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Visiting Belgrade, Serbia? How great, welcome to my country! I am a proud Serbian and have visited Belgrade more times than I can remember for sightseeing, work, partying, studying, and whatnot. I’m here to show you ALL the popular sights plus those off the beaten path!
This post uncovers the 29 best things to do in Belgrade for all travel preferences and personal interests, from history buffs to foodies to dark tourism aficionados!
Read this post because it’s going to be the only guide you’ll need for your trip planning, as I’ve also got you covered with hotels, transport, and other practical information you’ll need in Serbia!
If you are in a hurry
Here are the main things to book in advance:
And here are the best hotels: Hotel Moskva (luxury), Hotel Bohemian Garni (mid-range), El Diablo Hostel (budget)
1. Admire the sunset from Kalemegdan (Belgrade Fortress)
Kalemegdan is a park around Belgrade Fortress and the ultimate symbol of the city! Its name comes from the Turkish words kale (town) and megdan (fortress).
To experience the magic of Kalemegdan Park, head to the spot where you can see the Danube and Sava Rivers junction during sunset! Yes, the fortress is built at a strategic place with a 125-meter (413-ft) elevation and crystal-clear views of two rivers!
Arrive an hour or two before the sunset to see the proud Victor monument celebrating Serbia’s victory over the Ottoman Empire, or simply walk around the lovely park featuring numerous fountains, sculptures, and walking paths.
Ruzica Church, the oldest church in Belgrade, is located here as well. It is a former military church with unique chandeliers made from weapons and military materials.
Entrance to the fortress is free of charge except for specific exhibitions or events.
Did you know that the Belgrade Fortress also spans underground? Its hallways hide the army bunkers, a Roman well, and a gunpowder warehouse!
The Roman Well in the Belgrade Fortress is Hitchkock’s favorite place in Belgrade! Book this 3-hour tour to learn why! It costs €30.
2. Enjoy people-watching in Knez Mihailova Street
Knez Mihaila Street (Knez Mihailova) is the spot to soak in the eclectic atmosphere of Belgrade!
This is probably the most beautiful pedestrian street we have in Belgrade!
From street performers to cool cafes, upscale restaurants, and all kinds of shops, this place is a staple for travelers who visit Belgrade, Serbia! The street stretches between Republic Square and Kalemegdan. It’s about 1 km long, perfect for leisurely strolls!
The city’s most famous pedestrian street boasts various art galleries and institutions like the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Institut Cervantes, and Institut Francais.
You’ll also find historic buildings with specific architecture, like the Kafana Ruski car or Palace Albanija (once the tallest Balkan building).
3. Enrich your mind in the National Museum of Serbia
Welcome to Belgrade’s oldest and largest museum! Operating since 1844, it boasts 400,000 objects, including archaeological collections from the Vinča culture (a 7500-year-old Southeast European culture) and Italian, Dutch, French, Japanese, and Serbian art.
You can see work from world-famous artists like Pablo Picasso, Claud Monet, and Paul Gauguin and iconic Serbian artists like Paja Jovanovic and Nadezda Petrovic.
I spent more than 2 hours in this museum, and it wasn’t enough for me. The prehistory exhibition in the beginning took me one hour to see. It’s just so detailed and full of fun facts! If you’re also a history buff, I recommend planning at least 2.5 hours for the visit!
PRICE: 300 RSD (€2.5)
NOTE: Closed on Mondays; admission is free on Sundays.
4. Explore Skadarlija, Belgrade’s bohemian quarter
Visiting Skadarska Street (or Skadarlija) at night is one of the best things to do in Belgrade, and definitely my favorite place in town for the best local life experience!
This short cobble-stone street is the soul of the city. It was a meeting place for artists and poets back in the day. Now, it offers a pleasant walk during the day and lively bars and traditional restaurants (kafanas) during the night.
Tri Sesira, Dva Jelena, and Sesir Moj restaurants are the absolute winners in food AND entertainment! While you’re here, try Sljivovica, Serbian plum brandy!
