best way to travel to belgrade

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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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

Thanks for details. I’m planning to visit to the Balkans this coming May 2024. I’m living in South Korea. It takes long time to fly. I may start from Budapest. Your lots of articles related to the Balkan countries help me to prepare for planning trip. Thanks again.

So happy you’ve found our articles helpful! Hope you have a wonderful trip 🙂

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!

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 🙂

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

Hi! Very well-drafted. easy to follow.

Thanks, Raj! Glad we could help 🙂

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The Ultimate Guide to Belgrade

Belgrade is the lively and historic capital city of Serbia. It’s fast becoming an alternative destination to visit in Europe, particularly as the surrounding countries of the Balkans become ever popular with travelers seeking out a more untouched side of the continent.

There is good reason for this increasing popularity too, as from the ashes of conflict in the 1990’s, from NATO bombings in Belgrade and war across the region, the city has recovered, it’s grown and it has a lot to offer visitors adventurous enough to give it a chance.

There are some great Belgrade tourist attractions, from visiting the domineering towers of Kalemegdan Fortress to learning more about not only the history of Serbia but the history of the former Yugoslavia that is so entwined with the region.

Explore the surprisingly sandy beaches of the lake, visit an ornate Serbian Orthodox Church and then soak up the vibrant nightlife in the evenings.

To inspire you to visit the city, here’s our ultimate guide to Belgrade.

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Table of Contents

How to get to Belgrade  

Belgrade is beautifully sited on the confluence of the Danube and the Sava Rivers in the north of Serbia. Being the former capital of Yugoslavia, the city still retains its transport links to the surrounding Balkan countries and it’s easy to travel here from the rest of the region.

The main Belgrade train station is a new construction and is found on the outskirts of the city as the old and outdated central station was recently closed. The upgrades have allowed for a much more efficient railway system connecting Belgrade to cities domestically and internationally.

From here you can travel by train to Budapest, Ljubljana, Sofia, Zagreb, Vienna and more, and it’s even possible to connect onto the wider European rail network to reach more distant cities such as Paris or London.

The bus network is equally as extensive and long-distance routes connect Belgrade to many major European capitals, particularly in the Balkans and Eastern Europe, as well as domestically to towns and other cities across Serbia.

If you need to fly into Belgrade, then the Nikola Tesla International Airport has extensive flight schedules across Europe to almost all of the continent’s capital cities, while flights with Middle Eastern airlines allow you to connect to much of the rest of the world too.

How to get around Belgrade

Belgrade is a large city with over a million inhabitants and there are many suburbs and districts to navigate.

The city operates a network of trolleybuses, trams, and public buses that cover much of Belgrade, but you must remember to buy a ticket at the booth before boarding and then validate the ticket on the transport.

You can buy one day or three-day BusPlus Cards which allows you unlimited travel and which are a great choice for tourists on a short break.

Taxis are plentiful, but be careful when using them and ensure that they turn on the meter to calculate the appropriate fare. Compared to western European capitals, taxis in Belgrade are very much good value.

What to expect in Belgrade

Belgrade is an intriguing and interesting city to visit, but for those not accustomed to the Cyrillic alphabet, it can be a struggle to get around but not impossible. Most signage is in Cyrillic, as this is the official script of the Serbian language, which is closely related to neighboring languages such as Croatian and Bosnian.

If you can, try and learn the alphabet beforehand or even while you are visiting. It might look daunting at first, but a lot of characters are very similar to the Latin alphabet and once you’ve picked it up it will allow you to understand a lot more of what’s going on in the city.

English speakers can be hard to come by in the city but it is slowly becoming a popular second language to learn, especially for the younger generation.

The local currency is the Serbian Dinar. You will find plenty of ATMs in the city, and most will accept foreign cards. If exchanging money make sure you shop around for the best rates in the city center.

The aftermath of the wars that followed the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990’s still has far-reaching implications across Serbia, particularly when it comes to the question of Kosovo, so be careful if talking about political or sensitive events to locals.

The best time to visit Belgrade

As a city break destination, Belgrade can be visited all year round, however, at different times of the year you will find completely different atmospheres in the city.

Most of the best Belgrade must see sights can be visited year round, particularly museums and similar attractions, but if you want to enjoy the summer festivals and the lively lakeside scenes, then you have to visit in the hotter months of the year.

Winter can be bitterly cold, but this time of year is also a chance to enjoy cozy indoor restaurants and bars while in January you can enjoy the delights of an Orthodox Christmas.

Things to do in Belgrade  

Mihailova street.

Knez Mihaailova – or Mikhailov Street, in English – is the main thoroughfare in the city center. This is really the heart of Belgrade and it’s one of the oldest and most historic streets in the city, but surprisingly, also one of the most modern.

This is where you can come to shop and to find great restaurants while the great number of bars here makes a trip to Mikhailov Street one of the best things to do in Belgrade at night.

Avala Tower

The Avala Tower is the tallest tower in not only Belgrade but across much of the Balkans, and it offers visitors unparalleled views over the surrounding area.

It’s found on a hill on the outskirts of the city, and the current tower is actually a reconstruction of the original that was destroyed by NATO during the Balkan conflicts.

It’s a great place to spend the day, as the newly opened tourism center here offers many great activities.

Ada Ciganlija

Ada Ciganlija is a reclaimed island on the River Sava that offers locals and visitors a huge recreation area to enjoy.

There are beaches, bars, and swimming areas and in summer it’s one of the best areas to visit in Belgrade.

Places to visit in Belgrade

Nikola tesla museum.

One of Belgrade’s most famous past citizens was Nikola Tesla, and in the city you can visit the Nikola Tesla Museum that’s dedicated to his life and to his science.

Belgrade Fortress

Belgrade Fortress – also known as Kalemegdan Fortress – is a great historical area in the city that has long held dominion over the area.

Walk the walls and the ramparts before strolling through the adjacent Kalemegdan Park.

Josip Broz Tito Mausoleum

The Josip Broz Tito Mausoleum is the final resting place of the Yugolsvan dictator Broz Tito. It’s an eery place, but for anyone with an interest in communism it’s a must visit to see the legacy of Josip Broz himself.

Sava Temple  

The Sava Temple, or the Church of Saint Sava, is a prominent Orthodox Church in the capital. It’s an enormous place of worship and the grand scale of the church has to really be seen to be believed.

National Assembly

The National Assembly is Serbia’s main seat of government, where decisions are debated and action is taken.

It’s an incredibly elegant building and one that was formerly the seat of Yugoslavian power, before Serbian.

National Museum of Serbia

The National Museum of Serbia is the best place in Belgrade to visit to learn more about the country’s long and at times divisive history.

The museum itself is over 150 years old and today it charts the long history of a region that has frequently been conflicted and troubled.

What to eat in Belgrade  

Serbian cuisine is very much a product of the multicultural influences of Serbian history and you can find similar dishes as you would across the Balkans and Turkey.

A lot of the food is meat heavy, with bread on the side, while in terms of drinks you can always be sure to be offered a glass of local, alcoholic Rakia to wash the meal down with.

A Burek is a long piece of pastry that’s filled with innumerable different ingredients. This is one of the most popular snacks in the Balkans and you will find this anywhere in Belgrade.

The best bakeries are the small, local affairs, and you can buy a a great burek for just a few cents. You can get meat, veg and cheese fillings, or a combination of all three.

Goulash is ubiquitous across Eastern Europe, and in Serbia, it’s a firm favorite too. This hearty stew is the perfect remedy for a cold day and accompanied with a hunk of bread and a shot of Rakia it will keep you warm through the coldest of winters.

Cevapi is a simple dish of that consists of mincemeat that’s been skewered and grilled over hot coals.

It’s essentially a kebab, but with local spices and flavorings and served up with a piece of flatbread and some onions to garnish, it becomes a great delicacy.

Where to stay in Belgrade

Belgrade has an ever-growing selection of quality accommodation, from budget hostels to upmarket international chains. Here are a few of the best places to stay in Belgrade.

Hostel Home Sweet Home – This budget hostel is one of the best in Belgrade, and it offers guests the chance to enjoy a homely atmosphere and friendly company while staying in the city.

Hilton Belgrade – The Hilton is an uncompromising option for those looking for high standards during their stay in Belgrade. This modern, plush hotel is found in the center of the city and offers everything you might need.

Hyatt Regency Belgrade – The Hyatt Regency is a world-renowned hotel chain that never fails to deliver on quality. Although it’s expensive – especially by Belgrade standards – it’s the only choice in the city for those looking for the best quality and service.

Tours to do in Belgrade

Walking Tour

One of the best ways to experience Belgrade is on foot. Much of the city center is very much walkable, and there are some excellent strolls to be had along the river.

