A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Situated along the Danube River from Belgrade, Smederevo is a city once intended to be Serbia’s capital in the 15th century, just prior to Ottoman conquest. The formidable fortress constructed by Despot Đurađ Branković has withstood centuries of turmoil, including a devastating explosion during the Second World War.
Situated on the western border of Kosovo, Novi Pazar may astonish those with preconceived notions about Serbian cities. The presence of a minaret in the center reflects the fact that approximately 80% of the city’s population is Muslim, rendering it somewhat reminiscent of a mini-Istanbul due to its Oriental ambiance. The city’s history began in the 1400s when the Ottoman bey, Isa-Beg Ishaković, established his presence by the Raška River, concurrently constructing a fort, mosque, market, and baths.
Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, is situated on the banks of the Danube River, positioned between Belgrade and Budapest, both of which have historically influenced the region. By Serbian standards, Novi Sad is relatively recent, having developed as a prominent trading hub in the 18th century across from the formidable Petrovaradin Fortress, an Austro-Hungarian stronghold. In the 1700s and 1800s, the city emerged as an unofficial center for Serbian cultural identity, although this progress was momentarily halted during the 1848 Revolution when the Hungarian garrison at the fortress inflicted significant damage to the city.
Although situated only minutes from Belgrade, Pančevo is often overlooked by visitors to the capital. However, upon exploring this city’s industrial facade, one can discover numerous appealing aspects. Pančevo is home to the Balkans’ oldest brewery, along with a museum dedicated to Weifert beer, a staple throughout Serbia.
The city of Šabac is situated in the northwest of Serbia, not far from the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although it is relatively modest in size, this city has produced numerous significant historical figures within Serbia, including renowned authors, artists, and psychiatrists, as well as Mileva Marić, the first wife of Albert Einstein. Šabac is also recognized for its spirited character, celebrated annually through a festival dedicated to humor and satire.
Upon visiting Čačak, nestled in the picturesque mountainous region of Western Serbia, travelers will discover that many of the trip’s highlights lie outside the city limits. This charming city, home to around 73,000 residents, is surrounded by remarkable natural beauty, with the Ovčar-Kablar Gorge being its most treasured attraction, renowned for its striking landscape and rich cultural heritage.
Serbia presents a diverse experience, offering vibrant urban attractions alongside serene towns and picturesque villages scattered across its stunning countryside. Moreover, it is recognized as one of the most economical destinations in the Balkans, making it a valuable addition to your travel itinerary in the region.
We truly had no concrete expectations for Belgrade. The capital city of Serbia is one of the most ancient cities in Europe.
Set along the Balkans’ spine, in between tourism heavyweights Croatia and Greece, landlocked Serbia isn’t exactly known for bucket-list appearances. However, the lack of crowds and globally recognizable Instagram-bragging snaps makes the experience of traveling here all the more authentic.
Located in the heart of the Balkans, landlocked Serbia has been a highly underestimated travel destination for decades. Travellers are now waking up to the vibrant city life and the spectacular untouched nature throughout this former Yugoslav country. Here are seven exciting experiences awaiting you in Serbia.
With its icy temperatures, calorific cuisine, and warming localrakija(plum brandy),Serbiamakes for a wonderful European winter destination. Adventurous travelers should look beyondBelgradeandNovi Sadto the rural west of the country: a snow-clad region of virgin forests, lakes, and river canyons, with affordable ski trails and chalets, and a heritage steam train that chugs through the mountainous landscape. It’s also a hotspot for film lovers, as filmmakers gather every January for theKüstendorf International Film and Music Festival.
So you did your sightseeing, dining, and partying in Belgrade. What next? Consider taking a day trip from the Serbian capital to hike the nearby gentle mountains, cruise through centuries of history, take in some outlandish art, or enjoy local drops from family wine cellars.
Serbia may be landlocked, but it boasts one of the most spectacular stretches of the Danube – which clocks up 588km here on its way to the Black Sea – including Đerdap National Park’s astounding Iron Gates gorge in the country’s far east. Largely off the tourist map, this legend-shrouded region makes for a fantastic road trip, with history galore, ancestral wine cellars, stunning natural formations, and outdoor thrills ranging from aquatic to subterranean experiences.
Like many Orthodox temples,St. George’s Church at Oplenac, just outside of Topala, Serbia, appears unassuming on the exterior. Although its white marble facade topped with copper domes stands out from the surrounding forest landscape, there’s no indication of the stunning artistry that lies inside, which features over 40 million tiles of jewel-toned Murano glass mosaic work. These beautiful mosaics span nearly every corner of the church’s nave and underground crypt.