How to find and book accommodation in Serbia?
Online platforms are the easiest way to search and book accommodation in Serbia. Online platforms have the largest accommodation base and advertise both private and hotel accommodations. The platforms they offer are Booking, Airbnb, Trip Advisor, and Bookaweb, which specialize in accommodation for the territory of Serbia.
The Bookaweb platform allows users to easily search for all types of accommodation throughout Serbia. Filters for location, accommodation type, and price make the search process much easier and faster.
The Bookaweb platform currently covers over 50 destinations in Serbia. You can search on the Bookaweb platform itself by the name of the destination you want to visit. The search by location has also been improved by enabling a search with the help of the map. By moving the map, you can filter and display accommodation units within the map area.
Accommodation units can also be filtered by type: apartment, house, log cabin, or apart-hotel with receptions.
The reservation itself is very simple and takes place in just a few clicks, without the need to contact the accommodation unit's owner.
Advantages of booking through Bookaweb:
- Bookaweb specializes in accommodation in Serbia and the Balkans, so the information is much more precise, detailed, and verified.
- One of the most significant advantages of the Bookaweb platform compared to other sites is the instant booking option. This option allows you to book accommodation without waiting for the owner's response. The search filters can indicate that the site only offers accommodation units that are available for instant booking.
- There are also a large number of filters, which allow you to narrow down the selection not only by the basic characteristics of the accommodation but also by additional ones (e.g., whether the accommodation has a swimming pool, sauna, or jacuzzi, what type of vacation it offers, the number of beds, whether pets are allowed, etc.). Thus, you can quickly and easily find accommodation that will suit you down to the smallest detail.
What types of accommodation can be rented in Serbia?
In Serbia, various types of accommodation are available to suit different types of travel, budgets, and wishes. Tourists choose between two types of accommodation: private and hotel. It should be emphasized that private accommodation is much more diverse, so it includes apartments, log cabins, cottages and houses, and ethnic households.
In the following, we will discuss these types of accommodation in more detail, their characteristics, where they can be found, and on what occasions tourists opt for a specific type of accommodation.
Here's an overview of the most common types of accommodation available across the country:
- Apartments – This is the most popular type of accommodation for tourists, as it offers more flexibility and privacy and is usually more affordable than hotels. Short-term apartments are available in all major and minor cities and tourist destinations. Different sizes and comforts: They can be smaller studio apartments and larger luxury apartments with several bedrooms. They are usually equipped with a kitchen, allowing you to prepare your meals. The most significant advantage of private apartments for rental, compared to hotels, in addition to the lower price, is that they are available in smaller towns, and you can also find private accommodation in any part of the destination. In contrast, hotels are mainly concentrated only in the city center.
- Log cabins – Log cabins are specific and popular wooden houses, which are recognizable by the traditional construction style and are most often used in natural, mountainous areas. This accommodation provides an authentic experience of staying in nature, emphasizing comfort and peace. Log cabins are very popular among tourists who want to relax in the silence and beauty of nature while having all the advantages of a modern home available to them. The most significant number of wooden houses are in the mountains: Zlatibor, Tara, Stara Planina, Kopaonik, and Divčibare. A smaller number of log cabins can be found near rivers and lakes. It is possible to find log cabins with a capacity for two people up to those that accommodate 15-20 people.
- Cottages and vacation homes – are an excellent option for larger groups and families. Cottages and houses are often accommodations for those wanting privacy and natural relaxation. These options are popular in the mountains, rivers, or rural areas. Houses and cottages are an excellent option when you are looking for accommodation for a more extended stay because they have mostly fully equipped facilities, with all the necessary facilities for independent living. In summer, cottages with swimming pools are also very popular.
- Rural households (Ethno-villages) – Rural tourism allows visitors to experience Serbia's tradition, peaceful atmosphere, and natural environment. This accommodation includes staying in ethno-villages, country houses, or traditional households. The specificity of this private accommodation is that, in addition to lodging, it often offers meals and various activities such as horseback riding, hiking, fruit picking, and tasting local products. Ethno villages can be rented in Vojvodina, the area of Fruška Gora, and around Novi Sad, Raška, Zlatibor, and Šumadija.