Take a walking tour to learn more about the city’s unique history while you enjoy the scenery and the fresh air. There are even tip-based walking tours, which can be one of the best free things to do in Belgrade.

Communist Tour

The city is still inseparable from the legacy of its communist past, and one of the best Belgrade things to do is to take one of the many dedicated tours of the important socialist sights, including all those linked to the dictator himself, Josep Broz.

Underground Tour

If you tire of Belgrade sightseeing above ground, then why not shake things up and head underground instead?

It’s one of the weird things to do in Belgrade, but the city has a huge network of underground tunnels that date back through the centuries and many tour companies now offer trips into this surreal subterranean world.

Day trips from Belgrade

Timisoara is located just two hours away from Belgrade in western Romania, and a cross-border excursion makes for a great day trip.

This is one of the largest and liveliest cities in Romania and you can spend the day comparing cultures and exploring the unique history.

Novi Sad is a Serbian city found an hour to the north of Belgrade on the banks of the Danube. This is the nation’s second city, and it’s an interesting contrast to the capital.

Here you can find old fortresses to explore , and in summer, some great stretches of beach along the river.

Nis is Serbia’s third largest city and the center of life in the south of the country. Nis is one of the most historic cities in Europe and can trace its roots far back to ancient Greek and Roman times.

Spend the day exploring museums and archeological sites on a day trip from Belgrade.

Recommend budget tours in Belgrade

• Northern Serbia, Sremski Karlovci, and Novi Sad Full-Day Tour from Belgrade
• Full-Day Eastern Serbia Monasteries and Resava Cave Tour from Belgrade
• Belgrade Big Tour: Top Attractions and Belgrade Neighborhoods
• Belgrade Sightseeing Half-Day Trip Old and New Belgrade
• Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci Day Trip from Belgrade
• Private Tour to “Little Europe”: A Day Trip to Northern Serbia and Novi Sad
• Private Day Trip To Budapest From Belgrade
• Belgrade Center Walking Tour
• Off the Beaten Track: Belgrade Street Art Experience
• Belgrade Underground and Fortresess Dungeons Walking Tour
• BEERgrade Pub Crawl Tour

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Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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Planning a trip to Serbia? If a visit to the capital city is in your plans, we’ve got the…

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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)

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)

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

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

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!

Passionate traveler and long-term travel writer who enjoys translating his adventures into exciting content.

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Belgrade Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

Belgrade is a city that has been through the wringer. The capital of Serbia and the capital of the Yugoslavian state before that, Belgrade has seen conquerors come and go over the centuries. This complex history has seen the city fought over in 115 wars through the ages. As a result, while Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe, little remains of its ancient past, and most of the buildings are no more than a couple of hundred years old.

Maybe it's a consequence of this turbulent past that the city feels so ready to embrace the future. The vibrant population makes the city a lively place to visit, and you won't be short of attractions in the Serbian capital. Drop off your unneeded bags at a Belgrade luggage storage service and see for yourself what this unique place has to offer.

13 Best Ways To Experience Belgrade in 2024

This city is often referred to as sitting at the crossroads to the world. Here you will experience ancient history rubbing shoulders with modern life in a way that is both surprising and enticing. 

There is much to discover and explore here but you won’t want to be doing so while carrying or dragging heavy bags. Bounce has found a solution to this problem. They combine with trusted partners to provide secure luggage storage services both in Belgrade and across the planet. Drop your bags and start your adventure. 

Best regional excursions — Tours From Belgrade

This company's mission is 'to make people fall in love with Serbia'. They offer tours for lone travelers, couples and small groups and will tailor the tour to the needs and tastes of the client. Most of their tours are all-inclusive so that travelers know exactly what the costs are upfront. Call +38 652 066 943 or email them at [email protected]

Best party tour — Party in Belgrade

If you want to party then this company has your interests at heart. They offer everything in the way of group entertainment. Whether it is a bachelor/bachelorette celebration, or a bit of serious clubbing, let these guys take the organization off your hands. They also cater to adventure breaks and sheer luxury getaways. Call +31 858 769 286 or email at [email protected]

Best scooter tour — E-Around Electric Scooter Rental and Tours

For an easy and fun way to see Belgrade, the electric scooter is hard to beat. Whether it's whizzing through modern Belgrade or stopping to stare at the wonders of the ancient Kalemegdan fortress, an electric scooter is a great way to see the city. There are ample cycle lanes and rides along the Danube so you won’t be bothered by traffic or short of things to explore. Email at [email protected] or call +38 606 076 007

Best boat tour — Cruising Belgrade

The Dalmatian coast is one of the most picturesque in the world and there are few better ways to explore it than by boat. Whether you are after a sunset cruise, a day cruise or want to hire a yacht and cruise further afield, Cruising Belgrade will have both the vessel and the cruising package to suit your requirements. Email [email protected] or call them on +38 165 601 8080

Best city tour — Glob Metropoliten Day Tours

This is a company with more than twenty-five years of tour guiding experience under their belts, so they know how to show their guests a good time in Belgrade. The range of tours they have on offer is very extensive and you are going to be torn as to which of them most appeals to you. They can provide nature, adventure, culture or gastronomic tours as well as VIP packages. In fact, if you need anything in the tourism sector, these are the guys to talk to. Call + 381 112 430 899 or email at [email protected]

Best food tour — Food and Culture Tour in Belgrade

This is a city whose cuisine has come under hundreds of years of different cultural influences. The result is a cuisine that is all its own but with plenty of exotic touches to it. To really get to grips with all the delights on offer, and in order to understand those traditional nuances, you are going to need a guide. This company will walk you through both the food and drink, as well as the folklore and tradition attached to them. Call +38 1 628 713 980 or email at [email protected]

Best off-the-beaten-path tour — Explore Belgrade!

This city is often referred to as the ‘crossroads of the world’ and Explore Belgrade would love to show you why. They have been offering their guiding expertise since 2010 and are proud to have some of the best guides in the city working for them. Specializing in small and private groups they offer a wide spectrum of tours including a half-day history walk and an ‘off the beaten track art experience tour’. To learn more about what is on offer call +381 641 531 524 or email at [email protected]

Best nightlife tour — Belgrade Nights

This is a city teeming with the young and beautiful, so it should come as no surprise to learn that there is a thriving nightlife scene. What you may not know is that there is a definite split between what happens in the summer and what takes place in the winter. ‘Splavs’ are boats on the Sava River which are great for summer parties. In the colder months, things tend to move more towards clubs and discos. This company are keen to guide you through the city’s night possibilities so call on +38 164 909 9404 or email at [email protected]

Best bike tour — Belgrade E-Bikes

This is a great city for cycling except that it can be a bit hilly and detract from your pleasure. This company has overcome that problem by offering excellent e-bikes with some serious pedal assist. Combine that with their e-tours and you are free to learn about the city as your electronic guide talks you through your journey. If you prefer to do your own thing, you can rent a bike and head out in whatever direction suits you. Call +38 160 678 9799 or email at [email protected]

Best free tour — Belgrade Free Walking Tour

This is the only company in Belgrade that offers a free walking tour so go for it while you have the chance. Stare down at the meandering Sava and Danube Rivers, walk the Roman Via Militaris or spot the ancient Despot Towers, all under expert guidance. Tours leave at 10 each morning and take around 2.5 hours. Your expert guide will be easy to spot in his red outfit. To be assured of a place in the group call by 5 pm the day before on +38 168 518 4138 or email at [email protected] Tipping the guide is not obligatory but it would be nice.

Best custom tours — Go2Serbia

This is a company that is almost unique in that they encourage both locals and foreigners to learn more about Serbia. Their objective is that as many people as possible get to experience what a wonderful country this is. With this in mind, they offer a wide range of services that include sightseeing tours, corporate team building events, and transfers. Whether you want to arrange a bachelor party or a seminar, Go2Serbia has the expertise and know-how to help make your event a success. Call +38 111 328 4383 or email [email protected]

Best adventure tours — Belgrade Adventure

It would be a mistake to think that Belgrade is all about history and culture and that this is not a place where outdoor adventures are to be had. Belgrade Adventures has put together a series of outdoor activities for those who like their breaks to include a little adrenaline rush now and then. They offer everything from 4 x 4 safaris to canyoning, kayaking, and caving. To find out more about the packages that they offer or to request a tour specific to your needs, call +38 160 014 0117 or email at [email protected]

Best comprehensive tours — All You Need In Belgrade

The objective of this company is to be your best friend when you reach this city. When one looks at the list of services they offer, it is difficult to see what they don’t provide. Here is just part of the comprehensive list of ways that they can help you. Airport transfers, tours, car rental - with or without a driver, right through to a laundry or massage service. If you are the sort of traveler who likes to focus on your vacation while letting someone else deal with the details, All You Need In Belgrade might be a company you want to talk to. Call them on +38 161 289 4528 or email at [email protected]

A weekend in Belgrade

Belgrade has more to do than a single weekend can contain. However, a couple of days in the city gives you enough time to see some of the main attractions and sample the energetic atmosphere. Leave your bags behind at a Belgrade bag storage and enjoy the Serbian capital.

