Travelling in Serbia β The Complete Travel Guide to an Unforgettable Trip
Esimfly Β· 16 March 2025
I still remember the first time I arrived in Serbia. It is a country that does not get nearly enough credit as a travel destination, but it did not take me long to realise how special it is. The streets of Belgrade are full of life β tiny cafΓ©s filled with the aroma of excellent coffee, bars playing Balkan music into the small hours, and the Danube giving the city a sense of space you rarely find elsewhere in Europe. Novi Sad quickly became one of my favourite cities, with its calm, its historic buildings and its laid-back atmosphere. And if you are after wild nature, hidden riverside beaches and food you will not taste anywhere else β Serbia is your place.
But let's get down to business β if you are planning a trip to Serbia, there are a few things worth knowing in advance: how to find cheap flights, how to get around easily, where to stay, which dishes you must not miss, and how to stay online without paying a fortune with an eSIM you will find all of it right here, including direct links to every relevant service β from flight and hotel booking sites to car rental and the best travel eSIM service out there (eSIMfly).
How to get to Serbia β cheap flights and key tips
Serbia's main airport, Nikola Tesla in Belgrade (official site), receives direct flights from many European countries, and even if there is no direct flight from your city, you can find connecting flights at very reasonable prices.
How to find cheap flights?
- Use search engines such as Skyscanner or Google Flights to get a picture of the going rates and set alerts for price drops.
- Book at least two months ahead β fares to Serbia move fast, and most of the good deals disappear early.
- Check connecting flights β sometimes flying to Vienna or Budapest and continuing by train works out significantly cheaper.
Airlines that fly to Serbia at low fares:
- Air Serbia β the national carrier, with plenty of direct routes across Europe.
- Wizz Air β offers especially low fares from a range of countries, including Israel.
- Ryanair β a low-cost airline with very cheap flights via nearby destinations.
How to get around Serbia? Every way to move with ease
Inside the big cities such as Belgrade and Novi Sad, public transport is fairly convenient, with buses and trams. But if you want flexibility, I recommend CarGo, the Serbian answer to Uber β cheaper and more reliable than regular taxis.
For travelling between cities, there are a few excellent options:
- Trains β the comfortable way to travel between Belgrade and the larger cities. Tickets can be booked through Serbian Railways.
- Buses β the cheapest way to travel around the country. Recommended booking sites: BusTicket4.me and GetbyBus.
- Car rental β the best way to explore villages and natural areas. You can book a car through Rentalcars.
The cities you have to visit
Belgrade β the beating heart of Serbia
Belgrade draws backpackers, history buffs and nightlife lovers alike. A visit to Belgrade Fortress (Kalemegdan) is a must, with its breathtaking views over the Danube and the Sava. Skadarlija is the bohemian quarter, packed with traditional restaurants and live music.
Novi Sad β the calm pearl of the Danube
Novi Sad is a city with a character all its own and a wonderfully relaxed vibe. Here you will find Petrovaradin Fortress, one of the country's most impressive sites.
Southern Serbia β wild landscapes and breathtaking nature
If you love the outdoors, do not miss Tara National Park and a boat trip on the Drina river, with scenery you simply will not find anywhere else.
Food in Serbia β what you must not miss
One of the things that surprised me most in Serbia was the food. Balkan cuisine is rich in unique flavours. If you are in Serbia, do not leave without trying:
- Δevapi β juicy grilled minced-meat rolls served with flatbread and a special sauce.
- Pljeskavica β the Serbian take on the burger, made from quality meat with local seasoning.
- Kajmak β a perfectly creamy dairy spread served alongside meat dishes.
How to stay connected with fast internet in Serbia?
Being online is one of the most important things when you travel. A local SIM card is more hassle than it is worth, and roaming packages from home operators are extremely expensive. That is why the best solution is an eSIM for Serbia β you simply buy it in advance, scan a QR code, and you have fast internet the moment you land.
In summary β why you should not skip Serbia
Serbia is one of the most distinctive countries in Europe, offering history, breathtaking nature, incredible food, a wild nightlife scene and very friendly prices. If you are looking for a destination that is authentic, affordable and full of unforgettable experiences β this is the one for you.
Just remember to sort everything out in advance β book cheap flights, check out good hotels, decide how you will get around, and set up your eSIM ahead of time so you stay connected throughout.
Serbia is waiting for you!
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Planning the trip? Order your Serbia eSIM before you fly β the QR code arrives by email within minutes.