- Hotels – Serbia has a wide range of hotels, from simple (1-2 stars) to luxury (4-5 stars) with top-quality facilities. Many hotels offer additional services such as restaurants, wellness centers, conference rooms, swimming pools, and gyms. Hotels are usually located in large cities such as Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, and others and in popular tourist destinations such as Kopaonik, Zlatibor, and Tara. Hotels are a more expensive option than private accommodation, and the fact that they are not available in smaller towns can be a problem.
The most famous cities for renting accommodation in Serbia
Among the cities in Serbia, Belgrade is the most visited, followed by Novi Sad. These cities record a high percentage of tourist and business visits. They are followed immediately by Niš and Kragujevac, but like the others on the list, these cities are mostly visited exclusively by tourists.
- Belgrade – offers the most significant number of accommodation units in all cities in Serbia. Although all types of accommodation can be found in Belgrade, most offers are apartments or apartments for the day. Apartments can be found in all parts of Belgrade, but the ones in the city center are often sought after. There are also the most luxurious apartments with jacuzzis and saunas in the center of Belgrade. It should be emphasized, however, that an apartment or apartment in the center of Belgrade, both with average equipment and luxury ones, is complicated to find and book during the New Year holidays, so if you plan to visit Belgrade, then you will have to reserve accommodation much earlier.
- Novi Sad – after Belgrade, Novi Sad has the wealthiest accommodation offer. As in the case of Belgrade, you can find most of the apartments in the capital of Vojvodina. The most significant number of flats offers accommodation for 2 to 4 people. Novi Sad is also visited often during the New Year holidays and EXIT, so when you plan your arrival, start looking for accommodation on time. Also, expect that accommodation on these days is often more expensive compared to the average prices that apply throughout the year. The surroundings of Novi Sad can offer those interested in ethnic tourism many farms where it is possible to stay.
- Niš – Niš is the third largest city in Serbia and the tourist and administrative center of southern Serbia. Hence, it attracts many domestic and foreign tourists, among whom the most numerous are from Bulgaria and Macedonia. Due to its popularity, Niš has a large number of accommodation units. Tourists usually opt for private accommodation as the cheapest type of accommodation. Tourists from abroad who come organized for the New Year's holidays typically stay in hotels so that apartments will be available for you during this period. Still, booking your accommodation in time is undoubtedly safer if you are coming to Nis during this period.
- Kragujevac – Kragujevac is the city most often visited by tourists to get to know this city and its surroundings, while a slightly smaller number come as business tourists. The most popular type of accommodation and Kragujevac itself offers the most apartments. The most significant number of apartments can be found in the center of Kragujevac and the settlement of Erdoglija. In recent years, Kragujevac has become an increasingly popular destination for New Year's Eve, so if you are looking for accommodation in Kragujevac for this period of the year, you need to start looking for an apartment at least a month in advance. The immediate surroundings of Kragujevac (a circle of about 30 kilometers around Kragujevac) offer ethnic villages and households. The New Year and Arsenal Fest period is the most challenging for finding and booking accommodation. If you are looking for houses in Kragujevac, they cannot be found in the central parts of the city but exclusively on the outskirts.
- Subotica – Subotica is mainly visited by tourists, attracted by Subotica itself, its unique architecture, and Lake Palić is responsible for many visits to this city. Thus, you will find the most significant number of apartments in the center of Subotica and near Lake Palić. Subotica is the most visited during the summer. In previous years, there have been more and more tourists from abroad (40-50% are tourists from abroad), mainly from Hungary, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It should be noted that in the vicinity of Lake Palić, in addition to apartments, you can also find houses for rent, so this is an excellent destination for family trips.
- Smederevo – Smederevo is mostly visited by tourists during the summer. This period is suitable for visiting the main Smederevo attraction, the Smederevo Fortress, and this is also an appropriate time of year for a cruise on the Danube, so it attracts a large number of tourists who want to go on this tour from a less busy place than Belgrade, for example. Smederevo also receives many visitors during the Smederevo Autumn, at the beginning of September, where around 100,000 people visit the event daily. Thus, it is necessary to book accommodation in time during this period. Apart from that, apartments are available in Smederevo, most located in the center of Smederevo or its immediate vicinity.
