The best hotels in Serbia
Serbia has 5,000+ places to stay. Most travelers overlook it entirely. These 10 show what they are missing.
Our Top Picks in Serbia
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Hotel Vojvodina
Freedom Square, Novi Sad
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hotel Izvor
Bukovička Banja Spa, Aranđelovac
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hotel Turist
Zlatibor Plateau, Zlatibor
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hotel Stara Planina
Stara Planina Mountain, Knjaževac
Free cancellation & Pay later
Zira Hotel Belgrade
Savamala, Belgrade
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hotel Rimski
City Center, Sremska Mitrovica
Free cancellation & Pay later
Banja Junaković Resort
Junaković Spa, Apatin
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hotel Aleksandar Palas
Terazije, Belgrade
Free cancellation & Pay later
Envoy Hotel Belgrade
Dedinje, Belgrade
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garni Hotel Centar | City Center, Niš | $45–70/night | 7.8/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Hotel Vojvodina | Freedom Square, Novi Sad | $65–95/night | 7.5/10 | Best Value |
| 3 | Hotel Izvor | Bukovička Banja Spa, Aranđelovac | $100–145/night | 8.1/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 4 | Hotel Turist | Zlatibor Plateau, Zlatibor | $110–160/night | 8/10 | Family Friendly |
| 5 | Hotel Stara Planina | Stara Planina Mountain, Knjaževac | $120–170/night | 8.3/10 | Most Popular |
| 6 | Zira Hotel Belgrade | Savamala, Belgrade | $135–200/night | 8.5/10 | Best Location |
| 7 | Hotel Rimski | City Center, Sremska Mitrovica | $165–210/night | 8.2/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 8 | Banja Junaković Resort | Junaković Spa, Apatin | $280–420/night | 8.9/10 | Romantic Stay |
| 9 | Hotel Aleksandar Palas | Terazije, Belgrade | $150–220/night | 8.6/10 | Business Pick |
| 10 | Envoy Hotel Belgrade | Dedinje, Belgrade | $260–400/night | 9.1/10 | Luxury Pick |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Garni Hotel Centar
This small hotel sits on Obrenovićeva Street, a short walk from the Niš Fortress and the main pedestrian zone. Rooms are compact but clean, with decent beds and reliable Wi-Fi. Breakfast is basic but included in the rate, which makes the price hard to beat. Staff are helpful and speak enough English to assist tourists. A solid base for exploring Niš without spending much.
Check Availability
Hotel Vojvodina
The hotel is right on Trg slobode, the central square of Novi Sad, which puts you within walking distance of everything worth seeing. Rooms are older in style but well maintained, and the corner rooms have good views of the square. The in-house restaurant serves traditional Serbian food at reasonable prices. Noise from the square can be an issue on weekend nights, so request an interior room if that matters to you. For the location at this price, it is genuinely good value.
Check Availability
Hotel Izvor
Hotel Izvor is set inside the Bukovička Banja spa park, surrounded by forested walking paths and mineral water springs. The wellness facilities are the main reason to stay here, including indoor pools, thermal baths, and massage treatments. Rooms are comfortable and quiet, particularly those facing the park. The food in the main restaurant leans heavily toward traditional Serbian cuisine with big portions. This is a genuine retreat hotel rather than a sightseeing base.
Check Availability
Hotel Turist
Situated on the Zlatibor plateau, Hotel Turist is a well-established mountain resort with easy access to hiking trails and ski slopes in winter. The rooms are spacious and some have balconies overlooking the meadows. The hotel has a large outdoor terrace that gets busy during summer weekends with families. Service is consistent and the buffet breakfast is one of the better ones in the area. Book ahead for July and August as it fills up fast.
Check Availability
Hotel Stara Planina
This resort hotel sits at the base of the Stara Planina ski center, about 40 kilometers from Knjaževac town. It caters well to both skiers in winter and hikers in summer, with equipment rental and guided trail information on site. Rooms are modern and warm, with wooden interiors that fit the mountain setting. The restaurant serves good grilled meat dishes and local cheeses. It gets crowded on winter weekends, so midweek stays offer a much quieter experience.
