7 Days & 10+ Unmissable Spots

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A person in a hat and yellow skirt takes a photo of a medieval fortress by a river under a clear blue sky.

Hello there adventurer, headed to Serbia? So glad to hear that! Hop on, as in this 7-day Serbia itinerary blog post, I’m taking you on a virtual tour across my beloved country!

This digital road trip to the Southwest Balkans takes you across the most beautiful cities, natural spots, and hidden gems of Serbia, all while featuring useful tips on getting around, things to know, and even some sweet accommodation ideas!

Use this post as a step-by-step guide, customize it any way you want, or just find inspo for activities; entirely up to you! But one thing’s for sure: after you’re done reading, you’ll have a pretty good idea of what to expect from your Serbian vacation!

Be a smart traveler and book your hotels and tickets in advance. Serbia is not as cheap as it used to be, and last-minute planning certainly doesn’t make things any cheaper!

Days: 7
Cost: ~€450 if traveling on a tight budget, around €700 for mid-range travelers, infinity and beyond if you are a luxury traveler
Transportation: car, train, bus
Best luxury hotels in the itinerary: Belgrade, Novi Sad, Zlatibor
Best mid-range hotels: Belgrade, Novi Sad, Zlatibor
Best budget accommodation: Belgrade, Novi Sad, Zlatibor

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Check out all the stops in the itinerary for easy reference:

Illustrated map of Serbia highlighting major cities and attractions, including Subotica, Novi Sad, Belgrade, Veliko Gradiste, Zlatibor, and Nis, with various cultural icons and landmarks.

Day 1-2: Belgrade
Day 3: Leave Belgrade + explore Northern Serbia (Novi Sad)
Day 4: Leave Novi Sad for Eastern Serbia (Veliko Gradiste)
Day 5: Leave Eastern Serbia for Western Serbia (Zlatibor)
Day 6: Western Serbia
Day 7: Depart for Belgrade

Day 1-2: Belgrade

On their Serbia itinerary, writer of the post with her husband takes a selfie in front of a majestic white Orthodox church with a green dome and gold cross, surrounded by trees and strolling visitors.

● Why visit: nightlife, culture, shopping
● Key activity: explore the Old Town (Stari Grad)
● Estimated daily budget: €100

Welcome to Serbia’s capital and largest city! Belgrade is the most logical starting point of the itinerary, considering it’s where the main international airport is.

TIP: I like to use Skyscanner to browse for the cheapest and fastest flights. Check it out if you still haven’t purchased your tickets to Belgrade. You never know when a good deal will strike!

You want to spend 2 days in Belgrade before you head to your next destination. I recommend you start this itinerary fresh on Day 1 so you can have a delicious breakfast in your hotel (or in a nearby pekara, or pastry shops we have on every corner).

St. Mark's Church in Belgrade, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowerbeds under a clear blue sky, exemplifying the city's historical and natural beauty

The entire first day in Belgrade is for the main attractions, which are mostly grouped around the Old Town (we call it Stari Grad). I share much more details in my article on the 3-day Belgrade itinerary that you can check out here.

Now this route is entirely walkable, so I don’t recommend using cars in Belgrade at all! The traffic is insane, and you can just grab a taxi or private transfer to get from the airport to your hotel.

From ancient (and not so ancient) history to delicious food to bohemian nightlife spots, Belgrade has so much to offer to tourists! A quick tour like this one is the best way to explore Serbia’s capital when you’re short on time, but you can also follow my quick ideas on things to do below:

author of the post relaxes on a boat in a bikini, savoring a can with a hat and bag beside her, as part of her Serbia itinerary. The boat gently glides along the river on a sunny day.

Day 1 in Belgrade

Visit the Nikola Tesla Museum
Walk to Old Town via Nikole Pasica Street (map)
Explore Kneza Mihaila Street and go straight to Kalemegdan (map)
Admire the stunning views at Kalemegdan Fortress
Join an open-boat sunset cruise on the Danube River
Enjoy the nightlife at Skadarlija Bohemian Quarter (map)

Day 2 in Belgrade

Cityscape with modern high-rise buildings behind a green park featuring a sculpture, under a partly cloudy sky.