• See where the city was born at Belgrade fortress. Once, the entire city fit inside this fortress. The history of the place goes back 2000 years, and visiting the ancient walls gives you a crash course in Serbian history.
• See one of the world's largest Orthodox churches at St Sava. This green-domed beauty is an icon of the city, and you can see its impressive structure from almost anywhere in the city. The square outside the church is also a great place to hang out and people watch.
• Bask in the opulence of Serbia's former monarchy at Stari Dvor and Novi Dvor. These are the old and new palaces built for two different royal families, dating back to the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, respectively. The New Palace is currently the home of the president of Serbia, and can be visited on guided tours.

Belgrade lockers

As an ancient city, Belgrade is a fantastic place to explore on foot. Often, this is the best way to see the city and soak up the atmosphere. Be sure to leave your unneeded bags behind at the Belgrade luggage storage locker so you can travel more easily. The less you have to carry, the more fun you'll have.

Off the beaten path in Belgrade

Belgrade’s troubled 20th-century history means tourists have been slow to discover what the city has to offer. That's rapidly changing, though, as travelers from around the world start to see the potential of Serbia. Still, there are plenty of places where you can get away from the crowds and enjoy some of Belgrade's more offbeat attractions.

• If you're looking to experience Belgrade's bohemian side, you can't miss Skardarlija. This car-free district has been the place where freethinkers have converged since the 1800s. A kind of Serbian echo of Paris' Montmartre, the area is home to great bars, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
• Belgrade isn't generally thought of as a beach destination. But if you are looking to enjoy some summer weather, head to Ada Ciganlija. This island in the river offers both forest trails and sandy beaches, making it a great place to unwind in nature without leaving the city.
• Celebrate the life of one of history's genuine mad scientists at the Nikola Tesla Museum. This twentieth-century genius was a pioneer in the development of electricity, and the Serbs are very proud of one of their most famous sons.

What to do alone in Belgrade

Traveling alone in Belgrade is a great way to immerse yourself in its culture. The friendly and fun-loving locals are very welcoming to visitors, and traveling by yourself allows you to really get to grips with the city. Leave your bags behind at a Belgrade luggage locker and head out on a solo adventure.

• Explore the history of conflict at Belgrade Military Museum. Among the ancient walls of the fortress, this museum preserves relics of more modern warfare. Roman swords sit beside German tanks and NATO equipment from the 1990s conflict that led to the dissolution of Yugoslavia.
• Time your visit just right, and you could see one of the most intense sporting events in the world at Rajko Mitic Stadium. When Red Star Belgrade play FK Partizan, the atmosphere is always electric. Be warned that this soccer match is not for the faint of heart. But if you’re willing to take a chance, it could be a truly unforgettable experience.
• Get out on the water and enjoy fabulous nightlife on a splav, or barge. These boats are permanently moored on the two rivers that run through the city, and are used as floating restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Each one has its own different atmosphere, and you'll be sure to make new friends as you party the night away.

The best souvenirs in Belgrade

Yugoslavia dissolved when its different national groups sought independence. There is little nostalgia for the former Yugoslavia in other Balkan countries such as Croatia and Montenegro, since the union was dominated by Serbia. But in Belgrade, you'll find plenty of fondness for the defunct socialist state. Visit House of Flowers, the burial site of Yugoslav ruler Joseph Tito, to pick up pins, flags, and other communist memorabilia. Just don't take them over the border into Croatia.

Another great souvenir from Belgrade is rakia, a local fruit brandy that is a crucial part of Serbian culture. The Rakia Bar Gift Shop is a place to shop for this unique spirit. Or you could head to Zeleni Venac for classic Serbian delicacies such as Ajvar, a delicious red pepper dip you’ll find in restaurants across the country.

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Ada Ciganlija and Ada Bridge

Belgrade street names, church of st marko, church of st sava, drinking and nightlife, the ethnographical museum and gallery of frescoes, kalemegdan fortress, konak of princess ljubica, the museum of yugoslav history, nikola tesla museum, the orthodox cathedral and museum, parliament building, trg republike and around.

The city sits at a strategic point on the junction of the Danube and Sava rivers – something that has proved a source of weakness as well as strength over the ages: Belgrade has been captured as many as sixty times by Celts, Romans, Huns, Avars and more. The onslaught continued right through the twentieth century, when the city suffered heavy shelling during World War II and in 1999 withstood 78 days of NATO airstrikes.

All that considered, contemporary Belgrade is pretty picturesque. The mingling and merging of styles can be off-putting, particularly when a row of beautiful older frontages is interrupted by a postwar interloper, but the grand nineteenth-century buildings and delicate Art Nouveau facades still stand alongside the Yugoslav experimentation, eloquent witnesses of the city’s time under the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires.

The city’s most attention-grabbing attraction is the Kalemegdan Fortress . Just outside the park boundary is the Old City, whose dense lattice of streets conceals Belgrade’s most interesting sights. South of here is Belgrade’s central square, Trg Republike , and the old bohemian quarter of Skadarlija, beyond which lie several more sights worth seeing, including one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches. For a spot of rest and recuperation, head west across the Sava to the verdant suburb of Zemun , in New Belgrade, or further south towards the island of Ada Ciganlija , Belgrade’s own miniature beach resort.

Top image Zemun © DeStefano/Shutterstock

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Belgrade Travel Guide

“A Journey into the Heart of Serbia”

Unearth the hidden gems of Belgrade with our comprehensive travel guide, covering history, accommodation, must-visit places, shopping, culinary delights, and nightlife.

Introduction

Dive into the rich history and culture of belgrade.

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is a city with a tumultuous history and a unique blend of cultures. With its stunning architecture, lively atmosphere, and vibrant nightlife, Belgrade offers an unforgettable experience for travelers. In this Belgrade travel guide, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions and explore the city’s highlights.

History and Characteristics of Belgrade

Belgrade’s history dates back to the 3rd century BC, and it has been at the crossroads of various civilizations since then. Its strategic location at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers has made it a highly sought-after prize throughout history, causing it to change hands many times. From Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule to the Kingdom of Serbia and the former Yugoslavia, Belgrade’s rich history is evident in its diverse architecture, culture, and traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to travel?

The best time to visit Belgrade is from April to June and from September to October when the weather is pleasant and not too crowded.

How many days should I spend?

We recommend spending at least 3-4 days in Belgrade to fully experience its rich history, attractions, and vibrant atmosphere.

What is the best way to travel around?

Belgrade’s public transportation system includes buses, trams, and trolleybuses. Taxis are also affordable, and walking or biking is an excellent way to explore the city.

Prince Mihailo Monument

Accommodation in Belgrade

Finding the perfect place to stay in Belgrade is an essential part of your travel experience. The city offers a wide range of accommodation options, catering to various budgets and preferences. From luxury hotels and mid-range properties to budget hostels and holiday rentals, you’re sure to find the perfect home away from home in this vibrant city.

Luxury Lodgings: Indulge in the Finer Things

• Square Nine Hotel : Located in the heart of Belgrade, this elegant hotel offers luxurious rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a top-notch spa.
• Metropol Palace Belgrade : A landmark hotel with a rich history, the Metropol Palace features a fusion of contemporary design and classic elegance.

Mid-Range Marvels: Comfort and Style without Breaking the Bank

• Zepter Hotel : This modern hotel in the city center offers well-appointed rooms and an on-site restaurant, perfect for business and leisure travelers alike.
• Hotel Moskva : A historic hotel with a prime location, Hotel Moskva offers comfortable accommodations, excellent service, and a legendary café.

Budget Bliss: Affordable Stays for the Budget-Conscious Traveler

• Hostel Bongo : Located in the heart of Belgrade, this lively hostel offers a mix of private rooms and dormitories, making it a great choice for budget travelers.
• Hostel Iris : Conveniently set in Belgrade, Hostel Iris provides air-conditioned rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi and a bar.

Holiday Rentals: Unwind in Your Own Belgrade Haven

• Apartments Feel Belgrade : These modernly furnished apartments in the centre of the city are perfect for travellers looking for a home-like experience.
• Twin Center Apartments : Stay in the heart of Belgrade in these fully-equipped apartments that offer comfort, privacy, and convenience.

Regardless of your budget or travel style, Belgrade has accommodation options that will suit your needs. Take the time to explore the different areas and types of lodgings available to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay in this enchanting city.

