---
title: "Top 10 Things To Do in Niš, Serbia | Wimup"
description: "Ten ranked things to do in Niš, from the Skull Tower and the fortress to Constantine's Mediana, plus food, transport, costs and when to go."
url: https://wimup.com/city/nis
type: City guide
updated: 2026-10-08
publisher: Wimup (https://wimup.com)
---

# Top 10 Things To Do in Niš

Niš, Serbia · Europe · By Wimup Editorial, 11 min read

Niš is Serbia's third city and its oldest crossroads: Roman Naissus, birthplace of Constantine the Great, then an Ottoman fortress town on the road to Istanbul. It wears that history openly, from a tower of skulls to a Nazi camp kept as it was, and eats better than its size suggests.

## Quick answer

Give Niš two days. Day one is the centre: the fortress through the Stambol Gate, King Milan Square, then lunch on Kazandžijsko sokače and the Archaeological Hall. Day two is the hard history and the Romans: the Skull Tower, Mediana, the Red Cross camp and Bubanj. Add a third for Niška Banja and the Sićevo Gorge.

## Quick facts

- **Best months:** May · Jun · Sep
- **Ideal length:** 2 days
- **Budget per day:** $40–85
- **Language:** Serbian
- **Getting around:** Walking & free city buses
- **Tourism board:** [Official site](https://www.serbia.travel/en/stories-items/when-in-nis/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## The 10 best things to do in Niš

### 1. Walk into Niš Fortress through the Stambol Gate

Landmark · Tvrđava, across the Nišava from the centre

The walls are Ottoman, built in the 1720s on Roman, Byzantine and medieval foundations. Inside sit a Roman street, the Bali-beg Mosque and a hammam, and in August the plateau hosts Nišville.

- **Time:** 1–2 hrs
- **Cost:** Free
- **Best at:** Late afternoon
- **Tip:** Enter by the Stambol Gate, facing the bridge

Links: [Website](https://www.serbia.travel/en/nis-fortress/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 2. Face the Skull Tower

Monument · Bulevar dr Zorana Đinđića, Medijana

Built in 1809 from the skulls of Serbian rebels killed at the Battle of Čegar, it once held 952; 58 remain, inside an 1890s chapel. It is small, quiet and unlike anything else in Europe.

- **Time:** 30 min
- **Cost:** 300 RSD
- **Best at:** Morning
- **Tip:** Closed Mondays; open 9:00 to 19:00 otherwise

Links: [Website](https://narodnimuzejnis.rs/en/o-muzeju/objekti/cele-kula/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 3. See Constantine's Mediana

Archaeology · Bulevar cara Konstantina, about 5 km east of the centre

The 4th-century imperial residence of Constantine and his sons, with a peristyle villa, baths and a granary. The villa's floor mosaics are the reason to come, and a Medusa medallion is the one to find.

- **Time:** 1–2 hrs
- **Cost:** Ticketed
- **Best at:** Morning
- **Tip:** Pair it with the Skull Tower, on the same boulevard

Links: [Website](https://narodnimuzejnis.rs/en/o-muzeju/objekti/medijana/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 4. Stand in the Red Cross concentration camp

Memorial · Crveni Krst, north of the centre

The Germans opened this camp in 1941; on 12 February 1942, 147 unarmed prisoners rushed the guards and 105 got out. The museum, in the camp building itself, tells the story without softening it.

- **Time:** 1 hr
- **Cost:** Ticketed
- **Best at:** Weekday
- **Tip:** Then go on to Bubanj, where the executions happened

Links: [Website](https://narodnimuzejnis.rs/en/o-muzeju/objekti/memorijalni-kompleks-12-februar/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 5. See the Roman finds in the Archaeological Hall

Museum · Nikole Pašića, Centar

One room of the National Museum, covering about 6000 BC to the 15th century: marble statues, Roman weapons, coins and jewellery from Naissus. It is the cleanest primer before Mediana.

- **Time:** 45 min
- **Cost:** Ticketed
- **Best at:** Morning
- **Tip:** One combined ticket covers every museum site

Links: [Website](https://narodnimuzejnis.rs/en/o-muzeju/objekti/arheoloska-sala/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 6. Eat on Kazandžijsko sokače

Street · Kazandžijsko sokače, off Obrenovićeva

Tinkers' Alley is the last Ottoman-era lane in the centre, a cobbled block of low houses that once held coppersmiths. Now it is kafanas and cafe terraces, and the best place in town for a long lunch outdoors.

- **Time:** 1–2 hrs
- **Cost:** Free
- **Best at:** Lunch
- **Tip:** Book Kafana kod Rajka for a weekend lunch

### 7. Step into Holy Trinity Cathedral

Church · Centar

The seat of the Eparchy of Niš, consecrated in 1878 once the Ottomans left. Bombed in 1944 and burnt in 2001, it has been rebuilt twice, and the restored interior is brighter for it.

