Best day trips in Serbia from Belgrade – recommended by Taxi Online

Check the best day trips in Serbia you can start from Belgrade

If you’re wondering is Serbia worth visiting, take just one of these day trips from Belgrade and you’ll see why it most definitely is. From quick ski trips to the best hiking spots, great nightlife, or historical hubs, we’ll tell you all about some of the best tours from Belgrade and things to do in Serbia.

Since Taxi Online Belgrade has many years of experience transporting tourists to famous places and sights in Serbia, we know which are most exciting and which impressed them the most.

Avala and Kosmaj – Short day trips from Belgrade

If you want to get the best views of Belgrade and its surroundings, go straight to Avala. This mountain on the outskirts of the city carries one of Belgrade’s most important symbols – The Avala Tower. This tower offers 360 views from the floor that is 122 m high, and a bar with stunning views just one floor below. If height isn’t really your thing you can go exploring many of Avala’s picnic spots, or the Monument to the Unknown Hero – a masterpiece done by Ivan Mestrovic.

What to see at Avala:

• Monument to the Unknown Hero
• Avala Tower and coffee shop at the top
• Hiking
• Čarapićev Brest Restaurant

 If you’re more into hiking, Kosmaj is the way to go. On your hike, you can expect breathtaking nature, Mali, Goli, and Rutavi peaks, a uniquely shaped monument dedicated to fallen soldiers of the Liberation War, the Tresije and Pavlovac monasteries worth visiting for their historical and spiritual significance, and the remanence of the Kasteljan monastery. Kosmaj is also known for its excellent restaurants, such as Vilino Korito. Be sure to reserve your table and taste the best that Serbian traditional cuisine offers.

Kosmaj top attractions:

• Monument to fallen soldiers
• The wooden viewpoint platform at the top
• Tresije and Pavlovac monasteries
• Hiking
• Kasteljan Monastery Archeological Site
• Vilino Korito Restaurant

Vojvodina, Northern Serbia – easy to reach from Belgrade

If we were making a list of the top 10 cultural attractions in Serbia, many of our picks would be in Vojvodina. The northern part of Serbia is a true tourist treasure, and you can visit most of it in a day. This is where you’ll find the best summer music festival, colorful architecture, and top tourist attractions in Serbia worth your money and time. Take the fast train from Belgrade and be in the Novi Sad city center in less than 45 minutes for 10 euros or less. If you don’t plan on driving, taking a bus from Belgrade is a great option. As most of the attractions in Vojvodina are outdoors, we recommend going there during spring and summer.

If you don’t know where to start, these are our suggestions:

Novi Sad – the second largest city in Serbia just an hour away from Belgrade

Head out to Novi Sad to experience the youthful atmosphere of the EU’s capital of culture for the 2022 season. Petrovaradin fortress awaits you every July when the biggest music stars gather for the Exit festival and Novi Sad truly becomes the city that doesn’t sleep. This fortress also hides many unique features, such as a drunken clock that uses its hands differently, underground military tunnels that you can explore in a group, over 20 small work and art shops that showcase artists of all ages, plus it gives you the best views of the city.

Things to see in Novi Sad:

• Novi Sad city center
• Petrovaradin Fortress
• Danube Park

Sremski Karlovci – the small historical town with famous wines

If you’re a wine lover, look no further than Sremski Karlovci. This little town right next to Novi Sad is known for its bohemian soul, great restaurants that overlook the Danube river, one of the oldest gymnasiums in Serbia, and many wineries that have been around for decades. 

One winery, in particular, makes a dessert wine called Bermet, which should be drunk in small doses alongside a dessert of choice. Bermet was shipped directly from Sremski Karlovci to Titanic and drank by the first class, and if you visit it you’ll get the chance to try it as well.

Things to do in Sremski Karlovci:

• Visit Sremski Karlovi main square
• Check out one of the many excellent wineries
• Try the famous Bermet wine
• Visit the museum and learn about the huge historical significance of this small town
• Check the viewpoint up on this hill above the Sremski Karlovci

National Park Fruška Gora – Wine Tour, Monasteries, and spa

The National Park Fruška Gora is an interesting destination for all nature lovers near Novi Sad, Sremski Karlovci, or Belgrade.  You can go on a wine tour and taste some of the finest wines produced in the region. You can also visit the monasteries located within the park and learn about their rich history. And if you’re looking for some relaxation, you can head to the spa and indulge in some pampering treatments.