Search your stay using the interactive map below or visit booking.com

Things to do in Belgrade

With its rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful landscapes, Belgrade offers a plethora of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a food lover, there’s something for everyone in this bustling city. Dive into guided explorations, outdoor adventures, and more as you make the most of your time in Belgrade.

Guided Explorations: Discover Belgrade’s Rich Heritage

• Belgrade Private City Tour : Discover Belgrade’s top sights on a 4-hour private tour, offering insight into its rich history and architecture.
• Belgrade Big Tour : Experience the best of Belgrade on the ‘Big Tour’ with an expert guide and small group. Explore Old Town, New Belgrade and key sights.

Outdoor Adventures: Connect with Nature in and around Belgrade

• Best E-Bike Tour in Belgrade : Elevate your Belgrade exploration with an electric bike tour in a small group. Effortlessly pedal through the city to uncover its highlights.
• Belgrade Sunset Cruise : Experience a 1.5-hour Danube and Sava River cruise, viewing Belgrade’s landmarks with guided commentary.

Belgrade’s diverse array of activities ensures that you’ll never run out of things to do during your stay. By experiencing the city’s historical sites, outdoor wonders, and cultural offerings, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what makes Belgrade such a unique and captivating destination.

Shopping in Belgrade

Shopping in Belgrade is a delight for travelers, with a wide variety of shopping experiences to choose from. Whether you’re in search of luxury brands, unique local finds, or vintage treasures, Belgrade’s shopping scene offers something for every taste and budget. Explore chic boutiques, lively markets, and modern malls as you indulge your inner shopaholic.

Chic Boutiques: Indulge in Luxury Shopping

• Knez Mihailova Street: This bustling pedestrian street is lined with high-end boutiques, offering the perfect opportunity for some retail therapy.
• Delta City Mall : Home to numerous international brands, this modern shopping mall offers a wide variety of luxury shopping options.

Vintage Treasures: Discover Unique Finds at Belgrade’s Flea Markets

• Bajloni Market: Browse through a mix of antiques, vintage clothing, and local produce at this vibrant market in the Dorćol neighborhood.
• Kalenić Market: One of the largest open-air markets in Belgrade, Kalenić offers a lively atmosphere and a treasure trove of unique finds.

From high-end shopping to unique flea market finds, Belgrade’s shopping scene caters to all preferences and budgets. As you explore the city’s diverse retail offerings, you’ll not only satisfy your shopping cravings but also uncover hidden gems that make for unforgettable souvenirs and memories.

JaneDoe Concept Store in Belgrade

Where to eat in Belgrade

Savor the flavors of belgrade.

Belgrade’s culinary scene is a testament to the city’s rich history and cultural diversity. From fine dining establishments serving gourmet delights to cozy eateries offering authentic Serbian fare, Belgrade’s gastronomic offerings cater to a wide range of tastes and budgets. Embark on a culinary adventure as you discover the city’s delicious flavors and dining experiences.

Fine Dining: Indulge in Gourmet Delights

• Ambar Restaurant : This trendy restaurant on the banks of the Sava River offers an innovative twist on traditional Serbian cuisine.
• Madera Restaurant : Located near the Kalemegdan Fortress, Madera serves up delectable dishes in an elegant setting.

Local Gems: Experience Authentic Serbian Fare

• Manufakturan Restaurant : Sample traditional Serbian dishes in a cozy, rustic setting at this popular eatery in the city centre.
• Dva Jelena Restaurant : Enjoy hearty Serbian fare in this iconic restaurant, which has been a Belgrade institution for over a century.

The culinary scene in Belgrade is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. With a wide variety of dining options to suit every palate and budget, a trip to Belgrade is incomplete without sampling the delicious local cuisine and exploring the city’s dynamic food culture.

Restoran Ciribu Ciriba in Belgrade

Nightlife in Belgrade

Embrace belgrade’s vibrant evening scene.

Belgrade is renowned for its lively nightlife, which offers something for everyone, regardless of your taste in music or preferred ambiance. From pulsating nightclubs and live music venues to cozy pubs and stylish cocktail bars, the city’s evening scene is as diverse as it is vibrant. Experience the energy and excitement of Belgrade’s nightlife as you dance the night away or unwind with a drink in hand.

Dance the Night Away: Clubs to Keep You Moving

• Freestyler Night Club :  One of Belgrade’s most famous clubs, Freestyler is known for its energetic atmosphere and fantastic music.
• Klub 20/44 : This eclectic club on a boat offers a unique nightlife experience, with a diverse lineup of events and performances.

Cozy Corners: Unwind with a Drink in Hand

• The Black Turtle Pub : This popular pub offers a wide range of craft beers, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
• Bar Central : This stylish cocktail bar in the city center is the perfect spot for a relaxing evening with friends.

Belgrade’s nightlife scene is truly one of a kind, offering a diverse range of experiences for visitors to enjoy. As you explore the city’s clubs, bars, and live music venues, you’ll not only have a fantastic time but also gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s unique culture and spirit.

Freestyle Night Club in Belgrade

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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TravelAwaits

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10 Reasons You’ll Love Visiting This Little-Known European Capital

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Before I looked into exploring eastern Europe a little more thoroughly, I would have been hard-pressed to pinpoint Belgrade — or Serbia, for that matter — on the map. Serbia is a landlocked country bordering probably most of the Slavic countries and some others, many of which came together under the former Yugoslavia (Land of the Slavs): There are Croatia and Bosnia Herzegovina in the west, Hungary to the north, Romania, and Bulgaria toward the east, and North Macedonia due south. Plus, Kosovo, which is not recognized as an independent state by Serbia. The capital, Belgrade, lies to the central north of the country.

Though land-locked and relatively far from the sea for a European country, Belgrade sits on the confluence of the river Sava and the Danube , allowing it to sparkle in a hilly, green landscape. That said, Belgrade is not often visited by overseas travelers coming to Europe, and even many of the Danube River cruises do not reach this far east.

So, what you have is a capital city devoid of tourist crowds, yet filled with a history that stretches between Roman times to very recent unrest fighting for independence, and an eminently liveable city, filled with cafes and restaurants, great shops, and welcoming and friendly people. What more does one need for a great city break?

Here are my reasons why you should visit and give Belgrade a chance to shine.

1. The Belgrade Fortress

This was my first stop when exploring Belgrade. Because of the strategic location of the Kalemegdan Fortress on a land spit reaching into the large confluence of the Sava River and the Danube, this spot has always been the favored spot for fortifications. First, the Romans built one here, then over the following centuries, the fort kept being destroyed and rebuilt by Romans, Serbs, Turks, and Austrians. You name it, they built a fort here. Wandering around the huge complex surrounded by a large park and stunning views gives you a great first impression of Belgrade and its history.

2. Stari Grad: The Old Town

Just on the doorstep of the fortress lies Stari Grad, the “Old Town.” It’s not an obvious old town center like in most European cities, where a usually round medieval core was often surrounded by sturdy city walls, and inside was a huddle of old, crooked buildings alongside cobbled lanes. Here it is a real mix of buildings in a relatively modern shopping area along and off to the sides of the lovely, pedestrianized Knez Mihailova Street. While on the main drag, you could nearly be anywhere, but dive into the little side streets, and you’ll find small, typical cafes and restaurants and older shops.

Head further east toward the other side of this neighborhood half encircled by the Danube, and you find lovely residential streets, making you look up and choose a potential apartment for yourself.

3. The Bohemian Skadarlija

Part of Stari Grad is the eclectic Skadarlija street, probably the most fun street in Belgrade. Not grand, or stunning, instead it is full of bohemian vibes, street art, cute little, colorful houses, and plenty of restaurants and cafes inviting you to stop. This is the place for lunch, or dinner, because all the restaurants are incredibly affordable and serve up vast portions of meat-heavy local cuisine.

My husband and I tried Dva Jelena , sat outside in the sunshine and watched the world go by. We ate cevapcici, skewers of minced meat; a pork ‘braid’ with sauerkraut, and ox-cheeks with mashed potatoes, plus a sample of local beer and wine, and ended up barely able to walk, but paying a fraction of what lunch would cost in any other European city.

4. The Electrifying Nikola Tesla Museum

Nikola Tesla is probably Belgrade’s, and Serbia’s, most famous son. The name is in everybody’s mind because of the electric car company and its co-founder Elon Musk, but few know anything about the name’s owner, Nikola Tesla. The small museum in Belgrade is crammed full of his history and his many inventions, and it quite literally sends out sparks when during the tour some of his electrical inventions are fired up. It is truly interesting, and while a tour is obligatory, it won’t take up too much of your time.

5. Walking To Zemun

Spending an afternoon or morning walking along the Danube, looking at its many houseboats, and stopping for coffee along the way is a must when in Belgrade. But this outing is even better if you start in the suburb of Zemun some 7 miles from Belgrade center. The best way is to only walk in one direction and take a bus or taxi to Zemun and then walk back.