- **Time:** 30 min
- **Cost:** Free
- **Best at:** Morning
- **Tip:** Dress for an active Orthodox church

### 8. Walk out to Bubanj Memorial Park

Memorial · Bubanj, Palilula

Three concrete fists, about 18 to 23 metres tall, rise out of the meadow where thousands of camp prisoners were shot. Sized as a man's, a woman's and a child's, they are among the strongest Yugoslav memorials anywhere.

- **Time:** 45 min
- **Cost:** Free
- **Best at:** Late afternoon
- **Tip:** A short taxi ride from the Red Cross camp

### 9. Soak at Niška Banja

Spa · Niška Banja, about 10 km southeast

A spa suburb with radon-rich thermal water at 36 to 38°C and a long shaded park. The park and promenade are free; the thermal pools belong to the treatment institute.

- **Time:** Half day
- **Cost:** Pools paid
- **Best at:** Weekday
- **Tip:** City buses run out to it from the centre

Links: [Website](https://radonnb.co.rs/en/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 10. Drive the Sićevo Gorge

Nature · Nišava valley, about 15 km east

The Nišava cuts 17 km through limestone here, with cliffs up to 400 metres and golden eagles over the Gradište canyon. It is a nature park with climbing routes, and the drive alone repays the hour.

- **Time:** Half day
- **Cost:** Free
- **Best at:** May or October
- **Tip:** Stop at the Ostrovica monasteries on the way

Links: [Website](https://www.serbia.travel/en/sicevac-gorge/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## Best restaurants in Niš

Five kitchens, four of them in the 2026 Gault&Millau Serbia guide.

1. **Stambolijski restoran** (Modern Serbian · Nikole Pašića 36 · Centar): A refined take on Balkan cooking in a restored old house, rated 12.5 by Gault&Millau. [Website](https://rs.gaultmillau.com/en/restaurants/stambolijski-restoran?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
2. **Kafana Mrak** (Grill · Bulevar 12. februar · Crveni Krst): An old-school grill on the edge of town. Order the uštipci and the stuffed pork loin. [Website](https://rs.gaultmillau.com/en/restaurants/kafana-mrak?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
3. **Kafana Meze** (Kafana · Koste Stamenkovića 3 · Centar): Two floors and a summer garden. Start with rakija and a meze board, then gibanica. [Website](https://rs.gaultmillau.com/en/restaurants/kafana-meze?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
4. **Kafana kod Rajka** (Kafana · Kazandžijsko sokače · Centar): Garden tables on the cobbles of Tinkers' Alley, and the urnebes to judge others by. [Website](https://rs.gaultmillau.com/en/restaurants/kafana-kod-rajka?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
5. **Nišlijska mehana** (Traditional · Kralja Stefana Prvovenčanog 22 · Centar): Big, busy and traditional, with a wine cellar. Book ahead, it fills every night. [Website](https://rs.gaultmillau.com/en/restaurants/nislijska-mehana?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## Best cafes & bars in Niš

Coffee by day and craft beer by night, all within walking distance of the square.

1. **Pleasure** (Cafe bar · Kazandžijsko sokače 7 · Centar): Lunch, a book over coffee, then cocktails, all on Tinkers' Alley.
2. **Ministarstvo Beer Bar** (Craft beer · Centar): Fifteen beers on draught, mostly Serbian, and a patio away from the Kopitareva crowd.
3. **Kafeterija Biro** (Specialty coffee · Centar): The cafe that brought specialty coffee to Niš.

## Best museums & galleries in Niš

Four rooms beyond the Top 10, two run by the National Museum.

1. **Synagogue Gallery** (Exhibitions · Davidova · Centar): The 1925 synagogue, restored in 2009 and now a National Museum exhibition space. [Website](https://narodnimuzejnis.rs/en/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
2. **Sremac and Miljković Memorial** (Literary · Aleksandra Nenadovića 2a · Centar): The reconstructed studies of novelist Stevan Sremac and poet Branko Miljković. [Website](https://narodnimuzejnis.rs/en/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
3. **Salon 77** (Gallery · Fortress · Tvrđava): Contemporary art inside the 16th-century Bali-beg Mosque in the fortress. [Website](https://www.gslunis.rs/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
4. **Officers' Club gallery** (Gallery · Centar · Centar): The main hall of the Gallery of Contemporary Fine Arts, in the historic Officers' Club. [Website](https://www.gslunis.rs/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## Best churches & monuments in Niš

Two old churches and two monuments to the battles that made the city Serbian.

