SERBIA – PARIS IN THE MAKING
Serbia, another beautiful country in the Balkans, is steadily emerging as a destination worth discovering. Its capital, Belgrade, has everything you would expect from a modern European city — excellent roads, public transport, large shopping malls, restaurants, historic buildings, vibrant nightlife and a recently developed riverfront.
Belgrade has developed at an impressive pace even though it has undergone significant political crisis.
Despite being a relatively small country, Serbia offers a wonderful combination of history, culture, architecture, food, shopping and outdoor experiences.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Serbia is generally May to September, when the weather is pleasant for walking around the city and enjoying outdoor activities.
Visa for Indian Travellers
For Indian travellers, the visa requirements can be relatively straightforward depending on your existing visas and travel documents.
Indian passport holders who have a valid multiple-entry Schengen, UK or US visa or residence permit may, subject to the applicable Serbian entry rules, be eligible to enter Serbia without obtaining a separate Serbian visa.
Travellers who do not qualify for an exemption will need to obtain a Serbian visa before travelling.
It is always advisable to check the latest entry requirements before making travel arrangements, as visa and immigration rules can change.
ARRIVING IN BELGRADE: GETTING TO THE CITY CENTRE
If you are arriving at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, be prepared for potentially long immigration queues.
After collecting your luggage and completing immigration, there is a useful taxi booking system at the airport.
Airport Taxi – An Important Tip
There is a self-service taxi booking machine at the airport where you can enter your destination and the number of passengers. The machine then issues a ticket showing the fixed fare for your destination zone.
No payment is required to be made at the machine.
The fare is paid directly to the taxi driver at the end of the journey.
The city is divided into different taxi zones, with a fixed price assigned to each zone. This means that the fare should remain the same regardless of the exact address within that particular zone.
This is an important point because taxi fares can otherwise be confusing for first-time visitors.
How to Take the Taxi
After obtaining your taxi voucher:
Enter your destination and number of passengers at the airport taxi machine.
Collect the printed voucher showing your fixed fare.
Do not pay at the machine.
Exit the terminal and follow the signs to the official taxi area.
Join the taxi queue.
Take the taxi according to the assigned order.
Pay the driver the amount stated on your voucher at the end of the journey.
This is a much safer and more straightforward option than negotiating a fare with a taxi driver outside the airport.
Tip: Keep your taxi voucher until the end of the journey and check that the amount you are charged matches the fare printed on it.
RENTING A CAR AT THE AIRPORT
If you are planning a road trip through Serbia, renting a car can be a convenient option, and you can pick up your vehicle directly at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. Several major car-rental companies operate at the airport or in its vicinity.
If you plan to explore destinations outside Belgrade, having a car gives you considerably more flexibility. However, if your trip is limited to Belgrade, a car may not be necessary as the city center is quite walkable and taxis and public transport are readily available.
CURRENCY IN SERBIA
The official currency of Serbia is the Serbian Dinar (RSD).
ATMs and currency-exchange facilities are available at the airport, so you can obtain some local currency soon after arrival.
There are also numerous currency-exchange offices throughout Belgrade and almost all of them charge the same conversion rate.
WHERE TO STAY AND THINGS TO SEE IN BELGRADE
If you are visiting Belgrade for the first time and want to be in the heart of the city, Stari Grad (Old Town) is one of the best areas to stay.
I particularly recommend staying around Knez Mihailova Street, the famous pedestrian shopping street and one of the liveliest parts of central Belgrade.
From here, many of Belgrade's major attractions are within walking distance, including:
Knez Mihailova Street
Kalemegdan Park
Belgrade Fortress
Republic Square
Restaurants and cafés
Shopping areas
Museums and historic buildings
The area is particularly convenient if you enjoy exploring a city on foot, as there is always something happening around you.
There are plenty of hotels in and around this area, including well-known international chains. Courtyard by Marriott Belgrade City Centre, for example, is located very close to Republic Square and is a convenient option for visitors who want to stay in the center.
