Tourist Places to Visit in Nis, Serbia
Serbia

16 Interesting Tourist Attractions to See and Things to Do in Niš

Mustafa Natalwala 4054 Views

Niš or Nis is a city in Serbia and the administrative center of the Nišava district. It is primarily well known for its illustrious history and great archaeological wealth. Some of the best things to do in Nis, Serbia are concerned with the history of Roman, Ottoman, Byzantine, Nazi Germany and the Independent Serbian Empire. The city is also well known for being the birthplace of several prominent Roman Emperors such as Constantine the Great, Constantius III, Julian, Constans, Vetranio, Valens, Justin I, and Valentinian I. Some of the best places to visit in Nis, Serbia will tell you the story of these legendary rulers.

The city is named after the Nišava river and has a history going back to the 3rd century BCE when Celtic tribes had settled here. There are very few aspects of this era to be witnessed when you visit Nis, but there are archaeological exhibits and roman records which tell the story of these early settlers. The city was later captured from the Goths in the Battle of Naissus by Roman Emperor Claudius Gothicus. The majority of Nis tourist attractions are concerning the roman and byzantine periods. This includes archaeological sites, museums, historical buildings, churches, streets and so on. Under the byzantine rule, Niš was declared an Imperial City. This showcases the city’s significance during that time.

The region was later captured by the Ottoman Turks and was ruled by them for about 400 years. Though there are relatively few things to see in Nis, Serbia which hails from the Ottoman rule. Many of the symbols and buildings of this period were destroyed or rebuilt after the liberation of Niš in 1878. You would still come across a few mosques, streets, markets, public squares, historical buildings, houses and public buildings during Nis sightseeing, which was developed during the 19th century, which was towards the end of the Ottoman rule in the region.

On the cultural side of Nis travel, you should definitely indulge in the culinary delights of the city such as Burek, Shopska Salad, Urnebes Salad, Balkans Burger, Chevapchichi and so on.

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The Top 16 Tourist Places to Visit in Nis, Serbia

1. Nis Fortress

This fortress was built in 1723 during Ottoman rule. The fortress has been built around a roman citadel which itself has 2,000 years of history. It is one of the most important historical places to visit in Nis Serbia. You will need about 2 hours to tour this fortress.

Nis Fortress

2. Skull Tower

This macabre tower resulted from the first Serbian uprising. The skulls belonged to fallen soldiers and were put in the tower to send a message. It is one of the most unusual things to see in Nis Serbia. You will need about an hour for this tower.

Skull Tower

3. Mediana Archaeological Site

This site was captured by Romans in 75 BCE and was an important camp on the Military route between Constantinople and Belgrade. It is also considered to be the birthplace of Emperor Constantinople. A visit to this site is among the most popular things to do in Nis Serbia. You would need about 2 hours to tour this site.

Mediana Archaeological Site

4. National Museum of Nis

This museum tells the story of the region through archeological exhibits. Some of the artifacts go all the way back to the bronze age. This is one of the first places you should check out when you visit Niš Serbia. It will help give context to the rest of the attractions. You will need about an hour to explore this museum.

National Museum of Nis

5. Tinkers Alley / Coppersmith Alley

This quaint little alley is the last surviving craftsmen’s quarter in the city. The street came into existence around the 18th century under Ottoman rule and has played an important role in the city’s economy and culture. It is one of the best places for Nis sightseeing. You can still lay eyes on 18th and 19th-century buildings while indulging yourself with cafes and restaurants along the way. It will take you at least an hour to enjoy this street.

Tinkers Alley

6. Crveni Krst Concentration Camp

Also known as the Red Cross Concentration Camp, this place has been the site of several horrific crimes under Nazi rule. It was used to imprison, torture and execute Jewish, Romani and Serbian people. This camp is one of the most horrific places to see in Nis travel. It will require about 2 hours to tour this facility.

Crveni Krst Concentration Camp

7. Bubanj Memorial Park

Mount Bubanj was the site of the execution of 10,000 people who were held at the Red Cross concentration camp. This memorial site is dedicated to them. It is one of the most poignant Nis attractions. Designed by Ivan Sabolic, the three fists symbolize the defiance of men, women and children in the face of adversity and death. You will need 30 to 45 minutes at this site to pay your respects.

Bubanj Memorial Park

8. Latin Church of Gornji Matejevac

This Byzantine Church was built in the 1,000s and sits atop Metoh Hill. It is one of the last remaining monuments from the rule of the Nemanjic Dynasty. If you are wondering what to see in Nis Serbia while exploring the outdoors, this is your answer. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for this church.

Latin Church of Gornji Matejevac

9. Holy Trinity Cathedral

This church resulted from the 1856 Treaty of Paris which required Ottomans to recognize Christianity in their empire. The church was completed in 1878 and is one of the most important cultural Nis tourist attractions. It is known for its blend of various architectural styles and its altar. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this church.

Holy Trinity Cathedral

10. King Milan Square

This public square was founded in the 1720s and soon became a major market of the city. It had a distinctly Turkish look until the 20th century when Niš was liberated and the square was given a more European aesthetics. You can easily spend an hour or so at this square enjoying several social things to do in Niš Serbia including shopping, dining and sightseeing.

King Milan Square

11. Niška Banja / Niš Spa

This park is the city’s spa and has natural springs. The history of civilization at this site goes back to the Neolithic age. The springs are also believed to have medicinal properties. People still visit Niš Serbia to dip their feet or bathe at Niska Banja. You would need about an hour to experience this place.

