Why Travel to Serbia: 9 Reasons You Have To

Sitting at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Serbia boasts a wealth of culture and history. From the traces of the Roman Empire to the legacy of the Ottoman, get ready to be captivated by the country’s backstory. Not to mention, Serbia features top-notch hospitality where strangers can be welcomed as warm as family. Are you intrigued enough to travel to Serbia or even have your trip planned? These are the reasons why travel to Serbia – you have made the right decision!

Blend of Old and New in Belgrade

Starting with the gateway of Serbia, its capital Belgrade. The city displays buildings designed in various architectural styles, ranging from Ottoman to Art Noveau. It has stood for over 7,000 years, making it the oldest settlement in Europe. Belgrade’s historical sites, such as St. Mark’s Church and Beogradska Tvrđava Fortress, are not to be missed. Although Belgrade looks like an open-air museum, everything modern and lively breathes in the city.

Belgrade is one of the best cities for nightlife in Europe. The jubilant crowds and wide choice of activities make nights in Belgrade wild. It is famous for the historically relevant kafana, traditional bistros serving alcoholic drinks. Younger crowds and tourists might flock to splavovi or modern clubs that line the banks of the Danube. So, spend the night jumping into both kafana and splavovi to join the Serbian-styled fun!

An Abundance of Historical Sites

When talking about Serbia, one thing that crosses our mind is its history. The country has witnessed different governance, from the 15th-century Ottoman to the establishment of Yugoslavia. Therefore, historical sites become one of the main reasons why travel to Serbia. You can find Felix Romuliana, an ancient Roman ruins that once stood as a palace. Moreover, put Serbia’s series of monasteries and churches into your bucket list. Get a glance at the fascinating history of Orthodox Christianity in the country. Furthermore, make sure to visit Belgrade Fortress which was the strongest in its era.

A Haven for Nature Lovers

The natural landscapes of Serbia look straight out of a painting. Think about a series of meadowed mountains, sparkling gorges, and pristine rivers. You can find them in Serbia. Thus, the star of Serbia’s outdoor adventure is Tara National Park. It is home to deep forests, beautiful gorges, and the winding Drina River. Hiking, cycling, and rafting are the top activities to do in Tara National Park. Furthermore, if you want to go wildlife-watching, head to Kopanoik National Park. Species like golden eagles and lynx call the national park home. So, why travel to Serbia? Its nature!

Smiling Faces and Open Arms

Serbia’s hospitality is on the next level. Imagine being greeted with a “zdravo!” while sitting in a coffee shop or even getting invited to a dinner. What’s more, Serbians are known to be passionate. You can see the locals dancing joyfully in splavovi and fully immersing themselves in festivals. Moreover, Serbians are relatively friendly towards foreigners. Get ready to be welcomed with smiling faces and open arms.

Another thing about Serbians is they have food as a love language. So, find yourself sitting in a local restaurant or even a house. You can enjoy home-cooked food. Not only that, please note that you will be fed very well! It is one of the reasons why travel to Serbia.

Home to Delicious Grill

We have talked about Serbians’ love for food, but how does it look? Well, Serbian dishes are heavenly for everyone who loves meat. The ingredients available in almost every dish are meat. You can sample ćevapi, sausage-like meat which is a favorite sandwich topping. Additionally, munch on pljeksavica, a beef or pork patty usually served with flatbread. Next, say yes to sarma, a dumpling-like dish wrapped in pickled cabbage. Besides grilled meat, you can also try Serbian desserts which comprise cookies and fruit jams.

The Calendar is Packed with Festivals

Photo by Peter M from Wikimedia Commons

Serbians love celebrating and getting together. That is why there is a festival for every event. Make sure to immerse yourself in some of Serbia’s greatest festivals, including Guča Trumpet Festival. The festival celebrates Serbia’s folk culture, featuring dance, music, traditional food, and colorful costumes. As its name suggests, the Guča Trumpet Festival features thousands of people playing trumpets together as a part of celebrating the culture. Moreover, you can join the crowds at Exit, a massive music festival showcasing different genres.

Looking forward to rave events in Serbia? Mark your calendar for Belgrade Beer Fest. The five-day festival is a showcase event for local beers in a fantastic way. It features world-class DJs playing electronic, techno, and rock music.

Quaint and Authentic Villages

Compared to other destinations in Europe, Serbia is a non-touristy one. With its culture and destinations untouched by mass tourism, Serbia offers an authentic experience. However, if you want to take ‘walking off the beaten path’ to another level, explore Serbia’s villages.

Ethnic communities have lived for centuries in this Central European country. They live in villages close to national parks and the outskirts of big cities. The villages are beautiful and quaint. You can visit the village’s monastery and church, learn about their everyday life, or shop from local businesses. Our TripLeader Jai recognizes the one-of-a-kind experiences you can get in Serbia’s villages. She takes her TripMates unwinding in Bajna Bašta, a small village located in Tara National Park.

Unwind in the Thermal Spas

Serbia’s natural wonders go beyond mountains and gorges as it is packed with hot springs. The sulfur-rich waters are known to have healing properties, making it popular since the Roman and Ottoman times. Imagine dipping into the thermal baths after a long day exploring Belgrade. Sounds like a great way to unwind, right? So, head to Serbia’s top resorts such as Vrnjačka Banja and Sokobanja to enjoy the hot springs.

Great Experiences at Cheaper Prices

Do you want to travel to Europe on a budget? Serbia should be a country of choice! Compared to Europe’s top destinations, like France or Italy, Serbia is very affordable. You can find local restaurants offering package menus, humble bed and breakfasts, and free attractions. The capital city, Belgrade, is also fairly walkable. It allows you to save money on transportation. Moreover, you can secure a budget of €50 per day, including accommodation, to enjoy a well-deserved vacation in Serbia.

Staying off the radar, Serbia is a fascinating country you should add to your bucket list. The magnificent historical cities, passionate culture, and natural beauty of Serbia invite you to visit and have an awesome vacation. Then, are you thinking about traveling to Serbia but wanting to make it easy? Then, we have something for you!

JoinMyTrip offers a wide collection of curated group trips to 7k+ destinations all over the globe. Whether you want to immerse yourself in Serbia’s party scene or travel to another Eastern European country, we have the perfect trip for you! All of the group trips are crafted by passionate travelers and experienced locals, so you can travel safely and comfortably and get the best experiences. Moreover, you will be traveling with fellow travelers. Don’t be surprised if you leave the trip with a lifelong friendship!