What Foreigners Find Weird or Funny When Visiting Serbia: 7 Real Things You Won’t Expect

Think You’re Ready for Serbia? Read This First

You’ve probably done your homework—checked maps, booked your stay, looked up routes, and maybe even read a few rules and customs online.
But nothing can truly prepare you for the real Serbia.
Because once you cross the border, things start getting… let’s say, interesting.
From coffee rituals that feel like small ceremonies to parking habits that defy logic—this country has its own rules.
So before you dive in, here’s a brutally honest tourist guide to Serbia.
One you definitely won’t find in travel brochures.

Here are 7 real things that often leave foreigners confused, laughing - or both.

1. Turkish or Serbian – Coffee: small, strong, and always black

Foreigners usually expect a big cup of coffee with milk—or at least something close to that. But in Serbia, mornings don’t start without a small cup of strong, black, unfiltered coffee. We call it Turkish coffee here, because of the traditional method of preparation and cooking that comes from Turkey, and over time, the name stuck.
The coffee has to be strong, with lots of foam and sediment, and it’s not meant to be drunk quickly. It’s a slow ritual, usually accompanied by chatting—or a cigarette. Even if people are super busy, when they run into someone, saying “let’s grab a coffee” is basically unavoidable. Also, nearly every phone call ends with an invite for coffee.

2. Strange “traditional” remedies and therapies

And here we are again with the magical liquid – rakija. Besides being a drink, it’s often used as a cure. A cloth soaked in rakija and wrapped around your neck will “cure” a sore throat or cough. Move the same cloth to your forehead? Voilà—instant headache therapy. Place it on your knee or any joint, and it supposedly heals inflammation, pain, sprains, and even rheumatism.
If you’re stung by a wasp, bee, or mosquito, a Serbian will likely tell you to rub rakija on it. Cuts and scrapes? They’ll disinfect them with rakija—regardless of your screams, because yes, it burns like hell (don’t ask how I know).

3. Parking anywhere your car physically fits

In Belgrade—and other cities too—foreigners are often left speechless by the way people park. Sidewalks, green areas, crosswalks, roundabouts, even right next to a park bench—nothing’s off limits.
And don’t be surprised if the hazard lights are blinking. A typical Serbian driver parked in the weirdest possible spot with all four blinkers on is not in an emergency. They’re just paying a bill in a nearby bank or quickly dropping something off. It’s not an exception—it’s the rule. Those flashing lights simply mean: “I’ll be back in 5 minutes, I’m not bothering anyone.”

4. Instant friendship and closeness—even if we just met

For many foreigners, it’s both confusing and hilarious when someone you just met starts acting like you’ve known each other for years. In Serbia, that’s totally normal. If you arrived yesterday, your host will probably call you brother or friend by tomorrow, and you’ll likely hear all about what’s been weighing on their heart.
They’ll also show you whatever they’re proud of—and it’s all part of the spirit. Friendly, open, and above all—sincere and soulful.

5. Splitting the bill? Nope.

Foreigners often find it strange that people in Serbia almost never split the bill at cafes or restaurants. You’ll always hear someone say, “I got this,” and sometimes you’ll even witness full-blown arguments about who’s paying the entire bill.
For Serbs, it’s a matter of honor. So next time you overhear a loud “debate” at the table next to you—don’t panic. They’re probably just fighting over who gets to pay.

6. Food at the cemetery

This is one of those things foreigners never see coming—in Serbia, it’s not unusual for people to go to the cemetery not only to light a candle, but also to eat and drink with their family, especially on the Day of the Dead or memorial anniversaries.
It may seem bizarre or even morbid, but for Serbs, it’s a deeply rooted tradition and a sign of respect for ancestors. There’s a belief that whatever is brought to and eaten at the grave, the departed “receive” it in the afterlife.
Of course, coffee and rakija are a must—and if the deceased was a smoker, a cigarette is lit and placed on the grave to burn on its own.

7. You have to eat

In Serbia, the moment you walk into someone’s home, food is brought out—often before you even have a chance to sip your coffee or rakija.
This can be confusing for foreigners, but here it’s a key part of hospitality and socializing. You’ll always be served the best they’ve got—maybe a slice of cured ham, the fattiest piece of bacon, or the last jar of homemade fruit compote.
And remember—refusing food is not an option. It’s considered rude. So yes, you have to eat.

🖋️ About the Author

43 years in Serbia, treated more than once with rakija, parks wherever the car fits, and loves to write.

If you’d like to support more posts like this one, feel free to share it—or use one of the affiliate links below. That way, you’re helping us fund his coffee, internet… and maybe even pay him for these stories.