Are you looking for tips on things to do in Belgrade?
As part of our city guides series, we interviewed Zorica from Eurotribe.com who was born and raised in Belgrade.
Zorica shares with us her insider tips on the best things to do in Belgrade including where to eat, sleep, drink, shop and explore.
Why Visit Belgrade?
Belgrade is mostly famous for its nightlife and attracting younger travelers especially from Europe, but it has a lot more to offer than just that.
It is one of the oldest European cities with a rich cultural heritage, long history and numerous entertainment events throughout whole year to satisfy different types of travelers.
Belgrade is a very beautiful place with buzzing and progressive nature and hospitable people. It is also one of the emerging destinations in Europe and now is the right time to pay a visit to Belgrade
Things to Do in Belgrade, Serbia
A lot of tourists visit Belgrade for a city break. If you only come for a weekend be sure to explore:
- Belgrade Fortress with Kalemegdan park, Skadarlija (the main bohemian quarter of the city) and take a walk through old Zemun.
- Downtown with the Republic Square and the Prince Mihailo Street is a must, as it is the most valuable landmark of the city.
- From the museums I recommend a visit to National museum, Military museum, Museum of the Yugoslav history and Nikola Tesla museum.
- Temple of St. Sava is one of the largest Orthodox temples in the world and you should definitely see it.
- If you visit during summer a great getaway for relaxation is the oasis of Belgrade called Ada Ciganlija. Locals like to call it “Belgrade’s sea”.
Best Neighborhoods to Explore in Belgrade
If you decide to stay a bit more than just a weekend in Belgrade, go to Avala. It is a mountain that’s great for walking and relaxation and its location is 16 km away of Belgrade.
Avala Tower is situated here, the tallest tower in Serbia and the Balkan region.
Places to eat in Belgrade
For local specialties go to Skadarlija where numerous Serbian traditional restaurants are located.
Another good restaurant for Serbian cuisine is Kolarac in Prince Mihailo street.
If you love sushi go to Moon Sushi Bar. Great sweetshops are Choko Cafe and Snezhana.
If you want to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, jams, fish etc. be sure to check Kalenic market.
You Can’t Visit Belgrade Without Eating …
Mešano meso (Mixed grill) which includes ćevapčići (a grilled dish of minced meat),
pljeskavice (burgers), kobasice (sausages) etc. all on one plate.
Wedding cabbage is another great national dish.
Where to drink in Belgrade
Go to the bar of the Federal Association Of Globe Trotters, they serve great cocktails and the interior of the bar is pretty cool.
Rakija (brandy) is an important part of Serbian culture and a great place to try it is Rakia bar.
For coffee head to Obilicev venac, a very popular cafe zone.
Another place worth visiting is The Three Carots Irish pub.
Where to stay in Belgrade
If you’re craving a unique and local experience check out the homes and apartments available on Airbnb during your stay.
Youth Hostel Association of Serbia has the biggest hostel network in the country and on their website you can find a list of numerous hostels.
For budget hotels, I recommend Hotel Royal, which is located near Belgrade Fortress and Knez Mihailova Street – two of the most famous landmarks of the city.
When it comes to high-end establishments I can list a few: Hotel Townhouse 27, Hotel Moscow, Square Nine Hotel and Hyatt Regency Belgrade.
For more places to stay in Belgrade choose from the largest range of hotels, apartments, and guesthouses with our partner Booking.com. You get free cancellation on most rooms, and in most cases you only pay when you stay.
Markets and Shopping in Belgrade
People today prefer to do all their shopping in one place and most of Belgraders go to shopping malls like Delta City and Ušće shopping center.
Best Festivals and Events in Belgrade
Belgrade has a lot of festivals and events to satisfy everyone’s taste!
Guitar Art Festival, FEST – the most important international film fest in Serbia, Belgrade Marathon, Belgrade Fashion Week, ATP Tennis tournament, Museum Night, Belgrade Beer Fest, Boat Carnival etc.
Getting Around Belgrade
The best way to discover Belgrade is by walking. Unfortunately, the city is not very bicycle friendly.
Public transport is provided through a network of bus, trolleybus and tram routes and the tickets can be bought in public transport vehicles or kiosks throughout the city.
Finding WiFi in Belgrade
Yes free WiFi is available in cafes, bars, restaurants, shopping malls etc.
Best Time of Year to Visit Belgrade
Early Autumn or Spring.
Favorite Side Trip from Belgrade
Novi Sad – Serbia’s second largest city.
If you leave Belgrade in early morning you can see some of the most famous attractions of the city, drink a coffee or have lunch and come back to Belgrade in the evening. A great way to spend a day outside of Belgrade if you have some spare time left.
Getting There and Away
JAT Airways is Serbia’s national flag carrier which offers the most flights worldwide.
There are a few low-cost carriers like Wizz Air, Germanwings, Flyniki and others that offer cheap European flights.
If you are visiting Serbia from other Balkan countries get a bus or train. Bus tickets are a little bit more expensive but bus network is also more efficient.
