridge: The iconic bridge, the “stari most” (meaning “old bridge”), has existed since the 1400s. The bridge was used to connect the commerce and residential neighborhood sides of the river. Now, you can jump from the Stari Most after getting certified by the local coaches – or jump from the lower platform. During my time in Mostar, Red Bull was running a cliff diving competition from the Stari Most Bridge.
• Terrace café by Day and Ali Baba disco by night
• Central mosque
• Top of Franciscan Church
• Heavy Ottoman influence
• Fantastic rich food with strong Turkish notes
• Do the free Mostar walking tour

AROUND MOSTAR

• Kravca Waterfalls
• Roman Ruins
• Pocitjeli: A medieval fortress and walls surrounding a town that dates back to 1444. 30 minutes from Mostar.

TIME NEEDED: 1 Day for Mostar, an additional ½ day today for each day trip out of town

WHERE TO EAT

• Restaurant Sadrvan – a plethora of local, Bosnian cuisine at great prices despite the touristy location and feel. Perfectly situated next to the UNESCO heritage bridge ” Stari Mos.”

GETTING TO MOSTAR

• From Dubrovnik or Split, go to Mostar, then Sarajevo, then depart to Serbia (east) or Montenegro (South)
• Traveling by bus, booking on the GobyBus site is your bet

The capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most varied and historically significant cities in Europe. The heritage of the rule of the Ottoman empire remains clear in the cuisine, architecture, and half of the city’s downtown. Museums host the memories of the Yugoslav wars, a product of the splitting of Yugoslavia, as well as the assassination of Franz Ferdinand by student revolutionaries that kicked off World War 2.

The highlight of the Sarajevo is absolutely standing at the border of east meets west in the downtown border between little Vienna and little Istanbul.

HIGHLIGHTS OF WHAT TO DO IN SARAJEVO

• Monday night party at the “unofficial bar.”
• Walking tour (hopefully with Neno)
• A museum (there are so many)
• Crimes against Humanity Museum (I had no idea of the atrocities, genocide, and torture that took place in Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Sarajevo Tunnel
• Latin Bridge – site of the assassination of Franz Ferdinand and the start of WW2
• Walk the Main Street
• “The cultural meeting point” is the line between mini Istanbul and mini Vienna

BEST RESTAURANTS IN SARAJEVO AND WHAT TO EAT:

• Dalmatinska.
• Amazing Burgers
• Walnut Rakija Aperitif
• Stuff peppers and Zucchini
• Gastro Pub Vucko
• Sarajevo eating tip: Stick to the Old Town for cheap, authentic, and delicious food

GETTING AROUND

• Unofficial shuttles 8, 12, 5 for 25 Euros or 50 Marks

WHERE TO SLEEP

• Hostel Kucha
• Doctors Hostel – comfy private beds, clean facilities, and a relaxed yet welcoming atmosphere
• 6:00AM bus to Belgrade from the east bus station

A proud country with a very Eastern European feel, robust history, and intense nightlife.

Serbia is a Balkan country that, through the countless empires and booms of tourists, has been able to hold on to its history and culture more than its neighbors. At times Croatia feels consumed by summering Europeans and GoT tours, and other cities can feel more Ottoman than Balkan at times. Serbia, on the other hand, feels 100% Slavic and 100% Serbian in a unique way for the Balkans. Serbia offers travelers a chance to experience the Balkans untouched, so it is nearly impossible not to have an amazing time during a trip there.

A uniquely Serbian experience awaits in Belgrade and beyond – from Rakia bars to floating nightlife to college-style warehouse parties, then waking the next day to absorb and discuss culture; Serbia will surprise you with its variety and uniqueness.

Serbia, formerly part of Yugoslavia, has a long tradition of hospitality and welcoming people epitomized by the Balkan proverb: “Whoever visits Serbia in wintertime knows what hospitality is.”

If you’re looking to get away from the tourist traps that can sometimes make traveling feel less personal, Serbia is one of the best places to go.

SERBIA ITINERARY

SERBIA TRAVEL INFO

• Insane Nightlife
• Deep History
• Experiencing a Slavic country that remains very true to its culture, unbent by tourism and other invaders

TIME NEEDED: 2 Days

• Ćevapi
• Karađorđeva šnicla
• Punjena Paprika
• Čvarci

VISA: Serbia is not part of the Schengen zone and offers a free 90-day visa for most visitors

• Hostel: $12/night
• Budget breakfast: $1
• Diner or Café Meal: $5
• Coffee: $1.50
• Beer: $1.50
• Inter-city Train: $4.50
• $60 for budget travelers staying in budget hotels

CONNECTIVITY: SIM Card from VIP, Telenor, or MTS for best 3G connectivity

BELGRADE, SERBIA

Belgrade has a rich history, ranging from Roman times to the Ottoman occupation and Serbian Christianization when Serbs converted to Orthodox Christianity in order to counter moves by Catholic clergymen coming from Rome. It was later captured by Turks in 1459, conquered briefly by Habsburgs in 1688, taken by Austrians in 1717–39 during the Great Turkish War, when it was known as “Belgrad” (Turkish: “Novo Brdo”), and liberated by the Serbian army in 1876 during the Serbian–Ottoman War of 1876–78.

Belgrade was also the capital of several Yugoslav states until the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia in 1992. Belgrade is still the capital and largest city of Serbia. It is the only major Serbian city with a population above one million.

• Do the free Belgrade walking tour, hosted by Hostel Hedonism
• Visit the Belgrade Fortress and hang out at the Park in front of it
• Visit old town (Zaman)
• Visit Sajmiste (remnants of a concentration camp)
• Walk Belgrade’s “Stari Grad” (Old Town), seeing the main walking
• The main pedestrian walk of Kneza Mihaila and plenty of places to eat, drink, and people watch
• Visit Republic Square, at the end of Kneza Mihaila
• The Belgrade Fortress, which has never been overtaken
• Kalemegdan Park surrounding the fortress, which includes the military museum and a zoo
• Walkthrough Skadarjila, Belgrade’s most stylish and bohemian neighborhood
• Enjoy the never-ending nightlife at the riverfront bars and clubs
• Visit Zeleni Vanac farmers market
• Visit the Nikola Tesla Museum
• Visit the neighbors of Zemun and Novi Beograd for a taste of what local life is like outside of the city center.
• Noteworthy landmarks to see: National Assembly, Church of St Mark, Church of St Sava
• Belgrade is the largest city in the Balkans
• The Belgrade fortress has never been captured by a rival

TIME NEEDED: 1-2 Days

ESSENTIAL FOOD, DRINK, AND WHERE TO EAT

• Fabrika (Restaurant)
• Leila Records (Radio-Televizija Beograd) – A café, bar, and record located a 10 minutes walk from the tourist strip but authentically (hipster) Serbian.
• Go to new Belgrade or Zamun for food
• Cafeteria (coffee bar in tourist center)
• Fabrika Restaurant

BARS AND NIGHTLIFE

• Go to Passenger Café (have a Kas beer) next to Hedonism Hostel
• Rakia Bar – The name says it all!
• Splavoli (floating clubs built into houseboats on the Rivershore)
• Drugstore (Warehouse District – Bus 16), Old factory clubs complex

GETTING AROUND: Most of the parts of Belgrade you’ll want to see are situated in the downtown and historic areas, so you’ll be able to explore the entire city on foot

• Bongo Hostel
• Hostel Hedonism
• Take the train (11 hours) or fly back to Podgorica, Montenegro and continue on the Balkans backpacking route.

Novi Sad is the second-largest city in Serbia. It’s known for its significant role at the end of World War I, when it was occupied by Serbian troops and became an important anti-Bolshevik base. This great deed earned it a reputation as a Christian bastion that turned out to be undefendable against merciless Ottoman forces.

The dynamic atmosphere attracts many visitors and workers from abroad, who come to experience this Mediterranean Balkans feel during their Balkans tours. Novi Sad is also famous for its thriving art scene as well as the annual jazz festival attracting celebrities and musicians from around the world every October.

As one of the youngest European capitals, Novi Sad’s restaurants, bars, galleries and concert halls all reflect its cultural diversity, which in turn gives the city an alluring nightlife that is often described as unique.

Novi Sad’s strategic position on the Danube River makes it a natural hub for inland waterway transport, and there are good road connections to all major cities around the Balkans.

• Smaller version of Belgrade
• Student city
• Lively nightlife
• EXIT festival in July – biggest music fest in the Balkans

WHAT TO DO IN NOVI SAD

• Visit the Petrovaradin Fortress
• Walk Dunavska pedestrian street
• Enjoy peace and quiet in green Danube park
• Visit the Museum of Vojvodina which documents 8,000 years of history in the region
• Enjoy the architecture: Name of Mary Church, Novi Sad Synagogue, Vladičanski Dvor (the Bishop’s Palace), St. George’s Cathedral
• Enjoy Strand, the sandy beach on the shore of the Danube
• Visit the Matica Srpska Gallery housing 7,000+ pieces of Serbian art from 1500 to present
• Visit Fruška Gora 30 minutes from town, a National Park of vineyards, pastures, and woodlands that was the shores of an island in the Pannonian Sea 90 million years ago
• Drive 35 minutes away to the vineyard laden small town of Sremski Karlovci

TIME NEEDED: 1 day

MONTENEGRO (HIGHLIGHT OF THE BALKANS)

The southernmost fjords in Europe tower above pristine, beautiful waterways and castles

Montenegro is a small yet intensely beautiful country dominated by the southernmost fjords in Europe, waterways, and towering mountains with centuries-old, medieval-style cities dotting in between. Montenegro’s views and stories feel unreal, whether walking a cobblestone road in the afternoon, taking a cheap boat tour through the waterways with the captain narrating the hidden history, or hiking to a monastery.

For many travelers, Montenegro is the highlight of their Balkan itinerary.

You’ll find the popular sites, Kotor and Budva, frequented by cruise ships and locals (Croatians and Serbians). Montenegro delivers all of the enjoyment of Croatia at about 1/3 the price.

MONTENEGRO ITINERARY

MONTENEGRO TRAVEL INFO

TIME NEEDED: 2 to 3 days for the essentials

• Moussaka (in general)
• Musaka od Ketola

GETTING TO MONTENEGRO

• International travelers coming from outside the Balkans will need to fly into Dubrovnik and then bus to their destination in Montenegro.
• No matter where you come to Montenegro from (within the Balkans), traveling by bus is your best bet.
• From Dubrovnik to Kotor, take a 3-hour bus ($10) .
• From Albania, bus from Skoder (3 hours) or Tirana (6 hours).
• From Mostar, Bosnia, or Sarajevo, taking the bus will be your best option.
• From Belgrade, take the train from Belgrade to Podgorica, and hop a bus from Podgorica to your next destination in Montenegro

VISA: Montenegro is not part of the Schengen zone, and a free 90-day visa is offered on arrival

CONNECTIVITY: Telenor SIM Card best for 3G access countrywide

• Hostel: $12/day
• Transportation: $7 between cities, most cities are walkable and need no transport
• Tours: $35 for Kotor Bay and Lady of the Rocks Tour
• $75/night for budget travelers option for hotels

KOTOR, MONTENEGRO

Kotor is one of the most picturesque cities in Montenegro and a popular destination to visit for people all over the Balkans and beyond!. It’s located on a dramatic bay where the Adriatic crashes into towering limestone walls, forming cliffs and caves. Kotor is home to UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Town, which begins at the foot of Stari Grad (Old Town) and ends at Lovrjenac Rock in the center of the bay, and is considered one of the most beautiful places along the Adriatic Coast. Nearby seaside villages include Tivat, Budva, and Sveti Stefan. With its beautiful beaches, magnificent fortresses and interesting history, Kotor is perfect for travelers of all ages.

Roman Emperor Augustus spent time in Kotor in the 3rd century BC and praised it as a “city defended by strong walls” back then.

If you are planning a Balkans itinerary, be sure to put Kotor on your list. The beauty of this coastal town, as well as its historical significance, will not disappoint.

HIGHLIGHTS (BLURB)

• Kotor Bay Boat Tour
• Visit Our Lady of the Rock Church (UNESCO Site)
• The Kotor Bay Boat tour (€35) is a must-do. 3 hours on a boat spent cruising the crystal clear, blue waters up to the border with Croatia, visiting some interesting sites in between (includes lady of the rock church, underwater tunnel)
• Beaches abound around Kotor , walking distance with water so warm and calm. I went for midnight, moonlit swims every night in Kotor.
• Two fishermen found a picture of the Virgin Mary on a rock in the middle of the water. It was gone the next day but reappeared a week later. The locals decided to build a church on the rock but needed to build an island first. For 100 years, sailors in the bay would drop small rocks from their boats each time they went out, and the town sank enemy ships over the rocks to build the island. Today, the church and the island are UNESCO world heritage sites.
• Old Town and the Castle: The old town is an ancient, walled complex and castle that crawls up the steep mountain behind the city. This complex houses most of the nightlife in Kotor and caters to partiers and backpacker life.

TIME NEEDED: 1 to 2 days for the essentials

GETTING THERE: The destinations in Montenegro are close together, so, anywhere in Montenegro you go, travel by bus. Rome2Rio will be your best tool for planning bus travel, but be smart and book at the train station beforehand.

GETTING AROUND: Kotor is a small and beautiful town that is tightly packed and very walkable. Plan on just walking to get anywhere you’d like to go.

