10 fantastic souvenirs that you must buy in Serbia

Almost every tourist does not return from a trip without at least one souvenir. It is a fact and people simply love souvenirs because they are a great gift for family and friends, but also a reminder of the unforgettable moments you spent at a certain destination.

Unlike classic souvenirs, such as magnets or pendants (they are not bad, just too common), today we will present you something completely different. We bring you a list of 10 Serbian souvenirs that you should buy when you visit our country. Well, if you're ready, let's get started.

1. Gusle

Certainly, the most original souvenir, and not only a souvenir, but also an instrument that you will find in Serbia, but also in other places where Serbs live, is the gusle.

This string instrument occupies a special place in Serbian history and culture, because thanks to the gusle, but also folk singers and collectors of this cultural treasure, many traditional epic songs have been preserved.

Apart from cultural purposes, the gusle is an important element that contributed to the liberation of Serbia in earlier centuries. Along with epic songs and the sound of the gusle, epic victories in battles came too.

Because of all that, gusle is undoubtedly number one when it comes to souvenirs, whether you know how to play them or not.

2. Frula

If you did not manage to find a gusle somewhere on your trip through Serbia, you probably did not visit the right place. But, in addition to the gusle, you can get another exceptional and very beautiful instrument, also very respected among Serbs.

It is the frula (flute), a traditional instrument that used to be associated with shepherds. Shepherds know that a version of the flute was very easy to make from different types of wood, so this type was called "svirala".

Today, the frula is one of the most recognizable and unique souvenirs you can buy in Serbia.

3. Čokanjče with rakija

Along with a good song, there is also a good drink. And there is no better drink than Serbian rakija, especially if it is served in čokanjče!

This cute glass, which has other similar names like "čokanj" or "čokanjić", is certainly very interesting because of its shape. Still, an empty čokanjče doesn’t look as appealing as a full one.

Whether it is plum rakija, vine, apricot, quince, or some other variant, rakija and čokanjče should not be separated. Therefore, you drink rakija in the right, traditional way from čokanjče.

4. Ćilim

After a couple of glasses of rakija , you may feel like you can fly on a magic carpet. But, don't get too excited, it's just a magic carpet from Pirot.

There are several places in Serbia where very beautiful traditional carpets are made, but the most famous for this colorful carpet is Pirot.

A very interesting thing about the Pirot ćilim is that it has been made for centuries, in the traditional way, using a special technique, but also that this part of Serbia has special patterns that make the ćilim from Pirot easily recognizable.

5. Folk costume + Opanak

Speaking of textile products, another very beautiful souvenir that you can get in Serbia is a folk costume.

The best thing about the national or folk costume is that each part of Serbia has a different one. For example, costumes from the north of Serbia are completely different from those from the central regions or the south.

However, traditional costumes from all over Serbia are very special and bring a large selection of models if you want to have one set.

When it comes to "opanci", they are an indispensable part of Serbian traditional costumes. Of course, they come in different sizes, so you can buy a model that you can actually wear or a completely small pair of "opanci" that will be a great decoration and a reminder of the great time spent in Serbia.

6. Serbian wine

If you have never tried wine made from traditional Serbian vine varieties, then you must do it immediately. Varieties such as prokupac, tamjanika, župljanka or smederevka and the wines made of them are the pride of Serbia.

Therefore, if you visit areas where vine growing is a tradition, and there are many such areas in Serbia (for example, Topola, Župa, Vršac, Fruška Gora, Negotin, etc.), be sure to visit some winery, and try and buy some of their wine.

7. Licider Heart

There is no doubt that another extremely famous souvenir that you can find in Serbia is the licider heart. In case you didn't know, licider heart is a very nicely decorated cake, with a characteristic red icing and colorful lines.

Many call the licider heart an "essential souvenir" from Serbia because it is simply very interesting with all its patterns and lines, it can be easily found and, above all, it can be customized.

If you want to give someone a licider heart, you can get a written message, name or whatever you want on the red coating very quickly and easily.

8. Traditional pottery

There are several places in Serbia known around the world for pottery, and some are Zlakusa and Pirot. Yes, again Pirot, in addition to ćilim, Pirot also has a very long tradition of making pottery.

When it comes to Zlakusa, recently, pottery from this village in the Zlatibor district was inscribed on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.

That is a sufficient reason to get a piece of pottery that you like on your next visit to western or southern Serbia. It is important to add that each vessel is handmade, in the traditional way and from materials that are characteristic of the region in which the vessel is made.

9. A jar of ajvar

Ajvar is one of the most popular specialties of Serbian cuisine, and in fact, it can be a great (and delicious) souvenir that you can eat and remember Serbia again.

Buying a jar of ajvar is the right thing if you want to bring the flavors of Serbia to your family and friends. Another good thing is that you can easily find such souvenirs at numerous events that are held throughout the year all over the Serbia.

10. A jar of honey

For the end, we will sweeten the story with a teaspoon of honey. Better to say, a jar of honey.

Just like with ajvar, a jar of honey is another great edible souvenir and gift that will probably last you longer than a jar of ajvar, but which you can also easily find at the aforementioned events, as well as at local beekeepers.

The best thing about honey is that this is an organic and 100% natural product, made in the traditional way. Therefore, a jar of honey is something you should definitely buy when you are in Serbia.