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The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Belgrade Itinerary

Last Updated on February 13, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

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The Serbian capital of Belgrade sees far fewer tourists than it should, with many would-be visitors opting to travel to neighbouring countries rather than exploring the gritty charms of the former capital of Yugoslavia. This means that there aren’t always a lot of people searching for a Belgrade itinerary to help them plan a trip.

This is a real shame, however, because Belgrade is one of the most interesting, vibrant and dynamic cities in Europe and desperately deserves more visitors.

We’ve visited Serbia’s capital on numerous occasions over the years and the city continues to surprise us with a wealth of interesting things to do and a social scene that is rivalled by few cities in Europe.

Though it is not instantly beautiful on the surface, Belgrade has a tonne offer visitors no matter regardless of whether you choose to spend 1, 2 or 3 days in Belgrade.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Belgrade?

While you could certainly see all of the main tourist and historical sites within the span of a single day, I would say that Belgrade is best experienced if you give it a bit of time. However, if you only do have one full day to spend, I would still recommend visiting Belgrade.

If you want to get a thorough view of the tourist sites, be able to visit a museum or two, and see more than just one part of the city, then plan to spend 2 days in Belgrade at least.

While you will still have a pretty packed trip and not really get a big chance to spend much time enjoying the pace and energy of the city, it is still a good amount of time to spend to be able to get to know Belgrade.

If you’re short on time but want to get the most out of your itinerary, then I would recommend spending at least three days in Belgrade. This will allow you to do everything that I mention in days one and two of this itinerary while still allowing you some flexibility.

You can either slow down on the sightseeing and spread it all out over three days, opt to go on a day trip, or even dig deeper into the city’s history or explore some neighbourhoods that few tourists take the time to venture to.

As I said earlier, however, it doesn’t matter how long you plan to spend in the city as I’m certain you will leave longing to return.

Zindan Gate @ Kalamegdan Fortress

Getting To and Around Belgrade

Now that you likely decided how many days to spend in Belgrade, you’re going to want to know how to get to and around the Serbian capital.

Being a bustling metropolis with a large population, Belgrade is quite well-connected with nearby cities making it an easy stop on a Balkans itinerary . It also does have an extensive public transit network making getting around the city fairly easy.

Belgrade is served by an international airport that connects a number of destinations across Europe and further afield to the Serbian capital.

It is located about 15 kilometres west of the city centre and can be easily reached by bus or by taxi. Keep in mind that the controlled rate of a taxi going from the city centre to the airport is €15 or about 1800 RSD.

If you want to avoid a taxi scam, then I recommend using the Yandex or Pink Belgrade taxi app, which will often be cheaper and you won’t have to worry about negotiating a price or worrying about a rigged meter.

If travelling to Belgrade overland, your best bet is to rely on the bus — as is common in the vast majority of Balkan countries.

Due to the fact that it is the largest city in the region and its central location, Belgrade is very well-connected to neighbouring big cities, with numerous bus connections to places like Novi Sad , Zagreb , Sarajevo , Sofia , and more each day.

Belgrade's Parliament Building

Once in Belgrade, you will find that a vast majority of sites are easy enough to reach on foot, especially if you’re only planning on a short trip.

If you do want to visit some further-flung neighbourhoods or sites, however, the Belgrade tram and bus network is easy enough to use and navigate. You can purchase tickets quite affordably from newsstand kiosks all across the city and you just need to make sure validate your ticket once you are on the bus or tram.

Belgrade does not have a metro and it is actually the largest European city without an underground train service.

1, 2 or 3-Day Belgrade Itinerary

This itinerary is designed to follow in sequence and each day can be built on the other to make the ideal plan for your length of trip.

Day 1 – Republic Square, Skadarlija, Dorcol & Kalemegdan Fortress

Republic square.

Start your first (or only) day in the very centre of the city — Republic Square. Known as the main meeting point in the Serbian capital, this massive square is distinct because if its large statue of Prince Mihailo on a horse.

Known colloquially to locals as “the horse,” the statue was erected in 1882 and has been an important fixture in Belgrade ever since.

In the square, you can also see and visit the National Museum of Serbia and the National Theatre, both boasting beautiful Austro-Hungarian style architecture reminiscent of their time of building in the 19th century.

There are also numerous bars and cafes lining the square and it is also where the main pedestrian thoroughfare in Belgrade, Knez Mihailova, begins.

Belgrade's Republic Square

From Republic Square, you can easily walk a few hundred metres to the cool and eclectic Bohemian Quarter, known as Skadarlija in Serbian.

Originally a home for artists and creatives hired to work for the newly-opened National Theatre in the latter half of the 19th century, the neighbourhood was once twinned with the Montmartre area in Paris.

For more than a century, Sakarlija has been known for its nightlife and kafanas — which are traditional Serbian taverns and coffee shops known for their live music and communal atmospheres.

In fact, it is still one of the most popular areas for nightlife in the Serbian capital and it’s an excellent place to go if you want to eat at a traditional kafana. Just make sure to tip the musicians if they play at your table!

Skadarlija

From the Bohemian Quarter, it’s time to head into and explore the old town of Belgrade, known as Dorcol in the local language.

Though this area has been inhabited for centuries by numerous different people, it has an incredibly eclectic architecture and history and you can see just how much the neighbourhood has changed over hundreds of years due to Belgrade’s fraught history.

From one side of the street to the other, you can see an example of classic Austro-Hungarian architecture directly next to a functional brutalist apartment block while an Ottoman-era house sits across the street. This collection of different styles and influences is part of what makes Belgrade a unique city.

The old town is also full of a number of great restaurants, bars, and cafes and makes for an excellent place to explore at any time of the day.

Kalamegdan Fortress

A tourist and local favourite alike and a spot that must be included on any Belgrade itinerary is the Kalamedgan Fortress. This massive fortress complex overlooking the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, it was once a massive military complex and now serves as the central park in Belgrade.

Find yourself a place on the wall and watch the sunset with a local beer in hand (it’s totally fine to drink in public in Belgrade!) or take the time to wander through the park and maybe visit a couple of the museums in the complex.

There are some great times to be had at the fortress and it remains one of my favourite places in Belgrade time and time again.

You can get an introduction to these sites and more on the Belgrade Free Walking Tour. Their Downtown Tour leaves daily all year long and meets in front of the horse statue in Republic Square.

This is an excellent way to learn more about the history of this engaging city while saving some money. It also gives you the opportunity to explore each site in more depth after the tour. Please note that it is customary to tip your guide when the tour is over because that is how they make their living.

If the free walking tour doesn’t fit your schedule, then consider taking this paid walking tour instead.

Sunset at Kalamegdan Fortress

Sample Belgrade’s Nightlife

After a long day of sightseeing, no trip to the Serbian capital — even if you only have one day in Belgrade — is complete without sampling some of the city’s infamous nightlife.

Whether you’re interested in partying to the wee hours of the dawn on a barge on the banks of the Sava or are happy to spend your evening sipping rakija (the local spirit) or cocktails in a trendy bar, there is really something for everyone when it comes to Belgrade’s nightlife.

Rakija glasses

Day 2 – Explore Central Belgrade

Knez mihailova.

Begin your day on Knez Mihailova, Belgrade’s main pedestrian thoroughfare. This street is crammed with a number of chic shops, great restaurants, and inviting cafes and it is a great place to stroll down while window shopping and people-watching.

Spanning from Republic Square all the way to the entrance of the Kalamegdan fortress, this is one of the hippest and most happening streets in Belgrade and it is an excellent place to enjoy the energy and atmosphere of the Serbian capital.

Hotel Moskva

A little bit further from Knez Mihailova lies the Hotel Moskva, an iconic hotel that is known for its beautiful Austro-Hungarian style architecture.

Built in 1908 by an architect from St Petersburg, the hotel has been known to house the rich and famous visitors to Belgrade ever since its construction.

Today, it is an iconic landmark in the Serbian capital and is still considered to be one of the finest hotels in the city.

Church of St Mark

This beautiful Serbian Orthodox Church is one of the most stunning buildings in Belgrade, however, it often gets overshadowed by the far bigger (though unfinished) St Sava Church — which you will visit later on this itinerary!

Constructed in the Interwar period between 1931 and 1940, this is one of the biggest and most impressive churches in Belgrade.

Built to resemble a large and important Serbian Orthodox monastery in Kosovo, you will notice that the architectural style doesn’t match that of other buildings in Belgrade — further adding to the eclectic nature of Serbia’s capital.

Church of St Mark

Radio Television of Serbia Building

Not far at all from the church, you will find a landmark with a fraught history and that is the remains of the Radio Television of Serbia Building.

This building was bombed during the 1999 NATO bombings of Belgrade and has been left in its crumbling state as a memorial to those civilians who were killed during that bombing.

Though the majority of the NATO bombings were directed at governmental or military buildings in Belgrade, this one was the only one that targeted a place where civilians were actively working. The site is memorialised with a plaque and it is still quite a controversial topic in Belgrade today.

St Sava Church

If you wander a bit further, you will find yourself at one of Belgrade’s most famous landmarks, the Church of St Sava. This orthodox church is one of the world’s largest — others of equivalent size include the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in nearby Sofia and the People’s Salvation Cathedral in Bucharest .

Though massive in size, the Church of St Sava has been under construction since it began in 1935 and there are still large parts that you cannot visit due to it being an active construction site.

You can see all of these sites and more on the free 20th Century Walking Tour , which meets regularly in Republic Square year-round.

St Sava Church is a great place on the second day of your Belgrade itinerary

Nikola Tesla Museum

If you want to learn about one of the world’s most influential scientists who just happened to be Serbian, then Belgrade is the place to do it. Nikola Tesla was Serbian and is the pride of Belgrade — so much so that the international airport is named after him.

Though Tesla was born in Croatia and spent the majority of his life in the United States, Belgrade still lays a claim to him and you can learn about his life and inventions at the Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade.

Here you can go on a tour where the guide will demonstrate some of his most influential inventions and teach you about his life and work. Entry into the museum with a tour (in English) included is 800 RSD.

Nikola Tesla Museum

Belgrade Craft Beer

After learning about more history and sightseeing in Belgrade, you might want to do something to unwind. Well, why not go and sample some of the city’s fantastic craft beer?

Belgrade is relatively new to the craft beer scene, however, there are a few local microbreweries in the locality all brewing up some excellent ales and lagers.

Go on a self-guided tour to some of the best brewpubs in Belgrade (we recommend Samo Pivo , Dogma Brewery , and Endorfin Gatstropub ) or opt to go on an organised beer tour to learn about (and sample!) a number of different Belgrade craft beers.

Belgrade craft beers

Day 3 – Day Trip from Belgrade

If you have 3 days to spend, then there are a few different options you could take. First off, you could use an extra day to go outside of the city.

Alternatively, you could use another day to explore some farther-flung neighbourhoods within the city and learn more about the history and culture of this dynamic city.

Novi Sad Day Trip

One of the most popular and easiest day trips from Belgrade is to go to Serbia’s second-largest city of Novi Sad . It is incredibly easy to do this trip independently as there are numerous bus connections between the two cities daily and Novi Sad is only about one hour away from Belgrade.

However, if you want to combine a visit to Novi Sad with a visit to Sremski Karlovci for a wine tasting then it might be easier to go on an organised tour. This guided tour or this full-day tour includes transport to and from Belgrade, wine tasting and time to explore Novi Sad.

Novi Sad's Main Square

Learn About Communist-Era Belgrade

If you decide to stay in the city for a third day, you could use it to learn more about the city’s history as the capital of Yugoslavia and its more recent history. If this interests you, we recommend going on this communist tour .

It costs €15 per person and includes entry into the Museum of Yugoslavian History and a bus ticket. It is an excellent way to learn more about the modern history of Belgrade from the formation of Yugoslavia through to the Balkan wars and the 1999 NATO bombings.

Another option is this guided communist tour that follows a similar itinerary and has more frequent depatures.

Tito's Mausoleum

Explore Zemun & Novi Beograd

If you want to see more of the city, then we recommend taking the time to get away from the old town area and explore the neighbourhoods of Novi Beograd and Zemun.

Novi Beograd, or New Belgrade, is a great place to explore if you’re a fan of brutalist architecture — it has some of the best examples of this architectural style than many cities in Europe!

Zemun, located a bit further afield, didn’t use to be a part of Belgrade at all and was rather its own town. The area retains its own Austro-Hungarian style charms and can feel a world away from the hectic hustle and bustle of central Belgrade.

If you’re interested in learning more about Zemun in particular and you happen to be visiting on a Saturday, then I recommend going on the free Zemun tour that leaves every Tuesday and Saturday at 3 PM.

Belgrade Restaurants

Belgrade residents love to eat out and enjoy their meals and the restaurant scene in the Serbian capital just keeps getting better year after year.

While Belgrade still isn’t the greatest city to visit for vegetarians, there are still plenty of options for every taste — whether you’re searching for traditional Serbian cuisine or international flavours. Consider joining a food tour if you want to learn more with a guide.

Serbian Cuisine

? — Arguably the most famous kafana in the Skadarlija neighbourhood, ? is a favourite place amongst visitors to Belgrade. They serve traditional food in an even more traditional setting and also have live music most nights.

Three Hats — This is a great option if you want another kafana option on Skadarska street. They serve great Serbian food with friendly service and decent prices.

Manufaktura — An excellent place to visit for “modern Serbian cuisine,” this restaurant is well-known for its umbrella-lined outdoor eating area and delicious, hearty food.

Drama Cevapi — If you’re looking for a delicious, fast, and affordable glimpse into local cuisine, then look no further than Drama Cevapi. This fast-food restaurant has a few locations across the city and serves some of the best cevapi to be found in the city.

Drama Cevapi

International Cuisine

La Taquería — If you’re craving some Mexican spice at decent prices, then look no further than La Taquería. Run by a Mexican chef who sources his ingredients from Mexico, this is one of the most authentic places for tacos and more that you can find in Europe. They also make some damn good margaritas!

Endorfin — If you want to sample Belgrade’s craft beer scene while enjoying a great meal, then Endorfin is the place for you. They are considered to be the first gastropub in Belgrade and have an extensive tap list of local beers and a delicious menu.

Majstor i Margarita — If you’re craving wood-fired, Neopolitan pizza, then look no further than this gem of a place. They serve delicious pizzas at affordable prices and have friendly service as well.

Sweets & Treats

Crna Ovca — After eating so much food, you might be looking for a quick dessert or something to take the edge off a hot day. Well, then look no further than Crna Ovca, which is an absolutely delicious ice cream shop in old town Belgrade. They have numerous ice cream flavours available and there is always a long queue here — it moves fast, so don’t be discouraged!

Where to Stay in Belgrade

Garni Hotel Opera — A great mid-range located in the city centre within easy walking distance of all of Belgrade’s main attractions, they have a range of comfortable rooms available and an on-site bar.

Hotel Moskva — If you’re looking for a bit of history and luxury all in one, then you can’t go wrong with staying at the Hotel Moskva. They are centrally located and have a range of rooms available to suit all of your needs.

El Diablo Hostel — A great option for solo or budget travellers, this is one of the best hostels to choose from in the city. They have a range of both private and dorm rooms available, clean facilities, great common areas for meeting other travellers, and a friendly and attentive local staff to help make your trip a great one.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Belgrade hotels!

Hotel Moskva in Belgrade

Planning the ideal Belgrade itinerary doesn’t have to be a difficult task, with so much to do in the city that it’s sure to keep you occupied well beyond it’s time to leave!

Are you planning a trip to Belgrade? Have any questions about visiting?? Let us know in the comments!

belgrade serbia travel blog

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Hi! Very well-drafted. easy to follow.

Thanks, Raj! Glad we could help 🙂

Is a day trip possible to one of the hills/mountains around Belgrade? Would you recommend it? if yes, which hill?

Unfortunately, I’ve not been to any of the hills/mountains near Belgrade so I can’t offer any insight there

We just came back from spending three full days in Belgrade and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! We walked 25,000 steps a day, ate a ton of great food and enjoyed the Docker Brewery. Belgrade wasn’t on our bucket list – we ended up there because we were visiting family in rural Serbia. Definitely a city to visit – it’s so economical. There are 17 Michelin recommended restaurants – so good and prices are so reasonable. Stay in an airbnb – there are many to choose from. We didn’t go on any tours or visit the museums – next time – a good reason to return. Just a short, reasonable flight from Zagreb 🙂

Happy to hear you enjoyed Belgrade! It’s such a lovely city to explore 🙂

Thank you, Maggie, for this wonderful review of Belgrade. I’ve printed it out and keep adding notes to your suggestions. Hope to spend the month of May 2024 there. I live in NYC and am a walker. Will take my best walking shoes. Again thank you.

Happy you enjoyed this, JoAn!

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Home > 12 Recommended Day Trips From Belgrade, Serbia

12 Recommended Day Trips From Belgrade, Serbia

Post author Bram

Written by our local expert Bram

Bram was born and raised in Belgium and has traveled the Balkans & beyond. He is a professional freelance travel writer and photographer specializing in outdoor travel with an emphasis on national parks, nature, and wildlife.

While there are plenty of things to do in Belgrade, you should definitely also take the time to explore some other places in Serbia when visiting the country. Here is a list of the best day trips from Belgrade, Serbia.

Serbia Travel Blog_Things to do in Serbia_Best Day Trips from Belgrade

While there may be plenty of things to do in Belgrade , you should take the time to explore some other places in Serbia when visiting the country, even if you try the great Serban food.

Belgrade is the nation’s premier tourist destination and a great home base for exploring the country as the capital city. It’s the hub of commerce, arts, culture, etc. That all, of course, makes the city quite a busy place . So, if you’d like to escape the big bustling city, you can go on one of these day trips from Belgrade .

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Day Trip Ideas From Belgrade

Serbia is not that big a country, and you can get pretty much anywhere in the country from Belgrade within just a few hours’ drive . Most day trips from Belgrade below are less than two hours by car from the capital. Easy-peasy! It’s time to rent a car and hit the road with this list of great ideas!

1. Fruška Gora National Park

National Parks In Serbia_Frozen Forest at Fruska Gora Mountain near Novi Sad

Undoubtedly, one of Belgrade’s most popular destinations, Fruška Gora National Park, is named after Fruška Gora. The mountain is the park’s centerpiece, but there’s much more to it. This mountain used to be an island in the ancient Pannonian Sea.

This gorgeous area in northern Serbia is characterized by everything from rolling meadows and vineyards to waterfalls and natural hot springs . On top of that, there are also more than a dozen centuries-old monasteries . Serbia’s oldest national park should be among your first options if you want to leave the busy city behind and get back to nature.

2. Novi Sad

Novi Sad Serbia - Travel Serbia Blog

Serbia’s second-largest city, Novi Sad , lies near Fruška Gora National Park and is one of the country’s most livable cities. This is where you’ll find welcoming city parks, a thriving music scene, great art galleries, charming outdoor cafes, and busy bars. Architecture lovers will also appreciate this historic city boasting both Serbian and Hungarian architecture.

Additionally, Novi Sad hosts the famous EXIT Festival each year. This is one of southeastern Europe’s biggest music festivals , attracting many thousands of party-goers from all over the continent.

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3. golubac fortress.

Golubac Fortress - Best Day Trips from Belgrade, Serbia

The imposing Golubac Fortress, dating from the 14th century, is one of Serbia’s most remarkable historic structures. It lies on the banks of the Danube River in northeastern Serbia and on the border with Romania .

Its strategic location, the very spot where the river is at its most powerful as it squeezes through a majestic gorge in the Carpathian Mountains, known as the Iron Gates of the Danube, has made it a much-desired stronghold over the centuries.

Everyone from the Hungarians and the Austrians to the Turks and the Serbs themselves once controlled this mighty fortress. Its setting is unquestionably gorgeous, situated right at the entrance of Đerdap National Park.

4. Đerdap National Park

Đerdap National Park - Best Day Trips from Belgrade, Serbia

Đerdap National Park protects about 100 kilometers of land along the Danube River, from the Golubac Fortress to the Novi Sip dam. The park’s width ranges between 2 and 8 kilometers. Its main feature is Đerdap Gorge—the Iron Gate—a narrow gateway through the Carpathians’ rocky slopes.

The park is open year-round and can be explored by boat on the Danube, by car on its main road, and foot or bicycle on various mountain trails.

5. Sremski Karlovci

Best Day Trips From Belgrade - SREMSKI KARLOVCI, VOJVODINA, SERBIA

The village of Sremski Karlovci might not be big at all, but its sheer beauty makes it one of Belgrade’s most incredible day trips. Located near Novi Sad , about an hour’s drive from the capital, this might be the prettiest village in the entire country.

Set on the Danube’s banks and within striking distance from the green hills of Fruška Gora, Sremski Karlovci is renowned for its long history, rich cultural heritage , and—most of all—for its wineries. Check out the numerous religious buildings in the village center before heading out for an afternoon of wine tasting .

6. Studenica Monastery

Best Day Trips From Belgrade - Studenica Monastery Serbia

One of the five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Serbia , the Studenica Monastery is probably the grandest Orthodox monastery in the country. A complex fortified dates from 1190, when it was founded by Stevan Nemanja, who incidentally also founded the very state of Serbia.

Religion and culture go hand in hand in Serbia , two essential aspects of the country’s national heritage, and there’s no better structure to show that to you than this impressive monastery. Take the time to admire the 13th- and 14th-century Byzantine art inside its two large churches.

For more info on Serbia’s UNESCO sites, check out this guide.

Topola - Best Day Trips from Belgrade, Serbia

The small town of Topola in central Serbia may seem rather unassuming, but it does have a serious claim to fame. The beauty of this off-the-beaten-path region did not go unnoticed by the former Serbian royal family. It was most specifically the house of Karađorđević who constructed the magnificent St. George Church on Oplenac Hill. Now, the church is the family’s mausoleum.

Topola still is a great, albeit undiscovered, wine region in Serbia. This is another excellent destination for day trips from Belgrade, particularly if you’re after a combination of local history, architecture, wine, and a great place to pick up a bottle of wine or two to take home! House Karađorđević also had several vineyards and cellars built in and around the town.

8. Drvengrad

Places to visit in Serbia - Main square Kustendorf

One of Belgrade’s most fun day trips is the drive to Drvengrad , located about 200 kilometers from the Serbian capital. Film director Emir Kusturica built this wonderful traditional ethno village for his movie Life Is a Miracle .

This collection of beautiful wooden buildings sits on Mećavnik Hill in the Mokra Gora Nature Park, where the iconic Serbian mountains Zlatibor and Tara meet. Its name means “Timber Town,” Drvengrad is better known worldwide as Küstendorf. The town has a library, cinema, cake shop, art gallery, and a restaurant serving traditional Serbian food .

9. Smederevo (Fortress)

belgrade serbia travel blog

Back in the Middle Ages, the fortified town of Smederevo was the capital of Serbia. Its star attraction is the imposing Smederevo Fortress. Built between 1427 and 1430, it is one of the most significant military structures ever constructed in Serbia and one of the largest fortresses in southeastern Europe.

This mighty fortress on the Danube River’s right bank weathered several sieges by both Ottomans and Serbs and is now regarded as the last major masterpiece of Serbian architecture of the time. Currently, it is open to the public and is an urban park. A theater stands inside, a popular venue for concerts, fairs, and festivals.

The Smederevo Fortress is no more than 45 kilometers southeast of Belgrade, making it a top destination for short Belgrade excursions.

10. Obedska Bara Nature Reserve

Less famous than other nature reserves and parks in this list of Belgrade day trips, the Obedska Bara Nature Reserve is no less beautiful. This expansive area of swamps and forests is one of the best birding destinations near Belgrade . It is an official Important Bird Area on UNESCO’s list of most essential wetland areas globally.

Obadska Bara is an oxbow-shaped lake, a previous part of the scenic Sava River. Its shallow water offers ideal habitat for all kinds of fauna and flora. The lake is thirteen kilometers long and up to 750 meters wide at specific points, yet the average water level doesn’t exceed 2.5 meters.

