A First-Timer's Guide to Serbia's Cities: Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, Subotica

Sitting at the heart of the Balkan peninsula, Serbia carries the meeting of ancient and modern, of East and West. This guide is a quick orientation to the four cities that best represent the country — ideal for first-time visitors:

Belgrade

The "White City", set where the Danube meets the Sava — a place where modern life and deep history sit side by side.

Highlights:

• Saint Sava Cathedral: one of the largest Eastern Orthodox churches in the world
• Kalemegdan Fortress: panoramic views over the river confluence and the city
• Danube river cruises: scenic by night, light meal and commentary included, from around €20 per person
• Republic Square & Skadarlija pedestrian street: a hub of food and the arts

Danube cruises: a golden waterway through history and nature

Departing from Belgrade, a Danube cruise carries you between the city skyline and open countryside. By day you see riverside architecture and old fortresses; by night the lights on the water are the main attraction.

Reference prices (2025):

What you'll see:

• Views up to Kalemegdan Fortress and the Petrovaradin Fortress
• Sunset on the Danube — a photographer's hour
• Mandarin group commentary can be arranged; please book at least two days ahead

Novi Sad

Often called the "cultural capital of Serbia", a gentler city on the banks of the Danube.

Highlights:

• Petrovaradin Fortress: known as the "Gibraltar of the Danube"
• Wine experience: visit the family wineries on the Fruška Gora slopes
• EXIT Festival: every summer it draws young travellers from across the world

Wine tasting

Novi Sad is famous for its Petrovaradin Fortress, but the Fruška Gora hills around it are also one of Serbia's important wine regions.

Suggested winery route:

• About a 30-minute drive reaches several family-run wineries
• Taste local grape varieties such as Prokupac and Tamjanika
• Most wineries offer pairing menus with light starters; reservations available in Mandarin

Reference prices:

• Standard tasting (3 wines): €10–15 per person
• Tasting menu (5 wines + food + commentary): €25–35 per person
• Private small group (from 2 guests, Mandarin commentary): from €45 per person

Tip: book ahead, and on holidays consider a private round-trip car.

Subotica

A border town where Hungarian-influenced architecture meets a strong artistic atmosphere.

Highlights:

• The Art Nouveau City Hall
• The Synagogue and the National Theatre
• Nearby Lake Palić — cycling and lakeside picnics

Set in northern Serbia, this is a border city with a strong Austro-Hungarian feel.

Don't miss:

• The main square and City Hall: a landmark of Art Nouveau architecture
• Raichle Palace: a colourful architectural masterpiece
• The shore of Lake Palić: a fine spot to relax or picnic

Niš

A gateway between East and West, a strategic stronghold on a road that is more than a thousand years old.

Highlights:

• Niš Fortress: a key Ottoman-era military site
• Ćele Kula (the Skull Tower): a sobering historical monument
• Birthplace of Constantine the Great: the first Christian emperor of the Byzantine Empire
• Local grilled meat (Roštilj): the most authentic flavour of southern Serbia

Niš has long been one of the most important Balkan military towns, and it is the birthplace of Constantine the Great. Roman remains are everywhere here, and Ottoman traces survive alongside them — together they form a layered, East-meets-West cultural picture.

Recommended sights:

• Niš Fortress
  A large Ottoman fortress in the city centre; walking inside it feels like stepping back into the Balkans of several centuries ago.
• Ćele Kula (the Skull Tower)
  A monument to Serbian resistance against Ottoman rule — a tower built from the skulls of fallen soldiers.
• Crveni Krst Concentration Camp Memorial
  A preserved Nazi-era concentration camp site that bears witness to the Second World War.
• Statue of Constantine and the memorial square
  A tribute to the emperor born in Niš who reshaped the course of Christianity.

Food:

• Niš grilled meat (Roštilj) is the most famous in Serbia — especially Ćevapi and Pljeskavica (the Serbian "burger")
• The local sweet "Tulumba" and traditional yogurt are also worth trying

Getting there:

• By train or long-distance bus from Belgrade, around 3 hours
• Or take a private car south — you can stop at Krstata Mountain or the spa town of Sokobanja along the way

Want to go deeper into these cities?

We offer day trips, private guided tours, Mandarin-speaking driver-guide service and tailor-made routes. Visit: https://order.balkanchina.com/event for the latest itineraries and pricing.