If you visit Belgrade for only one or two days, add this spot to your bucket list!
P.S. To the pleasant surprise of smokers (and the disgust of non-smokers), smoking is still allowed inside restaurants in Serbia!
5. Savor the best Serbian foods
The best things to do in Belgrade for foodies (and those less passionate but still curious) include tasting traditional dishes. Here is a quick overview of the best ones + Gmap links to my favorite places where you can try them:
- Sarma – stuffed vine or cabbage leaves (Tri Sesira)
- Punjena paprika – stuffed peppers (Tri Sesira)
- Pljeskavica and cevapi – grilled minced meat (Dva Jelena)
- Karadjordjeva – rolled pork or veal steak stuffed with cheese, breaded and fried (Trpeza, Tri Sesira)
- Prebranac – bean stew with a sausage (Sesir moj)
- Burek – cheese pastry (Ljupce Bakery)
You can see I recommend Tri Sesira a lot. I’ve been to this restaurant so many times, and if I could only eat at one place in Belgrade for the rest of my life, it’d be this one!
Now these are the finest restaurants in town serving local but also world cuisine:
- Hyde Park – A historic building near the Museum of Yugoslav History is home to Belgrade’s most colorful and delightful restaurant. Serbia’s best travel influencer, Jovana Kvrzic, recommended this restaurant when I asked her about her favorite places in Belgrade!
- Villa Maska – the most unique restaurant in terms of interior design! They have live music on weekends and delicious food, too!
- Little Bay – this quirky opera-themed place is so elegant, the only thing missing are ballet dancers. Live piano music and balconies where you can enjoy your meal are all part of the experience!
- Pekara Trpkovic – mouth-watering pastries + AMAZING décor, especially around New Year’s.
For a more unique experience with Serbian local cuisine and culture, you can book this delicious food-tasting tour. It’s around €90, and it’s the best opportunity to taste the best of our cuisine, especially if you’re limited in time.
6. Get spiritual in Saint Sava Church
St. Sava Church (map) in Vracar is the largest Orthodox Church in the Balkan region and one of the largest ones in the world! It’s 81 m (266 feet) tall and 90 m (295 feet) wide!
The church is dedicated to St. Sava, Serbia’s first Archbishop (something like the father of the Serbian Orthodox Church), known for rejecting his prince title and dedicating his life to religion.
The mosaics in the temple paint Bible scenes and faces of notable Serbian rulers, and studying them is my favorite thing to do in this temple!
The church’s impressive mosaics cover a surface of 17.000m2! Over 90 artists and assistants worked on them for 8 years!
This church was built on the spot where Sinan Pasha (Ottoman Grand Vizier) burned St. Sava’s relics around 1594 as an act of revenge. It was to scare off the Serbs who didn’t accept the Ottoman Empire’s rule.
PRO TIP: Visit the Saint Sava Church between 9 AM and 8 PM every day to climb to the observatory for the best views of Belgrade or descend to admire the stunning crypt with frescoes and mosaics!
7. Dive into Belgrade’s nightlife scene
Everyone raves about nightlife in Belgrade, and it’s for a good reason! The city has hundreds of clubs (including river ones), lounges, and bars with live music every night!
Here are 3 best places for different types of partygoers:
- Lafayette Cuisine Cabaret Club – the only cabaret in Belgrade is one of the trendiest clubs with SPECTACULAR shows including dancers, singers, actors, and more (another recommendation by Jovana!)
- Sky Lounge Belgrade – the best rooftop bar with DJ music on weekends, also featuring the best views of Belgrade
- Tri Sesira – an iconic restaurant with live bands playing Serbian songs and approaching tables for a super personal experience (my favorite type of nightlife!)
I also found this awesome pub crawl tour so you can hit the best bars and clubs in one memorable night!
Splavovi, or floating river clubs, are a popular partying destination for the local younger crowd, but they’re often overcrowded, expensive, and unsafe (danger of sinking, it happens!), so I wouldn’t recommend going there.
