It wasn't exactly love at first sight with Belgrade and me. To be honest, I had to visit the Serbian capital a few times before it clicked. But all good things come in threes, and after my third visit, I was hooked: The warmth of the people of Belgrade, the vibe of the city - sometimes a bit grubby, sometimes super chic, the live music in every kafana and this hunger for life that beats out at you from every side street ... All of this finally cast a spell over me.
Belgrade is sometimes called the Berlin of the East - and even if Belgrade may remind you a little of Berlin in some corners (hello, nightlife!), the city is always doing its own thing, constantly reinventing itself, producing cool fusion restaurants, artists and musicians.
But enough talk now: Belgrade is a city that wants to be conquered - and I'll help you do it. In this article, I'll tell you the best sights for a city trip to Belgrade and a few additional tips for the Serbian capital!
This article is from 2019 and has been updated and revised.
Belgrade cheat sheet: No time to read the whole article?
Here are the most important facts at a glance:
💭 Culture, history or really good food: Belgrade is a destination for everyone
📚 What should you definitely see? The Cathedral of St Sava, the Kalemegdan Fortress, the boho neighbourhood of Skadarlija and the main shopping street Knez Mihailova. More time? Zemun, Dorćol and the Yugoslavia Museum
🛏️ The best Accommodation: Villa Skadarlija
☀️ The best Travelling timeMarch-May & September
🏥 Security: Belgrade is a safe city, but exclude one International health insurance from
☂️ The best City tourOne Walking tour
🧡 Insider tipBoho street Skadarlija has live music every evening, even during the week. Dining here in the evening is an experience
All Belgrade tips for your city trip
Where is Belgrade located?
"white city" actually? And why is it even called that?
Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is located on the Balkan Peninsula where the Sava flows into the Danube. The city is one of the largest metropolitan regions in south-east Europe with around 1.7 million inhabitants.
The nickname white city (incidentally the translation of the name "Beograd" comes from its fortress Kalmegdan, which is located exactly where the Danube and Sava flow into each other.
Due to its location on the two rivers - each 300 and 500 metres wide, by the way - the city is relatively extensive, but during your trip you will probably limit yourself to the old town and spend less time in New Belgrade.
Travelling to Belgrade: How do I get to Belgrade?
The easiest way to get to Belgrade is with Air Serbia. I was still living in Hamburg at the time and flew from Berlin for just under 80 euros. But other airlines such as Easyjet or WizzAir also fly to Belgrade several times a week. I always compare prices for flights with the Kiwi flight search engine.
The easiest way to get from the airport to the city centre is by bus or taxi - make sure you check the taximeter so you don't get ripped off!
AttentionGoogle Maps cannot display public transport in Belgrade. But the App Moovit very good. However, the bus takes around 50 minutes to the city centre, our accommodation was a little outside and I was on the road for 40 minutes.
If you don't want to fly, you can drive as an alternative. This is particularly suitable from southern Germany. It takes about 10 hours and you can, for example, make a short road trip out of it and include a stop and an overnight stay in Klagenfurt, Ljubljana or Zagreb.
Belgrade facts
- Belgrade was the capital of Yugoslavia for almost 70 years, was previously ruled by Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire and was bombed by NATO at the end of the 1990s. Traces of these different periods of rule can still be found throughout the city
- In 2016, Lonely Planet named Belgrade the best party city in the world. There are over 170 clubs in the metropolis, most of which are located on boats on the Danube and guarantee an exciting nightlife
- Serbia is the only European country to use two alphabets - Cyrillic and Latin. Serbian as a language is very similar to Croatian and Bosnian
- A total of 22 restaurants in Belgrade have made it onto the list of the prestigious Michelin Guide. The city really is a paradise for foodies - more restaurant tips further down in the article.
Where to stay in Belgrade?
When I'm looking for accommodation in Belgrade, I always pay attention to the location. I like to be in the centre of the action. That's why I usually look for somewhere in the Dorćol district - this alternative neighbourhood has lots of great boutiques, restaurants and cafés. Republic Square or the city's main artery, Knez Mihailova, are also good places to start. If you choose a hotel around these two hubs, you will be super central and can walk to all the main sights.