WHERE TO SLEEP IN KOTOR

• Hostel 4 U Montenegro : A hostel on the beach and an anomaly. When I stayed, they had 2000+ reviews and a rating of 9.9 out of 10. On arrival, you won’t check-in. Instead, you’ll be handed a shot of homemade Rakia.
• Old Town Hostel
• Use www.getbybus.com to find your bus out

LOGISTICS VISA: Montenegro is not part of the Schengen zone, and a free 90-day visa is offered on arrival

BUDGET/PRICES: (1 NIGHT ACCOMMODATION, 1 MEAL, 1 BEER)

NOTES : Next to the old town is Kotor’s only shopping complex with a grocery store and anything else you’ll need

BUDVA, MONTENEGRO

Budva is a coastal town with great nightlife and vibrant atmosphere, long sandy beaches, beautiful residences, hotels and hostels. Its off-season city is charming as well – not too big yet numerous things to see and do. The city’s old town centers around its signature pedestrian street, which is the center of activity for visitors, lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes. The Old Town is bordered by the site of a 14th-century Franciscan monastery on one side and a 17th-century Orthodox church on another. A walk through this picturesque area also gives a breathtaking view of mountainside villages and the shores leading up to the Adriatic Sea.

• Soak up the sun on the Budva Riviera
• Walk the Budva Old Town
• Visit the Cathedral of Saint Stephen
• Sail the bay and view Kotor fjord

GETTING AROUND: Just like Kotor, Budva is tightly packed and walkable, so plan out using your feet to get around for the best experience

Undiscovered and packed with experience: the Albanian Alps and the Albanian Riviera are Balkan highlights

Albania is one of the highlights of the Balkans – “young,” undiscovered, and filled with some of the best beaches (the same coastline as you’ll find on the Greek Riviera) and Alpine views in all of Europe, at a travel price that is easily the lowest in the Balkans and Europe.

Albania opened up to the west and abandoned communism much later than its neighbors, leaving Albania with a very young and “new” and somewhat adventurous feel as a country. Though traveling through Albania can be slightly more difficult than its neighbors, the natural beauty you get in return makes Albania a highlight of the region thanks to two things – the Albanian Riviera and the Albanian Alps. As you travel through this country, you will experience the highs of travel and the calamity of “adventure travel.” Some parts will feel like the Greek isles and riviera or Alps of other countries, while other places will feel as chaotic as urban India – in all situations, though, the experience is exquisite and worth the trip.

The Albanian Riviera is the coastline shared with Croatia (to the north), but more interestingly, it is shared with Greece to the south. This is the same immaculate beaches and coastline that would cost 5x as much to travel in Greece, but (in Albania) you experience it with a more authentic, less touristy feel, and without the crowds.

The Albanian Alps are tucked just across the Albania-Montenegro border, near the Albanian towns of Theti, the Valbona River Valley and deliver sights as amazing as the Swiss Alps and Dolomites, surrounded by charming rural towns, yet just a few hours drive from warm beaches. All of this is still under traveled, undiscovered, and perfect for budget travels.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ALBANIA

• Albania was the first atheist country in the world in 1967
• The clock tower in Tirana has been rebuilt several times because, at the start of wars, it was usually the first thing destroyed, and after wars, it was usually the first thing rebuilt
• Albania has over 170,000 bunkers strewn throughout the country
• Albania is the international name based on the first tribe that was found here.

ALBANIA ITINERARY

Consider Albania route –> Tirana –> Shkoder –> Albanian Alps –> Albanian Riviera (Vlore, Sarande, Himare) –> Berat –> Gjirokaster –> Tirana to do the adventurously strenuous experiences (trekking) first, and end the trip on the beachy riviera

Or reverse the route if you would prefer to get adventurous first and then end on the beach.

HIGHLIGHTS ALBANIA

• Tirana (capital) and learning of the country’s history
• The Albanian Riviera and exquisite beaches for insanely cheap
• Sarandë (Best coastal destination)
• Rough camping on the beaches of Albania
• Shkodër
• Berat and Berat National park (UNESCO heritage site)

ESSENTIAL FOOD & DRINK IN ALBANIA

• Byrek: Savory pastry
• The Mediterranean Staples: Olives, cheeses, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, baklava, byrek
• Stuffed Peppers
• Fried Eggplant

WHEN TO VISIT: Shoulder seasons of April to June and September to October are best, with great temperatures and thin crowds. July and August are great, too but expect heavier crowds.

GETTING THERE: From within the Balkans, international busses connect to Tirana from Montenegro, Kosova, Greece, and Macedonia. From outside of those countries, expect to fly in. Momondo is your best bet for finding cheap flights.

GETTING AROUND: Albania is small and easy to get around. You can travel from north to south in a single day, all via public transport (no need to rent a car). Fulgoni and busses are your best options for travel.

Fulgoni are shuttle buses or minivans that run between cities in Albania. They’re accessible and cheap but often only leave when full. To find them, it is best to ask your hostel or hotel where to find the appropriate one for your next destination.

Long-distance busses are another great option, more reliable, easier to book, and my preferred option.

If you are pressed for time and don’t want to waste time sorting transport, consider a tour from G Adventures or Intrepid Travel.

MOVING ON: From Albania, take a cheap flight into Bulgaria (Sofia and Bansko) for great food adventures, a Bohemian café scene, low-key yet engaging nightlife, and some great day hikes.

VISA: 90 days free with no visa required for citizens of EU countries and 59 other countries, including the US, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom ( Source )

ALBANIAN BACKPACKING BUDGET/PRICES: Albania is the cheapest country to travel in the Balkans

• $35 per day total
• Hostel: $11/night
• Good meal: $5
• Transport: $75 to $100 for bussing the entire loop of Tirana to the Riviera to the Alps

WIFI AND CONNECTIVITY:

• Vodafone SIM for 3G is best, also Eagle Mobile, Telekom
• Larger, chain cafes will have wifi, don’t expect strong wifi in small cafes

RECOMMENDED TOURS: (G Adventures, Intrepid, Contiki)

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Albania is adventurous enough that I recommend travel insurance, and Safetywing and World Nomads both suffice

Tirana is the Albanian capital and full of history in Tirana, dating back to about 3000 BC. Tirana was once the crown jewel of the Balkans and was considered Europe’s newest and most modern city. But the Balkans lost a lot of its charm following World War 1 which destroyed major portions of the Balkans, including Tirana and many other cities in Albania.

After the war, a communist government was established, and Albania became a communist state, isolating itself from not but the west, but even China, the Soviet Union, and neighboring Yugoslavian countries.

In 1992, Albanians voted to end communism and instead embrace democracy. Since then, Albanian has been gradually reopening and recovering from decades of isolation.

Tirana is the perfect place to learn about, experience, and absorb this history from walk tours, wherein guides share the history that they lived through, museums, and daily life that has eery remnants of a time passed.

• The City Square: Has a plant from every region of Albania and has 100+ small fountains, so the square stays cool in summer.
• The National Museum located next to the square
• A Free Walking Tour for a firsthand account of Albania’s history
• Block Ware (former place of the elite – now a place to go out)
• Sky Bar – a bar that rotates completely every hour, giving a 360-degree view of the city
• The Bunker Museum
• Visit the Bunk’Art 2 museum: A nuclear bunker turned Albanian dictatorship history museum.
• Take a free walking tour to discover the history
• Visit the National Museum
• Visit Skanderberg Square
• View Et’hem Bej Mosque in the Square
• Cable car up to Dajti Mountain for sunset after bussing to Daytime National Park for a panoramic view of Tirana
• Visit Tiranas New Bazar for food and people watching.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS IN TIRANA

• Oda Restaurant
• Sofra Beratase Restaurant
• Head to Himare, on the Albanian Riviera
• By bus from the south bus station (1000 Leke) at 5:45, 6:15, 1:00pm, 6:00pm
• From center to bus station ~700 Leke

RECOMMENDED TOURS

• Any free walking tour
• The Bunk’Art Tour

The gateway to the Albanian Alps and an ancient city that was home to Illyrian tribes that ruled Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Later, this city was ruled by the Serbs, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans, and the remnants of these cultures still remain today.

A prep town before heading into Theth and the Albanian Alps. One of the oldest cities in the Balkans.

When not prepping gear and planning transport for the Theth to Valbona hike, walk the city streets to absorb the vibe. The main street (G’juhadol), the shopping street (Kole Idromeno) are great places to walk through.

• Hike up to Rozafa Castle
• Prep for the Theth to Valbona hike (food and equipment are best gathered here)

TIME NEEDED: 1 Night

SHKODER LOGISTICS NOTES

• Plan on going to the SPAR Market in town to stock up on everything you’ll need for the hike
• Bring enough cash for your time in the Alps because there is no ATM in Shkodra.
• Transport to Theth will be best arranged through your hostel or hotel, including transport back from Valbona.

THE ALBANIAN ALPS

The Albanian Alps is a high-altitude mountain range in southern Albania, with the highest peak, Mount Korab towering at 2,764m above sea level. The range spans 100km from north to south and rivals the beauty of the alpine regions elsewhere in Europe, making for the same amazing outdoor experience at a fraction of the price and with a fraction of the crowds.

You already know Albania is already a country that has maintained its beauty with charming rural villages untouched natural landscapes. A relatively small Balkans country, to begin with, having an area of only 28,750 km2, the Albanian Alps continue to be an unexplored gem tucked in the northeast corner of Albania. The Albanian Alps stand as a national park immaculate and pristine trekking and hiking by summer and international ski resorts to explore by winter. Throughout your wanderings here, you’ll find scenic views of snowy peaks surrounded by green pine forests as backdrops to crystal blue watering holes and waterfalls. Tourists choosing to hike and make the most of their time in the region here, around Theth and Valbona, can choose from different levels of difficulty in treks, from easy to difficult, making the adventures here suitable for everyone.

The Albanian Alps offer many activities beyond just hiking, such as sightseeing, kayaking, horse trekking, and skiing. This destination is a perfect escape where you will get to travel throughout the Balkans but have the feeling that you are far away from civilization.

An Alpine Mountain town with hiking as its main draw, and that’s plenty.

• The Theth to Valbona hike through the Albanian Alps (7 hours)
• Hike the trail to Danielle (5 hours)
• Hike to the Blue Eye (7 hours) + Grunas Waterfall on the route

TIME NEEDED: 3 Days

The destination city of an amazing, 7-hour one-way hike from Theta to Valbona. You will complete the hike with a walk through the town with a beautiful view on both sides, ending with dinner at your guesthouse.

Be sure to go out after sunset and take in the night sky. Then rest up and prepare to go back to Shkodra the following day.

• Arrange transport back to Shkodra through your guesthouse for the following day.
• The travel back will require a furgon from Valbona to Fierce, a ferry across Loman Lake to Koman, and another Furlong from Koman to Shkodra.

A central town on the Albanian Riviera surrounded by beautiful beaches and a great base for comfortably exploring as many as your trip allows.

• Gjipe Beach (accessible by kayak)
• Jala Beach (accessible by kayak from Himara)
• Filikuri Beach (accessible by rented kayak)
• Rent a kayak and explore the coastline by day, visit the beaches and coves that dot the shoreline.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS & ESSENTIAL FOOD & DRINK

• Sunset Restorat Bar (more for sunset than the food)

UNESCO World Heritage site and city of 1000 windows and home to Ottoman era homes and fortresses on the route to the Albanian beaches

• Berat Castle
• Holy Trinity church, and Byzantine church from the 13th century
• Walk the Mangalem Quarter (home to Muslims) and Gorica Quarter (home to Christians)
• Make the hour-long hike up the hill behind the Gorica quarter for sunset
• Walk Bulevardi Republika just after sunset to experience “xhiro hours” when friends and family come out to walk and socialize
• Two buses daily run from Berat to Gjirokaster from the Berat Bus Terminal, one at 8 am and the second at 2 pm for ~200 LEK. The ride will be ~3 hours.

GJIROKASTER

A UNESCO world heritage site known as the “Stone City of a Thousand Steps.” One of the Balkans’ oldest cities, Gjirokaster, is worth a visit for its architecture, ancient ruins, and abundant Ottoman-era houses.

WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN GJIROKASTER

• Gjirokaster Castle, a beautiful Ottoman-era fortress sitting atop a hill
• Gjirokaster Museum
• Explore the hundreds of bunkers in Gjirokaster
• Gjirokaster Old Bazar
• Do the Free Walking Tour hosted by Stone City Hostel if staying there
• Hike to the Ottoman era Ali Pasha Bridge

WHERE TO STAY

• Stone Coty Hostel

Calm, quiet, and potent for foodies and lovers of pub culture

Quaint, calm, and charming in a peaceful way, Bulgaria is a wonderfully relaxed destination in the Balkans that is less about natural beauty, architecture, and nightlife than its neighbors and more about food and absorbing culture by osmosis. Additionally, you will constantly be surprised by the history, culture, and cuisine of Bulgaria that you’d never even heard of. At night, the restaurants and nightlife make Sofia and Bansko places that a nomad could hang their hat.

Food in Sofia, Bulgaria is surprisingly amazing ; a strong locavore food scene encourages restaurants to commonly experiment with the foods of the region in a gourmet way. The yogurt you commonly eat started here. My favorite meal in Bulgaria was local wild boar that fed on a particular berry in the forest, served with greens and salad foraged from the same forest, paired with a wine made from the same plucked berry from that forest, and finished with ice cream made from the same berry – and this was a standard meal for my entire time in Sofia for cheaper than an average meal in a western European country.

Bulgaria’s history can be explored with day trips (to Plovdiv) and walking tours wherein you’ll discover ruins and remnants from the Ottoman Empire’s former footprint, as well as how the Bulgarians protested the deportation of Bulgaria’s Jews to concentration camps and came up with a scheme to save the Jews in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria’s pub and local bar is an adventure on its own. Whereas Croatia’s nightlife rivals Barcelona’s, Bulgaria’s dark pubs seem reminiscent of Game of Thrones pubs. As contrasted and low-key as the vibe is, the locals are welcoming, and a few beers on the town in Sofia can be a great time.

All in all, Bulgaria is a less exciting destination, but calmly pleasing in many ways and a great way to end a trip through the Balkans.

BULGARIA ITINERARY

• Shopska Salad
• Tarator Soup
• Shkembe Chorba
• Chushka Biurek (Stuffed Peppers)
• Madradjisko (Egg & Cheese in Clay Pot)
• Palačinka (Bulgarian Pancakes)

BULGARIAN VISA: You can travel in Bulgaria for up to 90 days every 180 days. Visits to Bulgaria do not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit in the Schengen area.

