Things to do
A weekend in Vrnjačka Banja
Vrnjačka Banja is ideal for a weekend: close enough to Belgrade and other big towns to arrive on Friday after work, and varied enough that two days pass without repeating yourself. Here is a plan that combines the springs, rest and a little nature — plus a few tips to stop the weekend costing more than it should.
Friday evening: arrival and the promenade
Check in, leave the car and set off on foot. The first evening is for a slow stroll along the promenade, your first glass of warm water at the spring in the centre and dinner in one of the restaurants serving home-style Serbian food. In summer the promenade is liveliest after nine in the evening; out of season it is quiet and romantic.
Saturday: springs, park and wellness
- Morning — the springs walk: Topla voda and the Roman spring in the centre, through the park to Jezero, then along the river to Snežnik and Slatina. Bring a small bottle.
- On the way — stop at the Bridge of Love and, if you are there as a couple, leave a padlock.
- Midday — lunch, then a horse-drawn carriage ride through the centre if you are there in season.
- Afternoon — wellness: a pool, sauna or massage at one of the hotel spa centres; many also take guests who aren't staying with them.
- Evening — something on along the promenade or at the Castle of Culture, or dinner with live music.
Sunday: Goč or a slow day
If you have a car, the morning is ideal for a trip up Goč — half an hour's drive to the forest, a walk around the lake and cheese and kajmak from the local hosts. In winter, if there is snow, an hour or two of sledging too. What awaits you up there is described on our page about Mount Goč. Without a car, Sunday is for a late breakfast, another walk in the park and setting off after lunch.
A spa weekend
Many hotels offer weekend packages with half board, use of the pool and sauna and a massage. A package like that is handy if you don't want to organise anything, and it is often cheaper than the services added up separately. Check exactly what is included — some packages cover only the pool and charge extra for the sauna and hammam.
Where to stay for two nights
For a weekend for two, a studio or double apartment in the centre works well; for a family, an apartment with a kitchen so breakfast doesn't depend on a restaurant. Our guide to apartments in Vrnjačka Banja explains what a "French bed" means and what equipment is standard. For weekends in July and August and over public holidays, book a few weeks ahead; out of season you can usually find somewhere at the last minute, often at a better price.
Frequently asked questions
Are two nights enough for Vrnjačka Banja?
For a first impression, yes: enough for the springs walk, the park, wellness and a short trip up Goč. For the monasteries and wineries in the area you need at least one more day.
How can I avoid the short-stay surcharge?
Ask your host in advance whether a surcharge applies for one or two nights. Out of season many don't charge it, and sometimes a third night is worth taking because the total is only slightly more than two nights with the surcharge.
Where is the best place to stay for a weekend?
In the centre or within a short walk of the promenade, so you don't need the car. For a quieter weekend, stay upstream towards the Snežnik spring.