Exploring Serbia offers a unique and off the beaten track experience due to its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. The country is home to a mix of influences from the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian empires, resulting …
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Backpacking Serbia in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Serbia with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Serbia
Discover Serbia, a Balkan gem blending history, nightlife, and welcoming locals for an offbeat backpacking adventure. Pros? Explore vibrant Belgrade, wander through historic sites, and enjoy budget-friendly amenities. Serbia offers a diverse cultural experience. However, English may not be widely spoken, posing a communication challenge. For backpackers seeking an authentic European journey away from the tourist crowds, Serbia's dynamic atmosphere and affordability make it stand out, promising an immersive experience where every moment feels like an undiscovered chapter waiting to be explored.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Serbia
Uniqueness
Backpackers
The backpacker scene in Serbia is vibrant and growing. The country offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an attractive destination for backpackers.
Belgrade, the capital city, is a hotspot for backpackers with …
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Belgrade, the capital city, is a hotspot for backpackers with …
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Cheap
The average cost for backpacking in Serbia can vary depending on the travel style and preferences. On average, budget travelers can expect to spend around $30-40 per day, which includes accommodation in hostels or budget guesthouses, meals at local …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Serbia
- Belgrade Fortress: A must-visit attraction in Serbia, the Belgrade Fortress offers stunning views of the city and the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Explore the historical complex, visit the museums, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
- Niš: Discover the rich history of Serbia by visiting the city of Niš. Explore the ancient Roman ruins, such as the Mediana Archaeological Site and the Niš Fortress. Don’t miss the chance to try traditional Serbian cuisine in one of the local restaurants.
- Đavolja Varoš: Known as the Devil’s Town, this unique natural phenomenon features a collection of stone formations resembling various shapes. Explore the surreal landscape and learn about the local legends surrounding the site.
- Novi Sad: Experience the cultural heart of Serbia in Novi Sad. Visit the Petrovaradin Fortress, explore the charming old town, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend the famous Exit Festival, one of Europe’s largest music festivals.
- Drvengrad: Also known as Mećavnik, this ethno-village was built by the famous filmmaker Emir Kusturica. Explore the picturesque wooden houses, visit the unique Wooden Church, and immerse yourself in the artistic and bohemian atmosphere of this charming village.
But Serbia offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Serbia
The best time to visit Serbia for backpacking is during the spring and autumn seasons, specifically in April-May and September-October. During these months, the weather is pleasant with mild temperatures ranging from 15-25 °C, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the country.
Additionally, these seasons offer fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices compared to the peak summer months. You can enjoy popular attractions, such as Belgrade, Novi Sad, and the stunning Serbian countryside, without the overwhelming tourist crowds.
However, if you prefer warmer weather and don't mind larger crowds, summer (June-August) is also a good time to visit. Just keep in mind that prices may be higher, and popular tourist destinations can be more crowded during this time.
Additionally, these seasons offer fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices compared to the peak summer months. You can enjoy popular attractions, such as Belgrade, Novi Sad, and the stunning Serbian countryside, without the overwhelming tourist crowds.
However, if you prefer warmer weather and don't mind larger crowds, summer (June-August) is also a good time to visit. Just keep in mind that prices may be higher, and popular tourist destinations can be more crowded during this time.
Risk level: low (17%)Safety advice for Serbia
- Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorists have staged attacks in European cities. Targets have included public transport, transport hubs, and public places popular with tourists.
- Protests and rallies are common. Avoid crowds and demonstrations as they may turn violent. Foreign nationals have been detained after attending protests. Demonstrations might disrupt transport. Monitor local media for information.
- The area of Southern Serbia bordering Kosovo has unexploded landmines. Only use well-known roads and paths.
- Violent attacks sometimes occur near nightclubs. Targeted bomb attacks and gun violence can occur. Many Serbians own guns. Be alert to suspicious behaviour and avoid trouble spots.
- Earth tremors and flooding can occur. Bushfires happen in summer. Snow and ice can be a danger in winter. Monitor the media for updates.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
SerbiaMy tips to get you on the way!Does Serbia sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Serbia. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Serbia may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Serbia. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Serbia may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Serbia, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Serbia, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024