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25 Best Things to Do in Belgrade (Serbia)

Is there a European capital with a more turbulent history than Belgrade? At the frontier of empires and the junction of the great Danube and Sava rivers, this is one of the oldest cities on the continent. As proof of the constant war and upheaval few buildings in Belgrade are older than a couple of hundred years.

But Belgrade is no less compelling for its tumultuous past, blending high culture with a fun-loving spirit. You can sense this lust for life on Skardarlija, the Bohemian street, or the splavovi, party boats that are moored on the Danube and Sava. Belgrade’s fortress dominates the cityscape, while orthodox churches and palaces for the Serbian royalty cropped up after Serbia won independence in the 19th century.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Belgrade :

1. Belgrade Fortress

On a tall ridge where the Danube and Sava rivers meet, Belgrade Fortress used to contain the entire city and has lived through 2,000 years of conflict.

All of that bloodshed seems very distant when you see the young couples arm-in-arm in Kalemegdan Park, watching the sun go down over Zemun.

They’ll find perches on the ramparts and secluded cubby holes among the angular remnants of the anti-artillery bastions and ravelins built by the Ottomans in the early modern ages.

There’s history at every turn in the fortress, from the Roman well to the medieval gate of Despot Stefan Lazarević.

But Pobednik (Victor) is the postcard monument, a statue wielding a sword and falcon atop a Doric column.

This dates to 1928 and commemorates Serbia’s defeat of the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empire in WWI.

2. Skadarlija

Car-free and paved with bumpy cobblestones, Skadarlija has been a bohemian haunt since the 1800s and is Belgrade’s answer to Montmartre.

Like its Parisian counterpart, Skadarlija’s glory days were in the early 1900s when famous but cash-strapped Serbian singers, musicians, writers and poets lived, worked and performed here.

That  Belle Époque spirit lingers in the iron gaslights, restaurant terraces, foliage, awnings and the trompe l’oeil facade on the opposing wall.

Come for the cafes nightlife, traditional Serbian food like roštilj (grilled meat), and to take in the art displays and street performers as you go.

Suggested tour: Belgrade City Center Walking Tour

3. Church of St Sava

The largest Orthodox Church in the Balkan region, and the second largest in the world, St Sava is an ever-present monument in Serbia’s capital.

High on the Vračar plateau, you can see the church’s white granite and marble walls from any approach to Belgrade, while the 50 bells that sound noon ring out across the city.

The temple is built on the site where the Ottoman Grand Vizier Sinan Pasha burned St Sava’s relics after his icon had graced flags during a Serbian uprising in 1594. Construction began in 1935, 340 years after that event, and ended in 1989. The biggest challenge was raising the central dome, all 4,000 tons of which was assembled on the ground and hoisted into place.

Related tour : Belgrade 8-hour Big Tour with Entrance Fees

4. Ada Ciganlija

This island on the Sava has been reclaimed and turned into a peninsula, and is somewhere for Belgradians to let their hair down and be active.

Even though Ada Ciganlija is in the middle of the city, it has been left to nature, and is still cloaked with mature elm and oak forest.

On the south side the Sava is impounded, forming the Savsko jezero lake.

On any given summer’s day Ada Ciganlija is thronged with people jogging, rowing and kayaking on the lake, playing golf, tennis, basketball or just basking in the greenery.

But it’s the pebble beach that is the main draw, known as “Belgrade’s Seaside” and traced with bars and restaurants.

These provide picnic tables and deckchairs and are open into the night.

5. Knez Mihailova Street

Extending diagonally through Stari Grad from the fortress to Republic Square, Knez Mihailova is a pedestrianised street and somewhere for Belgradians to shop and go out.

On what is one of the most expensive streets in the city per square metre, Knez Mihailova has upmarket boutiques and international high street brands like Sephora, Zara and Gap.

These are joined by scores of restaurant and bars, so if you come almost any time of day or night and you’ll encounter throngs of shoppers, couples or revellers.

And towards the fortress the way is lined with eye-catching rows of stuccoed Neoclassical mansions with quoins and cornices.