Check Availability
Zira Hotel Belgrade
The Zira sits at the edge of the Savamala cultural district, putting you close to the best bars, galleries, and restaurants that Belgrade's nightlife scene has to offer. The design is contemporary and rooms are well sized with good soundproofing despite the busy neighborhood. The rooftop terrace bar has a clear view toward the Sava River and is worth visiting even if you are not a guest. Business amenities are solid, including a conference room and fast internet throughout. This is one of the better mid-range choices in the city.
Check Availability
Hotel Rimski
Hotel Rimski takes its name from the Roman heritage of Sremska Mitrovica, the ancient city of Sirmium, and the archaeological park is a short walk away. The hotel is modern and clean, with rooms larger than you would expect for a town of this size. The restaurant focuses on Vojvodina regional cuisine and the quality is noticeably better than average. Service is attentive and the staff can arrange guided tours to the nearby Roman ruins. Travelers passing through Vojvodina on a road trip should consider this a legitimate overnight stop.
Check Availability
Banja Junaković Resort
Set along the Danube near the town of Apatin, this spa resort combines thermal wellness facilities with a riverside natural setting that is genuinely relaxing. The rooms and villas are finished to a high standard, with thermal bath access included in all rates. The wellness center is one of the most comprehensive in Serbia, with a full range of treatments, multiple pools, and hydrotherapy options. The restaurant uses locally sourced Danube fish and Vojvodina produce to good effect. Couples visiting for spa weekends consistently rate this as a top experience in the country.
Check Availability
Hotel Aleksandar Palas
Located on Kralja Milana Street near the Terazije square, this hotel is right in the commercial and political heart of Belgrade. The building has a classic early 20th century exterior with modernized interiors, and the rooms are well furnished without being flashy. The conference facilities are frequently used by government and business delegations. Breakfast is a full buffet and consistently good. Public transport connections and proximity to the main train station make logistics easy.
Check Availability
Envoy Hotel Belgrade
The Envoy is a boutique luxury hotel in the Dedinje diplomatic quarter, which is the most prestigious residential area of Belgrade. The property has only a handful of suites, each individually designed with high-end furnishings and private butler service. The garden terrace is a particular highlight and one of the more pleasant outdoor spaces in the city. Rates include a personalized breakfast and airport transfers. This is the right choice for travelers who want genuine exclusivity rather than a large hotel chain experience.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Serbia
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel. Here's what you need to know.
Belgrade: Europe's Most Underrated Capital
Belgrade's transformation over the last 15 years is one of Europe's quieter urban success stories. Savamala went from abandoned warehouses to the continent's best party destination. The fortress at Kalemegdan, free to enter, sits on a cliff above the Sava and Danube confluence and is the most dramatic park setting in the Balkans.
Zira Hotel in Savamala at $135 to $200 puts you at the edge of the action. Hotel Aleksandar Palas on Kralja Milana near Terazije at $150 to $220 is the practical central option. For genuine luxury, Envoy Hotel in Dedinje at $260 to $400 has private butler service and a garden terrace in the diplomatic quarter.
Skadarlija, Belgrade's 19th-century bohemian quarter near Kalemegdan, is the place for traditional kafana dining. The cobblestone street has restaurants serving roasted lamb, stuffed peppers, and domestic wine. It is touristy but the food is genuinely good.
Vojvodina: The Flat North and Its Surprises
Vojvodina is often dismissed by visitors heading to Belgrade or the mountains. That is a mistake. Novi Sad has the best preserved old town in Serbia: the Petrovaradin Fortress above the Danube dates to the 18th century and the views from the upper town are exceptional. Hotel Vojvodina on Trg slobode in the center runs $65 to $95 and the location cannot be better.
The Exit Festival in July takes over Petrovaradin Fortress for 4 days. It is one of the best music festivals in Europe and tickets for international artists cost a fraction of what equivalent festivals charge in the UK or Germany.
Banja Junaković near Apatin at $280 to $420 is the most comprehensive spa resort in Serbia, with thermal pools, hydrotherapy, and genuine riverfront calm on the Danube. The restaurant focuses on Vojvodina fish and produce and is consistently better than the spa hotel average.
The Serbian Mountains: Zlatibor and Stara Planina
Zlatibor is the most accessible mountain destination from Belgrade, 3 hours by bus or car. The plateau sits at 1,000 meters and has walking trails radiating from the town center. Hotel Turist at $110 to $160 is established and well-positioned, with a terrace and trail access from the grounds.