But do allow some time to be spent in the small town itself. Zemun used to be a border town between the Ottoman and Australian empires and is too cute for words. The bustling town is filled with small and brightly colored houses and it has a great tower with even greater views and a plethora of restaurants along the riverbank of the Danube.

6. Superb Inexpensive Meals

I know I keep going on about food, but this took me completely by surprise in Belgrade. To be honest, my preconceptions of Serbian or Slavic food were all kebabs and cevapcici (which is true, and they are yummy), but the number of superb fine-dining restaurants which, for us as visitors, were ridiculously cheap, is impressive.

Try Magellan , for example — so good we went twice. Located in the somewhat Soviet-style new Belgrade across the Sava, this nautical-themed restaurant serves incredible, non-cevapcici food. Then there is Salon 1906 , which is located in a building that will take your breath away. I believe it was an old bank, and the ceilings, décor, and double staircase are unbelievable. Not quite that cheap, but still cheap compared to a similar setting and menu anywhere else in Europe; this is one for a special occasion.

7. The Markets

I have mentioned before that Belgrade is a liveable city rather than a touristy one, and that is also reflected in the city’s markets. Locals shop for fresh food here, and it is fun to be in the middle of that and to see the local produce and other goodies for sale. My favorites are the vast market called Kalenic, which is like a market city, and not far from the St. Sava Temple (see below), and the rather lovely Zeleni Venac. Zeleni Venac is near the city center and is marked by an assortment of strange red-and-white roofs.

8. Numerous Cafes

I had not known that Belgrade has a distinct coffee culture, and, as far as I know, it doesn’t. It just seems that the people of Belgrade have a thing for trendy coffee shops, large and small, cute and industrial chic, but all serving decent coffee and always some great cake and other dishes.

I found so many but simply did not have the time to constantly stop for coffee, so my husband and I agreed to forgo the hotel breakfast and instead eat out for breakfast every morning, and then add a few extra coffee stops during the day. Try, for example, the Kafeterija , or Coffee, Tea, and Sympathy with a balcony looking out across Park Terazijska terasa.

9. St. Sava Temple

This is Belgrade’s Sagrada Familia. Well, not quite, but this vast temple, or Orthodox church, is not only the largest Orthodox Church in use, but construction has been ongoing on and off since 1935. Nearly finished though, it is as vast on the outside as it is extravagantly decorated and gilded inside. It is an incredible building that is well worth taking time out to see.

10. Metropol Palace

There are plenty of hyper-modern hotels in Belgrade, and equally some historic places, but for me, the Metropol Palace is very much a part of the city’s Yugoslav and Serbian history. And, looking at the guest list ranging from political names such as Leonid Brezhnev and Che Guevara to film greats like Brigitte Bardot, Elizabeth Taylor, and Kirk Douglas to astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong, and so many more, you feel in quite illustrious surroundings.

What really brings the pride of the Belgrade people home to me is the special in-house chocolate cake service you get in the rooftop restaurant. The coffee and cake are served on the blue-and-white china that was first used in the 1950s when the hotel was opened and holds a pride of place in the glass vitrines in reception, showcasing some of the hotel’s history. Oh, and the views are great from the rooftop terrace, too.

Pro Tip: Language

Language can be a bit of a problem, as tourism is not widespread, nor is the English language. You will get by in most hotels, restaurants, and cafes, but asking a stranger on the street for directions can be problematic. Make sure you get some roaming credits for your phone to use maps and translation services, and take the business card of your hotel with you to show to people should you need guidance.

For more on Europe , explore these articles:

• 6 Beautiful European Capital Cities To Visit Along The Danube
• 6 Amazing Lesser-Known Attractions To Visit In Europe
• 8 Hidden Gem Destinations In Europe To Add To Your Travel Bucket List

A travel writer and guidebook author for the last 20 years, Ulrike's work has been seen in National Geographic , BBC , The Independent , Australian Women's Weekly , The Telegraph , The Australian , Fodor's , France Today , CNN Travel , Lonely Planet , Travel + Leisure , CNTraveler , numerous inflight magazines, and many others.

She has written three books for Moon Travel Guides: 'Living Abroad in Australia' (3rd edition), 'Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef', and the shorter version 'Spotlight Sydney' and are all available in print and as e-books.

Having lived in seven countries (Germany, UK, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Australia, and France) to date and traveled to more than 100, she specializes in writing about travel, art and architecture, expat living, and life and style.

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

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

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

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!

3. Church of Saint Sava

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.

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

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

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.

6. The Museum of Yugoslav History

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

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, 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

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

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!

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 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. :)

Find cheap flights from London to Belgrade from $79

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from london to belgrade departing on 9/18. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to belgrade.

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Cheap flight deals from London to Belgrade (LHR-BEG)

Flights from london to belgrade - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends into flights from london to belgrade to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what is the cheapest month to fly from london heathrow airport to belgrade, the cheapest month for flights from london heathrow airport to belgrade is march, where tickets cost $120 on average. on the other hand, the most expensive months are july and december, where the average cost of tickets is $271 and $263 respectively., how far in advance should i book a flight from london heathrow airport to belgrade, to get a below average price on the flight from london heathrow airport to belgrade, you should book around 1 week before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 77 days before departure., which airlines provide the cheapest flights from london to belgrade, in the last 3 days, air serbia offered the best one-way deal for that route, at $79. kayak users also found london to belgrade round-trip flights on british airways from $145 and on lufthansa from $186., which airlines fly non-stop between london heathrow airport and belgrade, there are 2 airlines that fly nonstop from london heathrow airport to belgrade. they are air serbia and british airways. the cheapest airline for this route is air serbia, with the best one-way deal found costing $115. on average, the best prices for this route can be found at air serbia., how many flights are there between london heathrow airport and belgrade per day, each day, there are between 1 and 3 nonstop flights that take off from london heathrow airport and land in belgrade, with an average flight time of 2h 41m. the most common departure time is 1:00 pm and most flights take off in the afternoon. each week, there are 12 flights. the most frequent day of departure is sunday, when 25% of all weekly flights depart. the fewest flights depart on a wednesday., which cabin class options are there for flights between london heathrow airport and belgrade, there are 3 cabin class options for the route. these are business, economy and prem economy. perform a search on kayak to find the latest prices and availability for all cabin fares, which differ across airlines., how long does a flight from london to belgrade take, direct flights take on average 2h 40m to travel the 1,056 miles between london and belgrade., what’s the earliest departure time from london to belgrade, early birds can take the earliest flight from london heathrow airport at 7:50 am and will be landing in belgrade at 11:35 am., what’s the latest departure time from london to belgrade, if you prefer to fly at night, the latest flight from london heathrow airport to belgrade jets off at 7:55 pm and lands at 11:35 pm., good to know, when to book flights from london to belgrade, faqs for booking london to belgrade flights, is it possible to fly non-stop from london to belgrade.

It is possible to fly directly to Belgrade Airport from London Heathrow and London Luton with airlines such as Wizz Air and Air Serbia. Flights from London Gatwick, London Stansted, and London City usually involve one stopover. However, on some flight routes from London airports, you may need to make 2 stops before you reach your destination.

Is long-stay parking available at London airports?

Long-stay parking is available at all 5 of London’s major airports. This means you can leave your car while you travel and drive it home again when you return. All of these car parking facilities are gated and secure and are monitored by security cameras. For those travelling from Heathrow Airport, charging ports are also available in certain car parking spaces to charge electric vehicles.

Is there public transport available at Belgrade Airport?

Yes – Belgrade Airport is well-connected to the city centre. Several public bus routes pass Belgrade Airport and stop regularly to collect passengers. These include the A1 Minibus, Line 72 and Line 607. These buses usually reach the city in around 30min and tickets can be purchased on board. The fare prices are usually under 500 RSD (3.60 GBP) and for Line 72 and 607 tickets are even cheaper if you purchase them at the kiosk inside the terminal, rather than when you board.

Are currency exchange services available at Belgrade Airport?

There are 24-hour currency exchange services available at several points throughout Belgrade Airport. For international arrivals, there is a currency exchange machine situated beside the baggage claims area. There are also 6 ATMs in the arrivals hall and a further 3 ATMs in the baggage claims areas for those who want to take out cash.

What is the cheapest flight from London Heathrow Airport to Belgrade?

In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from London Heathrow Airport to Belgrade was $79 for a one-way ticket and $145 for a round-trip.

Do I need a passport to fly between London and Belgrade?

A passport is required to fly from London to Belgrade.

Which airlines offer Wi-Fi service onboard planes from London to Belgrade?

Only Air Serbia offers inflight Wi-Fi service on the London to Belgrade flight route.

