Visiting Belgrade: what are the best things to see and do in Serbia’s capital?
Belgrade is most famous for its nightlife and for attracting young travelers, particularly from Europe, but Serbia’s capital has much more to offer than that. It’s one of Europe’s oldest cities, with a rich cultural heritage, a long history and plenty of year-round entertainment to suit all types of travelers. It’s a beautiful city with lively, friendly people and a superb setting on the banks of the Danube and Save rivers. It’s also one of Europe’s up-and-coming destinations and, even today, a great time to visit. Here are a few ideas of the best things to do in Belgrade if you’re planning a weekend away.
1. Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park
Flickr – Jorge Láscar
This is the attraction you can’t miss in Belgrade! The fortress is located at the end of the Knez Mihajlova pedestrian street in the « Stari grad » (old town). It’s one of the largest fortresses in Europe, and the Kalemegdan park around the fortress is the largest in Belgrade. The fortress, which dates back to Roman times (1st century), is very well preserved and has a number of museums and restaurants, but the best thing it has to offer is the view from its western rampart overlooking the Danube and Save rivers.
2. The Skadarlija district
Wikimedia – Remi Jouan
It’s Belgrade’s bohemian quarter, a bit like Montmartre in Paris. Belgrade’s hedonistic quarter, Skadarlija was a gathering point for poets and artists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It links Republic Square with the Skadarlija (Bajloni) market, one of the most important in the city center. Skadarska Street is home to some of Belgrade’s most famous restaurants and cafés, as well as a number of art galleries. This cobbled street also features antique and souvenir stores, night bakeries and folk singing groups. An impressive fresco covers the wall of an old brewery down the street.
3. Zemun Old Town
Wikimedia – Raphaëlle MARTIN
Zemun’s Old Town is a preserved area of urban life from the 18th and 19th centuries. The town has existed since Roman times, when it was known as Taurunum. Some remains of the fortress are still visible today, notably around the Gardoš tower and the cemetery. In Zemun, you’ll find beautiful Orthodox and Catholic churches and old buildings. Don’t forget to take a stroll along the Zemun quay on the banks of the Danube, as the locals love to do.
4. Republic Square (Trg Republike) and Knez Mihailova Street
Flickr – Anthony Joh
Republic Square is Belgrade’s central square and main gathering point for locals and visitors alike. Here you’ll find the National Theatre, the National Museum, the Army House, the monument to Knez Mihailo (Prince Michael), several cultural institutions and numerous cafés. Knez Mihailova Street, Belgrade’s main pedestrian thoroughfare, starts here. Here you’ll find numerous hotels, famous boutiques and restaurants… This street offers an interesting mix of architectural styles.
5. Belgrade’s museums
Flickr – Michael Goodine
There are many museums to visit in Belgrade if you have the time. We recommend the National Museum, the Military Museum, the Museum of the History of Yugoslavia, the Nikola Tesla Museum (the Serbian inventor), the Ethnographic Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
6. Saint-Sava Cathedral
Flickr – Jorge Láscar
Serbia has built a huge monument to the founder of the Orthodox Church in the country. No other cathedral in this religion is bigger than the one on Belgrade’s Vračar hill. This church is shaped like a Greek cross, has a magnificent marble and granite façade and can hold over 10,000 people at a time. The basement contains a crypt, the treasure of Saint Sava, and the tomb-church of Prince Lazarus.
7. The island and district of Ada Ciganlija on the Save river
Flickr – giulio nepi
It was the largest river island on the Sava until it was connected to the city by two dams. This transformed an arm of the river into an artificial lake, which is now Belgrade’s most popular seaside resort, attracting almost 100,000 visitors a day during the summer months. There are numerous sports fields and excellent beach clubs. The entire tour around the lake is around 7 km long, including a cycle path. In summer, there are plenty of places to go out.
8. Belgrade nightlife
Flickr – Miloš Ranđelović
It’s not for nothing that Belgrade is nicknamed the « Barcelona of the Balkans ». Nightlife here is renowned, and you’ll have no trouble finding a place to go out. Among the places to party, splavovi (floating bars) are famous in Belgrade. To find out more, read our article on Where to go out in Belgrade?
9. Mount Avala
If you decide to stay a little longer than a weekend in Belgrade, head for Avala. This mountain is ideal for walking and relaxing, and is 16 km from Belgrade. From the top, you’ll have a panoramic view of Belgrade and the surrounding area.
10. Take streetcar no. 2
Tramway N°2 is a circular line that takes you around Belgrade.
11. Explore Belgrade’s underground
Credit – nightlife-belgrade.net
For the more adventurous among you, you’ll prefer a stroll through the city’s underground passages. Belgrade’s subsoils reveal hundreds of caves, caverns and underground tunnels dug by Romans, Austrians, Serbs and Germans. A great way to find out more about the city’s history and enjoy an unusual activity.
How to get to Belgrade
The best time to visit Belgrade is in early autumn or spring. Thanks to low-cost airlines like Wizzair, you’ll find cheap direct flights to Belgrade from Paris or Mulhouse. Use Ulysse to do your research.
Where to stay in Belgrade?
Belgrade has no shortage of youth hostels. Small budgets will find what they’re looking for. Now you just have to decide where to stay in Belgrade! To find a cheap hotel in Belgrade, use our Belgrade hotel comparison service.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Belgrade,rs