Europe’s Buried Treasure
Many people find the thought of traveling through this piece of the former Yugoslavia bewildering. But these people are wrong. Serbia is a fascinating and safe country, with warm, inviting citizens, lovely sights, and rich cultural traditions. Of course, the nation is clearly still recovering from a troubled past; the chilling wreckage of bombings can still be seen in downtown Belgrade, and unemployment and poverty are common. But they should not and do not define Serbia. The cosmopolitan capital has excellent restaurants, nightlife, and shopping, and best of all, magnificent Kalamegdan Fortress overlooking the city. Up north, the smaller city of Novi Sad hosts the renowned EXIT Festival every summer, drawing musicians and audiences from around the globe, while the southern town of Nis has a relaxed, non-touristy feel with a Turkish influence. Travelers have begun to return to neighbors (and fellow former Yugoslavians) Croatia and Montenegro. With so much to offer, and at such low prices, it’s only a matter of time before Serbia too becomes a popular destination. Go now and beat the crowds.