Which aircraft models fly most regularly from London to Belgrade?

The Airbus A321neo is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the London to Belgrade flight route.

Which airline alliances offer flights from London to Belgrade?

oneworld is the only airline alliance operating flights between London and Belgrade.

On which days can I fly direct from London to Belgrade?

There are nonstop flights from London to Belgrade on a daily basis.

Which is the best airline for flights from London to Belgrade, Lufthansa or Air Serbia?

The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from London to Belgrade are Lufthansa and Air Serbia. With an average price for the route of $303 and an overall rating of 7.0, Lufthansa is the most popular choice. Air Serbia is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $251 and an overall rating of 6.7.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from London to Belgrade?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from London to Belgrade.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from London to Belgrade?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Belgrade from London is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from London to Belgrade?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Belgrade with an airline and back to London with another airline. Booking your flights between London and BEG can sometimes prove cheaper using this method.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from London to Belgrade?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Belgrade from London up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from LHR to Belgrade

• Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $113 or less one-way and $119 or less round-trip.
• It is possible to book flights from London airports to Belgrade Airport (BEG) with multiple airlines. This may slightly reduce the cost of travel depending on the route you take and the particular airlines available.
• London is a major transport hub, and all 5 of London’s airports are generally extremely busy. This means you may have to wait in long queues at security points or check-in. It is, therefore, advisable to arrive at least 2h before your departure time.
• If you are travelling to Belgrade Airport with a guide dog, please be aware that they must wear a muzzle and remain on a leash at all times.
• Belgrade Airport is home to the Belgrade Aeronautical Museum, which features exhibitions on the history of Serbian air travel. The Museum is located outside the terminal and opposite the main car park area.
• If you are flying to Belgrade Business Class with Lufthansa from Heathrow Airport (LHR), you can make use of the Lufthansa Business Lounge, which is located in Terminal 2A. Food and drink are available in the lounge and there are charging ports available for phones and laptops.
• Belgrade Airport operates an electronic baggage tracing service for passengers flying with certain airlines, including Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines. If your luggage is lost or delayed, you can activate this service by notifying the Lost and Found service at Belgrade airport.

Prefer to fly non-stop from London to Belgrade?

Find which airlines fly direct from Heathrow to Nikola Tesla, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

London Heathrow to Belgrade Nikola Tesla

Air Serbia, American Airlines, British Airways

Air Serbia, American Airlines, +1 more

Nonstop returns

Belgrade Nikola Tesla to London Heathrow

Top airlines flying from london to belgrade.

Never flown with LH before so all in all wasba good experience. Also good to know that approx 24hrs prior the flight opens up for being able to organise the seating free.

It was a short flight, no real service (which is okay). Very bumpy because of weather.

I'm Canaadian. I hate Air Canada. I used to give them a pass on their international service. No longer, They suck across the board now! Old planes, exhausted staff bad food and shitty entertainment. Your seats need reupholstered! Start with that...

Good experience. Food was great and passengers helped rearrange seats so our family could be seated together

Check in crew in Charlotte NC was superb. There were 6 of them plus what looked like a supervisor, helping to answer questions and keep things moving. Never saw so many check in crew. Then some of them showed up at the gate later for boarding. Great. The flight was mediocre. The seats were small with little leg room. The screens kept coming on when we were trying to sleep and wouldn’t shut off. I know we paid far less than first class but does that mean we should be shoved in there??

Great flight. Left on time, not very crowded. Quiet and the right temperature.

No eye patches , socks given out for overnight flight! The snack on the short haul was a cube of chocolate! The seat was uncomfortable for a long haul - not enough cushioning!

Good crew and good flight but could have run on time They were waiting to collect people from connections

I paid a lot of money for seat selection and was miserable for flight duration

Lufthansa lost our luggage. After a lot of chasing on our part we got it back. The main problem is that there was no office in Bogota to help us outside of flighttimes. The customer service phone lines had no data on our luggage. I think Lufthansa need to invest in managing communications over lost luggage or this will end with everyone taking more luggage out of hold.

This was my connection flight that was moved time ahead for a almost entire day so I lost it and I had to purchase new ticket once I landed in Copenhagen since nobody wanted to take responsibility for moving flight in that way so it’s impossible to make it. Very poor job by Underpricer, Air Serbia and SAS.

I purchased an exit row seat and priority boarding, about 3 months in advance. Without any communication whatsoever, my seat was moved to row 2, when I checked my reservation 2-3 days before departure. As no exit row seats were available anymore, I selected a seat 1C. However, once at the airport, I was issued maybe the worst possible seat, 29E, middle seat, one row before the last. It is not worth my time to request the refund on the ancillary purchase, I am simply done flying with Air Serbia. Also there was no boarding process to speak of at all, or online check in.

Lacking online check in, had to wait an hour in order to check in on the counter even without language.

This flight was better, plane was newer and didn’t have broken parts. Flight crew was very attentive and friendly.

Seats are very small and uncomfortable so such a long flight. My tray table was broken and taped up. Flight attendant untaped it to put my tray on. I taped it back up when done. The armrest between seats was broken and metal exposed. I will not book Air Serbia again.

Our flight was delayed from 1st July to 2nd July. But I wasnt informed! Checked my emails,every detail but I was definitely not informed! I and my family went to the airport on 1st July and learned that rhe flight is delayed to 2nd July at the airport! I am going to complain about this. I had to stay ın Kraljevo one more night. Luckily we could find a room. What ıf We couldn't?

To be honest, it was a fair flight, nothing more, nothing less. Since the route is short, I can accept poor in-flight service. The Belgrade airport is currently undergoing extensive reconstruction, which may result in some minor disruptions, but progress is expected to be made within the foreseeable future.

Omg my flight was delayed from 4pm to 9:45 pm with no explanation- that is ridiculous

Very poor embarkation in Belgrade , employees not friendly, not well organized. The flight was delayed by over 2.5 hours and the employees at the air Serbia desk at Belgrade were unhelpful, disinterested and all appeared more concerned about their snack (all were munching something) than assisting passengers

They didnt let me do the check in online. That was terrible cause I was coming from another country,so I had to go oit the airport and go un again through controls. They Also made me pay more for my bag which was very light. And the personal was not so nice.

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17 Best Things to Do in Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade , the capital city of Serbia , isn’t the favorite destination of many travelers. And I get that as it took me a few visits to warm up to the city.

But once I got to know it a bit better I think this is a pretty cool destination, albeit not the most obvious one. With so many great things to do in Belgrade, you can spend there a few days without getting bored and actually enjoy the capital of Serbia.

I’ve been a frequent visitor to Belgrade for some ten years now as this is often the easiest entry point to the Balkans . While at first I was a bit reluctant when visiting Belgrade, now I’m always trying to add a day or two in the city to spend some time there and enjoy all my favorite spots.

Belgrade reminds me a bit of Warsaw or Bucharest , the capitals where the recent history wasn’t easy on them and where you can still feel its impact, making the cities not the easiest one to visit (especially if you are looking for Insta pretty places) but once you dig deeper into the layers they all turn out to be pretty amazing.

And so it’s time I put together this Belgrade guide with all the best things to do in Belgrade. As you will see there are not too many typical tourist spots and monuments but the list of Belgrade attractions can get really long! Read on, give the city a chance, and plan your own trip to Belgrade soon.

Planning a trip to Belgrade?

Here are the highly-rated hotels, tours, and services recommended for your trip:

Accomodation:

• Envoy Hotel (9.2/10)
• Boutique Hotel Museum (9.3/10)
• Prince Rooftop (9.3/10)

Tours and activities:

• Top Attractions and Belgrade Neighborhoods
• Northern Serbia: Sremski Karlovci and Novi Sad
• Belgrade Sunset Cruise

Internet: Stay connected with Airalo eSim card – click here to get yours!

Airport Transfer: Airport Transfer: Use Welcome Pickups for a smooth ride from the airport to your accommodation in Belgrade. Click here to book the airport transfer.

Insurance: Get insured for your trip to Serbia with SafetyWing

Car rental: Compare prices and find the best deals on rental cars in Serbia on Discover Cars .

Table of Contents

Why visit Belgrade

The main reason why many travelers visit Belgrade is to start their journey in the Balkans. But the city is pretty interesting too and offers a variety of attractions.

There are some old remnants like Kalemagdan fortress or beautiful architecture from the turn of the 19th and 20th century as well as quirky concrete masterpieces. But most of all Belgrade is a vibrant city with some amazing restaurants, bars and nightlife.

How much time for visiting Belgrade

You can see the main attractions in Belgrade, especially those located downtown, in one day but I think Belgrade deserves more time to feel the vibe of the city.

With two days in Belgrade, you can also explore areas located further away like Novi Beograd or Zemun. But of course, the more time you have, the better.