1. **Church of St Nicholas** (Orthodox church · Palilula): A mosque until 1878, re-consecrated after liberation; its bell tower dates from 1926.
2. **Latin Church** (Medieval church · Gornji Matejevac): An 11th-century church above Gornji Matejevac, one of the oldest in the region.
3. **Monument to the Liberators** (Monument · Trg kralja Milana · Centar): Black marble and a bronze rider, unveiled in 1937 on King Milan Square.
4. **Čegar Monument** (Monument · Čegar hill · Čegar hill): A 1927 tower on the battle hill. Climb the spiral stair to the terrace.

## Best neighborhoods in Niš

Niš is compact: three streets and quarters cover the centre and its edges.

1. **Obrenovićeva and King Milan Square** (Shopping · Evening walk · Centar): The pedestrian spine of the city, from the square to the Kalča mall.
2. **Kopitareva** (Nightlife · Centar): One short street lined with cafe bars, and the loudest on a Friday night.
3. **Pantelej** (Residential · Local · Pantelej): A residential quarter named for its church, beside a 12th-century necropolis.

## Best outdoors near Niš

Gorges, a hilltop and a reserve, all inside half an hour.

1. **Jelašnica Gorge** (Nature reserve · Climbing · Near Niška Banja): Two kilometres of cliffs, over 230 bolted climbing routes and the rare Serbian ramonda.
2. **Kamenički vis** (Viewpoint · Picnics · Kamenica): A hilltop picnic spot at about 750 metres, with views over the whole Nišava valley.
3. **Ostrovica monasteries** (Monasteries · Hiking · Sićevo Gorge): Two monasteries in the village of Ostrovica, above the Sićevo Gorge.

## Best day trips from Niš

Four trips, from a Byzantine ruin to a field of earth pillars.

1. **Caričin Grad** (Byzantine ruins · Lebane): Justinian's 6th-century city in the fields near Lebane, about 45 km south.
2. **Felix Romuliana** (UNESCO · Roman · Zaječar): Galerius's palace at Gamzigrad, near Zaječar, a UNESCO site since 2007. [Website](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1253/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
3. **Đavolja Varoš** (Rock formations · Kuršumlija): Over 200 earth pillars capped with stone, near Kuršumlija, about 90 km away.
4. **Soko Banja** (Spa town · Sokobanja): A spa town under a ruined fortress, about an hour north by road.

## Festivals & annual events in Niš (2026)

- **Liberation Day** (Jan): City Day, marking 11 January 1878. Wreaths at the Monument to the Liberators.
- **Orthodox Christmas** (Jan): Badnjak oak branches burn outside the churches on the eve, 6 January.
- **Red Cross breakout anniversary** (Feb): Each 12 February the camp marks the 1942 escape with a commemoration.
- **International Tourism Fair** (Mar): The regional travel fair at Čair hall, in its 26th edition in 2026.
- **Buregdžijada** (Jul): Burek Days: four days of bakers on the Nišava quay, over 20,000 visitors.
- **Nišville Jazz Festival** (Aug): Southeast Europe's big jazz festival, on the fortress plateau.
- **Film Meetings** (Aug): An actors' festival founded in 1966, usually in late August at the fortress.
- **NIMUS** (Oct): The Niš International Music Festival, classical concerts into November.

## Must-try dishes in Niš, Serbia

- **Burek**: Flaky pie with meat or cheese. Niš claims the best in Serbia.
- **Pljeskavica**: The southern Serbian grilled patty, often stuffed with cheese.
- **Ćevapi**: Small grilled minced-meat rolls, with onion and lepinja bread.
- **Urnebes**: A fiery spread of white cheese and hot pepper. Every meal starts here.
- **Sarma**: Cabbage or vine leaves rolled around minced meat, cooked slow.
- **Gibanica**: Layered filo and cheese pie, eaten with sour milk.
- **Mućkalica**: A grill-house stew of leftover meats with peppers and onion.
- **Ajvar**: Roasted red pepper relish, made at home every autumn.