BELGRADE WATERFRONT – A MORE MODERN EXPERIENCE
If, however, you prefer a modern neighborhood with new buildings, shopping, restaurants and a contemporary riverfront atmosphere, I would recommend looking at accommodation around Belgrade Waterfront.
Belgrade Waterfront, often referred to as BWF, is a recently developed area along the Sava River, with modern residential buildings, restaurants, cafés and the Galerija Belgrade shopping center.
There are several modern apartments and B&B-style accommodations in the newly developed residential buildings around the waterfront
One of the biggest advantages is the proximity to Galerija, which offers a wide range of shopping, restaurants and cafés. The riverfront itself is also a pleasant place to walk, particularly in the evening.
However, there is a trade-off.
While Belgrade Waterfront is relatively close to the city center, it is not as centrally located as Stari Grad. Depending on exactly where you stay, you should allow approximately 15–20 minutes by taxi to reach the main historic center, particularly when traffic is heavy.
WHICH AREA SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
Choose Stari Grad if:
This is your first visit to Belgrade
You want to walk to most attractions
You enjoy historic architecture
You want restaurants and cafés right outside your hotel
You want to be close to Knez Mihailova and Kalemegdan
Choose Belgrade Waterfront if:
You prefer modern buildings and apartments
Shopping is important to you
You enjoy riverside walks and restaurants
You prefer a newer, more contemporary neighborhood
You don't mind taking a taxi into the historic center
Personally, for a first-time visitor to Belgrade, I would choose Stari Grad.
Things to do in Belgrade
KNEZ MIHAILOVA STREET
Knez Mihailova Street is the heart of central Belgrade and one of the city's most enjoyable places to explore on foot.
The pedestrian street is lined with beautiful historic buildings, cafés, restaurants and shops. It is particularly pleasant to sit at one of the outdoor cafés with a coffee or a glass of wine and simply watch the city go by.
The street is also home to several international and high-street brands, making it a good place for some casual shopping. You will also find numerous currency-exchange offices in and around the area.
One of the best things about Knez Mihailova is that it never feels like just a shopping street. Street performers, musicians and locals give it a lively atmosphere throughout the day and into the evening.
The street eventually leads towards Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress, making it easy to combine the two attractions in a single walk.
REPUBLIC SQUARE
Republic Square is one of the main public, cultural and social gathering places in Belgrade.
The square is dominated by the prominent statue, one of the most recognisable landmarks in central Belgrade.
It is also an important transport hub, with numerous bus and tram routes connecting the square to different parts of the city.
One of the city's most famous streets, Knez Mihailova, begins right beside Republic Square, making this an ideal starting point for exploring central Belgrade.
The square itself is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, shops and historic buildings and is a great place to sit at a cafe, have a coffee or a drink and simply watch Belgrade's daily life unfold.
Several well-known hotels are also located in and around the central area, making Republic Square a convenient base for visitors.
BELGRADE FORTRESS & KALEMEGDAN PARK
At the end of Knez Mihailova Street is Belgrade Fortress, one of the city's most important historical landmarks.
The fortress sits above the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. The Kalemegdan area contains archaeological remains and structures from different periods of Belgrade's long history and its past.
Today, the fortress and much of the park can be explored freely, however, some museums and individual attractions require an admission ticket.
There is plenty to see within the complex, including:
Victor Monument, one of Belgrade's most recognisable landmarks
Military Museum
Roman Well
Historic gates and defensive walls
Church
Viewpoints overlooking the Sava and Danube
My tip
Don't rush through Kalemegdan. The park is large, and part of the enjoyment comes from simply walking through its gardens, historic walls and viewpoints.
I would allow at least 2–3 hours to explore the fortress and park properly.
SKADARLIJA – BOHEMIAN BELGRADE
Skadarlija – is a completely different side of Belgrade the city's famous old bohemian quarter.
