It's important repeating that a country is more than just its most popular tourist attraction. Exploring beyond the city or a popular tourist attraction reveals considerably more aspects of a region than you may otherwise expect. This is especially true of Serbia, which is why it's at the top of my Serbia travel recommendations. Belgrade is cosmopolitan at times and gritty urban at others, but neither of these characteristics can be found elsewhere.

For starters, there are the rural areas and little villages of Fruska Gora, which are worlds distant from Belgrade's urban environment. Even neighboring cities like Novi Sad and Sabac have distinct personalities. It's worth noting that Serbia isn't exactly small, so there are probably more places to visit than you think. It is a city break in Belgrade which is only one of many possible Serbia itineraries.

Serbia is naturally surrounded by neighboring countries because it is a landlocked country. When you consider that this list includes Hungary, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and other countries, it becomes evident how important it is to a large part of Europe. The sheer quantity of alternatives for where to go next was mind-boggling for someone like me who suffers with indecision.

However, another perspective is that Serbia is a simple addition to any Balkan itinerary. You have good bus and train connections, as well as the airports of Belgrade and Nis. Subotica and Novi Sad are both good places to start if traveling from the north.

Vrsac is located near the Romanian border and serves as a convenient link to Timisoara. From Bulgaria, Kosovo, or Macedonia, Nis is most likely your destination. However, there are several international connections that will get you right to Belgrade from anywhere in the world.

Serbia is not a member of the EU nor a member of the Schengen Zone. If you've used up all of your Schengen days, this can be a blessing. However, this implies that you must follow proper immigration procedures (which can slow down border crossings considerably). Make careful to conduct thorough research to determine whether a visa is required and how long you can stay without one. This Serbian government website is a fantastic place to start.

Finally, because Serbia is not a member of the European Union, you will not be able to use the EU roaming rules. As a result, you'll need to consider buying a new SIM card or using a TravelSim that works in several countries.

The Balkans are a region of Europe where public transportation can be difficult to navigate. You'll be fine if you stick to the main routes that connect major cities and destinations. If you go off the usual path, things can get tough. Serbia often feels like a heightened version of this. In Serbia, getting from one city to the next was much easier than in most of the Balkans.

However, there were moments when figuring out transportation was counterintuitive or downright difficult. Serbia offers some excellent internet transportation resources, so you can put your trust in what you find there. Look here for Serbia train schedules and here for Serbia bus schedules.

Visiting Serbia is a reasonably inexpensive endeavor, which should come as no surprise. This is due to a combination of the Balkans' cheaper cost of living and the lack of a coast like Croatia's, which causes costs to rise during the summer.

The Serbian Dinar (RSD) is the local currency, which is another plus for budget travelers. This is because, as a single currency, countries that use the Euro tend to be more expensive. Regardless, despite Serbia's status as a Balkan powerhouse, most goods are still reasonably priced. For example, coffee was frequently less than 1€ and never above 1.5€. Beer is also ridiculously cheap (around 1€), and lunches for 5-10€ should be easy to come by.

Finally, in terms of lodging, there are some reasonably priced private rooms for under 25€ (typically closer to 20€). Naturally, Belgrade will be the most costly city in Serbia in comparison to the rest of the country. However, in comparison to most other European capitals, it will remain affordable.

Drive 13 miles (22 kilometers) south from Novi Sad to Fruka Gora, Serbia's oldest national park. Hike or bike on well-marked trails through linden, oak, and beech forests, and into moderate mountains ablaze with wildflowers and strange mushrooms. Songbirds sing in harmony with the bells of some of Serbia's oldest Orthodox monasteries, which are located around the settlements.

Novo Hopovo, a fortress-like 16th-century edifice located 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) south of Novi Sad, is one of them. The walls of its massive church are covered in vibrant frescoes. (A car and three to four days are required to visit all 16 Fruka Gora monasteries.) Did you know, for example, that Belgrade was once a significant Roman city? The city's spectacular castle has clear ties to Singidunum, a Roman colony. Archaeologists have discovered several Roman relics throughout the city, as well as objects that predate the Romans by centuries.

Of fact, much of the current fortification comes from the Middle Ages, indicating a different period in Serbian history. Serbia was a principality and kingdom at various times before falling under Ottoman and Habsburg authority. Then there's the whole 20th century mess with the World Wars and all that followed. The point is that Serbia has a deep and fascinating history, and you'll learn a lot about it when you visit.

Many Balkan countries, such as Croatia, Bulgaria, and Montenegro, are noted for their stunning and dramatic beaches. Serbia, on the other hand, is not included in this group because it is a landlocked country. To compensate, locals flock to the country's different rivers and tiny lakes throughout the summer. But that isn't the only area where Serbia's natural side shines. No, the country compensates for its lack of coastline with some extremely appealing forests and mountainous terrain.

