Things To Do
in Negotin

Negotin is a small historic town in eastern Serbia, perched in the Timok Valley near the Romanian border. It is known for its wine culture, especially the Negotinska Krajina wine region, and for its riverside scenery along the Timok. The town preserves traditional Balkan hospitality, with welcoming cafes, markets, and stone-and-brick architecture.

Visitors can explore ancient monasteries, scenic vineyards, and rural villages that surround Negotin.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore Negotin's Rich History
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Negotin Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the local history and culture. Browse through fascinating artifacts that highlight the region's agricultural and historical significance. Don't forget to admire the museum's beautiful architecture, which echoes the charm of the town.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a local tavern, take a leisurely walk through the picturesque streets of Negotin, stopping by the iconic St. George Church. Explore the surrounding shops and cafés, where you can sample traditional Serbian pastries. The vibrant atmosphere in the town square will give you a feel for daily life in Negotin.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a cozy restaurant overlooking the Timok River. Savor local specialties paired with a glass of the renowned wine from the region. End your evening with a stroll along the riverbank, where the shimmering lights reflect off the water.

day 2
Discover the Timok River
morning
:

Begin your day with an invigorating hike along the banks of the Timok River, enjoying the serene landscape and fresh air. Take in the stunning views of the surrounding hills and watch for local wildlife as you explore this natural paradise. The tranquility of the river will set a peaceful tone for the day.

afternoon
:

Pack a picnic to enjoy by the riverside or choose to have lunch at a nearby restaurant that boasts fresh, locally-caught fish. Spend your afternoon engaged in water activities, such as kayaking or fishing, for a thrilling experience on the river. Alternatively, find a quiet spot to relax and read your favorite book.

evening
:

As evening falls, return to your accommodation to freshen up before heading out for dinner at a local eatery. Choose a restaurant that features live music, allowing you to soak in the vibrant Serbian musical culture while dining. After your meal, mingle with locals at a nearby bar to enjoy the lively nightlife scene.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
Coffee$1-3
🍺Local beer$2-4
🥗Lunch/dinner for two$15-25
🧁Pastries or snacks$1-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Relaxed pace, hospitable locals, and strong wine culture.
  • Compact size makes it easy to explore on foot.
  • Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure.
  • Less English commonly spoken outside tourist areas.
  • "Dobar dan" - Hello / Good day
  • "Hvala" - Thank you
  • "Molim" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Gde je toalet?" - Where is the toilet?
  • "Koliko košta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Izvinite" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "Moj srpski nije dobar" - My Serbian is not good

Places to Visit in Negotin

Visit one of these nice places.

Timok River Vista

Scenic overlook along the Timok River with golden-hour light and views over the valley.

Negotin City Center

Cobbled streets, colorful facades, and the central square ideal for street photography.

Fortress Ruins

Ancient ruins on elevated ground offering sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

Wine Cellars

Interior shots among rows of oak barrels in local wineries, especially in the Negotinska Krajina area.

Gradska pijaca at Dawn

Early-morning market scenes with locals buying and selling fresh produce and baked goods.

Culinary Guide

Food in Negotin

Negotin sits in the Timok wine region and offers hearty Serbian cuisine with regional twists, abundant bread, grilled meats, and bright wines.

Negotin Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Ćevapčići

Small grilled minced-meat sausages served with onions, flatbread, and ajvar; a staple at grills and konobas.

Must-Try!

Pljeskavica

A hearty Serbian burger made of seasoned ground meat, often served with onions and kajmak.

Gibanica

A savory pastry layered with cheese and eggs, popular in bakeries and cafes.

Šopska salad

A fresh mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and feta, dressed with oil and vinegar.

Ajvar

A pepper-based relish served as a side or spread; great with grilled meat.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Gradska pijaca Negotin

Main city market offering seasonal produce, cheeses, bread, honey, and ready-to-eat street snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

The region experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and autumn are typically mild, while humidity and rainfall can vary through the year. Expect sunny days in summer and a possibility of snow in winter.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Handshake with direct eye contact; use formal titles with elders and say 'Dobar dan' or 'Zdravo'.

Dining Etiquette

Wait for the host to begin; bread is placed on the left; avoid loudly discussing politics in casual settings.

Safety Guide

Safety

Negotin is generally safe for travelers; common-sense precautions apply in crowded areas and at night. Petty theft can occur in busy markets; keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings. In emergencies, dial the national emergency number 112 and local health services as needed.

Tipping in Negotin

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

A tip of 5-10% in restaurants is common if service is good; rounding up is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Cash (RSD or EUR) and cards are widely accepted in Negotin; ATMs are available in town.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days, blooming fruit trees, and pleasant city walks; carry a light jacket for cool mornings.

Summer

Warm to hot days with plenty of sunshine; stay hydrated, seek shade, and enjoy open-air festivals.

Autumn

Harvest season with wine-related events and comfortable temperatures for vineyard visits.

Winter

Cold with occasional snow; many outdoor attractions quiet, but cafes and wine bars are cozy.

Nightlife Guide

Negotin at Night

Negotin has a modest nightlife scene centered in the town center, with a handful of bars and wine bars that come alive in the warmer months; you’ll find occasional live music, especially during festivals and weekends, and many places offer outdoor seating.

Hiking in Negotin

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Timok Valley foothills

Rolling hills and forested trails just outside Negotin, offering scenic viewpoints and easy day hikes.

Stara Planina foothills

Accessible hiking routes in the Balkan mountains to the east, offering longer day trips with panoramic scenery.

Airports

How to reach Negotin by plane.

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)

Serbia's main international hub; about a 2.5–3 hour drive from Negotin by road.

Nis Constantine the Great Airport (INI)

A smaller international airport serving southern Serbia; longer drive to Negotin.

Getting Around

Walkability

Negotin's city center is walkable with a compact core of shops, cafes, and markets; beyond the center, you’ll rely on short drives or bikes to reach wineries and countryside trails.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Ethnic Serbian majority

Predominant ethnic group with minority Roma and smaller groups; communities are longstanding in the Timok Valley.

Roma

A recognized minority living in and around Negotin; cultural contributions are visible in markets and city life.

Romanians and others near the border

Small populations reflecting the cross-border nature of eastern Serbia.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport, with local clubs and casual games throughout the year.

Basketball

Common in schools and community centers; pickup games occur in the evenings.

Tennis

Public and club courts available for recreational play.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically light in Negotin; the town has a pedestrian-friendly center with local buses and taxis. On market days the streets can get busier, and regional roads can see slower speeds during harvest season. Car rental and local bus services connect Negotin with surrounding towns and wineries.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Negotin.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many Serbian dishes are meat-based, but you can find salads, breads, cheese dishes, grilled vegetables, ajvar, and dairy. Look for taverns with vegetarian options or ask for side dishes like grilled peppers and mushrooms; dairy-rich dishes like gibanica are good vegetarian choices.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available at the local health center; for more specialized care or emergencies you’ll access facilities in bigger towns or Belgrade. Bring health insurance documents, and know that English is less common among some staff. In emergencies, call 194 for ambulance and 112 for general emergency services.

Discover Serbia

Read more in our Serbia 2025 Travel Guide.

Serbia Travel Guide