When you plan a budget travel in Serbia, you are choosing one of the most affordable countries in Europe. Serbia ranks high among travelers looking for value, freedom, and local charm. The country is full of historical landmarks, friendly towns, and natural beauty.
Serbia has become one of the budget-friendly destinations in Europe because of its lower fuel, food, parking, and hotel prices. For example, street parking for two hours in cities costs less than one euro. Hotels are cheaper compared to Western Europe but still offer clean, safe rooms. Renting a car, eating out, and exploring are all easy to manage with a small budget.
Serbia is perfect for a cheap road trip. The roads are in good condition, and most scenic routes have no tolls. You can stop in villages, enjoy nature, and still have money left for food and souvenirs. Serbia lets you experience the heart of the Balkans without feeling limited by cost. Our guide will tell you why many travelers start their Balkan journey here.
Belgrade is the best place to begin your trip. This lively capital has culture, history, and nightlife for a reasonable price. You can explore Kalemegdan Fortress for free. It’s a large park and castle area with amazing Danube and Sava Rivers. Right after that, walk to Knez Mihailova Street. This famous walking street is full of shops, cafes, and music performers. It’s a great place to relax and watch city life.
Art and history lovers will enjoy the National Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Entry costs only a few dollars, and discounts are available for students. These museums have thousands of pieces, from ancient items to modern art. It’s a great way to learn about Serbia’s long history and culture without spending a lot.
In the evening, Belgrade becomes very active. Local clubs called splavovi float on the river. Many places offer low entry fees and cheap drinks. You can listen to different music stles, meet travelers, and see how locals enjoy their nights. Skadarlija Street is another good spot. It’s an old-stle street filled with small bars and kafanas that serve traditional food and beer at low prices.
Once you’ve explored Belgrade, it’s easy to start cheap road trips in Serbia. The city makes a great starting point because you can pick up your rental car right after landing. Just book your vehicle online in advance and pick it up at the Belgrade Airport.
Novi Sad is only one hour away from Belgrade. You can go by car, bus, or train for under $7. This city sits along the Danube and is famous for Petrovaradin Fortress. The fortress is free to enter and offers one of the best views in the region. The city center has old buildings, cozy cafes, and art galleries. It’s small enough to walk around easily.
Just 20 minutes from Novi Sad is a town called Sremski Karlovci. It’s a beautiful place with old buildings and strong wine traditions. For only a few dollars, you can attend a wine tasting and try local types like Bermet. This place will feel special if you love history and quiet streets. Even a short visit here will give you real Serbian culture.
Niš is one of the oldest cities in the Balkans. Located in the southern part of the country, it offers historical landmarks, museums, and a relaxed vibe at lower prices than larger cities. You can start with the Skull Tower, a unique and dark monument built by the Ottomans using the skulls of Serbian rebels. Entry costs about 300 RSD (around €2.50), and signs are available in English. Nearby is the Niš Fortress, which is free to enter and open to the public all day. Inside, you’ll find remains of Ottoman buildings, cafes, and art spaces.
The Archaeological Hall of Niš is another low-cost stop. Entry is around 200 RSD (about €1.70), and it houses Roman-era statues, mosaics, and artifacts from the region’s long history. You can also walk along the Nišava River, where restaurants and cafes offer local food at very affordable prices.
Eating in Serbia can be one of the best parts of your trip, and it won’t cost you much. Local food is full of flavor and often comes in big servings. You’ll find many choices even if you’re on a small budget.
Street food is cheap and filling. For only a few dollars, you can try burek, a flaky pastry filled with cheese or meat. Pljeskavica is like a burger and is usually served with onions and red pepper spread. You can also get ćevapi, grilled sausages in bread.
Kafanas are traditional Serbian restaurants. They serve dishes like cabbage rolls, beans, and meat stews. Meals cost between $5 and $10 and often include bread and salad. You can also try rakija, a fruit brandy that’s very common in Serbia. Eating in a kafana is not just about food. It’s also a way to feel the local culture and meet friendly people.
If you like to cook or want fresh snacks, go to markets like Zeleni Venac in Belgrade. There you’ll find fruits, cheeses, honey, and more at low prices. Buying from the market is a fun way to save money and learn about Serbian ingredients. With just a few dollars, you can eat like a local and enjoy flavors from all over Serbia.