8. Roam around the Republic Square
The Republic Square is located near Terazije (Belgrade’s designated city center), only separated from it by Knez Mihailova.
If you stand with your face pointing at the Prince Mihailo monument located here, you’ll have the National Museum of Serbia in front of you and the Serbian National Theatre to your right, both of which are top attractions!
Prince Mihailo’s monument commemorates this leader who liberated many Serbian cities from the Turks in 1867!
All walking tours pass through Republic Square, including this insightful free Downtown walking tour, which I highly recommend; it is informative and fun at the same time!
9. Learn about Nikola Tesla’s captivating life and work
Explore a museum dedicated to one of the world’s greatest scientists who invented alternating current (AC). Without AC, we wouldn’t have the internet, phones, lighting, and appliances we do today!
Even though Tesla spent most of his life in the US, he is of Serbian origin. We are very proud of him, and we even have Nikola Tesla on our 100 dinar banknotes!
What I loved most when visiting the Nikola Tesla Museum was how interactive it is. You can try Tesla’s famous invention, the Tesla Coil. Think of it as a magical instrument that makes electricity dance, where YOU induce the dance and get to admire the fabulous moves!
You can walk around by yourself or join guided tours available in English and Serbian every hour. I highly recommend the tour (I took it, and I got to learn so much about Tesla’s life and work from the knowledgeable staff!).
NOTE: The museum currently only accepts cash. Have 800 dinars ready when you visit!
PRICE: 800 RSD (~€7), cash only
10. Capture the beauty of the National Assembly building
Serbia’s National Assembly is an important governmental building where laws are made and government officials are elected. It’s situated in Nikola Pašić Square, just a short walk from Republic Square.
The National Assembly is Belgrade’s most photogenic building. It’s built in the Italian Renaissance style, with 2 impressive horse sculptures in front.
Indoor tours aren’t available, so tourists usually stop by to take a shot and continue to nearby attractions (St. Mark’s Church, Historical Museum, or Kralja Milana Street in Terazije).
11. Visit St. Mark Church, one of Belgrade’s most beautiful churches
St. Mark Church is located near Downtown Belgrade in Tasmajdan Park. You can walk here from Republic Square in less than 15 minutes!
The church was completed in 1940 and suffered from the German bombing the same year. Today, it is one of Belgrade’s most beautiful churches!
Here, you can find a coffin with the remains of Serbia’s greatest medieval ruler, Car Dusan, and the tomb of the last king from the Obrenovic dynasty, Aleksandar Obrenovic.
12. Uncover the new face of Belgrade: The Waterfront
The district next to the Sava River is a testament to Belgrade’s rapid growth! The new commercial and residential hub has a promenade with relaxing river views on one side and upscale buildings, cafés, and shops on the other.
The area’s highlight is the Belgrade Tower, Serbia’s highest building, with 42 floors, 168 meters (551 feet) in height, and a twisted silhouette shape!
TIP: For the best upscale shopping, I recommend Galerija Mall.
The promenade is so pleasant that you can even rent a bike and get to know the area on the bicycle! This is the most reliable company for rentals! I often see people walking their dogs, running, and rollerblading here, so it’s definitely a great area to spend time outdoors!
Also, visiting the Zimska Bajka festival here is one of the best things to do in Belgrade in winter! It’s the favorite festive place for locals, featuring an ice skating rink, a concert stage, and super cute food stalls!
13. Enjoy live piano music at the Iconic Hotel Moskva
Besides being one of the best luxury hotels in Belgrade, Hotel Moskva is also the perfect spot to take a break from sightseeing. It is located right in the heart and soul of the city.
This Instagrammable building has an elegant café and restaurant on the ground floor where you can enjoy a drink while listening to a live piano performance starting in the early morning!
When I used to work for a marketing company from Belgrade, I’d sometimes stop here for a drink before going to the office for meetings or get-togethers. Enjoyed it every time!
