Beyond Belgrade: 5 Underrated Towns in Serbia Worth the Trip

I came to Serbia in December 2019 and have lived there ever since, mostly in Belgrade but, for the last year and a half, in the nearby town of Pančevo.

I’ve had the pleasure of exploring all around the country, and while Belgrade and Novi Sad are understandably the two most visited cities, there is much more to discover beyond them.

From towns with distinctive architecture to places with a rich, complex culture, here are five of my favorite places in Serbia that deserve more attention.

Subotica: Art Nouveau on the Hungarian Border

I’d argue this is the most distinctive town in the entire country, with its Art Nouveau architecture. Compared to Belgrade, its laid-back character is likely to instantly attract anyone looking to slow down and get away from the noise.

Its location in northern Serbia, close to the Hungarian border, also gives it a noticeably different character from many other Serbian towns, with strong Central European/Austro-Hungarian influences.

The best place to start exploring is the town center, where the colorful City Hall and the Subotica Synagogue are two of the most obvious examples of Subotica’s unique architecture. The nearby Raichle Palace is another highlight, with its detailed façade and unusual decorations.

Matije Korvina is perhaps the cutest street in the town and has a great pizza place called Stara Picerija. In 2025, a new street, Ulica starih zanata, opened to connect Korvina with Đure Đakovića. Though it’s new, it maintains the charm of classic Subotica.

Beyond architecture, it’s worth spending some time wandering the streets and looking at the buildings. Subotica is one of those places where simply walking around can be the best part of the day.

Plus, Lake Palić is just 8 km away and perfect for an extended weekend. It’s a popular place to walk, cycle and enjoy a meal. There are also parks, historic lakeside buildings and opportunities to explore the surrounding countryside.

I’d recommend taking your time rather than treating Subotica as somewhere to stop on the way to Hungary.

Planning a Trip to Subotica

Any time is good, but April, May, or September are great times to visit, when the weather is generally suitable for walking around town and exploring the surrounding area. Summer is another option if you’d like to spend more time at Palić Lake.

Subotica is about 180 kilometers from Belgrade, where Nikola Tesla Airport is the first option for most international travelers; Budapest Airport is also an option, just 200 kilometers away.

The town is accessible by train and bus, and its compact center is easy to explore on foot. Local buses and taxis connect Subotica with Palić.

Pirot: A Fortress Above the Nišava

The first thing I noticed after entering Pirot was the striking fortress overlooking the Nišava River. Never mind my grumbling stomach or wandering to the town center; I just had to stop for a visit and climb to the top.

I had just come from Stara Planina and was impressed when I realized you could see the mountains from the fortress. Pirot is an intriguing town with a rugged landscape as a backdrop, but once you dive into exploring, it’s jam-packed with history.

The fortress, often known as Momčilov grad, is the obvious place to start exploring Pirot because its riverside location makes it one of the town’s most memorable sights, and the views help explain why it was historically important.

Afterward, a walk through the center is relaxing and intriguing. For instance, you can explore the Museum of Ponišavlje, housed in a traditional building, and get a glimpse into the region’s architecture and cultural heritage.

Food and Mountains Around Pirot

Pirot is also known for its meat and cheese, some of the best in the country. Pirot kačkavalj, a traditional yellow cheese from the area, and the town’s distinctive ironed sausage (peglana kobasica) are other local specialties worth trying.

Food is a major part of the appeal here, and stopping at a local restaurant after exploring the town is an easy way to get a feel for Pirot and its surroundings. For more, read 10 Balkan Dishes You Need to Try, According to a Local.

The nearby countryside is another reason to visit. Zavojsko jezero is a beautiful lake and Stara Planina offers hiking, mountain scenery, waterfalls and traditional villages.

If you have a little more time, the wider area also includes the Jerma Special Nature Reserve, known for its gorges and natural landscapes. Pirot makes a good starting point for exploring this part of southeastern Serbia.

Planning a Trip to Pirot

September, April and May are good times to explore Pirot and the surrounding countryside. Summer suits hiking at higher elevations, while winter brings a different atmosphere.

Pirot is approximately 300 kilometers from Belgrade and around 70 kilometers from Niš. Niš Constantine the Great Airport is the closer airport, although international flight options will very likely bring you to Belgrade, so take that into account before planning a trip to Pirot.

Buses connect Pirot with other Serbian towns, including Niš and Belgrade. The center is walkable, but a rental car or taxi is useful if you want to explore Stara Planina and the smaller villages nearby.

Sremska Mitrovica: Walking Through Roman Sirmium

This is probably one of the best places in Serbia to see Roman remains up close, and it was one of the most important Balkan cities in Ancient Rome. Known in Roman times as Sirmium, it was one of the empire’s four capitals during the Tetrarchy and played a significant role in its history.

Today, the remains of that past sit alongside an ordinary Serbian town, making it an interesting place to explore even if you’re not usually drawn to archaeological sites.

The Imperial Palace archaeological site is Sremska Mitrovica’s main attraction, and visitors can see sections of the former palace complex, including walls, floor mosaics and even evidence of the heating systems used in Roman buildings.

The Museum of Srem is another worthwhile stop if you’d like to learn more about the area’s history and see objects connected to its past.

Riverside Walks and Nature Near Sremska Mitrovica

The town also has a lengthy riverside walk along the Sava, a pleasant place to spend some time after visiting the archaeological sites.

A walk through the center and across the bridge lets you see the town’s more chill vibe, while the riverbanks and green spaces offer a welcome chance to relax and watch locals go about their day-to-day lives.

When people talk about the slower pace of life in Vojvodina, this is often one of the first towns that comes to mind.

