Things To Do
in Leskovac

Leskovac is a regional city in southern Serbia known for its lively food culture, especially grilled meat and the annual Roštiljijada barbecue festival. Historically an industrial and textile center, the town mixes working-class heritage with warm southern Serbian hospitality. The surrounding hills and rivers provide easy access to outdoor activities, from hiking on Radan and Kukavica to fishing near Vlasina Lake.

Visitors find a compact, walkable centre with kafanas, street vendors and a strong local identity shaped by food and communal gatherings.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Leskovac
morning
:

Arrive in Leskovac and check into your accommodation, a cozy hotel situated in the heart of the city. Spend the morning familiarizing yourself with the surroundings, perhaps wandering through the central park or along the main streets to get a feel for local life. Enjoy a traditional Serbian breakfast at a nearby café, sampling local pastries and fresh coffee.

afternoon
:

After lunch, visit the Leskovac Cultural Center to appreciate local art and history. Take a stroll to the nearby Leskovac Fortress, where you can learn about the historical significance of the site. The afternoon sun provides perfect lighting for photos as you explore the ruins and scenic views of the city.

evening
:

Savor dinner at a quintessential grill house, where you can indulge in Leskovac's famous barbecue dishes. The evening ambiance is lively with locals enjoying music and conversation, making it a great time to mingle. Wrap up the night with a leisurely walk through the city square, where you might catch an outdoor concert or cultural performance.

day 2
Explore the Local Markets
morning
:

Kickstart your day with a visit to the bustling Leskovac market, filled with colorful stalls brimming with local produce, cheeses, and meats. Engage with friendly vendors and maybe purchase some unique souvenirs or local delicacies to take home. Enjoy a light breakfast on the go, sampling fresh fruits and baked goods from local sellers.

afternoon
:

After the market, head to a local workshop to see artisans at work, particularly those producing traditional crafts and textiles. Participate in a crafting session to create your own souvenir, connecting with the local culture firsthand. This immersive experience will give you a deeper appreciation for Leskovac’s artistic heritage.

evening
:

For dinner, visit a family-run restaurant that specializes in flavors from the Leskovac region. With the sun setting, the restaurant offers a warm atmosphere where you can taste traditional dishes like sarma and stuffed peppers. Enjoy conversation with locals over a glass of rakija as you learn more about the customs and cuisine.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-10
Coffee (regular)$1.50-3
🚌Local bus ticket$0.80-1.50
🚕Taxi start (day)$2.50-4
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$30-60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Renowned food culture and the famous Roštiljijada grill festival
  • Compact, walkable city centre with friendly locals
  • Easy access to nearby mountains and natural areas for outdoor activities
  • Lower prices than major Serbian cities, good value for food and accommodation
  • Limited public transport to some rural spots; you may need a car
  • Fewer cultural attractions compared to larger cities like Niš or Belgrade
  • Fewer vegetarian/vegan options in traditional eateries
  • Seasonal fluctuations—much busier during festival time and quieter in winter
  • "Dobar dan" - Good day
  • "Hvala" - Thank you
  • "Molim" - Please/You're welcome
  • "Koliko košta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Gde je…?" - Where is…?
  • "Izvinite" - Excuse me/I'm sorry

Places to Visit in Leskovac

Visit one of these nice places.

Main Square and Pedestrian Streets

Capture daily life, kafanas, street vendors and classic southern Serbian architecture in the compact city centre; good for candid street photography and evening shots when lights come on.

Roštiljijada Festival (late summer)

Vibrant night-time scenes of open grills, crowds, smoke and competition stands—an excellent opportunity for dramatic food and event photography.

Veternica Riverbanks

Quiet river views, bridges and riverside promenades offer tranquil landscape shots and reflections, especially in the golden hours.

Radan and Kukavica Mountains

Panoramic viewpoints over valleys, traditional villages and forested slopes—ideal for landscape and nature photography.

Old Industrial Sites

Rustic textile mill buildings and industrial heritage sites provide evocative urban-decay and documentary-style images.

Culinary Guide

Food in Leskovac

Leskovac is famous across Serbia for its grilled meats and open-flame cooking tradition; cuisine here is hearty, meat-forward and seasoned simply to let quality ingredients shine. The city’s culinary reputation centers on roštilj (grill) culture and an annual grill festival that attracts competitors and food lovers from the region. Expect generous portions, traditional side dishes like ajvar and urnebes, and plentiful kafanas and street stalls. Seasonal produce and home-preserved items also feature heavily in local menus.

Leskovac Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Leskovački roštilj

A variety of grilled meats prepared over charcoal — ćevapi, pljeskavica, pork and beef skewers — often served with flatbread, raw onions and ajvar; best tried at specialty roštilj restaurants and during Roštiljijada.

Must-Try!

Leskovačka pljeskavica

A large seasoned meat patty frequently stuffed with kajmak (creamy cheese) or cheese and served with kajmak, onions and peppers; widely available in local kafanas.

Ajvar and pickled sides

Red pepper relish and various pickled vegetables that accompany grilled meats and bread; commonly homemade and found in markets and family-run eateries.

Homemade rakija

Fruit brandy served as an aperitif or digestif; often offered in kafanas and family homes—try plum or quince varieties.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Leskovac Central Market (Pijaca)

A lively market where you can buy fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses, cured meats and baked goods; ideal for sampling local produce and small snacks like burek or pastries.

Street grills during Roštiljijada

Temporary stalls and pop-up grills line the streets during the festival, offering a wide range of grilled specialties and festival sweets; great for tasting many styles in one evening.