How to get to Belgrade

The local airport is the main hub in the region therefore you can easily fly to Belgrade from numerous destinations in Europe and beyond. The national carrier, Air Serbia, is the main airline serving Belgrade airport but other companies fly there too (I usually take direct flights from Warsaw with LOT).

You need to take the bus to get from the airport to the center, either bus no 72 to Zeleni Venac (ticket costs 150 RSD, paid to the driver) or Minibus A1 to Slavija Square (300 RSD).

If you arrive in Belgrade by bus the main bus station is located in the center, a short walk (uphill) from the major attractions.

The situation with the train station complicated a bit recently when the old one, located next to the bus station was closed in 2018. Now you need to go a bit away from the center to either Beograd Centar station to take the train to Budapest or Novi Sad or to Topčider station for trains to Bar , Skopje or Nis .

How to get around Belgrade

While many of the attractions are located in the central part of the city and you can walk to them there are a few spots (like Zemun, Museum of Yugoslavia or numerous brutalists buildings) that you need to take the local public transport to get to. I usually use Eway website to check the public transport routes and so far it never failed me in Belgrade.

To use public transport in Belgrade you will need tickets. The most useful will be a 24-hours ticket – it costs only 250 dinars + 40 dinars for the card. You can get them at Moj Kiosk stands, they are located all over the city. Since the controls are frequent I recommend always traveling with a valid ticket.

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Things to do in Belgrade

And now, without any further ado, let me tell you about all the best things to do in Belgrade.

Explore Kalemegdan Fortress

The Kalemegdan fortress is probably the biggest highlight of Belgrade and it is popular for a reason. This is one of the best places in the city to relax and enjoy beautiful vistas of the Serbian capital (especially around sunset time). It is also full of history and attractions.

Located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, the first fortifications were built here already in Celtic times. What you can see today dates to the 17th century and later and is an impressive example of defensive architecture.

It’s a really vast area and you should take your time to explore it properly as it hides some really great attractions on the Upper and Lower Fortress. My favorite part is the promenade on the Sava riverside and the part near the Victor Monument but the whole place is really great.

The best way to get to Kalemegdan is from the pedestrian Knez Mihailova street, you just need to cross the traffic lights at the end of it and you are already in Kalemegdan park.

Walk down Knez Mihailova Street

Knez Mihailova Street is the main pedestrian lane in Belgrade that stretches for around a kilometer between Terazije and Kalemegdan Fortress. This is one of the oldest and most valuable parts of Belgrade, lined with beautiful buildings from the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century.

It’s always busy with people shopping in the numerous places along the street or chilling in any outdoor cafes. This is probably the best place in Belgrade for people watching. You should walk Knez Mihailova street in the morning, when it’s still fairly empty, to admire the beautiful architecture around and then return later on to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the place.

Some of the most interesting buildings here include Srpska Kruna Hotel (at number 56), The Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts’ building (at 35), Ruski car restaurant (at the corner of Knez Mihailova and Obilićev Venac streets) and numerous residential buildings (especially at numbers 46, 48 and 50).

See grand buildings in the downtown

Belgrade might not look like a beautiful city at first but it has some beautiful grand buildings in downtown. The center of the city is a peculiar mix of architecture, and while some of the newer additions to the scenery don’t really fit into the image of the big capital, there are still plenty of buildings that are worth looking at.

You can find some of them in and around Trg Republike, Terazije, Kralja Milana street or Trg Nikole Pasica but wandering around the downtown will reveal even more random beauty around.

If you can, step inside the buildings and gates too as you can find some real wonders there. My favorite find was the interior of the Main Post Office with a beautiful retro design.

But downtown Belgrade hides some real gems too and you can find them when wandering the backstreets, especially near Kneza Mihaila street. Some of the buildings there are really neat and can surely impress you!

Admire the beauty of Hotel Moskva

Of all the beautiful buildings in downtown Zagreb, Hotel Moskva must be my favorite one. This is one of the oldest operating hotels in Serbia, it was opened in 1908. The stunning art-nouveau building really stands out among other Belgrade architecture.

Due to its importance, location, and high standards Hotel Moskva welcomed numerous well-known guests over the years, including Albert Einstein, Alfred Hitchcock, or Richard Nixon, among many others. It also played an important role in the local history (i.e. it was the Gestapo headquarter during World War 2) and culture.

Today it is still a popular place among travelers but even if you are not staying there you can enjoy Hotel Moskva a bit – there is a fine cafe you can sit at and get a glimpse of the place and its vibe.

Enjoy the bohemian side of Belgrade

The neighborhood of Skaradlija is known as the bohemian side of Belgrade, so much different than the rest of the city. Its heart is Skadarska street – a 400-meters long cobbled lane full of attractions.

You will find there numerous restaurants, art galleries, or antique shops – Skadarlija is known as Belgrade’s Montmarte, and you can surely feel the artistic vibe there.

This is a perfect place for a slow wander around and the benches lined along the street welcome visitors to sit down and relax.

Getting to Skadarlija is rather easy, the street is located a short walk away from Trg Republike.

You can read more about Skadarlija here , in the article I wrote about this area only.

Find the Belgrade’s version of Sebilj

If you visited Sarajevo , the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina , you know that one of the city’s main attractions is Sebilj – the old, Ottoman-style drinking fountain.

What many people don’t know is that you can find Sarajevo Sebilj’s replica in Belgrade. It looks almost the same, just the color is a bit darker than the one in Sarajevo. This is one of the very few Sebiljs you can find outside of the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina and it was donated to Belgrade by the city of Sarajevo in 1989.

You can see Belgrade’s Sebilj when visiting Skadarlija, it’s located at the corner of Skadarska and George Washington streets.

See the impressive Saint Sava Church

One of the most recognizable attractions of Belgrade, clearly seen from many places all over the city, is the enormous Saint Sava Church, dominating the scenery with its round domes. This is actually one of the largest churches in the world and often compared to Hagia Sophia in Istanbul (due to its shape) or Sagrada Familia in Barcelona (since both are still not fully finished).

Works on Saint Sava Church started in 1935 and finished only in 2004, and the interior is still very much under construction. Still, this is a beautiful place to visit and a must-stop during your Belgrade sightseeing, it can impress everyone with the fine details and impressive architecture.

If you can visit only one church in Belgrade, Saint Sava is the one (with Saint Mark’s being the close second).

Reminisce about the past at NATO bombed buildings

The 1990s Yugoslav War was the tragic episode in the region’s history and the Serbian contribution to it is a pretty well-known fact. But politics aside, as always in the wars the biggest victims are regular citizens, no matter on which side.

While the war took place mostly in the other parts of ex-Yugoslavia (with Sarajevo , Srebrenica or Vukovar being the most-known cities that suffered in the conflict), Belgrade bears some scars of that war too and you can see them in the NATO-bombed buildings that used to be the Yugoslav Ministry of Defence. Over 20 years about the bombing the damaged building still reminds about the uneasy past in the Balkans although construction works are taking place there.

You can find the building at the corner of Nemanjina and Kneza Miloša streets.

Enjoy the street art scene

Belgrade has one of the best street art scenes in the Balkans and you can find numerous works all over the city. Many of them are just random tags and graffiti on the walls, but you can also find some decent stencil, stickers or murals.

The one that is best known is by the world-famous artists from Italy – BLU. He painted a giant man eating a tree and his work showcases how we all hurt the environment. You can find it near Brankov Most, on Pop Lukina Street.

When wandering around in search of Belgrade street art you will also quickly notice that many of the works commemorate late people, often connected to the local football teams – painting their portraits on the walls is a way to remember them.

The best areas to find street art in Belgrade are the areas of Savamala and Dorcol in the center as well as neighborhoods of New Belgrade across the Sava river.

Enjoy the cafe scene

The Balkans are known for its exceptional cafe culture and Belgrade, being the largest city in the region, has some really cool cafes that you can enjoy during your trip there. They make a perfect getaway to relax during the sightseeing or find some well-needed shadow during hot days.

There are so many good coffee shops in Belgrade, not only serving amazing drinks but also having some cool and hip interiors. You will find them all over the city, I used Foursquare and European Coffee Trip website to find the best one and they didn’t disappoint.

Of all the cafes I visited in Belgrade during my numerous visits there my favorite ones were Kafeterija Magazin 1907 (at Kralja Petra 16, just off Kneza Mihaila – it’s worth visiting for the interior itself as the whole townhouse was changed into the cafe), Kafeterija at Trg Nikole Pašića, Aviator Coffee Explorer at Terazije near Hotel Moskva and Uzitak Coffee at Hilandarska 4.

Try local food

I must admit I’m not the fan of Serbian cuisine, mostly because it is very much meat-oriented and I’m a vegetarian. But since the first bite I fell in love with burek and this affection continues for years.