6. Gardoš Tower

In the oldest part of Zemun, a monument from the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire is lifted over the right bank of the Danube.

The Gardoš Tower is also known as the Millennium Tower as it was built in 1896 to celebrate 1,000 years of Hungarian settlement on the Pannonian Plain.

With an Eclecticist design it was constructed over the ruins of a medieval fortress and was one of several big projects around what was then Hungary to mark that anniversary.

Inside is a small exhibition about the storied history of Zemun and Gardoš, while you can head to the top for a supreme view of the Danube and the confluence.

Recommended tour: Belgrade 8-hour Big Tour with Entrance Fees

7. Nikola Tesla Museum

This museum presents the life and work of the great physicist, inventor and electrical engineer and Serbian national hero.

The exhibition is in two main sections: The first is a study of Tesla the man, sourcing personal effects, photographs and correspondence to paint a clearer picture of his life and travels.

The second is an often interactive exhibition of his work, with either originals, 3D renders or fully-functioning reproductions like an induction coil producing discharges at 500,000 volts.

For deeper scientific rigour you can take the English-speaking tour, given by students from Belgrade University’s Engineering Department.

8. St Mark’s Church

This cavernous Neo-Byzantine church is one of the largest in Serbia, and although its outer structure was completed during the 1930s interior works are ongoing.

The sublime iconostasis for instance was only completed in the 1990s: The frame is marble, while the icons inside and the painting of the last supper were composed by Đuro Radulović, an academic painter from Belgrade.

Work on the crypt began in 2007 under the narthex, and tombs of 19th-century clergy and Serbian royalty were transferred here.

These had been in the old St Mark’s, founded directly after Serbian independence and wrecked during the German bombing of Belgrade in 1941.

9. Republic Square

At the southern end of Knez Mihailova is Republic Square, with some of the city’s most important landmarks and a business district where Belgrade is at its most dynamic.

More than 20 trolleybus and bus lines converge at this one place, so it’s the meet-up of choice for many Belgradians.

The Serbian National Theatre and National Museum are here, as is the Prince Mihailo Monument.

Designed by the Italian sculptor Enrico Pazzi, this statue is of Mihailo Obrenović, Prince of Serbia twice in the mid-1800s and a key figure in the Balkans’ independence from the Ottoman Empire.

10. Zemunski Kej

Also known as Kej Oslobođenja (Quay of Liberation), this waterside promenade is the best place in Belgrade to take in the Danube.

Starting just below the Gardoš Tower is a long green area, with plane trees and sumptuous views of Europe’s second-longest river just where it joins with the Sava.

These banks used to be flooded every year but engineering works have raised the embankment, while the pedestrian path has been widened to accommodate leisurely waterside ambles.

There are restaurants every few steps, many on barges and other old vessels (splavovi), while a small fleet of boats are waiting if you’d like a trip on the Danube.

11. Residence of Princess Ljubica

A rare survivor from the first reign of Prince Miloš Obrenović, this palace dates to the beginning of the 1830s and was supposed to be a lavish seat for the Serbian court.

But the continued presence of the Ottomans meant that it was never used for that purpose.

Prince Miloš was only an occasional visitor until he was forced to abdicate in 1839 and the Obrenović family was expelled.

The permanent exhibition is a series of richly-furbished rooms with authentic period items assembled from various homes once owned by Belgrade’s bourgeois and royal families.

You’ll track the transition from the oriental Ottoman style on the lower floor to more western European decoration that was en vogue later in the 19th century.

12. Avala Tower

This communications tower, the tallest structure in the Balkans, is an easy drive from Belgrade.

You could also catch the bus from Voždovac/Banjica or the tourist shuttle, which departs at intervals on weekends from Nikola Pašić Square.

Crowning Mount Avala, it’s another symbol for Belgrade and is a monument with a chequered past.

The tower was completed in 1965 but razed during the NATO bombing of Belgrade in 1999. The four-year reconstruction was finished in 2010 and for a couple of hundred dinar you can catch the elevator to the observation deck 135 metres up and with a panoramic cafe.