## Niš transport & airports

- **Niš Constantine the Great** (INI): About 4 km west of the centre, with Air Serbia and Wizz Air routes. Bus 34A runs into town. [Website](https://nis-airport.com/en/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- **Intercity buses** (Bus): The fastest way to Belgrade, about 3 hours. Niš-Ekspres also runs daily to Sofia and Skopje. [Website](https://www.nis-ekspres.rs/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- **Trains** (Rail): Srbijavoz runs a few trains a day to Belgrade, slower than the bus at about 5 to 6 hours. [Website](https://srbijavoz.rs/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- **City buses** (Free): City buses have been free for everyone since 1 July 2025. The centre itself is easily walked. [Website](https://jgpnis.rs/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## Niš at a glance

- **Country:** Serbia
- **Region:** Southern Serbia, Nišava District
- **Population:** 249,501 in the city area (2022 census)
- **Founded:** Roman Naissus, 1st century AD
- **Nickname:** The Imperial City, birthplace of Constantine
- **Language:** Serbian
- **Currency:** Serbian dinar (RSD)
- **Time zone:** CET (UTC+1), CEST in summer
- **Calling code:** +381 18
- **Airports:** Niš Constantine the Great (INI), about 4 km west
- **Power:** 230V, 50Hz, type C and F plugs
- **Emergency:** 112 general, 192 police, 193 fire, 194 ambulance

## Interesting facts

- Constantine the Great was born in Naissus, today's Niš, in about 272.
- The Skull Tower was built with 952 skulls in 1809; 58 are still in its walls.
- The museum calls the 1942 breakout the first organised escape from a camp in occupied Europe.
- Bubanj's three fists are sized as a man's, a woman's and a child's.
- Niš city buses carry every passenger free of charge since July 2025.

## Niš travel FAQ

### How many days do you need in Niš?

Two. One for the fortress, the centre and the Archaeological Hall; one for the Skull Tower, Mediana, the Red Cross camp and Bubanj. A third day buys you Niška Banja and the Sićevo Gorge.

### How do you get from the airport to the centre?

Take bus 34A, which runs to the main bus and railway stations and the centre. City buses are free for every passenger, so no ticket is needed. A taxi takes about ten minutes.

### Is the Skull Tower worth visiting?

Yes, and it takes half an hour. It is the only monument of its kind in Europe, a wall of rebel skulls from 1809 inside a chapel. Entry is 300 RSD, and it is closed on Mondays.

### What is the best time to visit Niš?

May, June and September are warm without the July heat. August is the busiest month, with Nišville on the fortress and the Film Meetings. Winters are cold, often just above freezing.

### Is Niš a good base for southern Serbia?

Yes. Caričin Grad is about 45 km south, Soko Banja about an hour north, Đavolja Varoš about 90 km away, and Sofia four hours by bus. Hire a car for Felix Romuliana.

## Nearby guides

- [Sofia](https://wimup.com/city/sofia.md): Bulgaria · 10 picks
- [Prizren](https://wimup.com/city/prizren.md): Kosovo · 10 picks
- [Ohrid](https://wimup.com/city/ohrid.md): North Macedonia · 10 picks
- [All of Europe →](https://wimup.com/europe): 110 cities

Part of the [Serbia guide](https://wimup.com/country/serbia.md) · [Europe](https://wimup.com/europe.md)

## Sources

- [Niš tourism board](https://www.serbia.travel/en/stories-items/when-in-nis/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Walk into Niš Fortress through the Stambol Gate (official site)](https://www.serbia.travel/en/nis-fortress/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Face the Skull Tower (official site)](https://narodnimuzejnis.rs/en/o-muzeju/objekti/cele-kula/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [See Constantine's Mediana (official site)](https://narodnimuzejnis.rs/en/o-muzeju/objekti/medijana/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Stand in the Red Cross concentration camp (official site)](https://narodnimuzejnis.rs/en/o-muzeju/objekti/memorijalni-kompleks-12-februar/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [See the Roman finds in the Archaeological Hall (official site)](https://narodnimuzejnis.rs/en/o-muzeju/objekti/arheoloska-sala/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Soak at Niška Banja (official site)](https://radonnb.co.rs/en/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Drive the Sićevo Gorge (official site)](https://www.serbia.travel/en/sicevac-gorge/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Stambolijski restoran (official site)](https://rs.gaultmillau.com/en/restaurants/stambolijski-restoran?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Kafana Mrak (official site)](https://rs.gaultmillau.com/en/restaurants/kafana-mrak?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Kafana Meze (official site)](https://rs.gaultmillau.com/en/restaurants/kafana-meze?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Kafana kod Rajka (official site)](https://rs.gaultmillau.com/en/restaurants/kafana-kod-rajka?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Nišlijska mehana (official site)](https://rs.gaultmillau.com/en/restaurants/nislijska-mehana?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Synagogue Gallery (official site)](https://narodnimuzejnis.rs/en/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Salon 77 (official site)](https://www.gslunis.rs/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Felix Romuliana (official site)](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1253/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Niš Constantine the Great (official site)](https://nis-airport.com/en/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Intercity buses (official site)](https://www.nis-ekspres.rs/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Trains (official site)](https://srbijavoz.rs/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [City buses (official site)](https://jgpnis.rs/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- Rankings are Wimup editorial picks. Prices, durations and budgets are editorial estimates, not live quotes; check the official site before you go.