Serbia offers a captivating blend of ancient history, vibrant nightlife, and warm hospitality. From the dynamic capital Belgrade to medieval fortresses and stunning natural landscapes, this Balkan nation delivers authentic experiences at exceptional value.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Rakija (Serbian Brandy)
Serbia's iconic fruit brandy, distilled from plums (šljivovica), apricots, or quince. The defining spirit of Serbian hospitality and a beloved souvenir.
Price: $5-25
Where: Zeleni Venac market, specialty food shops, airport duty-free
Ajvar (Red Pepper Relish)
Homemade roasted red pepper and eggplant spread, often made in autumn. Look for artisan jars from local producers in vacuum-sealed packaging.
Price: $3-8
Where: Green markets, supermarkets, food specialty stores
Serbian Handmade Rugs (Kilim)
Traditional woven wool rugs with geometric patterns, made in the Pirot region. Each design carries symbolic meaning and represents centuries of craft tradition.
Price: $30-200
Where: Ethnographic Museum gift shop, Pirot town, craft fairs on Knez Mihailova
Opanci (Traditional Serbian Shoes)
Handcrafted leather shoes with curled toes, a traditional Serbian footwear symbol. Often decorative but also wearable; found in folk craft shops across the country.
Price: $20-60
Where: Ethnographic Museum shop, Skadarlija souvenir stalls, folk craft stores
Icons and Religious Art
Hand-painted Orthodox icons on wood following Byzantine traditions. Serbia has a rich Orthodox heritage and these make meaningful, authentic gifts.
Price: $15-150
Where: Monastic gift shops, antique shops on Knez Mihailova, art galleries
Serbian Crystal Glassware (Raska)
Handblown crystal glassware produced in the Raska region, featuring intricate cuts and patterns. Popular for wine glasses and decorative pieces.
Price: $10-80
Where: Raska shop outlets, department stores in Belgrade
Bermet Wine (Sremska Mitrovica)
Traditional aromatic wine from Fruška Gora made to a centuries-old recipe with herbs and spices. Unique to Serbia and a rare find internationally.
Price: $8-20
Where: Fruška Gora wineries, specialty wine shops, airport duty-free
Filigree Jewelry
Delicate silver jewelry made using the ancient filigree technique, particularly from the Zlatar region. Earrings, bracelets, and necklaces make elegant gifts.
Price: $15-100
Where: Kalić jewelry shops, Knez Mihailova boutiques, craft markets
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Zeleni Venac Market
Belgrade's most central and lively fresh produce market, offering seasonal vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and artisan goods. A great place to taste local cheeses, honey, and homemade rakija.
Where: Zeleni Venac Square, Belgrade
Hours: 6AM-4PM daily
Bajloni Market (Pijaca Bajloni)
Popular neighborhood market in the Vracar district known for excellent quality produce, live poultry, and a variety of fresh fish. Lively, authentic atmosphere beloved by local Belgradians.
Where: Skenderbegova, Belgrade
Hours: 7AM-3PM daily
Kalenić Market
One of Belgrade's oldest and largest open-air markets, spanning several city blocks with vendors selling everything from fresh vegetables and fruits to honey, dairy, and seasonal mushrooms.
Where: Kalenićeva, Belgrade
Hours: 6AM-3PM daily
Liman Market, Novi Sad
Novi Sad's main outdoor market with a wide selection of Vojvodina regional produce including paprika, sunflower oil, and fresh cheeses. Reflects the multicultural flavors of the Vojvodina region.
Where: Bulevar oslobođenja, Novi Sad
Hours: 7AM-2PM daily
Antique Market at Republic Square
Weekly antique and collectibles market where vendors sell vintage Yugoslav memorabilia, old coins, jewelry, books, and military items. Perfect for unique historic finds.
Where: Trg Republike, Belgrade
Hours: Sunday 8AM-2PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Knez Mihailova Street
Belgrade's main shopping street stretching from Republic Square to Kalemegdan Fortress, lined with international brands, local boutiques, bookshops, and cafes. The city's most popular promenade for shopping and people-watching.
Best for: International brands, souvenirs, books, cafes
Skadarlija
Belgrade's historic bohemian quarter with artisan shops, souvenir stalls, antique dealers, and traditional Serbian craft stores on cobblestone streets. A romantic and authentic shopping experience.
Best for: Artisan crafts, souvenirs, traditional Serbian goods
Belgrade Waterfront (Sava Promenade)
Newly developed waterfront area with upscale boutiques, concept stores, designer brands, and gourmet food shops along the Sava River. The most modern shopping strip in Serbia.
Best for: Designer fashion, contemporary lifestyle brands, gourmet food
Terazije Square area
The traditional heart of Belgrade featuring department stores, fashion chains, electronics shops, and the historic Palace of Albania building. Busy urban retail area with excellent transport links.
Best for: Department stores, fashion chains, electronics
Zmaj Jovina Street, Novi Sad
Novi Sad's charming pedestrian shopping street in the old town center, featuring local designers, bookshops, coffee shops, and independent boutiques. More relaxed than Belgrade with a distinct Central European feel.
Best for: Local designers, independent boutiques, books, café culture
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Ušće Shopping Center
Belgrade's largest shopping mall in New Belgrade with over 120 stores including Zara, H&M, Mango, and major electronics retailers. Features a cinema, food court, and extensive parking.
Hours: 10AM-10PM daily
Delta City Belgrade
Premium shopping center near Sava Center with upscale fashion brands, restaurants, supermarket, and entertainment. Popular with Belgrade's middle and upper class for its modern facilities.
Hours: 10AM-10PM daily
Promenada Mall Novi Sad
Novi Sad's largest shopping center with over 130 stores, multiplex cinema, and expansive food court. Serves as the main retail destination for Vojvodina's capital.
Hours: 10AM-10PM daily
BIG Fashion Mall Niš
The largest shopping mall in southern Serbia with international brands, local shops, restaurants, and a cinema. The primary modern retail hub for the city of Niš.
Hours: 10AM-9PM daily
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is acceptable at green markets and antique stalls — start 20-30% below the asking price
Fixed prices apply in all shops, malls, and established stores; do not attempt to negotiate there
Buying multiple items gives you leverage to ask for a small discount at craft markets
Sellers at Zeleni Venac and antique markets respond better to friendly conversation before bargaining
End-of-day market visits (after 2PM) often yield lower prices as vendors clear remaining stock
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Antiques over 100 years old require a cultural goods export permit from the Serbian Ministry of Culture. Declare cash over €10,000 when crossing borders.
Tax Refund: VAT refund (PDV refund) available for non-EU visitors on purchases over 6,000 RSD in one store. Request Tax Free Form at point of purchase and validate at customs on departure.
Duty Free: Allowances when entering Serbia: 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine, personal items for own use. Standard EU-comparable limits.
Shipping: DHL, FedEx, and DPD offer international shipping from Belgrade. Serbian Post (PTT) provides slower but affordable international parcel services. Most shops can arrange shipping for larger items.