Serbia is North Macedonia's northern neighbor and the gateway to Central Europe by road. The A1 motorway that begins in Skopje continues unbroken all the way to Belgrade — one of the region's longest motorway stretches — making Serbia one of the most accessible cross-border destinations from Skopje. But Serbia is far more than its capital. This guide covers the country from south to north.
Getting to Serbia: The Border Crossing
Tabanovce/Preševo is the main crossing between North Macedonia and Serbia, located 50 km north of Skopje on the A1 motorway.
- Average wait: 20–40 minutes on weekdays, 45–90 minutes on peak summer weekends.
- Documents needed: Passport, vehicle registration, Green Card insurance (Serbia coverage included in standard rental).
- What to know: Serbia is not in the EU but is in the process of accession. Border formalities are straightforward; officers check documents on both sides.
South Serbia: The First Stop After the Border
Vranje (120 km from Skopje)
Vranje is the first significant Serbian town after the border. It's worth a brief stop for fuel and coffee, and the old Turkish hamam (bath house) is one of the best-preserved in Serbia. The local ćevapi (grilled meat) here is widely praised — several roadside restaurants just off the motorway specialize in them.
Leskovac (150 km from Skopje)
Leskovac is known throughout the Balkans as the capital of grilled meats. The Leskovac Grill Festival in August is one of Serbia's most popular food events. During the rest of the year, the town's traditional roštiljaši (grill restaurants) serve:
- Leskovački ćevap — More spicy than the standard version, with a higher beef-to-pork ratio.
- Muckalica — A regional specialty: leftover grilled meat cooked in a spicy sauce with peppers.
- Pljeskavica with kajmak — Serbian-style burger patty with fresh cream cheese.
Even if you're not stopping for the night, a lunch stop in Leskovac is worthwhile.
Niš: Serbia's Southern Capital (230 km from Skopje)
Niš is the most important stop on the Skopje–Belgrade route. As Serbia's third-largest city, it offers genuine history, good food, and enough sights for a half-day visit.
What to see:
- Niš Fortress: An Ottoman-era fort on the bank of the Nišava River. Free entry. The fortress walls are walkable and offer views over the city.
- Skull Tower (Ćele Kula): Built in 1809 on the orders of the Ottoman commander after the Battle of Čegar. Serbian rebels who died in battle had their skulls embedded into the tower as a warning. The tower still stands, under a protective chapel, and is one of the most visceral historical monuments in the Balkans.
- Mediana: A large Roman villa complex just east of the city center. Emperor Constantine (who was born in Niš, known as Naissus in Roman times) built an imperial residence here.
- Niš pedestrian zone: For lunch or coffee. The čaršija (marketplace) area near the fortress has good cafés and restaurants.
Where to eat in Niš: Meze restaurants near the fortress are reliable. Try gibanica (cheese and egg pastry) and bela prebranac (white bean salad).
Kruševac and Central Serbia (280 km from Skopje)
Kruševac was the medieval capital of Serbia under Prince Lazar. The ruins of Prince Lazar's castle (Lazarev grad) and the 14th-century Church of St. Lazarica are significant historic sites for anyone interested in Serbian history. This is an off-motorway detour (30 km from the A1 exit at Pojate).
Belgrade: The Capital (480 km from Skopje)
For the full Belgrade guide, see our Skopje to Belgrade driving guide. Key highlights:
- Kalemegdan Fortress: The city's defining feature, above the Sava-Danube confluence.
- Skadarlija: Bohemian restaurant quarter.
- Savamala: Design and nightlife district.
- Nightlife: Belgrade's splavovi (river clubs) are internationally known.
Novi Sad: Day Trip from Belgrade (80 km North)
Novi Sad is Serbia's second city and arguably more charming than Belgrade for a short visit. It's easily combined with Belgrade on a 2-day Serbia trip.
- Petrovaradin Fortress: The massive 18th-century Habsburg fortress above the Danube. Home to the EXIT Festival every July, one of Europe's largest music festivals.
- Dunavska Street: Pedestrianized street through the old Habsburg-era town.
- Sremski Karlovci: A village 8 km from Novi Sad, known for its baroque architecture and wine. The surrounding Fruška Gora hills have some of Serbia's best white wine production.
Zlatibor Mountain (340 km from Skopje, off the main route)
Zlatibor is Serbia's most popular mountain resort, about 300 km from Belgrade and 340 km from the Skopje border. It requires a westward detour from the A1.
Why visit:
- Year-round resort (skiing in winter, hiking in summer)
- The Šargan Eight narrow-gauge mountain railway — a scenic tourist train through the Mokra Gora gorge
- Traditional Serbian village restaurants (etno restaurants) serving lamb on the spit and forest mushroom dishes
- Drvengrad (Mećavnik) — A village built by film director Emir Kusturica on a hill above Mokra Gora. Part village, part film set, all quirky. Worth seeing even if you don't know his films.
Practical Notes for Serbia
- Currency: Serbian Dinar (RSD). EUR widely accepted in Belgrade and tourist areas but change is given in RSD. ATMs widely available.
- Speed limits: 130 km/h motorway, 100 km/h outside towns, 60 km/h in towns.
- Fuel: Several major brands on the motorway. Prices similar to North Macedonia.
- Language: Serbian (Cyrillic script on road signs — learn the Cyrillic alphabet for the major city names before you go).
- Driving style: Assertive. Mirror what you've learned driving in Skopje.
Renting a car for a Serbia road trip from Skopje? Pick up your car at Skopje Airport and head north on the A1. Check also our Skopje to Belgrade specific guide for the full drive detail.
