I traveled to Serbia in 2024, and to my surprise it turned out to be one of my favorite trips, and I quickly fell in love with the culture! Here are 6 things to know before visiting Serbia.
Visiting Serbia Is Safe For Solo Travelers
There are so many good spots around Europe for solo travelers, and amidst anti-tourism sentiments across the continent, Serbia has made headlines as a country that’s actually openly welcoming tourists. Like anywhere people are less familiar with, the unknown scares them.
Before I traveled to Serbia I was met with the classic concerns from loved ones warning me to be safe. However, when I was visiting Serbia for the first time, safety was never a concern. Since the country is avidly looking for travelers to visit, the locals are extremely welcoming, friendly, and willing to share their culture in any way they can. I’m telling you, from the street vendors to the waiters, you’ll feel right at home here!
Looking for things to do while visiting Serbia alone? Try the tours below to meet new people!
Kafanas Are The Place To Be
Local taverns that made their way to Serbia during the Ottoman Empire, Kafanas have taken on a life of their own in the country. Scattered around most cities, they’re the place to be if you want to be surrounded by traditional folk music, food, and occasionally, dancing on tables! I went to my first Kafana in Belgrade and couldn’t hear one person speaking English (except our waiter)- and it was phenomenal. Kafanas are as local as it gets when visiting Serbia. If you want a truly immersive dining experience and good food- visit one.
Rakija Will Become A Part Of Your Diet
A fruit brandy that’s popular in the Balkans as an aperitif or digestif, you’ll notice almost everyone in Serbia pairing their meals with a small glass of Rakija. When I visited Belgrade Distillery to do a tasting, I was even told that Serbian Grandmother’s believed the potent drink could cure anything! Made by fermenting and distilling fruit juice (typically from plums, grapes, apricots, pears, or quince), Rakija is a staple when visiting Serbia.
Ordering One Dish Isn’t A Thing
Like most of Europe, food is a huge part of Serbian culture- and they love to share! If you’re traveling alone, culinary tours are the way to go if you want samples of traditional cuisines at the best spots. Even if you’re visiting with friends or family, the locals will want to feed you.
rust me, as someone who grew up in a Polish-Irish household, the food is always free-flowing! One of the more famous dishes you’ll come across when visiting the country are the overflowing meat platters. It’s typical to see sausage, cevapi, chicken, bacon, and sometimes even tongue.. But don’t worry it’s delicious, and the locals will love you even more if you try it all!
The Small Towns/Cities Are Worth Visiting
With Belgrade as my hub, I spent 6 days visiting Serbia in 2024, but also spent a lot of time exploring. From archaeological sites to castles along the Romanian border, there’s so much to explore around the country that people don’t even realize because they want to stay in the comfort of Belgrade.
Around an hour from the city, Sremski Karlovci is a small town that’s home to around 15 wineries. The Museum of Beekeeping and Wine Cellar Zivanovic is a favorite of mine, where you can sample local wine varieties and fresh honey! An hour and a half from Belgrade, Vrsac showcases a local way of living in a slow-paced environment. Home to Vrsac Castle, the Pharmacy on the Stairs, and close to the Deliblato Sands (the largest sandy terrain in Europe), it’s a must.
Other places to visit are Novi Sad, Zemun, and the southside of the Danube to see the archaelogical sites of Lepenski Vir and Viminacium, and the beautiful Golubac Fortress (across the river from Romania).
I’d recommend this tour if you want to explore outside of Belgrade!
It’s Super Affordable
Like any capital city, Belgrade is one of the more expensive areas in Serbia- which isn’t saying much, because it’s still way cheaper than other European countries. Affordability for travelers is a huge bonus when visiting Serbia, and even better for backpackers or solo travelers! Hostels can be found for under $20, and even boutique hotels are as cheap as $100 or so a night. During my time in Belgrade I stayed at the Boutique Hotel Museum, and highly recommend it. Whatever you pay for your meal is well worth the money.. Because the portions are LARGE!
