Serbia is brimming with nature and cultural landmarks, and there are enough touristy spots to satisfy anyone’s wanderlust. But if you feel like you’ve seen it all or simply desire a change of scenery, you’re probably looking for a place for a quick weekend trip outside of Serbia.
If so, your search has ended. In this article, we’ll cover the top destinations outside of Serbia that are only a quick drive away from Belgrade. So, pack your bags and dive right in!
Our Recommendations for a Weekend Trip Outside of Serbia
With 88,499 km2, Serbia is a relatively small country, and, as it happens, that’s good news for travelers. Why?
Imagine driving from Canada to Mexico. At the shortest, it would take around 42 hours. On the other hand, it takes less than 6 hours to drive from Bosnia to Bulgaria across Serbia.
What we mean is getting to other countries from Serbia is quick and easy. All you need is an idea of where to go and some type of transportation. We’ll guide you through both, starting with the former.
1. Timișoara, Romania
Timișoara (Temišvar) is a city in western Romania. Conveniently, it’s only a 2 hours and 40 minutes car ride away from Belgrade.
In addition to being accessible, this city is worth visiting for its remarkable architecture, delicious food and wine, and vibrant nightlife. Known as the Little Vienna due to its stunning Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings, the city offers picturesque streets perfect for strolling and taking pictures.
Besides museums and churches, you can expect a lively atmosphere full of cafes, restaurants, and parks. All in all, it’s an inviting destination for travelers seeking both history and modern charm.
2. Budapest, Hungary
Only a 4 hours drive from Belgrade, Budapest is a must-visit destination offering a mix of history, culture, and fun activities.
Amazingly, this city boasts too many attractive (and Instagramable) spots to name them all. The Chain Bridge that spans the Danube River between Buda and Pest and the Buda castle that will give you a taste of times long gone are just some of them.
While there, you can warm yourself up in the city’s famous thermal baths. And, of course, you should treat tastebuds to the local dishes. Although a bit spicy, Hungarian cuisine is rich and delicious.
By the way, did you know that Serbian gulaš originated from the Hungarian dish called gulyás? The two dishes are very similar, but the Hungarian version is much spicier.
3. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Imagine sitting in your car in Belgrade and — less than 6 hours later — arriving at a genuine heaven on Earth. Sounds food? If you go to Plitvice Lakes, you can turn that into reality.
Namely, this national park is a natural wonder of breathtaking beauty. It consists of a network of 16 turquoise lakes interconnected by cascading waterfalls and lush greenery.
While there, you can wander along wooden pathways that wind over crystal-clear streams while enjoying the stunning scenery. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll be interested to know that Plitvice Lakes boasts some rare species, including Lynx and the Brown Bear.
Admittedly, all this isn’t for free. The admission fee for adults is €10, which is more than fair for a place of such beauty.
4. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
To reach Sarajevo from the Serbian capital, you’ll need to drive less than 5 hours. So, once you arrive, what can you do there?
First off, you should head to the old oriental market — Baščaršija, and have Turkish coffee served in traditional coffee pots and cups made of brass. While there, just enjoy the lively atmosphere of the market.
Once you’ve had your fill — and taken a picture in front of the Sebilj fountain — escape the city and head to Vrelo Bosne. It’s a park located at the source of the River Bosna, where you can stroll along tree-lined paths and enjoy nature.
In the end, find a cozy tavern in the city and have a hearty serving of Sarajevski ćevapi with lots of onion. Prijatno!
5. Vienna, Austria
The capital of Austria is a bit further away from Belgrade, but it still takes less than 7 hours to get there. Once you do, have lots of Wiener Melange because you’ll need a lot of caffeine to explore all the wonders of this city in a single weekend.
For starters, Schönbrunn Palace is a must. The former imperial residence, including the palace gardens and the Vienna Zoo, are enough to take up an entire day.
Still, save some time to experience the Prater amusement park, home to the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel, roller coasters, and carnival games. If you get tired of the hustle and bustle, head to Vienna Woods and enjoy the peace and quiet.
6. Prague, Czechia
Finally, Prague is the most remote place on the list, and it’ll take you around 9 hours to reach it. As a result, it might be a better choice for an extended weekend. Either way, it’s absolutely worth the travel.
Some of the iconic places there are the ancient Prague Castle, the picturesque Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square, surrounded by colorful Baroque buildings.
Also, Prague is famous for premium-quality craft beer. So, once you get your fill of stunning architecture, find a place to grab a beer, or even better, join a walking tour to local mini-breweries.
Transportation Tips
If you have a car (or a Serbian friend with a car), you can easily reach all these places. Otherwise, you’ll need to figure out your ride. In that case, you’ve got several options, including:
- Bus – check FlixBus and book your ticket online
- Rent a car
- Car-sharing service – find affordable rides with Blablacar
Weekend Trip Outside of Serbia: Time to Start Packing
If all this gave you a case of wanderlust so bad that your suitcase is packing itself — it’s time to travel. Best of all, you don’t even need to take a vacation. Each place on the list is perfect for a weekend trip outside of Serbia.
By the way, if you decide to go to former Yugoslavian countries like Croatia or Bosnia and Herzegovina, you can absolutely use your Serbian language skills to talk to locals. Feel like you need to brush up on your Serbian? Join our 1-on-1 lessons, and we’ll teach you all you need to travel comfortably.
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