Things To Do
in Lazarevac
Lazarevac is a town and municipality in the Belgrade district of Serbia located southwest of the capital, historically shaped by the Kolubara coal basin and mining industry. The town combines an industrial legacy with rural Serbian landscapes — rolling hills, rivers and small agricultural villages. Visitors will find a modest town center, local cultural institutions, and access to outdoor recreation on nearby ridgelines and rivers.
Lazarevac is a practical base for experiencing provincial Serbia and for day trips to Belgrade and surrounding natural areas.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Lazarevac Cultural Center, where you can admire local art and learn about the area's history. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café, sampling traditional Serbian pastries. Afterward, take a walk through the picturesque streets, soaking in the charm of this quaint town.
For lunch, try local cuisine at a family-run restaurant, where you can experience authentic flavors of Serbia. Spend the afternoon hiking in the nearby Avala Mountain, offering stunning views and fresh air. Before returning, stop by the Avala Tower for panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.
In the evening, unwind with a dinner at a local tavern featuring live folk music. Engage with locals and share stories over a hearty meal, experiencing the warm hospitality of Lazarevac. End your night with a peaceful stroll along the river, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Begin your day with a refreshing walk at the nearby Lazarevac Park, surrounded by lush greenery and flowerbeds. Enjoy a packed breakfast brought from your hotel while basking in the serene ambiance of nature. The fresh morning air revitalizes your spirit as you prepare for a day of exploration.
After a morning in the park, head to a local spa for an afternoon of relaxation and rejuvenation. Choose from various treatments inspired by traditional Serbian wellness practices, ensuring a tranquil experience. Enjoy a light lunch at the spa café, taking advantage of healthy and delicious options.
As the sun sets, experience Lazarevac's vibrant café culture by visiting a bustling square filled with outdoor seating. Savor a warm cup of Serbian coffee and a slice of cake while watching local life unfold around you. The night wraps up with a visit to a nearby theater to catch a performance that showcases the area's artistic talent.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee (espresso) at a cafe | $1.50-3 |
| 🛌Mid-range hotel (double) | $40-70 per night |
| 🚌Local bus fare / regional bus ticket | $1-6 |
| 🥖Bakery pastry (burek) | $0.80-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic, off-the-beaten-path Serbian town with local character
- Close to Belgrade for easy day trips while offering quieter, rural surroundings
- Accessible outdoor activities: hiking, cycling and riverside walks
- Affordable prices compared with larger cities
- Limited tourist infrastructure and English signage compared with major destinations
- Fewer dining and nightlife options—best suited for low-key travelers
- Industrial and mining presence may diminish scenic value in some areas
- Public transport connections are available but less frequent than in large urban centers
- "Dobar dan" - Good day / Hello
- "Hvala" - Thank you
- "Molim" - Please / You’re welcome
- "Gde je...?" - Where is...?
- "Koliko košta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Izvinite" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Bez mesa, molim" - Without meat, please
Places to Visit in Lazarevac
Visit one of these nice places.
Peaceful riverside scenes, reflections at golden hour and rustic bridges — great for landscape and candid village life photos.
Industrial heritage shots: pits, machinery silhouettes and textured concrete structures that tell the story of the Kolubara coal basin (observe access restrictions and safety).
Street photography opportunities: local markets, bakery windows, kafanas and everyday life in the municipal square.
Panoramic views over the valley and villages, especially striking at sunrise or sunset; good for wide landscapes and telephoto compression shots.
Photogenic church architecture and peaceful compounds that reflect regional design and religious traditions.
Food in Lazarevac
Lazarevac Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled minced meat sausages usually served with onions, flatbread and kajmak (a creamy dairy spread). Widely available in local restaurants and kafanas.
Must-Try!
A large spiced meat patty often served in lepinja (bread) with condiments; a filling and popular choice for lunch or dinner.
Cabbage leaves stuffed with rice and meat, slowly cooked — a regional comfort food served at family restaurants and during colder months.
Savory pastry filled with cheese, meat or spinach — a staple breakfast item available in bakeries and street stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small market where local farmers sell seasonal fruits, vegetables, homemade cheese and preserves; great for tasting fresh produce and buying picnic supplies.
