Kragujevac is one of the most historic cities in Serbia. This road trip is a great choice if you enjoy driving through scenic areas. The best way to get there is to rent a car in Belgrade. Having a car means you can stop when something catches your eye, enjoy the views, or take quiet roads away from traffic. It’s a more relaxed way to travel, and you may find places you didn’t plan to see. Our Kragujevac travel guide will help you plan your trip. You will learn about the best roads, where to stop, and what to see in the city. Whether you love history, parks, or cultural sites, Kragujevac has many great options.
It’s best to rent a car in Belgrade, the capital and the main airport hub, where most international tourists arrive. Driving from Belgrade to Kragujevac takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes and covers a distance of 140 kilometres.The fastest route follows the A1/E75 highway heading south, then exits near Batočina, where you continue on a regional road straight to Kragujevac.
You can also rent a car in Niš, especially if you are arriving from the southern part of Serbia or plan to explore more of the country before heading to Kragujevac. The drive from Niš to Kragujevac takes about 1 hour and 34 minutes, covering a distance of around 151 kilometres. The fastest route follows the A1/E75 northbound until the Batočina exit, where you merge onto the same regional road that connects to Kragujevac. This option is ideal if you’re combining a visit to Niš with other destinations like Čačak, Kraljevo, or the southern mountains.
Along the drive to Kragujevac, you’ll find many interesting stops that reveal the heart of central Serbia, known as Šumadija. These include royal landmarks, spa towns, quiet villages, and traditional food spots that add colour to your trip
About 62 kilometres before reaching Kragujevac, you’ll come across Mladenovac, a charming stop on the slopes of Kosmaj Mountain. You can unwind at a spa, stroll by Markovačko Lake, or explore the Jablanica archaeological site. Don’t miss its Orthodox churches, Blagovesti, Svetog Luke, and Uspenja Presvete Bogorodice, showcasing the town’s deep spiritual heritage.
About 55 kilometres before Kragujevac, you’ll reach Arandjelovac, a peaceful spa town known for its mineral springs and clean air. The main attraction here is Bukovička Banja, a well-kept park filled with marble sculptures, fountains, and walking paths. Many people stop to stretch their legs and drink mineral water from the public taps.
Topola is about 38 kilometres from Kragujevac. This town holds great importance in Serbian history. The highlight is the Oplenac Complex, where the Church of St. George stands. This church is the resting place of the Karađorđević royal family, and its interior is covered with colourful mosaics. The complex is on a hill with wide views of the surrounding vineyards, and you can visit nearby wineries to try local wines.
A kafana is a traditional Serbian restaurant or inn. Many of these small places are along the regional road to Kragujevac. They serve hot meals like grilled meat, fresh bread, soups, and stews. Many of them use local ingredients and family recipes.
As you drive through the Šumadija region, you will see many small villages, farmlands, and green hills. This area is known for its peaceful roads, especially if you take the route through Topola or Arandjelovac. There are many places to stop for photos, especially during spring and autumn. The views include forests, fruit orchards, and old-stle houses.
Just 30 kilometres before Kragujevac, you’ll find Gruža Lake, a peaceful reservoir surrounded by green hills and farms. It’s a great place to pause for a picnic, watch birds, or take photos of the calm waters. Locals come here to fish or relax by the shore. The lake reflects the quiet beauty of the Serbian countryside and gives you a break before the final stretch of your road trip.
Once you arrive in the city, you will find many places full of history, art, nature, and local culture. This list includes the top things to do in Kragujevac.
This large park is the most important memorial site in Kragujevac. It is peaceful, with walking trails and symbolic monuments like the "Interrupted Flight" sculpture, which shows the people's sorrow and strength.
This red-brick building is located inside Šumarice Park. The design of the building makes you feel the weight of the tragic history. Inside, you will see letters written by victims, black-and-white photos, news reports, and memorial displays. The museum also shows translated texts and offers English-speaking guides.
This old military-industrial complex was once the centre of the Serbian weapons and car industry. Today, the area hosts concerts like Arsenal Fest and is popular for art events and photos. Aside from seeing old brick buildings and modern culture, you can also visit nearby museums in the same complex.