- Kraljevo – Kraljevo is primarily a town visited by tourists, mostly thanks to Mataruška Spa, which is only 8 km away, then Vrnjačka Spa, which is about 20 km away, and Goč, which is 38 km away. Kraljevo also makes the Ibar, on which it lies, attractive for tourists, so it is visited by rafting and kayaking enthusiasts and fishermen. For this reason, several accommodation units, mostly houses and cottages, can be found along the Ibar. However, the dominant number of apartments is located in the center of Kraljevo. Kraljevo is considered a city where you can easily find accommodation at any time of the year; mostly, it is not necessary to look for accommodation significantly earlier.
- Jagodina – Jagodina is a tourist destination that attracts the largest number of visitors in the summer. This is the most attractive time of the year for tourists because of the aqua park and the zoo. Therefore, the most sought-after apartments are in the center of Jagodina and near the aqua park. Most apartments accommodate 2-4 people and are suitable for family stays.
The most famous mountains for renting accommodation in Serbia
In addition to Belgrade and Novi Sad, the mountains are at the top of the list for visits by both domestic and foreign tourists. Zlatibor and Kopaonik are at the very top of the list. The mountains of Serbia offer different types of content for tourists, which is maintained by the type of tourists who visit them, the characteristics of accommodation, and different seasonality. All this should be considered when looking for accommodation in the mountains of Serbia.
- Zlatibor – Zlatibor is a mountain that is visited all year round. In the summer, it records many visits thanks to the opportunities for active tourism, excursions, and family activities, while in the winter, it is attractive because of the ski slopes. It should also be noted that Zlatibor stands out from other mountains due to its rich nightlife, which attracts many young people. Although visited throughout the year, Zlatibor records the most significant number of visits around the New Year holidays. It is necessary to reserve accommodation up to two months in advance for that period. Zlatibor stands out from other mountains due to its urbanization, and thanks to it, you can find many apartments, mainly in the center of Zlatibor. On the other hand, anyone who wants authentic mountain accommodation can find it near the center of Zlatibor and on the mountain's edges.
- Kopaonik – Kopaonik is a mountain considered the ski center of Serbia and the region, so it is most visited in the winter period, from mid-December to mid-January, when it is the season's peak. In recent years, Kopaonik has been developing infrastructure that would attract tourists even during the summer, so more and more visits are recorded in this period. When it comes to accommodation, Kopaonik offers a large number of log cabins and mountain houses, as well as apartments. Accommodations can be found in all parts of the mountain, but generally, the most significant interest is in accommodations near the ski center and cable cars.
- Tara – Tara is a mountain that, thanks to its status as a national park, has remained unurbanized, so you can only find accommodation typical of mountain regions. So, on Tara, you can book log cabins, that is, mountain houses and houses. Accommodation on Tara is mainly spread over the whole mountain, so Tara is an ideal destination for all those looking for peace. Tara records increased visits in two periods during the year, that is, the period around the New Year holidays and during the summer, in terms of rafting; otherwise, it applies to a mountain that is just as popular in the winter as in the summer.
- Divčibare – Divčibare is considered a mountain that is in its infancy, so more and more tourists are offered summer facilities since when it comes to winter facilities, this mountain has been a favorite place for skiers for many years, next to Kopaonik. Thus, an increasing number of tourists visit Divčibare in the summer, especially as a family. Despite this, Dibvčibare currently records the highest number of visits during the ski season. Most accommodation units are in the center of Divčibar, primarily apartments, while houses and log cabins can be found in the center's surroundings.
- Fruška Gora – Fruška Gora ranks fourth in the number of visits, right behind Zlatibor, Kopaonik, and Tara. This mountain is a favorite destination for family trips and excursions, so it is most visited in the summer when you can take advantage of the opportunities it offers for mountain biking, light hiking tours, or visiting one of the 16 lakes in this national park. Because it is one of the favorite weekend destinations in Serbia, you must book accommodation on time and in advance when planning a weekend on this mountain. This is especially true in the summer. Regarding the type of accommodation, houses, and cottages are mostly offered.
