Travel Tips | Serbia (Eng.)

TRAVEL TIPS

SERBIA

OVERVIEW VISÃO GERAL TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTE ATTRACTIONS ATRAÇÕES WHERE COMPRAS TO STAY ONDE WHERE FICAR TO EAT ONDE SHOPPING COMER

OVERVIEW Serbia is a country located on the European

The people from Serbia is very warm and

continent, in the Balkans. The region usually

receives tourists very well. It is a perfect

hosts a lot of conflicts due to the controversy

destination for those who like to do something

related to its division. In 2003, what was

different because, due to the difficulties and

called Yugoslavia became Serbia and

lack the sophistication of the big cities of world

Montenegro. In 2006 this same region was

tourism, it is a journey not very usual.

divided into two independent states: Serbia, whose capital is Belgrade, and Montenegro,

But there are also many interesting and

whose capital is Podgorica.

beautiful spots to enjoy, and especially a lot of history to learn. And remember: there you can

Serbia is a country that, even destroyed

go to many European countries that are close

because of the war, has a great tourist

to it, such as Croatia, Bulgaria and Hungary.

potential. For anyone that likes to visit historical sites, it is the perfect place to be.

Now how to get around Serbia since I do

Belgrade is the main attraction with beautiful

not know how to speak their language? Do

views of mountains and other cities like Novi

not worry, most restaurants and stores have

Sad and Nis, that are also worth visiting.

employees that speak English or French.

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CLIMATE The climate in Serbia changes a lot during the

TRANSPORT

year. Winters are cold and snow, the temperature can reach -3 °C. It snows a lot at the mountains.

Summers are very hot, humid and rainy, with temperatures going up to 27 °C. Except for the south, where summer is hot and dry. It rains a lot in the late fall and spring seasons are short.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

There are a few options to go around Serbia, either to walk across the country or even to go to other cities in Europe:

BUS The bus service is very reliable and Serbian goes almost across Serbia, except for Kosovo,

There is no specific best time to visit Serbia,

which has its separate system. You can also

because each season brings a different kind

make reservations if you to other country

of visit. Depends on the type of the trip you

like Turkey, France, Sweden, Germany or

want to take.

Switzerland. No problem as the busloads, as

The most convenient season in terms of comfort is in the early spring and summer. Since the climate in the country is mild, and there is rain all year long, but nothing that will ruin your trip.

So you can visit many tourist spots and go to some events and cultural festivals. But if you prefer to go in the winter you will enjoy the ski season, from November to March. But do not

this is very rare.

CARS AND MOTORBIKES It is a great option for those who want to travel independently and know the country the way you want. Watch out for the traffic demands of Serbia, one must have first aid kit, triangle transit documents on time and tires and spare bulbs. You can be fined by the lack of these items, the Serbian police is very strict regarding

forget to take warm clothes, it snows a lot and

the excessive speed as well. Usually the buses

the temperature can reach -3 °C.

are not very crowded.

that has been through the war. There are several museums and cultural institutions such as the National Museum and Ethnographic Museum. The remains of the bombing can still be seen in some parts of the city as well as a tension from the war, after all, the city was the scene of many wars since the founding of the Republic of Yugoslavia. That is, in Belgrade you will be surrounded by a living history of a country that has undergone many revolutions and changes. But in Belgrade there neighborhoods that were built after the war.

New Belgrade, is completely different from

TRAINS

what was said before. The region is modern

There are lines connecting Belgrade to Novi

believe that there are two areas completely

Sad, Subotica even with Montenegro. Pay

different in the same city. In addition to the

attention to which train you want to travel

historical places, there are bars and clubs in

because the rates are different for each

the capital of Serbia, showing it has a very

destination. Trains are slower than buses due

lively evening. Belgrade is a must for anyone

to lack of infrastructure.

traveling to Serbia.

with futuristic buildings, in fact, it is hard to

NOVI SAD

ATTRACTIONS BELGRADE You must go to Belgrade when you go to Serbia. The city is the living portrait of a place

No less interesting and important that Belgrade, Novi Sad is also a great destination. You’ll find the Petrovaradin Fortress, one of the largest fortresses on the Danube. The Clock Tower is a must go and there you can see a panoramic view of the city, which is very beautiful.

GOLUBAC FORTRESS The seven towers have experienced many battles and, despite being a medieval fortress, is still very well preserved. Stepping in a place where many battles took place during hundreds of years is priceless.

The fortress is located in one of the entries from Gorge Djerdap, one of the most impressive natural landscapes of the country. It is located

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by the River Danube and is certainly one of the

FRUSKA GORA

best sights of Serbia. Enjoy a rest in the spa, or

A mountain is very famous and has beautiful

if it is in the winter, try skiing nearby.

scenery, is situated in Vojvodina. It is a good

GUCA FESTIVAL OF MUSIC It’s a big music festival that takes place in

option also to visit the monasteries that are in the area around Fruska Petkov and Velika Gora as Refer.

