What to Bring Home from Serbia: 12 Souvenirs with a Story
A good souvenir from Serbia is more than an object with “Serbia” printed on it. The ones people love most carry a short story — about local customs, famous people or places. We picked twelve motifs that are instantly recognized as Serbian, with tips on who each one suits best.
1. Čutura — the rakija flask
The čutura is a traditional flask from which rakija (fruit brandy) was once offered at slavas (family patron-saint days), weddings and when welcoming guests. Today it is one of the most typical Serbian souvenirs. Glass čuturas of 50 and 100 ml are small, easy to pack and cheap enough to buy several for friends.
2. Opanci and folk costume
Opanci are traditional leather peasant shoes with a distinctive upturned toe, and a symbol of Serbian heritage. As souvenirs they usually come in miniature — as part of a figurine of a couple in folk costume.
3. Nikola Tesla
Nikola Tesla was born into a Serbian family, and for many foreigners he is the first thing that comes to mind when they think of Serbia — Belgrade’s airport and the Nikola Tesla Museum both bear his name. A Tesla statue or bust makes a great gift for engineers, students and science lovers.
4. Temple of Saint Sava
The Temple of Saint Sava in Vračar is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and the most photographed sight in Belgrade. It appears on souvenir plates, snow globes and figurines.
5. The double-headed eagle coat of arms and the tricolor
The white double-headed eagle and the red-blue-white tricolor are the clearest national symbols. You’ll find them on plates, glass beer mugs and a hat in the colors of the flag — a gift anyone instantly recognizes as Serbian.
6. Fića
The Zastava 750, affectionately known as the “Fića”, was the people’s car of former Yugoslavia, built in Kragujevac. For older generations it means nostalgia; for younger ones it is a fun retro motif. A Fića-shaped piggy bank is a charming gift for kids and collectors.
7. The Victor
The Victor monument at Kalemegdan, created by Ivan Meštrović in 1928, is the symbol of Belgrade. A Victor statue or snow globe is the classic choice for anyone who has explored the fortress.
8. The trumpeters of Guča
The Guča Trumpet Festival is Serbia’s best-known music festival and, for many foreigners, their first encounter with Serbian music. A beer mug or a figurine in folk costume is a cheerful reminder of that sound and atmosphere.
9. Zlatibor, Kopaonik, Tara
Anyone who has skied on Kopaonik or hiked Zlatibor and Tara loves to take home a plate or mug featuring that mountain. These souvenirs send a clear message: “I was there.”
10. Relief plates and beer mugs
Ceramic plates and beer mugs with relief scenes of Belgrade, Serbia or Vojvodina are a more “serious” souvenir — for a display cabinet, a wall or an office. They also make a lovely thank-you gift for the host you stayed with.
11. Map of Serbia
A map of Serbia on a plate, clock or relief plaque is a practical pick for the diaspora and for visitors who toured several cities — it makes it easy to show everywhere they went.
12. “Belgrade” and “Serbia” tote bags
Canvas bags with the city’s name are a souvenir that actually gets used — for shopping, the beach or work. They also double as wrapping for your other small gifts.
How to choose: a quick tip
- For several friends at once: small čuturas, picture spoons and small plates — up to 600 RSD each.
- For a host or colleague: a relief plate, a beer mug or a snow globe.
- For a business partner: a statue of Tesla, the Victor or the Temple of Saint Sava.
- Flying home? Choose lightweight items and wrap ceramics in your clothes.