This is a fantastic place for Belgrade day tours , particularly for nature lovers, because it’s one of the oldest protected natural areas in the world. It was first preserved as early as 1874 by the Habsburg Empire—that’s only two years later than Yellowstone National Park, the world’s oldest national park!

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11. Resava Cave

belgrade serbia travel blog

Another beautiful natural attraction you can visit on day trips from Belgrade is the Resava Cave. Situated near the town of Jelovac in eastern Serbia, this impressive cave has guided tours that lead through majestic subterranean halls and passageways. It is one of Serbia’s most extensive cave systems.

12. Lepenski Vir And Viminacium

History buffs will certainly be interested in visiting Lepenski Vir from Belgrade . Located in eastern Serbia, this fascinating archaeological site comprises one of the oldest preserved settlements in Europe. The place was used by the Balkans’ Mesolithic Iron Gates culture, which dates from about 9,500 to 7,200 BC. Numerous beautifully preserved architectural features and sculptures have been discovered at Lepenski Vir, called “the first city in Europe.”

Additionally, there’s another fantastic archaeological site nearby. Known as Viminacium, this site was a major military camp and city in the Roman province of Moesia, modern-day Serbia.

This ancient city dates from the 1st century AD and its archaeological remains consist of temples, palaces, streets, Roman baths, amphitheaters, and squares. Viminacium is famous for its unusually high number of graves. There are 15,000 of those, the highest number of Roman archaeological sites worldwide .

Don’t miss our favorite, secure, cross-body bags for day tripping.

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WOW! Amazing blog and wonderful images.

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Wanderlustingk

3 days in Belgrade: What to do in Belgrade, Serbia

August 5, 2018 by Karen Turner Leave a Comment

When I found an affordable flight to Belgrade, Serbia, I wasn’t sure whether to take it. However, after reading about the multitude of things to in Belgrade as well as the lively atmosphere of the city, I was in.

I stayed longer than three days in Belgrade while enjoying my time lazing at the many cafes of Belgrade prior to having fantastic craft beer at the  many  cafes around the city.  If you’re doing a trip around the Balkans, I’d say to savor Belgrade for a bit longer as it struck me immediately as the kind of city that I could call home.  Keep reading for a Belgrade itinerary, including the best things to do in Belgrade.

  • 0.1 Included in this guide to Belgrade
  • 0.2 Why visit Belgrade
  • 0.3 Where to stay in Belgrade
  • 0.4 Getting to/from Belgrade
  • 1 When is the best time to visit Belgrade?
  • 2.1.1 Breakfast
  • 2.1.2 Coffee
  • 2.1.3 Kalemegdan
  • 2.1.4 Lunch at Manufactura
  • 2.1.5 Knez Mihajlova
  • 2.1.6 Cara Lazara for boutique shopping and cake
  • 2.1.7.1 Kafanas 
  • 2.1.8 Savamala
  • 2.1.9 Branko’s bridge
  • 2.1.10 Splavovi
  • 2.2.1 National Museum
  • 2.2.2 New Belgrade
  • 2.3.1 Burek
  • 2.3.2 Stroll down Kralja Milana
  • 2.3.3 Nikola Tesla Museum
  • 2.3.4 Lunch at Hummus Bar …and drinks somewhere unique.
  • 2.3.5 Revisit history in London
  • 2.3.6 Cathedral of Saint Sava
  • 2.3.7 Craft Beer & Dinner
  • 2.4 Have you been to Belgrade?

Included in this guide to Belgrade

Why visit belgrade, where to stay in belgrade.

  • When is the best time to visit Belgrade
  • What to do in Belgrade: 3 day Belgrade itinerary
  • Day 1: One day in Belgrade classic Belgrade itinerary
  • Day 2: Museums and New Belgrade
  • Day 3: Other parts of Belgrade

View of Belgrade Fortress, one of the best things to do in Belgrade, serbia.

Unlike some cities in the Balkans, Belgrade is a mishmash of different architectural styles and cultures.  Although many people visit Belgrade for the lively atmosphere, they rarely stop to enjoy the rich cafe culture and the fantastic Serbian food that you’ll find here.  Belgrade is really just a small taste of what Serbia has to offer, so don’t underestimate your time here. You’ll want to stay here–and live here. 

Hotel Moscow, one of the most iconic places to stay in Belgrade. This 5* hotel in Belgrade is famous! #travel #belgrade #serbia

There’s a wide disparity in terms of Serbian salaries and salaries in Western Europe, so I recommend not telling  every Serbian that you meet how cheap Serbia is like some foreigners I met.  That said, you’ll find a number of reasonable accommodation options in Belgrade. Summer is peak season, so book ahead as the backpacker accommodation fills up.

belgrade serbia travel blog

For around 20-40 euros per night, you should be able to rent an apartment in the city center although nicer hotels in the 4* range can cost 40-70 euros per night. (The most famous hotel is Hotel Moscow , which is stunning piece of architecture.)

I traveled to Serbia solo . As another hostel was booked up after I returned from Subotica , I booked a room at Balkan Soul , a popular hostel very close to the city center. 

Check hotel and hostel prices in Belgrade now!

Getting to/from Belgrade

Street art in Belgrade, Serbia.  The capital of Serbia has a lot to offer than one day in Belgrade!

I was impressed with the bus infrastructure on Serbia, which was very advanced and on time.  The bus station is a short walk (15 minutes) from the city center.  If you purchase your bus tickets to your next destination a few days ahead, you should be fine.  I ended up booking a bus to Novi Sad (another city in Serbia) on the spot as soon as I got to the bus station.

Serbia also has trains that go to some cities as well as neighboring countries although they weren’t recommended by most Serbians that I met and the train that I took was delayed by three hours.

As I flew in and out of Belgrade, I flew out of Nikola Tesla, which not too far outside of the city center (30 minutes).  I took the A1 bus one way and ended up sharing a taxi with a Serbian who was also waiting for the airport for the same cost as the bus. At the time that I took the bus, it cost 300 RSD and I was able to obtain this cash at the airport.

When is the best time to visit Belgrade?

Beautiful street in Belgrade, Serbia. This Balkan city has many things to do.  Read what to do in Belgrade! #travel #belgrade #serbia

I visited Belgrade in February, which was a great time to visit as the crowds were minimal and it was still warm enough on many days to wear a light jacket.  I didn’t experience any snow. I heard that fall was one of the prettiest seasons to visit Serbia in general as the leaves on the trees are changing and when taking day trips from Belgrade , you can experience the magic of the turning leaves in the many forests nearby.

I heard from the many friendly locals that I shared a beer with that it’s best to avoid peak season, which is summer to get more of the typical experience.  Belgrade has been exploding in terms of tourism and the Exit Festival (mid July) brings thousands of foreigners to Belgrade.  If you’re planning your visit in summer, book your accommodation ahead.

What to do in Belgrade: A three day Belgrade itinerary

Although many travelers pass through only spending one day in Belgrade, this strikes me as too little as Belgrade is a modern metropolis with more than enough to keep you occupied.  In the sake of time, the first day of the itinerary should be enough to whet your appetite for this diverse Serbian city.

One day in Belgrade: Classic Belgrade

Start off this day properly with some burek.  This popular Balkan breakfast differs slightly in each Balkan country and I have to admit, I loved the greasy/delicious burek that I started off most of my mornings with.  It also motivated me to walk enough to burn it off. 😉

But, first coffee! Serbians  love coffee and I don’t think a visit to Belgrade is complete without visiting one of the amazing coffee shops in Belgrade .  Although breakfast is a great excuse to start with coffee, I must say that my caffeine addiction was happily indulged by some of the best coffee that I’ve ever had in Belgrade. 

Even if you’re lactose-intolerance, you won’t have any difficulty finding great lattes at boutique coffee shops. Click for my guide to coffee shops in Belgrade.

Belgrade Fortress, one of the best things to see in Belgrade.  This historic landmark dates back to the founding of Belgrade itself!

If you visit Belgrade, you  must visit the fortress that is the reason why Belgrade has its name.  Many people don’t realize that the name for Belgrade is derived from the word “white city.”  The reason was Belgrade’s fierce fortress that you can still see today.

Belgrade’s fortress is the oldest part of Belgrade, dating back to the 279 B.C.  For many years, people lived strictly within the walls, however it’s changed hands many times with Belgrade’s history.  From the top of its walls, you can view the Roman ruins below.  The fortress has been rebuilt several times with the most recent additions dating back to the mid 1700s, however you  truly feel the history here.

Old Fortress Gate at Belgrade Fortress, one of the most iconic sights of Belgrade, Serbia. #belgrade #serbia

The fortress itself is within a park that is free to visit, so feel free to take in the stunning views or simply hang out like many locals were. Within the walls of the fortress, you’ll find several attractions, including a well, bunker, and dungeons below. (You can take a guided tour to learn more about the history.)

Lunch at Manufactura

Manufactura, one of the best Serbian restaurants in Belgrade that you must include on your Belgrade itinerary to try Serbian food at! #travel #Belgrade #serbia #balkans

This Serbian restaurant which sources all their food from local farms and grandmothers outside of Belgrade.  I think that it’s a great place to get an introduction to Serbian food as their menu, in English, explains the different specialities from different regions.  Although I had great Serbian food at smaller restaurants, it was the most recommended restaurants to me by Serbians that I met. Make a reservation for dinner.

Knez Mihajlova

Knez Mihajlova  is one of the most grand streets of Belgrade.  Here, you’ll find stunning Serbian buildings that make you want to slow down. Just off of Knez Mihajlova, which has many lovely cafes to step into, you’ll find the National Bank of Serbia, my favorite building in Belgrade. Consider turning off to see one of the adorable shopping streets of Belgrade with independent shops!

Cara Lazara for boutique shopping and cake

Cats and books at Apropo, one of the cutest boutique shops in Belgrade!

Be sure to stroll along Cara Lazara, one of my favorite street in Belgrade.  This street is full of adorable boutiques and coffee shops that you’ll want to step into.  In particular, I loved Apropo , a bookshop with friendly cats, tea, and translated Serbian books. 

For a coffee, step into Koffein 2 prior to heading to Manadrina for the best cakes in Belgrade. I also liked browsing in  Dechkotzar , a store producing Belgrade souvenirs.  After this, cut back towards Knez Mihjalova and towards Skadarlija.

Skardarlija is one of the neighborhoods of Belgrade famous for its bohemian history. From Republic Square, you’ll wind down this hilly street with cobblestones that will instantly transport you back in time. For many years, it was most famous for its kafanas, which attracted Serbia’s most famous writers with the promise of rakija (the national beverage).

Woman walking up Skadarlija, one of the most famous streets in Belgrade. This neighborhood is a must for first time travelers to Belgrade! #travel #Belgrade #serbia

One of the most famous inhabitants of the street was Dura Jakšić whose house has been preserved.  It is said that he challenged to stop drinking for a brief period…however the location of his residence, his love for rakija, and his friends did little to help him stay sober.  You can see his statue in front of his house. 

Be sure to note the factory, which used to be used for beer production and is now used for various clubs/bars.  (I ended up visiting a great craft beer bar here!) 

Around this point, I encourage you to search out dinner. There’s lots of quick places to get a pizza or another bite to eat in this area although I’d encourage you to take a nap if you intend to stay out late.  If you’re a meat eater, I encourage you to try  Pljeskavica .  This Serbian specialty is made with beef and onions…and it’s pretty hearty! 

Branko’s bridge

View from Branko's bridge with a view of the splavovi, the clubs on boats in Belgrade, Serbia.

If you’re crossing the river, you’re going to cross Branko’s bridge. This bridge has a pedestrian crossing, which allows you cross to reach the splavovi. The view is really nice around sunset if you’re here earlier.

Belgrade’s nightlife is famous and to experience the the best of it, you need to go to the river experience the splavovi, the river barge clubs.  Although the nightlife in Belgrade used to be more centralized, the main nightlife in Belgrade, which mostly starts late (think 11pm onwards ), has shifted as residents in the city centre have complained about noise. 

If you’re visiting Belgrade alone, consider taking a nightlife/beer tour , which is a great way to meet people and go out in Belgrade.

Dress up and be prepared to dance the night away. Klub 20/44 was recommended for indie music although I recommend checking online to see the music offerings for the night that you’re going.  If you’re visiting Belgrade in off season, save this for a weekend night.

New Belgrade & History

Good morning (or afternoon) if you went out all night.  Today is meant to be an easier going day to help you recover.  First, start off with a greasy burek and a large coffee.  After that, head towards Republic Square, one of the main thoroughfares of the Belgrade to visit the National Museum.

National Museum

I really wanted to visit the National Museum when I was in Belgrade, however renovations have been going on for  years . Every Serbian I know kept telling me that it should be open and I should go, however it wasn’t open in time. I task you to visit in my place.

The National Museum focuses on Serbian history and art. It showcases the best work of Serbian painters, artifacts from various points in Serbian history, medieval manuscripts (including one recognized by UNESCO) and numerous masterpieces work by Dutch, Italian, French painters. It is widely considered one of the best things to do in Belgrade and the building is stunning!

New Belgrade

Afterwards, take a bus towards New Belgrade.  In theory, you  could walk, but the locals said it’s better just to take the bus.  New Belgrade represented a new place for Yugoslavia create a city without the obligations of history that fit with the vision of socialist ideals. Unlike Belgrade, which is a mishmosh of different styles, you’ll find a more modern feeling to New Belgrade, which is full of communist architecture. 

Blokovi, one of the iconic buildings in New Belgrade, a part of Belgrade that many tourists never see while visiting Belgrade, Serbia! #travel #belgrade #serbia #balkans

At least give it a shot. Be sure to admire the  Blokovi , enormous housing projects intended to house thousands of residents in one carefully planned building.  If you’re looking for off the beaten path Belgrade, come here.  There are free walking tours of New Belgrade with a local guide if you check with your hotel or hostel.

At minimum, visit for the food and the cafes, which many of the locals that I met recommended as authentic.  One of the best things to do: find a lovely cafe by the river and order fresh fish.  Fresh caught fish with a view of the river is a speciality here.

Take in stunning views of Belgrade from the top of Gardos park prior to heading down for a drink at one of the cozy cafes. Staro Burence  came highly recommended to me for its atmosphere and live music.

Stroll down  Kralja Milana

London is a neighborhood of Belgrade with a lot to offer. One of its most well known streets if Kralja Milana, which has many shops and cafes.

Nikola Tesla Museum

Honor Serbia’s most famous scientist by visiting the museum dedicated to his innovative innovation and his life.  Tesla’s work is incredible and it’s crazy to think what happened if we had implemented his most brilliant ideas…

Lunch at Hummus Bar …and drinks somewhere unique.

Be sure to have some cash on you to visit Hummus Bar . This vegan-friendly spot has incredible falafel and other specialties. I was really impressed by their sandwiches, which are affordable and delicious. 

Cathedral of Saint Sava

Cathedral of Saint Sava, one of the largest orthodox churches in the world. This church in Belgrade is one of the best things to do in Belgrade, Serbia.

The Cathedral of Saint Sava  is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and you can admire it from quite a distance away.  Although it’s fairly new, it’s an impressive building although be warned: you must be dressed appropriately to enter and renovations were still ongoing when I visited in February. It’s still worth a peek! Afterwards, consider catching a bus back to centre!

Craft Beer & Dinner

On your way back to centre, stop off at Samo Pivo!, a local craft beer bar.  They have a selection of some local favorites.  Afterwards head to  Mikan Restaurant , one of the cafes back towards center, for traditional Serbian barbeque food. 

Things that I forgot to include, but are worth mentioning if you prefer to skip some of the things mentioned here : Exploring the hipster Dorcol area, which has lots of cute boutiques and cafes.  The Jewish History Museum has a great overview of the history of Judaism in Serbia. The Bajrakli Mosque is one of the most historic mosques in Belgrade dating back to the 1600s although it’s still in use!

Have you been to Belgrade?

Planning your trip to the Balkans? Your perfect itinerary for Belgrade. Belgrade is Serbia's electric capital that you'll want to include on your Balkan trip! #travel #balkans #serbia #belgrade

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

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The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog

14+ TOP Things To Do in Belgrade, Serbia!

Categories Europe , Serbia

Belgrade in Serbia isn’t a particularly well-known or highly visited city so what are the things to do in Belgrade Serbia?

I booked a weekend trip here with my friend after finding £40.00 return flights from London and whilst Belgrade wasn’t my favourite city or trip, I did enjoy wandering around and taking in the architecture and the history.

So in this travel blog, I’m going to give you the top things to do in Belgrade, places to visit and tourist attractions in Belgrade to keep you busy, whether it’s for one day in Belgrade or a weekend like I had!

Things To Do in Belgrade Serbia

things to do in Belgrade Serbia,

Let’s first touch on..

Is Belgrade Worth Visiting?

Belgrade, Serbia’s capital, brims with historic sites and a bustling nightlife , offering a diverse array of activities.

It’s not the most popular capital city in Europe for a reason however as part of an Eastern Europe trip or for people looking for a cheap European city break it is a good city to visit.

If you want another opinion of Belgrade, have a look at this post: Is Belgrade Worth Visiting?

1. Skadarlija

Skadarlija bohemian quarter, things to do in Belgrade,

You’ll see Skadarlija as one of the top places to visit in Belgrade and that’s because it’s the bohemian quarter of the city and a little different to everywhere else in Belgrade. The main street is very pretty with a fair few restaurants lining it and it has a nice cobbled street.

The restaurants are ‘tourist’ restaurants which show in the prices, although they are still very cheap! We went for lunch down here and also returned back one evening for a beer and to listen to some local music which was really nice. It reminded me a bit of Tbilisi in Georgia actually.

2. Belgrade Fortress

things to do in Belgrade, Belgrade fortress

Belgrade Fortress is one of the top things to do in Belgrade, Serbia for everyone.

The fortress is located on the more modern side of the city . It’s a nice place to visit although quite random too. It’s a big area and from the top, you can see where the River Danube and River Sava combine and go their separate ways.

The fortress is home to lots of ruins as you would expect, plus Belgrade’s Gallery of Natural History Museum , a Military Museum, a Torture Museum and an Amusement Park.

It’s home to a citadel and a beautiful gem of a church called Saint Petka. If there is one thing you do in the Fortress I would say it has to visit Saint Petka , this is one of the top things to see in Belgrade along with the buildings surrounding it as it’s simply stunning! See the pictures below!

Book now for an unforgettable tour of The Fortress, Belgrade’s top attraction! Discover epic stories and stunning views that bring the city’s rich history to life. Don’t miss out – secure your spot today!

things to do in Belgrade, Belgrade Saint Petka

3. Church of Saint Sava

church of Saint Sava in Belgrade with blue sky, things to do in Belgrade,

I would say that this is the best place to visit in Belgrade because honestly, what an icon it is! You have to visit the Church of Saint Sava when you’re in Belgrade!

On a map, it looks quite far from the city centre and it is a bit of a walk but it isn’t that far so you can easily add it to your list of things to do in Belgrade and I would suggest walking to the church as it’s interesting to see parts of the city outside of the centre area.

things to do in Belgrade, belgrade church of saint sava

The Church of Saint Sava is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and apparently, it ranks among the l argest church buildings in the world ! It’s really impressive from the outside but you need to make sure you go inside too.

4. Church of St. Mark’s

things to do in Belgrade, belgrade church of saint marks

I walked past the Church of St Mark’s on the way to the Church of Saint Sava, decided to pop in and was totally surprised!

It’s another very colourful church on the inside so if you’re passing by I would recommend heading into the Church of St Mark’s in Belgrade and adding this to your list of things to do in Belgrade, Serbia.

5. The Bombed Buildings of the City

things to do in Belgrade, belgrade bombed buildings

There are a number of buildings in Belgrade that are still how they were after they were bombed in the 1990s. These buildings are marked on maps of the city. I found out that the government has decided to keep them in the state that they are as a reminder of the past.

things to do in Belgrade, belgrade bombed buildings

6. The Museum of Yugoslav History

things to do in Belgrade, belgrade museum of Yugoslavia ticket

We had to get a taxi here as the museum is located in the Dedinje district which is quite out of the centre of the city but it was really easy to catch a taxi from both sides, plus it was nice to drive out of the centre to see more of the city.

I would definitely recommend going here and adding this to your things to do in Belgrade if you enjoy history and are interested in Yugoslavia.

The museum is essentially about Tito – the dictatorial Communist leader of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, from 1945 until his death in 1980. Tito is one of the most significant personalities of the time.

The museum says that ‘Fateful Yugonostalgics and those who are not, visit the Museum of Yugoslav History with a single wish to revive the story about the country that doesn’t exist anymore.’ Tito’s grave is also on the site of the museum.

These tours of Yugoslav will take you back in history- Book yours now!

7. Kalenic Market

belgrade Kalenic Market

For an extremely local experience head to Kalenic Market. It’s Belgrade’s biggest open-air market selling all types of fresh produce. If you’re visiting in the Summer this would be a perfect place to visit to pick up some bits for a picnic. It’s also great if you want to take some jarred local food home.

Or like it was for us, it’s interesting to walk around and purely observe local life.

8. Day Trip to Novi Sad

Novi Sad Square  with blue skies, things to do in Belgrade

Novi Sad, situated on the Danube River in northern Serbia, is renowned for its historic charm and well-preserved architecture. This is one of the top day trips from Belgrade and things to add to your Serbia itinerary . Looking back, we should have dedicated a full day to exploring Belgrade or taken a day trip to Novi Sad during our stay.

The fortress there is a standout feature, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, showcasing the city’s rich history. Many have described Novi Sad as a city frozen in time , with its beautiful buildings and timeless allure. Although we didn’t get to visit, I’ve heard enough to say it’s worth the trip, and it’s on my list for the next time I find myself in Serbia.

So if you’re planning a trip to Belgrade, it might be worth considering an extra day to venture out and experience the enchanting city of Novi Sad.

To pre-book a trip to Novi Sad and visit some other nearby areas, check out these great tours there from Belgrade!

9. Drinks by the River

belgrade skyline from the river, things to do in Belgrade Serbia

If you find yourself in Belgrade during the summer, or even in the transition periods of late spring or early autumn, heading down to the river’s edge for drinks is an excellent choice. I didn’t have the chance to experience this myself, but it’s definitely on my list for next time.

The riverside bars in Belgrade come alive during these warmer months, offering a unique and lively atmosphere. You can soak in the stunning views, enjoy the fresh air, and indulge in a variety of drinks as you mingle with locals and other travellers alike.

It’s a great way to get a taste of Belgrade’s vibrant social scene while enjoying the natural beauty of the river. Plus, the area has a range of bars to choose from, ensuring there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a laid-back spot to unwind or a lively venue to dance the night away. So, for one of the best things to do in Belgrade , make sure to check out the riverside bars and enjoy the city’s energy and charm.

10. Check out the Nightlife

I didn’t experience any of the bars and nightlife in Belgrade but every blog post I read before going suggested checking out the bars and raved about the nightlife in Belgrade so it must be good!

From cosy bars and lively pubs to high-energy clubs, Belgrade has it all. It’s a great way to experience the local culture and meet new people. For those travelling alone and looking to dive into the nightlife while making some friends along the way, there are tours specifically designed for that purpose .

These tours are a fantastic opportunity to explore the best bars and clubs in the city , with a fun group and a knowledgeable guide to lead the way. So, even if you’re on your own , you can still fully enjoy the exciting Belgrade nightlife and have an amazing time out in the city!

Book one of these tours to enjoy the nightlife of Belgrade

11. Botanical Gardens

belgrade botanical gardens

The Jevremovac Botanical Garden in Belgrade is one of the lovely places to visit in Belgrade, right in the middle of the city.