CONNECTIVITY and SIM Cards: Telenor, Vivacom, A1 Bulgaria

• Accommodation: $11/night
• Transportation: $10 between cities, $17 to taxi across the entire city
• Attractions: $10
• Accommodation: $25/night
• Food: $25/day
• Attractions: $10  

Sofia, the capital and largest city of Bulgaria, is a fascinating blend of European and Slavic styles with architecture that encompasses many different periods. The Balkans itinerary would be incomplete without at least a short stopover in Sofia.

This city may seem dull on the surface, but it is actually cultured, entertaining, and has a heavy hipster influence beneath the surface.

A strong gourmet and locavore food scene at insanely low prices (as expected in the Balkans), a great pub and dive bar scene, tons of kitsch coffee shops, and more add up to a destination that doesn’t quite blow your mind but is a perfectly enjoyable and relaxing stopover for backpackers, digital nomads, and anyone who can appreciate artsy and “low key.”

WHAT TO DO IN SOFIA

• Food Tour with Balkan Bites
• Free walking tour with Sofia free tours
• Go on a graffiti tour or simply wander the town and admire the street art
• 10 pm pub crawl every night from Hostel Mostel
• Consider day use of the spa and sauna at Central Hotel Sofia if you’ve been running too hard.
• Wander and explore the countless cafes as there’s a strong bohemian scene in this city
• Hike up Vitosha Mountain, just outside the city
• Visit “ The Red Flat ” for a peek into what life was like under communism
• Do the Seven Rila Lakes Hike, glacial likes high in the surrounding mountains
• Day trip outside the city to the colorful Rila Monastery
• Landmarks and architecture to see: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

TIME NEEDED : 1 day for Sofia proper, 2 days including hikes

GETTING THERE:

• Fly in as Sofia is one of Europe’s most affordable cities to fly into. I paid $32 for my flight in and $1.50 to get from the airport to my hostel.

WHERE TO STAY:

• Hostel Mostel: At $11, I got a dorm bed, made tons of friends, and all-you-can-eat breakfast and free dinner. The crowd here was the best part.
• Consider heading to Turkey as a train ticket to Istanbul is only $29.
• Balkan Bites Walking Tour
• Sofia Free Walking Tour
• Free Sofia Graffiti Tour (or just wander on your own)

Bansko is best known as a budget-friendly ski location and mountain town for digital nomads. If you’re traveling to Bulgaria in the winter, stop off for some snowboarding and skiing. Outside of winter, your trip to Bansko will be filled with hikes and day trips to nearby cities.

If you’re on the long trail, backpacking for months, Bansko is worth stopping at for some outdoorsy relaxation. If your schedule is tight, skip this destination and allocate more time for other Balkan cities.

WHAT TO DO IN BANSKO

• Ski-in the wintertime
• Hike to Vihren Peak
• Rila Monastery Day Trip
• Pirin National Park Day Trip

TIME NEEDED: 1 Day + 1 day for each of your chosen hikes/day trips

RESTAURANTS

• Hadjidragana Tavern
• Skaptoburger
• Salted Cafe

ALTERNATE DESTINATION: THE BULGARIAN BLACK COAST

City 1: Varna – The Marine Capital of Bulgaria (1 Day)

• The Retro Museum
• The Stone Forest
• Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin
• The Butterfly House

City2: Sunny Beach – A sunny vacation spot filled with nightlife (1 Day)

• Erma Turkish Bath
• Church of Saint Sophia

THE ADDITIONAL BALKANS DESTINATIONS

Kosovo (optional).

Honestly, many other countries in the Balkans have more to offer, but the act of visiting this formerly war-torn country will help you open your mind and shed stereotypes that will enhance your travels down the road. Though Kosovo lacks the sights to see that its neighbors do, Kosovo is very safe to travel to, and visiting can open your mind.

If you are traveling the region for less than three weeks, skip Kosovo and save the travel days for another highlight destination (Albania, Montenegro, or Croatia).

If you are backpacking in the Balkans and have plenty of time, stop through Pristina, Kosovo and walk the town, and be sure to read the history of Kosovo to truly appreciate how far this country has come.

KOSOVO ITINERARY

WHAT TO DO IN PRISTINA

• Take the cathedral elevator up for a good vantage point of the new city
• Check out the statue of Bill Clinton
• Walking tour – 11 AM daily from the steps of the National (Library)?
• Walk down the main drag (??name and Mother Theresa road) in the evening to see normal life.
• National Museum

VISA: For most nationalities, no visa is necessary for up to 90 days

MACEDONIA (OPTIONAL)

With all of the other amazing sights to see in the Balkans, it is difficult to justify detouring to Macedonia instead of spending extra days in one of the country’s neighbors.

Skopje’s Bazar, reminiscent of Turkey, is topped by Little Istanbul (and Little Vienna) in Sarajevo, Bosnia. The countless statues in Skopje’s downtown are interesting but more reminiscent of Las Vegas than a Balkan backpacking adventure and are one-upped by the old walled cities in Croatia and Montenegro.

At the same time, Lake Ohrid’s, and Ohrid’s, beauty are topped by that of Kotor Bay in Montenegro and Lake Shkoder/Shkodra on the Montenegro /Albania border.

Plus, all of these other options above are a shorter distance to other worthwhile sites.

If you are traveling or backpacking the Balkans for less than three weeks, skip Macedonia and spend more time in the other, highlight locations.

If you are traveling the Balkans for more than three weeks and want to include Macedonia, do a quick layover in Skopje and add Ohrid and Lake Ohrid if you are enchanted enough.

MACEDONIA ITINERARY

• Poletti Peperki

VISA: Visas are not required for tourist or business trips of less than 90 days within a six-month period.

VISA INFO FOR THE BALKANS

General: For most borders in the Balkans, you can show up to the border and easily get a 90-day visa or a 90-day entry, visa-free as long as you have 6 months validity on your passport. Slovenia is the only Schengen zone country in the Balkans, sharing its 90 visa with the entire Schengen zone.

Country by Country Balkans Visa Information:

• Slovenia: Schengen Zone country meaning 90 days in a 180 day period, shared with all of the Schengen zone / EU countries
• Croatia: No visa is required for tourist visits less than 90 days – Croatia is not part of the Schengen zone
• Montenegro: Montenegro is not part of the Schengen zone, and a free 90 day visa is offered on arrival
• Bosnia & Herzegovina: Most nationalities can stay for 90 days free without a visa but need to have at least 6 months validity on their passport on arrival
• Serbia: Not part of the Schengen zone and offers a free 90-day visa for most visitors
• Albania: 90 days free with no visa required for citizens of EU countries and 59 other countries, including the US, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom
• Bulgaria: You can travel to Bulgaria for up to 90 days every 180 days. Visits to Bulgaria do not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit in the Schengen area. Bulgaria is an EU country but is not in the Schengen zone.
• Macedonia: Visas are not required for tourist or business trips of less than 90 days within a six-month period.
• Kosovo: For most nationalities, no visa is necessary for up to 90 days

CROSSING BORDERS IN THE BALKANS

Border crossings in the Balkans are fairly easy, for the most part. Just be sure to have at least 6 months validity on your passport.

The only border crossing difficult will happening attempting to travel from Kosovo into Serbia. You will have no issues traveling from Serbia into Kosovo, however, traveling from Kosovo to Serbia is forbidden and you will not be allowed through the border.

MONEY AND CURRENCIES ACROSS THE BALKANS

With the exception of Slovenia, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Greece, each country in the Balkans uses its own currency, so be sure to limit the amount of cash you convert to avoid losing too much on the exchange when you exit.

Better yet, aim to keep the bulk of your cash in Euros or US dollars and only exchange as necessary.

The respective currencies for each country in the Balkans are:

• Euros are the standard currency in Slovenia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro
• Croatia – Kunas/HRK
• Bosnia and Herzegovina – Bosnia Herzegovina convertible mark/KM –
• Serbia – Serbian Dinar
• Bulgaria – Bulgarian Lev
• România – Romanian Leu
• North Macedonia – Macedonian Denar
• Albania – Albanian Lek

You will receive the best exchange rate at ATMs, so avoid exchanging at money changers if all possible.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: DO YOU NEED IT IN THE BALKANS?

If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

As often as this saying is repeated, it doesn’t make it any less true.

Despite the fact that most of the travel in the Balkans is slow-paced and far from danger, it is wise to pick up travel insurance just in case you get a stomach bug, have an unexpected accident, or fall victim to something related to the recent pandemic.

I normally recommend World Nomads for adventurous travel and high-risk travelers, thanks to World Nomads’ robust coverage.

However, the Balkans is low-risk enough that I recommend inexpensive (yet still reliable) Safetywing travel insurance, as that is the insurance I currently use and have had for the past two years. At ~$40 a month, you can’t afford not to.

GETTING TO THE BALKANS

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport and Dubrovnik’s Čilipi Airport are the cheapest airports in the region with the most flight options per day.

If you are flying into the Balkans, where you should fly into depends on whether you plan to travel from south to north or north to south through the Balkans.

If you plan to travel from the north (Slovenia, northern Croatia) to the south, I recommend flying into Budapest’s international airport. Budapest will have the cheapest inbound international flights in the region.

If you plan to travel south to north, beginning in Albania, fly into Dubrovnik’s international airport (this will be the cheapest airport for inbound international flights in the south), then travel south into Albania, looping back up to Dubrovnik and Montenegro and continue your tour of the Balkans.

WHEN TO VISIT THE BALKANS

Anytime is a great time to visit the Balkans, but the shoulder season is by far the best season to visit the Balkans. Spring and fall, between April to June and September to October, are the shoulder seasons and the best times to visit the Balkans. If you can visit in either window, you’ll have warm waters and sunny skies, yet not too hot, while exploring mostly empty streets. Additionally, prices will ½ the normal tourist season (summertime) prices.

During the Balkans summer of July to September, you’ll have perfect beach weather with amazingly warm waters but plan on sharing the views and beaches with throngs of travelers. Plan on Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Budva to be exceptionally crowded. Also, plan on any of the old town destinations at sea level, such as Split, Dubrovnik, and Hvar, to be scorching hot on the pedestrian streets.

For more open-minded travelers, winter has appeal as well. Winter brings a cold and eerie calm to the Balkans with an equal amount of beauty. If you can brave the cold, you’ll have the cities to yourself. However, plan on the guesthouses, hostels, and hotels closing shortly after tourist/summer and being closed for the winter. You should book accommodation well in advance to avoid booking issues.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE BALKANS

Based on my experiences booking accommodations in the Balkans, both good and bad, I recommend the following booking guidelines

• Hostels & Boutique Hotels for Backpackers and Budget Couples
• Booking.Com for Stays 3 Days or Shorter
• Airbnb for Stays Longer Than 4 Days Or Longer

SOLO TRAVELERS, BACKPACKERS, AND BUDGET COUPLES: OPT FOR THE GREAT HOSTELS IN THE BALKANS

The Balkans are extremely developed, just as well developed as Western Europe, so you will have plenty of accommodation options to fit your tastes or budget.

For solo travelers and backpackers (especially if on a budget), I highly recommend hostels. The hostel standard in the Balkans, especially in Croatia and Montenegro, is very good while being very cheap. For instance, Hostel 4U in Kotor Montenegro is about $12 per night, has maintained a well-deserved 9.8 or 9.9 rating for the last 5 years, and is literally situated on a beach. The beds are comfy, the dorms are clean, and the building seems more similar to a chalet from Game of Thrones than a hostel. Best of all, this is the general standard throughout the Balkans – with the exception of Albania and Kosovo.

For couples and more private budget travelers who still want to be social, private rooms in hostels throughout the Balkans deliver a great balance between the social and the isolated feel of hotels while being friendlier on the pocket.

Bottom Line: For solo travelers, backpackers, and budget travelers, hostels are a great bet. I recommend booking on Hostelword as the site has most of the hostels (or at least the good ones) available on the site.

TRAVELERS STAYING FOR 3 DAYS OR LESS: BOOK VIA BOOKING.COM

If you’re staying less than four days and not interested in hostels, you’ll find the best value for your money and selection on Booking.com. Simple as that.

TRAVELERS STAYING FOR 4 DAYS OR LONGER: AIRBNB

If you’re staying for four days or longer, I recommend booking via AirBnB for a more cost-efficient experience and to better experience what life is truly like off the tourist circuit. While hotels (on Booking.com) tend to be in touristy areas, AirBnB’s and hostels are more often in real neighborhoods where people actually live. As a result, you’ll naturally be exposed to the restaurants, bars, and experiences that locals frequent in their daily lives – which adds a whole new layer to your travels.

BALKANS TRAVEL BUDGET

The Balkans are the cheapest place in Europe to travel and one of the best places in the world in terms of “bang for buck”.

10 TIPS FOR TRAVELING THE BALKANS ON A BUDGET

• Book hostels . Hostels for your Balkans accommodations instead of booking hotels. Hostels in the Balkans can be as cheap as $10 to $15/night and often offer free breakfast too.
• Spend more time in fewer places. The longer you stay in a destination, the cheaper it gets, as room accommodation is cheaper by the week or month than by the day, you learn the great “local” restaurants with cheaper and better food, and you spend less money per week traveling between towns.
• Go in the shoulder season between April to May and September to October when the tourists are fewer, and everything (sites, accommodation, food) is as much as ½ high season prices.
• Sleep, eat and drink off the main street . Sleeping, eating, and drinking on the tourist thoroughfare, a couple of streets over, will cost you 25% to 50% more than walking an extra 5 minutes.
• Use “Trip Advisor Cheap Eats” to find the best food that fits your budget
• Pick destinations wisely – according to your budget and tastes. Croatia is amazing, but the most expensive in the Balkans. Albania delivers amazing beaches and outdoors for 25% of the Croatia coast.
• Bus everywhere as your primary mode of transportation. Flights are extremely inconvenient in the Balkans, and taxis are expensive and unnecessary. Checkout out the best list of Balkans bus and travel booking sites here .
• Travel carry-on only to save fees on flights traveling in and make life easier when transiting by bus – so you can keep your bags with you.
• Grab a beer and quick food to go, make friends, and eat in the park or on the water for a cheap night out or pregame, instead of burning money at a bar. The Balkans has a great tradition of gathering in parks and green spaces around sunset and some great parks to take advantage of.

ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR BALKANS PACKING LIST

You can get by with very little in terms of packing while you travel the Balkans. However there are a few items that are essential for a good experience and making the most of your opportunities in the Balkans.

• Sport sandals: Walkable, adventure-ready sports sandals such as Chacos or minimalist Xero Trails are perfect for the Balkans because so many experiences involve walking and hiking but are equally close to beaches. Whether you are walking Hvar to get to a beach or on a boat tour in Montenegro, you’ll appreciate having comfy sandals that are ready to get wet. Any of these seven great travel sandals will work as well.
• Walkable shoes: Many of the experiences in the Balkans will involve walking, whether on tour, looking at the architecture, or walking to catch a bus. Make sure you have comfortable shoes for walking to make it a 100% enjoyable experience. This mega list of travel shoes has plenty of options if you don’t have a solid pair of travel shoes.
• If you come in December or January or between April and June, be sure to bring a rain shell as those are the rainiest months in the Balkans. Outside of those months, it’s still smart to keep a waterproof layer in your backpack
• If you max out your Balkans experience, you will spend A LOT of time in swim trunks and shorts. Especially if you visit during summer or just outside of the window, you’ll be so hot that pants will be unbearable. Make the most of it by bringing at least 2 pairs of swim trunks, ideally that double as walk shorts too. I highly recommend the Outlier New Way shorts , as they’re as stylish as they are swim-ready and functional, but check out these 6 other shorts that are perfect for travel .
• In Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania, the best adventures are aquatic, whether on relaxing beaches, at waterfalls, or cliff diving. Do yourself a favor and bring a simple roll-top waterproof bag like this to keep your phone, passport, and headphones safe while you swim between boats. The bag takes up minimal space and pays HUGE dividends in function.  

HOW TO GET AROUND THE BALKANS

Best options for transport through the Balkans (in order).

• SHORT FLIGHTS

Though there are international airports in Dubrovnik and the neighboring countries, flights between Balkan countries are fairly expensive – so don’t expect the budget airline deals of western Europe. Additionally, when you account for time and hassle spent checking bags, processing through security, and getting to and from the airport from in town, it takes just as long as a bus trip from anywhere to anywhere in the Balkans, but it’s 10x the price. To save time and money in the Balkans, don’t fly; just take the bus.

Best booking platforms for booking buses in the Balkans.

• General Buses in Balkans:  Flixbus
• Montenegro –  https://busticket4.me/EN
• Croatia –  https://www.buscroatia.com/
• General Planning:  Rome2Rio

For more info on transport in the Balkans, check out the Balkans section of this article How to Get Around while Traveling .

BALKANS TRAVEL FAQ

• Which Balkan country is cheapest?
• What countries are in “The Balkans”
• Will language be a problem in the Balkans
• How do you get around the Balkans?
• What is the best time to visit the Balkans?
• Where to start when backpacking the Balkans?
• What is it like crossing borders in the Balkans?

WHICH BALKAN COUNTRY IS CHEAPEST?

The cheapest country in the Balkans by far is Albania. Considering the country shares the same riviera as Greece and Croatia and accommodations and food are ¼ the price of the other two countries if you want a budget travel experience Albania is a no brainer.

At the same time, Montenegro is as expensive as Serbia and Bosnia; however, the value of the experience surpasses the cost. Montenegro has the southernmost fjords in Europe make the nature comparable to what you would see around Bergen, Norway, but at a fraction of Scandinavian prices. This makes Montenegro a high “value to money” option as well.

WHO IS BACKPACKING THE BALKANS BEST FOR

• Budget backpackers looking for a cheaper alternative to Europe
• Adventurous travelers, aiming to get off the beaten path to truly new destinations, like Albania, Kosovo, and changing destinations like Bosnia.
• Nature lovers that could spend days on end exploring beautiful lakes, alpine mountains, endless coastlines
• Partiers that find the all-night music and dance of Belgrade’s riverfront clubs and Hvars club island unusually alluring
• History lovers desiring to see old Roman cities and castles in pristine condition (like Diocletian’s palace in Split) or learn the “interesting” histories of the Balkans’ past struggles, like Albania, and Bosnia & Serbia

Note that though you can find food, parties, history, and peace & quiet in the Balkans, you can very easily fill a trip with one type of experience (i.e., quiet, nature) and fill a multiple months-long itinerary. If any of the above.

WHAT ARE THE BALKANS? WHAT COUNTRIES ARE IN “THE BALKANS”

The “Balkans” is the cluster of 11 countries situated in the Balkan peninsula, the name for the Balkan mountain range situated in Bulgaria.

The following 11 countries are regarded as the “Balkan states” that are mostly situated within the Balkan Peninsula.

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• North Macedonia

Turkey is also partly situated in the Balkan peninsula. Though some people may not regard Turkey as a Balkan country from a cultural standpoint, Turkey is so amazing and so close that it should absolutely be part of your Balkan itinerary.

As you travel through the Balkans, you’ll notice that, with the exception of Greece, the countries and cultures are strikingly familiar while also being drastically different – especially Albania and Bosnia.

During your Balkan tour, I highly recommend adding Turkey to your itinerary because it’s so close, it’s so cheap, and offers such a fantastic travel experience.

WILL LANGUAGE BE A PROBLEM IN THE BALKANS

No, language will not be a problem in the Balkans. For every single destination on this itinerary, you will be able to easily navigate the experience in English. 

WHERE TO START WHEN BACKPACKING THE BALKANS?

Ljublana, Slovenia or Dubrovnik, Croatia are your best options for starting your Balkans itinerary.

Ljublana as a start point offers you a very straight forward top to bottom itinerary. If you start in Slovenia, consider flying into Budapest and taking the train into Ljublana.

If you don’t want to start in the peace and calm of Slovenia, Dubrovnik is the other best option for starting. Dubrovnik has a large international airport and is central to every location in the Balkans, allowing you to do one large loop.

OTHER GREAT ARTICLES ABOUT BACKPACKING THE WORLD

• The 9 Best South America Backpacking Routes for 2 Weeks to 6 Months of Travel
• 5 Essential Routes for Backpacking the World and Visiting Every Continent
• The Balkan Walk: The Perfect Backpacking Itinerary for the Balkans
• 3 Months in Southeast Asia: A Perfect Plan for the the “Banana Pancake Trail”
• The Mini Backpacking Trails: 15 Itineraries Aroudn the World for 2 Weeks or Less

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carlos is a nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.

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☛ EN Advice Flat or House: How to Rent in Serbia     

Discussion in ' Serbia ' started by texkourgan , Jul 22, 2013 .

texkourgan Addicted member Networker Editor

Hello! One of the first things to do when settling in Serbia is to find a home. In order to rent a flat/apartment or house you should familiarize yourself with the area, determine where you want to live, and evaluate what you need. Consider access to shops, schools, transport, and work. If you have already been through the process of selecting a home in Serbia, you can provide valuable advice on how and why you selected your home, and provide tips for people moving to your area. How did you find your accommodation? Estate agent or classifieds? Did you use a website? Or did you find your place through friends or word-of-mouth? What do you recommend? Was it quick to find or did it take a long time? What are the essential points you considered (transport, schools, shops… etc). How much is the average price of accommodation? What are the costs involved for renting? Do you need a deposit? Guarantees? What are the formalities and the contract requirements in Serbia? Are there important clauses members should consider? Is there an inventory? What are the conditions for leaving or giving notice? Please offer your advice or questions! This is a tricky step in moving abroad and personal advice, mistakes to avoid and things to consider are extremely helpful. Thanks in advance for sharing your experience!  

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Essential Serbia Packing List: What to Wear & What to Pack for Serbia

Wondering what to pack for Serbia? Here is our complete Serbia packing list, including our suggestions for what to wear in Serbia for women and men for every season.

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What to Pack Everything In

While most people think about what to wear as the most important part of their packing list, the actual most important decisions come way before that. You’ll set yourself up for success if you have the right bags – and this means everything from your main suitcase down to the small organizational bags that keep everything nice and tidy.

Here’s everything we use to keep our stuff organized on the road, with recommendations for what to bring with you for different kinds of trips.

Your Main Bag: Backpack of Rolling Suitcase?

This is the first major packing decision you’ll make before your trip starts.

Personally, I prefer traveling around Serbia with a backpack. Many of the places I’ve stayed in Belgrade and Novi Pazar don’t have elevators. This is especially true of hostels and budget hotels. 

I have traveled to Serbia with a roller suitcase when I needed to have more equipment with me. Since so much of my travel around the country has been by bus and train, I far prefer the ease of a backpack.

If wearing a backpack is not feasible for you due to mobility limitations or comfort – or you simply are planning to pack a lot of stuff – it is perfectly possible to travel with a rolling suitcase around Serbia, it just may require a bit more effort. While most of Belgrade is very walkable, you may prefer to use a taxi to get to your hotel instead of roll your bag to your hotel or hostel.

Our Top Recommendations for Backpacks

Allison has and loves the Tortuga Backpack for traveling Europe. She carries a  Tortuga 45L Backpack  because they’re compact, carry-on friendly, and don’t scream “backpacker” as loudly as other bags. It has 3 main compartments: one with a laptop sleeve that can also accommodate other flat objects like important papers and books, one giant rectangular compartment ideal for packing cubes filled with your clothes, and one smaller compartment with organizers for passports, pens, odds & ends, etc. – plus one small outer zipper pocket for anything you want quick access to.

It also has a water bottle holder on the outside as well as buckles so that you can strap something like a yoga mat to the outside if needed. Plus, it’s quite comfortable to wear, with a padded hip belt and comfort-molding shoulder straps complete with a chest strap so that you can distribute the weight perfectly across your body in the event that you need to wear your backpack for longer than usual.  Check out more specs and details here .

Our Top Recommendations for Rolling Suitcases

When I travel and check a bag in Serbia, which I do from time to time, I use a roller suitcase. If you are going to bring a roller bag, I suggest getting a soft shell one that can squish. My personal roller suitcase is the awesome  Osprey Sojourn .

I lived out of just this bag and a backpack for eight months, including on a Balkan trip through Serbia. I like that it can squish into the back of buses, and it expands to hold a ton of stuff if you plan to shop a lot while in Serbia . You can  check prices and reviews here .

Your Daybag: Backpack or Purse?

Your day bag should be able to hold all the things you need for the day: water, sunscreen, wallet, any medicine or make-up you may need, a layer in case the weather changes, camera, etc. It’s also nice if it’s something you can easily take with you to the top of Belgrade’s Gardos Tower!

It depends on what you prefer, but for comfort, a backpack is usually the better day bag because it distributes weight more evenly across your shoulders. However, if you’re used to carrying a purse, that may be what you prefer.

We recommend investing in a day bag with some security features, not because Serbia is particularly dangerous (your risk of being pickpocketed here is definitely lower than in major Western European cities), but just because travel to touristic places inherently has its risks and we prefer to protect ourselves upfront rather than deal with consequences down the line.

We both carry the CitySafe backpack by PacSafe not only on our travels but in our day-to-day lives. It’s cute, it’s functional, it’s comfortable, and it’s secure as hell. 

And yes, we both wore it on the same trip to Belgrade. And yes, occasionally we would mix up whose bag was whose. It was delightful. 

For security features, we’re talking about interlocking zippers (which you can then put through a second clasp for two layers of security), slash-proof wire mesh construction, and RFID blockers to keep your personal data safe.

It’s neutral enough to be unisex (though PacSafe makes more masculine backpacks if you want to skip the gold-colored accessories. I like the MetroSafe ), it’s roomy enough to fit a small laptop, a large camera, and tons of odds & ends, and it fits under the plane seat in front of you.

Plus, it transitions pretty well from day to night (as long as you aren’t heading to a club). 

What else could you want? This isn’t sponsored, we’re just straight obsessed. Get yours today.

Our Top Recommendations for Purses

Due to our everlasting obsession with our travel backpack, neither Allison nor I really carry purses much for our travels. (I do have a few different ones that I love to carry in Sofia). 

However, I always bring my large Longchamp bag with me for when I want to use a purse instead of a backpack. I have used this in Serbia, and it fits in well for walking in Belgrade. For two years, it was my main day bag on all my trips, and it still has a place in my heart. 

What I love about my Longchamp is that it’s durable, stylish, and can fit most of what I need for a day of sightseeing. Yet it also looks totally normal at a performance or a nice restaurant (or a lovely brunch in Docal)!

Since it rolls up to almost nothing, I can still bring it with me even on trips where I use my backpack. So I get the best of both worlds! Check prices and reviews here.

If you want a smaller purse than the Longchamp, check out some of the other purses from PacSafe. Due to our satisfaction with our CitySafe backpack, we’d definitely recommend other PacSafe products like their secure purses – they have shoulder bags and crossbody bags .

Moneybelt Recommendations

Personally, we don’t carry money belts, since we carry secure bags, but we know some travelers feel a lot safer with a money belt. If that’s you, this is the money belt  we recommend.

How to Keep it Organized

Just because you have the right suitcase and day bag, doesn’t mean your bags will be packed right. You need to think about how you’ll organize your belongings so that everything is accessible and compact.

Packing Cubes

I don’t know how I traveled before packing cubes, and I never want to go back! Packing cubes are extremely helpful for organizing your luggage and keeping it that way so that when you want to extract one shirt from your bag, you don’t end up exploding your whole bag open.

I have used several different brands of packing cubes, and I prefer durable ones. I use the big one for dresses, skirts, and jeans, the medium one for t-shirts, and the small one for underwear, bras, socks, etc.

