Belgrade is one of the most underrated cities in Europe.
It may look a bit glum and gritty, but delve a little deeper and you’ll find a city pulsing with energy and brimming with charm.
Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or nature lover, there’s something for everyone in Belgrade. In fact, you’ll want to spend more than one day in the city.
In this post, I share the best things to do in Belgrade. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Where to stay in Belgrade
I recommend choosing accommodation in the heart of Belgrade. This way, you can enjoy the city’s nightlife without having to stray too far from your hotel.
Hotel Moskva is a four-star hotel located in a stunning building on Terazije Square. It opened in 1908 and has hosted several celebrities over the decades, including Luciano Pavarotti, and Alfred Hitchcock.
The hotel has a spa and wellness centre. It also houses a popular cafe and pastry shop.
Best things to do in Belgrade
I recommend spending at least two full days in Belgrade. This way, you’ll be able to do all of the amazing things in this post!
So, here are the best things to do in Belgrade.
1. Explore Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park
Belgrade Fortress is the city’s most iconic landmark, perched at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers.
This ancient fort offers incredible views of the city. You can walk through the ruins of various epochs — from Roman to Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences.
There are many important monuments and historic sites within the citadel, including the Nebojša Tower, the tomb of Grand Vizier Silahdar Ali Pasha, and the Church of St Petka.
The fortress also harbours a massive network of underground corridors, tunnels and catacombs.
Kalemegdan Park surrounds the fortress and is perfect for a leisurely stroll. If you’re visiting Serbia in July, it’s a great place to take refuge from the heat, and you might even catch a concert or exhibition.
Try exploring at sunset for a stunning view of the rivers below.
2. Stroll through Skadarlija
Often referred to as Belgrade’s Bohemian quarter, Skadarlija is a cobblestone street brimming with charm.
This neighborhood dates back to the early 19th century and was once the heart of Belgrade’s artistic and literary scene. Its streets are lined with traditional restaurants (kafanas), where you can try local dishes like ćevapi (grilled meat) and drink some rakija (fruit brandy).
In the evening, Skadarlija comes alive with music and chatter. Make sure to visit Tri Šešira, one of the oldest and most famous kafanas in the area.
3. Admire St. Sava Temple
The Church of Saint Sava is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. It can seat more than 10,000 people and reaches a height of 82 metres.
The church is built on the place where the Ottoman Grand Vizier Sinan Pasha burned the remains of Saint Sava; the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
If you’re an architecture enthusiast, make sure to walk around the whole complex. The crypt inside the church showcases beautiful frescoes and mosaics.
4. Take a river cruise along the Sava and Danube
If you’re visiting Serbia in July, it’s a great time to enjoy a river cruise in Belgrade.
You can embark on a daytime sightseeing tour or opt for a sunset or night cruise to see the city’s landmarks from a different perspective.
For a more unique experience, consider a dinner cruise where you can savor Serbian cuisine while taking in the sights. Some cruises also offer live music.
5. Discover the historical Zemun district
Zemun feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of central Belgrade.
Once a separate town under Austro-Hungarian rule, Zemun has retained its distinct 18th-century charm with narrow streets, old houses, and a riverside promenade.
The Gardoš Tower offers splendid views over the Danube. It was erected in 1896 to celebrate 1,000 years of the Astro-Hungarian empire.
If you’re staying in the centre of Belgrade, the quickest way to get to Zemun is by bus. There are frequent buses leaving from Zeleni Venac square and the trip doesn’t take longer than 15 minutes.
If you’re here in the evening, grab a table at one of the floating restaurants (splavs) and enjoy fresh fish while watching the sunset over the water.
6. Visit the Nikola Tesla Museum
No visit to Belgrade is complete without paying homage to one of the world’s greatest inventors, Nikola Tesla.
The Nikola Tesla Museum is dedicated to Tesla’s life and work and houses an impressive collection of his personal belongings, letters, photographs, and models of his inventions. You can also participate in interactive demonstrations of his inventions, such as the famous Tesla coil.
7. Unwind at Ada Ciganlija
Known as “Belgrade’s Sea,” Ada Ciganlija is an island on the Sava River transformed into a massive recreational area.
