SERBIA

TRAVEL IN SERBIA

This fun-loving Balkan state has kept its quirky culture and underrated attractions on the downlow for far too long. Landlocked Serbia makes up for its lack of coastline with rolling green plains, limestone peaks and spectacular fortresses, and offers natural kicks aplenty with refreshing summer lakes and skiable winter mountains. The best place to party in the Balkans, Serbia’s bars and clubs are some of Europe’s best and most affordable with the nightlife in Belgrade totally legendary. Trust us: if Novi Sad’s EXIT festival isn’t already on your bucket list for Serbia travel, it soon will be.

FAST FACTS

Language: Serbian
Currency: Dinar
Electricity: 230V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Serbia.
Dialling Code: +381
Time Zone: (GMT+01:00)

ABOUT CONTIKI

From quick breaks to epic journeys, Contiki exists to connect young travellers with the time of their lives.

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Explore The Belgrade Fortress

The site of many-a bloody battle, more than six million souls are said to have died fighting over what is one of the world’s oldest fortresses. Free to enter, head to the Upper Town to see the best-preserved ramparts and gates, then visit the art pavilion and adjacent Belgrade Zoo before joining locals to watch the sun set over the Sava and Danube rivers.
Picnic on Avala Mountain

A modest 511-metres tall and just ten miles south of Belgrade, this protected nature reserve is a popular spot for summer picnics. Also home to Serbia’s tallest tower, the views from the top are astounding, or you could hike along the mountain’s nature trails and reward yourself with cake and a cold drink at the café.
Be wowed by The Church of Saint Sava

One of the largest Orthodox churches on the planet, Sava’s 70-metre tall, 4,000-ton dome and gilded cross dominate Belgrade’s cityscape. Crane your neck at the white marble exterior then poke your nose inside to check on the progress of the interior’s mosaics, which are still being completed.
Kayak to Great War Island

Although officially uninhabited, a few people live in small shacks on this protected Belgrade river island, which brims with birds and wildlife. Paddle across the Sava River and spread out a picnic or fire up a barbecue and look back across to the Serbian capital.
Discover ancient Mediana

One for the history buffs, this 4th century archaeological site sits near the town of Niš. Once the most prestigious suburb of the city of Naissus, it was a residence for visiting Roman emperors. Decorated in mosaics, around 80 structures have been uncovered, alongside crypts, marble figures, frescoes and a water supply system with aqueduct.

Things to do in Serbia

The Belgrade Fortress and Church of Saint Sava are two of the best things to do in Belgrade, while beyond the city there are mountains to climb, islands to paddle to and Roman ruins to explore. Read our top five suggestions for a fantastic Serbia travel experience:

Exit Festival

Hailed as Europe’s best major festival, Nov Sad’s annual summer event began in 2000 as a student democracy movement. Today, it’s attended by more than 35,000 and has showcased everyone from Billy Idol to Arcade Fire. But it’s the festival’s ‘After 2AM’ dance sessions that draw devotees back each year. Held beside the Danube at the Petrovaradin Fortress, the setting isn’t bad either.

For Serbia Travel 2022, find festival dates and details at, click here.
Guca Trumpet Fesitival

Each year, around 60,000 revelers descend on the tiny west Serbia town of Guča for one hell of a brass band festival. Yes, you did read that correctly. Divided into three parts, Friday sees an opening concert, with wild parties on the Saturday, and a competition on the Sunday.

For more information on Guca Trumpet Festival , click here.
Belgrade Beer Fest

Bands and - you guessed it - plenty of beer is the focus of this August event, set in beautiful parkland beside the Danube.

For more information on the Belgrade Beer Fest, click here.
Nisville International Jazz Festival

This long-standing festival started out in 1981 and features international jazz artists and bands. Set at Niš City Fortress, the accompanying program of workshops is a must for jazz fans.

For more information on the Nisvile International Jazz Festival, click here.
Festival Of Street Musicians

Held in Novi Sad each September, this gathering of street artists has been running since 2000. Come here to see acrobats, comedians and bands, solo musicians, stunt artists and ‘rock opera’ fill the streets of Serbia’s second city.

For more information, click here.

Top 5 Festivals in Serbia

Festivals in Serbia are some of Europe’s best and are often set in stunning fortress grounds or beside a riverbank. Here are 5 of the best to bung on your bucket list:

National Museum of Yugoslav History
Get clued-up on Serbian history at this south Belgrade museum, divided into three buildings and set in parkland on Tito’s former compound. Highlights include a collection of Yugoslav batons, Tito’s tomb and a schedule of temporary exhibits.