The most famous spas for renting accommodation in Serbia
In addition to mountain tourism, spa tourism in Serbia is the most developed. This is evidenced by the fact that in 2023, the same number of overnight stays, 2.8 million, was recorded in the mountains and in the spas of Serbia. Regarding attendance, Vrnjačka Banja and Sokobanja stand out, so these are also the spas with the most prosperous accommodation offer.
- Vrnjačka Banja – Vrnjačka Banja has recorded the highest number of overnight stays for years. Overnight stays are primarily realized in the summer season. During the summer, the visit is mainly made during Lovefest, which is held mostly in early August, and during the Vrnjački Carnival, which is primarily held in early July and lasts for a week. You should book your accommodation well if you plan to visit Vrnjačka Banja during this period. Mount Goč, located right next to Vrnjačka Spa, with its ski slopes, makes this spa attractive even during the winter, which sets it apart from other spas that mainly offer summer facilities. In summer, Goč is an ideal destination for excursions, so Vrnjačka Banja is a frequent choice for family trips. By the way, in Vrnjačka Banja, you can find the most significant number of accommodation units in the center of the spa and the immediate vicinity of spa resorts and swimming pools. Apartments are the predominant type of accommodation in Vrnjačka Banja.
- Sokobanja – Vrnjačka Banja, in terms of popularity and number of overnight stays, is followed closely by Sokobanja. Located in the southeast of Serbia, besides domestic tourists, this spa attracts many foreign tourists, primarily from Bulgaria. Sokobanja is the most visited during the summer, and the nearby mountain Ozren makes Sokobanja an attractive destination for all lovers of active vacations. Ozren is also suitable for excursions, which, along with the water activities offered by Sokobanja itself, only confirms the status of a family resort, which Sokobanja has. The most significant number of accommodation units can be found in the very center of the spa and near spa resorts. There are mostly apartments on offer.
- Spa Koviljača – located in the western part of Serbia, near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the banks of the Drina River, attracts a large number of visitors who want to combine relaxation and a tour of the natural landscapes surrounding the spa. One of the resort's biggest attractions is its recognizable symbol, a park modeled after the parks of Western Europe. The central part of the park covers an area of 20 hectares, and the forest below it covers 40 hectares. The park, as a spatial-cultural historical entity, is under the protection of the state and is located in the very center of the spa. The most significant number of apartments is located in the central part of Banja Koviljača. Koviljača Spa, despite its attractiveness, does not record as many visits as Vranjačka Banja and Sokobanja, so accommodation can generally be easily found at any time of the year.
The most famous rivers near which you can rent accommodation in Serbia
Rivers are becoming increasingly popular destinations for staying in the summer months, primarily among domestic tourists. The Drina and the Danube stand out as the most sought-after destinations, simultaneously as the destinations that offer the most accommodation units. The most common types of accommodation by the rivers are houses, cottages, log cabins, and rafts. Accommodation by the rivers is most in demand during the summer, so if you plan to visit these destinations in the summer, you should book accommodation several months in advance. This is especially true when you plan to visit during the weekend because the rivers are considered one of Serbia's most popular weekend destinations. In addition, expect the price of accommodation to be higher in the summer months than the rest of the year.
- Drina – Thanks to rafting and the untouched nature surrounding it, the Drina River has become one of the most popular destinations in our country, and accommodation next to the Drina is one of the most sought-after. The Drina is the most visited in the summer months, and the most significant interest reigns during the famous Drina regatta, the most massive event on this river, which takes place in mid-July. Most accommodation units are near Zvornik, Preućac, and around Tara. Private accommodation next to the Drina is the most sought after, and the most offered are cottages and houses. The Drina is a river where you can find many rafts for rent.
