For years, I’d had this thought in the back of my mind: what if we just got in the car and went on a Serbia road trip? No rush, no strict plans — just us, the open road, and a country I’d only heard great things about. Eventually, we did it. We mapped out a relaxed two-week loop starting from Bucharest and decided to stop wherever something sparked our curiosity.

Starting Our Serbia Road Trip – The First “Wow” Moment: Golubac Fortress

We crossed the border through Craiova and Drobeta, following the Danube as it carved its dramatic way through the Iron Gates. I’ve seen this route a few times before, but somehow it always feels impressive.

Our first real stop in Serbia was Golubac Fortress, and honestly, I don’t think we could’ve chosen a better way to start this trip to Serbia. The fortress looks like it’s been pulled straight out of a fantasy novel — stone towers rising right from the riverbank, steep walls, and a soft breeze coming from the Danube. I just stood there for a moment, taking it all in, thinking, Okay… this trip is going to be good.

Belgrade — A Capital That Completely Took Me by Surprise

Belgrade is energetic, loud in the best way, and full of personality. If you’re looking for places to visit in Belgrade, here’s what stood out for me:

• Kalemegdan Fortress — more of a giant park than a fortress, and absolutely free. The views over the Sava and Danube rivers are stunning, especially at sunset.
• The architecture — a mix of old European elegance and heavy communist blocks that somehow work together.
• The streets — lively, stylish, busy, filled with cafés and bars where people actually take the time to enjoy life.

If there’s one downside, it’s the traffic. Driving in Belgrade tested my patience more than once, but it’s part of the city’s character.

A Day in Novi Sad

We left Belgrade and made a little detour to Novi Sad, which instantly became one of my favorite places to visit in Serbia. The old town is colorful, clean, and genuinely charming. We wandered the pedestrian streets for hours, stopping at terraces whenever something smelled good.

If you go, climb up to Petrovaradin Fortress. The view of the Danube and the city is completely worth the effort.

Zlatibor — Breathing Mountain Air Again

Our next base was Zlatibor, where we stayed three nights. It was exactly what I needed after the city: fresh air, rolling hills, forests, and that perfect mountain calm.

From Zlatibor, we took a one-day trip to Tara National Park — easily one of the most beautiful places to see in Serbia if you love nature. Think dense forests, dramatic viewpoints, and silence that feels almost sacred. Tara felt like an escape inside an escape.

Tips From My Own Serbia Road Trip Experience

Documents

An ID or a passport is enough. Don’t forget your car’s green card.

Currency

The Serbian dinar (RSD) is the official currency. Cards work almost everywhere, but I was glad to have some cash in smaller villages.

Fuel

Similar prices to Romania. Plenty of gas stations along main routes.

Driving

Speed limits are enforced. Strictly. And you pay fines on the spot, so it’s not worth trying your luck.

Roads & Tolls

Right after the border, roads can be surprisingly rough — narrow lanes and uneven pavement. Once you approach Belgrade, everything improves dramatically.

Tolls for a small car from the Romanian border to Belgrade were around €6–8. You can pay in dinars, euros, or by card.

Where We Stayed (And What I’d Recommend)

Belgrade – Hotel Iva Old Town Belgrade
Perfect location, private parking, cozy rooms, and breakfast included. For a big city, that private parking felt like gold.

Zlatibor – Hotel Mona Plaza Zlatibor
Modern, clean, close to the center, with a pool, spa, and a really good breakfast. Exactly what you want after a long day of exploring.

And don’t forget to try a traditional Serbian kafana — massive portions, delicious food, and a dream for meat lovers (pljeskavica and ćevapi were everywhere).

When to Visit Serbia

Serbia works year-round, depending on what you want:

• Spring & autumn — ideal weather for exploring.
• Summer — hot in cities, but amazing in the mountains.
• Winter — great for skiing.

We went in September, and it was perfect: warm days, cool evenings, and fewer tourists.

A Glimpse Into Serbian Culture

One of the things I loved most while exploring different places to go in Serbia was the country’s blend of influences — Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian. You see it in everything: churches, music, food, architecture.

Belgrade’s art and nightlife scene is vibrant, Novi Sad hosts the famous EXIT Festival, and small villages still keep traditions alive — from folk dances to handmade crafts.

Serbia feels layered, and discovering each layer felt like opening a new chapter of the trip.

FAQs from My Own Experience

Is Serbia safe for a road trip?
Yes. Very safe. Just be patient in Belgrade traffic and careful on rural roads.

Can I pay in euros?
Not officially. Some places accept them, but at a bad rate, so stick to dinars.

Do I need a vignette?
No. You pay tolls depending on the distance.

How long should you spend on a Serbia road trip?
Anywhere between 8 and 14 days. We did two weeks and still didn’t see everything.

Final Thoughts

This Serbia road trip ended up being one of those journeys that stays with you long after you’re back home. Belgrade surprised me with its energy, Novi Sad charmed me with its colors, and Zlatibor and Tara reminded me how peaceful nature can be.

If you’re planning a trip to Serbia, forget the idea that it’s just a country you pass through on your way somewhere else. It’s a destination in itself — close to Romania yet full of totally different landscapes, flavors, and experiences.

I went in with curiosity and came home with memories I know I’ll keep for a long time.