Should you choose to spend an extra day in Serbia’s capital, it’ll give you extra time to try some of these:

Where to stay in Belgrade

Aerial view of a bustling cityscape featuring the prominent Saint Sava Temple, illuminated buildings, and streets with light trails at night.

Below, you’ll find the cream of the crop hotels for all budgets in Belgrade! They’re all conveniently located in Downtown and Old Town Belgrade, so you’re just steps from the attractions.

TIP: For a more detailed insight into Belgrade’s diverse neighborhoods and hotels, check out my post on 6 top areas to stay in Belgrade!

Garni Hotel Townhouse 27 ($$$) – This exclusive boutique hotel sits on a quiet street in Old Town and it comes with super fancy rooms boasting either a courtyard or city view (pick the latter, they’re so much better!). I love how they give freebies like soaps and cookies to their guests, it’s always the little things that show how sophisticated a hotel is!
Hotel Majestic ($$) – One of Belgrade’s most iconic hotels just by Republics Square, with fancy room décor and the most delicious breakfast! Choose their Deluxe Rooms for mid-range or the Presidential suite for luxury stays!
Vila Terazije ($) – Excellent budget-friendly stay for 2 people just steps from the Kneza Mihaila main pedestrian street.

Day 3: Leave Belgrade for Northern Serbia

Aerial view of a historical fortress surrounded by greenery with a city and river in the background under a clear sky.

● Time: 1 hour
● Distance: 100 km (62 mi)
● How to get there: driving is ~€40, train is €4, and bus is €6
● Why visit: cultural hub, wine tasting, monasteries
● Key activity: Stroll in Petrovaradin Fortress, wine tasting in Sremski Karlovci
● Estimated daily budget: €80

Serbia is a small country, and a trip from Belgrade (which is geographically pretty much in the North of the country already) to your next destination takes less than 1 hour, be it on a train or a car.

Of course, for greater flexibility, I recommend a car rental. There’s nothing I hate more than commuting by public transport in Serbia – our bus stations are still far from reaching those European standards, but at least we’re slowly getting there. There’s also a train from Belgrade to Novi Sad, which is actually pretty cool since the fast, renovated ones started running a couple of years ago.

NOTE: If you’re mindful of the budget, you can still make it without a car on Day 3. There are great train connections to both Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci (more on this below), so technically you can save car rental for Day 4 when you go to more rural areas. You’d have to stop by Belgrade to pick one up, though.

In the North of Serbia, you can see some beautiful towns and nature. For most of history, this area was part of Austria-Hungary, and up to this day, it’s still very culturally diverse compared to some other parts of Serbia.

A city square at night featuring a lit streetlamp, historic buildings, and a church with stained glass. People are walking around and a statue is visible on the left.

FUN FACT: In 2022, Novi Sad was crowned the European Capital of Culture, making it one of the first cities outside the EU to be declared this title!

I recommend you make two scenic stops before Novi Sad, one in Krusedol Monastery (map), and another in Sremski Karlovci (map). Both will add no more than 2 hours to your day, but you’ll be rewarded with some wonderful sights and memories!

Sremski Karlovci, with its narrow streets and baroque architecture, used to be the seat of Serbia’s Orthodox church during the Austro-Hungarian empire, and it’s also where the first high school in Serbia was opened! You can even go wine tasting here (yet another reason to do this one on a tour rather than drive) and try the dessert bermet wine that only exists in this town!

NOTE: This day tour from Belgrade takes you on a day trip to all the abovementioned places. But if you still want to sleep in Novi Sad, you can take a fast train from Belgrade to Sremski Karlovci, and then you’re just a quick bus or train ride to Novi Sad. You can still see everything!

Aerial view of a road with several cars driving through a lush green landscape and golden fields during sunset.