🏰 Local Hotel Tip. Villa Skadarlija right in the boho neighbourhood of Skadarlija. The rooms are cosy and clean, the owners are incredibly nice and despite the location close to bars and restaurants, our room was very quiet. Here you can see the Book Villa Skadarlija directly. For all bookings I use booking.com - with the Genius programme I get up to 20 % discount!
How many days should I plan for Belgrade?
On my first trip to Belgrade, we stayed for four days - and didn't really know what to do with ourselves after two days. I now know the city better and think that three to four days, a long weekend, is the ideal time frame to visit Belgrade.
This gives you exactly the time you need, not just the historic town centre but perhaps also to visit the chic new building complex Beograd na vodi or spend a day in the picturesque little village of Zemuna little outside the city or maybe even on the city beach on the island Ada Ciganlija to simply relax and unwind.
As you can see, Belgrade has a lot to offer. Nevertheless, the city is not a classic beauty like other spruced-up Central European cities. On the contrary: with its partially dilapidated magnificent buildings, the socialist prefabricated buildings of New Belgrade or the grungy vibe it may even seem a little ugly to you at times.
ButJust walk through the streets with your eyes wide open and let yourself be surprised. At the end of the day, the capital of Serbia is a city where it's best to just let yourself drift rather than tick off a list of sights. I have never regretted simply letting the city surprise me!
The best sights in Belgrade: what should you see?
On my first visit, we travelled by bus past magnificent socialist buildings that had long since seen their best days. We finally landed at the Hotel Moskva, which was packed: Novak Đoković was playing against Roger Federer and the whole of Serbia was glued to the screen.
We enjoyed an iced coffee and a cake with fresh, huge raspberries and we realised: the "white city" will challenge us to explore it with open eyes. Its beauty is sometimes hidden behind aggressive honking and exhaust fumes - and this veil of grey needs to be lifted first.
Even if it is nice to let yourself drift: Here are a few sights in Belgrade that you shouldn't miss.
Cathedral of St Sava - This monumental Orthodox church is one of the largest Orthodox places of worship in the world and is somehow reminiscent of the Hagia Sophia. Be sure to visit, admission is even free!
Trg republike - The Republic Square. Located in the centre of the city, surrounded by houses with an interesting mix of architecture. Every city tour starts here, the square is the central meeting point for Belgraders.
Hotel Moskva - Just sit in, have a coffee and watch people! The traditional hotel has hosted many famous people since it opened, including Albert Einstein, Indira Gandhi and Ray Charles.
Studentski park - A small park in the middle of the university neighbourhood. Perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city with a coffee to go. Not far from the pedestrianised Knez Mihailova.
Knez Mihailova - The Knez Mihailova shopping street is lined with houses from the 18th century, which now house shops, cafés and restaurants.
Skandarlija - Often compared to Montmartre, as Belgrade is known as the Paris of the East. A cobbled artists' quarter with many alternative cafés and bars. But also a bit touristy. Still a must!
Kalemegdan - The Belgrade Fortress and its park are so huge that you could spend almost the whole afternoon there. Don't miss the Church of the Roses. The symbol of Belgrade, the statue of Pobednik, the victor, can also be found here. It looks out over the city of throned to the point where the Sava River and the Danube meet.
Novi Beograd - Simply hire a bike and ride a few blocks of the new town - in their efficiency and ugliness, the buildings of so-called brutalism are definitely worth a look, reminiscent of the Yugoslavian and communist past.
Dorćol - The oldest part of Belgrade is now the city's creative neighbourhood, full of hip shops and hipster cafés, leading down to the Danube. This is where the city comes to life in the evenings, when the restaurants are full of young people. Simply stroll through the streets, admire the numerous street art and enjoy a delicious meal.
Zemun - This old fishing village is a suburb of Belgrade and is known for its boho vibe. There was already a settlement here in Roman times. Simply stroll along the Danube, eat fresh fish and be sure to walk up to the Kula Gardošm, the old tower. The view from there is impressive.
Ada Ciganlija - This island in the Sava River is a popular recreational area for the people of Belgrade. Here you will find cycle paths, small beaches and numerous restaurants and cafés on so-called splavs, boats that are permanently anchored directly on the shore. The splavs are also known as party boats - in New Belgrade, many of them anchor along the Danube and turn into discos at night.