August and wakes up the sleepy town of Guca.

In addition to lots of music and dance, grilled meat and beer are ingredients mixed in this festival that lasts more than 10 days and nights through Serbia. The main beat is the Jazz. A

WHERE TO STAY

wide variety of artists are presented, showing the best of cultural production not only of

The best place to stay in Serbia is Belgrade,

Serbia but also from the former Yugoslavia.

there you will be in a busy place and with good options for accommodation, shopping,

entertainment and the best reception of all,

beef kebab, which is nothing more than meat

because the Serbian people are very warm. For

on a stick. Another Serbian specialty is the

those who are young or do not want to spend

stuffed peppers. You can also find the cevapi

too much, there are many hostels around the

(small pieces of meat into strips), the great

city, they are very simple, but comfortable.

hamburger steak pljeskavica, Meso (steak

There are also luxury hotels for those who want

grilled chicken), the cluster of Kobasa sausages

to enjoy the trip in great style, these hotels have

and Vesala (strip of pork).

hosted war spies and even celebrities.

For dessert you can try krempita (thousand For the tourists that are more adventurous,

leaves stuffed with cream) and also Rahat

the field regions of Serbia is a great place.

Turkish delight, a square candy that is very

The highlands are very beautiful, but must be

popular in the country.

careful, especially in winter because it snows a lot and the conditions are not the best. Whether

There are many restaurants and kiosks,

for accommodation, food or transportation,

mainly in downtown Belgrade. On the street

walking through the fields and mountains of

Frankuska you will find restaurants specializing

Serbia is a task for those who know. But all this

in seafood. Skadarlija is an old bohemian

sacrifice is worth it by the beautiful landscapes

quarter of Belgrade which has several

of forests, mountains and fields.

restaurants, and most of them have live music playing. Who likes alcoholic beverages, all of these meals can be accompanied by

DINING OUT You will really eat ‘typical food’ when you go to Serbia, because everywhere that you go it is possible to taste the typical dishes from Serbia, there are specific places that you have to go to, because most restaurants serve local food.

The country’s cuisine has been influenced by people who invaded the country throughout its history, particularly the Hungarians and Turks.

The local food is composed of a wide variety of dishes: grilled meats (pork, beef and lamb), poultry, fish river, cheesecakes (gibanica), sarma (stuffed cabbage with ground beef) and other dishes, which are mostly spicy and well seasoned. One of the best dishes is the

two typical drinks of Serbia: Sljivovica and kruskovaca both are fruit liquors with high alcohol content.

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SHOPPING

street you will find shopping centers and malls with parking 24 hours and comfort.

Throughout Serbia, but mainly in Belgrade, you

NEW BELGRADE

will find a wide variety of shops, malls and

There are several shops in the Continental and

shopping centers. It is perfect to take a souvenir

Hyatt hotels and also in the Sava Center, which

for family and friends. There are several very

has a wide variety of products. And, of course,

distinctive souvenir of the country. Do not waste

never forget that Belgrade is full of kiosks and

time and money buying things you could buy

small shops selling a little bit of everything.

anywhere. Just lik the food, you should try the typical products such as handicrafts.

KRALJA ALEKSANDRA BOULEVARD

USCE SHOPPING Not to lose the historical facts of Serbia, this mall has caused controversy by being built

The longest street in Belgrade offers a huge

where the headquarters of the Communist

variety of products of all types and prices. If

Party of Yugoslavia was. A contradiction since

you do not intend to search and want to find

communism do not share even a little about

everything in one place, here is the perfect

capitalism. It is quite large and there are stores

place to shop.

from major brands like Adidas and Zara.

KNEZ MIHAILOVA Located in the Plaza of the Republic of Kalemegdan, in downtown Belgrade. On this

STREET MARKETS One of the most common in Serbia, it is

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

really common to have outdoor markets. It’s interesting because you get in touch with what people use daily, and can still buy these products for you. Not only crafts and clothing, but also ingredients that you will try on the dishes, like vegetables and sweets. It’s a great experience and you do not need to go far to find these street markets. If you see a place with a lot of people wearing typical rural clothes (usually older people). The markets are everywhere. The Open Air Shopping Center is a

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little different because it’s like an outdoor mall, has a modern design and does not sell a lot of handicrafts and typical products from Serbia.

A product that deserves special attention are the Pirot rugs that are made 100% by hand for over 400 years, you will not miss them because they are unique and original. There is not a single Pirot that is like the other one. It is worth it checking them out.

CURRENCY The official currency is the Serbian dinar. In 2003, with the end of former Yugoslavia, the state of Serbia and Montenegro split on the use of currency. Montenegro began using the euro. This separation was even more evident in 2006, when Serbia and Montenegro became independent. But it is clear that between euro or dinar, euro is the best option because it is worth much more. Many banks and hotels in Belgrade exchange currency, which can be very useful if you need more money or would rather trade only when you arrive in Serbia.

BELGRADE AIRPORT

+381 (0)11 209 4444