Top 15 places and destinations in Serbia 2022 - A unique and unforgettable adventure awaits you!
It is often said that Serbia is "east to west" and "west to east". And it really can be said that way.
Serbia certainly is a place where a lot of things come together, from culture, people, and religion, to centuries of history so rich that hundreds of books on the history of this area and people could be written.
However, when it comes to tourism and attractive destinations, somehow Serbia is not in the foreground. Of course, completely unjustified.
The following list of the best destinations you can visit in Serbia in 2022 could change the situation. To spread the word about Serbia and everything that our country has to show from the north to the south.
Well, if you are ready, let's start the journey through Serbia.
1. Belgrade
As a city located at the confluence of two great rivers, the Danube and the Sava, and a city that has been burned to the ground and rebuilt so many times, Belgrade is truly a destination that should always be on your list.
Whether you read this as a domestic or foreign tourist, Belgrade is where it all begins. The capital of Serbia always has something new, and no matter how many times you come, you can always discover a new place.
From Kalemegdan Park, Knez Mihajlova Street, many museums (e.g. Nikola Tesla Museum or the National Museum), through festivals and numerous events, all the way to the world-famous nightlife, Belgrade always has something for you no matter the time of year.
2. Đerdap gorge
And now, something completely different!
We have already mentioned the beautiful blue Danube that flows through Belgrade.
However, this same magnificent river also flows through the Đerdap National Park. And here the Danube is the deepest, widest and certainly the most beautiful.
Places like Lepenski Vir or Golubac Fortress are ideal for those who want to learn more about the history of this area.
But to experience the Danube and Serbia in the right way, you have to sail a mighty river. Only then will you be shown all the beauty of the Đerdap gorge and the nature of this part of Serbia.
3. Vrnjačka Spa
If a place has risen significantly on the scale of Serbia's tourist offer, then it is certainly Vrnjačka Spa.
Just like many cities, villages, and places in general in Serbia, Vrnjačka Spa has a very long and rich history worth admiring.
Since the period of the Roman Empire, the Queen of Spas in Serbia is considered a place that is perfect for rest and recreation. But, in recent times, a good time can be added to the list.
Of course, we are thinking primarily of LoveFest, but also numerous activities that could be very interesting and fill the time in a quality way. For example, nearby is the mountain Goč where there is an artificial lake. Then, the recently opened zoo.
All in all, Vrnjačka Spa is a place you should visit, not only this year but also for many years to come.
4. Sremski Karlovci
Although Sremski Karlovci does not have a large number of inhabitants like some larger cities, they certainly occupy a significant position when it comes to destinations that you should visit in Serbia this year.
First of all, Sremski Karlovci is known as a place of very rich culture and history. In addition, the wine that comes from this part of Serbia is widely known.
5. Novi Sad
The second-largest city in Serbia, Novi Sad, is home to the best European music festival - Exit Festival. However, that is not the only thing that put this city on our list.
If Belgrade is proud of the Kalemegdan Fortress, then Novi Sad can say the same about the Petrovaradin Fortress. On the fortress itself, there is another symbol of the city, a Clock tower with a great view of the city, the Danube, and the Vojvodina plain, which hides many interesting things.
Another very important part of the city that you need to see and experience that atmosphere and see the architecture and famous buildings, is the city center, i.e. the place where Novi Sad began to grow and develop more than 3 centuries ago.
6. Fruška Gora
In the north of Serbia, that is, in Vojvodina, there are only two mountains, and those are the Vršac Mountains and Fruška Gora. The latter is located not far from Novi Sad (about 24 km), so it could be a great place to continue the adventure.
Another name Fruška Gora is known for is "Serbian Holy Mountain" (not the only one) because of as many as 17 monasteries that are located here.
Apart from Serbian Orthodox monasteries, it is important to mention the fantastic nature. Fruška Gora is also known for 16 lakes and 40 waterfalls, so when you put it all together, there is a lot to see.
7. Niš
Did you know that as many as 17 of about 70 Roman emperors were born on the territory of Serbia? Yes, that's right!
What does that have to do with Niš? Well, probably the most important Roman emperor who was born on the territory of Serbia, but also in general, Emperor Constantine, was born in Niš.
Apart from its Roman heritage, Niš has other interesting places to visit, which are connected with almost every significant event in the modern history of Serbia.
For example, there is the Skull Tower, the Niš Fortress, and numerous museums and galleries. Apart from the city itself, interesting things can be found a few kilometers away.