TOLLS: Highways in Serbia have tolls. As you enter a highway, a machine at the toll booth automatically issues a small piece of paper that you HAVE to keep with you throughout the ride. You don’t pay anything at this point, just take the paper that indicates at which point you entered the highway and go. When you’re about to exit the highway, you’ll reach another toll booth where you hand in the piece of paper to the clerk and the screen in front will show you how much you have to pay (based on distance traveled). You can pay with cash or card. Toll from Belgrade to Novi Sad at the time of writing (October 2024) is 310 RSD, or just slightly over €2.50.

If the GPS gives you options, I recommend you take toll roads throughout your stay because they’re much better.

IMPORTANT: For car rentals in Serbia, you need a special permit (you pay for this in advance when renting your car) if you plan to take the car outside the country. Serbia is not part of the Schengen zone and it has actual border crossings with all its neighboring countries.

Day 3 in Northern Serbia

Visit Krusedol Monastery (map)
Join a tour of Sremski Karlovci (map)
Head to Novi Sad
Book a walking tour of the city
Explore Petrovaradin Fortress (map) in more detail
Indulge in Novi Sad nightlife in Giardino (map)

Where to stay in Northern Serbia

Aerial view of a town with red-roofed buildings, surrounded by greenery. A large cross and statue stand prominently in the foreground.

The most convenient place to lay your head as you explore the North is Novi Sad! You can go out at night and grab a drink or two stress-free, as you can just walk back to your hotel or take a bus/taxi.

Plus, there are just so many things to see and do here, you’ll definitely want to spend the evening in the city.

These are the 3 best hotels I know of in Novi Sad, one for each budget:

Hotel Pupin ($$$) – Novi Sad’s most luxurious hotel in the very center of the city with chic and beautifully-lit rooms, tons of parking, 3 restaurants, a gym, and a delicious buffet breakfast.
Hotel Element ($$) – Enjoy this centrally-located, clean, and top-rated hotel in Novi Sad with a varied breakfast, private parking, and amazing staff.
Fortress Apartments ($) – It’s one thing to see Petrovaradin Fortress and walk around, but sleeping there is connected to another level! The rooms are super nice and really affordable, plus they offer free parking and a 24-hour front desk.

Day 4: Leave Northern Serbia for Eastern Serbia

Sunset over a river, streetlights casting a warm glow along the path, trees swaying gently, and an industrial building silhouetted in the distance—a hidden gem for any Serbia itinerary.

● Time: 3 hours
● Distance: 230 km (143 mi)
● How to get there: driving is ~€60, bus is €19
● Why visit: medieval fortresses, beautiful nature
● Key activity: tour the Golubac fortress, see Lepenski Vir
● Estimated daily budget: €70

For Day 4 of the itinerary, I want to show you some of Serbia’s most scenic spots for history buffs. The idea is to leave your hotel room as early as possible on this day, grab a quick breakfast, and hit the road! Because there’s so much to see!

If you haven’t rented a car up to now, now is probably your last chance! The main reason why I insist you do this part of the itinerary by car is that on Days 4 & 5, you’re exploring the rural parts of Serbia with attractions scattered in nature.

You can rent a car in Novi Sad and then pay a small fee to return it at Belgrade Airport at the end of your itinerary. You can also take a short train ride to Belgrade and rent from there, it’ll be slightly cheaper but will take more time.

NOTE: This being said, Day 4 could be too exhausting to do without a car. You’d have to take a bus from Novi Sad to Smederevo or Belgrade, and then another one from there to Golubac, and then it’d be too complicated to get to other attractions in the area. If you don’t drive, I recommend you just take a day trip from Belgrade, it’ll be much simpler.

Now the drive from Belgrade to the first stop for today, Golubac Fortress (map), takes less than 2 hours.