INSIDER TIP: Once you’re done sipping your drink, head south on Kralja Milana Street for a mesmerizing walk to Saint Sava Church!
14. Witness the city’s brutalist architecture
Belgrade, Serbia, is a prime destination in Eastern Europe for brutalist architecture lovers! While much of its early 20th-century architecture was inspired by the Soviet Union, the two countries split ways after World War II, and Yugoslavia refined its style.
I’ll share quick details of the most iconic buildings and their address in italics so you can find them faster:
- Genex Tower, or Belgrade’s Western Gates, the 2nd highest building in Belgrade, Narodnih heroja 43. As a kid, I always admired this building as it was the first thing I saw when entering Belgrade with a car.
- Istocna kapija, or East Gate, Rudo
- New Belgrade Town Hall, Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 167
- Palata Srbije, Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 2
- Blok 23, a neighborhood in Novi Beograd
- Sava Centar, Milentija Popovica 9
You can visit these places by yourself or book a 3.5-hour tour in a classic Yugo vehicle for €40!
15. Visit the Residence of Princess Ljubica
The Konak Kneginje Ljubice (Residence of Princess Ljibica) was built in the 1830s as a Serbian court seat.
Princess Ljubica was the wife of Prince Milos Obrenovic, the founder of the Obrenovic dynasty that ruled over Serbia in the 19th century.
The Residence is located in the Old Town. Today, it features a collection of antique paintings and furniture and represents the finest example of 19th-century architecture in Belgrade! It’s one of my favorite buildings in Belgrade.
NOTE: Entrance is free on the last Saturday of every month
PRICE: 300 RSD (€2.5)
16. Discover Serbia’s coffee culture
Drinking coffee in Serbia is about spending time together, sharing news, and slowing down in our fast-paced world.
We love drinking coffee so much that it’s hard to find a household where people don’t get together for their daily coffee break!
Belgrade has hundreds of places where you can taste traditional (Turkish) and Italian-style coffee.
- For an urban coffee experience, my favorite café is Kafeterija Magazin 1907!
- For traditional coffee, any kafana will do. Just ask for “Domacha” or “Turska” kafa! Since I often travel to Belgrade on a bus, I love relaxing in the Savamala just outside the Central Bus Station, and I always have my kafa there!
17. Discover NATO-bombed sites
Unique things to do in Belgrade for dark tourism enthusiasts start with visiting the NATO-bombed buildings.
Dozens of buildings in Belgrade were damaged in the 1999 bombing. The city officials left them as a living monument of the brutality of the war.
The most captivating example is the General Staff of the Serbian Army Building on Kneza Milosa Street!
18. Try Serbian craft beer
Belgrade has some of the best breweries in the country! If you’re a fan of IPA like me, you must try Beograd Salto Brewery’s version! They sell it in most Idea stores!
I LOVED the Samo Pivo beer house during one of my visits, and I highly recommend it for beer tasting! They have Salto, Tron, and many other Serbian craft beers! Cigla & Krigla Pub is a bit further from the city center, but you’ll love it for its live rock music and great beer selection!
I highly recommend this e-scooter tour to Serbia’s most legendary breweries, where you can see first-hand how they make their signature beers! Tasting is included in the price!
19. Take a boat cruise for a fresh perspective of Belgrade
Sightseeing on a cruise is one of the most romantic things to do in Belgrade! The captivating views of the Kalemegdan, the Victor monument, and the Belgrade skyline are worth seeing from the river!
Luckily, I found this awesome 2-hour tour (starting from €35) you can book! You’ll be accompanied by an expert guide who will tell you everything you want to know about Belgrade!
PRICE: From €35
20. Get a banknote with your face on it
Do you like collecting banknotes from different countries? Then add a stop to the National Bank of Serbia’s Visitor Center!
Seriously, can you name a more unique souvenir than a Serbian banknote with your face on it?!
The banknote and the entrance are free of charge; just bring your passport!
NOTE: At the time of writing this article, the Visitor Center was temporarily closed for technical reasons. We’ll remove this note when the Center re-opens.