Recommended day trip : Avala Tower, Oplenac Royal Complex and Etno

13. Belgrade Military Museum

Exploring the Belgrade Fortress you might bump into a cache of modern military hardware along one of the ramparts.

Lined up are deactivated mines, German panzers and torpedoes, while there are also antique cannons on the outer still arming the gun emplacements on the outer wall.

It all belongs to the military museum, which has been in the fortress since 1878. In the galleries is a hoard of weapons going back to the Ancient Greeks and Romans, with helmets and blades more than 2,000 years old.

From medieval times there are gauntlets and other armour, shields, axes, swords forged both in the Balkans and western Europe.

As you move into modern times the museum handles more sensitive subject matter, displaying some NATO equipment from 1999, including a captured Humvee and fragments of purported cluster bombs.

14. Museum of Yugoslav History

Another contentious but informative attraction is the mausoleum of former authoritarian President Josip Broz Tito, and the museum that was set up around it in the 2000s.

This covers the history of the former country of Yugoslavia, which as you’d expect inspires a gamut of emotions and memories, but in Belgrade these are generally positive.

The museum is the equivalent of a Presidential library and exhibits all of the gifts Tito amassed during his rule from 1953 to 1980. There are more than 200,000 artefacts in total, and among the many things worth tracking down are the ceremonial batons used in relays to mark Tito’s birthday every year.

These would then be presented to him in the stadium of the Yugoslav People’s Army.

15. National Theatre

On Republic Square the National Theatre is somewhere to go for a feast of high culture at a very affordable price.

The venue opened in 1869, and has come through war damage and a few architectural updates to remain an esteemed beacon of Serbian culture.

During the day you can go on a backstage tour to discover how the wardrobes and scenery are stored and maintained, and will be treated to an aria by the theatre’s singers in residence.

There’s a varied schedule of drama, opera and ballet at the theatre, always high brow and always unbelievably affordable thanks to state subsidies.

Front stalls are from as little as $7 and boxes aren’t much more.

16. Museum of Aviation

Belgrade’s aviation museum is in a striking geodesic glass building from 1989 next to the city’s airport.

You can catch the 72 bus out there from the station in Zeleni Venac.

The museum has more than 200 aircraft belonging to the Serbian military as well as private collectors and clubs.

These range from biplanes like the Tiger Moth, Yugoslav Zmaj Fizir and Soviet Polikarpov to Second World War Messerschmitt and Spitfire fighters, as well as bombers like the Lockheed Lightning.

There are also more recent artefacts from the NATO bombing campaign in 1999, including the wreckage of a F-117 and a MQ-1 Predator drone.

17. St Michael’s Cathedral

Walking distance from both the fortress and Princess Ljubica’s Residence, Belgrade’s Neoclassical cathedral is from the 1830s and was instrumental in Serbia’s fight for independence.

It is just the latest version of a monument going back to the 1500s and repeatedly torn down during the Ottoman Empire.

Note the liberal use of gold leaf in the icons and murals, painted by Dimitrije Avramović and the iconostasis and choir by Dimitrije Petrović who had been trained in Vienna.

Both men are considered among the foremost Serbian artists of the age.

The cathedral holds the relics of the 14th-century king and saint Stefan Uroš V and the tombs of national heroes like Vuk Karadžić, who reformed the Serbian language in the 1800s.

18. Stari Dvor and Novi Dvor

Any tour of the city needs to include the Old and New Palaces built for the Obrenović and Karađorđević royal families respectively.

The pair face each other across the Andrićev Venac square as part of a grand ensemble on Kralja Milana.

The Old Palace dates to the 1880s and has Beaux-Arts architecture, with interiors imported wholesale from Vienna.

This now houses Belgrade’s city assembly, open to occasional tours.

The New Palace meanwhile also has Revivalist architecture and was completed in 1922 following damage during the First World War.

Its facade is dominated by a two-storey colonnade of Ionic columns and the palace is now the residence for the President of Serbia.

