New Year's Eve is one of the favorite times of the year, being perfect for a vacation, and this year Serbia is among the most suitable destinations where you can spend the night between years (and a few extra days). Low prices, interesting places, entertainment possibilities, family-friendly facilities and the fact that it is right next to us are the main advantages of Serbia, a treasure not yet discovered enough by tourists. Even if most Serbs celebrate New Year's Eve according to the old rite calendar, that is, on January 14, most restaurants and hotels offer the New Year's Eve experience for those who celebrate New Year's Eve on January 1. In winter, everything seems to be taken out of magical stories, so you will have a real New Year's Eve if you choose Serbia!
Useful information
Belgrade
The capital Belgrade is probably the most visited city in Serbia, located at the confluence of the Sava River with the Danube, which gives it spectacular scenery, especially in winter. Although it is one of the oldest cities in Europe, you will find here a youthful and dynamic spirit, being the perfect place for tourists who want to have fun on New Year's Eve. The winters here are gorgeous, with plenty of snow, colorful lights and lots of tradition, so you'll have a perfect urban New Year's Eve!
Belgrade tourist attractions - What to visit in Belgrade
Kalemegdan Fortress
A witness to the tumultuous history of the area, located on a 125 m high rock, right at the intersection of the Sava River with the Danube, forming a magical winter scenery. Inside the fortress you will be able to take part in a cultural tour, through the Military Museum, the Clock Tower (27.5 m high), the Roman Well (60 m deep) or the hidden tunnels.
St. Sava Cathedral
The largest Orthodox church in the world, which can be seen from any corner of the city. It was built in memory of Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Gardosh Tower
Located on one of the three hills on which the historic center was built. It is located on the right bank of the Danube and is a cultural and historical environment, with narrow streets, picturesque houses, historic churches and traditional restaurants, teleporting you as if in a village of Santa Claus. The tower is 36 meters high and is open to the public, so you can climb up to enjoy the magnificent scenery.
Knez Mihailova
Take a walk on Knez Mihailova Boulevard, the heart of Christmas light decorations, the perfect place to recharge yourself with the magical energy of winter. Here is also the Christmas Market, which on New Year's Eve is the favorite place for tourists, among small shops with souvenirs and traditional food, decorations.
Stay Grad
Spend the night in the city center, Stay Grad, where there are many pubs and discos open late into the night. Not to be missed are the popular "Splav" locations, floating clubs on the Danube or Sava, specific to Belgrade, with a unique atmosphere.
Accommodation Belgrade
Belgrade is one of the most affordable European capitals, so including accommodation prices are reduced. However, around New Year's the prices go up a bit (normally starting from €30 per night), but you will be able to find offers even for €60 for a room for 2 people. You have motels, apartments and hotels for all tastes. Many of the hotels also offer January 1st parties.
- Garni Hotel Semlin B&B a 3-star hotel appreciated by visitors, where a night at the end of December starts from €80 with breakfast included; the only minus being the somewhat greater distance from the center.
- Hotel Majestic 4-star hotel right in the heart of the city, which stands out for its elegance, luxurious decor and facilities that make you feel like the center of attention, all for only €100 for a room for 2 people around New Year's Eve.
Novi Sad
Novi Sad, the second largest and most important city in Serbia, located on the banks of the Danube, which is only 90 km from Jimbolia customs and about 80 km from Belgrade (if you come by plane from here you can take the train for only €6 ). Also known as the "Serbian Athens", the city is famous for its architecture, peaceful yet youthful atmosphere, hospitality, art and cultural diversity, all of which led the European Union to designate Novi Sad as the European Capital of Culture. New Year's Eve here guarantees you relaxation and rejuvenation in a magical setting, taken as if from Christmas movies
Novi Sad tourist attractions - What to visit in Novi Sad
Petrovaradin Fortress
One of the most beautiful places in the city, nicknamed "Gibraltar on the Danube". It is the second largest fortress in Europe, built by the Austrians in the 17th century with a superb view of the Danube (especially in winter), and which hides a network of tunnels and underground galleries more than 15 km long.
