Niš
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At a glance
- Country
- Serbia
- Region
- Nišava District
- Population
- 260,000
- Best time to go
- May to September
- Main airport
- Niš Constantine the Great (INI)
- Coordinates
- 43.32°N, 21.90°E
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Overview
Niš is one of the oldest cities in the Balkans and the birthplace of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great. For centuries it stood on the main road between Europe and Constantinople, and armies have passed through ever since.
Today it is a friendly, affordable city with a strong café culture and some of Serbia's best grilled food. Its history is close at hand, from Roman ruins to the Ottoman fortress at its centre.
Things to see
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Photo: J tomic m, CC BY-SA 3.0 Niš Fortress
An Ottoman fortress by the river, its walls enclosing a park, cafés and a summer stage.
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Photo: martijnmunneke, CC BY 2.0 Skull Tower
A grim tower built with the skulls of Serbian rebels after an 1809 battle, now inside a small chapel.
Tickets and tours -
Mediana
The remains of a Roman imperial villa with mosaic floors, on the eastern edge of the city.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain Crveni Krst concentration camp
A Nazi camp from the Second World War, now a sober museum and memorial.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Biso, CC BY 3.0 Eat pljeskavica
Niš is famous for its grilled meat, especially this spiced patty served with onions and kajmak.
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Photo: Nile6462, CC BY-SA 4.0 Nišville Jazz Festival
A popular summer festival held in the fortress, mixing jazz with world and funk music.
Find tours -
Photo: DjordjeMarkovic, CC BY-SA 4.0 Sićevo Gorge
A dramatic limestone gorge east of the city, good for hiking, climbing and scenic drives.
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Photo: The original uploader was Intermedichbo at Serbian Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0 rs Relax at Niška Banja
A small spa town with thermal waters, just outside the city.
Where to stay
City centre
Around the main square and Obrenovićeva Street, close to the fortress and cafés.
Hotels in City centreNear the fortress
Convenient for walks and the summer events held inside the walls.
Hotels in Near the fortressNiška Banja
Spa hotels in a quieter setting a short bus ride away.
Hotels in Niška Banja
Getting around
The centre is compact and walkable. Taxis are cheap and buses cover the suburbs.
The airport is only a few kilometres from the centre, about ten minutes by taxi. Buses from Belgrade take around three hours.
When to go
Late spring and summer are best, when the café terraces and the fortress come alive and Nišville takes place in August. Winters are cold.
Plan your trip to Niš
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.