The Stara Livnica (Old Foundry) foundry is inside the Prince’s Arsenal complex, where Serbia’s first cannon was cast in 1853. The museum has original machines, tools, medals, and early weapons. The building is large and still has its 19th-century structure. It is a must-see for those interested in industrial design and local history.
This school was founded in 1833 and is the oldest modern high school south of the Sava and Danube rivers. The square in front of the school is called Đački trg (Students' Square). This place also remembers the students and teachers who were taken and killed in the 1941 massacre. The school building is still in use and has a classroom as a memorial.
The 19th-Century Quarter is an old district that shows how Kragujevac looked when it was the capital of Serbia. You can walk through cobblestone streets and see historical houses, small museums, Milosev Konak (a prince's residence), and an old pharmacy. The area also has art galleries and quiet cafes. It is a great place to explore on foot.
The Cathedral Church of the Holy Assumption has five domes and golden icons. It was designed by a local architect trained in Moscow and built in Byzantine stle. Next to the church is the Old Assembly Hall. This is where Serbia’s first constitution was signed in 1835. These buildings are significant for political and religious history.
This is a small museum full of retro items from the 20th century. You will find bicycles, toys, comics, games, records, and more from the 1980s. It opened in 2023 and holds film nights and art events. The oldest item is a teddy bear from 1900.
This cemetery shows how much Zastava shaped local identity. Some gravestones have carvings of Zastava 750 (“Fića”) and Zastava 101 (“Stojadin”) cars, which belong to former factory workers. It is a touching and unique site that visually connects life, work, and memory.
Also made by Milovan Pavlović Mipa, this sculpture looks like a red drop of blood. It honours blood donors and also works as a public drinking fountain. You can find it on Ilindenska Street. It is a meaningful piece of public art that adds to the city’s modern character.
Kragujevac was the home of the famous rock band Smak, formed in 1971. The city built four statues of the core band members. These are placed at Trg Omladine (Youth Square), in front of Dom Omladine, where they practised. It is a fun place to take photos and learn about local music history.
The best season for a road trip to Kragujevac is during spring and autumn. The weather stays mild and dry from April to June and again from September to October. These months are perfect for long walks, visiting outdoor sites, and taking clear travel photos. The trees in parks like Šumarice and Veliki Park also look very nice, especially when the leaves change colour.
Summer is much hotter, but the city becomes more lively. Events like Arsenal Fest attract music fans, and you may enjoy sitting outside at local cafes. However, you will need sun protection during the day. If you are interested in Kragujevac's modern culture, this is a fun time to visit. Winter is the quietest season. The weather is cold, and fewer people are around. Still, museums like the October 21st Memorial Museum stay open, and local kafanas serve warm Serbian food. This season is good if you enjoy indoor sightseeing and peaceful streets. You can drive easily in winter, but always check road conditions before you travel.
In Kragujevac, you can enjoy everything from traditional dishes to global meals. This city has cozy cafés, family restaurants, casual grills, and fine dining spots. Start your journey with local favourites like ćevapi, sarma, and burek. You will find these meals in homely places, often with wood decor and warm lighting. The city has many street food vendors offering grilled meats, pizza slices, and wraps for quick meals.
If you enjoy dining with a view, some restaurants in Kragujevac have rooftop seating or natural terraces. You can eat while looking at the city skyline or relaxing under the trees. These places are peaceful and often visited for special dinners. Vegetarians and vegans are also well-served in Kragujevac. Many spots offer plant-based menus, with items like veggie burgers, risottos, and salads made with local produce.
If you like something unique, there are also restaurants with themed dining. Some places offer fantasy settings or modern artistic designs. You can find chocolate cakes, pancakes, and walnut pastries in cafés across the city for dessert. Coffee is taken seriously here, so expect a good espresso or cappuccino wherever you go.
Kragujevac is a city where you’ll find historic landmarks, green parks, and a welcoming local vibe. On the way there, you can enjoy scenic hills, old churches, and quiet villages that show the beauty of central Serbia. Once you reach the city, you’ll discover museums, peaceful walking areas, and tasty traditional meals. Every stop adds something special to your journey from royal history to rock music. Rent a car in Belgrade or Nis Airport with Final Rentals to enjoy this road trip your way. Choose from various vehicles to match your travel needs and discover Serbia at your own pace.