Cosmetic Bags

A set of cosmetic bags are so useful! In addition to using it for your make-up, you can also use them to stash odds & ends like earplugs, an eye-mask, pens & pencils – things that usually get lost at the bottom of your bag.

I like to have one for makeup, one for hair accessories, one for toiletries, and one for cables and electronic accessories. 

If you don’t have a bunch of cosmetic bags lying around from old make-up purchases (I maybe had a Clinique problem back in the day), you can pick some up off Amazon. I think these are particularly adorable.

Pack-It Flat

This is one of Allison’s favorite packing finds! The Pack-it-Flat toiletry bag is the ultimate way to keep all your toiletries packed.

What I love about is is that it packs, well, flat like a book, rather than most toiletry bags which make big bulky squares that take up way too much space and are annoying to deal with. This is a definite upgrade from my cosmetic bag system. 

Travel Wallet

A good travel wallet meets a few criteria: RFID blocking, plenty of room for coins, room for bills and receipts, plenty of card slots, and can fit a passport.

Allison uses a  PacSafe travel wallet that does all of that and looks cute doing so (hers is denim).

Laundry Bag

Whether you’ll need to do laundry on the road or you’ll wait to do it at home, it’s essential to have a bag to keep your dirty laundry separate from your clean clothes. While that can easily be just a grocery bag, I love this cute travel-themed Kikkerland laundry bag which is easy to hand over to someone on laundry day.

Canvas Tote

We recommend bringing a tote with you wherever you go to reduce plastic waste! Plastic bags incur a small surcharge in most parts of Europe, so this will also help you save money, too.

This is also great for doing small errands or when you don’t want to pack your whole day bag and is absolutely essential for any trip that includes a day at the beach, lake, or pool. And while Serbia might be landlocked, you’ll find great city beaches in Belgrade on the river!

I use one I bought at Flying Tiger in Milan, but you can find a ton of cute tote bags on Amazon.

Ziploc Bags

You’ll thank us for this when all your stuff stays dry your entire trip. I always pack my liquids in a Ziploc bag (plus you need one if you’re traveling with liquids in your carryon). 

Pack all your liquids in Ziploc bags so that if something breaks or opens, the liquid stays inside the bag. Stuff a few extras in your luggage for any liquid purchases or if you need to keep a wet towel separate from the rest of your luggage.

I like to have a mix of small and large  bags so I’m covered in most situations. 

If you don’t live in Europe, you might be surprised just how quickly coins stack up in your bag here. In the states, I never bothered with a coin purse, but living in Europe I find that it’s essential. I have one with a flower pattern like these .

5 Essentials You Don’t Want to Forget

If you only read one section of this post, make it this one. 

While travel blogs are great, we also definitely see the benefit of having a good paper guidebook in hand to refer to in your on-the-ground travel. We recommend the Lonely Planet Western Balkans for your travels in Serbia!

Travel Insurance

It’s always a good idea to be covered when you travel abroad in case of theft, illness, or accidents. Allison and I have been paying customers of World Nomads for three years and counting and are happy to recommend them to fellow travelers for the clarity of what they cover, the efficiency of processing claims, and the ease of renewing while still on the road if your trip ends up being longer than expected.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Serbia is full of tiny streets, hillside monasteries, and towers that need climbing. In fact, the country is beautiful but you have to work to see it. Even if you’re in town for a Belgrade city break, you should still take some time to walk around in nature. 

Pay close attention to our shoe recommendations below, but don’t order new shoes right before your trip! Give yourself a few weeks to break them in. The earlier you can get any new shoes you need, the more time you’ll have to get them comfy. You don’t want a blister on the road!

I’ve written a whole section on what should be in your mini medicine kit, but this especially goes for any prescription medications you may need from back home. It’s not always possible to get the same exact medication in Serbia, so be sure to stock up on what you need!

(Although, hot tip, you can buy prescription contact lenses over the counter in Serbia. I love stocking up whenever I’m in Belgrade). 

Quick Overview of Weather in Serbia

If we’re being perfectly frank, many people outside of the Balkans have no idea where Serbia is on a map, let alone what the weather is like here. They might have the vague sense that Eastern Europe is cold, but that probably means they think everything east of Vienna is Siberia in winter.

So you’re forgiven if you don’t know what to expect from Serbia weather. Another complication is the fact that the country covers many different terrains. The weather you find in Belgrade will not be the weather you find in Zlatibor. 

We’ll describe the weather in Belgrade, but be aware that it may be colder in the mountains. 

Spring in Serbia warms up significantly from month to month. Average high temperatures for the season are 17° C (63° F) and the average low tempertures in spring are 11° C (51° F). Bring you rain jacket, as you can expect at least some rain many days, but you’ll find beautiful sunny days in between. Nights can be chilly, so extra layers are always a plus. 

Summer in Serbia  is nothing short of hot! Average high temperatures for the season are 26° C (79° F) and the average low tempertures in summer are 16° C (61° F).

If you get to Serbia in summer and decide you need to cool down, escape to the mountains or head to one of the country’s many river parks. 

This time of year is also the wettest season in Serbia. You may well appreciate the cooling effect of the rain when it comes.

Be careful. If the Balkans and Italy are experiencing a heatwave, you can expect Serbia to be hot as well. Trust me, I’ve dealt with heatwaves in Serbia. 

Autumn in Serbia is one of my favorite times to visit! While September can feel more like summer, October and November are fabulously autumnal. Average high temperatures for the season are 18° C (64° F) and the average low tempertures in fall are 8° C (46° F).

By November, expect to see the occasional snow flurry, though it isn’t likely to stick. 

Winter in Serbia  is a wonderful time to visit, with Christmas Markets and ski resorts to explore. However, you’ll enjoy your time here during this magical season the most if you’re properly dressed for it!

Average high temperatures for the season are 5° C (63° F) and the average low tempertures in winter are 0° C (51° F).

If your plan is to sightsee, keep in mind that you should dress to feel much colder since you will be outside for long periods of time!

You can expect Belgrade to be dusted with snow, though there will be weeks with no snow at all. If you absolutely must see a little snow in Serbia, then add a trip to the mountains to your itinerary.

What to Wear in Serbia For Women 

Serbian women generally dress up a bit, especially in cities. Though you shouldn’t feel the need to “compete” with them, you may feel out of place if you pack all t-shirts and jeans.

We like to mix it up with dresses, skirts, casual tops with jeans, and lots of outfits with leggings. In my opinion, leggings and a dress are more comfortable than wearing jeans on a long, hot Balkan bus ride, and they look more like what you’ll find Eastern European women typically wear. 

If you plan on visiting Catholic churches or Orthodox monasteries while you’re here, you’ll be happy to know that the dress code is less strict than in places like Italy or Greece. Women should cover at least shoulders and knees. Some Serbian women in smaller villages may cover their hair; you don’t have to, but if a church offers you headscarves, it’s polite to put it on.

We’ve created two separate packing lists: one for spring through fall, one for winter. You may want to adjust the packing list slightly depending on the season: for example, you may decide to leave the heavier jacket at home in the heat of summer, and swap a summery maxi dress for extra leggings in spring or fall. However, there’s enough overlap that we’ve combined it all into one spring/summer/fall list.

What to Pack for Spring, Summer, & Fall in Serbia

2-3 tank tops : Great for layering, and you may want to add a few more in the summer. We like these ones .

2-3 V-neck shirts: In case you want a little more coverage, or if you’re traveling in spring/fall, these are also great multi-purpose separates. We recommend these ones . I also love to have a simple striped T like this one.

2 long sleeve shirts (fall/spring only) : You won’t need these in the summer, but in fall, they’re wonderful to have. We recommend these ones .

1 chambray shirt: Perfect to wear as a shirt in spring/fall or to wear unbuttoned as a light jacket on a summer night – this shirt is so versatile that it’s become my packing must-have.

1 mid-weight jacket : There can be some surprising weather sometimes even in the summer in Belgrade, so I still recommend one medium-weight jacket like this denim jacket or a faux leather jacket .

2 pairs shorts (summer only): You likely won’t need these in the fall or spring. For summer, I recommend 1 loose pair of linen shorts and 1 pair denim shorts .

Lightweight scarf : Great for too much A/C, surprisingly chilly nights, surprise church visits, or dressing up an outfit you’ve worn too many times. We like this one for all the color choices.

Black cardigan: Great for cool nights in summer and dressing up fall and spring outfits; we suggest this one .

2-3 pairs black leggings: I love leggings so much – for sleeping, for lazy days, to avoid chub rub, to make a summer dress fall appropriate. We recommend bringing a few pairs if you can (we suggest these) .

1-2 pairs skinny jeans: 1 in summer, 2 in fall or spring. We like these ones , but jeans are so personal, so bring your favorites.

2-3 skirts: We love skirts for travel! In summer, I love midi skirts and maxi skirts , whereas in spring and fall, I prefer mini skirts that I can wear with leggings and boots.

2-3 summer dresses: I try to buy dresses that are great for summer but can transition well to fall and spring with the right accessories. We think this one and this one are super cute!

Maxi dress (summer only) : I love maxi dresses for summer, but they don’t transition as well as shorter dresses for fall. Here’s a simple black one we like.

Shoes & Sandals

Travel sandals: Depending on what you’ll do in Serbia. If you’re just going to be walking around the cities, I love Birkenstocks and live in them about half of. the year. If you’re going to the beach, pool/spa, or staying in a hostel, also add on a pair of simple rubber flip flops .

Comfortable but cute sneakers: Gone are the days where I can comfortably wear flats for a day of heavy sightseeing! I strongly recommend a stylish pair of sneakers like these black Nike running shoes for your busiest city days.

Ankle boots: I definitely recommend a water-resistant pair of ankle boots for rainy days, cold weather, or going out at night if you want a more dressed-up option. These Teva ankle boots are adorable yet comfortable.

No-show socks: Nothing worse than socks that clash with your shoes! We like these no-show socks .

8+ pairs underwear: Bring one pair for every day of travel you want to go without doing laundry, plus one extra. If you need new travel undies, we recommend these comfy quick-dry ones .

2-3 bras: Depending on your needs and activity levels. I usually bring 1 bra and one bralette, but if you’re active you may want a sports bra or if you like to wear backless or strapless tops/dresses you may want adhesive or strapless bras. If you want a quick-dry travel bra, we recommend this one .

Sleepwear: I personally love having dedicated sleepwear – this silky pajama set is so comfortable!

Jewelry & Accessories

Headbands : Great for keeping hair out of your face or hiding greasy hair if you need to! We think these are ultra-cute.

Jewelry : Pick cheap statement jewelry and leave heirlooms or expensive jewelry at home. Theft is rare in Serbi, but it’s better to make yourself inconspicuous.

What to Pack for Winter in Serbia

2 long sleeve shirts: Great for layering with skirts and leggings or jeans. We recommend these ones .

2 pairs skinny jeans: We like these ones , but bring your favorites that are already broken in if you have them. A little looser is better so you can fit an extra pair of leggings underneath if it’s super cold.

2 sweater dresses: I love cute sweater dresses like this one for cold winter days.

2-3 skirts : I prefer above-the-knee skirts that I can easily pair with leggings in winter.

3+ pairs warm leggings: I personally wear fleece-lined leggings nearly all winter long because I’m sensitive to wool. However, merino wool is ultra-warm (and non-microbial and odor-resistant) so I recommend a pair of merino wool leggings if your skin can handle wool.

1 ultra-warm parka: It can get to -5 C in Belgrade in the winter (or 23 F) and it can get even colder in the mountains! Don’t neglect a super-warm winter jacket like this North Face parka . It’s a little pricy, but it literally comes with a lifetime guarantee and they will repair or replace it for free if you ever have any issues with your coat. I’ve owned mine for nearly a decade.

Ultra-light down jacket: For less cold days or for layering it underneath your parka for the truly cold days. This rolls up and packs easily in your day bag so it’s good to bring along – I have one really similar to this .

Ankle boots: For cold weather shoes that are still good for going out at night, we suggest these Teva ankle boots .

Waterproof leather boots : For snowy days and super cold weather when you still want to be comfortable, I love these knee-high Blondo boots and have owned them for over a decade.

Snow boots (optional): If you’re spending a lot of time in mountain resorts – or you want a dedicated snow boot – we suggest these ones .

6+ pairs wool socks: Wool socks will keep your feet so much warmer than your standard cotton socks! We suggest these affordable yet cozy socks .

8+ pairs underwear: Bring one pair for every day of travel you want to go without doing laundry, plus one extra. If you want underwear specifically made for travel, we recommend these comfy quick-dry ones .

2-3 bras: Depending on your needs and activity levels. I usually bring 1 bra and one bralette, but if you’re active you may want a sports bra too. If you want a quick-dry travel bra, we recommend this one .

Jewelry& Accessories

Winter scarf: Serbia can get cold in the winter, so you’ll definitely want a warm winter scarf like this one .

Touchscreen gloves: You’ll want to cover your fingers and still be able to use your favorite touchscreen devices, so we recommend gloves like these which are compatible with your smartphone.

Fleece-lined knit hat : You lose a lot of heat from the top of your head and ears, so a fleece-lined knit hat that you wear tight, like a beanie, is a fantastic choice. Pick a colorful one for cute photos!

Jewelry : Go with inexpensive statement jewelry and leave heirlooms or expensive jewelry at home. 

What to Wear in Serbia For Men 

Serbian men tend to dress smartly in the cities, especially compared to Americans and Canadians. While you don’t need to bring a tux (unless your itinerary calls for one) we advise you don’t dress like a “schlubby tourist” either. 

Clothing items like khaki shorts and white sneakers scream “tourist,” which can also be a safety hazard in cities where pickpockets target people who look like oblivious westerners.

Instead of dressing like you just left boy scout camp, think sophisticated European style, pared down a bit for comfort.  

If you’ll be doing a lot of religious tourism and visiting churches, wear pants that go past your knees and always remove any hat or baseball cap before entering. 

Keeping in mind which season you’ll be visiting in (and our overview of the weather in Serbia above), here’s what we suggest. Adjust the items and layers slightly to better match the season. 

