Get Ready for Adventure-Filled Journeys! Survival Kit Series for Travelers: Serbia

During our recent journey to Serbia, we were captivated by the enchanting atmosphere of the Balkans. When we set out to explore the cities of Belgrade and Novi Sad, we encountered not only their rich history and cultural heritage but also the warmth and liveliness of these cities. Here are the details of this unforgettable adventure...

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia and situated right in the heart of the Balkans, left us spellbound. This city on the banks of the river charmed us with its historic buildings and modern vibe. Our first stop was the Belgrade Fortress, known as 'Kalemegdan'. This fortress, with its historic charm, transported us to the past and offered an unforgettable panoramic view of the city. Then, taking a stroll down Knez Mihailova Street felt like feeling the pulse of the city

We watched the sunset while taking a walk along the banks of the Sava River. The cafes and restaurants lining the riverbank provided the perfect setting to enjoy the evening

Things to Know Before Visiting Serbia and Belgrade.

After claimed your luggage at Nikola Tesla Airport, you'll find currency exchange machines in the next area. Exchange some money here for local transportation; there's no commission. Additionally, they're not much different from exchange offices in terms of rates.
You have four options to get from the airport to the city center
1. Bus
2. Taxi
3. Shuttle
4. Rent a car Taking the bus is easy. You can take the 72 bus all the way to the Zeleni Venac stop, which is the final stop. Zeleni Venac is a central stop in the city. Many buses depart from here. If you're staying near Republic Square, you can easily reach your hotel from here. Important note: If you're going to take this bus, make sure to buy your bus ticket before boarding. You can find out about the ticket from the taxi information. If you ask the bus driver for the ticket, he might tell you to 'get on' without issuing one, and if you encounter a ticket inspector, you may face problems. Don't ask me how I know! :) If you board without a ticket and encounter a ticket inspector, you may have to pay high fines, such as 2000 dinars. Taking a taxi for transportation is easy but expensive. We do not recommend it The shuttle is slightly more expensive than the regular bus but can be preferred. You can buy tickets from the driver, but they only accept Serbian dinars, not other currencies. That's why it's recommended to exchange your EUR/USD at the currency exchange machine I mentioned above. One disadvantage of the shuttle is that although its stops are close to the city center, it does not have a stop at Zeleni Venac. You may have to get off at a slightly more distant point from the city center. Another option is to rent a car. The car rental points are located outside the airport after exiting the terminal. However, renting a car in Belgrade is not necessary, as public buses provide easy transportation within the city.
When traveling on city buses, you need to buy a ticket. However, it's not possible to learn this from locals because they buy monthly passes through mobile applications For tourists like us, it's an unnecessary method. You can purchase tickets valid for buses, trams, and trolleybuses for 1 day, 3 days, and 5 days from 'Moj Kiosk' kiosks with red logos found throughout Belgrade. However, if you're staying for 4 days like us, you can't buy them from these kiosks. You can only purchase daily tickets each morning from there. Tickets for buses can only be obtained from the official bus company's locations. You can buy a separate ticket for each day in advance. Moreover, it's more affordable. We learned this by asking many places. You can find the location where you can buy these tickets by clicking on this link, where I marked it on Google Maps.

Food in Serbia

Serbia is known for its rich history, culture, and magnificent cuisine. A variety of delicious dishes await to delight your taste buds. Here are a few exquisite flavors you must try in Serbia.

1. Ćevapi & Pljeskavica

One of Serbia's must-try flavors is Ćevapi, a type of grilled minced meat made from finely ground beef or lamb, cooked over charcoal fire and typically served with somun bread. Its rich flavor and warmth will leave you enchanted.

Pljeskavica can be thought of as the Serbian version of a hamburger. Usually made from beef or lamb, Pljeskavica is a large and hearty patty, typically served between bread and accompanied by various garnishes. We recommend asking for kajmak and onions. It's really delicious.

We really enjoyed the restaurant we dined at. You can see the Google Maps location and our detailed review by clicking on our logo.

2.Ajvar

Ajvar, one of Serbia's most beloved appetizers, is made from ingredients like red peppers, eggplant, garlic, and olive oil. This mixture is roasted in the oven to create an incredibly flavorful sauce. It can be enjoyed with bread or cheese, and it adds a wonderful taste to meals as well. You can usually find it at hotel breakfasts or breakfast places.

3. Burek

A common pastry in Serbian cuisine as well. It's typically filled with cheese, spinach, or minced meat. There are famous pastry shops known for their bureks. In Belgrade, there's a pastry shop where people always form a queue. When we went there, there was a line too. It was truly delicious.

