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

day 1
Exploring Lazarevac's Rich Heritage
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Nature and Relaxation
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔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.

Kolubara River Banks

Peaceful riverside scenes, reflections at golden hour and rustic bridges — great for landscape and candid village life photos.

Old Mining Infrastructure

Industrial heritage shots: pits, machinery silhouettes and textured concrete structures that tell the story of the Kolubara coal basin (observe access restrictions and safety).

Town Center and Market

Street photography opportunities: local markets, bakery windows, kafanas and everyday life in the municipal square.

Surrounding Hills and Viewpoints

Panoramic views over the valley and villages, especially striking at sunrise or sunset; good for wide landscapes and telephoto compression shots.

Local Churches and Religious Sites

Photogenic church architecture and peaceful compounds that reflect regional design and religious traditions.

Culinary Guide

Food in Lazarevac

Lazarevac’s food scene reflects classic Serbian cuisine: hearty, meat-forward dishes, fresh bread and pastries, dairy products and seasonal produce from nearby farmland. Traditional kafanas (taverns) serve grilled meats, stews and simple homemade desserts; small bakeries and markets offer morning pastries and burek. Expect locally sourced ingredients and a warm, unpretentious dining atmosphere.

Lazarevac Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Ćevapi

Grilled minced meat sausages usually served with onions, flatbread and kajmak (a creamy dairy spread). Widely available in local restaurants and kafanas.

Must-Try!

Pljeskavica

A large spiced meat patty often served in lepinja (bread) with condiments; a filling and popular choice for lunch or dinner.

Sarma

Cabbage leaves stuffed with rice and meat, slowly cooked — a regional comfort food served at family restaurants and during colder months.

Burek

Savory pastry filled with cheese, meat or spinach — a staple breakfast item available in bakeries and street stalls.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local Weekend Market

Small market where local farmers sell seasonal fruits, vegetables, homemade cheese and preserves; great for tasting fresh produce and buying picnic supplies.

Town Bakery and Burek Stalls

Bakeries and morning pastry stalls offering fresh burek, pogaca and other baked goods — ideal for a quick local breakfast.

Climate Guide

Weather

Lazarevac has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and autumn are transitional with variable temperatures and moderate rainfall. Summers can be warm to hot with sunshine and occasional thunderstorms; winters are cold with possible snow and frost, especially in exposed areas and higher elevations.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respectful Greetings

A firm handshake and eye contact are common for first-time introductions; use formal address (’gospodin’/’gospodja’ meaning Mr./Mrs.) in more formal contexts.

Dining Customs

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.

Dress and Behavior

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.

Photography Sensitivity

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural communities and religious settings. Avoid photographing industrial sites or infrastructure where signs indicate restrictions.

Safety Guide

Safety

Lazarevac is generally safe for visitors; petty crime like pickpocketing can occur but is less common than in major tourist hubs. Standard precautions apply: keep valuables secure, avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night, and be cautious around industrial sites or abandoned mining areas (observe warning signs and restricted zones). For outdoor activities, tell someone your route, carry a charged phone and check weather and road conditions in winter.

Tipping in Lazarevac

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Payment Methods

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...

Spring

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.

Summer

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.

Autumn

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.

Winter

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.

Nightlife Guide

Lazarevac at Night

Lazarevac has a low-key nightlife focused on kafanas, small bars and occasional live music or cultural events. Evenings are relaxed—locals gather for dinner, drinks and conversation rather than clubbing. For a more energetic nightlife scene, visitors commonly travel to Belgrade (around 40–60 minutes by car or regional transport) to access clubs, late-night venues and larger concerts.

Hiking in Lazarevac

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Kosmaj Ridge Trail

A popular local ridge offering forested paths, views of the surrounding plains and small cultural sites; suitable for half-day hikes and nature walks.

Kolubara Riverside Trail

Gentle riverside routes following the Kolubara River — good for easy walks, birdwatching and photography, especially in spring and autumn.

Villages and Hills Loop

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.

Industrial Heritage Walk

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.

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)

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.

Morava Airport (Kraljevo/Lađevci - RJK, if operating commercial flights)

A smaller regional airport farther away (approx. 100–150 km); availability of scheduled flights varies — check current services and seasonal charters.

Niš Constantine the Great Airport (INI)

Larger regional airport in southeastern Serbia, useful for some low-cost carriers and regional connections but considerably farther (several hours by road).

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable for daily errands, dining and short sightseeing. To explore surrounding villages, riverbanks or hiking trailheads you'll likely need a car, bicycle or regional bus. Sidewalks and pedestrian infrastructure are adequate in central areas but can be limited on rural roads.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Ethnic Serbs

Make up the majority of the population; local culture reflects Serbian traditions, language and Orthodox Christianity.

Roma and other minorities

Smaller minority communities live in the area and contribute to the social fabric; socioeconomic diversity exists between urban and rural neighborhoods.

Working-age and older adults (mining heritage)

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.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport locally with amateur and youth clubs; matches and training are community focal points.

Basketball

Widely played and followed across Serbia, with local youth programs and community courts.

Fishing and Hunting

Recreational fishing in rivers and seasonal hunting in surrounding rural areas are common leisure activities among residents.

Transportation

Traffic

Roads connecting Lazarevac to Belgrade and neighboring municipalities are generally in good condition but may be busy during commuter hours and seasonal agricultural traffic. Public transportation consists mainly of regional buses to Belgrade and nearby towns; schedules are less frequent than urban transit, so check timetables. Driving is the most flexible option for exploring the surrounding countryside.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Lazarevac.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

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

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

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.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Lazarevac has local healthcare facilities and clinics for routine care and emergencies. For specialized medical treatment or major emergencies, larger hospitals in Belgrade (about 40–60 minutes away by car) provide more comprehensive services. Carry health insurance details and any necessary medications; know how to contact emergency services in Serbia (phone 194 for ambulance or 112 as a general emergency number).

Discover Serbia

Read more in our Serbia 2025 Travel Guide.

Serbia Travel Guide