4-5 everyday shirts: Whether your go-to everyday shirt is a t-shirt , a polo shirt , or something with a bit more style, bring enough that you can go with only doing laundry twice a week. Make a few of these long sleeve shirts in early spring and in the autumn, but during summer long sleeves aren’t necessary. 

1-2 collared shirt:  Bring a nice collared shirt, like this Oxford shirt , for a date night, if you decide to go to a performance, or even just to enjoy a bit of a fancier night on the town. This is especially important if you’ll be traveling with your partner, since who wants to be such a romantic country without enjoying it a bit?

If you’re traveling single, this will also come in handy for going out, though you might want to make it something that can go from the opera house to the club.

3-4 undershirts:  If you wear undershirts , bring them. Expect to be doing laundry 1-2 times per week during your trip, so bring enough to cover half a week (plus you’ll be wearing one as well).

1-2 pairs of shorts:  Summer in Serbia can be brutally hot, and in this situation, you will be happy to have some shorts. Just avoid shorts that look overly touristy. We think something like these jean shorts would work. Again, avoiding khaki is for safety (but it’s also about fitting in). 

The cut and style of the shorts you choose will really make a difference in how Europeans perceive you, but remember that men in Europe rarely wear shorts. Therefore, all shorts are statement shorts (and the statement that you’re making, typically, is rob me ).

2 pairs of jeans:  The sophisticated-yet-still-fun older brother of the jean short, this is what most tourists in Europe end up wearing to fit in yet still be comfortable. While European men wear slacks or dress pants more than jeans, a crisp pair of jeans is almost always acceptable. While we always appreciate a good dad jean, for Europe think more of a relaxed fit like these Levi’s . 

1 pair of wrinkle-free dress pants:  While you can wear ironed jeans out on a nice evening, you’ll probably feel more comfortable wearing a nicer pair of slacks. Get one with a wrinkle-free fabric like these so you don’t have to worry if your accommodations don’t have an iron handy. 

1 medium-weight jacket that can handle rain: There can be some surprising weather sometimes even in the summer in Serbia, so bring a jacket that can handle rain and a bit of wind. We like this Colombia rain jacket.

1-2 pairs of swim trunks:  This is dependant on your itinerary, but I think it’s always a good idea to bring something to swim in. Whether you spend time at one of Serbia’s beautiful lakes or on one of the river beaches in Belgrade, you will definitely want to swim in the summer. 

Note that many older European men will opt for the Speedo. This is one area where we do not recommend a North American tourist to try to fit in. 

You can choose to show a bit of your personality in your swimwear, by going either super traditional like these trunks or something with a bit more flair, like this pair of pineapple swim trunks.

Travel Sandals: If you’ll be in Serbia during the summer, sandals are a great idea, especially if you’ll be spending time walking around the cities. Consider a sports sandal like these leather athletic sandals or a pair of   Birkenstocks .

If you’re headed to the beach, the spa, or even just a communal shower in a hostel, you also need to pack a pair of rubber flip-flops.

Comfortable Sneakers or Walking Shoes:  If you’ll be doing a lot of sightseeing (and most likely, you will be) bring a pair of functional shoes that can support your feet at the end of a long day. We suggest getting a pair of Chuck Taylor’s (avoid white pairs) or something like these Sketchers . 

Boots:  If you’ll be doing a lot of hiking in Serbia, bring a pair of sturdy hiking boots like these Keen Waterproof Hiking Boots.  If you’ll be walking around doing mostly normal sightseeing, opt for something like these Timberlands instead. 

Dress Shoes:  You don’t need something super fancy, but if you are planning to have a nice night on the town with your partner then you should bring a pair of shoes that will go with a slightly nicer outfit. For example, these Oxford Sneakers will transition better from day-to-night than a typical sneaker will. 

Underwear & Socks

7-8 Pairs of Underwear:  While we expect you’ll be doing laundry once or twice a week, it’s nice to be able to go an entire week with clean underwear if you need to. If you want to invest in a few new pairs, get something like these quick-dry boxer briefs so that when you do hang your laundry to dry, they dry quickly. 

7-8 Pairs of Socks: Only you know if you like your socks with a bit of flair or if you’re a socks-blend-in kind of guy. If you want no-show socks, get something like these quick-drying ones . No one wants to put on socks that didn’t get completely dry before an entire day of sightseeing.

1-2 tee shirt and shorts for sleeping:  Whatever you sleep in, bring one or two. If you sleep naked, don’t book a room in a hostel dorm, please. This pajama set will keep you from getting in trouble in any shared sleeping situation.  

Wrist Watch: If you’re a watch guy, bring it. Unless it’s a super expensive watch or a family heirloom. In that case, leave it at home and use your cell phone to tell time. 

Any personal jewelry:  If you wear jewelry, bring it, especially if it’s an important item like your wedding ring. However, anything that’s a family heirloom or insanely valuable, leave at home. (Other than your wedding ring…if your partner finds that you’ve left that behind you might not have a home to come back to).

1-2 Hats:  If you don’t feel dressed without a baseball cap or hat, bring one or two options. 

Use the packing list for spring, summer, and fall section above as a guide, but with the following additions and substitutions. 

A Winter Coat:  Upgrade the rain jacket to a real winter coat. Remember that when you’re traveling somewhere new, you will spend significantly more of your day outside than if you are working or living somewhere. We suggest something like this Northface Parka (Serbia gets cold ).

1-2 Wool Baselayers:  The key to dressing for winter in Serbia is layers. You want to be able to get warmer when needed, and then be able to remove the layers if the weather changes. Adding a wool base layer under your shirt is a great way to get some extra warmth in. 

Long Underwear:  You can make your jeans sightseeing-in-winter ready by pairing them with some long underwear. 

1-2 Sweaters:  Another great way to add in an extra layer is to wear a light sweater over your shirt, giving you a bit more warmth with an option to still put your coat on if you need even more. We like these v-neck pullover sweaters.

Waterproof Leather Boots: Upgrade your boots to the waterproof variety, like these Timberlands . Trust us, nothing is worth than walking eight miles sightseeing on hilly streets in waterlogged shoes.

Waterproof Sneakers: If you still want to spend your days in sneakers, get a waterproof pair like these Colombia Waterproof hiking boots.

Snow Boots (optional): If you’ll be spending time in the resort towns like Zlatibor (or if the forecast during your trip calls for lots of snow) then you’ll be happy to have a pair of snow boots with you. We like these from Sorel.

7-8 pairs of wool socks:  Upgrade you regular socks to warm, wool socks to keep your toes toasty warm even when it’s freezing out. 

Flannel Pajamas:  Upgrade your t-shirt and shorts to flannel pajamas . This is especially important if you’ll be staying in hostels or hotels in historic buildings. 

Winter Scarf:  Add a thick cable knit scarf or cashmere scarf to keep the wind out. 

Waterproof Touch-Screen Gloves:  You probably know that you’re going to want gloves, but there are a few finer points to consider. You’ll want waterproof gloves in case it’s snowing, and touchscreen capabilities so that you can continue to take photos and navigate with your cell phone. Check out this affordable pair from Finger Ten.

Fleece-Lined Knit Hat:  Don’t waste your time bringing any winter beanie. Get one that’s lined with fleece to keep as much of your warmth as possible. We like this one from LETHMIK . 

Toiletries 

While you can obviously pick up a lot of this once you’re here, we don’t like spending a ton of time on errands once we are in Serbia. Instead, we like to actually spend our time exploring Serbia!

Keep in mind if you’ll be staying in smaller towns or villages, you may not have quick access to a store after hours. You’ll almost always be able to buy an emergency toothbrush no matter the time of day if you’re in Belgrade or Novi Sad.

Toiletries for Women

We’ve outlined everything we typically bring. However, we usually bring travel-size versions so this doesn’t take up much room in our backpacks. It would be traumatic and heavy to carry around full-size bottles of liquids in a backpack.

Hair Care & Bathing

Shampoo & conditioner: I love shampoo bars personally since I try to pack carry-on only and reduce my plastic consumption. I like the ones from LUSH as well as these ones from Amazon .

Dry shampoo : We all have those days when showering is hard – dry shampoo will perk up any oily locks.

Brush or comb : Whatever you use – I like this small travel-sized one .

Hair ties: If you have long hair, you’ll likely want some hair ties .

Hairdryer & straightener : Optional, but if you do your hair at home, you’ll probably want this when you travel as well. If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll want dual voltage.

GoToobs : For your favorite shampoo/conditioner or body wash/lotion from home, I love these squeezy silicon GoToobs .

Body wash and lotion: Either full-size or in carry-on-sized containers like above.

Moisturizer:  Travel will beat your skin up. If you use a moisturizer at home, bring it. If you’ve never used a moisturizer before, you really should start. You’ll be happy to give your face a boost before heading outside all day. 

Facewash:  For washing all the dirt, dust, sweat, and other travel-related impurities off your face at the end of the day. Make sure you bring a travel-sized version, like this travel Clean & Clear.  

Tweezers: For emergency chin hair situations and the like – you know what I mean. I always carry tweezers like these .

Sunscreen: You can buy sunscreen here, but it’s likely cheaper at home or bought online in advance. I love this solid Neutrogena sunscreen . Who doesn’t love a good solid for liquid swap? Great to keep in your bag without worrying about sunscreen explosions

Razor & refills: It’s not always easy to find your brand on the road. I use Venus and I can find it easily in Serbia, but it’s more expensive than back home. Here are the razor + refill cartridges .

Anti-chafe balm: If you have thick thighs and are traveling in summer, this stuff works miracles! Vaseline also works great.

Foundation: I love this Benefit Oxygen foundation because it doesn’t make me break out and it’s very lightweight coverage with a bit of SPF.

Mascara : I love Urban Decay , but YMMV.

Blush: I prefer creme/gel to powder to avoid breakage – I suggest this awesome Tarte cheek stain .

Red matte lip stain: Red lipstick is my ultimate travel hack. I use the matte lip stain from Sephora and it works a dream and lasts for ages.

Concealer: I swear by Make-up For Ever concealer – it’s the best I’ve ever used, and I used to struggle with serious acne.

Dental care

Toothbrush : I have a small folding toothbrush and I love it for travel, as I always break or lose the clip-on caps.

Toothpaste: Whatever you use at home will do! My mother, who’s a dental hygienist, keeps me stocked with travel-sized tubes of Sensodyne . 

Floss:  Because your mother will know if you don’t use floss . (Or at least mine will). 

Sunglasses : Either prescription or regular, depending on needs

Reading glasses: If needed.

Glasses : If needed. If you have a back-up pair, it’s nice to have two in case one pair breaks. (Or be able to switch between a pair of glasses and contacts).

Hard Glasses Case:  If you bring glasses or sunglasses, have a hard-shell case like this one to keep them safe when you’re not wearing them. Travel can beat up your glasses if you don’t store them properly. Remember that if you have very large or wide glasses, you might need a larger case. 

Contacts & saline solution: If needed. Note that saline solution is considered a medical supply and you are allowed to bring more than 100 ml in a carry-on. Make sure that your contact case has screw tops like this one and is not the kind that just snaps shut. Otherwise, you might find yourself with lost contacts. 

Note that if you typically wear contacts, it’s a good idea to bring a backup pair of glasses in case you hurt your eyes. This happened to me on a trip to NYC once, and I had to wear my prescription sunglasses all weekend since I couldn’t get my contacts in my eyes (and forgot my glasses). 

If you’re flying transatlantic, keep your glasses in your carryon. Long flights tend to dry out your eyes, and you’ll be happy to have the option to switch to glasses if the need arises. 

Personal Care

Whatever you need for your period: I personally prefer a Diva Cup as it’s reusable, eco-friendly, comfortable, and can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time. Others may prefer tampons or pads. Bring whatever you need to feel comfortable, as you may not find your exact brand in Serbia.

Condoms or birth control methods: If you may have a little… romance in Serbia, bring your own birth control methods, whether that’s condoms, birth control pills, or something else.

Toiletries for Men

While we know that men and women travel with many of the same toiletries, there are typically (though not always) a few differences. 

Shampoo & Conditioner:  While some guys don’t mind using whatever shampoo comes with the hotel, we know that many of you guys are way more particular than that. If you have a shampoo preference that’s very specific, bring it with you. 

If you want to minimize your plastic use, pick up a shampoo bar like the ones at LUSH or  these ones from Amazon . 

Also, it’s possible that your accommodations won’t provide shampoo and conditioner. Check ahead. Worst case scenario, you can pick some up in Serbia.

Brush or Comb:  I like traveling with a travel hairbrush , but if you prefer combs then I wouldn’t worry about getting a smaller version since it ill lay flat in your bag.

Hair Accessories:  If you have a particular hairstyle that needs accessories, bring a few. 

Hair Products:  If there’s a hair product that you use every day, bring it. Keep in mind airline carryon restrictions for liquids. 

GoToobs : For your favorite shampoo/conditioner or body wash/lotion from home pick up some  GoToobs .

Facewash:  For washing all the dirt, dust, smog, sweat, and other travel-related impurities off your face at the end of the day. Make sure you bring a travel-sized version, like this travel Clean & Clear.  

Tweezers: For emergency splinters, etc. I always carry tweezers like these .

Sunscreen: You can buy sunscreen here in Serbia, but it’s likely cheaper at home or bought online in advance. I love this solid Neutrogena sunscreen . Who doesn’t love a good solid for liquid swap? Great to keep in your bag without worrying about sunscreen explosions

Razor & refills:  We know that the type of razor you use is very particular. If you use an electronic razor and live in North America, keep in mind that the voltage in Europe will fry your razor.

We suggest bringing a good handheld razor instead, like the Gillette Fusion5 and a few extra razor blades .

If you prefer to get a shave with a straight razor at a barbershop, you will be able to find barbers in all major Serbian cities. However, we can’t vouch for language barriers, since these kinds of shops rarely get tourists. 

