Niš - secret tip in Serbia
Niš, the third largest city in Serbia, located in the picturesque south of the country, offers a fascinating mix of history, culture and modern lifestyle. This charming city is an up-and-coming destination that has something for everyone – from history buffs to nature lovers and foodies.
Niš is easily accessible, both via Niš Constantine the Great International Airport and by train or bus from Belgrade and other regional cities. Discovering Niš on a city break is easy with public transport, cabs and rental cars, which make transportation simple and convenient.
Niš is one of the oldest cities in Europe and is known as the birthplace of Emperor Constantine the Great. Visit the impressive Niš Fortress, which can look back on a long and eventful history. It not only offers an insight into the past, but is also a popular venue for cultural events and concerts. Another historical attraction is the Skull Tower (Ćele Kula), a memorial commemorating the Serbian resistance against the Ottomans.
or nature lovers, there are numerous excursion options in the surroundings of Niš. The nearby Sićevo Canyon is a paradise for hikers and climbers and offers breathtaking views of untouched nature. The Bubanj Park, known for its monumental memorial, also invites you to take relaxing walks.
Serbian cuisine is known for its hearty dishes, and Niš is no exception. Try local specialties such as Ćevapi or Pljeskavica in one of the many traditional restaurants. The city also offers a growing number of modern cafés and international restaurants that provide culinary variety.
Niš city trip – our tips
We were in Niš for only a few days and found out that there is a lot to discover.
After a few days in Niš, it was time to move on to our next destination: Belgrade. We had the choice between a coach and a train to Belgrade and decided to take the train.
We spent our first day in Serbia in the surrounding areas of Niš. Together with our guide Bane Simović of the organisation ShowMe we discovered Serbia away from mainstream tourism. He promised to take us to several interesting spots by car and we truly enjoyed the excursion.
The third biggest city in Serbia with 260237 inhabitants is called Niš. The city is about 250 km to the south-east of Belgrade and 160 km west of Sofia. The river Nišava runs through the city.
We spent a little while looking for a hotel in Niš before our trip. There are not many available yet. We chose the Regent Club Hotel.
Book your excursion
Where is a good place to stay?
Hany Sweet
Despot Apartmani Niš
Ambasador Hotel
Garni Hotel Zen
Hotel Sole
Travel information about Niš
Arrival
By plane
Niš has an airport. Machines from Germany also land here. The airport is very small and there is no connection to the city by public transport. However, there are numerous taxis in front of the door. We have clarified the price in advance in euros and were driven directly to the door of our hotel.
By train
Niš also has a railroad station with a huge station building.
From here you can take a modern regional train to Belgrade in a good 4 hours. The train stops almost at every village, but the ride is very pleasant.
There are also connections to Sofia and the surrounding area.
By bus
Various bus companies offer connections to Niš. The fares are cheaper than by train.
By car
From Belgrade it is just over 230 km to Niš, it takes about 2.5 hours.
Please note that you have to pay toll in Serbia!
On the road in Niš
Public transportation
Niš has an efficient and affordable public bus system that connects different parts of the city and its suburbs. The buses are one of the most environmentally friendly ways to get around the city. Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver or at kiosks, with the option of buying weekly or monthly tickets.
Cabs and ride-sharing services
Cabs are widely available in Niš and offer a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to get around the city. Prices are cheaper compared to Western Europe, making cabs an attractive option. Ride-sharing services are also available and offer a flexible alternative when public transportation is not practical.
On foot
Many destinations in the city can also be easily reached on foot.
Best time to visit
Spring (March to May)
Spring in Niš is a time of change, with temperatures gradually rising. Daytime highs increase from around 9°C in March to 24°C in May, while daytime lows rise from 0°C to 13°C. Spring is also a wetter season, with rainfall increasing from 25 mm in March to 50 mm in May. The probability of a wet day increases from 20% to 29%.
Summer (June to August)
Summer in Niš is warm to hot, with the highest temperatures in July and August, reaching 31°C on average. These months are also the driest, with an average of 51 mm of rainfall in August. The summer months offer the most hours of sunshine, making them ideal for outdoor activities. Despite the heat, June to August are the most popular months for tourists, which is reflected in the high number of visitors.
Fall (September to November)
Autumn begins with warm temperatures in September, which gradually cool down. Temperatures drop from an average of 22.9°C in September to 9.2°C in November. October still offers pleasant conditions with an average of 16.5°C and is one of the best times to visit as the weather is mild and rainfall is moderate. In November, temperatures are cooler and there are around 9 days of rain.
Winter (December to February)
Winter in Niš is cold, with temperatures dropping to an average of 6°C in January. Night temperatures can drop as low as -4.4°C. Winter is also the snowiest time of the year, which makes it attractive for winter sports enthusiasts. The number of rainy days is relatively high in winter, with around 8 to 9 days per month.