Serbia Travel Tips and Insider Guides

            Serbia has a troubled, not-so-distant past, but the country is quickly reinventing itself. The capital city of Belgrade displays a unique mix of eastern and western architectural styles, and its cobblestone streets are home to great shopping, bustling restaurants, museums, and churches. The Serbs are known for their hospitality, and the smaller towns are filled with folk traditions that can downright charm the pants off you. Here are tips to help guide you on your trip to Serbia.

            Serbia a landlocked country, and it borders eight countries: Romania, Hungary, Croatia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Bosnia, and Kosovo. Southern Serbia is mountainous, the center has lovely rolling hills, and the north is comprised of plains. Belgrade is more or less in the center, where Serbia's two most important rivers, the Sava and the Danube, meet.

            Belgrade is Serbia's most popular travel destination. The Skadarlija neighborhood is famous for its colorful bohemian culture, including art galleries, antique shops, and cafes. A riverside promenade runs along the Danube in the Zemunski Kej neighborhood. There's a large harbor, and you can take ferries up and down the river. Ada ciganlija is a river island in central Belgrade that has been turned into a peninsula, forming a lake within the river. It’s excellent for taking relaxed bicycle rides.

            Navi Sad is the second largest city in Serbia, and home to the Petrovaradin Fortress. This fortification is so huge that you can spend hours strolling its walls and hiking through its tunnels. Zlatibor is Serbia's most popular mountain region, home to ski resorts and plenty of hiking.

        U.S. visitors do not need a visa if visiting Serbia for 90 days or less. The official language is Serbian, and signs are mostly written using the Cyrillic alphabet. Many people also speak English, including ticketing agents in train stations. The official currency is the Dinar. There are international railways connect to Belgrade, but it is best to travel within Serbia by bus or car. Serbian traffic laws are unique, so make sure to read over them carefully. For example, children aged 12 or younger are barred from riding in the front seat.

            Serbia’s history is as complicated as it is fascinating. The country was once part of Yugoslavia. When Yugoslavia began to break apart, Serbia and Montenegro kept it alive, renaming themselves the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. This transition, unlike that of Bosnia and Croatia, was peaceful. However, violent conflicts did arise in 1998 between Serbia and the autonomous province of Kosovo, located in southeastern Serbia. In 2006, Serbia and Montenegro split (Montenegro declared its own independence) and Yugoslavia formally ceased to exist. In 2008, Kosovo declared independence, and most of the world's biggest powers, including the U.S., have recognized this, although Serbia and several other European countries have not. In recent years, Serbia has pushed to join the EU. It is a safe country, but political demonstrations do sometimes get violent. Travel between Kosovo and Serbia can be restricted. For up to date safety information, visit the U.S. Department of State's website