21. See a play at the National Theatre
The National Theatre in the Republic Square is among Serbia’s largest and most important theaters. It has been operating since 1869, and it’s filled with history in every corner!
The Theatre has opera, ballet, and drama ensembles that perform all year long. You can see the repertoire and buy tickets on the official website.
NOTE: You must buy tickets in advance. Even though the prices are always very affordable, the desk purchase before the performance is rarely available.
AVERAGE PRICE: 800 RSD (€7)
22. Uncover Belgrade’s best street art
Street art culture is super popular in Serbia, and Belgrade is one of the best places to explore it.
Local artists often treat political, historical, and societal topics, so you can learn a lot by analyzing the artwork!
Popular locations for sightseeing street art on your own include:
- Brankov Most – descend under the bridge for the best sights
- Savamala – an area packed with indie bars and fun graffiti
- Stari most – descend here and walk towards Beton Hala for the ultimate self-guided tour
I also recommend a private tour by this place specializing in Street Art Walks or this fun e-scooter tour!
TOUR PRICE: 1600 RSD – 3600 RSD (€15-€35)
23. Get to know Belgrade’s main church
Holy Archangel Michael Church (map), is situated in the Old Town. The locals know this church as “Saborna crkva” or the Cathedral in Serbian, as this is the main church of Belgrade.
Completed in 1840, the church has a special place for Serbian Orthodox Christians and receives the highest state protection by law.
At the entrance, you’ll find the tombstones of Dositej Obradovic and Vuk Karadzic, the two most prominent figures in the history of Serbian literacy, education, and culture.
24. Stop by Zemun, Belgrade’s bohemian neighborhood
Zemun is a unique neighborhood in Belgrade by the Danube River. This picturesque district will make you feel like you stepped into a town from the 19th-century Austro-Hungarian Empire!
The landmarks here include the Millenium or Gardos Tower (I HIGHLY recommend climbing it for panoramic views!), Zemunski Kej (a mesmerizing river promenade), and the Madlenianum Opera House.
PRO TIP: Visit Zemunska poslasticarnica for the weirdest Serbia-inspired ice cream flavors! Think pumpkin, ajvar (roasted pepper), sljivovica (plum brandy), and tamjanika (white grape variety local to the Balkan region)!
25. Learn about Yugoslavia’s history in its captivating museum
Yugoslavia was a Balkan state that existed from 1918 to 1992. It included Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Macedonia. Belgrade was its capital.
The Museum of Yugoslavia primarily focuses on Tito, the Yugoslav president and one of the greatest historical figures from the Balkans. You can see his grave (in the House of Flowers mausoleum), his personal belongings, and the extravagant gifts he received from the world’s political leaders of the time.
For everyone interested in Yugoslav history, I couldn’t recommend this private tour more!
You can also join a guided tour at the museum every weekend at 11 AM or book an individual tour in English on-site.
PRICE: 400 RSD (€3.5)
26. Take the kids to the Belgrade Zoo
Take the family on a fun excursion to see 200+ animal species (including armadillos, lemurs, Cuban crocodiles, and alpacas) in one of Europe’s oldest Zoos!
Belgrade Zoo is conveniently located near Kalemegdan, so you won’t have to worry about getting there!
PRICE: 550 RSD (€5)
27. Visit the Bajrakli Mosque
Out of 273 mosques in Belgrade during Ottoman rule, the 16th-century Bajrakli mosque in Dorcol is the only one left!
The mosque was damaged and repurposed as a Roman Catholic church multiple times, but it remains a mosque today. It’s situated on Gospodar Jevremova Street near Kalemegdan!
Football (U.S. soccer) is a major thing in Serbia! Serbs are passionate supporters of their teams, so attending football matches is the ultimate experience for tourists!
You can buy tickets on the Ticketline website or at the ticket desk before the game (best to buy in advance to secure your ticket). The price is from 800 RSD to 10,000 RSD (€7 – €90) depending on the seat location.