Anti-chafe balm: If you tend to chafe when you get sweaty, this stuff works miracles! Vaseline also works great. Keep in mind that you will be walking in the heat for long periods of time in summer, so if you’ve EVER chafed it’s better to be safe than ruin your vacation. 

We know some men wear make-up every day and look absolutely fabulous doing it. We don’t have product recommendations for men’s make-up looks but bring what you love from home. Just keep in mind liquid limitations on airplanes and try to minimize your makeup kit to the smallest workable version. 

Toothbrush : This  small folding toothbrush  will keep your teeth clean and your bag light.

Sunglasses : Either prescription or regular, depending on needs. Serbia is VERY sunny. 

It’s important to plan ahead for your personal needs before you leave for your trip. This means packing condoms or the preferred birth control methods of you and your partner. If you don’t have a partner traveling with you, but hope to meet one once you’re here, bring condoms from home. The brands here can be different than what you’re used to.

You also want to think about any sex-related prescription drugs you use at home. If you use Viagara at home, bring it with you (but also bring proof that you have a prescription). 

Miscellaneous Items to Pack for Serbia

Reusable water bottle with filter: While you can drink the tap water in most of Serbia, if you’ll be visiting a lot of small villages or doing some hiking, I recommend a filter water bottle like the GRAYL . If you’re sticking to big cities, a regular reusable bottle will do just fine. This one is cool because it’s collapsible!

Mini bathroom kit : For poorly stocked bathrooms at bus stops, you’ll be happy you have this! I carry a small hand sanitizer and these wet wipes .

Travel umbrella : It rains here frequently and unpredictably – have a small travel umbrella stashed away for unexpected showers.

Hiking boots: If you plan to come to Serbia to hike, you’ll definitely want your hiking boots! I recommend these Ahnu hiking boots for women and these Keen boots for men.

Trekking poles: Not needed, but if you like them, you’ll want to bring them. I recommend these travel-friendly poles .

What to Put in Your Medicine Kit

Pepto-Bismol : This is my favorite medicine for when I have stomach trouble as it’s not really as harsh on your stomach as Imodium, but they don’t sell it in Serbia. Bring some from home .

Imodium: In case of any stomach emergencies (read: diarrhea before a long bus or flight), Imodium is a good option. You can buy it in Serbia, but if you have diarrhea, you probably don’t want to be communicating that to a confused-looking pharmacist. Bring some from home .

Painkillers: Aleve works better for me, but YMMV. I also bring some Excedrin Migraine as I’m prone to migraines. 

Pedialyte hydration packs: Perfect after drunken shenanigans (or even a particularly fun wine tasting), long hikes, or just plain dehydration. Made for kids, but work just as well for hungover adults. I buy these ones .

Bandaids: For blisters, small cuts, breaking in shoes, etc., bandaids are always handy to have.

Tiger balm: I discovered this is Southeast Asia and left obsessed. It’s great for aftercare for bug bites, nursing headaches, rubbing on aching muscles, and basically anything. You won’t find it Serbia, so buy it online .

Mosquito repellent: You can bring ones with DEET or without DEET , or I love having some of these mosquito repellent wipes that I can keep in my bag in case I suddenly start to get swarmed and don’t have my regular repellent with me.

Motion sickness pills: Great for bus rides especially on mountain roads – I buy these non-drowsy ones . You can also try these natural motion sickness bands which use acupressure to reduce nausea – they actually work pretty well.

Technology & Accessories

Camera, lenses, and chargers: Allison uses a Sony A6000 with a kit lens and the 18-105mm f4 lens, which is a good starter camera that is lightweight but not quite professional caliber. I use a Nikon D810 which is better but more expensive and bulkier. If you want a smaller camera for video or adventurous travel, a GoPro would be perfect.

Smartphones: Then again, more and more often, we find ourselves taking photos with our smartphones and leaving our bulky cameras in our bags. Allison uses an iPhone X and I use a Samsung Galaxy.

Kindle: We love having our Kindles with us when we travel, especially in places like Serbia where the selection of English-language books is often small or nonexistent. Keep yours safe in a cover. I use one like this one.

Laptop and charger: We both use Macs as our travel and work laptop, but if you just want a cheap laptop for travel, a Chromebook is a good choice.

Extras for Hostels 

Sleep mask: Any will do, but for the year or so that I spent living out of hostels, I loved my contoured sleep mask !

Hearos ear plugs: I tested many earplugs when I traveled around the world staying in hostels – Hearos are the clear winners.

Mini combo locks: Most hostels will have lockers for you to use, but most do not come with their own locks. I prefer mini combo locks to locks with a key as it’s harder to forget your combination than to lose your key.

Travel towel: Great for hostels where you may have to rent a towel, but we also just recommend this towel in general as its awesome.

What to Pack for Studying Abroad, Working Abroad, or Homestays

If you’re coming to Serbia to study abroad or you’re going to be doing a homestay with friends or on an official homestay program, there are a few extra items you need to pack.

First, bring a small gift from your home city or country (something that you wouldn’t get anywhere else). For example, if I was coming from Philadelphia to study abroad Serbia, I’d bring little pins of the Liberty Bell, American Flag pins, or something small that screams “Philadelphia.” These are given to teachers, administrators, friends, and anyone else you think will appreciate a little taste of your home.

For work abroad, bring enough to give to administrators, your higher-ups, and any coworkers. 

For homestays, bring something a bit larger, but you only need one for your host family. So instead of little pins, you might bring a nice snowglobe or a box of candy or local jam. 

When our family hosted a German exchange student, she brought me a necklace from Germany and a few bars of Milka chocolate for the family. Even though it’s been twenty years, I still remember how delighted I was to get a small piece of Germany!

For these items, small tokens do the trick. Your gifts don’t need to be extravagant. It’s the thought that counts! 

Important Documentation

Make sure you remember to bring these important documents with you when you come to Serbia!

Your Passport is the most important piece of documentation that you need (they probably won’t let you on the plane without it)! However, just having your passport tucked into your travel wallet isn’t good enough. You need to make copies before you leave.

Scan your passport and email it to yourself. Then print out three hard copies. Hide one in your luggage, one in your day bag, and give one to your emergency contact at home. (You can also email it to this person). 

If you make sure you always have access to a copy of your passport, even in cases where everything is stolen or you don’t have access to the internet, you’ll be able to get an emergency one made if your passport is lost or stolen (or damaged). 

A Passport Holder  to protect your precious passport. Did you know that you can be denied boarding on your flight if your passport has visible damage? I’ve seen it happen, and it doesn’t matter how much you scream at the poor airline employee, they aren’t going to change their mind.

If you’ve taken our advice and will be using a travel wallet during your trip, then keep your passport safe in the passport pocket during your trip. 

If you will be doing a lot of water activities around Belgrade, then you might want to pick up a waterproof passport holder  to make absolutely sure your passport doesn’t get ruined during your trip.

Your Travel Insurance Policy Information   in case you need to make a claim during your trip. I like to use the same system as I do with my passport – three hard copies and a soft copy. Make sure your emergency contact has a copy of your insurance policy information as well. In certain (unpleasant) situations, they will need to file the claim on your behalf.

>>  Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here  <<

Driver’s License  for renting a car or driving in Serbia. While you’ll still need to bring your passport with you to pick up your rental car, a driver’s license is required if you actually want to be allowed to drive the thing. This also works as an ID when you don’t want to take your passport somewhere.

Credit Card & ATM Card Information  in case your cards are lost or stolen. I use the same soft and hard copy system for my cards as I do for my passport and travel insurance information, with one major exception. I don’t send or leave a copy with anyone. 

For your copies, make scans of both the front and back so you have every number you need (including the phone number to call from overseas). 

Student ID or Senior ID  so that you can utilize any available discounts. Some museums and heritage sites have discounts for students and seniors (and it never hurts to ask if one is available).

Tour Confirmations  for any pre-booked activities in case you can’t get internet access for check-in. Where required, you should have printouts of your confirmation, but other companies will allow you to use an electronic ticket or even their app.

This is one reason we book our own Belgrade tours through GetYourGuide  because you can easily organize all your booked tours in their app. 

Accommodation Confirmation  for every place you’re staying. While you can reasonably expect to be able to check-in without producing a copy of your confirmation, bring it anyway in case of an emergency like they’ve lost your reservation or you can’t remember the name of your hotel to give to your taxi driver. 

Another reason to make sure you have your hotel information is to make sure that the charges align with what you’ve booked. I’ve been in a situation where I was charged more and had additional fees that were not in my original contract. 

That’s one reason I prefer to use Booking.com  to book my rooms. They have pretty flexible cancellation policies and I have a number to call for customer service in case there’s a problem. 

Transportation Information  for your flights, buses, trains, and car rentals. I use the app TripIt (see the App section) to organize these things, but you’ll also want to save the emails and print out any tickets or boarding passes before you leave. 

You’ll also want to have the instructions for using ground transportation to your first accommodations, especially if you won’t have data or will be arriving after dark.

Books about Serbia

Here are our favorite books about Serbia that you can read before your trip or bring with you while you’re here, plus our recommendation for a great guidebook and travel journal. 

An Atlas Traced by the Sky

Kaya, Belgrade, and the Good American

A Travel Journal  so that you can write down your own experiences and musings from your time in Serbia. This is also a great place to jot down phone numbers and other important pieces of info so that you have this information available offline somewhere. 

Apps to Download Before Your Trip

Here are the apps you want to download on your phone before you leave home. 

Car.Go is a Belgrade ride sharing company that is similar to Uber. We love using it in the city.

Google Translate  so that you can easily get out of any jams caused by language barriers. You can even use the photo setting to translate menus and signs (provided you have wifi access or a data plan).

Google Maps  for navigating while on the road, especially for walking in cities and driving on roads. You can even download the maps for the cities you’ll be visiting before your trip so that they are available to you offline.

Moovit  for using public transportation since the times are routes are more reliable in the Balkans than Google Maps.

Skype so that you have a way to make phone calls on the road. This will come in handy if you need to call your bank if something happens to your credit cards. 

Facebook Messenger  for staying connected with family back home for free. Alternatively, you can use Whatsapp or Viber . Some tour companies (especially small ones) will use Whatsapp or Viber to communicate logistics as well.

Instagram  because you know you want to post the gorgeous Instagram pics you’ll take in Serbia. We also love using Instagram for trip inspiration when in new places.

Adobe Lightroom Mobile for editing your travel photos on the road. While Adobe for Desktop is a paid service, the mobile version for your phone is free.

iTunes, Podcast Addict, or other Podcatcher  if you like listening to podcasts on your trip. 

Dropbox Mobile for backing up cell phone photos as you travel. This is important in case your cell phone gets lost, broken, or stolen. I like to back mine up at night over wifi (don’t back up over cell data unless you have unlimited data). If you use an iPhone, double-check that iCloud is backing up your photos, otherwise get Dropbox or another third party app.

Your Airline App  if you’re flying in or out of Serbia so that you can utilize mobile check-in and avoid having to print your boarding cards. 

You Bus Company App if you’ll be using a bus company that has a phone app, download it. While most bus companies that operate in the Balkans don’t have apps, companies like FlixBus offer apps that will allow you to avoid printing your ticket. 

Tour Company Apps  for any pre-booked activities. We book our tours on  GetYourGuide  and then use their app to keep the confirmations and itineraries organized. 

TripIt for organizing flights, hotel accommodations, and tickets. I really don’t understand how anyone gets around without it!

More Serbia Travel Resources

If you’ll be spending time in Belgrade, we have you covered! For activities in the city, check out our guide for  things to do in Belgrade,  the most  Instagrammable spots in Belgrade , and the best  Belgrade street art.  We also have a  Serbian souvenir guide  if you want to do some shopping.

If you love guided tours, we have more than what’s listed above. Here are eleven great  Belgrade tours  to pick from – just keep in mind that all might not be available in the winter months.

If you want to get out of the city for a day, here are our guide to  Belgrade day trips  and what you should know before  renting a car in Serbia.  We also have lists of our favorite  places to visit in Serbia  and the  best Serbian towns and cities  if you need more day trip inspiration. 

For country planning, check out our guide to  planning a trip to Serbia  and  Serbia travel advice. 

We have tons more Serbia and Balkans resources, and we publish new content nearly daily. Bookmark our  Serbia  and  Balkans  travel pages so you can find any new resources that come out before your trip!

Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!

I’m sure you’re aware that  travel insurance  is a good idea for traveling in Serbia (or really, any part of the world)! Allison and I have both been paying customers of  World Nomads  for the last three years. We love the peace of mind it gives us in case of emergencies, accidents, illnesses, theft, or trip cancellation or disruption.

While the Balkans are perfectly safe to travel around, there’s always a risk inherent in everyday travel, so it’s better to play it safe. The saying goes “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel” is true!

Pin this Complete Serbia Packing List for Your Trip

Stephanie has been living in and traveling around the Balkans for the past three years. She’s written for National Geographic Online , appeared on CNN Arabic and in the New York Times , and ridden more Balkan buses than is good for a person.

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11 Useful Tips For Moving To Serbia

Serbia is the sort of country that refuses to let go once it has you in its claws, so it isn’t surprising that many make the decision to move to Belgrade and beyond. Unfortunately, Serbia isn’t the easiest country in the world to move to, but these tips should make the transition a little easier.

It might sound like the most obvious of tips, but it really can’t be stressed enough. Moving to Serbia isn’t just a case of rocking up and hoping for the best, although that hasn’t stopped many from attempting to do just that. You really need to have a decent idea of how long you want to stay, as that will obviously inform your actions when it comes to visas and registering with the police . Like many countries in the region, Serbia is regrettably famous for its bureaucracy . The more prepared you can be, the better.

Try to know the city before renting a place

The Internet is a magical place, and as such it is now easy to rent a flat in a city from afar. Belgrade is no different, and it isn’t hard to find somewhere to live before you even step foot in the Serbian capital. This is a fool’s move however, and you would be well advised to spend a few days in the city before committing to a neighbourhood. ‘Belgrade’ isn’t just a coverall term that describes every part of the city. Dorćol, Novi Beograd , Karaburma, Konjarnik, Zemun and all the rest are vastly different. Don’t commit to something when there are better (and often cheaper) alternatives.