Bakeries and morning pastry stalls offering fresh burek, pogaca and other baked goods — ideal for a quick local breakfast.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake and eye contact are common for first-time introductions; use formal address (’gospodin’/’gospodja’ meaning Mr./Mrs.) in more formal contexts.
Hosts may offer additional portions and hospitality—accept with thanks. It’s polite to try a small amount of food offered. Keep modest conversation and avoid loudly criticizing local food or traditions.
Casual dress is fine in town; modest dress is appreciated at churches and religious sites. Public displays of anger or loud confrontations are frowned upon.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural communities and religious settings. Avoid photographing industrial sites or infrastructure where signs indicate restrictions.
Safety
Tipping in Lazarevac
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; leaving around 5–10% in restaurants is common for good service. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or adding 5–10% is fine. Small tips for hotel staff and guides are customary but modest.
Cash (Serbian dinar, RSD) is widely used, especially in small shops, markets and kafanas. Larger restaurants and shops usually accept major credit and debit cards. ATMs are available but bring cash for rural purchases; notify your bank about travel to avoid card blocks.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool to mild temperatures with blossoming countryside and green hills—good for hikes and outdoor photography. Occasional rain showers; bring a waterproof jacket and layered clothing.
Warm to hot weather with long daylight hours—ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. Inland heat can be strong, so carry water, sun protection and plan activities for morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest hours.
Clear crisp days and colorful foliage on the ridgelines; harvest season brings fresh produce to markets. Temperatures drop in late autumn—bring warmer layers and expect more variable weather.
Cold, sometimes snowy winters with temperatures often below freezing at night—roads can be icy on exposed ridges. Many outdoor activities move indoors; ensure warm clothing and check local travel advisories for road conditions.
Lazarevac at Night
Hiking in Lazarevac
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular local ridge offering forested paths, views of the surrounding plains and small cultural sites; suitable for half-day hikes and nature walks.
Gentle riverside routes following the Kolubara River — good for easy walks, birdwatching and photography, especially in spring and autumn.
A circular route linking rural villages and hilltops around Lazarevac; combines quiet country roads and dirt tracks, ideal for cycling or hiking to experience local life.
A guided or self-guided circuit (where access is permitted) that highlights mining sites and historical infrastructure—photogenic but observe safety restrictions and private property boundaries.
Airports
How to reach Lazarevac by plane.
Primary international airport serving Belgrade and the region, approximately 40–60 km from Lazarevac depending on route; accessible by car or regional transport and the fastest option for international arrivals.
A smaller regional airport farther away (approx. 100–150 km); availability of scheduled flights varies — check current services and seasonal charters.
Larger regional airport in southeastern Serbia, useful for some low-cost carriers and regional connections but considerably farther (several hours by road).
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Make up the majority of the population; local culture reflects Serbian traditions, language and Orthodox Christianity.
Smaller minority communities live in the area and contribute to the social fabric; socioeconomic diversity exists between urban and rural neighborhoods.
The town has a notable community of people historically employed in mining; demographic trends include an aging population in some rural parts as younger people move to larger cities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport locally with amateur and youth clubs; matches and training are community focal points.
Widely played and followed across Serbia, with local youth programs and community courts.
Recreational fishing in rivers and seasonal hunting in surrounding rural areas are common leisure activities among residents.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lazarevac.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited than in larger cities. Expect salads, grilled vegetables, cheeses, eggs and burek with cheese or spinach; ask staff about vegetable stews and side dishes. Bringing snacks or visiting Belgrade for a wider selection helps if you need many options.
Vegan choices are sparse; communicate clearly (use the phrase 'bez mesa, bez mleka, bez jaja' — without meat, milk, eggs) and focus on salads, vegetable sides, ajvar and bread. Larger grocery stores in the area may carry basic vegan staples.
Gluten-free options are limited in traditional eateries. Opt for grilled meats, vegetable plates and salads, and ask about preparation methods to avoid cross-contamination. Pack essentials if you have strict needs.