Stroll down Dunavska Street (also known as Danube Street), which stands out for the old buildings lining the street. If you like shopping, you are in the right place. Here you can find everything from clothes to souvenirs perfect for New Year's gifts. And if you want to warm up with a hot chocolate, you will find a multitude of restaurants and cafes.
Cruise on the Danube
This is the perfect way to enjoy the idyllic atmosphere of the city, but also the landscapes created by water and snow.
Danubian Park
Relax in the Danubian Park, which with the arrival of snow turns into a winter and adventure paradise. If you like to skate, you will also find a small ice rink here, in the middle of magical decorations and frozen trees.
Freedom Square
Spend the New Year in Libertății Square, the central square of Novi Sad that houses the most representative historical buildings of the city. The magical Christmas Fair is also located here, so the atmosphere of the winter holidays is perfectly felt here, between lights, traditional food and even concerts and spectacular artistic moments. If you have decided that your New Year's Eve destination is Novi Sad, here you find a complete itinerary.
Accommodation in Novi Sad
Prices for accommodation in Novi Sad are more than decent, for all budgets, and they start from €30 per night for a double room. However, around New Year's the prices go up, so you can expect to be out of pocket at least €50. Our recommendations are
- Garni Hotel Mediteraneo (a 3-star hotel located in a quiet area with modern facilities, where prices at the end of December start from €70 per night with breakfast included
- Garni Hotel Planeta Inn (a slightly more refined version, with elegant rooms and excellent services, where New Year's prices start from €100 per night with breakfast included.
Kopaonik
For those who prefer to spend New Year's Eve in a mountain resort suitable for winter sports, Kopaonik is the perfect place! It is located approximately 290 km from Belgrade (from Romania you will do 400 km from Timişoara, respectively 350 km from Craiova) and is considered the largest ski resort in Serbia, with facilities that compete even with those in the resorts of France and Switzerland, The average altitude is 1800 m, with a maximum of 2017 m on the Pančić peak. You will have not only an unforgettable New Year's night, but also several days of adventure, fun and relaxation, in the spectacular setting of the mountains!
Kopaonik Ski – The slopes of Kopaonik
Kopaonik has a very large area, 62 km of slopes suitable for athletes of any level, from beginners or children to advanced. There are 21 easy slopes, 9 medium, 6 difficult, a night section, a free-ride section (Gobelja) and even a snowpark and a bobsleigh track. The longest slope route is 3.5 km. Infrastructure it is also very well developed and extremely modern, the resort being served by 9 chairlifts (for 2, 4 or 6 people) and 11 ski lifts, which make access to the slopes very easy. Also, almost the entire area (above 90%) is equipped with artificial snow facilities, so you won't have to worry about the weather outside.
The price of one ski pass for an adult it is 28-33€ per day (but when purchasing a longer period the rate decreases, and for example for 5 days you will pay between 112-122€). Renting ski or snowboard equipment will also cost you an additional €12-18 per day, depending on where you rent from.
Accommodation Kopaonik
Being a large resort, in Kopaonik you will find a fairly large and diverse range of accommodation, and the services are certainly of the best quality. The prices are a bit higher compared to those in the cities, starting from 50€ per night for a room for 2 people. Our recommendations are
- Villa Kostic (a small quiet and simplistic guesthouse, where a night around New Year's starts from the price of €55:
- PRINCESS LUX Apartments (a very modern and well-equipped complex, where you will be able to pamper yourself with 2 swimming pools, a spa and wellness center and restaurant, all for only €110 per night.
So, take courage and choose for your New Year's holiday a destination whose real values are still quite hidden from tourists! Serbia is a country that can offer its visitors an unforgettable experience, full of cultural and historical values, but also fun and adventure. Winter here is magical and fairytale-like, whether you prefer an urban setting or a mountain adventure, New Year's Eve here is guaranteed to be a hit!