Fruska Gora National Park is the perfect place to visit. Despite some disappointments along the way, the grandeur of the trees was undeniable. The same can be said about Vrsac's wooded hills, which lie behind the city's watchful fortress.

There are several national parks in Serbia, the most well-known of which is Tara National Park. Tara, located in the country's west, is noted for its lush woods and breathtaking mountain views. Then there's Djerdap National Park on the Danube River on the other side of the country. Finally, the country's hilly south should be mentioned. Basically, there are plenty of natural attractions in Serbia, so pick one.

The EXIT Festival, held in Novi Sad's Petrovaradin Fortress every July since 2002, has brought together world-famous DJs, musicians, and avant-garde newcomers. EXIT attracts a global audience and is ideal for aficionados of electronic music and hip-hop.

In little Gua, beside aak, 100m (161km) south of Belgrade, an even crazier musical adventure awaits. For more than 60 years, this 2,000-person town has been turned into a frenzied one-week street celebration that feeds 600,000 people cheap beer, wine, and grills. The Gua Trumpet Festival celebrates Serbia's rowdy Gypsy Brass Band culture.

Local and foreign bands battle in a fast-paced, steamy all-day, all-night competition – feel free to join in with spontaneous street dancing while the trumpets (which impressed Miles Davis himself) blare on. If you want to stay in a local house, you should book ahead of time, however camping is also permitted.

Leskovac in South Serbia claims dominance over national barbeque cuisine (Rotilj), hosting a five-day festival called Rotiljada each September, where massed grill stands compete to cook up the world's largest pljieskavica (a hamburger, often stuffed with cheese or bacon), among other national delicacies, in typical Serbian style.

On a quiet Sunday afternoon, nothing beats eating on grilled pig ribs coated with kajmak (clotted cream) and washed down with a fine Serbian beer in a Kafana (restaurant-tavern where live ethnic music is sometimes performed).

Vegetarians need not worry, as Serbia produces excellent salad vegetables as well as the popular red-pepper dip Ajvar. Raspberries (malina) are another popular export from Serbia; you may find them fresh in the countryside, especially in Umadija.

In the fall, head to Aleksandrovac, the seat of the historic winemaking upa area, 143 miles (231 kilometers) south of Belgrade, for yearly celebrations (including concerts and grape-stomping). The town fountain itself spouts alcohol during the raucous harvest celebration (berba). Tastings are held in celebration of indigenous varietals such as the Prokupac red and the Tamjanika Muscat. This is among the Things to Know before traveling to Serbia.

Coffee is a big deal in this town. Serbs are addicted to coffee, whether it's domaa or turska kafa, espreso or "Nescafe." Serbian coffee is similar to English tea. As a result, don't be surprised if someone invites you around for coffee. A popular Serbian invitation for friendly chit-chat is "Svrati na kafu."

Serbians enjoy coffee, as seen by the numerous coffee shops and independent cafés in every city, big or little. Serbia's metropolis, Belgrade, reigns supreme, with every cafe packed at all hours of the day.

Apart from coffee, which is Serbia's favorite midday beverage, there is also rakija. Rakija is a fruit brandy prepared from quince, pear, apricot, or peaches, and is Serbia's moonshine. The national drink of Serbia is ljivovica or Slivovitz, which is produced from plums.

If you're planning a trip to Serbia, keep the following rakija facts in mind:

• The beginner’s choice should be medovača which is “softened” with honey.
  
• Rakija is usually drank from tiny glass bottles called čokanjčići.
  
• Instead of “Cheers!” In Serbia you say “Živeli!”
  
• Don’t let your mouth drop if you see someone drinking this alcoholic drink for breakfast – Serbs consider this “morning cap” to be good for one’s health.
  
• It’s pretty strong, which is why it’s always accompanied with a glass of water, and because of its “kick” it an acquired taste.

When it comes to rakija, Serbs like a good time. They know how to go down! Belgrade and Novi Sad are particularly well-known for their vibrant nightlife, with Lonely Planet even naming Belgrade as the city with the best nightlife. The only decision you must make is whether you want to spend your time at a bar, café, tavern, club, splav (river party barges), or the famed kafana.

However, having fun in Serbia is not limited to nightfall. Serbia has so much to offer – go sightseeing! Serbia's natural beauty, spectacular medieval castles and monasteries, charming traditional ethnic villages, spas and resorts, archaeological sites, and vibrant cities all contribute to the country's allure. Learning some of Serbian would be among the Things to Know before traveling to Serbia.