Although there are numerous exciting things to do in Belgrade, a day trip to a nearby location can be an unforgettable experience. Serbia offers many opportunities for a perfect day or two or even longer gateway. Abundant rivers, stunning mountain landscapes, romantic villages, magical lakes, and healing spas can be reached within a few hours! These trips are an excellent way to rest, change everyday surroundings, and marvel at the country’s beauty. If this sounds like a perfect reason to embark on a Serbian adventure, then the following list of the best day trips from Belgrade will surely inspire you!
Novi Sad
Novi Sad is only an hour’s drive away and is located in the heart of Vojvodina province. Its location and characteristics make this city an ideal destination for a day trip from Belgrade.
Although it’s not far from Belgrade, these two cities have different vibes. While Belgrade is a bustling city that never sleeps, Novi Sad is a more laid-back place where life moves at a slower pace.
The architecture is also quite different. Belgrade has a lot of Ottoman influence, whereas Novi Sad’s buildings resemble those of Central European countries like the Czech Republic, Romania, and Hungary. Novi Sad is well-known for its beautiful city parks, thriving music scene, amazing art galleries, charming outdoor cafes, and fun bars.
The Novi Sad’s benchmark is however Exit Music festival, which takes place each July. It’s held at the historic Petrovaradin Fortress, which provides a unique and picturesque backdrop. Even if you’re not in town for the festival, strolling around the fortress is still a fun thing to do!
How to get to Novi Sad from Belgrade?
Getting to Novi Sad is very easy. There are buses from the Belgrade Central Bus station every couple of hours and the ticket is not expensive. The fastest option is the fast train “Soko” with whom you can reach Novi Sad in 45 minutes.
Fruska Gora National Park and monastiries
If you’re visiting Novi Sad, consider taking a trip to Fruska Gora to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get closer to nature.
Fruska Gora Mountain and National Park is located in the northernmost part of Serbia and offers a beautiful, almost untouched landscape perfect for hiking. There are trails for every level of hiker, whether you’re just looking for fun or serious exercise. The park is also a popular destination for skiing in the winter and other sports activities.
The main attraction of Fruska Gora is the collection of Orthodox monasteries, built throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. These monasteries are an important part of Serbian history and the Orthodox religion. They’re situated in the middle of the natural park, so you can walk or hike to each one of them. A great way to combine exercise and exploration, right?
Extra tip: Don’t miss the chance to try out the local products made by the monks, such as honey, rakija, and wine.
How to get there?
If you don’t plan to rent a car, a bus or train to Novi Sad is the only option. From there to Fruska Gora you can take a bus 79 or get a taxi, that should not be very expensive.
An alternative is a bus from Belgrade Central Station to the village of Vrdnik in Fruska Gora.
Sremski Karlovci
If you’re searching for hidden gems in the Balkans, you should visit Sremski Karlovci! It takes only a 15-minute bus ride from Novi Sad.
Sremski Karlovci is a charming small town on the left bank of the Danube River. It is an ideal destination for a romantic summer getaway while also offering a rich history to explore. If you enjoy learning about history, you will be fascinated to know that the Peace Treaty of Karlovci between the Ottoman Turks and the Austro-Hungarian Empire was signed in this beautiful town. Furthermore, Sremski Karlovci is home to several historical buildings and wineries, making it a perfect place to indulge in Serbian culture. Additionally, the oldest high school in the entire country, the Sremski Karlovci Gymnasium, is also located in this town.
How to get to Sremski Karlovci?
There is a direct bus and train from Belgrade to Sremski Karlovci. A ride approximately takes one hour.
Oplenac
Oplenac is situated on Oplenac Hill in the town of Topola, approximately 80 kilometers south of Belgrade. The place is famous for the Church of Saint George, located on the hilltop above Topola, which offers a stunning view of the surrounding area.
Apart from many historical events that took place in this area, Oplenac is particularly fascinating because an entire royal dynasty found its final resting place in this magnificent temple of St. George on top of the Oplenac hill. As you approach Topola, you will see a shining white building surrounded by dense forest on the hilltop.
The interior of the church is entirely decorated with mosaics. A fun fact is that the central chandelier is made from melted-down victorious weapons used by Serbian soldiers in the breakthrough of the Salonica front in 1918. There is so much symbolism and beauty in one place!
Extra tip: the entire Topola area is fascinating for growing grapes and producing excellent wine. Therefore, do not leave Topola without trying one of the locally-produced wines!
How to get to Oplenac from Belgrade?
If your starting point is Belgrade, several buses run from the Bus Central Station every 2-3 hours. Detailed bus schedules can be checked here.
Tara Mountain
Mountain and National Resort Tara is the most popular destination for a day trip from Belgrade. Located in the west of Serbia, Tara is one of the most beautiful mountains in Serbia.
The moment you set foot in Tara National Park, you will be amazed by the endless greenery! Lush forests cover its largest part, making it one of the most wooded mountains in Serbia and Europe.
Tara’s viewpoints are what draw the most travelers and luckily there are many there. Banjska Stena and Bilješka Stena’s viewpoints are unmissable destinations. From here, you can see the emerald green of Lake Perućac and the mighty canyon of the Drina River, while the strictly guarded reserve of the famous Pančić spruce can be seen from Bilješka Stena.
From the Crnjeskovo viewpoint, you will look at the valley where the Rača monastery has stood surrounded by peace and tranquility for centuries, as well as the exact opposite of the busy city life in the settlement of Bajina Bašta.
How to get there?
Raketa AB buses drive regularly from major Serbian cities to Tara and nearby villages in the mountains and back. The bus departs from Belgrade every day at 9:00 and 11:25 (only on weekdays) and stops in Bajina Bašta and Valjevo and finally in Tara National Park.