Nikola Tesla Museum - The museum's exhibits are part of the world's documentary heritage. Many of Nikola Tesla's personal items and inventions are on display here. As is his urn, by the way. You can find all information about the Nikola Tesla Museum on their website.
Josip Broz Tito Mausoleum and Museum of Yugoslavia - Definitely worth a visit if you are interested in the history of Yugoslavia and Tito. However, it is located a little outside the city. Perhaps combine it with a visit to the Belgrade Waterfront
In any case, it is worthwhile City trip to Belgrade also a walking tour! The city has a turbulent history, which is reflected in the architecture and people's attitude to life. So it's simply much more exciting to have a local tell you about it instead of a Wikipedia article!
Where to eat in Belgrade: The best restaurants
Belgrade is full of excellent bars and restaurants - here you will find the top culinary addresses in the Balkans, from traditional to international cuisine. I've been to Belgrade many times now, but I can say one thing for sure: I've never had a bad meal there!
- Restoran Vuk: This restaurant offers typical Serbian dishes. A good choice is the stuffed pljeskavica, but also the breaded and cheese-stuffed peppers.📍Vuka Karadžića 12, Beograd
- Manufaktura: Absolutely instagrammable - especially because of the red umbrellas hanging over the outdoor area. The dishes are also typically Serbian. 📍Kralja Petra 13, Beograd
- Tri Sešira: In this traditional restaurant, there is live music - guitar, accordion and singing - for dinner every evening. It is also located in the centre of the boho district of Skadarlija.📍Skadarska 29, Beograd
- Smokvica: Urban and modern, Mediterranean dishes are served here with a twist. The courtyard with the fig tree makes you feel like you're in the Mediterranean. 📍Kralja Petra 73, Beograd
You can find many more restaurants and typical Serbian dishes in my article on the best restaurants in Belgrade.
🥘 Local Tip: The best way to savour Serbian cuisine is on a Food tour because it often tastes best in the restaurants and foodie spots that we tourists stroll past unseen because we don't even know what's behind them.
How safe is Belgrade?
First of all: Belgrade is a safe and completely normal European city. Nevertheless, I do have a few tips and hints:
- Taxi driver occasionally take advantage of it when they recognise a tourist. The only thing that helps is to insist that the taxi meter is switched on and, if possible, order via an app, for example Pink Taxi.
- PickpocketsWatch your bags or your luggage - but this has less to do with Belgrade than with any other big city in the world.
- The Transport is very heavy here and drivers show little consideration. So don't just cross at the zebra crossing, but look left and right instead
The only thing that really, really annoys me in Serbia and also Bosniais that people smoke inside. So if you are sensitive to this, it is advisable to visit Belgrade in summer when you can sit on terraces.
Still have questions about Belgrade? Interesting facts for your trip can be found here ⬇️
💸 Can I pay with euros in Belgrade?
You cannot pay with euros in Belgrade. The official currency in Serbia is the Serbian dinar. You can find the official exchange rate here check. However, most restaurants and shops also accept cards, so you won't need a lot of cash.
🇷🇸 What language is spoken in Belgrade?
The official language of the country is Serbian. The Serbian language uses the Cyrillic alphabet, so it's best to download Google Translate, which also allows you to take photos of Cyrillic menus or street signs and translate them.
💉 Do I need international health insurance for Belgrade?
Unnecessary! Never, never, never should you travel without international health insurance. Serbia is also not in the EU, which means that your German health insurance does not cover the country. I always like to recommend SafetyWing to other travellers. For less than one euro per day, you can insure yourself here and also protect yourself against the risk of lost luggage.
📲 Can I use European roaming in Belgrade?
No, as Serbia is not in the EU, your roaming package does not apply here. You can either buy a SIM card locally at a kiosk for a few marks or simply get an eSIM like Airalo, which you can even use for other countries after your trip to Bosnia. You can download the Airalo app here.
💦 Can I drink the tap water in Belgrade?
You can drink the water in Belgrade without hesitation.
TRANSPARENCY: AFFILIATE LINKS
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Have you ever been to Belgrade? If so, how did you like it? Do you have any additional tips and experiences? I look forward to reading about them in the comments!
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