Belgrade is buzzing! There’s always something happening, from café culture and historic streets to riverside nightlife. But if you’re spending more than a couple of days here, it’s worth sneaking away for a little change of scenery. The best part? You don’t need to go far to find charming towns, fortresses, wineries, and stunning views.
Here are four easy day trips from Belgrade that will make you fall even more in love with Serbia; and yes, they’re all doable without renting a car.
1. Novi Sad: Chill Vibes, Colorful Streets, and a Fortress Overlooking the Danube
Just about an hour north of Belgrade is Serbia’s second-largest city, Novi Sad – but don’t expect big city chaos. This place is all charm and laid-back energy.
Start your visit in the pedestrian zone, where pastel-colored buildings, street musicians, and cozy cafes create postcard-worthy vibes. Grab a coffee (or a craft beer) at one of the cafés near Zmaj Jovina street, then make your way up to Petrovaradin Fortress. The view over the Danube is stunning, and if the name sounds familiar, it’s probably because it hosts the world-famous EXIT music festival every summer.
Novi Sad is also known for its food — a little more “Hungarian-influenced” than Belgrade, and there are great local restaurants serving up traditional dishes like čorba (soup), goulash, and local wines.
Getting there: Trains and buses run regularly from Belgrade and take just over an hour. It’s easy and affordable.
2. Golubac Fortress and the Iron Gates: History With a View
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re stepping into a fantasy movie set, Golubac Fortress will do the trick. It sits right on the edge of the Danube River, built into the cliffs like it was carved out by dragons. It’s one of Serbia’s most photogenic spots — and it’s been beautifully restored in recent years.
But this isn’t just a quick photo stop. After exploring the fortress, head east along the river through Đerdap National Park, part of the massive Iron Gates gorge between Serbia and Romania. The views? Unreal. Think winding roads, towering cliffs, and sparkling water as far as you can see.
You’ll also pass by Lepenski Vir, an archaeological site with 8,000-year-old ruins, which is one of the oldest human settlements in Europe.
It’s a bit of a longer drive (about 2.5 hours one way), but totally worth it, especially if you book a guided tour or hire a private driver.
3. Sremski Karlovci: Wine, History, and Old-World Charm
If you like wine (or just pretty towns), you’ll love Sremski Karlovci. This little baroque town sits between Belgrade and Novi Sad, and it’s an easy detour or a standalone trip on its own.
The town is small, walkable, and full of beautiful architecture — churches, old schools, fountains — all nestled around a cozy main square. But the real star here is the local wine, especially a sweet dessert wine called bermet, which was once served on the Titanic (seriously!).
Pop into a local winery or wine cellar for a tasting. Most places are family-run and happy to share stories about the town’s past, which includes poets, bishops, and peace treaties.
It’s less than an hour from Belgrade, and easy to reach by bus or taxi. If you visit in the fall, the grape harvest season brings a whole new level of charm.
4. Avala Mountain: Nature Escape Just Outside the City
Need a quick breath of fresh air but don’t want to go far? Avala Mountain is your answer. It’s less than 30 minutes from Belgrade and offers everything you’d want from a micro-adventure: scenic walking trails, forest views, and a panoramic tower with a 360° view of the city and beyond.
Climb (or take the elevator) up the Avala Tower (rebuilt in 2010) and enjoy the view. There’s also the Monument to the Unknown Hero, designed by famous sculptor Ivan Meštrović, which adds a dramatic touch to the hilltop.
It’s the kind of place where locals go for Sunday walks, picnic lunches, or just a break from the noise. You can pack a sandwich and enjoy it in the pine-scented air, or stop by one of the small restaurants near the base.
It’s best reached by taxi or car, but city bus #400 can also get you close on weekends.
A Few Tips Before You Go
- If you’re staying at our hotel in Belgrade, ask the front desk — we can help book tours, transfers, or even build a custom itinerary.
- Pack a water bottle, especially in summer. It gets hot.
- Wear comfy shoes — Serbia’s cobblestones and fortress steps are charming but tricky.
- Don’t worry about speaking Serbian — most people in tourist areas speak at least some English (and will happily help you out with a smile).
Looking to plan your Belgrade trip around a few of these? Book one of our spacious rooms as your base, and we’ll help you make the most of every day — both inside and outside the city.
Didn’t read the first two guides yet? Check out Top 10 Things to Do in Belgrade and How to Get From Belgrade Airport to the City Center — perfect for planning your stay like a pro.