Another option, although more expensive is private vans that offer pick-up from any location in Belgrade. Price varies from 20-30 euros per person in one direction.
Djerdap National Park and Golubac Fortress
If you’re looking for an amazing day trip from Belgrade, Djerdap National Park is worth considering. It’s a hidden treasure in Serbia, only two hours away by car. The park’s highlight is the Đerdap Gorge, the largest gorge on the Danube in all of Europe. There’s so much to do here, including hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming, and more!
Golubac fortress represents a natural entrance to the Djerdap National Park. It’s situated on the banks of the Danube, about 130 kilometers from Belgrade. This area is known as the Iron Gate, which is the longest and most challenging gorge in Europe. If you’re taking any of the Danube Cruises, this is a regular part of the itinerary!
The fortress dates back to the 14th century and is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Serbia. It’s surrounded by stunning nature and is an ideal place for history lovers to explore. Over the centuries, ownership of the Golubac Fort has changed hands many times, depending on who emerged victorious from the battles. Serbia gained control of the fort in the mid-19th century, and it’s now an important cultural site that’s worth visiting.
How to get to Djerdap and Golubac Fortress?
Golubac, a town in eastern Serbia, is only 129 kilometers from Belgrade. It can be reached in less than two hours by car. Danube Crusier sails from Belgrade on the Danube to Đerdap and Kladovo.
Vinca and Ram Fortress
Did you know that just 14 kilometers southeast of Belgrade lies Vinča, one of the largest prehistoric settlements in Europe? This place is amazing! The archaeological site it’s home to the ruins of a human settlement and various artifacts created between 5300 and 4300 BCE.
If you’re a fan of history, you’ll want to check out the medieval Ramska Fortress. It was built in 1483 by order of Sultan Bayazit II, who was the grandfather of Suleiman the Magnificent. The fortress was strategically positioned and built by the Turks at the end of the fifteenth century on Byzantine foundations.
The scenery is breathtaking here! Romantic paths covered with lush vegetation lead through hills full of wildflowers. Picturesque viewpoints overlook Europe’s most beautiful Danube River and a rock on top of which a medieval fortress rises above the misty river. Although the Ram Fortress was neglected for a long time, it became a popular attraction after its restoration. My advice is to visit the fortress during the summer when the surroundings are filled with lush greenery and make the entire scenery dream-like!
Extra tip: The sunsets here are simply stunning and can make for great Instagram photos!
Srebrno Jezero (Silver Lake)
Just 15 minutes from the Golubac Fortress you will find a jewel of Serbian nature – Srebrno Jezero or Silver Lake. The water in this lake is very clean, thanks to the filtration through many dunes. The information that the lake was advertised as the “Serbian Sea” in the past speaks volumes about the popularity of the. The well-kept beaches, clear water, and untouched nature provide an unreal feeling during your stay at Srebrni Jezera. When is the best time to vacation on Silver Lake?
Srebrno Jezero is most visited in the summer season, from June to the end of September, when it represents an ideal alternative to sometimes expensive sea destinations, as it allows swimming in the lake and even lying on one of the beaches of the lake, which are very nicely decorated.
It is a perfect location for a day trip outside Belgrade, where you can spend the entire day sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying the surroundings!
Subotica and Palic Lake
If your goal is a fun and relaxing day trip from Belgrade, Subotica, Sombor, and Palic Lake can be a great choice. Both cities are situated in northern Serbia, not far from each other.
While in Subotica, make sure to visit the Blue Fountain. It’s covered in ceramics and is a great spot to take some lovely photos. You can also see a monument to Emperor Jovan Nenad, who declared himself emperor when Subotica was the capital. And don’t miss the National Theater, which was built back in 1854 and is located on Freedom Square.
If you’re up for a brief car ride from Subotica, I highly recommend checking out Palicko Jezero, the largest natural lake in Serbia. There are plenty of cultural events throughout the year, including the famous European Film Festival. The lake itself is stunning, with a long and beautifully landscaped promenade, three beaches (the most popular being “Women’s Beach”), and plenty of opportunities for sports and recreation. One of the best things to do at Palicko Jezero is to watch the sunset over the lake while enjoying some delicious wine from the local vineyards. And if you happen to visit in late September, be sure to check out “Berbanski Dani”, an incredible event that celebrates grapes and wine.
How to get to Subotica?
By bus. Buses from the Belgrade station run every two hours and the ticket is around 15 EUR.
Kopaonik
If you’re looking for a fantastic day trip from Belgrade, traveling to Kopaonik Mountain and Resort is a must-do! This stunning mountain is known for being a top-notch ski resort in winter, but it’s also a fantastic destination to visit during the summer! Whether you’re into hiking, skiing, fishing, ziplining, or cycling, Kopaonik has something to offer everyone!
Kopaonik is not only a popular tourist center in Serbia but also in Europe. During the winter, it’s famous for winter sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, and even sledding. But that’s not all, you can also enjoy a ton of fun activities, including a zip line, tubing, and a children’s playground with facilities for all guests.
How to get there?
If you’re planning to drive to Kopaonik, the scenic route is an absolute must! It’s a 277 km journey via the E75 highway. To get there, just head towards Niš from Belgrade, then take the exit sign for Kruševac at Pojate, and turn off the highway. Follow the signs for Kopaonik, and you’ll reach your desired destination without any problems.
For all budget travelers, taking a bus to Kopaonik is another great option. Several buses can take you to the Suncani Vrhovi – hotel and apartment complex. From there, you’ll have access to everything that Kopaonik has to offer.
