Explore Serbia on a $2000 Budget: Ultimate Travel Guide

🌆 Must-Visits in Belgrade
1. Kalemegdan Fortress
Highlights: Panoramic views of the Sava and Danube rivers meeting, sunset 🌇, and ancient Roman/Austro-Hungarian ruins.
Tips: Free entry; wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone paths; best visited at dusk.
2. Saint Sava Temple
Highlights: One of the world's largest Orthodox churches, golden domes, and mosaic murals in the underground crypt.
Tips: Free admission; dress modestly (no tank tops/short skirts), remove hats/sunglasses.
3. Zemun District
Highlights: Colorful riverside houses, Gardos Tower for city views, and grilled fish at Danube restaurants.
Tips: 20-minute drive from downtown; ideal for lunch or sunset visits.

⛰️ Nature & Hidden Gems
1. Uvac Canyon
Highlights: Winding karst landscapes, white-headed eagle sanctuary, and boat cave explorations.
Tips: Private car from Belgrade (~3.5 hrs); free viewpoints but rugged trails require grippy shoes; support local honey vendors.
2. Tara National Park
Highlights: Europe's deepest Drina River Canyon, the iconic "House on the Drina," and Banjska Stena viewpoint.
Tips: Drive or join day tours; free park entry with marked trails; pair with a visit to Kusturica's Wooden Town.

🏰 History & Culture
1. Novi Sad
Highlights: Petrovaradin Fortress ("Danube Gibraltar"), EXIT Festival (July), and Baroque old town.
Tips: Fortress tower entry ~200 dinars; book accommodations early for the festival.
2. Monastery Trail
Top Picks: Studenica Monastery (UNESCO, 13th-century frescoes) and 16 secluded monasteries in Fruška Gora.

⚠️ Practical Tips
Visa: 90-day visa-free for Chinese passports.
Transport: Rent cars with an IDP (ideal for mountains); city day-pass at 250 dinars.
Season: Best in May-Jun/Sep-Oct; ski at Kopaonik (Nov-May).
Costs: Low prices (¥1≈15 dinars); meals ¥40-80/person; carry small cash.

💡 Unique Experiences:
Try Ćevapi grilled meat with Rakija on Skadarlija Street;
Reflect at NATO bombing sites (Chinese Embassy Memorial).