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Serbia isn’t a common destination for Filipino travelers. However, I was curious enough to visit the country. The first time I tried to enter was during the pandemic. The immigration officers at the time didn’t allow me to enter for whatever reason (I knew I could use a multiple entry Schengen visa).
I had to walk back to Croatia’s border while it was cold and snowy to re-enter their country. Thankfully, it was early enough so I still managed to catch a bus back.
Fast forward some years after that incident, I was at Serbia’s border again (coming from Hungary this time). It was an anxiety-filled few minutes while the immigration officer browsed my passport and looked at his screen.
I breathed a sigh of relief when he returned my passport and allowed me to go through.
Hello, Novi Sad
I didn’t know much about Novi Sad, I just decided to visit the second largest city in Serbia because I wanted to add a different place outside of the capital. My curiosity took me here and I wanted to discover what the city had to offer.
A few fast facts about the city:
- It has a population of approximately 400,000+ residents
- Serb merchants established the city in the late 17th century
- It’s the administrative capital of Vojvodina
- It was one of the cities dubbed as a European Capital of Culture in 2022
Novi Sad didn’t feel like a bustling metropolis, but it did have a relaxed city vibe with its cafes, museums, and large student population.
You have the option to visit as a day trip from Belgrade or spend a couple of days here to soak in the city’s laid back ambiance while eating/hanging out in one of the many cafes and restaurants.
The main square or Trg Slobode is the city’s heart. Both locals and visitors converge here to take long walks, hang out, and meet friends.
It’s also where you’ll find many of the city’s most striking buildings. The Name of Mary Church and the City Hall will immediately grab your attention. György Molnár designed both architectural gems that date to the 1890s.
Dunavska and Zmaj Jovina are the main streets wherein you can eat, drink, and wander around in. The area might be small, but it’s quite charming. You can sip a coffee, read a book, try a local dish, and take it easy.
You’ll also find the Bishop’s Palace and Saint George’s Cathedral while exploring this pedestrian area. If you want to extend your walk, take a stroll along the Danube River. You can get a good view of the Petrovaradin Fortress during your walk.
The Petrovaradin Fortress is the most recognizable landmark of the city. Its history dates to Roman times. The Ottomans and Austrians seized control of the fort over the centuries. The Austrians had the fort rebuilt in the 1690s. This 17th century fortification is also known as the “Gibraltar on the Danube.”
To reach the fort you have to cross the Varadinski Bridge. The walk towards the fort is already part of the experience because of the beautiful views you’ll get.
From there, you’ll see a clock tower, overlooking views of Novi Sad, the cafes, the barracks, and bastions, just to name a few.
Wandering in the capital
Novi Sad might be Serbia’s second biggest city; however, in Belgrade you’ll feel the hustle and bustle of a typical urban jungle.
A few tidbits about Belgrade:
- It has a population of approximately 1.4 million
- The Franks, Bulgars, Ottomans, Byzantines, Austrians, and others used to occupy the city
- It’s home to one of the largest Orthodox Churches in the world, the Church of Saint Sava
One of the most popular attractions in the city is the Belgrade Fortress. This centuries-old fort is often tied with the history of the city because its inhabitants defended against invaders.
However, throughout the centuries many kingdoms have seized it to extend and defend their empire. The Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and the Austrians.
Tourists visit the fort to relive and imagine Belgrade’s history. You’ll find a park and one of the most recognizable monuments in the city, the Pobednik or the Victor Monument during your visit.
Church of St. Sava You can’t miss a trip to the city’s architectural icon, the Church of St. Sava. The Serbians had the church built to commemorate the Serbian Orthodox Church’s founder, St. Sava.
It took more than a century from its ideation to finish the church because of wars, political turmoil and unrest, and changing government priorities. Its interior is just as spectacular as its exterior.
The huge dome and the religious mosaics are a testament to the engineering acumen and creativity of the Serbs. I lingered in the church’s cavernous hall for a while to soak in its serene ambiance.
Belgrade’s Republic Square is an embodiment of the city’s confluence of old and new and different architectural styles. Locals and tourists choose the square as a meeting place for the start of tours, visits to cultural centers, or simply just to hang out.
You’ll see some of the city’s most well-known landmarks in the square such as the National Museum, National Theatre, and Prince Mihailo Obrenović’s monument. It’s also a go-to venue for various events.
Knez Mihailova StreetWhile exploring the city, you’ll most likely end up walking around Knez Mihailova Street multiple times. Cafes, restaurants, shops, and beautiful buildings line the street from end to end. It connects pedestrians to the square and the fort.
Belgrade might just be the city break you’re looking for while exploring the Balkans. You can leave its frenetic pace behind when you sit in a cafe eating dessert and drinking coffee. If you’re up for it, the capital is also recognized as a party destination with live music venues, cocktail bars, and clubs.
Serbia has a lot more to offer visitors that have more time to spend in the country. If you’re on a short trip, Belgrade and Novi Sad are excellent cities to include in your itinerary. The country’s diverse heritage brought about by conquests and wars gave it its distinct culture, history, food, and architecture. – Rappler.com