Fruška Gora Mountain places to visit and activities:

• 20+ monasteries centuries-old monasteries
• Wineries – we recommend Deurić Winery
• Hiking
• Rent a quad
• Spa centers in Vrdnik (Premier Aqua, Fruske Terme, Vrdnicka Kula)

Subotica and Palić Lake – meet the Art Nouveau architecture

Did you know that Subotica is home to Europe’s most aesthetic McDonald’s? Subotica is also a fascinating architectural mix of Novi Sad and Budapest, as the Art Nouveau style is blossoming here. Take a stroll through Subotica’s street to witness all the colorful beauty of City Hall, the second-largest synagogue in Europe, and the colorful Raichle Palace.

If you decide to visit Subotica don’t miss out on Palic Lake as well. This is both a small town right next to Subotica, but also the largest lake in Serbia, perfect for a day in nature if you’re traveling with family. Even though swimming is not allowed, you can go on a boat ride, or visit the small zoo where you can pet all the animals.

Subotica and Palic points of interest:

• Subotica city center and the City Hall
• Palić Lake – restaurants, zoo
• Zvonko Bogdan Winery
• Dundjerski Castle on the way from Belgrade to Subotica

Nis – Visit the heart of southern Serbia

All you nightlife lovers pay attention. If you want to experience the real kafana feel you need to head out to Nis. This city in the south of Serbia is located 2-3 hours away from Belgrade and you can easily reach it by car and by bus. Nis is every foodie’s dream destination. In the heart of the city is where you’ll find Kazandzijsko sokace, an 18th-century street that has kept its charm. Cevapi, burek, ajvar, rakija, you name it. This is the best place to try it. Besides all the food and nightlife, Nis is also where you’ll find the infamous Skull Tower, made out of skulls of fallen soldiers during the Ottoman rule, a Fortress dating back to the 1st century, quay along the Nisava river, a world-famous jazz festival.

What to see and do in Niš:

• Niš city center
• Kanzadžijsko Sokače bohemian street
• Keep in mind that Niš is famous for its great food
• Niš Fortress
• On the way from Belgrade to Niš you may visit the interesting city of Kragujevac

Devil’s Town – a natural phenomenon near Nis

Move further south to witness magnificent nature – Djavolja varos (Devil’s Town), one of the most fascinating places to visit in Serbia. This formation of rocks bears the name Devil’s Town and resembles a petrified group of people with hats. Local legend says that God wanted to punish a family for organizing a wedding between a brother and a sister so he sent a wrath upon them and forever carved them in stone. Believe it or not, it’s impressive looking, surrounded by hot springs and many viewpoints. As Djavolja varos is located on the Radan mountain which can become quite slippery when wet, be sure to check the weather before booking your trip.

Western Serbia – The best choice for nature lovers

When the National Geographics team was looking for interesting places in Serbia, they found loads of them in the country’s west. If you decide to head west from Belgrade we recommend driving and bringing comfortable shoes. The most notable spots in the west of Serbia are Tara National Park and Zlatibor Mountain Resort, but on the way there a unique adventure awaits. Here are some of the recommended places to visit in west Serbia:

Zlatibor – Royalty of Serbian mountains

If you’re a nature lover you cannot miss out on the most popular tourist destination in Serbia. Zlatibor is a great starting point for all the other tourist spots (Tara, Mokra Gora, Perućac, Uvac) in this part of the country which are some of the most beautiful places in Serbia. That’s why is better to go to Zlatibor for a few days. But still, it’s possible to visit the main points of interest at Zlatibor on a day trip.

You can visit Zlatibor throughout the year, as it has both great ski slopes and hiking trails. This trip would be on the expensive side, as both accommodation and activities have above-average costs. Food on Zlatibor is more than worth it either way! Komplet lepinja is a classic you should definitely try – trust us. This part of Serbia is also known for its aged meats, different types of cheese, and cvarci. If you want to take some of these delicious meats and cheeses home, look no further than the farmers market in the heart of the mountain.

For a one-of-a-kind historical attraction head out to Sirogojno, an open-air museum that showcases the life of people in this part of Serbia as it was many centuries ago. Stroll around the wooden houses, see how their workshops, bakeries, bedrooms, and yards looked like, and learn a thing or two about the woolen products the locals make. This is also a great souvenir!