19. House of the National Assembly of Serbia

The seat of Serbia’s National Assembly may well be the finest and most photogenic building in Belgrade.

Previously this home to Yugoslavia’s Parliament, and following that state’s breakup, the Parliament of Serbia and Montenegro.

Given its official purpose, access to this imposing Beaux-Arts building is restricted but you could enquire with Belgrade’s tourist board about a tour as these are organised every now and again.

The rest of the time it’s a landmark for a photo stop, either by day or illuminated at night.

No surprise that this iconic monument is also the scene for Belgrade’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.

20. White Palace

Like the National Assembly this royal palace in the upscale Dedinje neighbourhood south of the city isn’t a monument you can just turn up and visit.

But there are tours in summer, and you need only write to the tourist board before in advance to book your place.

The effort will be rewarded, and you’ll be taken by bus from the city hall to this Neo-Palladian palace from the 1930s.

The interior is enriched with Georgian antique furniture and paintings by the likes of Poussin, Veronese, Canaletto, Brueghel, Titian and many more.

There’s also an extensive library, and wonderful panoramas from the terrace.

The Crown Prince and Princess, Alexander and Katherine may even show up if they’re at home.

21. Rajko Mitić Stadium (Marakana)

Now, this isn’t an option for the faint-hearted or non-football fans.

But if you do follow the beautiful game you may have heard about the Eternal Derby between FK Partizan and Red Star Belgrade.

If you come for the fixture when Red Star host their cross-town rivals at the 55,000-capacity Rajko Mitić Stadium you’ll encounter possibly the most intense atmosphere of any football match in the world.

Buy a ticket for the east or west stand, as the North and South ends are for the hardcore fans.

Come to any other fixture for a more sedate match-day experience at Serbia’s largest football stadium, and the the home of the 1991 Champions League winners.

22. Historical Museum of Serbia

This museum on Nikola Pašić Square stages only temporary exhibitions on themes dealing with Serbia’s past.

One recent exhibitions for instance was dedicated to the 13-century prince and monk St Sava, who essentially founded the Serbian Orthodox church.

Another show recounted Serbian life during the First World War, while others have handled topics as diverse as the First Serbian Uprising at the start of the 19th century, Serbian sculpture, iconography and the trailblazing Serbian-American physicist Mijajlo Pupin.

23. Ružica Church

Against the northeast walls of the Belgrade Fortress sits the oldest church in the city.

The exact origins of the building are unknown, except that its history is a litany of demolitions and rebuilds.

The earliest mention is from the 1400s, but it was duly pulled down after the Ottoman Empire conquered Belgrade in 1521. The current building is from the 19th century (requiring a restoration after WWI) and integrates walls from the fort’s old gunpowder magazine.

The facade is clad with ivy, and the interior has some peculiar chandeliers made from First World War bayonet blades and shell casings.

24. Zeleni Venac

There are a few outdoor markets that you could seek out in Belgrade, but Zeleni Venac, known as Queen of the Markets, is the one to keep in mind.

It is the most central, foubd next to one of Belgrade’s big transport hubs and has been trading since 1847. Price-wise Zeleni Vanac is also the most competitive in the city.

Under a metallic canopy that was restored about ten years ago are scores of fruit and vegetable traders.

Saturdays are when the market thrums with lively conversation and the calls of stall-holders.

There are pekaras (bakeries) along the sides for fresh pastries like krempita, baklava, tulumbe and kadaif.

25. Splavovi

If you’re planning a night out in Belgrade, be prepared to board a splav.

These are the barges and boats that are permanently moored on the Danube and Sava rivers.

They can be floating restaurants, bars or nightclubs.

And no two splavovi are alike: Some are polished and cultivated, while others are younger and more raucous.

You can dance all night to live rock bands, pop, dance music or Serbian folk.

Or you can opt for something quieter and dine in peace beside the Danube.

In summer there’s a party on the splavovi seven days a week and you’ll see people making their way along the quay hopping from one barge to the next.