The cobblestone street is relatively short — roughly 500 metres long — but it is packed with so much to see.
Skadarlija is known for its:
Cobblestone streets
Traditional Serbian restaurants
Live music
Street art
Outdoor cafés
Lively evening atmosphere
The street becomes particularly lively in the evening, when locals and visitors come out for dinner and drinks.
Some of the more popular restaurants require a prior reservation is particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Don't miss
This is the place to try traditional Serbian dishes accompanied by local wine or rakija. Even if you are not planning a full dinner, walking through Skadarlija in the evening is worth doing simply for the atmosphere.
CHURCH OF SAINT SAVA
The Church of Saint Sava is one of the most impressive landmarks in Belgrade and one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.
Inside, visitors can see magnificent mosaics, gold-toned decorations and elaborate Orthodox artwork. The scale of the interior is remarkable, and the vast dome and detailed mosaics make the church one of the most memorable sights in Belgrade. The entry is Free.
Can visit in the evenings too when it is illuminated.
A PERFECT BELGRADE WALK
If you have only one full day in Belgrade, you can combine several of these attractions quite easily:
Knez Mihailova Street → Republic Square → Kalemegdan Park → Belgrade Fortress → Sava/Danube viewpoint → Skadarlija → Church of Saint Sava
You don't necessarily need to visit them in exactly this order, but this combination gives you a good introduction to historic Belgrade, its architecture, food, culture and riverfront views in a relatively short period.
EXPLORING SERBIA BY CAR
If you want to see more than just Belgrade, exploring Serbia by car is one of the most convenient options.
Renting a car is relatively straightforward, and there are several international and local rental companies to choose from.
Before renting, however, make sure you have the appropriate driving documents. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for Indian travellers, particularly when dealing with international rental companies. Carry your original driving license along with your IDP.
Rental Car Deposits
One thing to keep in mind is the security deposit.
International rental companies can sometimes require a substantial refundable deposit, particularly when you choose a higher-category vehicle.
Local rental companies may offer more flexible terms and, in some cases, lower deposits. Their rental rates can also be more competitive, however, should check the insurance coverage, mileage limits, fuel policy and cancellation conditions.
Before You Drive Away
Always inspect the car carefully before leaving the rental office.
Take photographs or a short video of:
Existing scratches
Dents
Wheels and tyres
Windscreen
Interior
Fuel level
Odometer
This simple step can save you considerable trouble when returning the vehicle.
DRIVING AND PARKING IN SERBIA
Driving around Serbia is generally a pleasant way to explore the country, particularly if you plan to visit smaller towns, national parks and countryside destinations that may not be as convenient to reach by public transport.
Parking is generally available in towns and cities, although paid parking is common, especially in Belgrade and other popular tourist areas.
Parking in Belgrade
One thing that can initially be confusing for visitors is the way street parking works.
You may find designated parking zones with information boards displaying the applicable parking rate and the permitted parking period.
Depending on the location, payment may be made through a parking kiosk, mobile application, SMS system or other designated payment method rather than through a traditional parking meter. (For international traveler SMS doesn’t work if you are using the same SIM with roaming)
If you are using a kiosk, make sure you obtain the parking ticket and follow the instructions regarding where it should be displayed.
Important Tip
When you park, always look for the local parking sign and check:
Whether parking is free on weekends or public holidays
NOVI SAD AND FRUŠKA GORA
Novi Sad, Serbia's second-largest city, sits on the banks of the Danube River, approximately 100 kilometres from Belgrade. By car, it takes around an hour or a little more depending on traffic.
Novi Sad makes for an excellent day trip from Belgrade.
PETROVARADIN FORTRESS
The most famous attraction in Novi Sad is Petrovaradin Fortress, a historic fortress overlooking the Danube. Although parts of the complex have a weathered appearance, there is plenty to explore.