Stara Planina is wilder and less developed. The ski center near Knjaževac is newer and the off-piste terrain is better than at Zlatibor. Hotel Stara Planina at $120 to $170 has modern rooms with wooden interiors and decent skiing from December to March.
Tara National Park near Bajina Bašta is the third option and the least touristy. The canyon of the Drina River below Tara is one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Balkans. There are smaller guesthouses and eco-lodges in the area rather than large resort hotels.
Niš: The Second City That Earns Its Visit
Niš is 3 hours south of Belgrade and has a completely different character. The Ottoman fortress in the city center is large and well preserved, with cafes and restaurants inside the walls. The Skull Tower, 2 kilometers from the center, is exactly what it sounds like: a tower of human skulls built by the Ottomans after defeating Serbian rebels in 1809.
Garni Hotel Centar on Obrenovićeva Street at $45 to $70 is the budget anchor and the location is a 5-minute walk from the fortress and main pedestrian zone. The kafanas in the old bazaar area inside the fortress walls serve proper Niš-style grilled meat.
Niška Banja, 10 kilometers east, is a spa town within easy day-trip distance with Roman thermal baths still in operation. The small hotel options there are cheap and decent for an overnight extension.
Serbian Food and Drink: The Real Highlights
Kafana culture is central to understanding Serbia. These traditional restaurants have wooden tables, accordion music on weekend evenings, and menus that focus on roasted and grilled meats, bean soups, and stuffed peppers. They are where Serbians spend their evenings and the best ones in Belgrade are in Skadarlija.
Rakija is unavoidable and worth embracing. Home-distilled šljivovica (plum brandy) and lozovača (grape brandy) are the most common varieties. It is served at the start of meals and at celebrations. Refusing it once is accepted; refusing it twice is considered impolite.
Gibanica (cheese pastry) and kajmak (clotted cream cheese) are the two Serbian foods most visitors overlook. Gibanica is best from a burek bakery early in the morning. Kajmak goes on everything: bread, grilled meat, corn porridge. Find it at the Zeleni venac market in Belgrade.
Spa and Wellness in Serbia
Serbia has more thermal spa towns per capita than most European countries. The most significant are: Vrnjačka Banja (the most famous, with cold and warm mineral springs), Sokobanja (the clean mountain spa town), Bukovička Banja in Aranđelovac, and Banja Junaković near Apatin.
Hotel Izvor in Aranđelovac sits inside the Bukovička Banja park, surrounded by forested paths and mineral water springs, at $100 to $145 per night. The wellness facilities are the reason to stay: indoor pools, thermal baths, and massage treatments in a genuinely quiet park setting.
Banja Junaković near Apatin at $280 to $420 is the luxury end of Serbian spa resorts. The thermal bath access is included in all rates, the hydrotherapy circuit is one of the most comprehensive in the country, and the Danube setting is genuinely relaxing.
Explore Serbia by city
We cover 5 destinations across Serbia. Pick a city for a dedicated hotel guide with neighborhoods, seasonal tips, and our vetted picks.
Serbia's best hotel regions
Belgrade is the obvious entry point and the nightlife capital of the Balkans. Vojvodina is wine and spa country to the north. Zlatibor and Stara Planina are mountain escapes. Niš is the second city with Roman ruins that most visitors never reach.
Belgrade 30 vetted hotels The nightlife capital of the Balkans
The nightlife capital of the Balkans
Belgrade has the most dynamic hotel market in Serbia. Savamala is the creative district with Zira Hotel at $135 to $200. Terazije is the commercial center with Aleksandar Palas at $150 to $220. Dedinje is the diplomatic quarter with Envoy Hotel at $260 to $400.
The fortress at Kalemegdan is free. Skadarlija bohemian quarter has the best traditional restaurants. The Ada Ciganlija lake beach is free in summer and pulls the whole city.
Browse all Belgrade hotels → Vojvodina 20 vetted hotels Flat, fertile, and underestimated
Flat, fertile, and underestimated
Novi Sad is Vojvodina's capital with Petrovaradin Fortress above the Danube and Hotel Vojvodina on Trg slobode at $65 to $95. The Exit Festival in July is one of Europe's best value music events.
