Have you booked a trip to Belgrade, Serbia this season?
Do not miss the chance to go to Nis.
This large city in the south has a few impressive historical and cultural places.
Located between Novi Sad and Belgrade, Nis does not limit you to historical sights only.
It welcomes all tourists to try out local dishes or become part of some cool music festivals in the Balkans.
Also, you can visit archaeological sites.
First of all, we start our journey with historical monuments.
Then we will slightly move forward to music and food.
Follow us.
Contents
Niš Fortress
The fortress of Nis dates back to the 18th century when it was both armory and prison.
Now you can take a table at the restaurant that this Turkish fortress hosts.
Apart from the market stalls and cafes in the area, many tourists enjoy walking in a large park and visiting the mosque.
Skull Tower
The trace of the Ottoman empire rule has preserved in the notorious Skull Tower in Nis.
If you are traveling with kids, they would not probably take it seriously, while others can get frightened.
The skulls of Serbian rebels had been built in the walls of the tower forever.
The Ottoman soldiers decapitated the Serbians in order to warn the non-Muslim residents who contemplated rebellion.
As many as 30 to 50 thousand visitors come here annually.
Indeed, this is a very special place to be.
Concentration Camps
The sad history of Serbia was repeated during World War II when the first concentration camp was built in Nis.
Almost 30 thousand people were here in the camp named Red Cross Camp by Germans.
In Europe, there were no such big camps built by Nazi.
Now, this is a memorial park Bubanj that you can visit at any time of the year.
Tinkers Alley
Tinkers Alley has been the last street preserved since the beginning of the 19th century.
Centuries ago, it was an alley of craftsman and bazaar.
You should go there if you value old architecture neighboring restaurants, cafes, and hotels.
Mediana
Now that we have visited the terrestrial places of historical battles, it’s time to get underground.
In the East of Nis, on the left bank of the Nisava River, there’s one large archaeological site that will not leave you indifferent.
Mediana is the remains of the Roman Palace dating back to the 4th century.
The archaeologists are still digging deeper to find out more about the area.
They suppose that the villa was built by the order of Emperor Constantine the Great.
It was surrounded by gardens with fountains.
They had two dining rooms and relaxation rooms named thermae, a Roman bath with water from the hot springs of Niska Banja.
Archeological Hall
If you are more into Medieval ages, you will find the statues and figures of the time in the Archaeological Hall.
It is part of the Nis National Museum.
The artifacts are collected in the hall neighboring to the exhibits from the Neolithic Age and Roman times.
Nišville Jazz Festival
Despite the sad history of Nis, this city is modern and vivid.
Especially a good time to visit the city is when jazz and blues festivals take part.
The connoisseurs call these festivals the best in Balkans.
That’s when you want to sing, dance and jump closer to the stage.
The live music festival is a great idea for a warm weekend in August.
Niška Banja
That is exactly where the Romans laid the pipes to get water for the Emperor’s baths.
Would you like natural hot springs coming directly into your house?
Yes, this wonder in Nis has healed thousands of people from around the world.
Once you are here, choose one of the five springs to relax as the Romans did.
Traditional Food
Nis restaurants are no exception when it comes to traditional food.
No doubt, there are lots of pubs, pizzerias, and elite restaurants serving Chinese, Italian or German dishes.
But Serbian cuisine is so special and delicious.
Gibanica, cevapi, Karadordeva snicla…
Serbian cuisine is called a mixture of Greek, German, Bulgarian and Turkish cuisines.
So intriguing!
Serbia Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Serbia Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
I haven’t booked a trip to Belgrade yet, but after reading about Nis, I definitely want to visit and experience the rich history, culture, and delicious food it has to offer.