It’s just 30–45 minutes away from Fruška Gora National Park by car, depending on your destination, and is a convenient base for exploring the region. The nearby Zasavica Special Nature Reserve offers a neat experience, with wetlands and wildlife.

Personally, this is legitimately one of my favorite towns in Serbia and strikes me as one of the most underrated places in the country. It combines rich history with an everyday atmosphere that makes it enjoyable to explore without feeling like you’re following a tourist itinerary.

Planning a Trip to Sremska Mitrovica

Late spring and early autumn are good times to visit Sremska Mitrovica, about 75–80 kilometers from Belgrade.

Buses connect the town with Belgrade and other regional destinations, but be sure to check current timetables when planning your journey.

The main sights in the center can be explored on foot, while a car or taxi is useful for visiting Zasavica.

Valjevo: Wandering the Tešnjar Quarter

I’ve been to 57 countries, and a pattern has emerged: I simply love to wander and get a feel for a place. In that respect, Valjevo is the best Serbian town I’ve found for just that. It sits in western Serbia, around 90 kilometers southwest of Belgrade.

The historic Tešnjar quarter is known for its cobblestone streets along the Kolubara River and is a popular place to grab a drink and experience local life after hiking in the nearby mountains.

Its traditional buildings and narrow streets give it a character that feels quite different from the more modern parts of town. It’s the sort of place where I would happily spend an afternoon wandering without much of a plan.

History and Mountain Escapes Near Valjevo

Valjevo also has a rich history, including its role during the First World War, and there are museums and cultural sights to explore if you’d like to learn more about Valjevo and the general area.

The nearby Gradac River is another attraction for visitors who enjoy nature and want to walk through the countryside, while the mountains beyond Valjevo offer plenty of reasons to stay longer.

Divčibare, a mountain resort in the Maljen range, is one of the better-known nearby destinations for hiking and enjoying the outdoors. It’s also a useful addition to a trip if you want to combine Valjevo with some time in the mountains.

Planning a Trip to Valjevo

May and September are ideal months for walking around Tešnjar and exploring the nearby countryside. Summer works if you plan to hike in the mountains, though conditions can change a lot depending on elevation.

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport is about 100 kilometers away by road, and Valjevo is also connected to Belgrade by road, rail, and buses. Having a car makes it easier to reach Divčibare and other outdoor destinations in the surrounding region.

Sremski Karlovci: An Easy Day Trip From Novi Sad

If you’re only visiting Serbia briefly but still want an amazing day trip, Sremski Karlovci might be your best bet, and one of the easiest.

Just outside Novi Sad and on the edge of Fruška Gora National Park, this lovely town is the best stop for anyone looking for small-town vibes. There is an amazing concentration of historic buildings and a strong cultural identity.

The town’s main square is surrounded by the Karlovci Grammar School, the Patriarchal Court and the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Nicholas. The Four Lions Fountain is another recognizable landmark.

Beyond the square, the streets around it are pleasant to explore on foot, and there are cafés and restaurants where you can stop for a meal or a drink and enjoy the stress-free atmosphere.

Bermet Wine and Fruška Gora Hikes

Sremski Karlovci is also known for its wine, especially Bermet, an aromatic dessert wine. Visiting a local winery and sampling the area’s wines is one of the neatest experiences the town offers. Another local specialty is kuglof, a traditional ring-shaped cake that comes in several varieties.

The town’s location also makes it an ideal base for exploring Fruška Gora’s historic Orthodox monasteries scattered across the region.

Stražilovo is a popular excursion spot and a great option for those wanting to spend time in nature. You can easily combine a visit to Sremski Karlovci with a walk or hike, although you’ll want to allow extra time, possibly even a full weekend, if you plan to explore more of the national park.

Dinner on the Danube and Planning Your Visit

I had one of my favorite meals in all my years in Serbia at Pasent, on the Danube just outside the center of Sremski Karlovci, after a long hike through Fruška Gora.

That experience captures much of what I like about the town: you can spend the day exploring history or nature and then settle down for a good meal while unwinding. It is an excellent alternative to spending all your time in Novi Sad, particularly if you’re interested in the smaller places that give Serbia its character.

Planning a Trip to Sremski Karlovci

Mid to late spring and early to mid-autumn are great for combining a visit to the town with hiking in Fruška Gora. Summer is also a good time for outdoor activities, while autumn brings the grape harvest and wine-related events.

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport is around 80–90 kilometers away by road. Sremski Karlovci is close to Novi Sad and is reachable by bus, taxi, or car, though you should check schedules before traveling, as buses can be infrequent.

If you want to visit wineries, arrange tastings in advance, and consider taxis if you plan to sample the wine.

Serbia Beyond Belgrade and Novi Sad

I’ve explored nearly five dozen places in Serbia, and these are some of my favorites. Each offers something different, whether it’s the architecture of Subotica, the food and mountain scenery around Pirot, the Roman history of Sremska Mitrovica, the laid-back atmosphere of Valjevo, or the combination of wine, culture and nature in Sremski Karlovci.

Of course, many more hidden gems lie throughout the country. Belgrade and Novi Sad are worth visiting, but Serbia has plenty to offer beyond its two best-known cities. For travelers willing to venture a little farther, these five towns are an excellent place to start.

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Author Bio: I’m an American travel and music writer who has visited 57 countries and lived in China, Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala, Serbia, Washington, D.C., Connecticut, and Maine. Based in Serbia since 2019, I write about travel, culture, and overlooked destinations. I also interview musicians such as The Church, Editors, Teenage Fanclub, and Laura Veirs.

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