Ultimate Guide to Exploring Serbia on a $200 Budget

> ✨ **Money-Saving Tips**: Book flights 3 months in advance, avoid peak season (July-August); opt for shared hostel rooms; prioritize supermarkets and local markets for meals.

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### 📅 **7-Day Itinerary for In-Depth Exploration**

**Day 1-2: Belgrade (Old-World Charm & War History)**
- **Free Attractions**:
- **Kalemegdan Fortress**: Sunset views over the Danube, ancient castle vibes.
- **Saint Sava Temple**: World's largest Orthodox church, stunning underground frescoes.
- **NATO Bombing Ruins**: Historical site with nearby Chinese Embassy Memorial.
- **Budget Experiences**:
- **Zeleni Venac Market**: Buy discounted fruits before closing (cherries at $0.7/pound in season).
- **Public Transport**: Free city buses (policy effective until 2025).
- **Accommodation**: Hostel Bongo (mixed dorm bed at $2.6/night, breakfast included).
- **Food**: Chicken breast + bread from Maxi supermarket (daily cost ~$1.4).

**Day 3: Zemun (Fairytale Town by the Danube)**
- **Must-Do**:
- **Gardoš Tower**: $0.9 ticket for panoramic views of red-roofed town and swans.
- **Feed Swans by the River**: Free photo op with DIY bread.
- **Transport**: Free direct bus #72 from Belgrade.
- **Dinner**: Grilled fish set at local restaurant ($2.1).

**Day 4-5: Novi Sad (Artsy Vibes & Wine Country)**
- **Highlights**:
- **Petrovaradin Fortress**: Free, climb for Danube/cityscape views.
- **Liberty Square**: Street performances + 19th-century architecture.
- **Sremski Karlovci Wine Town**: Taste Bermet dessert wine ($1.4/glass), served on Titanic.
- **Accommodation**: City Hostel (riverside dorm bed at $2.9/night).
- **Transport**: Belgrade→Novi Sad bus ($1.4 one-way, 1.5hrs).

**Day 6-7: Zlatibor (Mountain Retreat)**
- **Natural Wonders**:
- **Drina River House**: Free, iconic National Geographic cover spot.
- **Drvengrad (Wooden Town)**: $1 ticket, director Kusturica's utopian village.
- **Transport**: Novi Sad→Zlatibor bus ($3.5 one-way, 4hrs).

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### 🧳 **Pre-Trip Budget Hacks**
1. **Flight Deals**:
- Aeroflot/Qatar Airways layover tickets, off-season round-trip at $98 (Nov-Mar).

2. **Smart Dining**:
- **Markets+Supermarkets**: Potatoes/onions at $0.14/pound, chicken breast $0.56/pound.
- **Street Food**: Burek ($0.6), burgers ($1.4 for full meal).

3. **Ticket Strategy**:
- Prioritize free sites (70% of itinerary).
- Selective paid entries: Drvengrad ($1), Gardoš Tower ($0.9). Skip Tesla Museum (low value).

4. **Transport Wins**:
- Free Belgrade buses; other cities use day passes ($0.7).
- Intercity buses > trains (faster/cheaper).

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### ⚠️ **Pitfall Avoidance (Tested Tips)**
- **Currency Exchange**: Airport rate 1:15 vs. downtown "Menjacnica" shops at 1:16.8 (exchange minimally).
- **SIM Cards**: Choose Yettel, $1.4 for 7-day data pack (hotspot sharing allowed).
- **Hidden Fees**: Menu prices exclude 10% service charge; bakeries charge face value.

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### 💎 **$200 Budget Breakdown**
| Category | Details | Cost |
|------------|------------------------------|---------|
| **Flights** | Round-trip w/layovers (incl. tax) | $98 |
| **Accommodation** | 6-night hostel dorms (avg $2.8/night) | $16.8 |
| **Food** | Groceries + street food ($2.1/day) | $14.7 |
| **Transport** | Intercity buses + local transit | $4.9 |
| **Tickets** | Gardoš Tower + Drvengrad | $2 |
| **Misc** | SIM card + insurance | $3.6 |
| **Total** | | **$200** |

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### 🌟 **Pro Tips**
- **Best Time**: May-Jun or Sep to avoid peak prices/winter closures.
- **Safety**: Avoid embassy district at night; old town is secure.