Serbia presents a compelling narrative steeped in history, culture, and natural splendour. Spend 7 days in Serbia marvelling at ancient monasteries, savouring the rich flavours of local cuisine, admiring the country’s unique fusion of traditional and contemporary dynamism, and partaking in the exuberance of its urban centres.
Serbia
Our Balkan adventure unfolds like a captivating story, each chapter revealing a new facet of Serbia’s vibrant tapestry. We’ll begin in Novi Sad, a youthful city brimming with life. Imagine strolling through charming squares, the gentle Danube River whispering tales of empires past. Novi Sad’s rich cultural heritage, a captivating blend of Hungarian and Serbian influences, is evident in its architecture and artistic soul. Perhaps we’ll even visit the mountains and raise a toast to the region’s world-famous Srem wines!
Next, we journey south to Subotica, a town where time seems to bend. Imagine strolling past a kaleidoscope of Art Nouveau buildings, each facade a testament to the city’s unique architectural heritage. The strong Hungarian influence here adds another layer to Serbia’s cultural tapestry, a captivating reminder of the region’s fascinating history. Subotica’s charm lies in its ability to seamlessly blend the past with the present, creating a truly unique atmosphere.
Finally, our grand finale unfolds in Belgrade, Serbia’s vibrant capital. Here, history pulsates through every cobbled street and imposing landmark. The mighty Kalemegdan Fortress, a silent observer of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule, stands proudly overlooking the city. Belgrade is a city of contrasts, where ancient echoes mingle with the buzz of modern life, offering a glimpse into Serbia’s complex past and its enthusiastic embrace of the future.
Over the next 1 week in Serbia, we’ll delve deeper into this captivating land. 7 days in Serbia is a whirlwind tour, a taste of its magic, not a full-course meal. But a week lets you sample Belgrade’s energy, Novi Sad’s charm, and Subotica’s architectural flair while demanding that you revisit again and again. We’ll explore ancient monasteries nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, discover hidden gems off the beaten path, and savour the warmth of Serbian hospitality. Prepare to be surprised, enlightened, and utterly charmed by this Balkan gem, where every corner whispers a tale of resilience, cultural richness, and a spirit that refuses to be tamed. Join us, and let’s embark on an unforgettable exploration of Serbia, a land where history comes alive!
7 DAYS IN SERBIA ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Belgrade. Travel to Novi Sad
Day 2: Fruska Gora and Sremski Karlovci (Day trip from Novi Sad)
Day 3: Subotica
Day 4: Belgrade
Day 5: Belgrade
Day 6: Tara National Park or Manasija Monastery (Day trip from Belgrade)
Day 7: Depart Belgrade
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DO INDIANS NEED A VISA TO ENTER SERBIA? Yes, Indians need a visa to enter Serbia. There are no visa-on-arrival or e-visa provisions.
However, Indian passport holders with a valid UK, US, or Schengen visa or resident permit can enter, transit, or stay in Serbia for up to 90 days in a period of 6 months without a Serbian visa. It is best if your UK/US/Schengen visa is valid for at least 3 months from the date you plan to leave Serbia.
Serbia was the first foreign country we visited since moving to Scotland. In April 2024, we travelled to Serbia for 1 week with our Indian passports and UK Biometric Resident (BRP) permits. Before travelling, we emailed the Serbian embassy in New Delhi and the Indian embassy in Belgrade to confirm this information and they sent us a copy of the latest Serbian visa regime which confirmed that Indian passport holders with a valid UK/US/Schegen visa can enter Serbia visa-free. We had to answer a few questions at the British Airways Passport and Visas desk at Heathrow Airport and they cleared us. No questions were asked at the immigration desk at Belgrade Airport. Our passports were stamped and we were in Serbia!
That said, visa regimes keep changing. Contact the Serbian embassy for the latest information before you travel.
7 Days in Serbia Itinerary: The Best of Northern Serbia
Day 1: Novi Sad
We flew from London to Belgrade, then took a bus to Novi Sad where we spent the first two days of our 7 days in Serbia trip. Novi Sad is the capital of the autonomous province of Vojvodina. It is known for its stunning architecture and vibrant cultural scene.
We arrived exhausted and grabbed a quick bite at Tetak which is known for a local Novi Sad speciality: the Index Sandwich. We spent the afternoon and evening ambling around the town square, marvelling at all the stunning buildings that tower over the town square. Some of the most beautiful architecture of Novi Sad can be seen around Trg Slobode: the Church of the Name of Mary, the Town Hall, the Hotel Vojvodina, and the headquarters Vojvodjanske banka (former “Grand Hotel”). There are restaurants and bars all along the pedestrianised roads and you can sit outdoors for an aperitif or some ice cream. Stop to hear local musicians playing their instruments and enjoy the ambience of this lovely city. At the end of the street, there is the Bishop’s Palace, another eye-catching building of Novi Sad. We spent hours strolling and enjoying a few drinks before heading for dinner at a marvellous Serbian restaurant called Sokace.
WHERE TO STAY IN NOVI SAD? There is no dearth of accommodation in Novi Sad. We stayed at the Boulevard Studio Apartment. It is located in the city centre and a short walk from Trg Slobode. The apartment was well-furnished and had a kitchenette which is particularly useful if you are staying longer.
