Wandering Serbia
I didn’t plan much before flying into Serbia. Just wanted to go somewhere a little under the radar, affordable, and full of life. Belgrade popped up on my radar and it didn’t disappoint. Loud, bold, with moments of total calm in between the chaos. Then there’s Novi Sad, which felt like someone pressed the volume down button in the best possible way.
Belgrade: Stayed at Lumiere Hotel, Would 100% Do It Again
Lumiere Hotel became my base. Right in the center, on Terazije Street. It’s actually where the first film screening in Serbia happened back in 1896, which gives the place this cool backstory not that you’ll think about that much when you’re lying flat in their ridiculously comfy beds.
The room was solid. Clean. Smart layout. Big enough to feel relaxed, not too big that it felt empty. I had one with a city-facing balcony, which was a nice bonus. Smart tech actually worked, which is rare. Breakfast happens up on the 9th floor. It’s a proper spread. Decent coffee, fresh options, and the view is the kind that makes you hang around a little longer than necessary. The rooftop bar is also up there, and they host events sometimes but from my fifth floor room, I didn’t hear a thing. If you're into spas, they’ve got a pool and sauna setup too. Didn’t try it, but looked sleek.
The staff deserves a mention—especially Anjelina at reception. She was warm, funny, and actually helpful without doing that fake hotel smile thing. Felt like someone who’d have your back if something went wrong. Only issue? Shower pressure was weak. Not a dealbreaker, but yeah, worth flagging.
Quick Stop: National Museum of Serbia
I gave myself a lazy morning and walked to the National Museum. I’ve been to some massive ones, so I wasn’t expecting much but it was actually great. It’s small enough to enjoy without getting museum fatigue. Three floors. Ground level covers prehistoric and Roman stuff, then medieval Serbia upstairs, and modern art on top. If you’re into coins or religious art, you’ll get your fix.
Bonus tip: Sundays are free. There’s a big underground parking garage near Republic Square if you’re driving.
Then Slowed It Down in Novi Sad: Hotel Pupin
After Belgrade, Novi Sad felt like a reset. Quieter streets, easier pace. I checked into Hotel Pupin, which doesn’t look like a hotel from the outside. It’s inside a mixed-use building, and check-in is done through a security desk not a typical setup, but I ended up chatting with the guard, Dragan. Great guy. Super helpful, spoke several languages, and was just genuinely kind. Felt more personal than most reception desks. The room was great clean, modern, had everything I needed. Some people online mentioned noise, but I asked for a room facing inward and had no issues. No lobby means no fuss. You just go straight to your room and relax.
There’s a restaurant downstairs called Kalem by ZAK. This place deserves its own paragraph. I had breakfast and dinner here multiple times. Fresh, unfussy, well-seasoned food. Locals actually come here to eat, which tells you all you need to know. Morning coffee to evening cocktails it hits the spot.
