Serbia sits at the crossroads of empires, where Ottoman caravans once met Habsburg patrols and the Danube and Sava rivers still rule city life. Its capital, Belgrade, is a high-energy mix of grand boulevards, crumbling Austro-Hungarian facades, and bohemian streets, while Novi Sad charms with cobblestones, café culture, and a star-shaped fortress.

Expect hearty Balkan cuisine—ćevapi, sarma, kajmak, and peppery ajvar—alongside modern bistros, specialty coffee, and local wines from Fruška Gora. History is everywhere: Roman waypoints, medieval monasteries, and museums that tell 20th-century stories with unflinching detail.

Practical notes: currency is the Serbian dinar (RSD), tap water is potable, and tipping 10% is appreciated. Serbia uses Type C/F plugs (230V). Most visitors need no visa for short stays; always check current entry rules. Trains now link Belgrade and Novi Sad in 36 minutes, making this 7-day itinerary relaxed and efficient.

Belgrade

Belgrade is a city of viewpoints—literally, with Kalemegdan Fortress guarding the Sava–Danube confluence, and figuratively, with neighborhoods that each spin Serbia’s story differently. Dorćol and Stari Grad bring café corners and galleries; Vračar rises around the monumental Church of Saint Sava; the riverfront lures you with floating splavs and Beton Hala’s restaurants.

Top highlights include Knez Mihailova pedestrian street, the Nikola Tesla Museum, the Museum of Yugoslavia and Tito’s House of Flowers, the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija, and river life on Ada Ciganlija and Zemun’s quay. Evenings come alive with live tamburica in old-school kafanas and craft cocktails in tucked-away bars.

• Where to stay: For easy sightseeing, base in Stari Grad/Dorćol or near Republic Square; for nightlife and river dining, consider Savamala and Beton Hala; for quieter nights, Vračar around Saint Sava. Browse hotels and apartments on Hotels.com (Belgrade) and VRBO (Belgrade). Consider landmarks like Hotel Moskva (historic), Square Nine (design-forward), Hilton Belgrade (modern), or boutique stays in Dorćol.
• Getting there: Fly into Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG). Compare flights (especially intra‑Europe) on Omio (flights). From BEG, use the A1 minibus to Slavija (~40 minutes) or a taxi from the official airport desk (fixed-price zones, ~1,800–2,500 RSD).
• Getting around: Belgrade is walkable in the center; supplement with city buses and affordable taxis. For regional trains in Europe, see Omio (trains); for intercity buses, check Omio (buses).

Day 1: Arrival, Old Town Stroll, and Skadarlija Evenings

Afternoon: Arrive and settle in. Stretch your legs along Knez Mihailova, the 19th‑century pedestrian artery lined with bookstores and street performers, then pause at Republic Square to orient yourself by the National Museum and the equestrian statue of Prince Mihailo. Coffee at Pržionica (a local roastery in Dorćol) or Kafeterija’s Republic Square outpost for excellent espresso.

Evening: Dive into bohemian Belgrade in Skadarlija. Dinner at Tri Šešira or Dva Jelena pairs grilled meats, sarma, and shopska salad with live tamburica music in cobbled courtyards—touristy yet atmospheric for a first night. Afterwards, sample Serbia’s fruit brandies at Rakia Bar (think quince, apricot, honey-infused); start with a tasting flight to learn the styles.

Day 2: Kalemegdan, Tesla, and the Waterfront

Morning: Enter Kalemegdan Fortress, a palimpsest of Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Austrian layers with sweeping confluence views. Pop into the Military Museum for context, then wander to Ružica Church and the Victor Monument. Breakfast tip en route: grab a warm burek and yogurt at Pekara Trpković—flaky, savory, and a beloved local start.

Afternoon: Pay homage to innovation at the Nikola Tesla Museum (check for timed tickets). Continue to Vračar to see the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches; the mosaics glow in gold and ultramarine. Lunch at Manufaktura near Republic Square, known for cured meats, kajmak, and house-made ajvar beneath a canopy of red umbrellas.