One of the most exciting things to do in Serbia is located right here on Zlatibor – Gold gondola, one of the longest gondola rides in Europe. The ride lasts about 25 minutes each way and will cost you around 12 euros. Get out at Ribnicko lake for the ultimate mountain views and unique photo backdrops. Another Instagram-worthy place is Gostilje waterfall, especially if you come around wintertime when the waterfall freezes over. It’s located in the village of the same name just 25km outside the center of the mountain, and its surroundings are well-kept and enriched with picnic spots, playgrounds, and a fish pond.

Stopica cave is probably the cheapest tourist attraction in Zlatibor, as it will only cost you around 1-2 euros to enter this cave. You can go on your own or a guided tour through its halls. The cave formations are illuminated by colorful LED lights, wooden pathways, and bridges extend throughout, and it is very cold, so dress warmly to fully enjoy these wonders.

Zlatibor Attractions:

• Tourist center of Zlatibor Resort
• Gold Gondola – 4 km cable car ride
• Zlatibor Panoramic wheel
• Ribnicko Lake
• Tornik Peak
• Stopica Cave
• Gostilje Waterfalls
• Sirogojno Open Air Museum
• El Paso, Dino Park, and Adventure Park for children

Other things to do at Zlatibor:

• Skiing
• Hiking
• Rent a quad or snowmobile
• Enjoy the great local cuisine

Places to visit on the way to Zlatibor:

• Ovčar-Kablar Gorge and Medjuvrsje Lake
• Viewpoint at the peak of Kablar Mountain
• Užice Fortress

National Park Tara – the most beautiful nature in Serbia

Even though this mountain is a true winter wonderland, there are more tourist activities available during the spring and summer months. If you’ve come to Serbia for the views, this is the place to be. Tara proudly represents over 10 viewpoints, and we honestly can’t choose which one we love more. Some of them are hard to reach, but most of them have well-marked trails. Banjska Stena overlooks the Drina Canyon and is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Serbia, so If you only have time for one lookout don’t miss this one.

Mountain village Zaovine which overlooks the Tara slopes and is home to a swimmable clear lake of the same name truly is like Switzerland on a budget. This is also where you can check out local cuisine, especially the cheeses.

National Park Tara – the highlits:

• Banjska Stena – An impressive viewpoint
• Kozija Stena and a few other viewpoints
• Zaovine and Lake Spajića

Mokra Gora and the scenic train ride via Šargan Eight Railway

Mokra Gora is located beetwen Tara and Zlatibor, and it has to offer two enjoyable activities. Šarganska Osmica (Shargan Eight) train, a unique narrow-gauge railway that traverses beautiful landscapes of Tara and Mokra Gora will take you back in time when steam railways were the future. As the demand for this trail is high, be sure to purchase your train tickets way ahead of time.

Drvengrad (Wooden Town), Mećavnik

After a fun ride, head out to Drvengrad. This ethno-village was built by a movie director Emir Kusturica and every street in this little neighborhood was named after a movie or a historical icon. This is also where the Kustendrof movie festival takes place every winter, so if you plan your day trips in Serbia in January we highly recommend it.

Mokra Gora top attractions:

• Šargan Eiht Railway – a scenic ride with a tourist train
• Drvengrad (Wooden Town), Mećavnik
• St. John’s Church

Perucac lake cruise

This one even takes you out of the Serbian borders. Perucac is a tourist town on the right bank of the Drina River which houses the hydroelectric power plant. That is where the lake of the same name is formed, and at 54 km it stretches to Visegrad in Bosnia. The cruise usually takes about 9 hours with a stop in Visegrad and Andric town before heading back to Perucac. Be prepared to spend around 20-30 euros for this activity. It is possible to go on day trip to Perucac with a rental car, but only with two drivers to change during the trip. This will make the trip more comfortable and safer for everyone. However, if you don’t have two drivers, we recommend you to sleepover in the village of Perucac, Tara, Bajina Basta, or Zlatibor. In that case, floating houses at Perucac Lake are the most attractive option for a stay.

What to see on the way to Tara, Mokra Gora, or Perućac Lake?

Valjevo

Valjevo is a small but charming city an hour and a half away from Belgrade. It is steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty, offering a unique blend of cultural heritage and serene landscapes.

Wander through the picturesque streets of Tešnjar, where the past comes alive amidst well-preserved Ottoman architecture. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the viewpoint of Lazareva Stena or Celije Monastery and explore the Gradac River, a serene spot ideal for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Valjevo is also a gateway to the stunning Divčibare, which we already mentioned is perfect for hiking enthusiasts. And for a taste of local flavor, indulge in the traditional ‘Valjevski duvan čvarci’, a delicacy that is sure to delight your palate. Valjevo is an experience that embodies the heart and soul of Serbia.