For Serbia travel, find out what’s exhibiting at, click here.
National Museum of Serbia
Established in 1844, this is the largest and oldest museum in former Yugoslavia. Housing around 400,000 artworks, the exhibits include 18th century Serbian paintings and a valuable collection of works by French painters such as Matisse, Picasso, Renoir and Cézanne. Some sections are currently under restoration.

For more information on The National Museum of Serbia, click here.
Nikola Tesla Museum
Dedicated to the inventor, futurist and key contributor in the design of modern AC electricity supply system, this Belgrade museum houses thousands of Unesco-listed documents, books, photographs, 3D models and drawings.

For more information on Nikola Tesla Museum, click here.
Remont

If you think that the art world takes itself too seriously, this independent art association could be for you. One of the coolest galleries in Belgrade, Remont promotes innovative Serbian artists and features everything from photography and painting to sculpture and video.

For more information on Remont, click here.
O3ONE Gallery

This unique Belgrade art space sees itself as a communication project that explores the relationships between art, technology and science. Divided into different zones, each represents different themes: Art3ONE is the main platform for contemporary art, while Eko3ONE focuses on ecology.

For more information on the O3ONE Gallery, click here.

Top 5 Museums and Galleries in Serbia

Serbia’s fascinating past as part of former Yugoslavia give its museums and monuments added appeal, while its unusual galleries will challenge your perception of art. Undecided about what to see in Belgrade? Your starters for ten:

Pljeskavica
Ground meat shaped into a patty, this Serbian favourite looks suspiciously like a burger – but not as you know it. Made from two or more meats, it’s served with kajmak (buffalo milk cream), shredded cabbage, spicy ajvar sauce and a pitta-like bun. Most kafanas and street karts also offer a choice of spreads and sides.

_{A no frills eatery, Loki on Gospodar Jovanova street in Belgrade serves, arguably, the best in Belgrade – even Novak Djokovic is said to be a fan.}
Ćevapi
Perhaps the most famous Serbia food, these skinless sausages are made from minced meats and served in sets of five or ten fingers with chopped onions and flatbread, plus a choice of sides, such as sour cream, cottage cheese and minced red pepper. If you can’t decide between this and a Pljeskavica, ask for a Serbian mixed grill and you’ll get both.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Stara Hercegovina kafana, Carigradska 36, Belgrade 11000, Serbia}
Sarma
Minced meat (you may be noticing a recurring theme), this time stuffed inside pickled cabbage leaves. Often served at Christmas or at weddings and religious holidays, the mince can be mixed with rice, onions and spices.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Find this celebratory dish in the best restaurants in Belgrade, or at big social events and public celebrations.}
Pasulj
Vegetarians can breathe a sigh of relief. Serbian bean soup swaps minced meat for white beans, combining them with carrots, mint leaves and spices to create a hearty broth or stew. To be on the safe side, double-check that the stock hasn’t be made with pork ribs, and ask for it to be served without meat on the side.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Said to be the oldest kafana in Belgrade, Kafana Question Mark is on Kralja Petra 6 Street.}
Breads & pastries
A staple feature of Serbia food, bread forms the basis of many-a meal, with traditional bakes including lepinje (flatbread) and kifle (crescent-shaped breakfast rolls). Bakeries across the country serve national and international breads and pastries, as well as Serbian-style pizza, but purists believe that the best serve bread, burek (sweet or savoury flaky pastry parcels) and nothing else.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Seek out the small but legendary Carli bakery, Braće Jugović 16, Belgrade.}

Food in Serbia

Whether you like it grilled, minced, shaped into sausages or stuffed into vegetables, meat-lovers are well catered for in Serbia. Veggies need not despair, with beans, capsicum and cheeses readily available. For traditional Serbia food, eat in a kafana – these historic taverns are the most authentic restaurants in Belgrade.

Wherever you choose to spend your dinars, be sure to try at least one of these national dishes:

What To Pack?

Backpack - While wheelie cases are all well and good, Serbia’s distinct lack of elevators will destroy your love for any luggage you can’t sling over a shoulder. Opt for a backpack or sports bag instead.

Light summer clothes - Be prepared for hot summers and humid weather, with light and breathable fabrics, as well as sunglasses and sun block.

Swimwear - Don’t be fooled by Serbia’s lack of shoreline. Fresh lakes and clear streams are ripe for a summer dip, so don’t forget your swimming togs.

Waterproof - The weather in Serbia is wettest in the warm summer months, so avoid getting a sweat on with breathable wet weather gear.

Warm winter gear - Be prepared for winter snow in December and bring a warm jacket, hat and thick socks, plus decent footgear. There’s nothing more depressing than cold, soggy feet.

Medical kit - Unless you’re planning a two-week wilderness trek, the basics should be fine, and you can stock up on extras in pharmacies across the country.

Passport copies - Bring a printed photocopy, take a photo or scan and store a copy on your smart phone, email or on the Cloud.

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