Banja Junaković near Apatin at $280 to $420 is the regional luxury spa anchor. Sremska Mitrovica has the Roman Sirmium heritage and Hotel Rimski at $165 to $210.
Browse all Vojvodina hotels → Mountain Serbia 25 vetted hotels Zlatibor, Stara Planina, and Tara
Zlatibor, Stara Planina, and Tara
Zlatibor plateau at $110 to $160 per night is the most accessible mountain destination. Stara Planina near Knjaževac at $120 to $170 has better skiing. Tara National Park near Bajina Bašta is the wildest option.
Mountain weekends fill fast in both summer and winter. Book at least 2 weeks ahead for July-August and December-February.
Browse all Mountain Serbia hotels → Niš and Southern Serbia 15 vetted hotels Ottoman heritage and Roman ruins off the tourist map
Ottoman heritage and Roman ruins off the tourist map
Niš at $45 to $70 per night is the most affordable region for accommodation. The fortress and Skull Tower are among the most distinctive historical sites in the country. Niška Banja spa town is 10 kilometers east.
Pirot is known for its traditional carpet weaving and has a well-preserved Ottoman bazaar. Leskovac further south is the grilled meat capital of Serbia.
Browse all Niš and Southern Serbia hotels → Spa Towns 20 vetted hotels Thermal springs are Serbia's secret weapon
Thermal springs are Serbia's secret weapon
Serbia has more working thermal spa towns than most European countries. Hotel Izvor in Aranđelovac at $100 to $145 in the Bukovička Banja park is the mid-range anchor. Banja Junaković near Apatin at $280 to $420 is the luxury level.
Vrnjačka Banja is the most famous and busiest spa town. Sokobanja in eastern Serbia combines mountain air with thermal water in a clean, quiet setting.
Browse all Spa Towns hotels →Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Serbia.
History and Heritage
The Niš Fortress is one of the best preserved Ottoman fortresses in the Balkans, free to enter with cafes inside the walls. Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad sits on the Danube and hosts Exit Festival in July. Sremska Mitrovica was a late Roman imperial capital and the ruins are open and unroped.
Romantic Escapes
Envoy Hotel in Belgrade's Dedinje diplomatic quarter has private butler service and a garden terrace at $260 to $400 per night. Banja Junaković on the Danube at $280 to $420 is the spa retreat option with thermal pools and river setting. Chateau Bela in Slovakia (nearby) is also a reference point for the region.
Budget Travel
Serbia is one of the cheapest countries in Europe for accommodation. Garni Hotel Centar in Niš runs $45 to $70. Hotel Vojvodina in Novi Sad's central square costs $65 to $95. Belgrade mid-range starts at $135 for genuine quality in the best neighborhoods. Everything is 40 to 60% cheaper than equivalent Western European cities.
Food and Kafana Culture
Kafanas are Serbia's traditional restaurants: wooden tables, accordion music, roasted lamb, stuffed peppers, and rakija. Skadarlija bohemian quarter in Belgrade has the most atmospheric ones. Leskovac in southern Serbia is the grilled meat capital. Gibanica pastry and kajmak clotted cream are what locals eat for breakfast.
Family Trips
Zlatibor plateau has outdoor activities for all ages: walking trails, zip lines, and the narrow gauge Šargan Eight mountain railway. The Belgrade Zoo in Kalemegdan park is good for younger children. Ada Ciganlija lake beach in Belgrade is free and has water sports. Mountain resorts fill with Serbian families in July and August.
Nature and Outdoors
Serbia has no coast but has excellent natural terrain. Tara National Park has the Drina canyon. Stara Planina has genuine alpine hiking. Zlatibor has 1,000-meter plateau walking in clean air. The Đerdap Gorge on the Danube is the deepest canyon in Europe, accessible from Kladovo in eastern Serbia.
How We Vetted These Hotels
Every hotel on this list went through the same evaluation. Here's exactly how we score them.
We reviewed 5,000+ hotels across Serbia's capital, mountain resorts, spa towns, and the flat Vojvodina plain. Serbia is significantly underpriced compared to neighboring Croatia and Slovenia.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
Hotels that score below 8.0 don't make our list. Hotels can't pay for placement. We update scores every quarter based on new reviews. If a hotel's quality drops, it gets removed. Read more about our approach on the about page.
