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I was visiting Serbia for the first time and had no idea what to expect. I did not do much research before I left on my trip since my friends, Kathy and Djordje, were hosting me and taking me around. Djordje, Kathy’s husband, is originally from Serbia. His wealth of knowledge about the country, including its history, culture, and hidden gems, made my experience truly enriching.

From fascinating historical facts to breathtaking sites, Djordje's insightful commentary added a whole new dimension to my Serbian adventure. Here are some things I learned while I was in Serbia that I thought was interesting, unique, or helpful to know.

1. Serbia is Extremely Affordable

Serbia is an incredibly affordable destination that took me by surprise. When I began arranging accommodations, I was astonished by the reasonable prices. In comparison to other European cities such as Paris or Barcelona, the cost of my stay in Serbia was merely a fraction.

Even in Belgrade, while slightly pricier, I found the size and location of the apartment to be well worth the cost. Additionally, dining in Serbia remains a budget-friendly option, although prices have seen a slight increase in recent years.

Gorgeous apartment rental in Belgrade, Serbia — Gorgeous **apartment rental in Belgrade**

2. Make Sure To Have Cash Handy

Serbia’s official currency is the Serbian Dinar, and as of 2024, 1 Serbian Dinar is roughly equivalent to 1 US Dollar, so it’s pretty easy to calculate for American travelers. The Euro maintains a slightly superior exchange rate, providing visitors with added value.

I personally did not take out any cash since Djordje generously covered any cash expenses. Although credit cards were widely accepted, Djordje frequently utilized cash for tips (usually 10-15% of the bill) and at smaller, local establishments.

Looking at a menu in a trendy restaurant — My awesome friends that gave me a great beginner tour of Serbia

3. Apartment Rentals Prefer Cash Payment

I have frequently used my credit card to pay for apartment rentals, such as Airbnb, but I encountered a different payment preference when visiting Serbia and other Balkan countries. It's common for the locals to prefer cash transactions instead of credit cards.

If you find yourself in a situation where you only have a credit card for payment, the property owner may consider using a third-party website or PayPal to accommodate your payment which might incur some fees. However, if these options are not viable, the owner will insist on cash and suggest making a trip to the nearest ATM to complete the transaction.

Rental apartment in Novi Sad, Serbia — Extremely affordable **apartment in Novi Sad, Serbia**

4. Turn On the Water Heater As Soon As You Check In to Apartment Rentals

While on the topic of apartment rentals in Serbia, it’s important to note that most places have a separate switch for the water heater that is usually turned off until you arrive. Therefore, make sure to turn it on as soon as you check in to allow a couple of hours for the water to heat up.

I learned this the hard way when I didn’t switch on the water heater until right before I wanted to take a shower, resulting in a lukewarm shower on my first night.

Beautiful bathroom at the apartment rental in Belgrade — Beautiful bathroom at the **apartment rental in Belgrade**

5. Serbia Uses 2 Alphabets

I noticed on the streets of Serbia that there were two different types of alphabets on signs and billboards. I asked Djordje which alphabet they used and he said that they still use both the Cyrillic and Latin alphabets. Serbia's embrace of both writing systems is a rare example known as synchronic digraphia, offering its citizens the unique ability to interchangeably utilize two different scripts.

6. Men Love to Hang Out at Cafes

I’m used to seeing a group of women gathering at cafes, but Serbia was the opposite in terms of social dynamics. In the bustling cafes, it was a common sight to see groups of men hanging out together, leisurely sipping their coffee and indulging in cigarettes. Interestingly, women's gatherings were a rare occurrence, with the majority of women seen outside at cafes accompanied by a male partner.

Djordje enlightened me about the local culture, explaining that they typically refer to this social activity as “going out for coffee,” regardless of whether coffee is actually being consumed. It's simply a time for the guys to get together and enjoy each other's company.

7. Smoking is Allowed in Restaurants

Smoking is very common in Serbia and customers can still smoke inside restaurants. Most restaurants do not separate the smoking from the non-smoking section, so be aware of that if you want to avoid the smoke.

Interestingly, there’s actually a law in place prohibiting smoking in restaurants but many owners disregard it to avoid losing a large portion of their clientele.

Beautiful restaurant atmosphere in Novi Sad, Serbia — All the restaurants and cafes in Serbia have an ashtray on the table

8. There’s an Annual Mowing Contest

I was fascinated to learn that every year in July, there is a unique and ancient mowing competition held in Serbia, dating back to centuries ago. The men proudly adorn themselves in Serbia’s traditional clothing, adding an extra layer of cultural richness to the event.

The contest itself involves the manual mowing of grass using a scythe, a technique that has been passed down through generations. The participants are judged not only by the time and effort they put in but also by the sheer amount mown, showcasing their strength and mastery of this traditional skill.

Statue symbolizing the annual mowing contest in Serbia

9. Skadarlija is a Lively Street You Can’t Miss

Skadarlija, nestled in the heart of Belgrade's Old Town, exudes an irresistible allure with its enchanting cobblestone pathways, authentic taverns, and vibrant ambiance. My friend recommended this gem for an evening outing, and I'm thrilled he did.

The bustling street brimmed with a tapestry of cozy restaurants and charming cafes, all harmonized by the uplifting tunes of traditional Serbian music, providing an unforgettable glimpse into local culture.

10. You Can See Ruins from the NATO Bombing

I was surprised to discover that, even today, remnants of the NATO bombing in 1999 are still visible in downtown Belgrade. Along the bustling street of Knez Milos, two prominent ruins stand as solemn reminders of that period: the former Yugoslav Ministry of Defense and the building of the Ministry of International Affairs.

11. Serbia Loves Meat

Serbian cuisine is undeniably delicious, yet it revolves heavily around meat. The traditional dishes I sampled were not only substantial in size but also brimming with beef, pork, and/or lamb. While Belgrade offers a variety of lighter fare, venturing into rural areas may pose challenges in finding such options.

12. Sip on Yogurt While Eating Burek

Speaking of Serbian cuisine, I tried the burek, which is one of the common dishes in Serbia and the Balkans. My local friend taught me that Serbians usually eat the fried pita and then sip on the yogurt, and I found this tradition to be a delightful insight into their culinary culture.

I like the burek without having to sip on the yogurt, appreciating its savory flavors and crispy texture on its own, but I decided to give the traditional method a try to enhance my experience.

Overall Experience

As I reflect on my first experience in Serbia, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible moments I was able to share with my friends who graciously hosted me. The warm hospitality and rich culture left a lasting impression, and I find myself yearning to return soon. I would like to visit Serbia again sometime soon so that I can immerse myself in the serene beauty of the rural areas. Until we meet again, Serbia, hvala i zbogom - thank you and farewell!