I went for a road trip to Balkan. Part 1 of my Balkan posts is about Serbia. I left for Serbia at the end of September. I spent 5 days there in 2 cities – Novi Sad and Belgrade.
Basic information
Capital: Belgrade
Language: Serbian
Alphabets: Cyrillic, Roman
Currency: Dinar
Not in the European Union nor Schengen zone.
Novi Sad
This is the second biggest city in Serbia. I spent 2 nights there. Because I am from Slovakia, Serbia didn’t really take me over. Novi Sad is a cute city with typical slavic architecture. There are a lot of things to see tho.
Things to see
Have a walk in the center
The center in Novi Sad is a very cute place to walk. There are several cafes, restaurants or small shops. You can also find there a lot of buildings with amazing architecture. The main attraction is the freedom square with the city hall and the Name of Mary Church. It was very beautiful when the sun was setting, people were hanging around, there was a clown entertaining kids while they were running around chasing bubbles. It was like a movie.
Visit the castle
Petrovaradin Fortress this castle is located in Petrovaradin. This town is part of Novi Sad, you just have to cross the Danube river. From there you can enjoy the beautiful view of Novi Sad. One of the landmarks you can see here is the reversed clock. This clock tower has reversed hands. You can walk around, chill on a bench enjoying the view or go to a cafe or a restaurant.
Go to the shopping mall
After a day of walking and exploring the city, I recommend visiting a shopping mall. There are several shopping malls in Novi Sad. I visited Promenada. It is a huge mall with many shops and a lot of food. In front of the shopping mall there is a nice place to relax and of course the big letters.
Go to the park
Danube park is close to the center and it is a very nice place to go if you want to just relax and escape the city. There are many places to sit, beautiful greenery and a lake. This park is proud of its big variety of trees, even rare ones.
Visit souvenir shops
There are not that many but you can find some on the main street. The souvenir shops are very cute with everything traditional Serbian. It’s something you can’t miss.
Belgrade
The capital of Serbia. It actually surprised me. Belgrade is a very modern city. The Dubai of Balkan. It has a great atmosphere. You can have the greatest evening walks in this city, and if you are lucky, you even catch a local band playing in the park. I liked Belgrade a lot.
Things to see
Have a walk in the center
Walking on the main street is so much fun. You can meet a lot of interesting people. There are souvenir stands and popcorn stands everywhere. You can find a lot of restaurants and cafes as well. I found cute book stands, it is amazing.
Visit the castle
The Belgrade fortress is free of charge. It is an amazing experience. The fortress is in a very good shape and there are many exhibits. Walking there you won’t be bored. I recommend coming when the sun is setting. You can sit on the walls and enjoy the view. The fortress is also quite big and you can meet there people dressed in costumes or souvenir sellers.
Visit the zoo
The Belgrade zoo is just under the fortress. The zoo is quite big but in my eyes a bit sad. I think the animals have way too small spaces and too stoney. They have enough animals and the ticket is quite cheap.
Have a walk at the river side
The riverside is definitely a place you can’t miss. I recommend a walk at sunset or evening. In the evening you can see the bridge lit up. Through the day you can enjoy some food, street art and music.
Visit the cathedral
The Church of Saint Sava is one of the landmarks of Belgrade. It is a massive church and you definitely can’t miss it while visiting Belgrade. It is the biggest Orthodox church in Serbia.
Go to the shopping malls
Shopping malls are a place where you can rest and enjoy some good food. This city offers a variety of shopping malls. They are very nice and modern with a lot of food options, shops and even a game hall.
Look for squirrels in the park
The park is very nice. There are many people, events and souvenir stands. There are benches between the trees and if you are lucky, you can make some squirrel friends. There were many when I was visiting. One even came for a snack and got a nut.
Have an evening walk in the city
Belgrade lives at night. The city is full of people and lights. It’s such a lively city. Park was also very alive. There was a band performing, people were singing and dancing. There were also older people playing chess. You can also enjoy a view on the river and lit up city.
Notes:
- Serbians are supporters of Russia, so don’t be surprised if you find many souvenirs with Vladimir Putin.
- You in the mood for popcorn? Serbia got you. There are popcorn stands everywhere on the streets. You can find several ones.
- Serbian people are very kind. Didn’t have a single problem with anyone. People were always very kind and helpful and in many cases even knew English.
- You have to pay a bus station fee. Besides buying a bus ticket, you also have to buy a bus station ticket to enter the platforms.
Serbia was a very good and surprising beginning to my Balkan road trip. Stay tuned for the next adventure.
I’ll give this trip ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
How would you rate this trip?