I have some kind of special love for fortresses because I grew up in a city that has a pretty huge fortress (I’m from Nis, South of Serbia), and it’s always fun for me to explore new ones and compare them to the one in my hometown.

author of the post with her friends in red coats stand on a stone path by a tranquil body of water, with a medieval castle providing a stunning backdrop—an iconic stop on any Serbia itinerary.

When I went to Golubac (map), a medieval Serbian fortress, I was so in awe of how beautiful and different this one was. It’s perched on the side of the Danube River with its high walls basically on the border with Romania, plus it was recently renovated, and now the whole area is super appealing to tourists.

There’s a really lovely promenade until you reach the Fortress, and then a nice museum inside with exhibits of clothing used at the time and other cool artifacts. I loved it here, and not even the chilly, cloudy November weather during the time of my visit could kill the good mood!

A visit to the fortress shouldn’t take more than 2 hours, and then if you make it here early enough, you’ll still have time for a quick ride to Djerdap National Park (map) and admire stunning views, and maybe even do some hiking if you’re up for it!

One of the most scenic roads in Serbia awaits between the gorge of the Danube river and the National Park! You just have to see this beauty with your own eyes! I went to Djerdap on a school trip when I was a kid and unfortunately I don’t remember much, but the views definitely stuck with me.

A scenic park with green lawns and walking paths curves along a waterfront. People stroll along the paths, with a hill and buildings in the background. A dock extends into the water.

And in case you thought you were done with history today, there’s more! Just by the park, you’ll also find the most important archaeological museum of the region, Lepenski Vir (map), a site where the oldest European civilization is believed to have lived some 11,000 years ago!

Note that as you get off from the highway after Smederevo, you’ll be driving on small regional roads. While their quality is good, the surroundings can get quite hectic. The roads pass through small towns and villages that are usually densely populated and lined with homes and there are often people walking around. Please respect the speed limit as it changes and be mindful of your surroundings! This being said, enjoy the pretty cool views and atmosphere as these villages offer a glimpse of the authentic, raw Serbia.

Day 4 in Eastern Serbia

Where to stay in Eastern Serbia

A lush city park with blooming flower beds, a pathway, and a historic church tower in the background under a clear blue sky.

These are the best hotels near Golubac fortress, most of them in Veliko Gradiste, which is the biggest town in the area.

Hotel Danubia Park ($$) – One of the most popular hotels in Eastern Serbia, Hotel Danubia has 2 swimming pools, a spa and wellness center, a nice restaurant that also serves continental breakfast and free parking.
Prenociste Srebrno Jezero ($$) – This stay comes with a private beach area just by Srebrno Jezero (a nearby lake), so cool! The rooms have AC, and the on-site restaurant serves daily breakfast.
Apartmani Nina ($) – These private rooms close to Golubac Fortress have everything you need for a relaxing stay after a long day of sightseeing: cozy beds, a full kitchen, nice views, and a quiet location!

NOTE: The Spa Koncept place in Veliko Gradiste is a nice alternative for budget stays for those who’d rather soak in some mineral waters or enjoy a session in the steam room!

Day 5: Leave Eastern Serbia for Western Serbia

Aerial view of a scenic park in Serbia, perfect for your itinerary, with a lake surrounded by trees and people strolling along paved paths. A fountain graces the lake, framed by rolling hills in the background.

● Time: 4 hours
● Distance: 270 km (168 mi)
● How to get there: driving is ~€50, bus is €20
● Why visit: stunning nature
● Key activity: exploring Zlatibor, seeing Uvac canyon
● Estimated daily budget: €100

On Day 5 of the itinerary, you want to head to Western Serbia and enjoy some absolutely stunning views, rafting adventures, hiking, or just good mountain food. If I could just visit one place in Serbia for the rest of my life, I’d choose the West because it’s wildly beautiful.

Depart early in the morning from your accommodation and head straight for Uzice. The ride is long (3 and a half hours), but you’ll see plenty of gas stations and also monasteries from the road where you can stop to catch a break.

