Serbia is full of beautiful weekend spots. The big cities have smooth roads, and many are close to nature, which means you can plan a road trip anytime. If you’re a Swiss tourist in Serbia, you won’t need to go far to find mountains, rivers, forests, or old villages. Driving allows you to stop whenever you want and enjoy places other tourists miss. Our guide highlights the best weekend road trips in Serbia, starting from the main cities. We’ll also share simple tips for renting a car in Serbia, so your trip stays easy, stress-free, and full of great memories.
Driving across Serbia is safe and straightforward. Swiss licenses are valid, and most roads between cities are well-maintained. Just make sure to carry your passport and insurance documents at all times. When it comes to payments, credit cards work in most places. Still, carry some cash, especially when passing through small villages. Locals are friendly and helpful, but English signs can be hard to find in rural areas. Road signs use both Latin and Cyrillic scripts, so take your time to read them.
Speed limits are shown in kilometers per hour. You’ll be driving on the right side, just like in Switzerland. Gas stations are easy to find along highways, but it’s good to download offline maps in remote areas if your internet connection gets weak. Police checks are common, so always keep your documents with you. Seatbelts are required for all passengers. Children under 12 cannot sit in the front seat. In cities, parking is organized into pay zones, and you can pay using a machine or a mobile app. In most villages, parking is usually free.
Driving Time and Distance: 3 hours and 40 minutes (206 km)
Start your trip in Belgrade, Serbia’s capital. This lively city sits where the Sava and Danube Rivers meet. If you have time before leaving, visit Kalemegdan Fortress for views of the rivers. Walk down Knez Mihailova Street for shops, local snacks, and people-watching.
One of the best drives from Belgrade takes you west to Tara, one of Serbia's most beautiful parks. On the way, stop in Bajina Basta to see the house on the Drina River. This wooden house has stood on a rock in the middle of the river since 1968. It has become a famous photo spot. In Tara, visit Banjska Stena viewpoint for amazing photos of the Drina River canyon. Walk short forest trails and enjoy quiet picnic spots with wooden benches.
Tara is also home to rare animals like brown bears, eagles, lynx, and chamois. The air is clean, and the forests are thick with pine and beech trees. You can stay in a guesthouse or a mountain cabin. For food, try grilled trout at Restoran Vrelo, set above a small river waterfall near Lake Perućac. You can also visit the nearby wooden town of Drvengrad, which film director Emir Kusturica built. It resembles a movie set, with wooden cottages, cobblestone streets, a small train station, and a traditional church.
Driving Time and Distance: 1 hour and 10 minutes (107 km)
Start your weekend in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city. Stroll through Zmaj Jovina Street, a pedestrian zone filled with shops and cafés. At Dunavski Park, you can go for a short walk near the Danube or visit the Museum of Vojvodina to learn about the region’s history. If you enjoy views, walk up to Petrovaradin Fortress, which overlooks the city and the river. You can also visit the Novi Sad Synagogue on Jevrejska Street. It was built in 1909 by Hungarian architect Lipót Baumhorn in Art Nouveau stle. The building has a large central dome, stained-glass windows, and two tall towers.
Then head north to Subotica, a city known for its Art Nouveau architecture. Visit the colorful City Hall and the Subotica Synagogue, one of the most beautiful in Europe. Walk along Korzo, the main pedestrian street, and stop for cake at a local café. You can also visit Raichle Palace, now an art gallery showing local and regional works in a striking Art Nouveau building.
For lunch or dinner, try goulash, spicy fish soup, or dumplings at Boss Cafe or Vinski Dvor, both popular for northern Serbian dishes. A short drive from Subotica takes you to Palić Lake, a charming lakeside resort. Walk the promenade, rent a boat, or visit the small zoo. Don’t miss the Grand Terrace, a unique 20th-century building by the lake. For a peaceful meal, eat at Mala Gostiona, which offers lake views and local food. If you enjoy wine, make a stop at Zvonko Bogdan Winery, near the lake. The region’s wine tradition goes back thousands of years, and Swiss travelers will enjoy the calm setting and tasting experience.
Driving Time and Distance: 1 hour and 30 minutes (78 km)
Drive south from Niš, Serbia’s third largest city, to explore Devil’s Town. These unusual rock formations look like tall, thin mushrooms with stone caps. You’ll see over 200 natural towers created by erosion and underground water. The trail is marked and takes about 30 to 40 minutes to walk. Along the way, you’ll find English signs explaining the local legends and the geology. Many people believe this place has a kind of special energy. Don’t forget to taste the water from the nearby Red and Devil’s Springs. It’s very sour because of the high mineral content.
