From the thunder of the Danube against Belgrade’s riverside quays to the warm, resin-scented air of Zlatibor’s pine woods, Serbia greets visitors with textures and tastes you almost want to touch.

Stroll Kalenic Market and you’ll feel rough wool rugs underfoot, see jars of deep-red ajvar stacked like jewels, and hear vendors calling over the clink of copper coffee pots, the country’s landscapes and markets are as tactile as they are visual.

Across the Pannonian plains of Vojvodina and the limestone ridges of Tara, artisans still work with clay, leather, and wool using techniques passed down through monastery workshops and village guilds.

The clay of Zlakusa, the bold geometry of Pirot kilims, and the heady warmth of plum rakija all tell regional stories. If you’re wondering what to buy in Serbia to bring a piece of its spirit back home, these ten souvenirs capture the country’s craft, flavor, and heritage.

1. Pirot Kilim

Why pick this up:
Pirot kilims are flatwoven rugs with bold geometric patterns rooted in the Pirot region’s shepherding and weaving traditions; they make striking wall hangings or practical floor runners. Each motif has a local history, and the wool retains a warm, tactile quality you won’t find in mass-produced textiles.

What to look for:
Look for tightly woven, hand-spun wool, natural-dye tones, and the slight irregularities that indicate handloom work; traditional Pirot motifs and a sturdy selvedge are signs of authenticity.

Price bracket (2025):
RSD 8,000–60,000 (small runners to large room-sized kilims)

Where to find it:
Pirot markets and craft shops, Belgrade markets like Kalenić, specialist stalls at Novi Sad’s fairs

2. Zlakusa Pottery

Why pick this up:
Made in the village of Zlakusa near Užice, this pottery is known for durable earthenware shapes — jugs, coffee cups, and cooking pots — that age beautifully with use. The tactile weight and smoky glaze feel like a slice of rural Serbian life.

What to look for:
Hand-thrown forms, a slightly rough base, and a maker’s mark or signature from the Zlakusa workshops; thicker walls and glaze variations point to traditional firing methods.

Price bracket (2025):
RSD 1,500–8,000 for bowls, jugs, and serving pieces

Where to find it:
Regional craft fairs in Western Serbia, Užice markets, selected stalls in Belgrade and museum shops

3. Šljivovica (Plum Rakija)

Why pick this up:
Šljivovica is Serbia’s iconic plum brandy — potent, aromatic, and often produced by family distillers in the countryside. A bottle captures the flavor of Serbian orchards and is a cultural gift used in toasts and celebrations.

What to look for:
Seek sealed bottles with producer labels or small-batch tags; artisanal rakijas often note the age (years of barrel maturation) and are bottled at 40–50% ABV.

Price bracket (2025):
RSD 1,200–6,000 for artisanal bottles; premium aged variants higher

Where to find it:
Specialty liquor shops, farmers’ markets, regional producers around Šumadija and the Zlatibor area

4. Ajvar (Roasted Pepper Spread)

Why pick this up:
Ajvar is a smoky, silky spread of roasted red peppers (sometimes with eggplant) that’s a pantry staple across Serbia — great as a dip, relish, or sandwich spread. Its smoky-sweet flavor is a compact taste of Balkan home cooking.

What to look for:
Glass jars from local producers, labels indicating “pečen” (roasted) peppers, or homemade varieties sold at markets like Kalenić and Leskovac food stalls.

Price bracket (2025):
RSD 300–1,200 per jar depending on size and artisanal production

Where to find it:
Kalenić Market, Leskovac and southern Serbia producers, farmers’ stalls in Novi Sad and Belgrade

5. Kovačica Naïve Paintings

Why pick this up:
Kovačica in Vojvodina is famed for naïve art paintings — colorful folk scenes and village portraits painted with bright, detailed brushwork. These small canvases make unique souvenirs that reflect multiethnic Vojvodina life.

What to look for:
Signed works by local painters, dense, detailed compositions with folk motifs, and sturdy frames for easy transport.

Price bracket (2025):
RSD 5,000–80,000 depending on size and artist

Where to find it:
Galleries and studios in Kovačica, regional art fairs, and select Belgrade galleries

6. Opanci (Traditional Leather Shoes)

Why pick this up:
Opanci are rustic leather shoes with a distinctive curled toe, once everyday footwear for Serbian peasants and now a beloved cultural symbol. They’re wearable folk art that tells of rural craft traditions.

What to look for:
Full-grain leather, hand-stitched seams, and a sturdy sole — authentic opanci are made to be repaired, not replaced.

Price bracket (2025):
RSD 2,500–10,000 depending on leather quality and craftsmanship

Where to find it:
Ethnographic museums, traditional craft stalls in Zlatibor and rural markets, folkloric festivals

7. Silver Filigree Jewelry

Why pick this up:
Delicate filigree — twisted silver threads formed into lace-like pendants and earrings — is a refined Serbian craft that makes elegant, lightweight keepsakes. These pieces often draw on Byzantine and Austro-Hungarian influences that shaped regional style.