What to see in Valjevo:

• City center and old street of Tesnjar
• Lazareva Stena viewpoint
• Gradac River
• Celije Monastery
• Restaurant Markova Stolica

Gate of Podrinje Viewpoint

The Gate of Podrinje is a viewpoint situated at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level. It is located on the Debelo Brdo mountain, along the road that connects Valjevo to Bajina Bašta. This viewpoint is just a 20-minute drive away from the Drina River House, which is the next interesting place to visit on the way to Tara.

Drina River House

The Drina River House is a charming wooden cottage built in the middle of the Drina River, defying both the river and gravity for decades. It is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Serbia, and even though you can’t get into the house just visiting it from the Drina shore is so worth it.

Bajina Basta is a town that comes alive in summer when people gather to go on a regatta down the Drina river. This activity includes many colorful rafts of all shapes and sizes filled with people, laughter, music, food, and alcohol hurling down the river. Both shores are filled with food stands, people selling handmade stuff and a couple of concerts of Serbian music royalty are planned each year. Once you finish your river adventure head out to Bajina Basta’s most impressive viewpoint – The Gateway of Podrinje on the Povlen mountain.

Bajina Basta

is a town that comes alive in summer when people gather to go on a regatta down the Drina River. This activity includes many colorful rafts of all shapes and sizes filled with people, laughter, music, food, and alcohol hurling down the river. Both shores are filled with food stands, people selling handmade stuff, and a couple of concerts of Serbian music royalty are planned each year. Bajina Basta is a great destination for tourists interested in seeing a production of rakija. Also, Rača Monastery, the Vrelo restaurant, and the waterfall near Perucac Lake are great attractions to see.

Eastern Serbia – Diversity of incredible nature and historical sights

Eastern Serbia is maybe its most unique part. Many exciting things to do in Serbia can be found here, from historically significant monasteries to the tallest waterfalls, honey to die for, and mystical tales to keep you up at night.

This is where the word vampire was born, where Vlah people live and keep their magical practices close, and where you’ll find some of the top tourist attractions in Serbia. Some points of interest are possible to visit on a day trip, but we recommend you take at least two days to explore more:

Golubac Fortress

Golubac Fortress is a scene straight out of a fantasy novel. This fortress has 8 towers, an inner court, a palace, a cannon tower, a guardhouse, and a canteen and it overlooks the Danube most gloriously. This is the place to take the most stunning photos, trust us. You can walk through all of it, but some of the towers are a bit tricky to navigate on your own so you’ll have a guide to keep you safe.

Ram Fortress

Ram Fortress is located exactly 100 km east of Belgrade. It is situated on the right bank of Daube, where the river is the widest which makes it look neverending. In addition to being able to walk along the ramparts of the fortress, you will have the opportunity to see iron tools, ceramic tobacco pipes, and objects made from animal bones.

Silver Lake

Silver Lake is an artificial lake great for fishing, sometimes swimming, jogging along the shore, and spending time in nature or a good restaurant at shore.

National Park Djerdap

Djerdap is a national park along the Danube River, famous for impressive cliffs and archaeological sites such as Lepenski Vir, one of the oldest settlements in Europe, which dates back to Mesolithic and Neolithic times.

Kapetan Mišin Breg near Donji Milanovac is an observation point that gives you the great Djerdap views, plus an ethnic restaurant with a garden we can’t even begin to describe. But one of Serbia’s most impressive viewpoints, Ploče near Tekija,  requires a half-hour hike through the forest. If you decide to go on a Djerdap cruise, exceptional views won’t be the only impressive thing you’ll encounter. Tabula Triana is a Roman monument dedicated to the Roman emperor Trajan. It is located near the town of Kladovo. The Decebal stone sculpture is the largest carved sculpture in Europe, and this 43 m high masterpiece will surely be one of the most unique attractions you’ll ever see. It is situated on the Romanian side of the Djerdap Gorge, near the city of Oršava. The sculpture represents the last Dacian king Decibel.

