Essential Serbia: Belgrade and Novi Sad
Duration : 7 days
Route : Belgrade (3 nights) → Sremski Karlovci → Novi Sad (2 nights) → Belgrade (1 night)
Custom travel to Serbia
Serbia is one of Europe's most authentic destinations — a continental Balkan country of 88,000 km² and 6.7 million inhabitants, EU candidate since 2012, proud of five UNESCO sites (Stari Ras and Sopoćani, Studenica, Gamzigrad, stećci). Belgrade, the Danubian capital nicknamed the « White City », unfolds its Kalemegdan fortress conquered 115 times since antiquity at the Sava-Danube confluence, and its bohemian Skadarlija quarter. Novi Sad and multi-ethnic Vojvodina host each July the EXIT Festival born in 2000 from the anti-Milošević student movement. South, medieval Orthodox monasteries and Emir Kusturica's Drvengrad village. At the table, Balkan cuisine (ćevapi, kajmak, ajvar) and šljivovica — of which Serbia produces 30% worldwide.
Highlights
- Belgrade: Kalemegdan, Skadarlija and Danube nightlife
- Novi Sad and multi-ethnic Vojvodina (July EXIT Festival)
- Studenica and Sopoćani: UNESCO Orthodox monasteries
- Kusturica's Drvengrad and Šargan Eight steam train
- Šumadija wines and šljivovica (national eau-de-vie)
- Balkan cuisine: ćevapi, pljeskavica, kajmak, ajvar
Sample itineraries
Complete Serbia: monasteries and Drvengrad
Duration : 11 days
Route : Belgrade (3 nights) → Novi Sad (2 nights) → Topola / Šumadija (1 night) → Studenica (1 night, monastery guesthouse) → Žiča / Kraljevo → Drvengrad / Mokra Gora (2 nights) → Belgrade (1 night)
Confidential Serbia: Vojvodine and South
Duration : 13 days
Route : Belgrade (2 nights) → Vojvodina (Novi Sad, Sremski Karlovci, Subotica) (3 nights) → Topola (1 night) → Studenica (1 night) → Sopoćani / Stari Ras (1 night) → Užice / Drvengrad (2 nights) → Niš (1 night) → Belgrade (1 night)
When to go
Serbia is ideally visited in spring (May-June, mildness, flowering vineyards) and autumn (September-October, harvests, flamboyant colors in Šumadija and around Studenica). Summer (July-August) is hot in Belgrade (30-35 °C) but it's the EXIT festival season and Danube splavovi nightlife. Winter (December-February) is cold (-5 to 5 °C) but magical for Belgrade under snow, Orthodox Christmas markets (January 7), skiing in Kopaonik. January hosts the Küstendorf Film Festival in Drvengrad.
- Spring (May – June) — Vojvodina, monasteries, Studenica, Drvengrad
- Summer (July – August) — EXIT Novi Sad (July), festive Belgrade, Tara
- Autumn (September – October) — Šumadija, Fruška Gora, autumn Studenica
- Winter (December – February) — Belgrade Christmas, Kopaonik skiing, January Küstendorf
Practical information
In Serbia, ID card or passport sufficient for Europeans (≤ 90 days). The country is not in the EU — no euro, the currency is the Serbian dinar (RSD, €1 ≈ 117 RSD), easy city exchange, ATMs everywhere. Cards accepted in cities; cash useful in rural areas. Tipping: 10% in restaurants. Tap water drinkable in Belgrade and Novi Sad. Excellent mobile network (MTS, Yettel, A1 — eSIM recommended). European emergency number: 112. Generally very good security, usual vigilance. The Cyrillic alphabet is used alongside Latin on official signage.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a Serbia trip?
May-June and September-October offer the best conditions (mild temperatures, vineyards, monasteries, low crowds). July for the EXIT Festival in Novi Sad (book 6 months in advance). January for Küstendorf in Drvengrad.
How long for a Serbia trip?
Minimum 7 days for Belgrade + Novi Sad. 11 days to add Studenica and Drvengrad. 13 days for Vojvodina and southern Serbia (Sopoćani, Stari Ras).
What budget for a custom Serbia trip?
As a guideline, €1,690-2,100 per person for 7 days in comfort (excluding flights). Premium (Square Nine + Studenica night + Drvengrad): €2,600-3,500. Paris-Belgrade flights: €200-400.
Do I need a visa for Serbia?
No for Europeans, British, Americans, and Canadians (≤ 90 days). For Europeans, ID card sufficient. Serbia is not in the EU — prepare cash in RSD for rural areas.
Is the EXIT Festival worth the trip?
Absolutely, it's one of Central Europe's largest festivals (200,000 visitors, 4 days, 1,000 artists). Born in 2000 from the anti-Milošević student movement, it takes place at Petrovaradin fortress. VIP pass: €800/person. Book 6 months in advance.
Can you sleep in an Orthodox monastery?
Yes, in several active monasteries including Studenica (UNESCO 1986) and Žiča. Booking essential. Sober accommodation, vegetarian monastic meals, possibility to attend liturgical services (Byzantine chants). An unforgettable experience.
How do I get around in Serbia?
Private car with French-speaking driver-guide (most practical). Modern Belgrade-Novi Sad-Subotica train (2022). Old trains south (slow, picturesque). Efficient intercity bus. No metro in Belgrade.
Is Serbia safe?
Very safe, particularly in rural areas and around monasteries. Usual vigilance in Belgrade at night (pickpockets in touristy Skadarlija). No area to avoid.
Can you combine Serbia with other countries?
Yes: Serbia + Bosnia (Sarajevo 5 h), + Croatia (Zagreb 4 h), + Romania (Timișoara 2 h), + Bulgaria (Sofia 5 h), + North Macedonia (Skopje 5 h), + Montenegro (Podgorica 5 h).
Is Serbia suitable for a family trip?
Absolutely. Fortresses for children (Kalemegdan, Petrovaradin), Šargan Eight steam train, Drvengrad, Belgrade nightlife for teens. Warm hospitality, excellent safety, accessible prices.