HOW TO TRAVEL FROM BELGRADE AIRPORT TO NOVI SAD? We took the A1 shuttle from Nikola Tesla Airport to the Belgrade bus station, then a bus to Novi Sad. You can also take the train.
The new high-speed train is the fastest and takes about 30 minutes from Belgrade Centar railway station to Novi Sad. You can also take the bus from Belgrade to Novi Sad and while it is not the fastest option, it is pretty cheap and comfortable.
Our bus tickets were less than £10 for both of us and we paid by card (Starling debit card) at the ticket counter. We had to pay an extra 70 RSD to store our suitcase in the trunk. Remember that you need the tickets to access the platforms; if you lose your ticket, you will have to buy a new one. Try to book a ticket on a bus run by Nis Express, Lasta, or Raketa as these companies provide efficient services and the buses are new and well-fitted. If you are travelling in summer, check if the bus has aircon.
Day 2: Fruska Gora & Novi Sad
On day 2 of our 1-week trip to Serbia, we visited Fruska Gora to see the ancient monasteries and frescoes. The north of Serbia can easily be explored on public transport though a few areas such as the mountains of Fruska Gora require a car or joining an organised tour.
Since we do not drive, we opted for an organized tour from Viator and I highly recommend it. Our guide, Jerko, was knowledgeable and took great pride in sharing with us the history and culture of Vojvodina and the monasteries we visited. There were no other participants that day, so we basically enjoyed a private tour! This is the tour we did and we highly recommend it.
We visited three monasteries- Novo Hopovo, Grgeteg Monastery, and Krušedol Monastery-, went for a Serbian wine and honey tasting at the Museum of Beekeeping and Winery Živanović, and then spent some time strolling through the streets of a very pretty town named Sremski Karlovci.
We returned to Novi Sad around 3 pm, then went to Petrovaradin to see the sunset over the Danube. Before climbing up the fort, we spent some time strolling through the streets lined by pastel-painted houses with ornate decorative flourishes. We were tired by then and spent the evening downing a few drinks and enjoying views of the Danube on the Strand.
Day 3: Subotica
On day 3 of our 7 days in Serbia trip, we took a bus from Novi Sad to Subotica, Serbia’s northernmost city. Subotica’s leafy lanes and bustling town square are lined with architectural masterpieces. At the heart of the city is Subotica City Hall, a red building adorned with Zsolnay tiles, terracotta sculptures, and ornate ironwork. Raichle Palace and Subotica Synagogue are must-visits. And while you are here, don’t forget to try some Hungarian-Serbian fusion food at Bates or Gurinovic. You can read our post to find out about all the wonderful things to do in Subotica.
Half a day is enough to see Subotica’s beautiful buildings but we decided to spend a day here to relax. If you are short of time, you can also visit Subotica on a day trip from Belgrade.
WHERE TO STAY IN SUBOTICA? There are many apartments and guesthouses in Subotica but if you want a central location, we recommend Center Apartment Dunja which is right next to the imposing City Hall. We stayed here and the room is very spacious and equipped with a kitchenette and a seating area.
Day 4-7: Belgrade
We took a bus from Subotica to the historic city of Belgrade which totally floored us. We loved the energy of Belgrade! It is an exciting mishmash of vintage and modern. We enjoyed riding the rickety trams, admiring the architecture, digging into Serbian food, and bar hopping. On our first day in Belgrade, we explored the town centre and watched the sunset over the Sava and Danube rivers from the Belgrade fortress.
We joined a walking tour the next morning to learn about the history of Belgrade. The tour ended at St. Sava Temple and we were in awe of its magnificence. We also visited Zemun and explored the neighbourhoods of Skardalija and Dorćol. There are lots of things to do in Belgrade and you can use our 3 days in Belgrade itinerary to plan your Belgrade trip. If you love museums, delve into Belgrade’s rich history and heritage with visits to the Nikola Tesla Museum and the Museum of Yugoslav History and end your day with a cruise down the Danube. We also have some excellent recommendations for Belgrade restaurants and eateries!
If you are planning a 1-week trip to Serbia, you should allow at least two days for Belgrade, more if you are into the history of the Balkans. There are lots of things to see and do in Belgrade. It has some amazing restaurants and cocktail bars, and you may find yourself with a lengthy list of places to visit in Belgrade.
WHERE TO STAY IN BELGRADE? We recommend staying near the Tram 2 route as it serves all the major attractions in Belgrade. We stayed at Iva Old Town, a newish hotel less than 5 min from the nearest tram stop. The rooms are clean and have air-conditioning to deal with Belgrade’s heat. We paid less than £150 for three nights and we were satisfied with the service. The staff is available on-site if you need any assistance. They offer airport transfers too. If you want to stay in the city centre, we recommend Mama Shelter.
Day Trip from Belgrade: Day Trip to Manasija Monastery or Tara National Park
On your 7 days in Serbia trip, reserve a day for a day trip from Belgrade. You can choose Tara National Park if you would love a break from bustling Belgrade, or visit the historic Manasija Monastery in eastern Serbia. Constructed in the Morava style, Manasija is one of the most revered monasteries in Serbia and houses some of the oldest frescoes painted in medieval Serbian style. Both Tara National Park and Manasija Monastery are difficult to reach using public transport, so you have to have a car or join a tour group. Since these are two of the most popular destinations in Serbia, there are various tours that you can join.
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