Actor Steven Sigal, who has honorary Serbian citizenship, has visited the Partizan stadium on one of his visits!
I’ve been to multiple Red Star games with my brother (who is their hardcore supporter!), and I so vividly remember them! It’s impossible to forget the atmosphere and the cheering!
This awesome tour takes you to the stadiums of the 2 greatest rivals, Red Star and Partizan, making it one of the best things to do in Belgrade for sports fans!
GAME TICKET PRICE: 800 RSD to 10,000 RSD (€7 – €90)
TOUR PRICE: Around 7,000 RSD (€62)
29. Visit Beli Dvor, Belgrade’s royal palace
Beli Dvor, or White Palace, was the royal palace commissioned by King Alexander I of Serbia. The construction came from the king’s desire to provide for his three sons. However, after the king’s assassination in Marseilles in 1934, his oldest son, King Petar I, inherited everything.
The visit to White Palace also includes tours of the rest of the Royal Palaces on the same property, so you can get a pretty good idea of the glorious Serbian court life!
You’ll be in awe of the majestic chandeliers, classic interior décor, and a library with more than 300,000 publications!
PRICE: Around €9 (RSD 1,000)
Getting there: Beli Dvor is 6.3 km (4 miles) from the city center. Take line E9 from Republic Square, then switch to line 42 at Franše D’Eperea, or drive (paid parking available on-site).
30. Stroll in Jevremovac Botanical Gardens
This peaceful oasis of Belgrade (map) is 1.3 km away from Republic Square, and it’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries after a long day!
Check out the Japanese garden and the Greenhouse, both visitor-favorite spots!
The Greenhouse was built in 1892 as a gift from the Serbian King Milan. It has an elegant Victorian-style central dome and two wings containing 1000+ tropical plants.
PRICE: 300 RSD (€2.5)
31. Go kayaking around the Great War Island
Veliko ratno ostrvo, or the Great War Island, is an island made by the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. It had military use during attacks on Belgrade, Serbia, in the past, and river pirates used to hide here from the authorities!
Today, over 60 bird species, 50 fish species, and dozens of plants live on the island!
The easiest way to get to the island is from the Zemun promenade. There is a pontoon bridge from here to the island during the summer. At other times, local boat owners can give you a quick ride.
The island is also close to Kalemegdan Fortress. It is a popular kayaking destination, making a visit here one of the best things to do in Belgrade in nature!
I found this unforgettable kayaking tour (starting from €30 and lasting 3 hours), where you can paddle around the island, spot animals, and learn about the place’s history!
PRICE: From 3,600 RSD (€30)
32. Spend a day in Ada Ciganlija, Belgrade’s adventure island
Ada Ciganlija (Ada) public beach is the locals’ favorite place for outdoor activities! It’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, water skiing, wakeboarding, playing volleyball, or rollerblading! It gets absolutely packed in the summer!
The area stretches 7 km (4.3 miles) from west to east, and it’s an unmissable spot for things to do in Belgrade in summer!
Aqua Ski is a great place to rent water ski equipment starting from €25 per hour!
TIP: Food and drinks here are more expensive than in other parts of Belgrade, so bring your own to save a few bucks!
Getting there: Ada is 7 km away from the city center. The minibus line 52 takes you directly from the Old Town to Ada, but you can also take bus number 56!
33. Hike to Avala Tower, Balkan’s tallest building
Avala is a nearby mountain with the most amazing views of Belgrade! You can take the hiking route to its top, where you’ll be greeted by the 205m (672 feet) tall Avala Tower telecommunications tower.
Avala Tower was destroyed in the 1999 NATO bombing of Serbia. It has since then been reconstructed, re-opened for the public, and fully restored its beauty!
There’s an elevator that takes you to the top of the tower in 40 seconds, and the price for the visit is 400 RSD (around €3).
You’ll also find the monuments to the Unknown Hero (dedicated to World War I victims) and Vasa Carapic, the hero of the First Serbian Uprising against the Ottomans.