For example, Niška Banja, which is widely known for its hot springs, is one of those places you can visit.
8. Lepenski Vir
When it comes to Lepenski Vir, this site, which dates from the Middle and Late Stone Age (Mesolithic and Neolithic), more precisely between 9500 and 7200 BC, is unique in many ways.
Namely, Lepenski Vir is the oldest archeological site in Europe. It is "the oldest urban settlement on the old continent" and because of that, it is quite certain that it simply has to be on the list of places to visit in Serbia this year.
The best thing about this fantastic locality is that you can see what an original settlement looked like, certain objects used by prehistoric man in this area, but also various figures that represented the most probable deities of the great civilization of Lepenski Vir.
9. Serbian monasteries
It may seem a little too extensive when we say "Serbian monasteries", but we do not want to separate any monastery, because each is special in its way and has something worth visiting.
The fact is that Serbian monasteries are real pearls of Serbian architecture, culture, art and spirituality, and a visit to such a special place, no matter which one you choose, will leave a strong impression, no doubt.
10. Kragujevac
In case you didn't know, Kragujevac is the first capital of modern Serbia. So, a city with a very rich history, culture and tradition.
The first thing that comes to mind when Kragujevac is mentioned is the "Šumarice" memorial park dedicated to the victims of the Nazi occupation of Serbia. But about that another time.
As for other important places to visit in Kragujevac, we certainly add the cultural-historical complex "Milošev venac" named after Miloš Obrenović, then the old church dedicated to the Holy Trinity, but also the Topolivnica building which is today a fantastic museum.
11. Mokra gora
Mokra Gora was recently, at the end of 2021, declared the best tourist village in the world!
Is it really necessary to add something more about this beautiful place, with amazing breathtaking nature.
Of course, the story of Mokra Gora cannot pass without mentioning the fantastic train "Nostalgia", which is much better known as "Ćira".
On the circular railway, 15.5 km long, you can experience a unique and unforgettable experience of riding the Šargan Eight - the most attractive tourist-museum railway in Europe.
12. Prizren
At the foot of Shar Mountain, in the south of Serbia, there is a city and a museum in one - Prizren.
Once the capital of the great Dušan's empire, it still has its imperial splendor, primarily thanks to the Prizren fortress, which offers an excellent view of the city panorama and the river Bistrica.
In addition to the magnificent fortress from the Middle Ages, the most important locations in the city that are worth mentioning are the Bogorodica Ljeviška Church from the very beginning of the 14th century, then the Church of the Holy Savior, but also the Prizren orthodox seminary.
13. Devil's Town
Devil's Town is a special place with many legends, and it is certainly the most famous for petrified wedding guests.
From the science' point of view, these are earthen figures, with stone caps, but with a very attractive appearance.
Either way, Devil's Town is a place you can always come back to again, and you will certainly not be bored to hear another legend and see this wonder of nature.
Speaking of wonders, it is interesting to note that in 2007, Devil's Town was one of the nominated candidates for the list of new wonders of the world.
14. Sokobanja
Sokobanja, Soko grad, you come old, you go young!
It is quite certain that everyone has heard of this sentence famous in Sokobanja and it was not said for no reason.
Namely, Sokobanja is one of the most famous spas in Serbia, and apart from the beautiful nature that is all around, an important factor because people love this spa so much is its springs of healing thermo-mineral waters.
The water temperature is great, 28 °C to 45 °C, so you can easily relax and enjoy yourself.
Apart from healing waters, Sokobanja is also known as a "climate spa", i.e. a place where you simply come and breathe fresh, clean and healthy air full of negative ions.
15. Novi Pazar
The last, but not the least important (there are none), is Novi Pazar.
If you need to come to Novi Pazar for something, it is because of the good atmosphere, but also great food. It is quite certain that ćevapi from Novi Pazar are widely known. But, there are also many other specialties that are excellent as well.
However, food is not everything that Novi Pazar has to offer. Near the town, there is extremely important site Stari Ras, but also the Serbian monastery Đurđevi Stupovi, the monastery Sopoćani, as well as the church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.
Bottom line
Serbia is a country that has a lot to show and offer to both domestic and foreign tourists. Regardless of whether you are reading this from Serbia or some other point on the planet, you can never fully explore Serbia.
So, no list can cover everything that is unique in Serbia and that you need to get to know, experience, try or feel.
But, for now, these are a good places to start.