Evening: Head to Beton Hala on the river for dinner at Ambar—Balkan small plates designed for sharing, from kajmak-laden corn bread to slow-cooked lamb. Follow with cocktails at Bar Central (a bartender’s bar with Serbian infusions) or a rooftop nightcap at Mama Shelter with city views.

Day 3: Zemun, Yugoslav History, and Nightlife

Morning: Explore Zemun’s Austro‑Hungarian soul: climb Gardoš Tower for Danube panoramas and stroll the riverside quay. Coffee and a slice of krempita at one of the quay cafés, then an early lunch at Šaran for river fish specialties (try perch or catfish paprikaš).

Afternoon: Taxi to the Museum of Yugoslavia and Tito’s House of Flowers to unpack a complex 20th‑century chapter through gifts, photos, and design. If time allows, stop at the Museum of Contemporary Art across the river at Ušće for a look at regional modernism and a great vantage over New Belgrade.

Evening: Dinner at Lorenzo & Kakalamba—part gallery, part grandma’s attic, fully delicious—with inventive takes on Serbian and Tuscan dishes. Afterwards, sample Belgrade’s bar scene in the Cetinjska 15 courtyard: craft beer at Zaokret, indie gigs at Elektropionir, and DJ sets most weekends.

Novi Sad

Novi Sad trades hustle for harmony: pastel facades around Liberty Square, leafy promenades, and a fortress that stages one of Europe’s great summer festivals, EXIT. The city is also a gateway to the Fruška Gora hills, where monasteries hide among vineyards pouring Bermet, a spiced dessert wine once favored by Austro-Hungarian courts.

Expect an easygoing rhythm: bookshops with espresso bars, urban bistros showcasing Vojvodina’s produce, and long golden hours on the Danube. Petrovaradin’s bastions and tunnels bring history alive; cafés along Zmaj Jovina and Dunavska keep you lingering.

• Where to stay: Center yourself near Dunavska Street or Liberty Square for walkability, or choose the Petrovaradin side for views. Great picks include Hotel Pupin (stylish), Sheraton Novi Sad (modern), Prezident Hotel (spa), and Hotel Leopold I (inside the fortress). Browse options on Hotels.com (Novi Sad) or VRBO (Novi Sad).
• Belgrade–Novi Sad travel: Take the high‑speed “Soko” train from Belgrade Centar (Prokop) to Novi Sad: ~36 minutes, ~€6–10, frequent. Check schedules and book on Omio (trains). Buses are an alternative (~1.5 hours) via Omio (buses).

Day 4: Train to Novi Sad, Old Town and Sunset at Petrovaradin

Morning: Depart Belgrade on a morning Soko train. Grab a seat by the window for glimpses of the Danube floodplains. Drop bags at your hotel and fuel up with specialty coffee at Loft or Zenit Books & Coffee (a cozy bookstore-café hybrid).

Afternoon: Walk Dunavska and Zmaj Jovina, pop into the Gallery of Matica Srpska for Serbian art, and unwind in Danube Park. Lunch at Fish & Zeleniš for Mediterranean‑leaning plates (try the octopus with chickpeas or seasonal risotti) or Veliki, a bistro devoted to Vojvodina classics.

Evening: Cross the bridge to Petrovaradin Fortress for sunset over the city—follow the ramparts to the Clock Tower, whose “slow” hour hand helped boatmen tell time from afar. Dine at Terasa for elegant regional fare with a view, then sip local wine on Laze Telečkog street at Gusan Pub or a chilled spritzer at one of its terrace bars.

Day 5: Tunnels, Museums, and the Strand

Morning: Join a guided tour of Petrovaradin’s underground tunnels to learn how the fortress’s star-shaped defenses worked (book a day in advance via the city museum). Post‑tour coffee and pastries at Loft or a quick burek break at a local pekara.

Afternoon: Explore the Museum of Vojvodina for archaeology and folk life, then, in warm months, head to Štrand, the sandy Danube beach with cafés and volleyball courts. If the weather’s cool, swap for the Novi Sad Synagogue (a cultural venue) and a gallery hop.