One of its most recognisable features is the clock tower, whose unusual clock face can be seen from across the river.
The fortress is also famous internationally for hosting the annual EXIT Music Festival, one of Europe's major music festivals.
There are cafes, restaurants and Stay within the fortress complex.
The fortress also contains an extensive network of underground tunnels. I did not explore the tunnels during my visit, but they are part of the fascinating history of the complex.
LIBERTY SQUARE AND THE OLD TOWN
Head into the Centre of Novi Sad and explore Liberty Square, the main square in the
historic Centre. It is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings and is home to the Monument and the Name of Mary church, one of the city's most prominent landmarks.
The surrounding pedestrian streets are filled with cafes, restaurants, shops and small boutiques.
This is a lovely area to simply walk around, stop for lunch and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Novi Sad. Compared to Belgrade, Novi Sad is much more relaxed.
FRUSKA GORA NATIONAL PARK
If you have a car, I strongly recommend combining Novi Sad with Fruska Gora National Park.
Fruska Gora is a beautiful hilly region, known for its forests, vineyards, viewpoints and historic monasteries.
The drive through the hills is particularly scenic, and you can stop at various viewpoints along the way.
One of the highlights of the region is its collection of historic Serbian monasteries, many of which are tucked away among the forests and hills.
If you have limited time, choose one or two monasteries rather than trying to see all of them.
Fresh Fruit Along the Way
One of the things I particularly enjoyed during the drive was seeing small roadside stalls selling fresh fruit and locally produced honey.
Depending on the season, you may find plums, peaches, apricots and other locally grown produce. The prices can be surprisingly reasonable, and stopping to buy some fresh fruit makes for a lovely little road-trip experience.
ZLATIBOR
Zlatibor is one of Serbia's best mountain destinations and is approximately 230–240 km from Belgrade, depending on your route.
The drive generally takes around 3 hours, although traffic, road conditions and stops along the way can make the journey longer. Despite the distance, Zlatibor is worth considering if you have several days available for a Serbian road trip.
If you are travelling by car, I would recommend allowing at least two nights in the Zlatibor area rather than trying to see everything as a rushed day trip from Belgrade. But even one day trip can be done. ( I did one day trip and skipped Tara National Park)
STOPICA CAVE
One of the most interesting attractions near Zlatibor is Stopica Cave, a spectacular limestone cave located on the slopes of Zlatibor.
The cave is a protected natural attraction and is very different from the usual sightseeing experiences in Serbia.
There is an entrance fee, and parking is available near the site. (Parking is also chargeable).
From the parking area, you need to walk towards the cave and descend along the path. The route involves steps and uneven terrain, so wheelchair and stroller access is limited.
However, there are places where you can stop and rest along the way.
Inside the cave, metal walkways and stairs allow visitors to explore the enormous chambers and see the limestone formations and water flowing through the cave.
The scale of the cave is impressive, the rock formations, dripping water and cascading water makes this a particularly memorable experience.
I would definitely recommend visiting Stopica Cave if you are in the Zlatibor region.
Practical Tip
The toilets are located near the parking area and, during my visit, were clean and convenient to use. It is better to use them before walking down to the cave.
Allow approximately 1–1.5 hours for the cave visit, including the walk between the parking area and the cave.
GOSTILJE WATERFALLS
Another beautiful attraction near Zlatibor is Gostilje Waterfall, located roughly 15–20 minutes from Stopica Cave by car.
After parking, follow a walking path through a beautiful green meadow and it takes you downhill towards the waterfalls.
The first waterfall can be reached relatively easily, but if you want to explore further, you can continue down the path to see additional cascades and waterfalls flowing over the rocks.
The surroundings are incredibly green and peaceful, with trees, bushes, meadows and several small and larger waterfalls along the route.
The atmosphere feels almost like something out of a fairy tale.
If you are travelling with older family members, young children or anyone who doesn't enjoy steep walks, you can enjoy the first waterfall and turn back.