When to Visit Serbia: Season by Season
Hotel prices, crowds, and weather vary dramatically. Here's what to expect each season.
Spring (April-June)
The best time. Belgrade's outdoor bar season starts in April. The mountains are accessible from May. Flower season on the Zlatibor plateau is June. Hotel prices are at mid-season and the crowds are manageable everywhere except Exit Festival in Novi Sad in July.
Summer (July-August)
Exit Festival in Novi Sad in July is the headline event. Belgrade locals leave for the mountains and coast, which makes the city quieter but the mountain resorts pack out. August in Belgrade is hot at 35 to 38°C. Zlatibor and the mountains are full and prices spike. Book ahead for mountain hotels.
Autumn (September-October)
September is consistently good in Serbia. Belgrade comes back to life after August. Mountain colors are excellent in October. Grape harvest season in Šumadija. Spa resorts are quiet and often offer promotions. This is the best time to visit if you want value and good weather.
Winter (November-March)
Cold in Belgrade but the kafanas are warm and the Christmas markets are genuine. Mountain ski resorts at Zlatibor and Stara Planina are best December to February. Spa resorts are their most popular in winter. Hotel prices are at their lowest in Belgrade.
How to Book Hotels in Serbia
Smart booking strategies that save money without sacrificing quality.
Book mountain hotels 2 weeks ahead in summer
Zlatibor and Stara Planina fill up fast on summer weekends. Serbian families from Belgrade and Novi Sad book ahead and mid-week stays are significantly quieter and sometimes 15 to 20% cheaper. Hotel Turist in Zlatibor books out for July-August weekends by early June.
Serbian cash economy: bring dinars
Outside Belgrade hotels and larger restaurants, cash in Serbian dinars is expected. ATMs are available in all towns and accept international cards. Exchange rate at ATMs is better than at exchange offices. Tipping 10% is appreciated in kafanas and restaurants. Taxi drivers expect rounding up to the nearest 100 dinars.
Exit Festival tickets sell out months ahead
Exit Festival at Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad runs for 4 days in early July and attracts major international artists at prices 40 to 60% lower than equivalent UK or German festivals. Four-day passes typically cost $80 to $120. Novi Sad hotels fill completely. Book festival and hotel together as soon as lineup is announced in March.
The Niš Skull Tower is genuinely unusual
Built by the Ottomans in 1809 from the skulls of Serbian rebels, the Skull Tower is one of the most singular historical monuments in Europe. 2 kilometers from Niš center, entry costs 150 dinars ($1.50). Open daily 9am to 5pm in summer. The original 952 skulls are partially preserved in the structure.
Rakija is served at the start, not end, of meals
Serbian dining custom has rakija as the opening drink, not a digestif. You will be offered it before ordering food. Accepting is polite and the gesture of clinking glasses and making eye contact is important: looking away while clinking is considered bad luck. Homemade rakija is often better quality than commercial brands.
Bus travel is better than trains in Serbia
The bus network in Serbia is more comprehensive, faster, and more comfortable than the rail network. Belgrade to Zlatibor: 3 hours by bus vs 4+ by train. Belgrade to Niš: 2.5 hours by bus vs 3.5 by train. The JAT bus terminal in Belgrade is near the main train station. Tickets are typically 500 to 1,500 dinars ($5 to $15).
Frequently Asked Questions About Hotels in Serbia
Straight answers from our team after reviewing hotels across Serbia.
What is Belgrade known for and why should I visit?
Belgrade is one of Europe's best nightlife cities and one of its most underrated cultural destinations. The Savamala neighborhood has been transformed from warehouses to galleries, bars, and restaurants in the last decade. The fortress at Kalemegdan where the Sava meets the Danube is free and genuinely impressive. Hotel prices are 40 to 60% lower than equivalent cities in Western Europe.
What is the best area to stay in Belgrade?
Savamala for atmosphere, Terazije for central access. Savamala is the creative district with Mikser House, the BIGZ cultural center, and the best craft beer bars in the city. Zira Hotel at the district edge runs $135 to $200 and the rooftop has views toward the Sava. Terazije square is the center of everything, with Hotel Aleksandar Palas on Kralja Milana Street running $150 to $220.