The garden is full of different kinds of plants – from those that live in water to trees and flowers. They even have a special greenhouse for plants that come from hot places like jungles. The University of Belgrade looks after the garden, and they use it to teach people about plants and nature. They have tours that anyone can join.

The garden has been around since the late 1800s and it’s named after a man named Jevrem Obrenović who gave the land for it. Besides all the plants, they sometimes have art shows and events there too. It’s a nice and quiet place, perfect if you want to take a break, read a book, or just enjoy being outside so be sure to add it to your things to do in Belgrade.

12. Take in the Architecture

Belgrade is a treasure trove of unique and interesting buildings , with a notable influence from Soviet times that adds a fascinating layer to the city’s architectural landscape. Here’s a bit more about some of the standout structures you might come across:

The National Assembly Building: This grand building is a prime example of neoclassical architecture with its impressive facade and large dome. It dates back to the early 20th century and is a significant landmark in Belgrade.

Genex Tower: Also known as the Western City Gate, this skyscraper represents the brutalist architectural style that was popular during the Yugoslav period. Its two towers connected by a bridge and a revolving restaurant at the top make it a unique sight.

St. Sava Temple: Although not from the Soviet era, this is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and a masterpiece of modern Serbian architecture. Its grand size and intricate details are truly breathtaking.

The Old Palace: Now home to the City Assembly of Belgrade, this palace is a beautiful example of academic art. Built-in the late 19th century, it stands as a testament to the city’s royal past.

As you explore Belgrade, take the time to notice the diversity in building styles and the stories they tell about the city’s history and culture. Don’t rush; look up and around, and you’ll discover the architectural gems that make Belgrade unique.

Places to Eat in Belgrade

Whether you’re into trying out local Serbian dishes or craving some international flavours , Belgrade has got you covered. From cosy cafes and food stalls to fancy restaurants, there’s a place for every mood and preference.

Here are two of those restaurants which come highly recommended by me and I highly suggest adding to your list of things to do in Belgrade!

13. Walter Sarajevski Ćevap

I got recommended to eat at  Walter Sarajevski Ćevap whilst in Belgrade and I really recommend the restaurant to you too!

The dishes are really local (although not great for vegetarians!) and it was a nice atmosphere. Above all it was really reasonable in price.

14. Smokvica

We randomly found Smokvica cafe on the way back from the Church of Saint Sava and it was a good find!

It’s good for lunch or brunch and looks like the ‘in’ place for brunch for the younger generation. It’s cosy and modern and offers a great selection of food. I went for the Shakshuka which was delicious!

belgrade smokvica

I hope that this post gives you some ideas of things to do in Belgrade!

  • For more of my posts see:
  • How to Book & Go on a European City Break on a Budget!
  • What to Pack for a European City Break in Winter.
  • What to Pack for a European City Break in Summer.
  • All My Europe Posts!

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Sagar Sahay

Monday 27th of April 2020

I spend a week with my group in Belgrade and I am glad you have covered all the best places in your article.

Tuesday 20th of November 2018

Such a cool guide! We’ve just left Belgrade and got really impressed with this city. We were hoping to look at some bombed buildings too but were actually told that most of them have been reconstructed. Still, lots of cool things to do and see!

TheWanderingQuinn

Wednesday 21st of November 2018

Thank you. Glad you liked your time there and there were still the buildings last year but maybe things have changed. :)

Restless Voyager

Central & Eastern Europe Blog

Belgrade City Center

2 Days in Belgrade: A Complete Itinerary!

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Looking for a great city-trip and wonder how to best spend 2 days in Belgrade?

The capital of Serbia , Belgrade, is a bustling, modern city with a rich cultural past. Belgrade has enough to offer every kind of traveler with its historic fortifications, breathtaking churches, and bohemian areas. But how to spend 2 days in Belgrade?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this 2 days in Belgrade itinerary will help you make the most of your time in the city.

You’ll have a greater understanding of the history, culture, and people of Belgrade by the end of your short visit.

I personally find Belgrade a very cool and fascinating capital city in the Balkans!

What is the most visited city in Serbia?

The answer to this question might not be a huge surprise to you, as this blog is about… Yes, Belgrade! And that’s also the answer to this question. Belgrade is the most visited city in Serbia . I would therefore like to share my 2 days in Belgrade itinerary with you.

Other popular cities to visit in Serbia are Nis and Novi Sad. You’ll find Nis in the southern part of Serbia while Novi Sad is located in the northern part of the country.

What is special about Belgrade?

The strategic location of Belgrade at the meeting point of cultures and empires is reflected in its architecture, art, and traditions, which together represent the city’s rich cultural legacy.

The Bohemian districts of Belgrade, such as Skadarlija , provide a great atmosphere with authentic Serbian restaurants and live music venues.

The locals in Belgrade are also known for their friendliness and hospitality, making you feel at home whether you’re taking in the city’s historical sites, trying out the cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife.

Are you wondering what’s the best time to visit Belgrade ? You can visit Belgrade throughout the whole year as every season has its own charm.

How to spend 2 days in Belgrade?

Day 1 – morning.

📍 You can start your day visiting Kalemegdan Fortress first thing in the morning. It’s one of Belgrade’s most well-known sites. Since its construction in the first century AD, the fortress has acted as a strategic military bastion for numerous emperors.

It’s now a popular tourist destination and a preferred location for locals to take nice morning walks.

Kalemegdan Fortress with a view on the river Sava

📍 The Military Museum , the Roman Well , and the Clock Tower are just a few of the sights inside the fort. By showcasing artifacts from antiquity to the present, the Military Museum highlights Serbia’s military history. Which is definitely an interesting history.

The Roman Well , which lies close to the main entrance, is a deep underground well that was used to store water during sieges. You’ll have some great views of the city from the Clock Tower , which was built in the 17th century.

📍Take a stroll down Knez Mihailova Street , the city’s main pedestrian boulevard, after exploring the fortress. The street is a favorite hangout for both tourists and locals because it’s full of lovely buildings, cafes, shops, and restaurants.

Along the route, you’ll also pass by a number of street performers who contribute to the lively atmosphere.

Day 1 – Afternoon

📍For lunch, visit Skadarlija in Belgrade’s bohemian district, which is known for its traditional places to eat, cobblestone streets, and interesting architecture.

Skadarlija in 2 days in Belgrade

Skadarlija is a must-visit if you want to experience the bohemian atmosphere of the city. This area is often compared to Montmartre in Paris or Soho in New York. And rightfully so, I would say. In Skadarlija , some of the top restaurants that you can try are Tri Sesira , Dva Jelena , and Sesir Moj .

📍After lunch, you can visit the St. Sava Temple , one of the biggest Orthodox churches in the world. The church, which honors Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church, was constructed in the early 20th century.

St. Sava Temple in 2 days in Belgrade

You’ll find some beautiful mosaics inside the church’s interior.

Day 1 – Evening

📍You can take a stroll along the Ada Ciganlija Lake , a popular local recreation area, to end your day. Ada Ciganlija , often known as ‘Belgrade’s sea,’ offers a variety of recreational opportunities for you.

You’ll have the option to go swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, cycling, and hiking. Around the lake, there are a lot of dining establishments and pubs where you can relax with a drink.

Day 2 – Morning

📍The Nikola Tesla Museum , which is devoted to the life and work of the renowned Serbian inventor, should be your first stop on your second day in the morning. The museum is situated in the heart of the city.

You can see original inventions by Tesla as well as his personal effects. The Tesla coil, the Van de Graaff generator, and the Tesla egg of Columbus are just a few of the museum’s treasures.

📍Following the museum, go to the Zemun area, which is located along the Danube River. Zemun is a lovely, ancient neighborhood with an impressive collection of buildings and a rich cultural history.

Zemun Area

The area used to be a separate town, and its own personality and atmosphere are still there. The Gardos Tower , Zemun Market , and Millennium Tower are a few of the must-see attractions in Zemun.

Day 2 – Afternoon

📍Visit the Museum of Yugoslav History in the afternoon. It has artifacts and shows the history of Yugoslavia, including information about the former President Josip Broz Tito’s life and career.

The museum is an excellent place to learn about the recent history of the nation and is situated in the Dedinje neighborhood, one of Belgrade’s wealthiest areas.

📍Go to the House of Flowers , Tito’s tomb and final resting place , after viewing the Museum of Yugoslav History . There are several exhibitions on Tito’s life and legacy as well as a collection of presents from famous people and international leaders; the House of Flowers is a unique and fascinating attraction.

Tito's Tomb in Belgrade

Day 2 – Evening

📍On your last night in Belgrade, spend some time in the neighborhood of Savamala , which is a developing area and has a thriving nightlife.

Savamala is a popular area for nighttime exploration because of its street art, live music venues, and hip bars and clubs. I would say Brankow , Mladost , and Ludost are a few of Savamala’s top bars and clubs.

📍However, if you’d like a more relaxed evening, return to the Skadarlija district where you may take in a typical Serbian food while listening to live music.

The ambiance of Skadarlija’s restaurants is warm and romantic thanks to the dim lighting, hardwood tables, and typical tablecloths. As I mentioned before, Tri Sesira , Dva Jelena , and Sesir Moj are a few of Skadarlija’s top restaurants for dinner.

Is 2 days enough in Belgrade?

While you can see the majority of Belgrade’s sights in two days, the city has a lot to offer, so you might wish you had a bit more time to explore.

But, by seeing the city’s landmarks, museums, and neighborhoods as described in the itinerary, 2 days in Belgrade can be sufficient to gain a decent sense of its history, culture, and atmosphere.

In case you felt you didn’t have enough time, you’d just have a perfect excuse to come back, right?

Is Belgrade a walkable city?

Belgrade is a relatively easy city to navigate on foot, especially in the city center where you’ll find most of the major attractions.

The pedestrian zone on Knez Mihailova Street is a great location for strolling and window shopping, while the Kalemegdan Fortress and the nearby park offer a variety of walking pathways and breathtaking views of the city and waterways.

But be aware that Belgrade is a hilly city and that some locations could be more difficult to get around on foot. It is also simple to travel further as the city has a good public transit system. Also, you can navigate the city using Uber or Bolt.

However, while there are many places in Belgrade that are walkable, I would still advise using public transportation or ride-hailing services to get around more quickly. Especially if you are pressed for time or have poor mobility while spending 2 days in Belgrade.

And in case you feel like experiencing some great guided walking tours, here are my recommendations for the best ones. You can book them by clicking on one of the links below:

✅ Red Belgrade Communist Tour!

✅ 3-Hour Small Group Walking Tour!

Is Belgrade a party city?

Undoubtedly, Belgrade is known for having a lively nightlife and is often referred to as a party city. There are a lot of great party boats along the Sava.

Boats along the Sava

There are also numerous taverns, nightclubs, and music venues in the city that can accommodate all preferences and price ranges. Whether you’re young, a student, or a bit older, you’ll love Belgrade’s nightlife scene.

The Belgrade Beer Fest, the EXIT Festival , and the Lovefest are just a few of Belgrade’s annual big music festivals that draw thousands of tourists from all over the world.

Belgrade is a city worth visiting if you want to experience a vibrant and energetic nightlife!

Do they speak English in Belgrade?

Although Serbian is the city’s official language, many locas also speak English as a second language, particularly the younger population and those working in the tourism sector. In tourist locations, English menus and signs are also typical.

In most hotels, restaurants, and stores, you should be able to get by using English. Outside of these regions, however, English might be less common, particularly among older generations.

I would always recommend to learn a few fundamental words and phrases in Serbian, such as ‘hello’ ( zdravo ), ‘thank you’ ( hvala ), and ‘goodbye’ ( doviđenja ), as this can help you with a start of a nice conversation and demonstrate respect for the local way of life.

How much is a taxi from Belgrade Airport to the city?

Taxi fares from Belgrade Airport to the city center might depend on a number of factors, including the time of day, traffic conditions, and your location inside the city.

However, you can expect an amount between 1,500 and 2,000 Serbian dinars on average. This is about 12-16 euros.

A good option is to use the airport taxi service. They have set prices and operate 24/7. You can find more information on their website .

Is Belgrade safe to visit?

Belgrade is generally a safe city to visit. However, there might be a few tourist scams that you need to know about. Better safe than sorry.

Taxi drivers can really overcharge you for their rides, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the local currency or conversion rates. I advise to only utilize authorized taxi services or ride-hailing applications like Uber or Bolt, and to double-check the fare before you get in the taxi.

Another frequent scam involves individuals acting as friendly locals or tour guides and promising to take you to a prominent nightclub or show you the city in exchange for huge costs. Pick only reputable tour operators or guides that your hotel or other reliable sources suggest.

Particularly in the touristic parts, you should be careful of street vendors offering fake or expensive things. I recommend staying away from these vendors and shopping at recognized marketplaces or establishments.

Belgrade is a big and buzzing capital city, so just take your precautions and you’ll be more than fine.

What is the best time to visit Belgrade?

During the summer months of June through August, when it’s bright and sunny and there are lots of festivals and outdoor activities, Belgrade experiences its busiest travel season. The city can, however, become more crowded and pricey at this time. Just keep this in mind.

With mild weather and fewer tourists, spring ( April till May ) and fall ( September till October ) can be fantastic times to visit Belgrade. The Belgrade Dance Festival and the Belgrade Jazz Festival, among other cultural events, take place during this time.

Although Belgrade’s winter ( November till March ) might be chilly and snowy, the city still has a lot to offer, such as indoor cultural events and Christmas markets.

Belgrade in Winter

Is Belgrade worth visiting?

My simple answer would be.. Yes! I really enjoyed my visits to Belgrade.

To me, Belgrade is a lively, international city with a thriving arts and cultural scene in addition to its historical landmarks. The city has a great nightlife vibe with a wide variety of bars and clubs.

Traditional Serbian restaurants, live music venues, and a laid-back attitude make its bohemian areas like Skadarlija ideal for a pleasant evening out.

With a large number of galleries and art spaces presenting the creations of regional and worldwide artists, Belgrade is also a focal point for the area’s developing art scene.

Belgrade is a city that I highly recommend for anyone interested in history, culture, or for just having a great and fun trip.

Is Belgrade underrated?

I think it is. Because it’s sometimes overshadowed by other European capitals, Belgrade is often thought of as an undervalued travel destination.

Yet, there are several attractions and activities to choose from, a thriving nightlife scene, and a city with a rich history and culture.

Belgrade’s architecture, food, and traditions are the result of a distinctive blending of Eastern and Western European cultures. In addition, the city has a large number of theaters, art galleries, museums, and parks.

Cevapi

Belgrade is still underappreciated since few tourists are familiar with it. Especially when you compare it to London, Paris, Rome or Berlin. But this can also be a nice benefit for you since there will be fewer tourists and you’ll have a more genuine experience.

I would even say that Belgrade is still a hidden gem in Europe.

The Wrap-Up: 2 Days in Belgrade

It’s definitely worth it to spend 2 days in Belgrade. It will give you enough time to visit the best landmarks and attractions the city has to offer.

Belgrade is still a city that’s largely uncovered by large groups of tourists and will therefore give you a cool and genuine experience.

If you’re looking for more fascinating cities in the Balkans, Sarajevo would be a great next stop!

And while you’re in Serbia and you love food, check out my post about the national dish of Serbia !

You restless voyager,

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Hey! My name is Dustin, a restless voyager, married to my Czech wife Jana, living in the Czech Republic with a huge passion for Central & Eastern Europe (including the Balkans). Due to my experience of traveling and living in this region, I am happy to say that I am helping tens of thousands of people in many different ways who want to know more about this fascinating region with my blog.

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Belgrade Unveiled: A 3-Day Itinerary for Your Serbian Adventure

  • September 11, 2023

Welcome to Belgrade Unveiled: A 3-Day Itinerary for Your Serbian Adventure!

Tucked away along the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, the capital of Serbia Belgrade stands as a fascinating blend of history and modernity. In this blog post, we invite you to join us as we wander through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, savour the flavours of local cuisine, explore the modern Belgrade Waterfront and enjoy the rhythms of Balkan music echoing through the many bars across the city.

Where we stayed?

Our base camp was Hotel Moskva, located in the town centre. Its discreet charm and top-notch service have attracted renowned artists, musicians, and even political figures over the years. We enjoyed looking along the walls of the hotel, where there are many pictures of celebrities who stayed there while visiting Belgrade, including Albert Einstein, Kirk Douglas and Brad Pitt. The hotel is considered iconic in Belgrade, and besides staying there we also recommend visiting its fancy restaurant and enjoying the live piano music.

We enjoyed the hotel very much! It was very clean, the service was very professional, food was delicious. If we ever come back to Belgrade, we for sure stay in the Moskva Hotel.

CLICK HERE and book your room now.

Day 1 – Belgrade 3-Day Itinerary

Skadarlija street.

After checking in at our luxury hotel, we walked around the city centre. Our first destination was Skadarlija Street. This charming cobblestone street, often referred to as the Montmartre of Belgrade, exudes an irresistible bohemian spirit. We walked through the charming streets and enjoyed the old-fashioned atmosphere. The area is full of Serbian traditional restaurants with live music, bars and cafes. Skadarlija is also a hub for artists, and we saw painters and craftsmen selling their art along the street. During the evenings the area is very popular with tourists so if you plan on going there for dinner we recommend booking in advance. we couldn’t find any available seats when we went there to eat.

belgrade serbia travel blog

After finishing exploring Skadarlija Street we walked about 10 minutes towards Kalemegdan. This is the largest park and the most important historical monument in Belgrade. The park is massive and we spent there several hours. It’s full of green trees, a playground for children and ancient architecture. At the top of Kalemegdan, there’s a giant stone castle that’s surrounded by big, thick walls. Inside the castle, there are also old cannons. These cannons are like big metal tubes that were used a long time ago to protect the castle.

Belgrade 3 Day Itinerary

You can see them lined up along the walls, and they give you a sense of how the fortress was defended in the past. Beside the cannons, there is a display of old army tanks and vehicles. From the walls, we saw an amazing panoramic view of the two rivers, the Danube and the Sava, meet. It’s recommended to go there at sunset time to see the sun go down over the rivers. Overall the park is fully alive and attracts locals and tourists alike, a must-visit spot when you’re in Belgrade!

Belgrade 3 Day Itinerary

Knez Mihailova Street

From Kalemegdan Park we continued to Knez Mihailova Street. This area is the heart of the old city, a captivating blend of history, culture, shopping, and entertainment. As we walked through the hectic street, struck by its elegant, 19th-century architecture. The street has an air of old-world sophistication, with ornate facades, wrought-iron balconies, and majestic buildings lining both sides. For shoppers, this street is a true paradise.

It’s lined with boutiques, designer stores, and souvenir shops where you can find everything from stylish fashion items to traditional Serbian crafts. The street is very long and eventually, we had to stop at one of the bars, for a refreshment drink, give some rest for our feet and absorb the atmosphere.

Belgrade 3 Day Itinerary

After finishing our beers we went for dinner at one of the many restaurants along the street. The prices were not cheap and it felt more designed for tourists, but we still managed to enjoy the very rich local Serbian food while observing the crowds outside.

Day 2 – Belgrade Unveiled: A 3-Day Itinerary

Belgrade waterfront.

As we finished our luxurious breakfast at the Moskow Hotel, we headed towards the waterfront area in Belgrade. This area stands as a symbol of the city’s progressive and contemporary side. It’s a vibrant, modern oasis amidst Belgrade’s historical charm. The contrast between the historical Kalemegdan Fortress and the sleek, futuristic architecture of the waterfront is a visual treat. Right next to the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, we walked through the wide promenade along the riverbanks enjoying the fresh air and the river views.

Belgrade 3 Day Itinerary

There are also lots of benches and places to sit if you want to relax and watch the water flow by. The waterfront also boasts some of the city’s most striking modern architecture. Iconic buildings like the Belgrade Waterfront Towers and the Gazela Bridge illuminate the skyline, particularly at night when they’re beautifully illuminated. It’s a photographer’s dream.

A mandatory haircut

After finishing exploring the waterfront area, we headed back to the centre and found a very budget-friendly saloon. Both of us had a very nice haircut and chatted a bit with the friendly local hair designer. When we travel to cheaper countries at least one of us goes to a hairdresser.

belgrade serbia travel blog

Saint of Sava Temple

Felling fresh and clean we continued exploring the center of Belgrade and went to see the Saint Sava Temple. The Temple is an enormous (the biggest Orthodox temple in the world), gleaming white structure that dominates the Belgrade skyline. Its size and grandeur are immediately striking. The temple’s design is a harmonious blend of Byzantine and Serbian architectural styles, featuring intricate details and ornate decorations.

Belgrade 3-Day Itinerary

We took some pictures from the outside and went back to our hotel to relax for the rest of the day.

Day 3 – Belgrade Unveiled: A 3-Day Itinerary

Nikola tesla museum.

For our last day in Belgrade, we went to see the famous Nikola Tesla Museum. The museum is housed in a charming 1920s-era residential villa in the heart of Belgrade, Serbia . It’s dedicated to preserving the legacy of Nikola Tesla, a visionary inventor and engineer known for his groundbreaking contributions to electricity and modern technology. In the house, you can see a vast collection of Tesla’s personal belongings, original documents, scientific instruments, and working models of his inventions.

Visitors can see firsthand how Tesla’s inventions revolutionized the world and paved the way for modern electricity distribution. The museum is open to the public, but we recommend checking the official website for current opening hours, ticket prices, and any special exhibitions or events(when we came, it was a full line of people and we discovered it only for group visits). Guided tours are available in multiple languages, providing in-depth insights into Tesla’s life and work.

Belgrade 3 day itinerary

Shopping and Farmer’s Markets

After the museum, it was time to do some shopping. First, we went to a local deli and bought as much cheese as we could. We highly recommend buying cheese in Serbia due to its budget-friendly prices and also for the high quality of Serbian cheeses, especially the rich creamy famous Kajmak (somewhere between butter and cheese).

Later, we continued to one of the many farmers’ markets in Belgrade and went to Green Market Banjica, where we bought many fresh local vegetables directly from the farmers for almost no money, free range eggs and delicious burek (traditional Balkan snack) for lunch.

belgrade serbia travel blog

Belgrade = Great Experience

In conclusion, Belgrade is a city that weaves together a rich tapestry of experiences. Its vibrant atmosphere, a perfect fusion of history and modernity, leaves an indelible mark on every traveller. From savouring the delectable flavours of Serbian cuisine to exploring the monumental landmarks and charming streets, Belgrade offers a delightful blend of culture, art, and cuisine.

As you soak in the city’s lively vibe, you’ll discover that Belgrade is a place where history whispers through every cobblestone, where the aroma of hearty food dances in the air, and where both the past and present converge seamlessly. Whether you’re wandering through the bustling streets, sipping coffee at a riverside cafe, or immersing yourself in the fascinating stories of its museums, Belgrade is a city that beckons you to explore, indulge, and embrace its unique charm.

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Impressions of Belgrade, Serbia

Written By: Frank Thomae

Balkan Peninsula

Updated On: December 13, 2022

We really didn’t know what to expect of Belgrade. The capital city of Serbia is one of the oldest cities in Europe.

We were flying back from Japan and had chosen the country for a two-week stopover for one reason – it was the only country in the ex-Yugoslavia we hadn’t yet visited.

Our knowledge of Serbia amounted to its reputation as being the Balkan “bad boys” (gained during the wars of the ’90s), tennis player Novak Djokovic (currently ranked #2 in the world), and its historically close ties with Russia.

Table of Contents

First impressions of Belgrade Serb ia

We didn’t know much else about the country and, as Western tourists, we didn’t exactly anticipate a warm reception.

Our expectations couldn’t have been further from the truth. In fact, many things about Belgrade – and Serbians – were to surprise us.

Belgrade is a bit rough on the eyes

Our very first impression of driving into Belgrade was that it was rough on the eyes and had seen better days.

Sidewalks are cracked and broken, there’s a lot of graffiti, and many buildings still bear the scars of the 1999 NATO bombardment.

