Live group lessons start on January 13. Sign up here.
When Serbs have leisure time, they don’t kill it — they savor every moment. In fact, relaxing is almost like an art form in this Balkan country, and every local is an artist. So, if you’re wondering how Serbian people spend their free time, the short answer is — with gusto.
For the long answer, buckle up and dive into the story of delicious food, wild parties, and crammed cafés!
When it comes to leisure time, most Serbs would say it is a the-more-the-merrier type of thing. Sadly, many people are stuck in the daily grind, with little time for things they enjoy.
So, as modern life is getting busier, it’s more important than ever to seize every opportunity and enjoy leisure time to the fullest.
With that in mind, take a look at how Serbian people spend their free time. Who knows? You may get some fun ideas for your next day off.
When they come to Serbia, many foreigners wonder why cafés are jam-packed on weekdays and weekends alike. In other words, why aren’t people at work?
Well, coffee is a vital part of Serbian identity. As a result, locals can be seen flocking to cafés any time of the day or week. No matter how busy life gets, people always find a free second to get their caffeine fix.
On top of that, cafés are social hubs, keeping friendships strong amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life. So, whenever they have a moment of freedom, most Serbs instinctively head to their favorite coffee shop.
In the end, it’s not that Serbian people have nothing better to do than drink coffee after coffee all day every day. For them, each cup is a small victory in a constant struggle between the desire for freedom and the stress of daily commitments.
Kafana (traditional tavern) is another place where Serbs feel at home. But unlike cafés, most people don’t visit taverns daily. Instead, these spots are perfect for special occasions or weekend partying.
There, kafana-goers enjoy delicious food, live music, dancing, and good company. And, of course, we shouldn’t forget about rakija.
Indeed, Serbian parties involve tons of alcohol. So, if you’re invited to a kafana, you may want to leave your car at home and take a taxi instead.
As you can already guess, socializing takes up a hefty chunk of free time for most Serbs. That’s not to say that all locals are extroverts and party animals. However, even introverts spend tons of time with friends and family.
In particular, young people tend to go clubbing or, as we mentioned earlier, hang out at cafés and taverns. Since Serbia, and Belgrade in particular, boasts tons of clubs and other places that are open until the early hours, the nightlife is vibrant and exciting.
On the other hand, those who’d rather avoid big crowds gather at home parties or organize game nights with close friends.
Plus, staying away from people is hard since there’s always a birthday party, slava, or a wedding to go to. Yup, Serbs love their celebrations, and most of all, they love sharing happiness with friends and family.
As we mentioned, many Serbs like to party hard. In particular, they have many opportunities to do so in summer thanks to all the music festivals and concerts.
First off, the Exit Festival in Novi Sad is a huge event that gathers the top names in the music industry. Of course, it’s not only for locals, so every year, visitors from around the globe flock to Novi Sad looking for wild parties.
Then, there’s also the Belgrade Beer Festival, where, along with good booze, guests can enjoy both local and international music bands and performers.
For something more traditional, the Guca Trumpet Festival features trumpet music, local musicians, and strong (and typically overpriced) rakija. Cheers!
When they are neither partying nor working, Serbs can be seen looking for some peace in nature.
Those with parents or relatives in the countryside often visit for some quiet time away from cities.
Famously, Serbian people in the rural areas pride themselves on their hospitality. That’s why they tend to greet visitors with copious amounts of food and send them off with tons of homemade treats, like dairy products, ajvar, and various jarred goodies.
Alternatively, people find escape in local mountains or parks, hiking, and again, socializing. And foodies that they are, Serbs typically use such opportunities for a nice picnic or a full-on barbecue party.
Did you get the impression that all Serbs ever do is eat and party? Well, that’s not far from the truth, but still, many people enjoy more intellectual activities in their off time.
For instance, venues like the National Museum or the Museum of Contemporary Art in Belgrade offer food for the brain along with intriguing exhibitions.
On a similar note, places like the National Theatre or the Yugoslav Drama Theatre always have interesting plays, operas, and similar pieces in their repertoire.
However, for many, cozying up at home with a good book is enough to fill an entire weekend. With that in mind, if you’re interested in Serbian literature, check out our top recommendations here.
Of course, our list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the hobby of all hobbies — traveling.
Sadly, Serbia has no seaside. On the bright side, though, its geographical position makes it easy for people to visit nearby countries and get their fill of sand, sunshine, and salt.
In particular, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia are popular since they are easy to reach by car or bus. Plus, low-budget airlines like WizzAir and Ryanair sell affordable tickets, thus making distant destinations more accessible.
Of course, not everyone can afford (or wants to) travel abroad. Fortunately, Serbia boasts many attractive spots, like the ones you can see on our must-visit list.
Lastly, let’s talk about more active hobbies. Truth be told, the discipline that most sports require goes against the fun-loving, pleasure-seeking nature of much of the population.
That said, the majority of Serbian parents care about their kids’ health, so they sign them up for various sports. For instance, handball, volleyball, and karate are a few of the popular choices.
Then, there’s football. While some Serbs play it recreationally, others just watch games with passion.
So, if you happen to be in Serbia during important football matches, don’t be alarmed if you see people in cafés screaming at big TVs — cheering or cursing. They’re just watching football.
As you can see, Serbs and chilling are like ćevapi and kajmak — inseparable. When it’s time to kick back, they go all out and enjoy like there’s no tomorrow. Now that you know how Serbian people spend their free time, you can tap into their expertise and spice up your life with new hobbies and activities.
Finally, if you have a spare moment and wish to put it to good use, how about studying Serbian? Check out our individual online lessons, book a free trial session, and we’ll make every moment count — by giving you a personalized, enjoyable, and intensive learning experience!
Christmas in Serbia isn’t just a holiday — it’s a celebration bursting with joy, tradition, and irresistible flavors. Curious about how Serbs mark this magical
Ever dreamed of studying in Serbia? The quality yet affordable education, exciting nightlife, and laid-back Serbian lifestyle might tempt you to book a ticket and