You can see the Google Maps location and our detailed review by clicking on our logo.

Places to visit in Serbia

Serbia has many places waiting to be discovered by visitors with its rich historical and cultural heritage, natural beauty, and impressive architecture. We had the opportunity to visit 2 of its cities.

Belgrade: As the capital and largest city of Serbia, Belgrade stands out with its rich historical and cultural heritage. It has important tourist attractions such as Knez Mihailova Street, St. Sava Church, and Kalemegdan Fortress.

Novi Sad: Located on the banks of the Danube River, Novi Sad is the second largest city in Serbia. Places like Petrovaradin Fortress, Svetozar Miletic Square, and Dunavska Street are worth visiting here.

First, Belgrade

Belgrade, as the capital and largest city of Serbia, offers visitors many opportunities for exploration with its rich history, impressive architecture, and lively atmosphere. You can start your visit with Kalemegdan Fortress; this historic fortress is situated at the highest point of the city, offering magnificent views of the Danube and Sava rivers. Then, you can head to Knez Mihailova Street; this street is a lively pedestrian area filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes. To get a close feel of Belgrade's historical texture, you can visit the Skadarlija district; this bohemian area is famous for its art galleries, traditional restaurants, and live music scenes. Also, remember to explore other important tourist attractions like St. Sava Church, Nikola Tesla Museum, and Kalemegdan Fortress.In the evenings, you can taste local flavors at restaurants located along the banks of the Sava River and enjoy the city's nightlife. Belgrade offers visitors an unforgettable experience by blending historical and modern elements uniquely. Additionally, you can visit the district of Zemun, which is located 7-8 km outside the city center of Belgrade.

You can climb up to the Tower of Gardos in Zemun to see the city and the Danube River from above. You can see the Google Maps location and our detailed review by clicking on our logo.

The Kalemegdan Fortress is also a must-see tourist destination when visiting Belgrade. Situated on a high hill at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, Kalemegdan has changed hands many times throughout its history and has been used by various civilizations. The fortress was built for defensive purposes and features walls, towers, moats, and artillery batteries. Additionally, it contains various historical buildings and monuments. Kalemegdan has become a symbol of Belgrade and serves as a historical, cultural, and spiritual center for visitors. With its historical texture, impressive views, and relaxing atmosphere, it is a must-see destination for those visiting the city. You can see the Google Maps location and our detailed review by clicking on our logo.

We didn't stay here. Hotel Moskva, located in the center of Belgrade, is a historic hotel with significant value that has become a symbolic landmark of the city. Built in the early 20th century, it has been an important symbol of Belgrade ever since. Hotel Moskva is famous for its historical and cultural heritage. Over the years, it has hosted many famous individuals and witnessed historical events in Belgrade. The interior of the hotel is decorated in a classic style. Even if you don't stay there, we recommend enjoying a coffee in the café inside the hotel. You can see the Google Maps location and our detailed review by clicking on our logo.

Then Novi Sad

Novi Sad shines like a mysterious gem in the north of Serbia. Located on the banks of the Danube River, this city has masterfully balanced between history and modernity, offering visitors a unique experience. The old town area, surrounded by Baroque-style architecture and historic buildings, gives a feeling of traveling back in time, while its festivals and vibrant cultural scene exude a youthful and dynamic energy. Novi Sad is home to the EXIT music festival. If you can match the dates of your trip, you can attend to festival. While wandering the streets of Novi Sad, explore the impressive views and discover the delicious local cuisine the city has to offer. Start with the magnificent view of Petrovaradin Fortress, experience the local atmosphere on Dunavska Street, enjoy nature in Dunavski Park, and feel the vibrancy of the city at Svetozar Miletic Square. Novi Sad, the hidden gem of Serbia, promises an unforgettable travel experience. We didn't go in the summer, but they say it's much livelier during that time. You can reach Novi Sad from Belgrade by high-speed train in just 30 minutes. We didn't buy bus tickets in Novi Sad, but you can reach the old town area, which is a must-visit location, with a 20-25 minute walk. The city is not as hilly as Belgrade, so walking is easier. Of course, you can also choose to take the bus or taxi. Below, I'm sharing the location of Belgrade Train Station. You can reach the Train Station by taking bus number 44 from the Trg Republike stop.

We hope our article helps you during your trip to Serbia. Remember to follow our social media accounts to stay updated on the latest news. Until we meet again in the next adventure, we wish you enjoyable moments on your journey filled with wonders of the world!

BONUS: We are sharing below the list of places and tourist attractions we visited in Serbia.

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