- Danube – The Danube attracts tourists because of its beauty but also because of the historical sites located along its shores or in its immediate vicinity (Golubačka Fortress, Smederevo Fortress, Ramska Fortress, Fetislam, Djerdap National Park, Lepenski Vir, Viminacium). Unlike the Drina, accommodation on the Danube can be found mainly in the towns that lie on it, and most accommodation can be found in the municipalities of Majdanpek, Golubac, Kladovo, and Negotin. Tourists who want to experience a Danube cruise stay in these cities. Those who want a quieter vacation can also find accommodation in Smederevo and Novi Sad, the parts of the city that are on the banks of the Danube. The most sought-after accommodation units are located along the banks of the Danube, and most often, they are cottages, houses, and, to a lesser extent, log cabins.
- Sava – The Sava is one of the longest rivers in Europe, and during its entire 207 km through Serbia, this river is navigable. Along the river's course are numerous beautiful places to rest and relax. One of the pearls of nature is an oasis of greenery called Zasavica, and there is a camping area just 200 meters from it. One of the most beautiful towns in Serbia, Šabac, is located on the banks of the Sava, where tourists most often stay. From the center of Šabac, it takes only a 15-minute leisurely walk to the river bank, and most offers are apartments. Another city on the banks of the Sava is Sremska Mitrovica. Here, you can also find many apartments, and the city beach, considered one of the most beautiful in Serbia, is only 15 15-minute' walk from the center.
Accommodation rental prices in Serbia?
Accommodation prices in Serbia depend primarily on the destination, accommodation equipment, accommodation type and capacity. First, we will familiarize ourselves with the average prices of accommodation by destination.
- Cities – In the big cities of Serbia, such as Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš and Kragujevac, the average price of private accommodation is around €40. The price of accommodation in these cities depends a lot on the location of the accommodation, so accommodation units located closer to the city center are usually more expensive. In smaller towns, the average price of accommodation is around €25-30 per night. Apartments that offer additional amenities, such as a jacuzzi or sauna, for example, start at around €100.
- Mountains – On the most popular mountains in Serbia, Zlatibor, Tara and Kopaonik, the largest number of accommodation units are offered at a price of €35-45. Zlatbor offers the largest selection and, as the most urbanized mountain, offers plenty of private apartments, while on Tara and Kopaonik, log cabins and houses predominate as the dominant form of available accommodation. On other mountains such as Fruška gora, Divčibare, Stara planina, mostly log cabins and houses are also offered
- Spas – The largest number of private accommodation units are offered in Vrnjačka Banja, Sokobanja and Koviljača Spa, and the average price of accommodation is around €30 per night. These are mostly private apartments located in the central parts of spas, while apartments a little further from the center can be found at lower prices.
In the following, we will present prices by type of accommodation.
- Apartments – Apartments are the most numerous and diverse type of accommodation offered in Serbia. Apartments are often the cheapest accommodation in Serbia. They can be found at prices starting from €20, while the most luxurious variants of this accommodation can reach a price of €500 per night. The largest number of apartments for rental are offered in the price range of €30-40 per night and are mostly apartments that can host 2-4 people, with average equipment that includes internet access, television, sometimes parking, equipped kitchen for basic needs.
- Houses and cottages – Houses and cottages are available mostly in mountains and by rivers, in spas, and can sometimes be found in urban areas of cities. Prices range from €40 per night up to €600 per night. It should be emphasized that the price, when it comes to houses and cottages, is often determined according to the number of guests staying. Otherwise, the houses are generally well equipped, with secured parking, internet access, cable TV, a well-equipped kitchen, so they are an excellent choice for long-term stays or staying with the family.
- Pool houses – Weekend houses with pool are most popular during the summer, and are often chosen by families with small children or larger groups of people. They are often rented on a short-term basis for celebrations, if the owners of the house allow it. The most affordable variants of houses with a pool for two people start from €50 per night, while the maximum price reaches €600.
- Log cabins – Log cabins or wooden houses are the most available in the mountains and are available as log cabins with a smaller capacity that can host a maximum of two people, which are also the most affordable, up to log cabins that can host more than 10 people. These chalets range from €35 to €140 per night for two people. In the case of a larger number of people staying, the prices may increase, but on the other hand, many owners lower the price of overnight stays for longer stays. The price of staying in this type of accommodation is slightly more expensive than staying in apartments, and the reason for this is that it is made entirely of natural materials (mostly wood and stone), with maximum respect for ecological standards.
