Exit Festival

Hailed as Europe’s best major festival, Nov Sad’s annual summer event began in 2000 as a student democracy movement. Today, it’s attended by more than 35,000 and has showcased everyone from Billy Idol to Arcade Fire. But it’s the festival’s ‘After 2AM’ dance sessions that draw devotees back each year. Held beside the Danube at the Petrovaradin Fortress, the setting isn’t bad either.

Find festival dates and details here.

Guca Trumpet Fesitival

Each year, around 60,000 revelers descend on the tiny west Serbia town of Guča for one hell of a brass band festival. Yes, you did read that correctly. Divided into three parts, Friday sees an opening concert, with wild parties on the Saturday, and a competition on the Sunday.

For more information on Guca Trumpet Festival, click here.

Belgrade Beer Fest

Nisville International Jazz Festival

Festival Of Street Musicians

Pljeskavica

Ground meat shaped into a patty, this Serbian favourite looks suspiciously like a burger – but not as you know it. Made from two or more meats, it’s served with kajmak (buffalo milk cream), shredded cabbage, spicy ajvar sauce and a pitta-like bun. Most kafanas and street karts also offer a choice of spreads and sides.

_{A no frills eatery, Loki on Gospodar Jovanova street in Belgrade serves, arguably, the best in Belgrade – even Novak Djokovic is said to be a fan.}

Ćevapi

Perhaps the most famous Serbia food, these skinless sausages are made from minced meats and served in sets of five or ten fingers with chopped onions and flatbread, plus a choice of sides, such as sour cream, cottage cheese and minced red pepper. If you can’t decide between this and a Pljeskavica, ask for a Serbian mixed grill and you’ll get both.

_{Best eaten at
Stara Hercegovina kafana, Carigradska 36, Belgrade 11000, Serbia}

Sarma

Minced meat (you may be noticing a recurring theme), this time stuffed inside pickled cabbage leaves. Often served at Christmas or at weddings and religious holidays, the mince can be mixed with rice, onions and spices.

_{Best eaten at
Find this celebratory dish in the best restaurants in Belgrade, or at big social events and public celebrations.}

Pasulj

Vegetarians can breathe a sigh of relief. Serbian bean soup swaps minced meat for white beans, combining them with carrots, mint leaves and spices to create a hearty broth or stew. To be on the safe side, double-check that the stock hasn’t be made with pork ribs, and ask for it to be served without meat on the side.

_{Best eaten at
Said to be the oldest kafana in Belgrade, Kafana Question Mark is on Kralja Petra 6 Street.}

Breads & pastries

A staple feature of Serbia food, bread forms the basis of many-a meal, with traditional bakes including lepinje (flatbread) and kifle (crescent-shaped breakfast rolls). Bakeries across the country serve national and international breads and pastries, as well as Serbian-style pizza, but purists believe that the best serve bread, burek (sweet or savoury flaky pastry parcels) and nothing else.

_{Best eaten at
 Seek out the small but legendary Carli bakery, Braće Jugović 16, Belgrade.}