Every city is prettier in the summer – we arrived in early December to grey skies and leafless trees which didn’t help matters.

There are similarities to both Budapest and Zagreb. But Belgrade is poorer, you just see it in the infrastructure of the city.

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Belgrade has tons of history – but you won’t see much of it

The confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers has a history dating back 7,000 years.

The city, one of Europe’s oldest, was part of the Roman and the Byzantine Empires.

There has been many a Serbian uprising over the centuries from the 1500s to the 1900s.

It was controlled by the Bulgarians, Hungarians, Franks, Ottomans, and Habsburgs.

It was the capital of Yugoslavia from 1918 to its final dissolution in 2006.

Because of its strategic location between East and West, the city has been involved in 115 wars during its history and has been burnt down an incredible 44 times.

That explains why you won’t see many intact historical sites around the city.

There’s one exception : Belgrade Fortress. I t dates back to Roman times and looks down at the confluence of the two rivers.

It’s where you’ll really feel the impact of Belgrade’s history.

Serbs have a high level of education – and speak excellent English

We’ve been to all the ex-Yugoslav countries and love them all in different ways. But we were incredibly impressed by the Serbs.

In fact, in almost 3 years of full-time travel, we haven’t encountered a population who speak English as well as a 2 nd language.

Sure, some of the older people or lower classes don’t speak English at all. But most people under 40 who’ve gone through the education system speak flawless English.

It was a shock.

We also found out that there is a growing number of American companies who have moved their technical services to Serbia precisely because of the proficiency in English.

Good looking people in Serbia

Serbians are very attractive, men and women alike. And tall – I’m 5’10 and I was average height (or maybe even less) in Serbia.

When visiting the Serbian capital, you’ll be surrounded by chic and stylish citizens.

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There are strong ties to Russia

We knew it before arriving and it was confirmed when walking around the city.

You’ll see lots of Vladimir Putin t-shirts, mugs and calendars as well as Russian flags.

You’ll encounter Russian markets where you can buy Matryoshka dolls, Russian scarfs and boots, Russian embroidery and Russian hand-painted jewelry boxes.

And the people in the markets are Russian.

The affinity between Russians and Serbs can be attributed to religion (both practice Eastern Orthodoxy), historical alliances (often against the West), political views, language (similar enough), and life philosophy.

There is deep resentment towards NATO, the US, and the Clintons

Serbians feel a great sense of injustice to how they were treated by the West during both the Bosnian war (1992 – 1995) and the Kosovo War (1998 – 1999).

Bill Clinton was president of the US at the time and in both cases sided against Serbia, including ordering the 1999 bombing of Belgrade (at the insistence of Hillary).

Over 2,500 Serb civilians were killed and the Serbian economy decimated, something the country is still climbing back from.

What galls the Serbians more than anything was being blamed as aggressors in the Kosovo War, a war precipitated by the Kosovo Liberation Army (a group that just the year before had been deemed a terrorist group by the UN).

NATO bombed Belgrade, Serbia surrendered.

Kosovo has since declared itself an independent country which the majority of countries in the UN have recognized.

Serbians still consider Kosovo a province of Serbia (it’s best not to bring this subject up in conversation).

It is why Serbians today want no part in NATO membership, preferring instead a closer association with Russia.

Surprise – Serbians are very welcoming

Despite the above, Serbians we met were incredibly engaging.

They wanted to talk and it seemed very important to them that we leave with a good impression of Serbia.

The day we arrived, a friendly old man in the elevator tried to speak to us in German.

Realizing we didn’t speak the language, he switched to French. We ended up having a 10-minute conversation in French.

Our Airbnb host invited us to her home in the suburbs where she served coffee and biscuits while talking about Serb traditions, history, and current day life.

On another day, getting on a bus, the driver decided we would be friends and insisted that we stand next to him.

He didn’t speak English but for 20 minutes he talked to us the best he could, listing his favorite football and basketball team and telling us (when he found out we were Canadian) that tennis player Milos Raonic (our best tennis player) was born in Montenegro.

Throughout our two weeks, we would have many similar encounters with locals. Serbians charmed our socks off.

Belgrade: The World’s Ultimate #1 Party City

We had no idea. But Lonely Planet calls Belgrade the world’s number one party city.

When the bombings started in 1999, locals decided to enjoy their last days partying. Belgrade’s clubbing scene is now the hottest anywhere (only Ibiza rivals it).

The best time/place to party is in the summer at the floating clubs (barges) along the riverbank.

We didn’t see any of that because we were there in December. But this is what your typical floating club looks like in the summer.

Belgrade is inexpensive

You can indulge in Belgrade and it won’t cost you much.

We went to one of the city’s most popular restaurants (Dva Jelena, the Two Deer Restaurant. Highly recommended) where we had 2 starters, 2 main meals, 2 bottles of wine, coffee and dessert (we went crazy that night and left with doggie bags and half a bottle of wine).

Total bill? Approx. $40 US.

Of 73 European cities, Expatistan.com ranks Belgrade as the 10 th cheapest (Prague and Budapest are tied at 16 th ).

* Note: Skopje (Macedonia), another interesting city we visited in 2016, was ranked 3 rd cheapest. For those curious, Kiev is currently ranked as the cheapest European city.

Everybody smokes in Belgrade (everywhere).

Indoor smoking was banned in January 2016. It doesn’t matter – these are the Balkans.

Everyone smokes and nobody cares about rules. You’ve had smoke blown in your face and smell like an ashtray? Welcome to the Balkans. Peruse our Croatia Travel Guide for more former Yugoslavia travel . And read: Beautiful Croatia – The 20 Best Things to See and Do

Belgrade is a very walkable city

Belgrade’s old town is compact and very walkable with a large, pedestrian main street (Knez Mihailova) traversing the old town from Republic Square at one end to Kalemegdan Park (where the Belgrade Fortress is located) at the other.

I mentioned that we thought Belgrade was a bit rough looking at first glance – seeing this part of the city, with its impressive buildings, squares, and green spaces gave us a totally different perspective and helped warm us up to the city.

The Balkans are a hot travel destination .

See why you should travel to Slovenia right now!

Lots of street art in Belgrade

Belgradians are beautifying their city with street art.

There are murals everywhere, in fact Belgrade might have more street art than any other city we’ve visited.

Belgrade has some impressive Orthodox Churches

Belgrade’s Saint Sava is one of the largest church buildings in the world. St. Mark’s Church is also worth a visit.

But if you want to see typical old-style Orthodox churches, go see Ružica Church and the Church of St. Petka (both located outside the northern entrance of Belgrade Fortress).

Their colorful and ornate interiors are spectacular. Visiting these two churches was actually our sightseeing highlight in Belgrade.

Belgrade is a city of the future

I’ve mentioned American companies moving technical services to Belgrade. Others are also investing heavily.

Eagle Hills, a company based in Abu Dhabi is investing in revamping Belgrade’s waterfront.

A large exclusive apartment tower was nearing completion while we were there while, in the next few years, there will be ultra-modern skycrapers and luxury hotels as well as the largest mall in Europe.

China has increasingly invested in steel, energy and infrastructure projects in Serbia.

These investors see an educated, undervalued workforce that speaks excellent English. Expect the cityscape to change dramatically over the next few years.

We loved our time in Belgrade and want to see more of Serbia.

We had just come from 7 weeks in Japan which, while enjoyable, at times felt too organized and too scripted.

Belgrade reminded us why we enjoy traveling .

There’s no pretense with Belgrade.

It’s a bit gritty and there might not be a ton of ‘must-see sights’.

But it’s a comfortable city where you can walk around, go to the beaches (yes, they have beaches), have a drink or get a good meal without feeling that you’ve just walked into a tourist trap.

And with the language factor, it’s an easy place to connect with locals.

In fact, locals are the main reason we’ll be back: after writing about Serbia on our blog we’ve had an outpouring of kind words, recommendations and even invitations to stay at people’s homes for free.

That, for us, makes Belgrade – and Serbia – a special place.

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About Frank Thomae

Frank (Bbqboy) and Lissette (Spanky) left Canada in 2014 to travel the world. You can follow their adventures and images of Belgrade at their travel blog. Follow Their adventures: BBQBoy / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

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19 thoughts on “Impressions of Belgrade, Serbia”

A great article. I went to Serbia this summer, for Exit festival. Visited Belgrade too, but went to Novi Sad, took a room at Prenociste Dvoriste, and after a festival, went to see some more. Everything you said is true. And Serbians are soooo welcoming. I didn’t had any problems, had a great time, and I’m going there next year again. As a Spanish guy, I had no problems in communication with them, they are really well educated.

I am from Belgrade and it is nice to see positive and bright blog posts for my home town. Greetings from Belgrade

Going on a trip to Serbia. It was very interesting to read your article. Thank you for sharing your impressions. I want to visit the beautiful city of Belgrade.)

Amei a viagem

Thank you so much for the insightful and pleasant walk through Belgrade. My son and family have future plans to live there for a year or two because of his job. Your honest comments and information is very helpful.

Belgrade is the most popular for tourists in Serbia, but if you come to Belgrade there is much more to see outside of Belgrade, you can visit much more interesting places in Serbia in a day trip from Belgrade.

This was one of the most detailed and ultimate guides I’ve read about Belgrade, Dave and Deb! Belgrade is so charming and I have learned so many new things from your post. The Serbians are known to be very beautiful and friendly and I am glad you also share your opinion. As I love exploring new places on foot, Belgrade seems like a perfect destination!

I call Belgrade the Pittsburgh of Europe. Real, lively , genuine. I often come for work and look forwarded to every visit!

Reply to Siggi: Yugoslavia was never behind the iron curtain. Tito broke up with Stalin in 1948 and people could freely travel to other countries at least from the 60’s, maybe even earlier. The minorities had more rights than African/Native Americans had back then.

Really interesting post! I love history and so countries that were behind the iron curtain are especially interesting to me. These histories really give places a complex personality of its own.

Finding genuine people while traveling is the most refreshing thing, especially when you didn’t expect it.

Thanks so much Wendy. You must really know the city after 4 visits. We’ll be back for sure, we’ve found that places that don’ t get many tourists end up being the most rewarding as a traveller. Skopje was another place we visited that we really enjoyed. We spent a month in Lisbon and another using Padova (Italy) as bases – but much prefer these little known destinations in the Balkans.

Frank (bbqboy)

It´s refreshing to read an honest account of a not-so-touristic city. Who would have thought the Orthodox churches would be so beautiful? But it´s true that the people are what really makes a city unforgettable – sounds like I´ll have to add Belgrade on to my bucket list!

Hi BBQBoy and Spanky, Over the past decade or so, I’ve somehow ended up in Belgrade on four different occasions. Your description of the city is spot on. It appears a bit rough around the edges at first, but it definitely has a way of growing on you over time, largely thanks to the people.

Beautiful Picture. . This is a place I would like to visit

Beautiful pictures I would like to visit a place like this

Try rafting on Tara river!? …or festival in Guca!? Amazing skiing possibilities!

Thanks for including us Deb and Dave! We’ll be spending most of the next year in the Balkans. If our paths ever cross would love to meet the two of you for a beer.

I was in Belgrade in 2016, fell in love with it. I was supposed to be there for three days and ended up extending that to over a week. I love the fact that it is gritty and has a vibe. The people are genuine and the city is safe. Great place to just wonder around and get lost. Can’t wait to go back this year!

I’m sold! Serbia wasn’t really high on my list, more of a “yes, I’ll get there one day” place, but after reading this and getting a little taste it has moved up my list considerably. I’d also really like to see it while it is still a bit ‘gritty’, before it is too renovated. Great piece!

The Crazy Tourist

Home » Travel Guides » Serbia » 25 Best Things to Do in Belgrade (Serbia)

25 Best Things to Do in Belgrade (Serbia)

Is there a European capital with a more turbulent history than Belgrade? At the frontier of empires and the junction of the great Danube and Sava rivers, this is one of the oldest cities on the continent. As proof of the constant war and upheaval few buildings in Belgrade are older than a couple of hundred years.

But Belgrade is no less compelling for its tumultuous past, blending high culture with a fun-loving spirit. You can sense this lust for life on Skardarlija, the Bohemian street, or the splavovi, party boats that are moored on the Danube and Sava. Belgrade’s fortress dominates the cityscape, while orthodox churches and palaces for the Serbian royalty cropped up after Serbia won independence in the 19th century.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Belgrade :

1. Belgrade Fortress

Belgrade Fortress

On a tall ridge where the Danube and Sava rivers meet, Belgrade Fortress used to contain the entire city and has lived through 2,000 years of conflict.

All of that bloodshed seems very distant when you see the young couples arm-in-arm in Kalemegdan Park, watching the sun go down over Zemun.

They’ll find perches on the ramparts and secluded cubby holes among the angular remnants of the anti-artillery bastions and ravelins built by the Ottomans in the early modern ages.

There’s history at every turn in the fortress, from the Roman well to the medieval gate of Despot Stefan Lazarević.

But Pobednik (Victor) is the postcard monument, a statue wielding a sword and falcon atop a Doric column.

This dates to 1928 and commemorates Serbia’s defeat of the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empire in WWI.

2. Skadarlija

Skadarlija, Belgrade

Car-free and paved with bumpy cobblestones, Skadarlija has been a bohemian haunt since the 1800s and is Belgrade’s answer to Montmartre.

Like its Parisian counterpart, Skadarlija’s glory days were in the early 1900s when famous but cash-strapped Serbian singers, musicians, writers and poets lived, worked and performed here.

That  Belle Époque spirit lingers in the iron gaslights, restaurant terraces, foliage, awnings and the trompe l’oeil facade on the opposing wall.

Come for the cafes nightlife, traditional Serbian food like roštilj (grilled meat), and to take in the art displays and street performers as you go.

Suggested tour: Belgrade City Center Walking Tour

3. Church of St Sava

Church of St Sava, Belgrade

The largest Orthodox Church in the Balkan region, and the second largest in the world, St Sava is an ever-present monument in Serbia’s capital.

High on the Vračar plateau, you can see the church’s white granite and marble walls from any approach to Belgrade, while the 50 bells that sound noon ring out across the city.

The temple is built on the site where the Ottoman Grand Vizier Sinan Pasha burned St Sava’s relics after his icon had graced flags during a Serbian uprising in 1594. Construction began in 1935, 340 years after that event, and ended in 1989. The biggest challenge was raising the central dome, all 4,000 tons of which was assembled on the ground and hoisted into place.

Related tour : Belgrade 8-hour Big Tour with Entrance Fees

4. Ada Ciganlija

Ada Ciganlija, Belgrade

This island on the Sava has been reclaimed and turned into a peninsula, and is somewhere for Belgradians to let their hair down and be active.

Even though Ada Ciganlija is in the middle of the city, it has been left to nature, and is still cloaked with mature elm and oak forest.

On the south side the Sava is impounded, forming the Savsko jezero lake.

On any given summer’s day Ada Ciganlija is thronged with people jogging, rowing and kayaking on the lake, playing golf, tennis, basketball or just basking in the greenery.

But it’s the pebble beach that is the main draw, known as “Belgrade’s Seaside” and traced with bars and restaurants.

These provide picnic tables and deckchairs and are open into the night.

5. Knez Mihailova Street

Knez Mihailova Street, Belgrade

Extending diagonally through Stari Grad from the fortress to Republic Square, Knez Mihailova is a pedestrianised street and somewhere for Belgradians to shop and go out.

On what is one of the most expensive streets in the city per square metre, Knez Mihailova has upmarket boutiques and international high street brands like Sephora, Zara and Gap.

These are joined by scores of restaurant and bars, so if you come almost any time of day or night and you’ll encounter throngs of shoppers, couples or revellers.

And towards the fortress the way is lined with eye-catching rows of stuccoed Neoclassical mansions with quoins and cornices.

6. Gardoš Tower

Gardos Tower, Belgrade

In the oldest part of Zemun, a monument from the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire is lifted over the right bank of the Danube.

The Gardoš Tower is also known as the Millennium Tower as it was built in 1896 to celebrate 1,000 years of Hungarian settlement on the Pannonian Plain.

With an Eclecticist design it was constructed over the ruins of a medieval fortress and was one of several big projects around what was then Hungary to mark that anniversary.

Inside is a small exhibition about the storied history of Zemun and Gardoš, while you can head to the top for a supreme view of the Danube and the confluence.

Recommended tour: Belgrade 8-hour Big Tour with Entrance Fees

7. Nikola Tesla Museum

Nikola Tesla Museum, Belgrade

This museum presents the life and work of the great physicist, inventor and electrical engineer and Serbian national hero.

The exhibition is in two main sections: The first is a study of Tesla the man, sourcing personal effects, photographs and correspondence to paint a clearer picture of his life and travels.

The second is an often interactive exhibition of his work, with either originals, 3D renders or fully-functioning reproductions like an induction coil producing discharges at 500,000 volts.

For deeper scientific rigour you can take the English-speaking tour, given by students from Belgrade University’s Engineering Department.

8. St Mark’s Church

St Mark's Church, Belgrade

This cavernous Neo-Byzantine church is one of the largest in Serbia, and although its outer structure was completed during the 1930s interior works are ongoing.

The sublime iconostasis for instance was only completed in the 1990s: The frame is marble, while the icons inside and the painting of the last supper were composed by Đuro Radulović, an academic painter from Belgrade.

Work on the crypt began in 2007 under the narthex, and tombs of 19th-century clergy and Serbian royalty were transferred here.

These had been in the old St Mark’s, founded directly after Serbian independence and wrecked during the German bombing of Belgrade in 1941.

9. Republic Square

Republic Square, Belgrade

At the southern end of Knez Mihailova is Republic Square, with some of the city’s most important landmarks and a business district where Belgrade is at its most dynamic.

More than 20 trolleybus and bus lines converge at this one place, so it’s the meet-up of choice for many Belgradians.

The Serbian National Theatre and National Museum are here, as is the Prince Mihailo Monument.

Designed by the Italian sculptor Enrico Pazzi, this statue is of Mihailo Obrenović, Prince of Serbia twice in the mid-1800s and a key figure in the Balkans’ independence from the Ottoman Empire.

10. Zemunski Kej

Zemunski Kej, Belgrade

Also known as Kej Oslobođenja (Quay of Liberation), this waterside promenade is the best place in Belgrade to take in the Danube.

Starting just below the Gardoš Tower is a long green area, with plane trees and sumptuous views of Europe’s second-longest river just where it joins with the Sava.

These banks used to be flooded every year but engineering works have raised the embankment, while the pedestrian path has been widened to accommodate leisurely waterside ambles.

There are restaurants every few steps, many on barges and other old vessels (splavovi), while a small fleet of boats are waiting if you’d like a trip on the Danube.

11. Residence of Princess Ljubica

Residence of Princess Ljubica

A rare survivor from the first reign of Prince Miloš Obrenović, this palace dates to the beginning of the 1830s and was supposed to be a lavish seat for the Serbian court.

But the continued presence of the Ottomans meant that it was never used for that purpose.

Prince Miloš was only an occasional visitor until he was forced to abdicate in 1839 and the Obrenović family was expelled.

The permanent exhibition is a series of richly-furbished rooms with authentic period items assembled from various homes once owned by Belgrade’s bourgeois and royal families.

You’ll track the transition from the oriental Ottoman style on the lower floor to more western European decoration that was en vogue later in the 19th century.

12. Avala Tower

Avala Tower

This communications tower, the tallest structure in the Balkans, is an easy drive from Belgrade.

You could also catch the bus from Voždovac/Banjica or the tourist shuttle, which departs at intervals on weekends from Nikola Pašić Square.

Crowning Mount Avala, it’s another symbol for Belgrade and is a monument with a chequered past.

The tower was completed in 1965 but razed during the NATO bombing of Belgrade in 1999. The four-year reconstruction was finished in 2010 and for a couple of hundred dinar you can catch the elevator to the observation deck 135 metres up and with a panoramic cafe.

Recommended day trip : Avala Tower, Oplenac Royal Complex and Etno

13. Belgrade Military Museum

Belgrade Military Museum

Exploring the Belgrade Fortress you might bump into a cache of modern military hardware along one of the ramparts.

Lined up are deactivated mines, German panzers and torpedoes, while there are also antique cannons on the outer still arming the gun emplacements on the outer wall.

It all belongs to the military museum, which has been in the fortress since 1878. In the galleries is a hoard of weapons going back to the Ancient Greeks and Romans, with helmets and blades more than 2,000 years old.

From medieval times there are gauntlets and other armour, shields, axes, swords forged both in the Balkans and western Europe.

As you move into modern times the museum handles more sensitive subject matter, displaying some NATO equipment from 1999, including a captured Humvee and fragments of purported cluster bombs.

14. Museum of Yugoslav History

Museum of Yugoslav History

Another contentious but informative attraction is the mausoleum of former authoritarian President Josip Broz Tito, and the museum that was set up around it in the 2000s.

This covers the history of the former country of Yugoslavia, which as you’d expect inspires a gamut of emotions and memories, but in Belgrade these are generally positive.

The museum is the equivalent of a Presidential library and exhibits all of the gifts Tito amassed during his rule from 1953 to 1980. There are more than 200,000 artefacts in total, and among the many things worth tracking down are the ceremonial batons used in relays to mark Tito’s birthday every year.

These would then be presented to him in the stadium of the Yugoslav People’s Army.

15. National Theatre

National Theatre, Belgrade

On Republic Square the National Theatre is somewhere to go for a feast of high culture at a very affordable price.

The venue opened in 1869, and has come through war damage and a few architectural updates to remain an esteemed beacon of Serbian culture.

During the day you can go on a backstage tour to discover how the wardrobes and scenery are stored and maintained, and will be treated to an aria by the theatre’s singers in residence.

There’s a varied schedule of drama, opera and ballet at the theatre, always high brow and always unbelievably affordable thanks to state subsidies.

Front stalls are from as little as $7 and boxes aren’t much more.

16. Museum of Aviation

Museum of Aviation, Belgrade

Belgrade’s aviation museum is in a striking geodesic glass building from 1989 next to the city’s airport.

You can catch the 72 bus out there from the station in Zeleni Venac.

The museum has more than 200 aircraft belonging to the Serbian military as well as private collectors and clubs.

These range from biplanes like the Tiger Moth, Yugoslav Zmaj Fizir and Soviet Polikarpov to Second World War Messerschmitt and Spitfire fighters, as well as bombers like the Lockheed Lightning.

There are also more recent artefacts from the NATO bombing campaign in 1999, including the wreckage of a F-117 and a MQ-1 Predator drone.

17. St Michael’s Cathedral

St Michael's Cathedral, Belgrade

Walking distance from both the fortress and Princess Ljubica’s Residence, Belgrade’s Neoclassical cathedral is from the 1830s and was instrumental in Serbia’s fight for independence.

It is just the latest version of a monument going back to the 1500s and repeatedly torn down during the Ottoman Empire.

Note the liberal use of gold leaf in the icons and murals, painted by Dimitrije Avramović and the iconostasis and choir by Dimitrije Petrović who had been trained in Vienna.

Both men are considered among the foremost Serbian artists of the age.

The cathedral holds the relics of the 14th-century king and saint Stefan Uroš V and the tombs of national heroes like Vuk Karadžić, who reformed the Serbian language in the 1800s.

18. Stari Dvor and Novi Dvor

Stari Dvor, Belgrade

Any tour of the city needs to include the Old and New Palaces built for the Obrenović and Karađorđević royal families respectively.

The pair face each other across the Andrićev Venac square as part of a grand ensemble on Kralja Milana.

The Old Palace dates to the 1880s and has Beaux-Arts architecture, with interiors imported wholesale from Vienna.

This now houses Belgrade’s city assembly, open to occasional tours.

The New Palace meanwhile also has Revivalist architecture and was completed in 1922 following damage during the First World War.

Its facade is dominated by a two-storey colonnade of Ionic columns and the palace is now the residence for the President of Serbia.

