A Guide to a Day Tour to Niš, Serbia from Sofia

Are you looking to get away for a day trip and take in all the attractions of Niš, Serbia? Then look no further, because this guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan a perfect day-trip from Sofia to Niš. Niš is located in the south-east of Serbia, close to the borders of Bulgaria (59 km south) and Romania (150 km south-west). It is the third largest city in Serbia and is a cultural melting pot with a large Roma population. It is also the birthplace of Constantine the Great, the Roman emperor who opened the gates of Christian Europe in the 4th-century AD. The city itself still features many grand monuments from the time of his rule, such as the Cinema building decorated with frescoes depicting his conquests and the Skull Tower. The Fortress of Niš is still standing from the period too, and serves as the most visited green space in the city. With a market full of souvenirs, parks full of kids playing, and restaurants serving all kinds of traditional Serbian food, there’s something for everyone in Niš. In this guide, we’ll discuss all the information you’ll need to plan a perfect day trip to Niš from Sofia, including tips on transportation, what to do and see, plus advice on where you can find the best local Serbian food!

Getting to Niš from Sofia

The distance between Sofia and Niš is just 340 km, so it is possible to make a day-trip out of it. The quickest way to get to Niš from Sofia is by car, which takes around 3.5 hours. You can also travel between Sofia and Niš by bus. There are many daily buses that leave from Sofia Central Bus Station and arrive at Niš Central Bus Station. Train travel is also an option, with direct trains from Sofia to Niš several times a week. If traveling by car or bus doesn’t appeal to you, you can also fly from Sofia to Niš via RyanAir or Serbia Airline. Flight time is just over 1 hour, and tickets can be booked for under €60. Before you can enter Serbia from Bulgaria, however, you will need to fill out an online application form for a Serbian visa. You can find more information about this at the Bulgarian embassy website.

Things to Do and See in Niš

Niš may be small in comparison to other cities in Europe, but it has no shortage of attractions and activities for visitors. Whether you’re looking for history, culture or just some relaxing time in the sun – there’s something for everyone in this city. Constantine The Great Airport – This airport is named for the Roman Emperor Constantine The Great and is located just 10 km outside of the city. There are several daily flights to cities within Serbia as well as some international destinations such as Paris, Rome, London and Istanbul. Skull Tower – When speaking of Niš’s historical landmarks, this skeletal monument cannot be overlooked. Built by Turkish Ottoman dynasty leader Suleiman The Magnificent in the 16th-century, it is made up of 952 human skulls arranged around a tree trunk – symbolizing the mass executions of 2004 Serbian rebels during his reign. Cinema Building – Rebuilt by Constantine The Great in 335AD, this two-story building once served as a public bath house. But its walls today are decorated with lavish frescoes depicting moments from his rule such as his military conquests and battles that took place around Egypt during his reign. Fortress of Niš – Originally built by the Serbs in 1809, this fortress has stood tall despite multiple attempts to take it by Austrian forces in 1809 and 1912. Its green spaces serve as an important public area for locals and visitors alike, with playgrounds for children, public galleries and sculptures scattered throughout. Kafana U Sofra – there’s no better way to experience a taste of old world Niš than at this traditional Serbian restaurant. Their menu features dishes such as Balkan Moussaka – ground beef seasoned with herbs and spices and served over grilled proja (baked cornbread) – as well as the spicy cevapi wrapped in somun bread and grilled lamb kebab.

A Few More Tips for Visiting Niš

When visiting Serbia, one way to save yourself some time and money is by purchasing a Tourist Card online before you arrive in Serbia. The Tourist Card provides discounts at popular attractions such as museums, restaurants and even transport throughout Serbia. Keep in mind that Serbian currency uses dinars (RSD). Although some places may accept euros or US dollars, it is best to come prepared with dinars so that you don’t have to exchange your currency when you arrive in Serbia. You can get dinars at any exchange office or most banks throughout Serbia – especially in larger cities like Niš! Finally, if you plan on visiting during the summer months (from May to September), be sure to bring sunscreen and stay hydrated! The temperatures usually reach above 30°c during this period and can be quite uncomfortable if you’re not prepared!

Conclusion

Traveling from Sofia to Niš can easily be achieved as a day trip! With so much history lurking around every corner in this vibrant city, visitors are sure to find something that will soon have them captivated! With easy access via car, bus or plane, planning your perfect Niš day trip from Sofia could not be simpler! And don’t forget – if you’re looking for souvenirs or just want a taste of traditional Serbian food – no trip would be complete without a visit to Kafana U Sofra! So why wait? Why not book your next day trip now?