Djerdap’s top sights:

• Golubac Fortress
• Scenic ride through Djerdap Gorge
• Lepenski Vir Archeological site
• Kapetan Misin Breg
• Donji Milanovac
• Tekija Beach
• The sightseeing boat ride from Tekija (Decibel statue, Tabula Triana, Great Kazan) – check the video above
• Ploče Viewpoint and hiking to there
• Blederije Waterwalls
• Kladovo and Fetislam Fortress
• Rajko’s Cave

The mountain area of Homolje and a lot of attractions worth of a day trip or longer tour

If you love honey, this is where you’ll find the best there is. Homolje mountains are known as a great honey region of Serbia, for their thick forests and meadows covered with clover and buckthorn. But, there’s one thing in this part of Serbia that looks like something straight out of a fairytale – Krupajsko vrelo.

This karst spring is 40 meters long and 17 meters wide in an amphitheatrical shape with vertical sides, which creates the most amazing-looking waterfall in many shades of blue. If you do decide to visit it, come prepared with a lot of patience, as narrow paths that lead to the lake don’t allow many people to admire it simultaneously.

Places to visit in Homolje and surroundings:

• Krupajsko Vrelo
• Monasija and Ravanica Monasteries
• Lisine Waterfalls
• Resava Cave
• Gornjak Monastery and nearby restaurants

Spa towns in Serbia will rejuvenate you

Live out your best spa days just a few hours outside Belgrade. These spa towns are some of the most interesting places in Serbia, giving you a chance to heal, and enjoy great treatments, nature walks, fresh air, and loads of historical attractions. The best time to visit them is during the summer and spring months, but some of them can be a bit crowded so bear that in mind. Day trips from Belgrade to spa towns you can take include:

Sokobanja

The rehabilitation center in Sokobanja offers spa treatments in authentic Turkish baths, Finnish sauna, spectacular hydromassage, swimming in a pool with thermal water, and a walk in the fresh air called the Health Path. In-between all the relaxation try local foods in traditional restaurants, go on a walk to Ripaljka waterfall, feel like a Tolkien character around the remnants of Soko grad fortress, or climb the tallest peak of the Ozren mountain.

Vrnjacka Banja

When a town has a love bridge in its center, a great time is guaranteed. All you lovebirds have to do is buy a lock, write your names, lock it on the bridge, and throw the key in the river below to keep your love eternal. Besides the spa treatments, and pools with both thermal water and mud, you can spend some time enjoying the thrills of the Aqua park and the Amusement park with a ferris wheel. On your way to Vrnjacka Banja visit the beloved Ljubostinja Monastery and Goc Mountain to breathe the freshest air possible. Another great stop to have along the way is the Topola town, alongside a visit to Oplenac, especially if you’re a history buff. These towns are known for their wine festival and a royal winery owned by Aleksandar Karadjordjevic, as well as Holy Martyr George church which holds a mausoleum of Karadjordje and his family.

Kopaonik – Skiing underdog

One of the best things to do in Serbia is to go skiing at the peak of the season, and where better to go than to Kopaonik Mountain. This mountain range is known for its smooth slopes with impressive views, great restaurants and hotels with rich nightlife and affordable prices with daily ski passes being around 40 euros. Rookie or a pro, 50 km of slopes and over 20 ski lifts will have something to offer you.

If you have your Belgrade trip planned during summer, you still shouldn’t skip Kopaonik, as it has interesting trails for mountain biking and nature exploration. On your way to Belgrade to Kopaonik, plan a stop at the Maglic fortress on the Ibar river, but just from a distance as its slopes are not very safe and easy to reach. This fortress dates back to the 13th century and is one of the most interesting historical places in Serbia. Another thing to look out for is the Studenica and Raca monasteries, which were both built by the Nemanjic brothers. Besides the church, these monasteries are famous for their outdoor complex and treasury.

Keep in mind that from Belgrade, it takes about 3-4 hours for a car ride to Kopanik. A day trip is possible but can be very exhausting if you are going without a professional chauffeur.

What to see in Serbia?

If money and time are not the issue, we say go for all these trips, and you won’t regret it! If you have to choose, Vojvodina will be the closest option, western Serbia the most interesting but also the most expensive, southern Serbia the furthest, while the east brings the most unique spots. If you wish to hire a car with a driver for any of these trips in Serbia or need a top-rated airport taxi service in Belgrade, our team is at your service.

Private Sightseeing Tours

Hire us for a day trip from Belgrade to any exciting destination and points of interest in Serbia.

Hire a car with the driver

Rent a car with a private driver if you have  business or private commitments at a few different locations in Belgrade or other cities in Serbia.

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