Avala is a much-loved place by locals, and it’s one of the best things to do in Belgrade for hiking enthusiasts.
Getting there: Take a private tour for €70 or drive. A bus ride can take up to 1.5 hours, and you’d have to change 2 buses (line E9, then 401, 405, or 407), so I don’t usually recommend it.
TICKET PRICE: 400 RSD (€3)
TOUR PRICE: 8,000 RSD (€70)
34. Visit other popular museums
Belgrade is home to 39 museums! While I mentioned the most important ones separately, there are still some specific museums you may appreciate seeing:
- The Historical Museum of Serbia is among the best things to do in Belgrade for history enthusiasts! Located in Downtown Belgrade, the museum specializes in archaeology and ethnography but also shows artifacts from other periods.
- The Museum of Illusions spans over two floors, and its visit is one of the best things to do in Belgrade with kids! Popular rooms include the Ames Room (distorted room), Rotated Room (90-degree rotation), Color Room (traveling rays of light), and the Infinity Well (never-ending well)!
- The Museum of Contemporary Art features domestic and international graphics and sculptures from Serbia and the Balkans. Most date from 1945 onwards, but you can also find older examples!
| 🏛️ Best museum: | National Museum of Serbia |
| 🎢 Top attraction: | Nikola Tesla Museum |
| 🚶🏽♂️ Best free activity: | Kalemegdan Park |
| 👧 Best attraction for kids: | Belgrade Zoo |
| 🕺 Nightlife: | Skadarlija Street |
| 🥟 Must try food: | Pljeskavica |
BONUS: Day trips from Belgrade
Have time to spare during your stay in Belgrade? Why not embark on a day trip to see more of the beautiful Serbia? Here’s a quick list of the best day trips:
Did you know that Robert De Niro (known for his love and support for Serbia) named his daughter Drina after the beautiful river in Western Serbia?
Where to stay in Belgrade
Here’s a short list of the best places to stay in Belgrade! I divided them by budget so you can pick your favorite and go!
Luxury (€100 and up)
- Hotel Moskva – A 4-star hotel with a free spa, hammam, fitness center, swimming pool, and an on-site international restaurant.
- Prezident Palace – This 5-star adult-only hotel offers 2 swimming pools, royal-feel rooms, and fabulous views.
Mid Range (€50 – €100)
- Hotel Bohemian Garni – My favorite hotel in Skadarlija with ACs and free Wi-Fi in rooms, close to attractions.
- Putnik Inn – A popular hotel with suites, double rooms, complimentary spa access, and an indoor pool in Novi Beograd (New Belgrade).
Budget (up to €50)
- El Diablo Hostel – This cozy hostel organizes weekly family dinners and offers private and mixed rooms!
- San Art Floating Hostel – Stay in a floating hostel on the river for the most unique Belgrade experience! Rooms have city and river views, and breakfast is included in the price!
Practical Information
In this part, I share practical information about transport and SIM cards for a more comfortable stay in Belgrade!
How to get around
You can use public transport, taxis, and ride-sharing to get around.
Public Transport
Here’s a quick overview of the public transport in Belgrade:
Types of transport: Buses, trolleys, and tramways
Apps for commute planning: Moovit, Google Maps
NOTE: The tickets for the A1 bus operating from Slavija Square to Belgrade Airport are purchased inside the minibus (here‘s the departure bus station) and cost 400 RSD. Please prepare the exact cash amount in advance.
Taxis/Ridesharing
Belgrade has taxis and ridesharing apps like Car:Go and Yandex. Car:Go works, but it takes quite some time for them to find a car. If you don’t have a local SIM card, just ask to call a taxi at the frontdesk of your hotel/at the restaurant – people are usually super nice.
These are the taxi companies I use that are good. Just call, tell them your location, and they’ll send in a vehicle:
Don’t agree to a ride from a taxi person who stops you on the street – they are scammers!
I often take Pink Taksi from the Central Bus Station to the Belgrade Airport, and the price is around 1,600 RSD for a 15-minute ride. They accept cash or card payments!