Accommodation in Serbia is one of the easiest parts of your budget. You have many good options, even in busy places like Belgrade.
Serbia has many beautiful places outside the cities. These places are great for nature lovers, hikers, or people who want peace. The best part is that they don’t cost much to visit. Most of them have small entrance fees or are free to explore. With your car, you can reach them easily and enjoy more freedom. These are perfect spots for a Serbia road trip on a budget.
Tara National Park sits in the western part of Serbia and is full of green forests and fresh mountain air. It is quiet and peaceful, a nice change from busy cities. The entrance fee to the park is only 300 RSD (around €2.50), and it gives you access to hiking trails and nature viewpoints. One of the best spots is Banjska Stena, where you can look out over the Drina River canyon. If you like nature and fresh air, this park is a must-visit.
Not far from Tara, you can stop by Drvengrad, a wooden village made by Serbian film director Emir Kusturica. The buildings look like they are from a movie set. The entrance is just 250 RSD (around €2). You can walk around, visit galleries, or sit at a local restaurant. Everything feels cozy and artistic. Nearby, you can also ride the Šargan Eight railway, a narrow-gauge train line with mountain views. A train ticket costs 1,200 RSD (about €10). This area is great for a budget road trip in Serbia with a cultural twist.
Uvac is famous for its winding river and deep canyons. It’s also home to the rare griffon vulture, which you might see flying overhead. Entry to the reserve is only 150 RSD (around €1.30). You can hike to scenic viewpoints or take a boat ride on the river. The boat tours are extra, but hiking is free. The views here are some of the most beautiful in Serbia, and the low cost makes it easy for travelers on a tight budget.
In southern Serbia, you will find Đavolja Varoš, or Devil’s Town. This place has strange rock formations created by years of wind and rain. It looks like a fantasy world made of stone towers. Entry is 350 RSD (about €3). There are walking paths and signs in English. It’s small, but it’s a fun and unusual stop, especially if you’re road tripping near Niš or heading to the southern parts of the country.
Golubac Fortress stands by the Danube River, near the Iron Gates Gorge. It looks like it came from a fairy tale, with towers rising above the water. Entry starts at 600 RSD (around €5), and you can climb towers, explore old rooms, and enjoy the river view. The area is well-kept and has signs that explain the history. It’s part of Đerdap National Park, making it a perfect budget-friendly destination in Serbia for history lovers.
Cash is accepted in Serbia, but credit and debit cards are accepted in many places. It’s good to bring both cash and a card with you. You can use your card at most hotels, big stores, and restaurants. But in local markets, small towns, or bus stations, cash is the only choice. Having a mix of both is best. ATMs are easy to find. It’s smart to take out small amounts so you don’t carry too much. Be careful because some ATMs might charge extra for foreign cards. Your bank might also charge for currency exchange or for using an out-of-network machine. Try to use ATMs in banks, not in tourist areas or convenience stores. They are usually safer and more reliable.
Renting a car in Serbia is a great option if you want to explore outside the cities. It gives you more freedom to visit places like Tara, Uvac, and Niš. Car rentals start at $54 per day, which is excellent if you share costs with friends. Fuel is one of the most affordable in Europe, and many scenic spots are only accessible by car. Street parking is cheap too, which is about €0.77 for two hours, and most natural parks have low-cost or free parking. If you keep your spending simple, you can travel across Serbia for $70 a day. That includes lodging, food, local transport, and entrance fees. Even if you rent a car and stay in a private room, your daily cost will likely be under $70, much cheaper than traveling in Western Europe.
Serbia is one of the best places in Europe for budget-friendly adventures. It has something for every traveler, from free fortresses and low-cost museums to affordable food and easy car rentals. You’ll meet kind people, see natural beauty, and learn history at every turn. If you want to travel smart and spend less, rent a car in Serbia with Final Rentals. Final Rentals offers low daily rates, easy online booking, and pick-up at major airports in Belgrade and Nis. Book now to enjoy well-maintained cars, free cancellation, and 24/7 support.