This local pastry with various fillings (meat, cheese, spinach or potatoes) is to die for and you can find it all over the Balkans, in every bakery as well as in the small shops specializing in burek only (and these usually serve the best burek). You can also find many of them in Belgrade and I definitely recommend trying a burek fresh from the oven at least once during your trip.

If you are looking for a typical Serbian you will get it in numerous restaurants all over the center. The best-known is the restaurant Question Mark (Znak Pitanja) which is the oldest traditional tavern in the city, operating since 1823. You will find it at Kralja Petra 6, not far from Kneza Mihaila street.

Enjoy the riverside

With the location at the confluence of two important European rivers, Danube and Sava, Belgrade has a pretty long riverside that you can enjoy in numerous ways. You might wander around or ride a bike in the green areas, relax at the beach or spend time in some cool and hip bars and restaurants. Those are located below Kalemegdan fortress, between Brankov Bridge and the place where Sava and Danube meet.

The so-called Beton Hala is where you will find some of the finest restaurants in Belgrade and the place is vibrant all day long since it’s a popular lunch and coffee area during the daytime and in the evening it changes to one of the main hotspots in the Serbian capital. There is something really cool and funky about combining the raw concrete architecture with the mighty river and the vibrant atmosphere hence you can’t really miss this place when you visit Belgrade!

On the other side of the Sava river, across from the Beton Hala, you will find numerous boats that host nightclubs and restaurants too.

Admire the spectacular brutalist architecture

Belgrade is, hands down, one of the best European cities when it comes to brutalist architecture. If you are a fan of funky concrete masterpieces you are in for a treat as you will find plenty of them all over the city, including some iconic buildings like Genex Tower or the building that looks like Toblerone chocolate.

After World War 2 when brutalism was at its peak of popularity Belgrade developed rapidly as the capital of Serbia. The row between the leaders of Yugoslavia and Soviet Union lead to finding its own way for the Tito-lead country and that applied to architecture too. That’s why the brutalist style you will find in Belgrade (and other cities of ex-Yugoslavia) is slightly different than anywhere else but nevertheless amazing.

You can read more about Belgrade brutalist architecture and where to find it in this guide I published .

Visit museums

Even if I personally didn’t visit all that many museums in Belgrade I know that some of them are supposed to be pretty good and worth going to.

Some of the best Belgrade museums include the Nikola Tesla Museum, the Historical Museum of Serbia, the Museum of Science and Technology, the National Museum of Serbia, the Military Museum, the Aviation Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, or Ethnographic Museum.

Visit Museum of Yugoslavia

I believe this museum deserves special attention, especially for those who like me are interested in the 20th-century history of the region.

The Museum of Yugoslavia focuses on this part of history, showing the period of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and Socialist Yugoslavia as well as the life of its iconic leader Josip Broz Tito. In fact, you can find the grave of Tito in the special building called “House of Flowers”, located behind the main museum’s premises.

This place is such a great place to learn about the recent history of the region and to understand why Tito is still kind of worshipped in the countries of former Yugoslavia.

The museum is located a bit away from the center, the best way to get here is by trolleybus no 40L or 41L from the center.

Go to Zemun

Zemun, part of Belgrade located away from the center, at the Danube riverside, is a perfect area to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy capital. Until 1934 it was a separated city and part of the Habsburg Empire when it existed (the border between Austria-Hungary and Ottoman Empire was on the river Sava). This is why Zemun feels and looks so much different than downtown Belgrade.

You can find here the architecture typical for the Habsburg Empire, with lower houses and red rooftops, similar to the cities of Central Europe . The vibe of Zemun is also a bit different, more laid-back and it feels like life goes by slower here.

Zemun is such a pleasant place to visit, its waterfront is a popular recreational area where on the weekends you can expect many locals to stroll down and relax.

One of the biggest attractions of Zemun is the 19th-century Gardoš Tower from where you can admire the beautiful panorama of the surroundings and Belgrade in the background.

There are several city buses going to Zemun from the center and New Belgrade so getting there shouldn’t be a problem.

Go for day trips

The city can be a very good base to explore more of the country and some of the best places to visit in Serbia can be seen as day trips from Belgrade. There is a good network of public buses covering a big part of the country and you can use it when exploring Serbia, other places are better visited by car or with the tour.

The most popular day trip from Belgrade is to Novi Sad , the capital of the Vojvodina region, located around 100 km away from the capital. Novi Sad is very different from Belgrade, it’s this typical Central European city with grand architecture, numerous cafes, and an impressive Petrovaradin fortress.

While, as a big fan of Novi Sad, I believe the city deserves more than a day to fully enjoy it, you can still see its main attractions in a few hours. You can also combine visiting Novi Sad with seeing more of the Vojvodina region.

Another interesting place you can visit is Golubac Fortress – an impressive 14th-century masterpiece located at the Danube river, at the border with Romania , some 130 km away from Belgrade. When there you can also visit Đerdap National Park with some of the most beautiful views you will find in Serbia.

You can also go to Uzice (200 km away from Belgrade) and the nearby Zlatibor mountains and combine this place with a visit to Drvengrad – the ethno village created for Emir Kusturica’s movie “Life Is a Miracle”.

Final thoughts on visiting Belgade

As you can see, Belgrade is much more interesting than it seems at first and offers many great things to do. It is also a great place to learn more about the region and feel its vibe. When planning your Balkan trip be sure to give Belgrade a bit of your time too, you might actually enjoy it much more than expected!

Where to go next

The Balkans are one of my absolute favorite regions that I visit often hence you can find lots of information about the are here on the blog. If you are planning an onward journey from Belgrade you might find these articles useful and interesting:

• How to get from Belgrade to Sarajevo – a detailed guide
• The Western Balkan discovery – Your Ultimate Balkan Itinerary
• The best things to do in Sarajevo
• 23 Amazing Places to Visit in Bulgaria
• 23 Amazing Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Belgrade to Bar by train – one of the most beautiful railway journeys
• 15 Wonderful Things to Do in Kotor, Montenegro
• Is Montenegro safe to visit? Travelers’ opinions on Montenegro safety
• What to do in Skopje, the kitschy yet cool capital of North Macedonia
• and many more!

Travel Resources

Below you can find the brands I trust and use when planning trips:

• You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Belgrade
• I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Viator or Get Your Guide .
• To always stay connected I use Airalo eSim cards – click here to get yours!
• For transportation and booking tickets online , I usually use 12Go or Omio
• Looking for the airport pickup ? Check Welcome Pickups!
• Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Serbia here.
• If you plan to rent a car during your trip to Serbia check Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best deals
• Make sure to have the offline map always installed on your phone, they can save you so many troubles. I always use the free app Maps.Me .

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Belgrade too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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Tanja / Please Be Seated for Takeoff

Great post! For us Belgrade was love at the first sight and we ended up staying and ending our fulltime nomadlife. We came for a month, stayed 3 months, kept returning and now we’ve been here total more than 3 years. I am happy that you also returned even though you didn’t love this city since the beginning.

Btw, have you noticed that there are more and more vegetarian options nowadays too? You propably know already, but Happy Cow App is great for finding out the best places for vegetarian/vegan food. My sister is vegetarian as well as many other of my fellow Finns so I’ve used to finding places to take them out to eat when they visit us here.

Thank you, Tanja! I’m glad you enjoy Belgrade so much too! This city really gets better and better the more time you spend there. I’ve noticed that it’s so much easier to be a vegetarian there recently. I know Happy Cow, it’s such a great source of information when traveling. All the best!

Ok but based on my experience and observation, most locals are not welcoming, not friendly to tourists. One visit is enough to this place.

In every place you can find nice and not so nice people, I guess it depends on luck but I know from my own experience that sometimes bad encounters can ruin the place.

Hi Kami, i came accros your travel guide while serching information on Slovenia. Well done with the page, amazing and thank you first of all for providing all this information in one place. Very usefull and helpfull to prepare for the next trip. Born and raised in the capital of Serbia i know my city very well but also my people. It is so nice to read all this positive feedback about my home town which is very ofther very negatively critisied but mostly from people who never been there just seen the news and read news papers. We are dificult to understand maybe but our coulture is so rich and most of our people are very welcoming. As you said in every place on this planet you will find nice or not so nice people depending on your own experiense. i have been to lovely pleces, metropolitan cities where i had the worst experiense as a tourist. anyways just wanted to show appreciacion for your work and this great review about the coutry located deeply in my hart

Hi Maja. Thank you for your comment and kind words, I’m glad you enjoyed my articles and found them useful. Belgrade is such an underrated city, it offers so much, just not the typical tourist attractions. I hope more people will decide to go there and enjoy it! All the best and happy travels!

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