By the way, gas stations are plentiful in Serbia, and they usually have a nice market inside where you can grab some snacks, drinks, or even eat a warm meal. OMV and NIS Petrol (Gazprom) are the most common brands.

A welcoming table set with plates of grilled meat, vegetables, fries, and salad invites you to explore the flavors of a Serbia itinerary. There are drinks, including red wine and a green bottle, all atop a checkered tablecloth.

Now for Western Serbia, if you’re driving, I recommend basing yourself in Zlatibor, Serbia’s most loved lush mountain resort. If you don’t drive, this full-day Western Serbia tour takes you to all the highlights straight from Belgrade. For a short stay of just 7 days, it’s better value for money compared to taking a bus to Uzice, a nearby town, and then hopping on all the different small buses to get to all the attractions. That’d take forever.

We used to spend summers with my family in Zlatibor and Tara (mountain just nearby), hiking the numerous trails, jogging by the woods until my lungs could no longer take it, and eating some of the best food of my life.

Since you’ll be driving for a long time, for Day 5 I recommend just exploring Zlatibor on a casual stroll around the lake and King’s Square (map) all the way to the Monument of Executed Partisans of Zlatibor (map).

Once you start walking in Zlatibor’s lush fields and forests, you’ll clean your lungs from all the road and big city pollution immediately! I just love how fresh the air here is! Plus, you’re in for the most amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Just make sure to have water and a hat + sunscreen on you if you walk here during summer. We used to walk this route every morning as do tons of locals just to start their day with a fresh mind!

author of the post in sunglasses sits inside a cable car, enjoying the scenic vistas of grassy fields and distant hills—a perfect moment on their Serbia itinerary.

TIP: Zlatiborska komplet lepinja is a must-try, it’s this handmade soft bread with skimmed cream, plus you can also ask for bacon on top. This single dish will keep you full for 8 hours with all the mountain activities ahead!

Now Zlatibor is definitely one of the fastest-developing tourist regions of Serbia. Every time we return, a new hotel or attraction pops up, especially around the central area. So I’m not even sure what new attraction will wait for you by the time you get there, but I’m sure it’s going to be good!

Day 5 in Western Serbia

Arrive to Zlatibor
Have the best welcome meal in Restaurant Gozba (map), my childhood favorite
Walk around the lake to the Monument of Executed Partisans
Take a gondola ride to Tornik mountaintop (map)
Stroll some more around the area and grab dinner at Kafana Ljubis (map)

Where to stay in Western Serbia

Experience the perfect blend of style and function in this modern living room and kitchen, featuring gray couches, a wooden dining table, a wall-mounted TV, and captivating artwork—ideal for unwinding after planning your next Serbia itinerary.

These are my favorite hotels to stay in Zlatibor:

Hotel Zlatibor ($$$) – I stayed in the private apartments inside this hotel on my last visit, and my whole family was in awe! Just years ago, on the spot of this luxury hotel were fields, and now it has turned into this fabulous retreat with a dreamy interior and a posh spa just steps from the main square in Zlatibor. Definitely recommend!
Zlatiborski Konaci ($$) – This is one of the most iconic accommodation complexes in Zlatibor, just steps from the lake. The tiny neighborhood has dozens of beautifully decorated homes, narrow alleys, and lovely gardens. I have always dreamed of staying here, but usually contended with walking the streets and just admiring the sights. So serene, ideal if you want some peace and quiet close to the center.
Lux Apartment Lazarevic ($) – This place brings back so many childhood memories, we used to stay in a home next to this one for years. Best of all, it has free parking, a perk that’s hard to find given the central location and price!

Day 6: Western Serbia

Aerial view of a small town surrounded by hills, featuring numerous buildings, roads, and a green pond in the foreground.

On the next day, keep exploring the region around Zlatibor. You’ll see the real beauty of raw, old-world Serbia as the itinerary takes you to some old heritage villages where you can see where our people used to live.