Best insiders tip or Belgrade
Go to Gardoš in Zemun and take a walk through the cobblestoned streets and also go to Gardoš Tower, which offers a panoramic view of Belgrade.
I love Belgrade because
I was born here, it’s my city. I love its good and bad sides. It is mysterious and I’m glad that it is becoming more progressive. It is rapidly changing so everyday you can discover something new which makes it interesting for locals and tourists.
Plan Your Trip to Belgrade
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I ADORE Belgrade! Loved seeing an article on one of my favorite cities in Europe.
I have to add a hotel to the list – Beograd Art Hotel. Stayed there in april 2012 and I will stay there again next time I’m in the city. Superclean, modern, great rooms, SUPERB breakfast staff (beyond what I’ve ever experienced before) and THE best location.
Zorica mentions St Sava – what an impressive church! We jumped in at a café next door – Café&Factory (this is a chain right?). They had the best coffee we tasted in Belgrade, cappucinos were just as good as in Italy. True.
There’s just so many things I love about Belgrade, I could gush for hours (and I’ve only been there for four days!). I’m planning to go back very soon. 🙂
Great to hear Lina. Another city to add to our list! Thanks for the tips on the hotel and cafe. We do love our coffee.
Hey Lina!
I am really glad to hear that, come back again! 🙂
I just come back from Belgrade and I’m sorry I didn’t come across this article before my journey. We were trying to find a national cousine restaurant out of Skadarska street but with no result, even in the Tourist Center they sent us to a different place.
Anyway, I really liked Belgrade and I convinced myself again that Serbians are our kindest neighbours :)))
Yes, Skadarska is famous for national cuisine, also bit pricey but it’s worth it 🙂 And I’m happy you think that, you’re welcome anytime 🙂
Looks great. I think maybe not make it a destination by itself, but instead do a trip and visit all ex-Yugoslavia countries. That’s my plan for the summer, hopefully I will be able to do it all!
Yup, definitely go to Avala, also Kalemegda, Skadarlija and Zemun (Gardos) are a must see. However, I do not prefer staying in hotels, why not book an apartment. I found great listing of apartments Belgrade on http://srbija-nekretnine.org/short-term-rentals, and they have great location, they are all furnished and cheap.
Even though my Croatian (some people are still caught up in war thing) I loove Belgrade. It’s not that green or beautiful nice fancy buildings like Zagreb – but has something that Zagreb hasn’t – which is amazing athomsphere, energy, the city is always alive, people are friendly and hilliarious (especially if u understand the language) 😀
Love, peace & pancakes (which are not to miss out on while in Belgrade)
Am willing to be there in March and i need to know how to get to these places from the airport . where to go? what to take exactly ? and what’s the cheapest of ways ?
Great recommendations 🙂
Cevapčići and rakija are Serbian products which everybody must try if traveling in Belgrade.
As you mentioned Belgrade is not very “Bike friendly” but you can rent a bike at Belgrade Modern Hostel which is in city center, 200m from city square, http://belgrademodernhostel.com they have rent a bike servis, with electric bicycles, and bicy tour guide, its much easier like that 🙂
Besides history, natural beauty and tasty food, no matter what some may think, Belgrade in fact is pretty much well organized city, so besides exploring Belgrade’s downtown by foot, just like you said, there’s inexpensive and well organised public transportation in Belgrade.
Anyway, it is recommended to find accommodation somewhere in Belgrade’s downtown, for example in Downtown Central Hostel at Terazije – http://www.dchostel.rs/ , right across main pedestrian zone – Knez Mihailova street, so you could easily reach any number of bus, tram or trolley, which are available in just a minute of walk from your accommodation.
This is great, thanks for sharing this article. I’m in Belgrade next February, so I am sure that this advice will come in useful 😉
Belgrade is place with amazing soul! I was born there and I feel always something special about this city. I also wrote couple of nice texts on blog about Belgrade so maybe you should see that : http://personal-travel-photos.blogspot.com/2016/03/foggy-victor-statue-belgrade-serbia.html
I was in Belgrade for the first time this past summer, and I was so impressed by the blend of historical sites and design eateries which I absolutely loved.
I’d like to add a few tips to the list. Don’t miss the Savamala district, which is considered the hipster neighborhood and it’s where you’ll find street art and beautiful graffitis from famous artists. Look for a walking tour that will bring you there to know more about them, there are a few that cost approximately 10 euros.
Definitely go to some kafanas to experience the traditional cuisine, but also visit the new design eateries that combine traditional with avant-garde. I loved two in particular: Manufaktura for dinner and Mala Fabrika Ukusa for brunch. The food is great, the interiors spectacular, and the prices are incredible!
I would love to go back soon!
Great article about Belgrade! What about a visit to Nis? It is a lively city, famous for it’s amazing food and nightlife. There are many festivals and people are always out having a good time!
Great article. Nice that you have mentioned Kalenic market, since I adore Vracar. Also, I am amazed by Skadarska street. There is a nice cozy hostel there http://bednbeerhostel.com