Traveler’s phrasebook
Serbian people are known for being hospitable to foreigners, and they can usually speak English in stores or restaurants.
However, you can learn to say basic phrases in their language to win a way into their hearts and be the best guest!
Here’s a quick table with the 5 basic phrases you may find handy:
| Hello! | Zdravo! |
| Thank you! | Hvala! |
| Goodbye! | Dovidjenja! /doveejeniya/ |
| Help! | Upomoć! /upomoch/ |
| How much is this? | Koliko ovo košta? /koleeko ovo koshta/ |
All about SIM cards
Getting a SIM card during your stay in Belgrade will make your visit SO much easier! You won’t have to worry about catching public Wi-Fi, paying for public transport, or making calls/texting inside the country.
Here are the top 3 providers that offer packages for tourists. I sorted from the most to least valuable in terms of bang for your buck.
- Airalo – the most convenient option. eSIM plans for Serbia start from US$5 (520 RSD) for 1GB of internet for 7 days
- Yettel – 5GB of internet for 7 days, 2,000 RSD credit for calls and texts; 400 RSD
- A1 – 3-day 20GB welcome bonus; top-up system (starting from 200 RSD); 400 RSD
- Mts – 15 GB internet, 5 days; 600 RSD
The best way to get a SIM is to visit a local store in Belgrade. You can also get one at the airport by the baggage claim, but this option is more expensive.
FAQs about things to do in Belgrade
✅ Is Belgrade worth visiting?
Absolutely! Belgrade is one of Europe’s oldest AND fastest-growing cities! Belgrade’s rich history, mouth-watering food, and hospitable residents will make your stay memorable!
🗓️ Is 2 days enough for Belgrade, Serbia?
Yes! 2 days in Belgrade are enough for the top attractions like the Belgrade Fortress, Nikola Tesla Museum, Saint Sava Church, and Skadarlija. However, you’d need 3-4 days for a more in-depth Belgrade sightseeing.
ℹ️ Is Belgrade tourist friendly?
Yes! Most museum and public space inscriptions are in English. You also have many shops, attractions, and restaurants across the city. Finally, locals are known for being super hospitable to foreign visitors, so you’ll quickly feel at home!
💸 Is Belgrade cheap or expensive?
It depends. Visiting Belgrade is cheaper if you come from Western Europe or the US. Still, certain districts boast upscale restaurants, shops, and hotels with the prices of the big European cities.
🆓 What are the best things to do in Belgrade for free?
Walking from Kalemegdan Fortress to St. Sava Temple, enjoying the vibes in Knez Mihailova Street, and visiting the churches are the best things to do in Belgrade for free.
🚶 Is Belgrade a walkable city?
Yes, for the most part. In terms of sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly streets, Belgrade is walkable. However, it is hilly in places, and the steep inclines can make you break a sweat!
⛄ What are the best things to do in Belgrade in December?
The best things to do in Belgrade in December include visiting the Christmas markets like the Trg Otvorenog Srca and Zimska Bajka or outdoor ice skating in Ada Ciganlija, Tasmajdan, or Usce. Vukov Bozicni Kutak is a great concept store to shop in during the Christmas holidays!
🤔 What are some unique things to do in Belgrade, Serbia?
The Ruins of the Yugoslav Army Headquarters, Ruzica Church with chandleries made of weapons, and Nikola Tesla Museum are some of the best unique things to do in Belgrade.
Conclusion
That’s it! Hopefully, my extensive blog post helped you find fun things to do in Belgrade, Serbia! These were the best sights, museums, and hidden gems in the Serbian capital!
Now you can finally get ready to explore Belgrade’s bohemian Skadarlija, mystical Kalemegdan Fortress, and the eclectic Knez Mihailova Street!
I highly recommend you book the tours you like in advance, especially the ones with limited places!
Oh, and drop your questions about Belgrade, Serbia, in the comments! I love helping people discover my country!
Enjoy Belgrade,
Darija
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