A little language goes a long way

English is a lot more prevalent in Belgrade than many will assume, but that doesn’t mean you can fully experience the capital without learning a single bit of srpski . All of the best things in the city require a little bit of confidence and a willingness to try, and nothing opens doors like trying (and failing) to converse in Serbian. People will truly appreciate the effort. At the very least, familiarise yourself with the Cyrillic alphabet before arriving.

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Take advantage of social media

Going back to the point about the internet and its magical ways, social media has well and truly revolutionised the way expats interact with each other in their adopted homes. Belgrade is no different, and there are many groups set up on Facebook that allow foreigners to ease their way into life in the city. Be sure to take advantage of these, as Belgrade seems to have one of the friendlier versions .

Be realistic about employment

Don’t expect to walk into gainful employment when you move to Serbia . There are jobs for English language speakers around, but the wage offered to English teachers isn’t going to be enough to cover a decent life in Belgrade, not right away at least. The best way to get by in Belgrade is undoubtedly through freelance work, preferably online and paying in a currency other than Serbian Dinars.

Read up on the history

Be aware that ‘reading up on the history’ isn’t the same as ‘understanding the history’, because the latter may as well be considered a superpower. You don’t need to be a Balkan expert, but gaining a vague overview of the many centuries of Serbian history is imperative, if only to avoid certain pitfalls like asking about Kosovo, 1389 and all the rest. Knowing some of the history of a country before moving there is Basic 101, but its surprising how few still bother to make the effort.

Smoking, smoking, smoking

Rumour has it that Serbia once flirted with the idea of banning smoking in public places, but quickly stepped back when it became clear that policing such a law would be impossible. Serbia is one of the smokiest places in Europe , so be prepared to have to deal with cigarettes indoors, outdoors and all the rest. For those who smoke, the country is a paradise. For those who are sensitive to tobacco, you might want to think about moving somewhere else.

Hot summers, cold winters

This may come as a surprise to the Brits reading, but Serbia has very clear seasons. Well, at least two of them are particularly clear. Summers in Serbia can get extremely hot, closer to 40 than 30 degrees in some parts. This sounds all good and well, but just you wait until you’re stuck on a bus on Slavija with everyone else in Belgrade . Winters are long and cold too, with temperatures frequently hitting the minuses and staying there. Prepare adequately for both and you will be fine, but don’t arrive in the middle of July and express surprise at how hot it is.

Embrace the locals

There are plenty of expats in Belgrade, and as such it can prove fairly easy to find comfort in and around circles of new foreign friends. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this, but it is undeniable that Serbia is best experienced with local people at your side . If you’re looking for the best restaurants , bars, cafes and the rest, the advice of Belgraders will prove invaluable. Serbs are absolutely incredible, too, and anyone’s life is richer for having a Serb friend or three.

Explore the country

A small number of those moving to Serbia will pitch their tent outside the capital, but it goes without saying that the overwhelming majority will find themselves in glorious Belgrade. There is more to Serbia than its invigorating capital, however, so be sure to get out and experience the inspiring nature and fascinating towns around the rest of the country. There are day trips waiting in all directions, so make the most of the opportunity.

Patience isn’t a virtue, it’s a necessity

Finally, it takes patience to live and thrive in Serbia. The country is an astonishing place full of the continent’s finest people, some of its tastiest food and more fun than you can shake a stick at, but all of those things might feel like a world away when you are stuck queuing in a post office, or are stuck on that aforementioned bus on Slavija. Serbia has its own way of doing things, and adjusting to that can prove difficult to begin with. Persevere, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the greatest experiences available. Living in Serbia is not for the faint of heart, and it will almost certainly put hair on your chest whether you like it or not (not in a literal sense, don’t worry). Be patient, give it time, and don’t rush. It will all be worth it in the end. If not, stock up on the rakija and drink to the struggle .

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Our immersive trips , led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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How to Get Serbian Residence: The Ultimate Guide

This article discusses how to get Serbian residence, with information on the different types of residence permits in Serbia available, the pros and cons of each plus details on how to apply.

With breathtaking landscapes and stunning architecture, Serbia is the very definition of old Europe. It’s proud of its culture and traditions while also looking towards the future as a low-tax, EU-candidate country.

If you’re looking to obtain a Serbian residence permit we at Nomad Capitalist can make the process easier. We’ve helped thousands of clients obtain residence and second citizenships in Europe and all over the world.

Our job is to help you find an all-encompassing solution to fit your lifestyle, while legally reducing your tax burden so you can go where you’re treated best .

Serbia – Country Overview

Serbia is conveniently located between the Eastern and Western worlds. Situated between Hungary, Romania, Bosnia and Croatia, Serbia isn’t far from the slavic, Middle-eastern, and Mediterranean cultures.

Visitors will notice this crossover rather quickly when entering the country. The nation shares its slavic heritage with some Middle-eastern and Greco-Roman influences due to the Ottoman and Holy Roman Empires.

The capital of Belgrade is a highly developed city with all the modern conveniences familiar to citizens of the U.S. and other western countries. The rural areas also have a lot to offer in the form of towering mountains and rivers like the Danube.

The climate is beautiful, with Serbia being considered a temperate climate. Temperatures don’t usually drop below freezing in the winter and rarely go above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) in the summer.

Today Serbia ranks as one of the leading nations in the world economic index. Exports from Serbia have risen steadily over the past decade, with trade between Germany, China, and the U.S. growing steadily.

Serbia has healthy relationships with the EU, Asia, and the United States, granting its growing economy new capital. It holds free trade agreements with the European Free Trade Association and holds a Generalized System of Preference with the U.S.

This small nation holds numerous opportunities for growth and expansion, while providing an affordable and pleasant environment.

If you’re considering a Serbian Visa, residency, or citizenship, let us help you .

Why Serbia?

Serbia’s growing economy and low cost of living make it one of the best places for residency. While Belgrade is one of the most popular spots for tourists and immigrants, don’t overlook the more rural regions.

Serbia’s rural regions, known as Sumadija , offer excellent investment opportunities. The land here is affordable and well situated. Purchasing land here is not only cheap, but it opens up the doors for further investments in the country.

Buying land in Serbia increases your chances of gaining a Visa or permanent residency in the country. It’s one of the best ways to begin your move into the nation and fast track your way to residency.

Serbia’s also a safe and welcoming country. While you should be careful when traveling through rural areas, the nation has a low crime rate and well established national roadways. Until you become well-acclimated with traveling through the country, just try to stick to the main roadways.

Finally, getting a tax residency in Serbia could be a smart financial decision. They have a favorable tax rate of 15% which is much cheaper than other countries. It could give you the financial freedom and savings you’ve been looking for in your current homeland.

Residence in Serbia Programs

There are two primary routes to permanent residence in the Republic of Serbia:

• Residency through real estate investing
• Residency through the establishment of a business

If you want to become a tax resident in Serbia, you can do so a year to the day after being approved for Serbian residency. The Tax Authority of Serbia will notify you, and as a tax resident, you’ll be subject to the 183-day rule of minimum stay in the country.

The key to turning a temporary stay of a vacation into a legal stay is to supply all the necessary documents required for a temporary residence permit in Serbia. These documents include:

• Proof of a health insurance policy
• Medical certificate issued by the Serbian Medical Society
• Stamped passport
• Temporary Visa
• Birth certificate
• Proof of profit
• Or, proof of purchase of real estate

With these documents the Serbian immigration agency is more likely to favor your application.

Permanent residency is possible to obtain after five years. For a permanent residence permit, a foreigner should stay in Serbia continuously for at least two and a half years over these five years.

Legally Stay In The Republic Of Serbia By Investing In Real Estate

An applicant for a Serbia-based permanent stay can smooth their passage by buying a property.

Serbia doesn’t have a minimum property value or costs required to qualify for residency. Your property must be evaluated and approved by the governing authority in order to approve that it qualifies.

A potential applicant for residence may purchase real estate in Serbia if your country of origin has a mutual agreement regarding real estate. The U.S. and Canada are members of this alliance, meaning you can purchase land before entering the country.

Residency By Establishing A Company

Company formation provides another route to a residence in Serbia. Submit your application through the Serbian Business Registers Agency and Police Department.

Make sure your company is an active industry or functioning branch of a foreign company. The Serbian tax authority will investigate this, so ensure your company is up and running properly before you apply.

If it is a foreign company you are expanding in Serbia, this is one way to open a corporate bank account in the country. As Serbia did not sign CRS, the absence of the Common Reporting Standard ensures greater privacy.

Documentation Necessary to Apply For Serbian Residency

The serbian ministry of internal affairs requests the following documents if you want to guarantee yourself a legal stay in the country:.

• A copy of your passport
• Two photographs sized 35x45mm
• Bank statements from a Serbian bank account showing the current balance
• Health insurance policy
• White Card issued at your local police station
• Proof of ownership of a property

The Serbian government wants to verify your income and intentions. Applicants who demonstrate strong financial profits and investments in the country are more likely to be approved.

Requirements For Residency Through Real Estate Investment

When applying for a residency through real estate investment start with the following steps:.

• Search for properties for sale (e.g. residential real estate in Belgrade or summer homes in Vojvodina)
• Locate, tour, and complete the purchase agreement for the desired property
• Live at the property for 30 days so that police may check on your physical presence there, including asking neighbors
• Apply for a temporary residence permit as an investor and renew it annually
• Provide a stamped copy of the real estate title deed
• If you buy real estate in Serbia, you must reside in Serbia for half of the time the permit is issued
• Reside in the country for at least 183 days for the first year

By residing in the nation for at least 183 days for the first year you establish yourself as a taxable resident. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be obligated to pay taxes in Serbia, but you will be entered into the tax system.

Requirements For Residency Through Establishing A Business

The new business in Serbia route to residence requires you to take the following steps:

• Form a Limited Liability Company in Serbia (known as a DOO in the country rather than a LLC)
• Apply for a temporary residence permit as an entrepreneur
• After six months, renew your residence permit for a further one to three years
• Serbia allows for you be the only employee of this business

Serbia always seeks to expand its business and entrepreneurial opportunities. Even if your business is located outside of the nation, you can still apply for residency. But, you need to demonstrate that there’s an operational branch of the company within the Serbian border for this to apply.

The Pros and Cons of Serbian Residency Permits

The benefits of serbia residency, solo and marital applications.

A marriage certificate will secure you a temporary residence permit if you have been married to a Serbian national for at least three years. While this system is simpler and quicker, you don’t need to be married to apply for this Visa.

You can apply for residency by establishing a business, purchasing real estate, or otherwise establishing yourself in the country.

Residency Permits Lead To Work Permits

Depending on the type of residency you apply for, you might also be eligible for a work permit.

A business permit or real estate permit won’t automatically open the doors for a work permit.

However, with a VIsa or residency permit you’ll be more likely to have the opportunity to apply for a work permit in Serbia.

Tax policies

Serbia has one of the best tax rates in Europe. With a flat tax rate of 15%, you’ll be able to file your taxes quickly and smoothly.

The nation offers excellent expansion opportunities for businesses while granting favorable tax rates. This makes Serbia ideal for anyone seeking to escape crippling taxes and regulations at home.

Permanent Residency Is A Path To Serbian Citizenship

Serbian citizenship takes five years of permanent residence as a real estate owner or ten years of residence as a business owner. You may start the naturalization process as a business owner and change to a property owner to speed up the process later.

Time spent during business permanent residence will count as half for the purposes of becoming a Serbian citizen. Two years in the country on a business visa qualifies towards the five years required under the real estate permanent residency application.

Serbia Is A Growing International Presence

Serbia is a full member of UN and WTO organizations, putting it on the international stage as a trade partner. Serbia is a candidate for European Union membership, meaning it has an increasing international presence.

EU membership will bring further trade partners to the country and expand its economic development. If you’re looking for a chance to be part of a growing economy with an international presence, Serbia’s a great choice.

Keep These Aspects in Mind When Applying For Residency

Serbia’s application for eu membership is pending.

While Serbia’s a prime candidate for EU membership, the Kosovo issue could minimally impact their progress towards full EU membership and further trade agreements in the future.

The Application Process Can Take Up To A Decade

The path to citizenship in Serbia can take up to a decade due to the somewhat lengthy application process. If you choose to go through an application for a permanent residence Visa before moving to get citizenship it can take several years and a lot of paperwork.

However, there are several options that can save you time and money . You can choose to apply for citizenship by descent, marriage to a Serbian citizen, or if you have a child with a Serbian citizen.

There are several excellent perks to moving to Serbia, including affordable housing, low cost of living, and an expanding economy. With several pathways to residency and citizenship, there are a lot of ways you can start a new life in Serbia!

At Nomad Capitalist we believe in going where you’re treated best. With the ever shifting political and economic landscape, a lot of people are starting to reevaluate their residency and tax options.

Whether you’re seeking a permanent residency, a Visa, or to switch citizenship, we are here to help. Contact us today at Nomad Capitalist and let us take the burden of the move off your shoulders.

Serbian Residence – FAQ

Serbia is currently one of eight countries up for EU membership. Although it is in the process of becoming an EU member, it has not yet been fully admitted.

The main income tax rate in Serbia for residents is 10%. The standard corporate tax rate is set at 15%. The capital gains tax rate is 15-20%.

Serbian residency is acquired either through real estate investment, business investment, or marital status. Visas and other temporary residencies are granted for business, study, and visiting purposes. If you’re looking for experts to help you gain residency in one of Europe’s loveliest countries, contact us to make the job easier!

Under certain circumstances, Serbia allows citizens to hold dual citizenship with another country. This decision is largely based on ancestry and the country where you hold citizenship.

Serbia currently uses the Serbian Dinar. While U.S. credit cards and cash are accepted at most large companies and hotels, the Dinar is the national currency.

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