Climate Guide

Weather

Leskovac has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summers (June–August) can be hot and sometimes humid; spring and autumn are mild and suitable for outdoor activities; winters (December–February) are chilly with occasional snow, especially in surrounding higher terrain. Transitional months may bring rain, so layered clothing is advised year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and respect

A firm handshake and direct eye contact are common; use formal titles with older people and show respect to elders—address people with 'Gospodin' (Mr.) or 'Gospođa' (Mrs.) when appropriate.

Kafana behaviour

Kafanas are social spaces—be polite, avoid loud or disruptive behaviour, and join in conversations if invited; tipping for table service is customary.

Religious sites

Dress modestly and behave quietly in churches; remove hats and avoid loud photography during services.

Invited to a home

Bring a small gift (sweets, wine) when invited to someone's house and accept offers of food or drink; it is polite to compliment the host and try a bit of everything offered.

Safety Guide

Safety

Leskovac is generally safe for travelers; petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in crowded places so keep an eye on valuables. Avoid poorly lit and deserted areas at night, especially on the outskirts. Always use licensed taxis or ride-hailing where available and keep emergency numbers handy. For serious incidents seek assistance from the police or hospital; 112 is the general emergency number.

Tipping in Leskovac

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory—rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% in restaurants is common for good service; small tips for taxi drivers and hotel porters are welcome.

Payment Methods

The Serbian dinar (RSD) is the local currency; cash is widely used, especially in markets and small kafanas, but cards are accepted at larger restaurants, hotels and shops. ATMs are available in town; inform your bank before travel to avoid card blocks.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blossoming landscapes make spring pleasant for walking and early hikes; occasional rain means pack a light waterproof layer.

Summer

Hot and sometimes humid—perfect for outdoor festivals like Roštiljijada (late summer); stay hydrated, seek shade during midday and expect lively street life and late nights.

Autumn

Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage on nearby hills; harvest season brings fresh produce and local food events—great for hiking and photography.

Winter

Cold with possible snow in the hills; city life is quieter, roads in rural areas can be slippery—bring warm clothing and check transport in advance.

Nightlife Guide

Leskovac at Night

Leskovac’s nightlife is centered on kafanas, small bars and live music venues; it’s more relaxed than big-city scenes but becomes lively during festivals and weekends with live bands, folk music and late-night dining. Nights in summer and during Roštiljijada are energetic with open-air grills and crowds, while weekday evenings are quieter and better for soaking up local atmosphere in a traditional kafana.

Hiking in Leskovac

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Radan Mountain Trails

A variety of trails through forest and karst terrain offering panoramic views, small villages and opportunities to see endemic flora; routes vary in difficulty.

Kukavica Mountain

Less-visited mountain with quiet trails, viewpoints and rustic paths—good for solitude, birdwatching and longer day hikes.

Vlasina Lake Circuit

Gentle walks and lakeside trails around Vlasina Lake, suitable for relaxed hikes, photography and combining with fishing or picnicking.

Jablanica Valley Walks

Lowland routes following the river valley, connecting small settlements and offering easy hiking and cycling on mostly flat terrain.

Airports

How to reach Leskovac by plane.

Niš Constantine the Great Airport (INI)

The closest commercial airport, roughly 45–60 km northeast of Leskovac by road; offers seasonal and regional flights and is reachable by car or regional bus services.

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)

The major international airport serving Serbia, about 250–300 km from Leskovac (3–4 hours by car or longer by bus/train); provides many international connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Leskovac’s central area is quite walkable—most attractions, markets and restaurants are within easy walking distance. Outlying neighborhoods and natural sites require local buses, taxis or a car. Pavements are generally passable but can be uneven in spots, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Ethnic Serbs

The majority population, predominantly Serbian Orthodox, forming the cultural and social mainstream of the town.

Romani community

A visible minority in Leskovac with distinct cultural contributions and neighborhoods; social challenges exist as in many places and respectful interaction is advised.

Older generation

Like many regional towns, Leskovac has a significant older population due to urban migration of younger people to larger cities or abroad.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport regionally; local clubs and amateur matches are common and community-oriented, with town support for youth teams.

Basketball

Widely played at schools and local clubs; community courts and club competitions are available.

Handball

A regional favorite with youth participation and local club competitions.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Leskovac is generally moderate and far less congested than in Serbia’s large cities. Rush hours bring localized slowdowns near schools and markets. The city is served by local buses and regional coaches connecting to Niš, Belgrade and neighboring towns; trains run on regional lines but schedules may be infrequent. Taxis are widely available—agree price or ensure the meter is used.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Leskovac.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but limited compared to meat dishes—look for shops offering grilled vegetables, salads, cheese platters, burek with cheese or spinach, and side dishes like ajvar and potatoes. Inform servers about dietary needs and opt for bakeries, markets and vegetarian-friendly cafés in larger establishments.

Vegan

Vegan choices require more effort: stick to salads, grilled vegetables, beans, and bread; ask about lard or dairy in traditional dishes and be prepared to explain restrictions in Serbian for small, family restaurants.

Gluten-free

Gluten-free options are available in principle (grilled meats, salads), but cross-contamination is common. Bring essentials if you are highly sensitive and communicate restrictions clearly.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Leskovac has a general hospital (Opšta bolnica Leskovac) and several clinics and pharmacies that handle routine and urgent care. For specialized treatments or serious emergencies, patients are often transferred to the Clinical Centre in Niš (about an hour’s drive). Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is recommended.

Discover Serbia

Read more in our Serbia 2025 Travel Guide.

Serbia Travel Guide