The return journey involves walking uphill, so comfortable shoes are essential.
For me, the real attraction of this road trip is not just the destinations. It is the drive through the Serbian countryside, the small roadside fruit stalls, green hills, monasteries, mountain scenery and the opportunity to stop whenever something catches your eye.
ZLATIBOR TOWN
Zlatibor Town is located approximately 30–40 minutes from Gostilje Waterfall, and the drive itself is one of the most enjoyable parts of the journey.
The road passes through beautiful countryside and local villages, with rolling hills and traditional houses along the way. The scenery makes the drive feel like part of the experience rather than simply a journey from one attraction to another.
One of its major attractions is the Gold Gondola, a panoramic cable-car ride offering spectacular views over the surrounding mountains and countryside. It is one of the
longest panoramic gondola rides in the world.
The town has plenty of accommodation options, ranging from small hotels and guesthouses to mountain lodges and camping facilities.
At the centre of Zlatibor is a small artificial lake, surrounded by restaurants, cafes and activities for children. The area becomes particularly lively in the evening,
TARA NATIONAL PARK
Tara National Park is another spectacular natural attraction in western Serbia.
It is approximately 50–75 kilometres from Zlatibor, depending on the route and the part of the park you want to visit.
If Tara National Park is part of your itinerary, I would strongly recommend spending at least one night in Zlatibor and dedicating an entire day to exploring Tara rather than trying to squeeze it into a rushed day trip.
Tara is known for its dense forests, mountain scenery, viewpoints and the Drina River, which forms part of the natural landscape along the Serbian–Bosnian border.
The famous Banjska Stena viewpoint is one of the highlights and offers spectacular views over the Drina River and surrounding countryside.
GOLUBAC FORTRESS
Golubac Fortress is one of the most spectacular medieval fortresses in Serbia.
Perched dramatically on the banks of the Danube River, the fortress looks almost as though it rises directly out of the water.
Its location is extraordinary, with the enormous Danube stretching out in front of it and the surrounding hills creating a dramatic backdrop.
Golubac Fortress forms part of the Derdap National Park and is sometimes referred to as the “Guardian of the Danube.”
Exploring the Fortress
The fortress is divided into several areas, and visitors can choose different levels of access depending on which parts they want to explore. The entry prices also vary accordingly depending on the parts you want to explore. (Few parts can be visited only on weekends and are closed rest of the week).
Some sections are relatively easy to visit, while reaching some of the higher towers requires considerably more climbing.
A few towers remain inaccessible, while others require a reasonable level of fitness because of steep stairs and narrow passages.
If you are comfortable with climbing, the effort is well worth it.
The views from the higher sections are spectacular, with an enormous stretch of the Danube visible from above.
Check Before You Go
This is one attraction where I would strongly recommend checking the official opening days, visiting hours and access to individual towers before setting off.
The fortress has had seasonal opening arrangements, and access to some areas can vary depending on the day and season.
Do not simply assume that everything will be open.
If you are driving for around two hours to reach Golubac, checking the opening schedule beforehand can save you a very disappointing journey.
The Danube Drive
After visiting the fortress, don't immediately turn around and head back.
Continue along the road beside the Danube if you have time.
The drive itself is beautiful, with spectacular river views, rolling hills and small villages along the way.
This is one of those parts of Serbia where the journey is almost as enjoyable as the destination.
You can stop at viewpoints, small cafes and roadside locations to enjoy the scenery and take photographs.
For anyone doing a Serbian road trip, I would consider Golubac Fortress and the Danube drive an absolute highlight.
If you have one more day in Belgrade then you must visit the tallest tower in Belgrade called the Avala tower. It is on the outskirts of the City and offers unparalleled view of the City. The entry to the top of the Tower is ticketed.
Next to the tower is the Victory monument It is a huge statute. However, few people visit both these places. But it is a good outing from the city.
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