19. House of the National Assembly of Serbia

House of the National Assembly of Serbia

The seat of Serbia’s National Assembly may well be the finest and most photogenic building in Belgrade.

Previously this home to Yugoslavia’s Parliament, and following that state’s breakup, the Parliament of Serbia and Montenegro.

Given its official purpose, access to this imposing Beaux-Arts building is restricted but you could enquire with Belgrade’s tourist board about a tour as these are organised every now and again.

The rest of the time it’s a landmark for a photo stop, either by day or illuminated at night.

No surprise that this iconic monument is also the scene for Belgrade’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.

20. White Palace

White Palace, Belgrade

Like the National Assembly this royal palace in the upscale Dedinje neighbourhood south of the city isn’t a monument you can just turn up and visit.

But there are tours in summer, and you need only write to the tourist board before in advance to book your place.

The effort will be rewarded, and you’ll be taken by bus from the city hall to this Neo-Palladian palace from the 1930s.

The interior is enriched with Georgian antique furniture and paintings by the likes of Poussin, Veronese, Canaletto, Brueghel, Titian and many more.

There’s also an extensive library, and wonderful panoramas from the terrace.

The Crown Prince and Princess, Alexander and Katherine may even show up if they’re at home.

21. Rajko Mitić Stadium (Marakana)

Red Star Stadium Belgrade

Now, this isn’t an option for the faint-hearted or non-football fans.

But if you do follow the beautiful game you may have heard about the Eternal Derby between FK Partizan and Red Star Belgrade.

If you come for the fixture when Red Star host their cross-town rivals at the 55,000-capacity Rajko Mitić Stadium you’ll encounter possibly the most intense atmosphere of any football match in the world.

Buy a ticket for the east or west stand, as the North and South ends are for the hardcore fans.

Come to any other fixture for a more sedate match-day experience at Serbia’s largest football stadium, and the the home of the 1991 Champions League winners.

22. Historical Museum of Serbia

Historical Museum of Serbia, Belgrade

This museum on Nikola Pašić Square stages only temporary exhibitions on themes dealing with Serbia’s past.

One recent exhibitions for instance was dedicated to the 13-century prince and monk St Sava, who essentially founded the Serbian Orthodox church.

Another show recounted Serbian life during the First World War, while others have handled topics as diverse as the First Serbian Uprising at the start of the 19th century, Serbian sculpture, iconography and the trailblazing Serbian-American physicist Mijajlo Pupin.

23. Ružica Church

 Ružica Church

Against the northeast walls of the Belgrade Fortress sits the oldest church in the city.

The exact origins of the building are unknown, except that its history is a litany of demolitions and rebuilds.

The earliest mention is from the 1400s, but it was duly pulled down after the Ottoman Empire conquered Belgrade in 1521. The current building is from the 19th century (requiring a restoration after WWI) and integrates walls from the fort’s old gunpowder magazine.

The facade is clad with ivy, and the interior has some peculiar chandeliers made from First World War bayonet blades and shell casings.

24. Zeleni Venac

Zeleni Venac, Belgrade

There are a few outdoor markets that you could seek out in Belgrade, but Zeleni Venac, known as Queen of the Markets, is the one to keep in mind.

It is the most central, foubd next to one of Belgrade’s big transport hubs and has been trading since 1847. Price-wise Zeleni Vanac is also the most competitive in the city.

Under a metallic canopy that was restored about ten years ago are scores of fruit and vegetable traders.

Saturdays are when the market thrums with lively conversation and the calls of stall-holders.

There are pekaras (bakeries) along the sides for fresh pastries like krempita, baklava, tulumbe and kadaif.

25. Splavovi

Splavovi

If you’re planning a night out in Belgrade, be prepared to board a splav.

These are the barges and boats that are permanently moored on the Danube and Sava rivers.

They can be floating restaurants, bars or nightclubs.

And no two splavovi are alike: Some are polished and cultivated, while others are younger and more raucous.

You can dance all night to live rock bands, pop, dance music or Serbian folk.

Or you can opt for something quieter and dine in peace beside the Danube.

In summer there’s a party on the splavovi seven days a week and you’ll see people making their way along the quay hopping from one barge to the next.

25 Best Things to Do in Belgrade (Serbia):

  • Belgrade Fortress
  • Church of St Sava
  • Ada Ciganlija
  • Knez Mihailova Street
  • Gardoš Tower
  • Nikola Tesla Museum
  • St Mark's Church
  • Republic Square
  • Zemunski Kej
  • Residence of Princess Ljubica
  • Avala Tower
  • Belgrade Military Museum
  • Museum of Yugoslav History
  • National Theatre
  • Museum of Aviation
  • St Michael's Cathedral
  • Stari Dvor and Novi Dvor
  • House of the National Assembly of Serbia
  • White Palace
  • Rajko Mitić Stadium (Marakana)
  • Historical Museum of Serbia
  • Ružica Church
  • Zeleni Venac

Never Ending Footsteps

22 Things to Do in Belgrade in 2024 (By a Local!)

belgrade serbia travel blog

Wherever I am in the world, you can practically guarantee that I’m thinking about Belgrade.

This is a truly wonderful city — one of my favourites in Europe — and yet it’s so underrated! Belgrade is relatively unexplored in comparison to other capital cities on the continent, remaining untouched by mass tourism even in 2024. Combine that lack of tourists with the city’s peaceful green spaces, unusual architecture, fascinating history, and friendly locals, and you’ve got yourself a pretty perfect travel destination.

What I love most about Belgrade, though, is how you can always feel the city’s pulse emanating from beneath the surface; almost like it’s alive. The energy here is amazing, and there’s subsequently so many ways to fill your time, from riverside strolls to lively music festivals; world class cocktail bars to historical fortresses. Did you know that Belgrade is one of the best European cities for partying? It’s totally true, but it’s also true that this city is so much more than its nightlife.

I’ve put this article together with one of my Serbian friends, Danijela. She was born in Belgrade and spent the first 24 years of her life within the city; even going to university here. She knows Belgrade like the back of her hand, from its hidden gems to the absolute can’t-miss attractions.

I’m going to be combining her in-depth knowledge with my experiences as a travel writer with the aim of creating the ultimate article for visiting Belgrade. You’ll have access to Danijela’s insider knowledge as well as my recommendations from weeks of exploration. The best of both worlds!

Without further ado, then, here are the best things to do in Belgrade.

Belgrade Fortress

First Things First: Belgrade’s Fortress

Okay, so if there’s only one thing that you do in Belgrade, it’s got to be checking out the city’s fortress. It’s the number one attraction for good reason.

Kalemegdan, or Belgrade Fortress, is one of those landmarks you can’t skip when visiting a new city. Not only do you have centuries-old stone walls to wander along, but there’s also a beautiful park inside. Combine the two of them and you’ve got yourself the perfect spot for relaxing, strolling, and soaking up some of the most beautiful views of Belgrade.

From the fortress, you can gain a clear picture of the meeting point of the Danube and Sava rivers, as well as Zemun, New Belgrade, bridges, and part of the old town.

If you want to do as the locals do, I recommend heading to the fortress at sunset. While you’re there, you’ll see couples, families, and friends sitting on benches along the walls, enjoying the views, laughing, and gossiping.

Fortress in Belgrade

The fortress is over 2000 years old, with some sections being newer. The history of the fortress is filled with battles and wars, because of its geopolitical position. From Celts to Romans, and Ottomans, these walls hide history worth thousands of books. It is a place that every history buff would love to visit.

The best views from the fortress you will get below the Pobednik monument (Victor monument). It is a statue of a man holding a sword and a falcon on the top of a Doric column. The author of this beautiful piece is Ivan Meštrović, a Croatian sculptor who created many famous statues located around Belgrade.

My favorite part of the Kalemegdan fortress is Ružica Church, located on the northeast side of the fortress. It is the oldest church in the city and the whole area looks like it’s from a fairy tale. The entrance is free, like to the fortress. Only locations on the fortress where you pay the entrance fee are the Military Museum, and the Observatory.

The Belgrade Military Museum has on display mines, antique cannons, German panzers, weapons from ancient Greeks and Romans, armor from medieval times, and so much more. It covers the history of all the nations that passed this way in the past and the more recent history of Serbia, including the NATO bombing from 1999.

The Observatory is part of the oldest astronomical society in the Balkans, Astronomical Society Ruđer Bošković, established by a group of students in 1934. From only a few members it grew to over 700 astronomy lovers today. You can visit it during the day or in the evening and pay a small fee to use the telescope. 

Belgrade cafes

Wander the Streets of Skadarlija: the Bohemian Quarter

Skadarlija is the bohemian quarter where all the writers, artists, and intellectuals were spending time for the last two centuries. Nowadays it is a tourist location, but it is still filled with locals that love good food, wine, music, and a bohemian lifestyle.

It is a pedestrian area covered in cobblestones, where the first restaurants opened in the early 1800s. Some call it “Serbian Montmartre”. This place is not to be missed if you like experiencing local life, the best food in the city, seeing art on display, and listening to street performers.

belgrade serbia travel blog

You Must Check Out the Church of St Sava

Church of St Sava, or St Sava Temple as it is called in Serbia, is the largest Orthodox Church in the Balkan region, and the second-largest in the world. It is located on the Vračar plateau, right next to the National Library, overlooking the city. You can see it from almost every corner of Belgrade as it is taller than most of the buildings and also located high on the hill.

The location of the church is important to the Orthodox Church because it is where the Ottoman Grand Vizier Sinan Pasha burned St Sava’s relics after his icon had graced flags during a Serbian uprising in 1594. Construction of the church began in 1935, 340 years after that event, and ended in 1989. The inside of the church was finished just recently and it is open to visitors. 

Streets of Belgrade

Love Shopping? Simply Stroll Down Knez Mihailova Street

Before shopping malls came to Belgrade this was the main shopping street. To this day locals love shopping here, strolling down the street from Republic square to the Belgrade fortress, and having coffee with friends in one of the cafes along the way.

Here you will find brands like Reply, Zara, H&M, Gap, and similar. At the end of the street recently has been open Rajićeva shopping mall with a beautiful restaurant on the top floor. On the ground floor, you will find the only Starbucks in Belgrade, but I suggest you go across the street to Kafeterija, a three-story coffee shop, rather than to a popular chain.

My favorite part of this street is all the bookshops and art galleries you can visit. One of the galleries that regularly has exhibits of Serbian and international artists in the gallery in the building of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts. This building by itself is a work of art and if you look at the huge vitrage under the afternoon light you will be amazed by the colors and shapes you will see. The building was completed in 1924, and it was built in Art Nouveau style.

Knez Mihailova street is one kilometer long, and it was named after Mihailo Obrenović III, Prince of Serbia. The street was protected in 1964 as the spatial cultural-historical unit. The most beautiful architectural features are neoclassicism buildings and mansions built during the late 1870s.

belgrade serbia travel blog

I Love Zemun: Belgrade’s City Within a City

Zemun was a separate city until 1934 when it was absorbed by Belgrade. To this day it looks and feels different walking around Zemun than walking around the rest of Belgrade. The architecture resembles old Austro-Hungarian towns, and the location by the Danube river gives this place a special characteristic. 

Locals love walking by the river, sitting in restaurants on the shore that in the evening turn into traditional places to go out, listen to live music, and have a good time with friends. Kej Oslobođenja (Quay of Liberation), or simply Zemunski Kej is a waterside promenade that takes you from Zemun to Brankov most (Branko’s bridge) where you can cross to the old town, or continue riding bicycles or walking further around New Belgrade shore.

Everything about Zemun is more relaxing than in the busy city center of Belgrade. Cobblestone streets, swans coming close to people wanting to be fed, pedestrian areas with cafes and shops, Zemun is like a city within the city.

Gardoš Tower is a landmark located on the hill above the river overlooking Zemun. The tower dates back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire when Zemun was the first line of defense against the Ottomans. Inside the tower, there is a small exhibit dedicated to the history of Zemun, and then you can climb to the top to see an amazing view of the city and the Danube river.

belgrade serbia travel blog

Celebrate Tesla at the Nikola Tesla Museum

Nikola Tesla Museum, as the name says it, is a museum dedicated to a great inventor and physicist, who was a Serbian national. The entrance to the museum and a guided tour in English is 800 RSD, and the opening hours are 10 am to 5 pm. There’s a rumor that the museum will be moved to a bigger building downtown in the near future, but for now, it is in Krunska street, 51.

The exhibit has two sections. The first one is about Tesla’s life, and the second one is about his scientific research and inventions. The second one is also an interactive exhibit featuring 3D renders or fully-functioning reproductions like an induction coil producing discharges at 500,000 volts.

belgrade serbia travel blog

Tašmajdan Park, or Taš, is a Beauty

Probably the best kept and most beautiful city park, Tašmajdan is located only 15 minutes walk from Republic Square and 5 minutes from the National Assembly of Serbia. Sit on the park’s benches and enjoy the smell of flowers and the sound of water fountains and children playing.

St Mark’s Church is facing the park and you can see it from any part of the park. It was built in place of the Small Palilulska church that was destroyed in the German bombing of Belgrade on 6 April 1941. Today’s church was built in the medieval Serbo-Byzantine style, patterned after the Gračanica monastery. 

belgrade serbia travel blog

Don’t Forget Republic Square, Which is the Heart of Belgrade

This is the main square in the city and also “the center” of the city. If you are meeting with friends you would probably tell them “meet me by the horse”, meaning you will be waiting for them on this square by the statue of Prince Mihailo on a horse. Two of the most prominent buildings are here, The Serbian National Theatre and National Museum. 

The National Theater is the best place in the city to watch a play, opera, or ballet. The price of one ticket is from 400 to 1000 RSD, which is still below $10. If you visit during the day, you can opt for a tour of the backstage and Museum of the National Theater. 

The National Museum has amazing treasures on display, including an Egyptian mummy. You can see historical artifacts and artworks, covering periods from prehistory to the 20th century. The permanent collection is located on three levels, plus there are temporary exhibits year-round. A single ticket is 300 RSD for the permanent collection, and 500 RSD for the thematic exhibition. A guided tour for individuals or groups of up to 5 people is 3500 RSD.

belgrade serbia travel blog

Residence of Princess Ljubica

The residence of Princess Ljubica is one of only a few buildings that remained from Prince Miloš Obrenović’s rule. It was built in 1830 as a seat for the Serbian court, but it was never used for that purpose. For a while, Princess Ljubica, wife of Prince Miloš Obrenović, resided here, while he was in his residence located in the Kalemegdan fortress (cannot be visited inside, but you can see the outside of the building and take pictures).

The villa is a mix of Ottoman style and 19th-century European style, which can be seen in the permanent displays of furniture and art. Oriental style is presented on the lower floor, and western European style is on the top floor. If you plan ahead of time or if you are just lucky, you will visit this museum when the actresses are performing scenes from the life of Princess Ljubica. The entrance to the museum is 200 RSD.

belgrade serbia travel blog

Gain Some Epic Views From Avala Tower: the Tallest Building in the Balkans

Avala Tower is located on the mountain Avala, less than an hour drive from Belgrade city center. It is a communications tower and the tallest building in the Balkans. If you are going by bus catch a bus 401 from Karadjordjev park near St Sava Church.

The tower was completed in 1965 but it was severely damaged in 1999 during the NATO bombing of Belgrade. Since 2010 it is open again for tourists and the entrance fee is 300 RSD. Although the tower itself is 135 meters high, the observation deck is located at 122 meters. You also have the option to visit a cafe bar “Panorama” located 3 meters below.

Avala mountain is the best hike near Belgrade, and if you like nature you can spend the entire day here. The highest peak is only 511 meters and you will know you arrived when you see the Monument to the Unknown Hero, a World War I memorial designed by Ivan Meštrović. From there you can enjoy views of surrounding landscapes, have a picnic and rest before going back to the city.

belgrade serbia travel blog

There’s the Museum of Yugoslav History for History Buffs

The Museum of Yugoslav History is a controversial place that is most interesting to those who want to know more about communism in Yugoslavia and Tito. There are still some “Yugo nostalgic” locals who think of the communist period as something best that ever happened to Yugoslavia. Others, on the other hand, want to forget everything related to that era.

The museum is set up around the mausoleum of former authoritarian President Josip Broz Tito, in the early 2000s. You can see all the gifts that Tito received during his rule. There are over 200,000 artifacts and art pieces in the permanent exhibit.

Combine your entrance to the museum with an in-depth tour on communism in Belgrade ( €25 ) — it lasts four hours and covers the history of Serbia from World War II to the 1990s. With nothing but five-star reviews from dozens of travellers, this is a no-brainer if you’re interested in learning more.

belgrade serbia travel blog

Nikola Pašić Square: the Center of Political Power in Serbia

Nikola Pašić was a famous politician from the period of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. His statue is located on the square, looking at the fountain and  House of the National Assembly of Serbia nearby. The seat of Serbia’s National Assembly is known for its architectural beauty. Built in Beaux-Arts style it is often photographed by tourists day and night when the lights give it a spectacular look. Unfortunately, because it is the seat of the parliament, the building doesn’t offer any tours.

Across the street is Stari Dvor and Novi Dvor (Old and New Palace), which used to be the residence for two royal families, Obrenović and Karađorđević. These two buildings face each other across the small Andrićev Venac square. 

The Old Palace was built in the 1880s in Beaux-Arts architectural style, with interiors imported from Vienna. Nowadays it is Belgrade’s city assembly. The New Palace meanwhile also has Revivalist architecture and was completed in 1922 after being damaged during World War I. Now it is used as the residence for the President of Serbia.

The Historical Museum of Serbia is also located on Nikola Pašić Square, and it is a must-see for history lovers. It doesn’t have a permanent exhibition, but it always has at least one temporary exhibit about the Serbian past. My favorite one was about a Serbian scientist 

Mihajlo Pupin, “Pupin – From Physical To Spiritual Reality”. The admission is 200 RSD.

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Catch Some Respite at the White Palace, Residence for the Royal Family

White Palace, a royal palace in the upscale Dedinje neighborhood south of the city, offers occasional tours in the summertime. To sign up for the tour you have to contact Belgrade Tourist Board (Tel: 011/2635-622, E-mail: [email protected]).

The White Palace was built with the private funds of King Alexander, and it took almost 4 years to finish. He wanted it to be a residence for his three sons, and later on King Petar and his mother, Queen Marija lived there before abdicating at the beginning of World War II. This beautiful palace has a library with 35,000 books, a large hall, and several gorgeous rooms in the style of Louis XV and Louis XVI with large Venetian chandeliers. 

belgrade serbia travel blog

Spends Some Time at the Zeleni Venac Farmers Market

Zeleni Venac is an open-air market with a long tradition that locals love visiting to buy fresh produce. It is located in the center of the city by the biggest city bus stop by the same name. It is known as the “Queen of the Markets” in Belgrade, and it has the biggest variety of articles offered.

The market was first established in 1847 and hasn’t moved since. Although the metallic canopy was restored about a decade ago. The market is surrounded by bakeries that offer fresh pastries and cakes. But my all-time favorite pastry shop is just around the corner, “Slatko Srce” in Prizrenska street number 7.

belgrade serbia travel blog

Gain a New Perspective and Explore Belgrade From Underground

The Belgrade Underground Tour is for those who love learning about history, myths, and legends, and also finding hidden gems. The tour included entering closed spaces with low lighting, so if you are claustrophobic this tour might not be for you. I enjoyed this experience very much because even as a local I learned a lot of things on this tour. At the end of the tour, you will get to enjoy a glass of local wine in an underground winery, and talk to others about the impressions.

You will hear the stories about the Roman Well, explore the underground military bunker, and see amazing archeological artifacts. The guide will tell you about Belgrade’s past, from the Roman empire to the modern-day. If you don’t know much about Serbian history this is the best way to start your learning experience.

belgrade serbia travel blog

Terazije Street

Terazije street is in the city center and it covers an area from Sremska Street to Kralja Milana Street. Thanks to Prince Miloš Obrenović the street got its today’s shape in the 1840s, and some buildings still resemble that time. 

The name Terazije comes from the Turkish word for a water supply because since the Ottomans were in charge of Belgrade there was a water fountain (Terazijska česma) at the beginning of the street. This fountain is still in function and it is a beautiful landmark in front of the Hotel Moskva, a symbol of the street.

Hotel Moskva was built at the beginning of the 20th century in the secession style and to this day it is one of the most beautiful places to have a coffee and chat with friends. Other famous hotels in Terazije street are Hotel Kazina and Hotel Balkan. Among all the restaurants and cafes in this street, my favorite one is just around the corner, pub “Samo Pivo” (the name means only beer) in Balkanska street number 13. 

belgrade serbia travel blog

You Must Check Out the Nightlife Scene in Belgrade

Some call Belgrade “Bangkok of Europe”, and this reputation has followed the capital of Serbia for nearly two decades now. It all started with locals who loved going out, so numerous clubs opened in the city and along the rivers. When I was at the university in the 2000s I remember being able to go out every night. Not just that there was a good party every night, but it was also very affordable.

Compared to some other European cities Belgrade is still affordable, and even the pricier bars and clubs charge $5 – $10 per beer. If you drink Champagne or expensive cocktails your bill might be higher, but for simple drinks, you won’t spend more than $50 per night per person.

There are two main seasons for nightlife in Belgrade, winter and summer seasons.

In wintertime most of the clubs move to the city, and in summer they are situated by the river, and these clubs are called “splavovi”, translation is literally “rafts”. There is no rule, so some of these clubs stay at both locations the entire year, but the best way to find out what kind of parties are happening where is to visit websites like gdeizaci.com or kudaveceras.rs

belgrade serbia travel blog

The Museum of Contemporary Art Always Has Something Interesting on Display

This museum was under construction for a long time, but a few years ago, it finally opened. The first exhibition I visited since it reopened was a retrospective of Marina Abramović. The location of the museum is in a spectacular park in the Ušće area and offers incredible views of the Old Belgrade and the Belgrade Fortress.

The ticket price is 500 RSD and it covers temporary exhibits and permanent collections. Here you can see world-famous artists, domestic and international. Some of the exhibits that were on display here in the past are (Re)Evolution – Dragan Ilić retrospective exhibition, Solo exhibition Silent talk by Lana Vasiljević, Marina Abramović retrospective exhibition “The Cleaner”, and many more.

belgrade serbia travel blog

Take a Break From the City at Jevremovac Botanical Gardens

Now I don’t know about you, but I love wandering around a good botanical garden when I’m travelling, and Jevremovac offers up a stunning example.

The garden is located in Dorćol, which is one of the oldest parts of Belgrade, and was first founded way back in 1874 at the suggestion of Josip Pančić, a famous Serbian naturalist. The original location for the garden was beside the river, but when the surrounding area continually flooded, it was moved further inland. The king at the time, King Milan Obrenović, donated a property he’d inherited from his grandfather Jevrem Obrenović (hence the name) to the cause, and so a new botanical garden was built.

Jevremovac Botanical Garden is such a peaceful oasis in Belgrade, and one of my favourite spots in the city to picnic, rest, or simply admire the tropical plants. The garden itself consisted of a greenhouse, and outdoor area and a Japanese garden, which is particularly interesting.

The glass garden was built in 1892 in Victorian style, with a central dome and two wings. It is home to about 1000 different tropical, subtropical, and Mediterranean plant species. 

In the outdoor space, the garden has system plots, rockeries, ferns, pools with water lilies, a bamboo labyrinth, children’s corner, etc. The outdoor section houses over 1300 species of plants, separated by ecological units and geographical regions. The Japanese garden is an especially beautiful section of the outdoor space, built in Japanese style with a focus on beauty, simplicity, and harmony. It is a great place to meditate or read a book. The entrance is 300 RSD.

belgrade serbia travel blog

Take a Sunset cruise to see Belgrade From Another Angle

Confession time: I’ve actually taken this cruise twice. The first time it was a gift from a friend, and the second time was just a few days later because I was amazed by the beauty I’d experienced. Even if you spend your entire life in Belgrade, seeing it from the water perspective is too special and stunning. The boat will go around the fortress, War island, Zemun, and more. 