Niška Banja

12. Jelasnica Gorge

This gorge stretches for 2 km. The walls of dolomite are among the most popular natural places to visit in Niš Serbia. It is also a great place for hiking, picnic and camping. You would need 2 to 3 hours to explore this place.

Jelasnica Gorge

13. Serbian Wartime Parliament Building / Niš Declaration

This building came into being in 1890 and was originally built as a restaurant. During the course of its history, this building has been used as a military mess, an officer’s home and a parliament house. You will need about half an hour to tour this place during Niš travel.

Serbian Wartime Parliament Building

14. Mausoleum of Count Alexie Kirillovich Vronsky

Also known as Holy Trinity Church of Gornji Adrovac, this church was built to commemorate the Count Rayevsky, who was immortalized as Count Vronsky in Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. You will need about 30 minutes from Niš sightseeing for this church.

15. Villa of Prince George

Prince George was heir to the throne of Serbia in 1926. He was declared insane by his younger brother Alexander, who then took the throne. Prince George was contained in this villa. His family was eliminated by the communist regime, but he was spared and was moved out to Belgrade. It is not very well known among Niš attractions but is an important part of the city’s history. You will need about an hour to tour this villa.

16. Bali Bey Mosque

This mosque was built in 1521 and was one of the 4 mosques in the fortress. Three of them were destroyed and this is the only one of its kind remaining in the city. It is one of the most important historical things to see in Niš Serbia and will require about an hour’s time.

Bali Bey Mosque

If you are still wondering what to see in Niš Serbia, check out the sections below. We have put together an exhaustive list of places and activities you can explore in and around the city.

Best Things to do in Nis

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Nis

  1. Niš Fortress
  2. Skull Tower
  3. Park Bubanj
  4. Mediana Archeological Site
  5. Latin Church of Gornji Matejavec
  6. Serbian Wartime Parliament Building
  7. Red Cross Nazi Concentration Camp
  8. Cegar Monument
  9. Bali Bey Mosque
  10. Mausoleum of Count Vronsky
  11. National Museum of Niš
  12. Prince George Villa
  13. Monument to the Liberators of Niš
  14. Holy Trinity Cathedral
  15. Stevan Sremac and Kalca Monument
  16. St. Sava Church
  17. Octagon Palace
  18. Rusalia Chuch
  19. Jovana Krstitelja Monastery
  20. Islam Aga Mosque
  21. Beogradska Kapija
  22. Church of Saint Panteleimon
  23. Oslobodiocima Monument

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Nis

  1. Mount Kalafat
  2. Kamenicki Vis Hill
  3. Mount Korvn Grad
  4. The Big Black Rock
  5. Selicevica Mountain
  6. Jelasnica Gorge

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Nis

  1. Vinski Podrum Malca
  2. Niska Banja
  3. City Garden
  4. Park Cair
  5. Cair Aquapark

Shopping in Nis

  1. Forum Shopping Center
  2. Kalca Mall
  3. Stop Shop Retail Park
  4. Exclusive Shopping Center
  5. Panda Shopping Center
  6. Delta Planet Mall

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Nis

  1. Hiking
  2. Trekking
  3. Skiing
  4. Walking Tour
  5. Paragliding
  6. Bicycle Tour

Sightseeing in Nis

  1. Tinkers Alley
  2. King Milan Square
  3. Stambol Gate

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Nis

  1. Galija
  2. Tramvaj
  3. Kafana Meze
  4. Elite
  5. Stambolijski
  6. Mrak
  7. Pleasure Caffe
  8. Stara Serbia
  9. Go Go Picerija
  10. Brann Bakery
  11. Nislijska Mehana
  12. Kod Rajka
  13. Dagi Plus
  14. Mascaron

Where to Stay in Niš?

Here we have listed Top Rated Hotels in Niš. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Niš.

  1. Hotel Crystal Light
  2. Hostel Bloom Inn
  3. ArtLoft Hotel
  4. Hotel Zen
  5. Sole Hotel
  6. Eter Hotel
  7. Ambasador Hotel Nis
  8. Garni Hotel Consul Accommodation
  9. Hotel Tami Residence
  10. My Place Hotel
  11. Nais Hotel
  12. New City Hotel & Restaurant Nis
  13. Only One Apartments & Suites
  14. Nis City Center Apartments
  15. Hotel Lotos
  16. Hotel Panorama Lux
  17. Guest Accomodation Majesty
  18. Vivaldi Suites
  19. Hotel Aleksandar
  20. Hostel Day ‘n’ Night


TripAdvisor

Custom Tours Package in Niš

How to Reach Nis?

By Air

The fastest option for Nis travel is the Constantine the Great Airport. You can get direct flights from Belgrade, Cologne, Hahn, Istanbul, Milan, Zurich, Munich, Berlin, Malmo, Bratislava, Dusseldorf, Ljubljana, Athens, Tivat, Antalya, Malta, Stockholm, Vienna, Dortmund and few more cities in Europe. The airport is connected to places to visit in Niš Serbia by buses and cabs.

Other airports you can consider to reach Niš include Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade, Sofia Airport and Prishtina Airport.

By Road

You can get direct trains to visit Niš from Thessaloniki, Ljubljana, Skopje, Belgrade, Zagreb, Istanbul, Vienna, Sofia, Bar and Budapest. There are also several one-stop railway routes which connect Niš to several European cities.

The bus network is quite well spread out in Serbia. You can get direct and connecting buses from several cities and towns in the country to reach Niš. There are a few international buses connecting Niš to Greece, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Romania.

If you are planning to get to reach Nis by road, you should head for route E75, A4, A1 or E80.

By Water

There are no direct water routes to visit Nis.

Image Reference

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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