What to buy in Serbia?

Are you a trinket gatherer, a memorabilia enthusiast always searching for the perfect souvenir to bring back home? If that is the case, Serbia is the ideal country for you – here you will find some of the most unique artisan goods, delicious food with no expiration date and charming handmade keepsakes. Whatever you are after, make sure your suitcase is half-empty and ready for all the affordable and authentic souvenirs from Serbia.

What to buy in Serbia

This guide will help you find something for everyone and bring the best gifts to your friends and family, from traditional food and drinks to artisan-made treasures.

1. Handmade Souvenirs from Serbia

At the heart of the Balkans, Serbia is a place where tradition meets craftsmanship. It goes without saying that handmade souvenirs hold the throne! Whether sewn, woven, knitted, or painted, you will discover a world of rich textures and traditional patterns in a multitude of items that reflect this country’s incredible cultural heritage.

  • A great trinket to add to your collection of handmade souvenirs could be a set of traditional Serbian shoes, opanci. These funny-looking, intricately plated leather shoes are quite popular among tourists. This is why they can be found all around Serbia, as original shoes, keychains, or magnets.
  • Similarly, wherever you go in Serbia, you are bound to encounter stands of woven goods. Wonderful wool vests and warm socks (vunene čarape) come from a long tradition descended from the mountains and hilly regions. Every Serbian house has a spare pair of wool socks for its guests, especially in winter!

 

And if you are more of a hat person, a traditional Serbian man cap, šajkača, is an absolute favourite among all.

  • A final jewel in your souvenir bag could be a handmade pin or brooch. Serbian artisans craft beautiful brooches, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces inspired by traditional patterns, symbols or even some famous national heroes.

 

2. Authentic Serbian food and drinks

Once you have tried Serbian cuisine, you will surely want to take a taste of it home. Believe it or not, this is much easier than it seems. Though not easily prepared, a lot of Serbian delicacies are rather easily maintained and can stay fresh for a long time.

  • Take a jar of ajvar for example. This roasted red pepper spread pairs perfectly with bread, cheese, and grilled meat, and it can be found at all open markets in Serbia throughout the year.
  • Another little jar to take with you is a jar of slatko (fruit preserve). Slatko translates as sweet, which does paint the picture of its level of sweetness, even for a non-connoisseur. This is a traditional Serbian delicacy often served to guests as soon as they arrive, to treat them to the sweetest welcome.

 

  • If you are a meat lover, Serbia is just the land after your own heart! Meat delicacies are a great pride of every bigger household, and once you try the domestic pršuta (prosciutto) or kulen (Serbian pepperoni), your taste in cured meats will never be the same again. The best thing about these products is that they are so well smoked and salted, that they will never go stale.
  • Serbia is famous for its high-quality honey. You can buy different kinds at the markets – herbal, forest, meadow, and many more. Also, you will find that some local brands create natural beauty products using honey and other organic ingredients.
  • To wash down all the flavours, we recommend one of two typically Serbian options – either a shot of rakija or a cup of Turkish coffee. Serbia’s famous fruit brandy comes in many flavours, but šljivovica (plum brandy) is definitely the most iconic. If there is a bit more room in your luggage, feel free to try pear (viljamovka), walnut (orahovača), or raspberry (malinovača) rakija to get a whole new taste of this famous brandy. And if you are eager to try coffee the way Serbs usually do, choose strong and Turkish!

 

Serbian drink

3. Take a piece of Serbian literature home

Books make fantastic souvenirs, as they are a window to the culture only known to locals. If you are keen on exploring Serbian bookstores, consider picking up works from famous Serbian authors who dared to dig into their heritage, national identity, and taboos, and embraced the Serbian language in all its complexity and abundance:

  • “The Bridge on the Drina” by Ivo Andrić is a classic choice for everyone who collects Nobel Prize-winning masterpieces. This novel will take you on a unique journey through an important part of Balkan history.
  • “Dictionary of the Khazars” by Milorad Pavić is simply a must-read, mind-boggling novel that will redefine your perspective on life and storytelling.
  • “The Encyclopedia of the Dead” by Danilo Kiš is a short story collection ideal for travel. Still, you can choose any book by this beloved Serbian author and you won’t go wrong.

Feel free to roam around Belgrade or Novi Sad’s bazaars and you will discover plenty more authors, artists, musicians and craftsmen. Serbia is a bustling country where memorable experiences and encounters are just waiting to happen.

 

4. Traditional Serbian instruments

Serbia has a brilliant musical heritage, and its traditional instruments make for great gifts. A Serbian wooden flute called frula is just perfect for music lovers. Apart from being an affordable present, this light wooden instrument makes beautiful sounds with very little effort.

Another fun instrument comes from the northern part of the country and it is the famous tamburica. This is a small stringed instrument and the main source of music, entertainment, and nostalgia in traditional Serbian kafanas in Vojvodina.

Don’t leave Serbia without…

If you’re short on time and still want to bring home something special, here are some last-minute must-haves:

✔️ A bottle of rakija

✔️ A jar of ajvar and/or slatko

✔️ A clothing item for the family: šajkača, opanci, wool socks

✔️ A good book by a local author

✔️ A pound of Serbia’s finest pršuta

Serbian meat

Take all, or just a few – but no matter what you choose, these souvenirs will enrich your home and refresh your own routines and traditions. It would be a pity to wait to do the last-minute duty-free shopping while you are stuck at the airport on your way home. Our tip is to try to enjoy the souvenir-hunting experience during your whole trip – it is an adventure in itself!

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