How much does a hotel in Serbia cost per night?
Budget in Niš runs $45 to $70. Belgrade mid-range is $135 to $220. Luxury at Envoy Hotel Dedinje starts at $260. The mountain resorts at Zlatibor and Stara Planina run $110 to $170. Spa resorts in Vojvodina like Banja Junaković run $280 to $420 and include thermal access. Serbia is significantly cheaper than Croatia or Hungary for equivalent quality.
Is Niš worth visiting?
Yes, and it is consistently overlooked. The Niš Fortress is one of the best-preserved Ottoman fortresses in Serbia and you can walk the walls. The Skull Tower, built by the Ottomans from the skulls of Serbian rebels after the 1809 uprising, is one of the more unusual historical monuments in Europe. Garni Hotel Centar on Obrenovićeva Street runs $45 to $70 and is a 5-minute walk from both.
What is Vojvodina and why visit it?
Vojvodina is the autonomous province north of Belgrade, flat and agricultural, with a strong Hungarian minority in the north. Novi Sad on the Danube is its capital and has one of the best old town citadels in the region. The Exit Festival takes over Petrovaradin Fortress in July and attracts 200,000+ visitors. The Danube near Apatin has excellent fishing and the spa resort at Banja Junaković runs $280 to $420.
What are the Serbian mountain resorts good for?
Zlatibor on the Zlatibor plateau is the main mountain resort, good for hiking in summer and skiing in winter. Hotel Turist runs $110 to $160 with outdoor terrace access and trails from the door. Stara Planina has a newer ski center at Hotel Stara Planina near Knjaževac at $120 to $170. Both fill on winter weekends. Tara Mountain near Bajina Bašta is wilder and less developed.
When is the best time to visit Serbia?
May, June, September, and October. Belgrade in these months is warm and the outdoor bar season is in full swing. The Ada Ciganlija lake beach in Belgrade draws locals from June to September. Exit Festival in Novi Sad is July. Mountain hiking is best June through October. Avoid August in Belgrade: it is hot and many locals leave the city.
What food should I eat in Serbia?
Grilled meat is central to Serbian cuisine: pljeskavica (grilled meat patty) and ćevapčići (minced meat rolls) are the staples. Kafanas are traditional Serbian restaurants with live folk music and large portions, and are still the way most Belgraders eat out. Rakija (fruit brandy) is the national drink. Šljivovica (plum rakija) is the most common variety and typically homemade.
Is there a good rail network in Serbia?
Limited but functional. The main rail line connects Belgrade to Subotica (Hungarian border) and Belgrade to Niš. Trains are slow compared to Western Europe but cheap at 500 to 1,500 dinars ($5 to $14). Buses cover more ground and are faster: the JAT bus network connects Belgrade to Zlatibor in 3 hours and to Novi Sad in 1.5 hours.
What is the Sremska Mitrovica Roman heritage?
Sremska Mitrovica was ancient Sirmium, one of the four capitals of the late Roman Empire and birthplace of 7 emperors, including Probus and Maximian. The archaeological park is open and free, with mosaic floors and Roman structures visible. Hotel Rimski in the city center at $165 to $210 is named after this heritage and the staff can arrange guided tours.
How do I get from Belgrade to Novi Sad?
Bus from the BAS bus station in Belgrade takes 1 hour and costs 500 to 700 dinars ($5 to $7). Trains take longer at 1.5 hours. By car it is 80 kilometers on the A1 highway. Novi Sad is easily done as a day trip but it deserves an overnight if you want to see the Petrovaradin Fortress properly and visit the museums.
What areas of Serbia should I skip?
The larger chain hotels along the Danube Quay in Belgrade are expensive for what they offer and the area feels generic compared to Savamala. The resort infrastructure around Kopaonik ski resort is more developed than Zlatibor or Stara Planina but feels impersonal. Cheaper options in the mountain areas tend to be significantly better value than the large resort hotels.
Useful links for Serbia
Government & official sources only. No booking sites, no ads.
Ready to book Serbia?
We vetted the best — but there are thousands more. Browse the full selection and filter by dates, price, and neighborhood.
Browse all Serbia hotels