- Houses for celebrations – Houses for celebrations are characterized first of all by their large capacity and then by their equipment. When it comes to capacity, these houses usually accommodate at least 10 people. In terms of equipment, they can have a sound system, barbecue equipment, and often a swimming pool. Houses for celebrations are located in locations away from densely populated parts of cities so that the surroundings are not disturbed. Precisely because of the possibility to organize celebrations, parties and gatherings, houses for celebrations are more expensive than "ordinary" houses. Their price generally ranges from €100 to €600 per night.
Is it possible to rent accommodation for a more extended period in Serbia?
Many property owners and rental platforms offer long-term rental options, whether apartments, houses, cottages, or country estates. This option is popular with both domestic and foreign visitors who wish to spend an extended period in the country, whether for work, study, research, or relaxation.
The most popular destinations for long-term rental accommodation
The most popular destinations for long-term accommodation rental in Serbia are Belgrade and Novi Sad. Belgrade is the most popular destination, among other things, because it has many coworking spaces such as Impact Hub, Startit Center, Nova Iskra, Bizcaster, and Shared Office. In addition to Belgrade and Novi Sad, it offers many coworking spaces, among which the most famous are Startit Novi Sad, Regus, Co-Hub Novi Sad, Salonac, and Coworker.
A slightly smaller number of tourists opt for a long-term stay in the mountains, most often in Zlatibor and Tara.
- Business tourism – When it comes to cities, the most popular cities for long-term accommodation rental are Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš and Kragujevac. These cities attract a large number of business tourists, who, therefore, come to Serbia primarily for business reasons but will also use the (usually several months) period of stay to tour and get to know the country. In addition, these are also university centers, so they attract a large number of students from abroad who come to Serbia for various study programs. These tourists usually stay in Serbia for two to three months. The Bookaweb platform offers a discount option for every stay over 30 days.
- Dental tourism – Dental tourism in Serbia is an increasingly popular option for patients from abroad who are looking for high-quality dental services at affordable prices. Serbia has thus become one of the leading destinations for dental tourism and is visited by citizens of Western European countries (primarily Germany, Switzerland, and Austria), Russia, and the USA. The prices of dental services in Serbia are significantly lower than in Western Europe or North America, even up to 50-70% for treatments such as implants, prostheses, or aesthetic procedures. However, the decisive factor in developing this tourism branch is the service quality. As many as 60,000 tourists visit Serbia annually for medical reasons, and 80% of them come for dental services. The procedure often determines the length of stay in Serbia, and tourists use the period of stay to visit tourist attractions throughout Serbia. On this occasion, they most often stay in our big cities of Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, and Kragujevac, and in slightly smaller numbers, they also stay in smaller cities in Serbia.
- Digital nomads – Along with Portugal, Spain, and Poland, Serbia is at the top of the list of favorite destinations for digital nomads. Serbia is a desirable destination because of its stable internet connection, safe environment, low cost of living, and hospitality. Digital nomads come to Serbia most often between April and October. They stay for an average of two and a half months, and it should be noted that their stay is limited to 90 days, which is why they only stay for a short time in Serbia. Most digital nomads in Serbia are young people aged 20 to 34. According to the website Nomadlist, on which nomads rank the places where they have stayed, Belgrade has been among the 20 best places to live in the world for the last few years, while it is in fourth place in Europe, ahead of cities such as Barcelona and London. Although they often stay in the mountains, Belgrade is the most attractive destination in Serbia for digital nomads, among other things, because of the large number of coworking spaces and cafes that are adapted for the work of digital nomads, but also because of the lively life and culture of the city.
- Tourist stays – Tourists who come to Serbia to stay longer usually opt for apartments and houses. Due to its complete equipment, this is the most suitable accommodation for long-term stays. In addition, the price for long-term rental is determined every month, which means that tourists will receive a preferential price, significantly lower than usual in the case of a long-term stay. Tourists who stay longer in Serbia usually opt for houses in the interior of Serbia and in areas where they are away from crowds and noise and in summer from the city's heat.