Scouting Out The City
DISCOVERING BELGRADE
If you’re thinking about a move to Belgrade, why not come and check out the white city yourself? Whether you’re planning a short city break or have time for an extended stay, our buzzing capital will keep you on your toes. But why take our word for it? Book your Belgrade trip today and see what all the fuss is about – before everyone else finds out.
WHERE TO STAY
The city center is full of great hotels, particularly around Trg Republike. Check out the Belgrade Art Hotel or Envoy Hotel for a chic, up-market stay, or find a great deal at the Savamala B&B Hotel, which is closer to the river. Enjoy meeting other travelers? Check out the quirky White Owl hostel in the heart of Skadarlija, our bohemian district. Or if you prefer more space and facilities, there are plenty of short-term apartments and rooms available on Airbnb and via local agencies.
EXPLORING DURING THE DAY
Once you’re all set up, walk over to Knez Mihailova, which is the longest and most popular pedestrian street in Belgrade and is packed with shops, bars and art galleries. At the end of this street you’ll find Kalemegdan park, home to the spectacular Belgrade Fortress. Follow the winding paths to the top of this famous landmark to discover amazing views of the Sava and Danube rivers, plus the sprawling metropolis that is New Belgrade.
No visit to Belgrade would be complete without a visit to a traditional kafana, where Serbs have been gathering for centuries to eat, drink and be merry. Znak Pitanja is only 5 minutes from the fortress and is a great place to enjoy Serbian coffee, homemade food and local beers, surrounded by folklore and a friendly atmosphere.
If you’re a foodie, make Belgrade’s greenmarkets an essential part of your itinerary. Bustling all week long and positively heaving at the weekends, the central Zeleni Venac Pijaca offers delicious fresh fruit and vegetables from local farmers.
Travel like a local and jump on an old red tram. Line 2 will take you all the way to the city center at a leisurely pace, giving you time to absorb daily life in Belgrade. Jump off at the Parliament of Serbia to admire the grand governmental buildings, then stroll along to Tašmajdan park, home to the impressive Serbo-Byzantine Saint Mark church.
Next, delve into Serbian history at the Muzej Nikole Tesle museum. Just a few minutes walk from Tašmajdan park, this renowned city attraction showcases the work of celebrated Serbian futurist Nikola Tesla, who was a leading designer of the modern electricity supply system.
And of course, you cannot leave Belgrade without visiting Saint Sava, one of the biggest Orthodox temples in the world. Resting at the top of a hill, the impressive church overlooks the trendy neighborhood of Vračar, where you’ll find many bars and restaurants offering both typical Serbian food and international dishes.
To round off the day, pop over to New Belgrade for a spot of shopping in Ušće. The biggest shopping mall in the city lies at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers and is home to a wide range of shops, restaurants, a modern gym and a multiplex cinema. Just 10 minutes up the road will take you to the huge Palace of Serbia, which blends classic and modern architectural styles and houses several government agencies and ministries.
WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN
For a traditional Serbian dining experience, reserve a table at Dva Jelena Restaurant, one of the most popular spots in Skadarlija. Delicious roast meat, traditional live music, rakija shots and very friendly staff guarantee a great evening.
After a hearty dinner, walk along the river Sava by Beton Hala, a former industrial area reconverted into a modern and chic spot full of cocktail bars and international cuisine. From there head towards Savamala and grab a beer in the cultural center KC Grad, where you’ll find exhibitions from both local and international artists, a well-favored outdoor space in summer and a diverse panel discussion program.
Belgrade is famous for its nightlife and you’ll find plenty of colorful bars scattered across Dorćol and Savamala. If you enjoy dancing into the early hours of the morning, Hangar and Drugstore are both huge venues that host famous DJs from around the world. Or for a more low-key evening, try the boat clubs in Sava river known as splav. Bar 20/44 has a great range of beers and alternative music to enjoy as you take in the sparkling river scenery.
MORE TIME TO SPARE?
Dive into everyday Belgrade life and join the vast network of freelancers and start-ups at creative co-working spaces and hubs. Hiding in an innocuous building opposite the main railway station is the lively Startit Centar, which offers hot desking, breakout areas, espresso machine and regular networking events. The outdoor terrace at Nova Iskra is perfect for the summer, whilst Impact Hub Belgrade offers a range of flexible memberships for its large co-working space in a newly-renovated classic building.
Stretch your legs and explore further afield. There is a good network of bicycle routes through New Belgrade and along both Danube and Sava rivers, or simply catch bus 52 or 53 from Zeleni Venac and be in Ada Ciganlija in 15 minutes. Ada is the biggest recreational green park in the city, with a large lake and walking routes that span more than 10km.
Or if you prefer exploring a traditional Serbian town, buses 707 and 83 take you from Zeleni Venac to the picturesque Zemun in just 20 minutes. Surrounded by the towering blocks of New Belgrade, this intriguing small community has maintained its traditional rural atmosphere and provides a refreshing contrast to city living.
Last but not least, a day trip to Avala Tower will give you the best views of Belgrade and beyond. Offering hiking trails, restaurants and summer picnic spots, this beautiful mountain is just 15 km south from the capital. Buy bus tickets at the tourist office in Trg Republike to escape the city and enjoy stunning views.