After visiting Devil’s Town, continue your drive to Prolom Banja, a peaceful thermal spa in the green hills. The mineral water here is known for its healing properties, and you can soak in indoor or outdoor pools. The area is surrounded by pine forests, with mild air and easy walking trails. Choose Hotel Radan or one of the village guesthouses nearby for your stay. When you’re hungry, try slow-cooked lamb, roast pork, or vegetable stews with homemade bread. If you want to see more, visit the Lazarica Church or take a short drive to Lukovska Banja for more spa experiences.
Driving Time and Distance: 1 hour and 30 minutes (74 km)
Head west from Kragujevac for a scenic drive to Ovčar-Kablar Gorge. This stunning area lies between two mountains, with the West Morava River flowing through the middle. The road follows the water, offering peaceful views and gentle curves. Start your visit in Ovčar Banja, a small spa town known for its thermal pools. You can relax at the wellness center or take a calm walk along the river path, where you'll find benches and quiet viewpoints.
The gorge is home to ten historic monasteries, many of which are still active. You can visit several during the day. Start with Blagoveštenje Monastery, which is easy to reach and decorated with beautiful frescoes. From there, either hike or drive to the top of Kablar Viewpoint. The view from above shows a wide river bend and rolling green hills.
When you're ready to eat, head to Restoran Lanterna, a floating restaurant on Lake Međuvršje, right in the heart of the Ovčar-Kablar Gorge. Try their fish stew, grilled trout, or river perch, all freshly made. If you want more adventure, rent a kayak or join a short river cruise to see the gorge from the water.
Driving Time and Distance: 55 minutes (58 km)
Drive west from Subotica to reach Sombor, a town filled with old mansions, art galleries, and tree-lined streets. You can stroll around the main square and stop by the Holy Trinity monument. At the Milan Konjović Gallery, you’ll see vibrant paintings by one of Serbia’s most famous artists. You can take a horse carriage ride or rent a bicycle for a fun way to explore.
When you’re hungry, stop at Blue Fountain to try local dishes like pork schnitzel, fish paprikash, or stuffed peppers. After lunch, continue your drive to Bački Monoštor, which is only about 15 to 20 minutes away. This village sits inside the Gornje Podunavlje nature reserve. Here, you can book a boat ride through the quiet side channels of the Danube River. Watch for birds, frogs, and even wild deer in the nearby forest. The locals live close to nature and often sell homemade jams, wine, and honey. It’s a calm and scenic place to experience Serbia’s northern wetlands.
Driving Time and Distance: 31 minutes (34 km)
Start in Užice, a mountain city in western Serbia with a strong local identity. It’s known for its hilltop fortress, old stone bridges, and riverside cafés. You can walk along the Đetinja River, visit the National Museum, or stop at a bakery for fresh burek before heading out. Užice is a good base for road trips into the Zlatibor region because it connects well to mountain roads.
From Užice, drive into the Zlatibor mountains, one of Serbia’s most popular holiday areas. The road climbs through peaceful hills and small farms. In Zlatibor town, you can stroll around the lake, shop at souvenir stalls, or ride the Gold Gondola to Tornik peak. The ride takes about 25 minutes and gives wide views of the mountains. Try komplet lepinja, a flatbread filled with egg and cream, and grilled lamb or smoked sausage for lunch.
Once you’ve enjoyed Zlatibor, continue to Stopića Cave, just 20 minutes away. The entrance is wide and easy to walk through. Inside, you’ll see cascading pools, strange rock shapes, and a small waterfall. In spring, the water flows strongly and fills the cave with deep sounds. Marked paths and lights help guide you safely inside.
Driving Time and Distance: 23 minutes (17 km)
Start your trip in Čačak, a lively town in central Serbia with easy access to the surrounding hills. After a 23-minute drive, you’ll reach Gornja Trepča, a small spa village known for Atomska Banja, also known as “Atomic Spa”. The thermal water here has light radioactivity and is rich in minerals. If you’re looking for a relaxing stop, book a massage, soak in the indoor pools, or take a short walk on the marked wellness trails with stretching stations.
After your spa break, drive five kilometers to Vujan Monastery, which is on the slopes of Vujan Mountain. The monastery grounds are peaceful, with gardens, a chapel, and a spring near the entrance where you can drink the fresh water. If you're up for a short walk, follow the trail behind the monastery that leads uphill to a forest viewpoint. Before heading back, stop in the village at a local tavern. Try slow-cooked beans, roast pork, or a warm slice of apple pie. It’s a simple and restful day in central Serbia.
You don’t need a long holiday to escape the city. In Serbia, nature is only a short drive away. Whether you want to see mountains, relax in a spa, or visit a quiet lake town, it’s all within reach from major cities like Belgrade, Novi Sad, or Niš. Final Rentals is a trusted car rental company in Serbia. You can pick up your car in Belgrade, Nis, or downtown. You will surely find a vehicle that fits your trip, whether it’s for a short spa day or a whole drive into the hills. With easy online booking, helpful support, and reliable cars for all road types, your journey stays smooth with us from start to finish.
