Planning a road trip in southern Serbia is a good choice if you want a relaxed and culture-rich escape. For German tourists, this part of Serbia is full of quiet historical towns, local flavors, and peaceful walking spots. The best way to enjoy your trip is to rent a car in Serbia. With a car, you can visit small towns, natural places, and historical sites that are not easy to reach with public transport. Our southern Serbia travel guide will take you through Niš, Leskovac, and Pirot in three days.
When you arrive in Southern Serbia, the most convenient option is to rent a car in Niš. You can land directly at Niš Constantine the Great Airport. Book in advance, ideally a few days before your arrival, to get the vehicle type you need at the best rate. With your rental car ready, your first stop could be the Niš Fortress, only about 9 minutes (5.3 km) away via Bulevar Nikole Tesle. Driving lets you explore the region’s towns, mountains, and historical sites at your own pace.
To rent a car in Serbia, you will need a valid passport, a driving license from your home country, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in Latin script. Most companies require you to be at least 21 years old, although some may set the minimum at 23. You should also have a credit card in your name for the deposit.
To avoid delays, it’s best to check these requirements with your chosen rental agency before booking. Arranging your car in advance saves time, and you can start your road trip in southern Serbia right after landing.
Niš is a city that is easy to walk, rich in historical landmarks, and friendly to visitors. Most places have English signage, and museums are simple to understand. This makes Niš a good start to your road trip in southern Serbia.
Niš Fortress stands in the city's center, right by the Nišava River. It is one of the most well-preserved fortresses in the Balkans. You can walk along its 2,100-meter-long stone walls, which are 8 meters high and 3 meters thick. The fortress is open 24 hours a day, all year round, and entry is free.
As you explore, you will see many remains from the past, including Ottoman baths, Roman thermae, and ancient tombstones. The Stambol Gate's marble plaque from 1723 shows how long this fortress has stood strong. Inside, the Lapidarium displays stone monuments from Roman times. You can also visit the Bali-bey Mosque, the best-preserved Ottoman building in the fortress, now used for art exhibitions. Walking through this area gives you a deep look into centuries of history.
Just outside the city center, you will find one of Serbia’s most moving landmarks: the Skull Tower. Built in 1809 by the Ottomans using the skulls of Serbian rebels, this tower was meant to be a warning. Today, it is a symbol of bravery and national pride. It is enclosed in a memorial chapel built in 1892. Inside, 59 skulls remain in the walls. Visiting this place gives you a deep understanding of the struggles and courage of the local people.
The site is about 30 minutes on foot from the center. Tickets cost 200 Serbian dinars (around 1.50 euros). The ticket office is across a small stream from the entrance. You may need to ask for directions, but there is a small fee to support its preservation.
To end your day, visit Kazandžijsko Sokače, a cobbled street in the heart of Niš. This was the craftsman quarter during Ottoman times, where coppersmiths made pots, barrels, and tools. While the shops are gone, the street still retains its old-world charm. It is full of lively cafes, local restaurants, and small shops today. Many locals and tourists come here for coffee, a meal, or a slow walk.
From Kazandžijsko Sokače in Niš, the drive to Leskovac takes about 45 minutes, covering 44 kilometers via the A1 highway. This brings you deeper into southern Serbia. Leskovac is known for its authentic Balkan food, lively markets, and quiet spots with history.
Leskovac is one of the most famous places in Serbia for grilled meat dishes. This lively city becomes a hotspot each September during Roštiljijada, a five-day BBQ festival. Visitors gather to watch grill masters prepare the biggest pljeskavica in the world. The event takes place on Široka Čaršija, Leskovac’s main boulevard. Even outside festival season, local taverns (kafanas) serve the same beloved specialties. Try ćevapi, pljeskavica, sausages, and mučkalica, a rich meat stew. Meals are paired with local drinks like beer or špricer, and the air is often filled with the scent of roasted meat.
No trip to Leskovac is complete without visiting the Leskovac Green Market. It is a social spot where neighbors meet and trade stories. Here you will find seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, local cheese, and eggs. Some vendors even sell handmade goods and cheaper industrial items than supermarkets. The market is open daily and located in a central part of town. Locals value this place because of the quality of domestic goods and the community spirit. Bargaining is common, and sellers are friendly. Shopping here gives you a true feel of daily life in Leskovac.
Hisar Hill rises just outside the town center and is easy to walk to. It is both a natural park and an archaeological site. The path climbs through conifer forest with benches along the way. From the top, you get wide views of Leskovac and the valley. Hisar is also a place of memory. During World War II, more than 1,000 people, mostly Roma, Serbs, and Jews, were executed here.
Monuments mark this dark chapter. But Hisar also tells ancient stories. It was settled from the Stone Age through Roman times, and excavations continue today. One of the most mysterious finds is the "Turović needle," a stainless steel object from 1300 BC with an unknown production method. Legends say Hisar rose from a lake covered in hazel trees. Others speak of giants and a water bull near nearby Vlasina Lake.
From Hisar Hill in Leskovac, it takes about 1 hour and 26 minutes to reach Pirot by car. Pirot is known for its craft traditions, local food, and easy walking routes. This is a great place to slow down and enjoy authentic Serbian culture. You can explore historical buildings, try regional cheeses, and shop for hand-woven rugs.
Pirot Fortress, also called Kale or Momčilo’s Town, stands beside the Nišava River and dates back to the 14th century. Serbian Prince Lazar built it as a defense post during attacks from the Ottoman Empire. It has Upper and Lower sections, with the Upper Town built on a rock and offering wide views of the area.
A donjon tower still stands strong. The Ottomans later repaired the site in 1804, and parts were added during different centuries. Today, the fortress is open to visitors and also used for cultural events. You can walk the walls, see the towers, and take in quiet views of the town and nearby hills.
In the center of Pirot stands the Ponišavlje Museum, located in the former home of Hrista Jovanović, one of the town’s richest traders. Built in 1848, this house is a masterpiece of Balkan-Ottoman design and offers a window into how wealthy families once lived. The museum contains over 6,500 items, including hand-woven kilims, pottery, traditional clothing, and tools from everyday rural life. It also preserves the story of the Hristić family, who continued the Jovanović legacy. Walking through the rooms, you feel the warmth of local culture and the strength of traditional craft.
Before leaving Pirot, explore its two most famous products: Pirot rugs and Kačkavalj cheese. The kilim weaving stle comes from the Ottoman period and is still practiced today. You can visit local workshops to learn about the patterns and how they are made. These rugs make excellent souvenirs. Pirot is also famous for Kačkavalj, a hard cheese from the Sarakatsani shepherds who once lived in the mountains. This cheese is rich and full of flavor, made using traditional methods. It is known across Serbia and has even won awards in Europe.
Now that you know what to see in southern Serbia, you’re ready for a trip full of history, good food, and peaceful views. From walking the stone walls of Niš Fortress to enjoying grilled dishes in Leskovac and shopping for handmade kilims in Pirot, each stop offers something special and memorable. Rent a car in Nis with Final Rentals to start your adventure. You can book in advance, choose from many vehicle types, and pick up your car at Niš Airport.