It’s the perfect spot for swimming, kayaking, and paddle-boarding during the summer months. Ada is also a great place for cycling and rollerblading, with paths encircling the entire island.
If you’re looking to relax, head to one of the many beach bars or cafes along the shoreline. In the evening, the island turns into a lively hotspot, with open-air bars and nightclubs.
8. Visit the Museum of Yugoslavia and Tito’s Mausoleum
For history buffs, the Museum of Yugoslavia offers a deep dive into the history of Yugoslavia and its charismatic leader, Josip Broz Tito.
The museum complex includes Tito’s Mausoleum (the House of Flowers), where the former leader is buried, alongside personal artifacts, political memorabilia, and gifts Tito received from international leaders.
This museum gives insight into both the rise and fall of Yugoslavia, as well as the Cold War era. Visiting here provides context for understanding modern Serbian identity and its complex past.
9. Explore Republic Square and Knez Mihailova street
Republic Square is the heart of Belgrade, often used as a meeting point for locals.
Here, you’ll find the National Museum and the National Theatre, both worth visiting for a deeper understanding of Serbian art and culture.
The square also houses the famous statue of Prince Mihailo.
From Republic Square, take a leisurely walk down Knez Mihailova Street, a pedestrian boulevard lined with shops and cafes.
This is one of the best places to people-watch and enjoy a coffee at one of the many outdoor terraces.
10. Experience Belgrade’s nightlife
Belgrade is famous for the nightlife along the banks of the Sava and Danube rivers.
Floating clubs, known as “splavs,” offer everything from electronic music to live rock bands, and they’re open until the early hours of the morning.
For something more laid-back, check out the bar scene in the Dorćol neighborhood or head to Cetinjska Street, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of bars housed in old industrial buildings.
11. Take a day trip to Avala Mountain
Located just 16 km south of Belgrade, Avala Mountain is a popular day trip for both locals and tourists.
Avala offers numerous hiking trails. There’s also the towering Avala TV Tower, which you can ascend for breathtaking views over Belgrade and the surrounding countryside.
Avala is a nice getaway for nature lovers and offers plenty of picnic spots. The nearby village of Beli Potok is known for its excellent traditional Serbian food if you’re in the mood for a hearty meal after your hike.
12. Indulge in Serbian cuisine
Serbian food is a delightful mix of Mediterranean, Turkish, and Hungarian influences, and Belgrade has no shortage of places to indulge.
Start with some meze (small plates) such as ajvar (red pepper spread) and kajmak (creamy dairy spread), before moving on to heavier dishes like pljeskavica (Serbian burger) or sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls).
For dessert, have a slice of krempita (cream pie) or plazma torta (a popular Serbian biscuit cake). Top it all off with a shot of rakija, a potent fruit brandy that comes in a variety of flavors like plum or apricot.
13. Wander the streets of Dorćol
Dorćol is one of Belgrade’s oldest neighborhoods, blending history with modern culture.
Start at Lower Dorćol and then head toward Upper Dorćol for its cafes, art galleries, and street art. This area is great for experiencing the day-to-day life of Belgraders.
Grab a coffee at one of the trendy cafes and then visit the Jewish Historical Museum for a deeper understanding of Serbia’s Jewish heritage.
14. Check out the Belgrade Design District
Located in the heart of the city, the Belgrade Design District (also known as Čumićevo Sokače) is a quirky shopping area home to a variety of local designers.
If you’re looking for unique souvenirs, such as locally made clothes, jewelry, or art, this is the place to go.
The district also hosts pop-up exhibitions and event. It’s a fantastic spot for those who want to discover the creative side of Belgrade.
15. Relax at Topčider Park
One of the oldest parks in Belgrade, Topčider Park is a beautiful green space that’s perfect for an afternoon escape.
The park is home to the Topčider Church, Miloš Obrenović’s Residence, and a centuries-old plane tree that has become one of Belgrade’s natural monuments.
Pack a picnic or enjoy lunch at the park’s restaurant, which offers traditional Serbian cuisine in a serene setting. It’s an excellent place to unwind after a few busy days of sightseeing in the city.
