That’s how I found myself boarding a flight to Serbia—a country most travelers overlook but one that ended up giving me an experience richer than any five-star resort.
First Impressions of Belgrade
I landed in Belgrade, the capital city, with zero expectations and a hungry heart for discovery.
And the first surprise?
Kindness. Pure, unexpected kindness.
Within minutes of getting off the bus, a local noticed me struggling with directions.
"Are you lost?" he asked gently, and then walked me all the way to my hostel without asking for anything in return.
Belgrade feels like a city caught in time:
Communist-era buildings standing tall next to modern cafes.
Street art exploding with emotion.
An undercurrent of music and rebellion in every alley.
Belgrade Nightlife – Europe's Underrated Party Capital
If you think Berlin is wild, wait till you party in Belgrade.
The Splavovi (floating river clubs) on the Danube and Sava rivers come alive after 10 PM. I ended up at a boat-turned-disco where the drinks were cheap, the beats were Balkan, and the people didn’t stop dancing till sunrise.
The best part?
Even as a solo traveler, I never felt alone. Locals would happily invite me to join their table just to share stories.
Novi Sad – Where History Meets Art
A 1.5-hour train ride brought me to Novi Sad, Serbia’s cultural capital.
I climbed the Petrovaradin Fortress, often called the “Gibraltar of the Danube.”
Sat by the fortress wall watching the Danube River shimmer at sunset.
Explored quirky art galleries in old buildings.
Bought handcrafted jewelry from an elderly artist who told me her work helped her survive war and widowhood.
Novi Sad didn’t just show me beauty—it showed me resilienc.
Food in Serbia – Underrated Delight
Here’s what surprised me:
Serbian food is delicious, filling, and cheap.
Try these must-haves:
Ćevapi – grilled meat sausages, served with flatbread and onions.
Burek – a flaky pastry filled with cheese or meat.
Pljeskavica – Serbia’s version of a juicy burger.
And the coffee? Strong enough to reset your soul.
Why Serbia is Perfect for Budget Travelers
Here’s a secret nobody tells you:
Item Price (USD Approx)
Hostel stay/night $10–15
Full meal $5–8
Train from Belgrade to Novi Sad $4
Club entry Usually free
Even with a small budget, I felt like a king here.
Tips for Travelers Considering Serbia:
Visa: Easy for many countries (including Indians and most of Europe).
Currency: Serbian Dinar (RSD) – $1 ≈ 100 RSD.
Language: Most young people speak English.
Safety: Very safe even for solo travelers, including women.
Wi-Fi: Super fast. Great for digital nomads.
What Serbia Taught Me
Serbia is not just a destination; it’s a feeling.
It taught me:
How strangers can be more helpful than friends.
That beauty lies in raw, unfiltered places.
That a country with a war-torn past can have the warmest hearts.
#serbia #solotrip #traveling