What to look for:
Fine, crisp wirework, secure soldering, and a purity stamp when possible; heirloom-quality pieces will feel delicate but solid.

Price bracket (2025):
RSD 3,000–25,000 for necklaces, brooches, and rings

Where to find it:
Artisan markets in Belgrade and Novi Sad, silver shops in historic quarters, craft fairs

8. Zlatibor Smoked Cheese (Kulen and Kaymak goods)

Why pick this up:
Zlatibor’s mountain dairies produce intensely flavored smoked cheeses and creamy kaymak that reflect pastoral traditions and raw-milk techniques. They’re a taste-true reminder of Serbia’s highland cuisine.

What to look for:
Local labels, vacuum-packed or sealed jars for travel, and distinct smoky aroma; ask vendors about refrigeration for freshness when flying.

Price bracket (2025):
RSD 500–2,500 depending on size and aging

Where to find it:
Zlatibor markets, farmers’ stalls at tourist centers, specialty food sections in Belgrade markets

9. Orthodox Icons and Wood Carvings

Why pick this up:
Hand-painted icons and carved wood crosses or panels reflect Serbia’s deep Orthodox heritage and monastic art, especially from monasteries like Studenica and Žiča. These pieces are contemplative, finely detailed, and carry spiritual significance.

What to look for:
Natural gesso and tempera paints on wood, visible brush strokes, and provenance from monastic workshops or certified iconographers.

Price bracket (2025):
RSD 2,000–20,000 depending on size and age

Where to find it:
Monastery gift shops, Belgrade’s church bazaars, craft markets around Niš and monasteries

10. Serbian Honey & Propolis Products

Why pick this up:
Serbia’s beekeeping traditions yield fragrant acacia and linden honey, plus propolis tinctures prized for health benefits — a sweet, natural souvenir. Honey’s floral notes will vary dramatically between Zlatibor’s highlands and Vojvodina’s meadows.

What to look for:
Crystallization patterns (natural), single-flower variety labels, and sealed jars with producer details; raw or unpasteurized options retain more flavor.

Price bracket (2025):
RSD 800–4,000 per jar or set

Where to find it:
Farmers’ markets like Kalenić and Novi Sad, specialist food stalls, regional beekeepers’ fairs

Tip: Roll textiles and pad fragile ceramics with clothing to protect them on the way home. 🧳

Local Shopping Culture & Traditions

Shopping in Serbia is as much social as it is commercial; many purchases happen at open-air markets where vendors know generations of customers and conversations can lead to stories behind each object.

Bargaining is common in small bazaars and at craft fairs, especially outside of fixed-price museum shops, while urban markets like Kalenić in Belgrade and Novi Sad’s farmer stalls emphasize fresh produce and artisanal foods.

Artisan villages and monastery workshops still play a big role: Kovačica for naïve painting, Zlakusa for pottery, and Pirot for kilims are living craft centres where you can often meet the maker.

Weekend maker markets, seasonal food fairs in Leskovac and Zlatibor, and festival bazaars (especially during Orthodox holidays) are the best times to find authentic, locally produced goods.

How to Spot Genuine Local Souvenirs

Look for material honesty: Pirot kilims are wool on a handloom with small irregularities. Zlakusa pottery feels substantial and the glaze will vary slightly; genuine filigree will show minute wire work rather than cast patterns.

Ask about provenance,  small labels, a maker’s stamp, or a short story from the seller are good signs.

Avoid overly glossy, machine-perfect items labeled vaguely as “Balkan” wares; mass-produced imitations often use synthetics or thin, machine-stitched fabrics.

For food items, check seals and production dates, ask whether products are pasteurized or raw (for honey and dairy), and request vacuum packing for cheeses or smoked goods if you plan to fly.

Where to Shop in Serbia

• Belgrade: Kalenić Market (Kalenić pijaca), Zeleni Venac, Skadarlija bohemian quarter, and Knez Mihailova for city shopping.
• Novi Sad: farmer stalls and the city market near Freedom Square.
• Pirot: local kilim workshops and the town craft market.
• Kovačica: galleries and studios for naïve art.
• Zlatibor and Zlatibor markets: mountain dairy products and handicrafts.
• Niš: Old Bazaar (Stari Bazár) and fortress market areas.
• Nikola Tesla Airport: last-minute, officially labeled local products and packaged foods.

FAQs

Q: Are souvenirs in Serbia expensive?
A: Prices vary widely — street markets and village workshops offer affordable finds, while gallery art and large kilims can be pricier; food and small crafts are generally budget-friendly.

Q: Is bargaining common in Serbia?
A: Yes, especially at open-air markets and craft stalls outside fixed retail shops; start 10–20% below the asking price and be polite and friendly.

Q: How do I know if food items are travel-safe?
A: Buy sealed, labeled jars for ajvar and honey, vacuum-packed cheeses, and check airline and country customs rules for alcohol like šljivovica before you travel.

Explore Serbia’s markets and artisan villages to find pieces that tell stories, and don’t forget to consider what to buy in Serbia as you wander its markets and mountain towns.

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!