The cruise is about one hour long and it passes under the bridges, by the floating houses, historic architecture, and offers incredible sights. You also get to try local wines and beers or soft drinks while soaking in all the magical views. When the tour starts it is still a day and on the way back the sunset starts and the city lights up. 

belgrade serbia travel blog

Topčider park, a picnic paradise

Topčider used to be covered in summer houses and vineyards, but as the city expanded it became closer to the center than ever. It is an excellent park that locals use for bike rides, picnics, and walks. To get there catch the 3A bus from the Savska bus stop, and in about 20 minutes you will be surrounded by greenery.

The name Topčider comes from the Turkish language, originating from Persian and meaning “valley of cannons”. This was the location from where the Turks attacked Belgrade in 1521. In 1831 prince Miloš Obrenović built a manor and a church here. Later on “kafana” was added, army barracks and the park.

Prince Miloš’s residence in Topčider was built in Ottoman style and the interiors were decorated in oriental style, and they are partially preserved. The museum works year-round and the entrance is 200 RSD. It doesn’t work only on Mondays, like many other museums, so it is good to check when museums are working before heading to some faraway location.

belgrade serbia travel blog

Belgrade waterfront, the newest part of the city

Belgrade waterfront is the newest addition to Belgrade, and it is a modern part of the city leaning onto the old city. The waterfront has a beautiful promenade where you can bike, walk, or enjoy views. Along the promenade, there are several restaurants and bars that you can visit as well.

The area is mostly business-oriented with few residential buildings and has one of the biggest shopping malls in Belgrade. The location of this area is great, being only minutes away from Slavija, Belgrade fair, Ada Ciganlija, Kalemegdan, and Republic square. 

The idea of a waterfront built here was very controversial and exploring the stories behind it is like going down the rabbit hole, but the fact is that the Belgrade waterfront is here to stay and it is going to be a business hub for decades to come.

belgrade serbia travel blog

Belgrade is the Best!

Belgrade is the city that will invite you with open arms and that you will fall in love with at first sight. It is not huge but it is big enough so you can spend days exploring and not get bored. Its perfect location in the center of Serbia allows you to go on day trips and see the rest of this beautiful country.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Your Trip to Belgrade!

If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to Belgrade and Serbia. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re more affordable than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay  $1.50 a day  for travel insurance.

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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18 comments.

..and that has been the hottest day in Belgrade this year…

I know that you didn’t liked Belgrade, but I’m glad that you grasped what we consider the single best thing in BG: a pure enjoyment. A possibility to relax and enjoy a moment, any moment.

I definitely enjoyed relaxing at the fortress! :)

It’s a shame about the Tesla Museum, but Skadarska Street looks gorgeous.

It was a wonderful place to chill out and have a drink! :)

Looks like a lovely city with a cool fortress! Too bad about the Tesla Museum.

Yeah, it was a shame! But the rest of Belgrade made up for it :)

Never heard of Belgarde before. It looks so clean and perfect for holiday. I’d like to explore this tourist spot in Eastern Europe soon! Thanks for sharing this and encouraging me somehow to be in the place.

You’re welcome Sal! It was a cool place to visit for a day or two.

I had been thinking about visiting Belgrade. Thanks for the post, it given me food for thought. The photos are great.

Thanks, Steve! Glad my post could help.

Beautiful photos. I’d be interested in visiting Belgrade, though I must say that I’d prefer to see Romania first as I have friends from there :-) It really is a shame that Tesla is so under appreciated, and that the museum was a dissappointment. Ithink it’s important to take the opportunity to relax, visit with friends and people watch – to study the local culture, of course. Thanks for the great photos of a place I’ve yet to see and have added to my ‘someday’ list…

Thanks, Gayla! It’s definitely important to relax when you travel – I think I’d have had a nervous breakdown if I’d kept travelling like I did in the begging for all this time!

just looking at these pictures makes me want to do exactly what you did, so don’t feel bad ;) relaxation during travel is totally okay. Doesn’t have to be sightseeing and go go go all the time

– Maria Alexandra

Yep, I definitely agree! Some of my best memories are hanging out with friends, relaxing and doing nothing all day!

I’m glad you got to visit Belgrade even for a day, but I gotta say that you can’t actually get to know Belgrade for that little time. Considering that you went to Belgrade with couple of prejudices and pumped up expectations about one of just three locations you visited, including Belgrade fortress (which really is beautiful), Skadarska street and Tesla’s Museum, you can’t say you went to the right locations to get to know Belgrade, and maybe to get to like it. Of course you did your best having just a one day. :)

Must see in Belgrade is old, urban part and “cultural happening” center of the city called Savamala, below the Brankov bridge; amazing Ada Ciganlija (Sava Lake and its surrounding beach, sport facilities, beach bars and clubs); Zemunski kej (old town of Zemun and Zemun promenade besides Danube river filled with authentic river rafts which are used as cafes and bars and many other things.

I really hope that you’ll give Belgrade another chance, and if you do, I suggest you to get one of the free tourist guides available in Belgrade, and to find your accommodation in Belgrade’s downtown, where I happen to work, and because all of those locations are easily reachable from there by foot or public transportation.

If you need any more info, feel free to ask. All the best.

Thank you so much for the kind recommendations! I hope to visit again in 2016 :-)

Hi Lauren, thanks for sharing your thoughts about my hometown, I enjoyed reading it. I am sad that you stumble upon a couple of disappointments during your stay but I am sure that Belgrade would come up for it next time you come. :) What makes BG so different from any other city is its incredible positive vibe and energy, spirit more than monuments. If you come back, feel free to contact me. All the best, Marija http://www.apartmani-u-beogradu.com/

Thanks so much for the offer, Marija! I hope to return later this year :-)

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How to spend 3 days in Belgrade? A Perfect 3-day Itinerary

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is a city known for its great nightlife scene and incredible cafes . But Belgrade also has a very important past and still holds so much history within its museums and buildings.

If this will be your first time visiting Belgrade, 3 days is a good amount of time to spend in the city to give you a chance to see some of the best attractions in town. Being one of the most important cities in the Balkans, you could easily spend more time if you have flexibility and still find other incredible things to do.

I am currently living in Novi Sad and have visited Belgrade a bunch of times for both business and leisure. To help you see the best of what this city has to offer, I’ve decided to create a perfect Belgrade 3-day itinerary and help you plan an unforgettable trip. So, let’s get started!

How to spend 3 days in Belgrade

The capital of Serbia offers tons of tourist attractions and activities that will easily keep you occupied for 3 days . I personally find it a pity that many tourists visit Belgrade in a rush and don’t get to really explore its hidden gems and incredible gastronomy.

In this 3-day Belgrade itinerary, I have included the most important attractions and also a few special spots that you will not find on an average travel itinerary. My goal is that by the end of your third day in Belgrade, you can truly say you have fully explored the city.

Day 1 in Belgrade : Explore downtown Belgrade and the Kalemegdan Fortress

Republic square.

Serbia - Belgrade

Our first stop is Republic Square, a popular gathering spot for both locals and tourists visiting Belgrade. It is a great place to sit in one of the cafes and admire the stunning architecture around you.

In the center of this massive square from the 19th century, you will find a large statue of Prince Mihailo on a horse. Erected in 1882, this beautiful monument is the work of famous Italian sculptor Enrico Pazzi. 

For those who don’t know Prince Mihailo was the prince of Serbia who is famous for making agreements with neighboring countries and getting rid of Turkish control.

The National Museum of Serbia

Republic Square is where you will find the amazing National Museum of Serbia. Get ready to be blown away with one of the finest examples of Austro-Hungarian style architecture in Belgrade.

The museum was under renovation for more than 10 years. Finally, in 2018, the National Museum of Serbia opened its doors to the public.

Spread across three levels, the museum is home to items from the Paleolithic period to the 20th century and everything in between. Expect to see everything from archaeological and numismatic to historical and artistic collections.  You will probably spend an hour or two here.

Knez Mihailova Street

Serbia - Belgrade

Our next stop on this 3-day Belgrade itinerary is the iconic Knez Mihailova Street. It stretches from the Republic Square to the Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress. It is, without a doubt, the most popular pedestrian street in the city .

You will notice that the street is lined with beautiful buildings showcasing gorgeous art nouveau, art deco, and baroque architecture. If you wish to go on a shopping spree, the pedestrian Knez Mihailova Street is home to world-famous brands like H&M, Zara, Benetton, and many other world-famous brands.

For a cup of coffee, I recommend paying a visit to Costa Coffee and Coffee Dream. Wine lovers can check out the famous Mix Vine Bar and Vine shop. In case you get hungry, book a table at Snezana restaurant and enjoy their delicious pasta and meat dishes.

Knez Mihailova is also home to several cultural institutions such as the Belgrade City Library, Zepter Museum, and the Gallery of the Cultural Center of Belgrade.

Kalemegdan Park and the Belgrade Fortress

Serbia - Belgrade

Located just a short walk from Knez Mihailova, Kalemegdan Park and the Belgrade Fortress are two of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. 

This huge complex of buildings and parks dates back to 279 BC. Here, you will find the impressive Military Museum, as well as the Pobednik Monument. If you are interested in war artifacts like I am, the Military Museum and its collection of helmets, crossbows, Roman swords, and daggers is a cool place to visit.

Some of the other attractions at Kalemegdan include the Roman Well and the Great Gunpowder Warehouse. For breathtaking views, visit the Great Kalemegdan Staircase for panoramic river views. 

My favorite place at Kalemegdan is Ružica Church, one of the oldest churches in Belgrade . It is a popular spot for weddings. An interesting fact is that this church was used as a gunpowder storage facility during the 18th century. 

You will need at least 4 hours to visit Kalemegdan and all of its attractions.

Pro tip: The Fortress is a great place to watch the sunset. Go for a drink at Boho Bar while you wait.

In the evening, make your way from Kalemegdan to the river where you will find the Savamala area . It is home to the legendary Beton Hala, a former industrial building that is nowadays home to some of the best bars and restaurants in Belgrade. 

For a memorable dining experience, have dinner at Comunale Restaurant, Ambar Restaurant, or Toro Latin Gastrobar.  If you wish to dance the night away, go to Gotic nightclub.

Day 2 in Belgrade: Visit the Church of Saint Sava and other important landmarks

Church of saint sava.

Serbia - Belgrade

Day 2 of our Belgrade 3-day itinerary begins in front of the largest Orthodox temple in the Balkans . 

Welcome to the Church of Saint Sava, the most important place of worship in the country. The temple is impressive both from the inside and from the outside. Dedicated to the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Sveti Sava it is beloved by the locals.

From the outside, admire the beauty of white marble and granite with a 70-meter-high dome. Once you step inside the church, you will find everything from beautiful frescoes and ornate chandeliers to altars and a gold-ceilinged crypt. In the evening, the temple is lit up and looks spectacular.

Pro tip: Visiting the Church of Saint Sava is entirely free of charge! Check out this and other free things to do in Belgrade.

The National Library

Located right next to the temple, the National Library is the oldest library in Serbia . It is situated inside a contemporary building and divided into administrative and public areas. The modern and minimalistic design of the building looks fabulous.

Step inside the library to find manuscripts, Serbian books from the 18th and 19th centuries, and printed books in foreign languages. If you wish to read a book, there is a nice reading area. The library also offers various artistic and cultural programs.

Nikola Tesla Museum

Belgrade - nikola tesla museum

Next on our list is a place dedicated to one of the most influential scientists in the world . Located just a 10-minute from the Saint Sava Temple, the Nikola Tesla Museum is the most interesting museum in Belgrade.

There are more than 1.200 exhibits on display at the museum ranging from lectures and writings to patents. Guided tours are held in both Serbian and English and last for about 45 minutes. The professional guides will tell you unique stories about the scientist and show you the authentic working models of the machines.

Visitors will also have an opportunity to see Tesla’s personal items and artifacts. Single tickets for the guided tour cost around 7 euros. Keep in mind that the museum does not accept credit cards.

St Mark’s Orthodox Cathedra l

st marks church belgrade

On your way back towards the downtown area of Belgrade, there are a few spots worth visiting. 

First, make your way to St Mark’s Cathedral, a beautiful orthodox church made of stone on the outside. Make sure to go inside as the cathedral is beautiful! St Marks is located in Tašmajdan Park , which is a lovely spot for an afternoon coffee or snack.

You can also check out the Church of the Holy Trinity, a small Russian Church located behind St Mark’s. This church was meant for Russian emigrants who arrived in Serbia escaping the October Revolution in 1920. 

From there, you can walk in front of the Serbian Parliament building, and the new and the old Presidential Palaces (which are two incredible buildings that face each other).

Hotel Moskva

Serbia - Belgrade

The legendary Hotel Moskva is situated in a Russian palace built in the early 1900s. An interesting fact is that originally, the hotel only had around 40 rooms. It was owned by the Russian Empire and later by the Gestapo. 

After the war, the hotel was nationalized and privatized again in the early 2000s. The list of important guests at Hotel Moskva is also very impressive and includes people like Robert De Niro, Albert Einstein, Indira Gandhi, and many others.

Hotel Moskva is still fully functional and you can book a stay here if you want .

Another interesting spot is Hotel Jugoslavija , which was one of the most glamorous places to stay in Belgrade . A list of former guests is truly impressive and includes Jimmy Carter, Richard Nixon, and Queen Elizabeth II.

Pro tip: If you are up for an evening drink, stop at Samo Pivo and try their amazing selection of craft beers. The bar has a great laidback atmosphere and is perfect for a late afternoon pause after walking all day.

Serbia - Belgrade

No visit to Belgrade is complete without spending a few hours at the cool and eclectic Bohemian Quarter , Skadarlija. It is an ideal place to relax, enjoy authentic Serbian cuisine, and listen to live music.

For more than a century, this picturesque cobblestone street has been known for its nightlife and Serbian taverns (called kafanas ) . It was originally home to artists who were hired to work for the National Theater back in the 19th century. Nowadays, Skadarlija is one of the most visited streets in Belgrade.

There is no shortage of excellent restaurants on this street including places like Sesir Moj, Dva Jelena, and Tri Sesira. Make sure to try local delicacies such as kajmak, cevapi, and pljeskavica.

In the evening, I suggest spending a few hours in Cetinjska. Located just a short walk from Skadarlija, Cetinjska is a great place to visit at night. What once used to be just an old parking lot is nowadays one of the best nightlife areas in Belgrade .

Whether you wish to visit a vinyl shop, grab drinks at popular bars like Berlin Monroe, Kafe Bar 16, and Dvoristance, or enjoy some tasty southern BBQ cuisine at the Holy Smokes Texas Bar, there is plenty to look forward to when visiting Cetinjska Street.

Day 3 in Belgrade : Zemun & Novi Beograd (New Belgrade)

belgrade zemun

Once a border town located between the Austrian and the Ottoman Empire, Zemun is different from the rest of Belgrade in terms of architecture with lots of Austro-Hungarian influences .

Go to the 1km long promenade called Zemunski Kej for a relaxing walk. There are lots of cool waterfront cafes along the promenade where you can sit down for a refreshing drink and enjoy river views.

Zemun’s Old Town with its narrow streets lined with picturesque houses with red rooftops is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Belgrade . Soak in the bohemian atmosphere and have lunch in one of the many restaurants, taverns, and cafes with cute patios and terraces.

The most famous tourist attraction in Zemun is the Gardoš Tower . Snap a photo in front of this impressive red-brick tower from the 19th century. The tower is home to a small gallery that hosts regular exhibitions. Nature lovers can go for a stroll in the beautiful Zemun Park.

Novi Beograd (New Belgrade)

the new belgrade

Hop on a bus to reach New Belgrade, a district located on the left bank of the Sava River . Many of the locals prefer living in New Belgrade than in the downtown area. 

This part of the city has been developing a lot lately. Some of the biggest companies in Belgrade have offices in this part of the city and it’s much easier and faster to go on a day trip to Novi Sad from New Belgrade.

Novi Beograd is also a great place to admire the beauty of socialist architecture. I recommend visiting “Blokovi” , a large housing project that started right after WW2.  These residential blocks with enormous grey concrete buildings showcase some of the finest examples of socialist architecture in Belgrade . To see some cool graffiti and murals, go to the vibrant Block 45.

New Belgrade has a few attractions of its own such as the Genex Tower . Also known as the Western City Gate, this unusual skyscraper is one of the tallest buildings in the Balkan Peninsula. There is also the Stark Arena, a modern multipurpose venue for sports, culture, entertainment, exhibitions, and other events. 

Some of the other tourist attractions worth visiting in New Belgrade include the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Park of Friendship, the Block 44 food market, the Usce shopping mall and Delta City for shopping, and the Church of St. Demetrius.

Museum of Contemporary Art & the splavovi

Serbia - Belgrade

Instead of taking the bus back to downtown Belgrade, you can walk through the Danube promenade instead.

The Museum of Contemporary Art is a beautiful and unique building located right by the river. Even if you will not be going inside, it is worth checking it out.

Right at the front of the museum, you can see the splavovi , the floating bars and nightclubs that make the nightlife scene in Belgrade so famous. You can walk around and check them out during the day, but it is only at night that this area really comes to life.

If you are interested in experiencing Belgrade’s night scene, I definitely recommend coming here one evening.

Have more time? Other things you can see in Belgrade

If you have more than 3 days to spend in Belgrade, there are more things you can add to your itinerary. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Museum of Yugoslavia : A very rich museum that features incredible history from the Yugoslavian times and Tito’s grave. Make sure you check the opening dates and times before going there since the museum is quite out of the way. I recommend taking a bus or taxi.
  • Ada Ciganlija : Belgrade’s most popular city beach. This place is extremely popular during the summer months and it is worth checking out if you want to see where the locals hang out.

Best day trips from Belgrade

You can also enrich your Belgrade travel itinerary by visiting destinations nearby. Here are some of the most popular day trips from Belgrade:

  • Novi Sad : the second largest city in Belgrade
  • Sremski Karlovci : explore the famous wines of Serbia
  • Tara National Park

What is the best time to visit Belgrade

I think that the best time to visit the capital of Serbia is in spring and early autumn (April through mid-June and September through October). 

During this time of year, the weather is warm, but not too hot. It is also very dry with temperatures ranging from 18 to 26°C .

Summers in Belgrade are hot with temperatures above 30°C. If you like snowy weather and don’t mind the cold, you can always visit Belgrade in December, January, and February and enjoy holiday events and festivities.

Read also : Where to go in Serbia during winter

Serbia - Belgrade

How many days should I spend in Belgrade?

The ideal length of time to explore the capital of Serbia really depends on your interests and preferences. If you only wish to see the downtown area of Belgrade and visit the most important historical sites and tourist attractions, you can easily do it all in one day.

But you will be missing out on a lot if you only check out the downtown Belgrade area.

If you really want to experience the city, I recommend staying for 2-3 nights in Belgrade. Having 3 full days in the city is ideal so you can explore the different sides of Belgrade on foot.

Read also : How many days do you need on a trip to Serbia?

Where to stay in Belgrade?

To be able to explore the city on foot, the best areas to stay are the center, Dorcol, or Savamala . Dorcol is the most alternative and bohemian zone, while Savamala is the best place to stay if you want to experience Belgrade’s nightlife scene.

Here are my personal hotel recommendations:

  • Twin Apartments Belgrade : This is the apartment Fe & Edo stayed in last time they were in Belgrade and they had a great experience. The apartment’s location is great, it comfortably accommodates four people and the owner even provides parking in his private garage.
  • Amsterdam Hotel : This modern hotel is located close to the main bus station, so it is very easy to get around. The facilities are great; the hotel also has a rooftop pool which can come in handy during the summer months.
  • Miha Luxury Apartment : This apartment hosts up to 4 people and offers a very good combination of comfort and location. The apartment is fully furnished with everything you may need for a pleasant stay.

FAQ: Popular questions about our Belgrade 3-Day Itinerary

Do i need to use public transport for this belgrade 3-day itinerary.

I created this 3-day Belgrade itinerary in a way that you don’t need to use public transport for the first two days. All the tourist attractions on this list are located close to each other. On day 3, you can take the bus or visit some of the attractions mentioned on foot (but be ready for a long walk).

Using the public transport system in Belgrade is quite easy, even for tourists who are not used to it. Earlier this year, the system was upgraded as it was taken over by a new company, which made it even more friendly for travelers. Read more about how the Belgrade public transport system works .

Are there any other attractions in Belgrade worth visiting that are not on this list?

Yes, there are many cool places to visit that unfortunately didn’t make it on this list. You can visit attractions such as the Avala Tower, Jevremovac Botanical Garden, and Ada Ciganlija.

Belgrade is one of those cities where you can spend weeks and still find new things to do. There are always new cafes and bars popping up around the city, and a lot of museums to explore.

Is Belgrade worth visiting?

Absolutely! Belgrade is a very interesting city and an important European capital. It holds so much history and culture that you can be entertained for days.

Belgrade is famous for its nightlife scene, but I think the gastronomy and culinary also deserve to be highlighted. I may be biased to say it, but you can find incredible restaurants in Belgrade serving local Serbian specialties, which are to die for.

Belgrade is a city that has it all. If you plan on traveling through the Balkans, Belgrade is definitely worth a visit.

If you are in doubt about where to go, here are a few guides that may help you choose:

  • Belgrade vs Novi Sad: Differences of Serbia’s Largest Cities
  • Belgrade or Sofia
  • Belgrade or Sarajevo

Do I need a car in Belgrade?

No, you can explore the most important areas and attractions of Belgrade on foot or with public transport. In fact, having a car can be quite annoying in Belgrade as it is not very easy to find parking in the city center.

If you will be traveling with a car, I recommend booking an accommodation that offers parking . It will save you quite some headache of dealing with public parking yourself.

Read more : Driving in Serbia as a foreigner

More about traveling through Serbia

  • Serbia 5-7 Days Road Trip Itinerary
  • The most beautiful destinations in Serbia
  • The best hiking destinations in Serbia
  • Best Things to Do in Novi Sad: One-Day Itinerary
  • One day in Nis
  • What to Do in Kopaonik, Serbia (Winter & Summer)

Organizing your trip

To help you plan your trip to Serbia, we have put together our favorite planning resources: 

  • Flights : Get affordable flights to Serbia on  Skyscanner.com . 
  • Travel insurance : Make sure you are protected during your trip. We use  VisitorsCoverage  whenever we are traveling abroad. 
  • Renting a car : We always use  Discover Cars  to get the best car deals. 
  • Accommodation : Find the best hotels and apartments on  Booking.com . 
  • Activities : Get fun ideas of what to do and buy unique activities with  Get Your Guide.  
  • SIM Card : Stay connected during your trip with  Airalo.  

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means that we get a small commission from any purchase you make, at no additional cost to you!

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The Daily Packers

The genuine belgrade travel guide – 2 days.

AlexOu

  • March 2, 2022
  • Capital , City , Serbia

Text divider element 2

Belgrade Travel Guide Introduction

Belgrade is the capital and biggest city of Serbia with nearly 1.7 million inhabitants. It is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers and the crossroads of the Pannonian Plain and the Balkan Peninsula.

It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe and the World as well as one of the most important prehistoric cultures of Europe. Its history dates back the 6 th millennium BC and goes through Celts, Roman, Slavs, Byzantine, Frankish, Bulgarian, Ottoman, Habsburg before becoming the capital of Yugoslavia and then Serbia.

It is the best place to enter Serbia with its international airport and has lots of nice sites to visit. A minimum of 2-days is mandatory if you want to get most of the city.

We visited Belgrade 2 or 3 times and often take a few days there on our way to Zlatibor, Tina’s hometown.

Table of Contents

Mapping the day.

Get our full Balkans Map

Why pin one by one when you can get them all at once?