Also, my personal highlight is the views of the fabulous Uvac Canyon! Look at the skies carefully as you can spot some Griffon Vultures that are native to this area, they’re absolutely amazing!

I added the stops for today in the order that’s most convenient to complete as you depart from Zlatibor. It’s all totally doable by sunset!

See the wild Stopica cave (map)
Walk through the Sirogojno Old Village open-air museum (map)
Drive to Drvengrad Heritage Village (map)
See the iconic Drina River House (map, slight detour but so worth it)
Admire the beauty of Uvac Canyon (map)

Day 7: Depart for Belgrade

Scenic view of Belgrade's skyline at sunset with the silhouette of St. Michael's Cathedral standing above the city, and the Sava River bustling with boat traffic

Your itinerary ends on Day 7, and at this time, you should slowly be making your way to Belgrade. The ride from Zlatibor to Belgrade shouldn’t take longer than 3 hours, but depending on the traffic, it can get slightly longer.

Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure in case you’re returning your vehicle there. Depending on the rental company, the return parking will be by the Arrival Hall or a bit further from the terminal. In case the return is not at the terminal, someone from the company will give you a quick ride back.

I used the private parking services at the airport multiple times and it worked like that too – we’d drop off the vehicle, and the parking service clerks would take us back to the terminal.

Customizing the itinerary

A person stands on rocky terrain, capturing the stunning Serbian mountainscape, their backpack and outdoor gear ready for the next leg of their Serbia itinerary beneath a clear blue sky.

7 days feels like too little or too much for your plans? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Check out my itinerary tweaks for more or less time in Serbia!

10-day itinerary

Add an extra day in Belgrade (and do the “Optional extras“)
Add an extra day in Northern Serbia (for Subotica and Palic Lake)
Add an extra day for Southern Serbia (Nis, Djavolja Varos) after Zlatibor, with stops to Studenica and Ljubostinja monasteries

5-day itinerary

For a 5-day itinerary, do the first 2 days as I explained them in the article above, and then:

📅 How many days:	7
🤩 Best town:	Belgrade
🏨 Best hotel:	Garni Hotel Townhouse 27
🌞 When to visit:	March to May/September to October

FAQs about Serbia itinerary

A snow-covered landscape with frosted trees and two wooden huts come alive during sunrise, a picturesque moment perfect for any Serbia itinerary.

🇷🇸 How many days in Serbia is enough?

At least 7! A week should be enough to see most of the main attractions in Serbia, although that could still be too little to explore all of the country’s diverse regions. 10 days is a perfect time if you want to really dive into Serbia.

☀️ Which is the best month to visit Serbia?

Anywhere from April to September is perfect! May is pretty hectic weather-wise, and it can rain at any time, but the temperatures are mostly pleasant. For a winter vacation, most ski resorts are open from December to March.

❤️ Is Serbia worth going to?

Serbia is oh-so worth it! With its incredibly friendly people, millennia-old history, modern cities, and crazy nightlife, Serbia has something to offer to any type of traveler!

💰 Is it expensive to travel in Serbia?

You can make your trip as cheap or as expensive as you want. Public transport and car rentals are cheaper than most of Europe, and accommodation is available for every budget category.

Final thoughts on this Serbia itinerary

A vibrant night scene unfolds as a crowd gathers near an illuminated water fountain show in an urban park, a highlight of any Serbia itinerary. Buildings and trees beautifully frame the spectacle, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

That’s it, dear traveler! You’ve made it to the end of our virtual Serbia itinerary! That should give you just enough ideas for your upcoming adventure.

If I were you, I’d plan at least 7 to 10 days for the journey, depending on how deep you want to dive. And if possible, get a car rental for added comfort, but know that you always have the alternative of buses, trains, and day tours.

Please book everything in advance, especially if you’re visiting in the summer. You’ll face competition from both foreign and domestic tourists, so you better grab those good deals early enough!

Finally, if you have any questions about your trip to Serbia, drop me a comment below! My team and I will be happy to help!

Safe travels,

Darija

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