Things To Do
in Prijepolje

Prijepolje is a historic town in southwestern Serbia set among rolling hills and green river valleys. It serves as a gateway to the nearby attractions of the Zlatibor and Sandžak regions. The town offers a friendly, village-meets-town atmosphere with traditional kafanas and markets.

It is a convenient base for exploring the Uvac Canyon, Mileševa Monastery, and surrounding countryside.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Old Town
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the charming Old Town of Prijepolje, where you can wander through its narrow streets lined with historic architecture. Explore the traditional homes and take in the rich cultural heritage that defines this part of Serbia. Stop by a local café for a morning coffee and pastry to fuel your adventures.

afternoon
:

After lunch, visit the nearby Church of St. George, known for its beautiful frescoes and tranquil surroundings. Take the time to appreciate the spiritual and artistic history that permeates the area. As the afternoon sun sets, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Lim River and watch the landscape transform.

evening
:

In the evening, dine at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Serbian dishes such as sarma and ćevapi. Engage with locals to hear their stories and understand their way of life, enhancing your cultural experience. End your day by relaxing in a local tavern where you can enjoy live music and dance.

day 2
Cultural Immersion at the Arts Center
morning
:

Begin your day at the Prijepolje Arts Center, where you can take part in a workshop on traditional crafts. Interact with local artisans to learn the techniques and stories behind their work, enriching your understanding of Serbian culture. Enjoy the creativity pouring from the center and maybe create a keepsake of your visit.

afternoon
:

After the workshop, take a guided tour of the facility to view ongoing exhibitions of contemporary and traditional art. You may also have the opportunity to meet artists and discuss their works and inspirations. Spend time in the surrounding community, absorbing the artistic vibe and chatting with local residents.

evening
:

As darkness falls, head to a cultural performance at the center, showcasing local music and dance. The rhythm and passion of the performers will leave you enchanted, revealing the soul of the region. Cap off your day with a delectable dinner at a nearby bistro where traditional recipes are revived in new flavors.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant$12-20
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$40-70
🧀Milk or bread$1-2
🚕Taxi 1 km$1-2

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Scenic natural beauty and access to outdoor activities
  • Warm hospitality and affordability
  • Limited nightlife and fewer large-scale tourist amenities
  • Rural transport can be sparse outside town centers
  • "Zdravo" - Hello
  • "Dobar dan" - Good day
  • "Hvala" - Thank you
  • "Molim" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Govorite li engleski?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Gde se nalazi... ?" - Where is...?
  • "Koliko košta ovo?" - How much is this?
  • "Izvinite" - Excuse me / Sorry

Places to Visit in Prijepolje

Visit one of these nice places.

Uvac Canyon Viewpoints

Dramatic river meanders framed by limestone cliffs; best at sunrise or sunset from designated viewpoints along the canyon road.

Mileševa Monastery Courtyard

Historic monastery with white walls and peaceful surroundings, offering atmospheric shots of traditional architecture and surrounding hills.

Prijepolje Riverside Promenade

Scenic reflections and gentle water scenes along the riverbank, especially during golden hour.

Zaovine Lake Foreshore

Calm lake views with forested hills in the background; great for wide landscapes and intimate nature compositions.

Culinary Guide

Food in Prijepolje

Serbian cuisine in Prijepolje blends hearty Balkan staples with regional influences from Zlatibor and Sandžak. Expect grilled meats, dairy-based delights, hearty pastries, and seasonal produce from nearby villages.

Prijepolje Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Ćevapčići

Small grilled minced-meat skewers served with onions, flatbread, and kajmak; widely available at kafanas and street stalls.

Must-Try!

Pljeskavica

Large Balkan burger made from a seasoned meat patty, typically served with onions, ajvar, and kajmak in a bun.

Burek

Flaky pastry filled with cheese, meat, or spinach; a popular breakfast or snack in street stalls and bakeries.

Kajmak

Creamy dairy spread often enjoyed alongside grilled meats, bread, and ajvar.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Pijaca Prijepolje (city market)

Morning market offering fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, dairy, and baked goods.

Street food stalls

Casual options for ćevapčići, pljeskavica, burek, and other quick bites on the go.

Climate Guide

Weather

Prijepolje experiences a temperate continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Spring and autumn are mild, while mountain areas can see snow in winter. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with occasional intense rain storms in transitional seasons.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and modesty

Greet with a handshake and direct eye contact; address elders with respect; dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Respect for tradition

Show appreciation for local customs, remove hats indoors in religious spaces, and avoid loud behavior in sacred places.

Safety Guide

Safety

Prijepolje is generally safe for travelers. Practice standard precautions for petty theft in crowded areas, keep valuables secure near markets, and be cautious on mountain roads, especially in winter conditions. Cross-border travel to Montenegro is common but verify border requirements and travel advisories as needed.

Tipping in Prijepolje

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Serbia, a tip of about 5-10% in restaurants is appreciated for good service; rounding up on small checks is common.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted in markets and small eateries; many places in towns accept cards, especially in larger restaurants and hotels.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with sunny intervals; hydration and sun protection recommended; occasional afternoon storms are possible in the mountains.

Autumn

Mild to cool days with colorful foliage; layers advised and a light rain jacket for showers.

Winter

Cold temperatures with snow in higher elevations; some trails may be icy or closed; plan for warm clothing and indoor activities.

Spring

Moderate temperatures with blooming landscapes; frequent showers—carry a compact rain jacket and comfortable footwear.

Nightlife Guide

Prijepolje at Night

The nightlife in Prijepolje is low-key, centered around traditional kafanas and small bars with local folk music on weekends. For more lively scenes, residents typically travel to Užice or Zlatibor, where larger bars and clubs operate in peak season.

Hiking in Prijepolje

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Uvac Canyon Trails

Hiking routes along the Uvac river with viewpoints of the dramatic meanders and wildlife.

Zaovine Lake Trails

Forest trails and lake viewpoints around Zaovine Lake, suitable for easy to moderate hikes.

Airports

How to reach Prijepolje by plane.

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport

Serbia’s main international gateway with connections across Europe and beyond; roughly a long drive from Prijepolje depending on route and border crossing.

Podgorica Airport (Golubovci)

Montenegro’s international airport; drive or bus journey to Prijepolje via border crossings.

Tivat Airport

Coastal Montenegrin airport; access to Prijepolje via road routes through the interior.

Morava Airport (Kraljevo)

Regional airport in central Serbia; shorter drive to western Serbia compared to Belgrade.

Getting Around

Walkability

Prijepolje has a compact town center that is easily walkable. Hills surrounding the town mean some routes involve elevation changes, and longer excursions may require a car or local transport.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families and Rural Communities

A mix of traditional families and workers from nearby villages; a portion of the population is aging in some neighborhoods.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport; local matches and informal games are common in town squares and schools.

Transportation

Traffic

Roads around Prijepolje are typically calm; within town, traffic is light. Public transport is limited; buses connect to nearby towns, and taxis are widely available for short trips or mountain routes.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Prijepolje.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many dishes feature meat; look for salads, cheeses, baked goods, kajmak, and grilled vegetables; ask for meat-free options and cross-contamination guidance.

Gluten-free

Options exist in some places; request core gluten-free choices such as grilled vegetables, cheeses, salads, and naturally gluten-free sides; verify preparation methods with staff.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

There is a local health center (Dom Zdravlja Prijepolje) for primary care; for more advanced care, regional hospitals in Užice or Novi Pazar are accessible by road or bus. Pharmacies are common in town.

Discover Serbia

Read more in our Serbia 2025 Travel Guide.

Serbia Travel Guide