Balkans Travel Map

The Balkans Travel Map

Getting there.

To get to Belgrade, the easiest is to use its international airport. From there you can just take a bus for around 3€.

Travel Belgrade

Moving Around

Moving around Belgrade is super easy. The city has an extended network of city buses, Trolley buses and trams. Once in the city center, you can easily walk everywhere.

Visit Belgrade

When to Visit

Belgrade can be visited all year round. But the best time is of course May/June or September. At this time the weather is great, not to hot, not to cold and you are out of the peak tourism season.

Best things to do Belgrade

Where to Stay

  • (€): Natalie’s Studio
  • (€€): Belgrade Center Apartment II
  • (€€€): Prezident Palace Belgrade

Belgrade Serbia

What to Eat

There are lots of Serbian food that you can try. Most of it won’t have a plant-based diet option unless you cook it yourselves:

  • Serma: Stuffed cabbage leaves. Ingredients can be minced meat, rice or bulgur, various herbs, seasonings, red pepper, paprika, ground sumac, or tomato sauce.
  • Borek: round pie filled with either cheese, potatoes, meats…
  • Rakija: the local spirit. The most common versions are made from plums (šljivovica), William’s pear (viljamovka), quinces (dunjevača), apricots (kajsijevača), apples (jabukovača), grapes (lozovača/komovica).
  • Punjena Paprika: made of peppers, stuffed with a mix of meat and rice in tomato sauce, the ingredients consisting of green or red capsicums, eggs, spices, salt, tomato, minced meat and rice.
  • Kajmak: creamy dairy food similar to clotted cream
  • Zlatiborska pršuta: traditional Serbian smoked ham hailing from the mountainous region of Zlatibor
  • Čvarci: pork rinds or cracklings made by thermally extracting fat from the lard. The lard is then cut into blocks and fried in its own fat until it melts away and tough and crispy pork rind remain in the pot.
  • Komplet lepinja: flatbread (lepinja) that is cut in half, coated in thick cream (kajmak), and topped with an egg
  • Turkish coffee

Things to do in Belgrade

  • Belgrade Fortress

The Fortress is located on a ridge next to the crossing of the Sava and Danube rivers. The history of the fortress is old and deep. From a roman well to medieval gates. It is the most iconic and visit landmark of Belgrade, and it is totally free.

There are lots of things to see in its wall, and you shouldn’t miss the Military Museum and the Ružica Church located within.

Belgrade Fortress

The second most visited spot of Belgrade. Skadarlija is an old, cobbled street and used to be part of the bohemian culture in the 1800s/1900s. At that time Serbian singers, musicians, writers and poets lived, worked and performed here.

Now the street is famous for its restaurant terraces, and it is a must to stop for a meal there. It is the best place to try some local food at night.

The picture dates back 2016!

Skadarlija

  • Kneza Mihaila

This beautiful car free street is the “champ Elizee” of Belgrade. There, you will find lots of buildings and mansions built during the late 1870s with many shops on the ground floor.

belgrade serbia travel blog

  • Republic square

At the end of the Kneza Mihaila is the republic square. The main square of Belgrade where you can find the National Theatre and National Museum. As well as more than 20 lines of Trolleybuses.

Belgrade (2)

  • Holy Archangel Michael Orthodox Church

This NeoClassical cathedral was built in 1830 and holds the relics of the 14th-century king and saint Stefan Uroš V as well as the tombs of national heroes like Vuk Karadžić, who reformed the Serbian language in the 1800s.

Belgrade (3)

  • Church of Saint Nicholas

This beautiful little church is located in a big cemetery near the old city. It was raised in 1893 and is devoted to summer celebration of St. Nicholas Feast

belgrade serbia travel blog

St. Mark Orthodox Church

With its Neo-Byzantine design, it is one of the largest churches in Serbia and is still not finish (inside). Its structure was finished in 1930 but had some delay due to all the wars.

Belgrade (5)

  • Sava Promenade

A great place is Belgrade to take a walk along the Sava and see where its join the Danube. It also has lots of street arts.

Sava promenade

  • Avala Tower

This communication tower is the tallest building in the Balkan. Located south of the city, it is a really nice things to see. It offers an incredible 135m high view.

The tower was built in 1965 but razed during the NATO bombing of Belgrade in 1999. The 4-year reconstruction was finished in 2010

Avala Tower

  • Monument to the Unknown Hero

Next to the Avala tower, you can also find the the Monument to the Unknown Hero, a World War I memorial located atop Mount Avala. The memorial was built in 1934-1938 on the place where an unknown Serbian World War I soldier was buried.

More Things to do in Zlatibor

belgrade serbia travel blog

More Things to do in Belgrade

Ada ciganlija.

This river island has artificially been turned into a peninsula and is the perfect location to stroll with nature and to chill on its river bank in a beach-like environment.

Ada Ciganlija

Saint Sava Temple

Also called Church of Saint Sava. It is the largest Orthodox Church in the Balkan region, and the second largest in the world. It is dedicated to Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church and an important figure in medieval Serbia.

Belgrade (7)

Gardoš Tower

Located a bit outskirt of the old city, this Austro-Hungarian’s tower stands on the right bank of the Danube and was built in 1896 to celebrate 1,000 years of Hungarian settlement on the Pannonian Plain.

Belgrade (8)

Konak kneginje Ljubice

Also known as the Residence of Princess Ljubica, it is one of the remaining building from the first reign of Prince Miloš Obrenović and dates back the 1830s, It was supposed to be a lavish seat for the Serbian court.

belgrade serbia travel blog

Museum of Yugoslavia

A big part of the Serbian history is actually the Yugoslavia history. This museum is the place to learn about it and was set atop of the mausoleum of former authoritarian President Josip Broz Tito.

Belgrade (10)

National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia

A nice building to see on your way around. It used to be the Yugoslavia’s Parliament, and following that state’s breakup, the Parliament of Serbia and Montenegro.

Belgrade (11)

Nikola Tesla Museum

This museum presents the life and work Nikola Tesla, a great physicist, inventor, electrical engineer and Serbian national hero. He is best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current electricity supply system.

belgrade serbia travel blog

Zemunski Kej

Another nice place to take a walk on the Danube. You can walk all the way from Gardos tower until the old city center.

Zemunski Kej

2-day Itinerary in Belgrade

  • Military Museum
  • Ružica Church
  • Mark Orthodox Church

Kao mačka oko vruće kaše : Like the cat around the hot meal. (English equivalent: Beating around the bush)

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Hey Guys! We are Alex & Tina. A Serbian and French Couple who met during our time in China. We are in love with traveling, hiking, meeting new people… Since 2019, we started a travel blog to share our experiences all around the world.

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Two Monkeys Travel Group

4 Day Travel Guide to Belgrade, Serbia & My Experience Staying at MARK Hotel Belgrade

After moving from one city to another during this 19-country Europe Trip , I was literally longing for a staycation. Traveling is surely fun but the act of consistently packing, unpacking, and moving around to various countries via plane, train, and bus with 20 kilos of luggage on toll is seriously tiring! It may not look like it but I still work 8 hours a day even when I’m out traveling. I write, take my Coaching Clients’ call , and do some of the administrative works for the blog. It’s not all butterflies here but hey, I’m not complaining. I’m very happy that all our hard work are paying off 🙂

belgrade serbia travel blog

Anyway, staycation came true here in Serbia (which happens to be my 119th country) when MARK Hotel Belgrade hosted me and gave me a Pr e m i um Suite which is a corner room on the 7th floor with the striking view of the sunset. I’m feeling a little under the weather so I’m very happy I got to sleep all afternoon in my room’s king-size bed. When I woke up, it was all work. I had tons of emails to attend to. I wasn’t able to do much around but I’m happy to share with you ‘what could have been my plan’ if I wasn’t feeling sick and if I weren’t that busy :p

Table of Contents

QUICK FACTS ABOUT SERBIA

Visa needed for Filipinos: Multiple Entry Schengen Visa or a valid US/UK Visa

Currency: Serbian Dinar (1 Euro = 118 Dinar). Euros and US Dollars are accepted too

Languages Spoken: Serbian but Hungarian, Romany, and a few other languages are spoken by a few people too

Airport: Nikola Tesla Airport

International Borders:  Albania , Bosnia & Herzegovina , Bulgaria , Croatia , Hungary, Kosovo , Macedonia, Montenegro , and Romania (albeit some being disputed)

Two Monkeys Tours

WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO GO IN BELGRADE?

belgrade serbia travel blog

1) Explore the City on foot- Belgrade is a city filled with chilling history. Walk around to see the National Assembly of Serbia, New Court, Nikola Pašić Square, the Syndicate House, the Terazije Square, the Prince Mihailo Monument in Republic Square, as well as the National Theater and National Museum.

belgrade serbia travel blog

2) Walk around and go shopping at the Knez Mihailo Street- From the musicians playing on the street, the art galleries that you can enter for free, and tons of boutiques ranging from mid-range to high-end, restaurants, pubs, and cafes all over the place, you’ll never run out of things to do here. It’s a lovely place to just do some easy walking and the best part is the architecture on each side is astonishing!

belgrade serbia travel blog

3) Go to the Belgrade Fortress- One of the top tourist attractions here is this massive fortress which is also a park and is home to a Zoo and a Military Museum. From here, you’ll also get a lovely view of the Sava and Danube Rivers as well as the New Belgrade.

4) Visit the Church of the Holy Mother of God- Just outside of the Northeastern side of the Fortress is this beautiful Church. Contrary to the grandiose architecture of the most popular Churches in Europe like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, this one is small and camouflaged in Ivy plants. It looks simple on the outside but once you get inside, you’ll be mesmerized by all the tiny details painted on the walls, especially the chandelier which was made from bullets fired from the first world war.

belgrade serbia travel blog

5) Spend your time visiting museums- One of the best ways to experience a country is to get a glimpse of its past. Belgrade has several specialty museums such as the Josip Broz Tito Mausoleum, Historical Museum of Serbia, Nikola Tesla Museum, and a whole lot more which is worthy of your time.

belgrade serbia travel blog

6) GO OUT AND PARTY!!!- A lot of people have told me that the best thing about Belgrade is their crazy nightlife. Serbians really know how to party so don’t miss out on the fun (like me). Partying isn’t really my thing now but if it’s yours, or even if it isn’t, this is certainly a must try! Popular neighborhoods for partying include the Savamala district, Ada Lake, and the Skadarlija neighborhood.

WHERE I STAYED IN BELGRADE, SERBIA

MARK Hotel Belgrade was kind enough to host me in their Premium Suite which is a corner room on the 7th floor with the sweet view of the sunset. It is a 35 square meter room fitted with a Double Bed, 32” LED TV with cable, Telephone, and of course, a Free (and super fast) wifi. Among many other things, here is what I loved about my stay with them:

belgrade serbia travel blog

1) The location- First thing that we look for a hotel is the location, am I right? This hotel won’t fail you on your booking criteria. It is strategically located in the heart of Belgrade and by the heart, I mean it’s only 2 minutes walking distance from the landmark Palace Belgrade, Yugoslav Drama Theater and The House of Parliament.

belgrade serbia travel blog

2) The parks nearby- Despite being on the City Center,  Manjež, Tašmajdan, and Pioneer Parks are close to the hotel which is very nice to just take a breather.

belgrade serbia travel blog

3) The laundry service across the hotel- I badly needed some fresh clothes and I’m so happy I can go out with my pajamas to drop-off all my dirty clothes this time. Haha! I paid 5 Euros for a big bag of dirty clothes which is pretty cheap for Europe 🙂

belgrade serbia travel blog

4) The lovely suite- The room is modern, spacious, clean, and comfortable. I stayed longer in my room than outside and I’m happy I finally got to rejuvenate! I had the perfect staycation here.

5) The staff- Everybody here was just lovely and they kept on reassuring if I’m having a comfortable stay! One of the staff was even kind enough to take photos of me in my room and have selfies with me haha.

1) How much are the room rates in MARK Hotel Belgrade?

Check out the latest room rates at the Hotel’s Website , Booking.com , or Hotels.com

2) What is the check-in and check-out time?

2:00 PM and 12:00 PM respectively.

3) Do they have their own parking space?

None but there are nearby slots for 15 Euros/day.

4) Is breakfast included with the rooms?

Yes, and it’s really good!

5) Are pets allowed?

Yes but on request and with additional fees.

6) Do they have a restaurant?

Yes. They serve Local and International Cuisine (their specialty is Italian).

7) Do you recommend this hotel?

Absolutely! 🙂

8) Can you smoke in the property?

Only at the bar area on the ground floor.

9) Can you bring outside food and drinks at the hotel?

It’s not allowed to bring any food or alcoholic drinks into your room.

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One thought on “ 4 Day Travel Guide to Belgrade, Serbia & My Experience Staying at MARK Hotel Belgrade ”

Loved it. Thank you. Nice description. I hope you loved it and you’ll come back soon.

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Written by Kach Umandap

Founder of Two Monkeys Travel Group. Since 2013, Kach has visited all the 7 continents (including Antarctica) and 151 countries using her Philippines Passport. In 2016, she bought a sailboat and went on sailing adventures with her two cats - Captain Ahab & Little Zissou in the Caribbean for 2 years. She now lives in Herceg Novi, Montenegro where she's enjoying her expat life and living on a gorgeous Stonehouse. She writes about her experiences traveling as a Filipina traveler with a PHL Passport. Also tips on backpacking trips, luxury hotel experiences, product reviews, sailing & adventure travel.

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Traveling in Serbia — Takeaways from an Unexpected Trip

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The Balkans have always been my favorite place to travel, but until recently, I hadn’t done much traveling in Serbia. For years, it was the Balkan country I had explored the least, only spending a few days in Belgrade before flying on to Latvia. You can read about that trip here.

That changed this year. I ended up in Serbia unexpectedly as the first part of my move to Prague, where my UK-born boyfriend has lived for 18 years, and where I was supposed to move in May. We have been banned from each other’s countries for months.

While the EU banned US citizens (some countries like Croatia made exceptions), Serbia is not part of the EU. But with rising COVID cases in the US, we thought we wouldn’t have this chance for much longer — that if we didn’t get me to Serbia now and start the process of getting me into the Czech Republic as a partner of a Czech resident, we might lose our window for months.

We both arrived in Serbia on June 27 and ended up staying for two weeks as we waited for updates from the Czech Republic.

We began in Belgrade and traveled on to Djerdap National Park, the Negotin wine region, Sokobanja, and Novi Sad before riots struck the country and we left for Croatia.

A yellow country house set in a garden full of flowers.

Serbia Travel

Do you have any preconceptions about Serbia? You might not. I find that in the US — specifically, outside Chicago and the midwest, which are rich with Central Europeans — Serbia either has no narrative or has the narrative as “the bad guys.” Particularly when it comes to the Balkan conflicts of the last 30 years.

Beyond that, Serbia doesn’t have a lot of “must-visit” destinations. You could make the argument that Serbia doesn’t have much to offer in comparison to its neighbors — none of the wild coastline, wacky architecture, or blue-green lakes that you come to expect in Croatia, Montenegro, or North Macedonia.

Serbia does has its charms — but they’re not obvious. They’re not going to knock you over the head and you have to work to find them. Locals who seem standoffish at first but feed you like a long-lost family member. River gorges surrounded by limestone cliffs. Pink and white crenellated buildings in a picture-perfect old town.

This is Serbia.

A wooden fence and balcony overlooking the Danube river on a cloudy day.

Traveling in Serbia During Coronavirus

Serbia is not part of the EU, and has had some of Europe’s most relaxed entry requirements during the coronavirus pandemic. At the time I arrived (June 27, 2020), Americans were permitted to enter the country with no COVID-19 test nor quarantine necessary. I chose to be tested shortly before my flight to protect my fellow passengers and was found to be negative for COVID-19.

AirSerbia has nonstop flights from New York City to Belgrade, and I took the chance to fly direct with no stopovers. (I took the train from Boston to New York, a remarkably low fare of $39.) Other than nearly having a heart attack in the check-in line when the woman behind me asked, “Oh, you have a US passport? My husband does and they said they wouldn’t let him in,” and double-checking with the flight agent that yes, I would be let in, it was fine.

The flight was nearly full (ugh) but I did get an empty seat on one side of me and an aisle seat on the other. I ate a big meal before the flight and thus kept my mask on for all nine hours from JFK to Belgrade. The AirSerbia flight attendants were vigilant about making sure everyone stayed masked outside of meal times.

Keep in mind that entry requirements are changing constantly, often day-by-day, especially in Europe. They have probably changed since I published this. Be sure to do your own research.

As for how we behaved on the ground, we took many precautions.

First off, we traveled exclusively by driving in Charlie’s car — never public transportation or cabs. We wore masks whenever we were indoors. We ate almost every meal outside, or would cook or take home takeaway meals. We sanitized constantly. We kept our distance from people. Our routine was the same as it was in Mexico City , when the virus began to ramp up — work all day, go out for food and a long walk.

So how are things in Serbia right now?

In Belgrade, most people wore masks in indoor shops, like the grocery store, but outdoors, few did. In the park at sunset, kids would climb all over each other on the playground and nobody was practicing any form of social distancing.

In rural areas like Djerdap National Park and the Negotin wine region, it was as if nobody realized what was happening — almost no Serbians wore masks and people would reach out to shake hands, confused when I would put my hand on my heart, bent forward slightly, and said, “Nice to meet you.” (AOC suggested this instead of shaking hands. Trying to make it my thing.)

In Sokobanja, some people wore masks, but bizarrely, about 90% of them didn’t wear masks over their noses, making them effectively pointless.

Novi Sad was similar to Belgrade, but overall I think people there tended to wear masks there the most.

A pedestrian-only street in Sokobanja lined with shops, people walking down the street.

Serbia is a lesser-developed country in Europe.

Since the beginning of time, people have been saying, “Want to spend less money in Europe? Head east.” Not that Serbia is Eastern Europe — it’s very much Central Europe, the Balkans, the former Yugoslavia.

You do get a lot of value for money in Serbia, especially outside Belgrade — it’s one of the cheapest countries in Central Europe. You can get decent private accommodation for under $30 per night, and meals for just a few dollars. But you pay for it in terms of development.

Let me tell you about a place we stayed. It was a little guesthouse on top of a hill with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Flowers sprung out from every direction; you can tell it was gardened with love. The food was delicious. And the owners were very pleasant people.

But the road to the guesthouse was unfinished and you had to park a long way away and drag your bags. There was only one outlet in the room, which was used for a lamp, so you could either have light or use no power. There was literally nowhere comfortable to sit on the entire property. I woke up at 6:00 AM because the bathroom smelled so foul.

This tended to be par for the course in much of rural Serbia. Charlie’s company, JayWay Travel , works with mid-range to luxury American travelers, and he pointed out that very few hotels in rural Serbia would fit their standards.

A square stone manor in the countryside, surrounded by flowers.

Off the beaten path in Serbia is VERY off the beaten path.

Everyone wants to go off the beaten path. But honestly, for most international travelers, Serbia is an off the beaten path choice to begin with. You’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of off-the-beaten-path travel — lower prices, fewer tourists — in Serbia’s more popular destinations, like Belgrade and Novi Sad.

We went WAY off the beaten path in Serbia — to Eastern Serbia. It didn’t quite get to the “Why would you even come here?” levels that I experienced in Albania , but our presence was as perplexing as it was welcomed.

Perhaps this was an effect of COVID, but we only met one non-Serbian traveler: the Swiss boyfriend of a Serbian woman. Aside from that, we were definitely the odd ones out!

A platter of meats, complete with chorizo-like cured meats hanging from a clothesline on top!

Serbia is all about the meat.

Serbians know their way around a grill! Their cuisine is very meat-heavy, and some of the popular dishes involve meat on the grill. We feasted on pljeksavica , the Serbian style of hamburger, and ćevapi , sausage-like meat links that are great in a sandwich, as well as higher-end meat dishes like grilled venison, duck, pršut (prosciutto) and other cured meats.

Serbians also love their dairy products and produce lots of cheeses, as well as kajmak (a soft creamy cheese-like product good on bread).

I ordered plenty of šopska salads: cucumbers and tomatoes with onions and a huge pile of soft white feta-like cheese on top. Whenever I’m in the Balkans, I eat šopska salads at least once a day! Serbia also does great stuffed peppers, which are often stuffed with kajmak or soft cheeses.

It’s good food, but it does get repetitive, and it makes you crave veggies. Luckily in Belgrade and Novi Sad, there are plenty of international restaurants where you can get in some variety.

But once we got into rural areas, we realized that most places had the same menu over and over: ćevapi, pljeksavica, other roasted meats, sometimes fish in riverside areas, (very well seasoned) fries, šopska salad. For days, that was all there was.

At one point I ordered a chicken schnitzel and felt like a vegan by comparison.

If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you’ll do fine in Belgrade and Novi Sad. In rural Serbia, vegetarians should get ready to eat a lot of šopska salads. But if you’re a vegan in rural Serbia, I genuinely have no idea how you’d survive — just salads and bread. Unlike most countries, Serbia doesn’t serve many (or any?) bean-based dishes on rural menus; while there are some Serbian bean dishes, almost all of them involve meat.

I would be very cautious if you were planning a trip to Serbia as a vegetarian or vegan. At the very least, you’d need to plan ahead and bring extra protein.

Tons of food on a patterned tablecloth, including big bowls of fish soup, fried fish and zucchini, spinach, kajmak, boiled beans, a platter of tomatoes topped with onions and cucumbers with a big green pepper on top, a loaf of bread, a bowl of small pears, four slices of plum-stuffed cake.

Serbians will feed you SO well at home.

We stayed in a few places that served dinner or breakfast — and my God, we were served truly insane volumes of food. See that photo above? That’s for TWO of us! Fish soup, baked fish, fried vegetables, boiled string beans, spinach with kajmak, tomato and cucumber salad, plum-stuffed cake for dessert, even our own freshly baked loaf of bread.

The next morning, we were served giant slabs of fried bread stuffed with cheese, which we topped with homemade plum and apricot jam.

At another place, we grabbed some yogurt and muesli for breakfast and figured that would be enough. Then they brought us out EIGHT giant pieces of cheese-stuffed pastries, each roughly the size of a serving of lasagna.

A counter at a takeaway grill with all the menu items written in Cyrillic.

People smoke like chimneys in Serbia.

This is probably my least favorite thing about traveling in the Balkans — the prevalence of smoking. But in Serbia, they bring it to the next level.

It’s common for Serbians to smoke through meals, to smoke indoors, and to chain smoke cigarette after cigarette.

When I was in Armenia last year , I remarked how jarring it was to hear the phrase, “Smoking or non-smoking?” when entering a restaurant. I thought we had given up on pretending that smoking and non-smoking sections actually worked. Well, Serbia still does that, too! I walked into a cafe to use a bathroom and saw ashtrays on half the tables and non-smoking signs on the other half. So weird.

I couldn’t get used to the smoke and was very glad to leave that behind.

White houses with red roofs on the banks of a nearly-dry river in Prizren, Kosovo.

Kosovo is a sensitive subject.

Years ago, I made the mistake of mentioning I was going to Kosovo at a Couchsurfing meetup that included Serbians. It did not go well. Serbians believe that Kosovo is occupied Serbian territory and should not be seen as their own country.

I visited Kosovo in 2013 and received the warmest welcome I’ve received anywhere in the world — because of my American passport. Prishtina, Kosovo’s capital, is famous for its statue of Bill Clinton (right in front of a dress shop called Hillary, which made me burst out laughing).

Just a tip: don’t mention Kosovo among Serbians you don’t know, just for the sake of decorum. It’s a painful subject for many Serbians; not bringing up painful subjects with strangers is basic manners. If you know them better, or they bring it up, you might be able to have an illuminating conversation about Kosovo, but that’s not a guarantee.

