This industrial Serbian town has active steel mills along the Danube River. Its main square has local cafes, while narrow streets in the old district lead to aviation and revolution museums.
Pančevo sits 18 kilometers from Belgrade at the meeting point of the Tamiš and Danube rivers. In the city center, you'll find neoclassical buildings like the former city hall and quiet squares lined with 19th-century architecture. You can taste beer at Serbia's oldest brewery from 1722, watch rare white-tailed eagles in nearby nature reserves, or join 100,000 other visitors at the June carnival where 3,000 performers fill the streets with music and dance.
Getting to Pančevo from Belgrade
Buses run every 15-30 minutes between Belgrade and Pančevo throughout the day, making it an easy day trip from the capital. The journey takes about 30 minutes, and you can walk from the Pančevo bus station to the city center. If you're driving, follow the road along the Danube River for about 25 minutes.
Walking Through the City Center
Walk around Trg Kralja Petra I to see 19th-century Austro-Hungarian buildings. The neoclassical former city hall, now the National Museum, dominates the square. Inside, you can examine archaeological findings from the region and browse art collections. Since March 2022, children can play at the new playground near the "Sower" statue, which has become a popular spot for local families.
The Historic Weifert Brewery
Dating from 1722, the Weifert Brewery was Serbia's first brewery. While fire damaged the original building in 2005, you can visit the George Weifert Brewery Museum, which opened in 2016 in the restored tower. Learn about the brewing process and the Weifert family's role in Serbian brewing. Stop by the adjoining bar to try the traditional Weifert beer.
Rivers and Nature
In summer, you can dine at several restaurants along the Tamiš Quay. Look for the twin lighthouses marking where the Tamiš and Danube rivers meet. Three nature reserves lie nearby: Ponjavica Nature Park, Ivanovačka Ada, and parts of Deliblato Sands - a region of rolling sand dunes that locals call the "European Sahara". These areas shelter over 100 bird species, including white-tailed eagles and black storks.
Annual Carnival Celebration
The Pančevački Carnival takes over the city each June as Serbia's largest carnival event. Watch more than 3,000 performers from different countries parade through the city center. You can enjoy street performances, listen to music concerts, and try local food at various festival stands. The carnival has grown since 2004 to attract 100,000 visitors each year.