Evening: Dinner at Project 72 Wine & Deli—short seasonal menu, house‑made pâtés, and an excellent Serbian wine list. Cap the night with craft beer at Gusan or cocktails at a low‑key lounge on the square; for dessert, grab gelato at Crna Ovca on the stroll home.

Day 6: Fruška Gora Monasteries and Sremski Karlovci Wine (Day Trip)

Spend the day in the green folds of Fruška Gora. Start at Krušedol Monastery for frescoes and imperial patronage stories, then continue to Grgeteg or Hopovo—quiet courtyards scented by pines. Break for a rustic lunch: grilled meats, creamy kajmak, and seasonal salads at a countryside salaš (traditional farmstead) or in Sremski Karlovci. In Karlovci, wander the Baroque center around the Patriarchate and Four Lions fountain, then taste Bermet and local Rieslings at family wineries such as Probus, Dulka, or Bajilo—ask for a cellar tour and pairing of kulen (spicy sausage) and cheeses. Return to Novi Sad by early evening; if you need something light, stop by Veliki for a bowl of čorba (soup) or a small plate and turn in.

Day 7: Market Morning and Departure

Morning: Brunch at Veliki (try the gibanica cheese pie or a farm‑egg skillet) and a quick spin through Futoška Market to pick up ajvar, honey, or paprika to take home. If you prefer a last stroll, circle back through Liberty Square and the pedestrian lanes for final photos.

Afternoon: Ride the Soko train back toward Belgrade (~36 minutes), then connect by taxi or the A1 bus to the airport; plan 1.5–2 hours total from Novi Sad to BEG with buffer. For train and bus options, check Omio (trains) and Omio (buses). For flights, compare on Omio (flights).

Belgrade: Daily Food and Coffee Notes (Use Across Days)

• Breakfast/coffee: Pržionica (third‑wave roastery), Kafeterija (reliable chain with single‑origin options), Pekara Trpković or Toma for fresh burek and kifle.
• Lunch: Manufaktura (modern Serbian mezze), Walter Sarajevski Ćevap (Bosnian‑style ćevapi with somun and kajmak), To Je To (classic grills in a no‑frills spot).
• Dinner: Ambar (Balkan sharing plates at the river), Comunale (Italian at Beton Hala), Lorenzo & Kakalamba (eclectic interiors, creative Serbian‑Tuscan menu), Tri Šešira (old‑school Skadarlija vibes).
• Drinks: Bar Central (cocktails), Dogma Brewery Taproom (craft beer across the river), Jazz Basta (romantic garden for a quieter night).

Novi Sad: Daily Food and Coffee Notes (Use Across Days)

• Breakfast/coffee: Loft (specialty coffee, light bites), Zenit Books & Coffee (literary nook), Pekara Evropa (warm pastries).
• Lunch: Fish & Zeleniš (Mediterranean and veggie‑friendly), Veliki (Vojvodina comfort food), Toster Bar (excellent burgers if you want casual).
• Dinner: Project 72 Wine & Deli (short seasonal menu), Terasa (fortress views), Aqua Doria (riverside fish and grilled dishes).
• Wine: In Karlovci, ask for Bermet and local Grašac (Welschriesling); many cellars offer tastings with small bites.

Seasonal and Practical Tips

• EXIT Festival: Early July at Petrovaradin—book accommodation months ahead.
• Cash & cards: Cards widely accepted; carry small cash for markets and kafanas.
• Safety: City centers are generally safe; use licensed taxis or ride-hailing at night and keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas.

Where to book: Compare flights on Omio (flights), intercity trains on Omio (trains), buses on Omio (buses), and stay options via Hotels.com (Belgrade), VRBO (Belgrade), Hotels.com (Novi Sad), and VRBO (Novi Sad).

This 7‑day Serbia itinerary blends Belgrade’s big‑city buzz with Novi Sad’s softer pace, bookending fortress views with memorable kitchens and cellars. With fast trains, short distances, and hearty hospitality, you’ll cover a lot without ever feeling rushed.