Finally, be careful of visiting Kosovo on a Serbia trip. If you enter Serbia, enter Kosovo, then leave Kosovo to Albania, Montenegro, or North Macedonia, Serbia will say that you left the country illegally. Instead, go back to Serbia’s territory before moving on to a different country.

In short, leave the way you came in. Enter Serbia, leave Serbia for anywhere but Kosovo unless you backtrack. Enter Kosovo, leave Kosovo for anywhere but Serbia unless you backtrack.

A bright blue lake in Serbia, white houses with orange roofs on the shore.

Places to Visit in Serbia

If you’re arriving by plane, your trip to Serbia will probably start in Belgrade. Here are some of the places I visited on this trip.

Two women walking on a city street in Belgrade.

Belgrade is pretty cool.

Belgrade is perhaps most famous for its wild nightlife, complete with river barge clubs. We didn’t take part in any of that. But it’s a fun city with some nice cafes and restaurants. My favorite things about Belgrade are the excellent coffeeshops (cigarette smoke notwithstanding) and surprisingly, the gelato shops! LUFF and Crna Ovca are two great gelato places.

We stayed in the Vračar neighborhood, which I recommend. It’s home to the coolest restaurants and cafes, but away from the big commercial zones. This apartment was great and well-priced.

Tall limestone cliffs on the murky green Danube river, a tiny red speedboat showing you scale.

Serbia’s stretch of the Danube is stunning.

After doing a bit of research, I came across photos of Djerdap Gorge in Djerdap National Park, running along the banks of the Danube in Eastern Serbia. It turns out this stretch of the Danube, called the Iron Gates, is often cited as the most beautiful part of an eastern Danube river cruise.

Most fascinating was hearing about the history of this part of the world. During the rule of Ceauşescu, Romanians would try to escape across the Danube to what was then Yugoslavia. Snipers would patrol the area, shooting anyone who would cross. Eventually the Romanians figured out how to use pressurized gas canisters to zip them across the water quickly.

A face carved into the limestone cliffs on the Romanian side of the Danube.

The Danube flows all the way to the Black Sea, and you see long, flat ships delivering cargo (or coming back empty). Russian is the official language of the Danube and all captains traversing the Danube must speak Russian.

Just a few months ago we visited Sumidero Canyon in Chiapas, Mexico , which had a very similar look but much more dramatic and wild.

Djerdap National Park doesn’t get a lot of international press, but the Iron Gates alone are worth the trip.

Golubac Fortress, which looks like a Harry Potter-like place with towers sticking out of a hillside in front of the Danube. The fortress is lit up orange from the sunset underneath a bright blue sky.

Golubac Fortress is a great place to photograph on the edge of the Danube.

A bright red sunset on the Danube, with the pointy towers of Golubac Fortress silhouetted on the left.

And the sunset views behind the fortress were excellent.

A waterfall surrounded by lush greenery emptying into a blue-green pool in the woods.

We made the long journey to a Blederije Waterfall, deep in the woods — not quite worth the trip or long walk, but still a bucolic place to visit.

A hand-carved wooden crucifix in the middle of a collection of stone and wood buildings and flowers in the Serbian countryside.

The Negotin Wine Region has a burgeoning industry.

So many countries have wine industries that you don’t even know about — but because they’re such small producers, you won’t see them on American store shelves. ( Moldova, you’re bleak as hell , but damn you can make a good red wine.)

We heard that the rural eastern part of Serbia was filled with wineries — specifically, the Negotin wine region. As we left Djerdap National Park, the landscape turned agricultural and we drove past tall stalks of corn and endless fields of sunflowers.

We stayed at Dunjin Konak , a country house in the town of Rogljevo, outside Negotin. We had a chance to visit a nearby winery and sample their interesting wines. They served it, in true Serbian style, with a giant plate of cheese and kajmak, more than any two people could eat on their own!

It made a very interesting stay — and it hurt to hear that we had been their first visitors in months.

Oh, and just so you know — rakija , the clear brandy-like drink popular in Serbia, is deadly . Only have a little bit of it, and definitely don’t go drink for drink with a Serbian!

A layered cake-shaped fountain in the square of Sokobanja, shops and white buildings in the distance.

Sokobanja is a quirky little town.

Sokobanja is a Serbian spa town and a popular spot in Serbia for domestic tourism. Interestingly, spa towns are considered family destinations in Serbia! There are also lots of outdoor activities, like hiking and kayaking, and the lakeside homes on the edge of Sokobanja are lovely.

We didn’t take part in any spa activities due to current circumstances, but we did enjoy walking through the town. In true Balkan style, there is a pedestrian street lined with cafes that is the place for all-day people-watching.

Street cafes in Novi Sad. The buildings in the background are pastel shades of pink, orange, and mint green.

Novi Sad is wonderful.

Novi Sad was my favorite place in Serbia by far. This city, the second-largest in Serbia, was ruled by the Austro-Hungarian Empire and feels much more Western European than Belgrade. The architecture in the old town is beautiful.

But coming to Novi Sad after a week in rural Serbia made it all the sweeter. We immediately went to a sushi restaurant for lunch, then headed to a cafe to work outside while sipping some perfectly made flat whites. After a week of cevapis and bad coffee, it was like heaven.

We stayed in this fantastic apartment. I have no words for how much I ADORED this apartment — and it cost less than $30 per night. Newly renovated, two bedrooms, great kitchen, modern bathroom, skylights, super-comfortable bed and couch, huge TV, an actual desk and a comfortable dining table to work from. Even a 70s-patterned wall that made a great Zoom backdrop! PLEASE STAY THERE IF YOU GO TO NOVI SAD. The owners are lovely people, too.

We were going to stay in Novi Sad for at least a week. I could have happily stayed there for a month, working from our funky apartment, grocery shopping, going out for affordable sushi. Then everything fell apart.

Novi Sad's synagogue lit up yellow at sunset, a woman leaning against a pole in the foreground.

Why We Left Serbia

Our original plan was to head to Serbia and stay there until we had word on when I could return to the Czech Republic. But toward the end of our time there, protests erupted in Belgrade.

Serbians across the political spectrum protested the government. While international media including the New York Times said that this began as the result of a reinstated weekend lockdown, locals told me this was inaccurate — that this was simply the straw that broke the camel’s back, the latest example of corruption in an authoritarian regime.

Police responded with violence and attacked the Belgrade protestors with tear gas. The next night, protests spread to other parts of Serbia, including Novi Sad.

I’m not afraid of protests. I’ve traveled in Bangkok during the protests of 2013 and Greece during its financial crisis in 2015 , both of which resulted in constant “ARE YOU OKAY?” messages from home. Most of the time, the American media (particularly cable news) plays up international incidents as much more dangerous than they actually are. Additionally, 98% of the time protests can easily be avoided.

Unfortunately, 2020 is not an ordinary time.

The countries of Europe are constantly changing which countries are on the green, yellow, and red lists, which affects who is allowed to cross borders. Serbia had sharply rising COVID cases and was on thin ice to begin with — adding protests to the mix could cause countries to ban people coming from Serbia and put me at risk of not being allowed to return to the Czech Republic.

Around that time, we also found out that Americans could visit Croatia (to our shock) with a relevant form filled out and proof of paid accommodation. And Charlie’s Croatian colleagues sent him a note that the Croatian government was about to reinstate a mandatory quarantine for people coming from Serbia, but would give Croatians a few days to come back before making it official.

It was obvious to us — as much as we loved Novi Sad and that glorious apartment, as cheap as it would be to stay, it was time to leave Serbia. Plus, Croatia is part of the EU, and being in the EU for 14+ days would make it easier for me to get into the Czech Republic.

We crossed the border on July 10. The Serbian immigration officers gave us the most thorough luggage search we’ve received (on the way out?!) then told us to tell our friends that Serbians are nice people, that they should come to Serbia. The Croatian officer barely glimpsed at our passports, forms, and accommodation documentation and let us in in less than five minutes.

(Just FYI — since then, Croatia is now requiring Americans to quarantine for two weeks or present a negative PCR test taken within the past 48 hours. Again, this is changing constantly.)

Tall columns at a Roman ruins site.

Is Serbia worth it?

Yes, of course visiting Serbia is worth it! But it’s not worth visiting Serbia right now unless you have an essential reason for travel — in my case, reuniting with my partner and facilitating my move to the Czech Republic.

I do not recommend traveling in Serbia right now due to the difficult situation with coronavirus and rapidly changing border agreements. It’s too precarious. And honestly, this is not the time for leisure trips anywhere.

But if you’re reading this post when coronavirus is no longer a threat, I do think Serbia is worth it — if you’re an experienced traveler who appreciates off-the-beaten-path types of places and is definitely not a vegan.

A hilly wooded area with lots of white cottages with terra cotta roofs in the distance.

How I would do Serbia differently next time

If I came back to Serbia, I would definitely plan my time differently.

I would spend a little time in Belgrade but more time in Novi Sad. I’d use Novi Sad as a base to visit Fruška Gora National Park, an easy day trip, and I’d head down to Tara National Park for some of the best scenery in the country. If I had the time, I’d make the journey to Instagram-famous Uvac Canyon, where the teal river curves back and forth through the countryside.

That would be very nice.

More on the Balkans:

Solo Female Travel in the Balkans: A Guide

What’s it like to travel in Albania?

Magnificent North Macedonia Will Surprise You

The Ultimate Slovenia Road Trip Itinerary

Dubrovnik Survival Guide

belgrade serbia travel blog

Have you been to Serbia? What did you think of it?

Anne Travel Foodie

Travel blog for Belgrade

Serbia isn’t a very well-known or touristic country. Since we always want to go somewhere new and we’ve been to most of the European countries already; we ended up in Serbia. We went to the capital city, Belgrade, without knowing much about it. There are no travel guides about Serbia so we went to explore it by ourselves (and a little bit of help from Google). To be honest, Belgrade isn’t a very beautiful, romantic city. Although it has some wonderful churches and a waterfront in development, many buildings are in bad shape. If you love raw, unpretentious cities however; this might be a great destination for you. If you’ve never been to Europe I would recommend Amsterdam , London , Barcelona, Lisbon , Madrid or Stockholm . But if you’ve been there already, and you want to explore something new (like us) it’s a fine destination for a weekend get-away. I’ll tell you what we’ve done and, as always, where you can get nice (vegetarian) food. You can also have a look at my video showing you our weekend in Belgrade in only 1 minute.

So it might be a bit more difficult to eat healthy or vegetarian in Belgrade but certainly not impossible!

Watch the video below to see some shots of our weekend in Belgrade in just one minute:

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Outspoken, adventurous, proud and audacious: Belgrade ('White City') is by no means a 'pretty' capital, but its gritty exuberance makes it one of Europe's most happening cities. While it hurtles towards a brighter future, its chaotic past unfolds before your eyes: socialist blocks are squeezed between art nouveau masterpieces, and remnants of the Habsburg legacy contrast with Ottoman relics and socialist modernist monoliths. This is where the Sava and Danube Rivers kiss, an old-world culture that at once evokes time-capsuled communist-era Yugoslavia and new-world, EU-contending cradle of cool.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Belgrade Fortress

Belgrade Fortress

Some 115 battles have been fought over imposing, impressive Belgrade Fortress (aka Kalemegdan); the citadel was destroyed more than 40 times throughout…

Museum of Yugoslavia

Museum of Yugoslavia

This must-visit museum houses an invaluable collection of more than 200,000 artefacts representing the fascinating, tumultuous history of Yugoslavia…

Mt Avala

Looming over Belgrade and topped with the tallest tower in the Balkans (204.5m), Mt Avala is a city landmark that makes for a pleasant break from the…

Museum of Contemporary Art

Museum of Contemporary Art

One of Belgrade's top cultural sights, this recently renovated museum is a treasure trove of 20th-century art from the ex-Yugoslav cultural space. The…

Tito's Mausoleum.

Marshal Tito's Mausoleum

A visit to Tito's mausoleum is obligatory. The big man rests in an aptly gigantic tomb in peaceful surrounds. Also on display are thousands of elaborate…

Exterior of National Museum.

National Museum

Lack of funding for renovations kept Serbia's National Museum mostly shuttered for 15 years, but its much ballyhooed 2018 reopening has been a great…

Nikola Tesla Museum

Nikola Tesla Museum

Meet the man on the 100RSD note at one of Belgrade's best museums, where you can release your inner nerd with some wondrously sci-fi-ish interactive…

Zepter Museum

Zepter Museum

This impressive collection of works by contemporary Serbian artists became Serbia’s first private museum in 2010, but remains somewhat hidden even though…

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Where to Stay in Belgrade: The Best Neighborhoods

There are many sides to Belgrade: historic and cultural, independent and modern, lively and youthful, depending on your travel preferences, there’s a perfect Belgrade neighbourhood for your hotel needs.

belgrade serbia travel blog

Kalemegdan Citadel at night (Photo: Paul Stafford)

Down on the banks of the Sava, just before it merges with the Danube in a chocolatey profusion of silty water, a cluster of old barges bursts into life after sundown in summer. These nightclubs are legendary. It’s as though the citizens of New Belgrade feel compelled to live up to their neighbourhood’s name by showing they can party with the best of them. But this might not be to everybody’s taste.

On the other side of the Sava, the thick walls of Belgrade Fortress have crowned the pinnacle of land that has held the Stari Grad (literally Old Town) for more than two thousand years. The neighbourhood is packed with the finest cultural and heritage institutions in Serbia. Elsewhere in the city there are mighty Orthodox churches, fascinating museums and modern developments that are indicative of the increasingly global-facing nature of Serbia, a country that is projected to have one of the fastest growing European economies in the coming years.

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Sveti Sava church in Belgrade (Photo: Paul Stafford)

When looking for the best place to stay in Belgrade, you’ll discover far more private apartments and Airbnbs than hotels. The latter, however, are often far more dependable, much easier to locate, and are often better value for shorter stays. If staying in an apartment, be sure to have data on your phone, as flats and their key boxes are often located within Yugoslavia-era apartment blocks. The following neighbourhood exploration covers the best hotel rooms in Belgrade.

Neighbourhoods

Whether you’re visiting Belgrade for the tourism, the nightlife, the culture, to watch the football or for business, the following five neighbourhoods represent the best variety the city has to offer. Each would be a worthy base for your trip, offering a variety of options to suit your needs and budget.

Stari Grad for the best of Belgrade

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Hotel Moskva (Photo: Booking.com)

The obvious choice for anybody spending more than a night in Belgrade would be to stay in the Stari Grad. After all, the grid of oft-pedestrianized streets holds the bulk of the city’s charm, its best restaurants and many of its finest historic sights. Punctuated by Kalemegdan Citadel (aka Belgrade Fortress), sitting in the sculpted heart of Kalemegdan Park, you could easily spend half a day wandering the expansive grounds, ruminating over the war memorials and weaponry at the Vojni (Military) Museum and wandering the waterfront where the Sava and Danube rivers collide.

The northern part of Stari Grad used to be given over to factories and poor quality housing, but the Dorćol portion of Stari Grad is undergoing something of a renaissance. Sure, there are still many factories, but as in many other major European cities, youthful energy has swept in and started converting formerly run-down warehouses into trendy nightlife spots and restaurants, such as the excellent Docker Brewery. As such, you’ll find some of the best nightlife in the area, as well as a creative, youthful atmosphere and better value accommodation, all within a quick walk of the Old Town’s core.

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Hotel Calisi (Photo: Booking.com)

Unsurprisingly, Stari Grad’s hotel selection is the broadest of anywhere in the Serbian capital. You can stay in the luxurious settings of the Hotel Moskva (Balkanska 1), a four-star hotel located in a striking Art Nouveau building. If you’d prefer to be in the thick of all things Stari Grad, Maison Royale (Kneza Mihaila 52) is located along a pedestrianised street near the Kalemegdan. This property has been around for many years, although its rooms are regularly freshened up. Over on the riverfront, Hotel Calisi (Karađorđeva 35) is a refined Art Deco space in the trendy Savamala district. Among the many excellent hostels dotted around the Old Town, NapPARK Hostel (Pančićeva 8) in Dorćol is a beautifully designed pastel blue and yellow spot with good value dorm beds.

Vračar for debonair digs

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Moxy Belgrade (Photo: Booking.com)

Pleasantly well-heeled, with broad boulevards (that are increasingly choked with traffic) and leafy neighbourhoods, Vračar is a great alternative to Stari Grad. For anybody looking for a better value room within easy walking or tram distance from the Old Town, you’re likely to find a decent option in this area, particularly in the northern part, where a slew of international chain hotels is located. At the core of Vračar is Sveti Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, plus the Nikola Tesla Museum, one of the best attractions in the country.

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Hotel Argo (Photo: Booking.com)

Among the peaceful neighbourhoods to the north end of Vračar you’ll find many of Belgrade’s best hotels. Leading the pack is the ever-stylish Moxy (Njegoševa 2), which combines sleek minimalist design with a little dab of kitschy Americana. Also true to the brand are the excellent common spaces, such as the hotel’s bar and fitness centre. If you’d prefer to say at a locally run property with high standards, Hotel Argo (Kralja Milana 25), with its warm pastel green and apricot tones, is a worthy alternative. Konak Stella (Hadži Melentijeva 75) is a sleek, simple budget stay with decent twin and triple rooms.

Savski Venac for a relaxed stay

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Hotel Amsterdam (Photo: Booking.com)

Bordering the Old Town on the banks of the Sava, down past the Royal Palace, you’ll find Belgrade’s greenest neighbourhood, Savski Venac. To the north end, Savamala, a former run-down port area that is now a creative district, nightlife hub and revitalised adjunct of the Old Town continues south along the Sava River to become Belgrade Waterfront. The area is undergoing a significant transformation, albeit reportedly without the consent of some former residents, who were forcibly removed from their homes to allow the demolition teams in. A new waterfront park is emerging slowly from the cluster of cranes and barriers.

But the best accommodations can be found inland, which is primarily the preserve of Serbia’s major museums, such as the Museum of Yugoslavia and the House of Flowers, which holds the grave of former leader of Yugoslavia, Josep Broz Tito. You’ll also find the home grounds of the city’s fierce rival football clubs: Red Star Belgrade (Crvena Zvezda) and Partizan in this area.

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Nobel Hotel (Photo: Booking.com)

Located right on the precipice between Savski Venac and Stari Grad, overlooking the airport bus stop, is Hotel Amsterdam (Jug Bogdanova 10). Although not the quietest choice as befitting the rest of the neighbourhood, the indoor pool, sauna and spa areas offer plenty of relaxation avenues, while the rooftop restaurant gives you city-view dining. Garni Hotel Zavicaj (Oblakovska 59) is within easy walking distance of both main football stadia, offering an elegant touch of rustic Serbian charm. If you’re after Euro-chic comfort, the excellent breakfasts served at Nobel Hotel (Višegradska 23) set guests up perfectly for a day of exploration.

Zemun for laid-back Serbian culture

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Garni Hotel D10 (Photo: Booking.com)

While it is officially considered a part of Belgrade, many Zemun locals will likely tell you that they’re independent from the big city. Although also located on the south bank of the Danube River, it sits opposite the main bulk of Belgrade on the east bank of the Sava, alongside New Belgrade. Zemun, though, has history. Created by the Habsburgs, much of the architecture is in the Austro-Hungarian vein of the 18 th and 19 th centuries, ranged around the red-brick Gardoš Tower, built in 1896. Likewise, many of Zemun’s hotels are steeped in that quaint charm that sets the neighbourhood apart from the rest of Belgrade.

Hotel LoRa (Starca Vujadina 8) is indicative of the unpretentious, yet cosy ambience common to most of the hotels in Zemun. If you’re driving, there’s also a parking garage (another reason to stay in Zemun or Novi Beograd). Another branch of the much-loved mid-range hotel chain taking over Belgrade, Garni Hotel D10 (Dunavska 10) is a top Zemun choice, sited a few minutes’ walk from the Danube. Over on the budget-friendly end of the scale, Hostel Theater 011 (Magistratski trg.) provides good value private rooms in an old building located right around the corner from Zemun Market.

New Belgrade for good modern living

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Putnik Inn (Photo: Booking.com)

Novi Beograd (New Belgrade) has, as the name suggests, a completely different atmosphere to the main city. Unlike Zemun, with its historic charm, New Belgrade harbours a mix of post-WWII Brutalist architecture along wide boulevards, and modern glass high-rises holding the offices of global corporations. Down in the streets, this energy is mirrored by the health food restaurants and clubs that pervade the river bank, particularly in summer, when the river barges, known as splavovi , turn into a 24-hour party zone.

With near-jarring contemporary design, floor-to-ceiling windows and high quality furnishings, Falkensteiner Hotel Belgrade (Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 10k) is everything modern Belgrade wants to appear: global, successful and refined. All are things this hotel manages to pull off. Putnik Inn Belgrade (Palmira Toljatija 9), on the other hand, is a delightful mishmash of reflective glass and concrete cubes. It’s ugly Brutalist architecture at its winsome best. The hotel interior is much more pragmatic and most room tariffs include free spa access. ArkaBarka Floating Hostel (Bulevar Nikole Tesle bb) is precisely what you’d expect it to be, a hostel on the Danube, with clean, cosy rooms and decking over the water.

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ArkaBarka Floating Hostel (Photo: Booking.com)

Getting Around Belgrade – The 72 bus connects from Jug Bogdanova in Belgrade city centre to the international terminal at Nikola Tesla Airport, taking around 45 minutes. Within the city, trams and trolleybuses are the main means of transportation. Most distances between sights are easy enough to walk, and Uber is an effective alternative for door-to-door transport.

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Passenger jet hits equipment on takeoff from Belgrade airport and is forced to make emergency return

B ELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — A passenger jet with 106 people on board returned safely to the Belgrade airport after it hit runway equipment and sustained severe damage shortly after takeoff from the Serbian capital, media and airline blogs reported Monday. There were no injuries.

The Embraer E-195 was on route to Dusseldorf in Germany on Sunday afternoon. The aircraft belongs to Greek charter company Marathon Airlines, which is currently operating several aircraft on behalf of Serbian national carrier, AirSerbia, on long-term basis.

Live tracker Flightradar24 said the flight JU324 lined up at Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport on one of the intersecting taxiways more than halfway down the runway, indicating it did not have enough distance for a safe takeoff.

During its departure, the aircraft’s left side was badly damaged when it struck the opposing runway’s instrument landing system array, located not far from a busy highway.

Video footage and photos of the damaged aircraft show a large gaping hole and tear on the fuselage at the base of the left wing. The tail section was also damaged. Firefighters sprayed the fuselage with foam as fuel appeared to be leaking from the damaged aircraft.

After struggling to gain height, the aircraft shook as it entered a holding pattern for about an hour before returning to land safely at the Belgrade airport, Serbian media said, quoting passengers. The passengers were escorted off the aircraft. They were told by AirSerbia that the flight returned because of technical reasons and that their lives were never in danger.

The airport was closed for a while on Sunday and incoming planes were diverted to other airports.

COMMENTS

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    Bar to Belgrade by Train. The train rolled into the Topcider Station after dark. We were traveling from Montenegro and had picked the picturesque train journey as our gateway into Serbia. For more details, see our article describing the train journey: Bar to Belgrade. Following the other passengers, we found the taxi cabs lined up across the street from the station.

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  23. Where to Stay in Belgrade: The Best Neighborhoods

    Unsurprisingly, Stari Grad's hotel selection is the broadest of anywhere in the Serbian capital. You can stay in the luxurious settings of the Hotel Moskva (Balkanska 1), a four-star hotel located in a striking Art Nouveau building. If you'd prefer to be in the thick of all things Stari Grad, Maison Royale (Kneza Mihaila 52) is located along a pedestrianised street near the Kalemegdan.

  24. Passenger jet hits equipment on takeoff from Belgrade airport and is

    BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — A passenger jet with 106 people on board returned safely to the Belgrade airport after it hit runway equipment and sustained severe damage shortly after takeoff from the ...