25 Best Things to Do in Belgrade (Serbia):

• Belgrade Fortress
• Church of St Sava
• Ada Ciganlija
• Knez Mihailova Street
• Gardoš Tower
• Nikola Tesla Museum
• St Mark's Church
• Republic Square
• Zemunski Kej
• Residence of Princess Ljubica
• Avala Tower
• Belgrade Military Museum
• Museum of Yugoslav History
• National Theatre
• Museum of Aviation
• St Michael's Cathedral
• Stari Dvor and Novi Dvor
• House of the National Assembly of Serbia
• White Palace
• Rajko Mitić Stadium (Marakana)
• Historical Museum of Serbia
• Ružica Church
• Zeleni Venac

The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Belgrade Itinerary

Last Updated on February 13, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

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The Serbian capital of Belgrade sees far fewer tourists than it should, with many would-be visitors opting to travel to neighbouring countries rather than exploring the gritty charms of the former capital of Yugoslavia. This means that there aren’t always a lot of people searching for a Belgrade itinerary to help them plan a trip.

This is a real shame, however, because Belgrade is one of the most interesting, vibrant and dynamic cities in Europe and desperately deserves more visitors.

We’ve visited Serbia’s capital on numerous occasions over the years and the city continues to surprise us with a wealth of interesting things to do and a social scene that is rivalled by few cities in Europe.

Though it is not instantly beautiful on the surface, Belgrade has a tonne offer visitors no matter regardless of whether you choose to spend 1, 2 or 3 days in Belgrade.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Belgrade?

While you could certainly see all of the main tourist and historical sites within the span of a single day, I would say that Belgrade is best experienced if you give it a bit of time. However, if you only do have one full day to spend, I would still recommend visiting Belgrade.

If you want to get a thorough view of the tourist sites, be able to visit a museum or two, and see more than just one part of the city, then plan to spend 2 days in Belgrade at least.

While you will still have a pretty packed trip and not really get a big chance to spend much time enjoying the pace and energy of the city, it is still a good amount of time to spend to be able to get to know Belgrade.

If you’re short on time but want to get the most out of your itinerary, then I would recommend spending at least three days in Belgrade. This will allow you to do everything that I mention in days one and two of this itinerary while still allowing you some flexibility.

You can either slow down on the sightseeing and spread it all out over three days, opt to go on a day trip, or even dig deeper into the city’s history or explore some neighbourhoods that few tourists take the time to venture to.

As I said earlier, however, it doesn’t matter how long you plan to spend in the city as I’m certain you will leave longing to return.

Getting To and Around Belgrade

Now that you likely decided how many days to spend in Belgrade, you’re going to want to know how to get to and around the Serbian capital.

Being a bustling metropolis with a large population, Belgrade is quite well-connected with nearby cities making it an easy stop on a Balkans itinerary . It also does have an extensive public transit network making getting around the city fairly easy.

Belgrade is served by an international airport that connects a number of destinations across Europe and further afield to the Serbian capital.

It is located about 15 kilometres west of the city centre and can be easily reached by bus or by taxi. Keep in mind that the controlled rate of a taxi going from the city centre to the airport is €15 or about 1800 RSD.

If you want to avoid a taxi scam, then I recommend using the Yandex or Pink Belgrade taxi app, which will often be cheaper and you won’t have to worry about negotiating a price or worrying about a rigged meter.

If travelling to Belgrade overland, your best bet is to rely on the bus — as is common in the vast majority of Balkan countries.

Due to the fact that it is the largest city in the region and its central location, Belgrade is very well-connected to neighbouring big cities, with numerous bus connections to places like Novi Sad , Zagreb , Sarajevo , Sofia , and more each day.

Once in Belgrade, you will find that a vast majority of sites are easy enough to reach on foot, especially if you’re only planning on a short trip.

If you do want to visit some further-flung neighbourhoods or sites, however, the Belgrade tram and bus network is easy enough to use and navigate. You can purchase tickets quite affordably from newsstand kiosks all across the city and you just need to make sure validate your ticket once you are on the bus or tram.

Belgrade does not have a metro and it is actually the largest European city without an underground train service.

1, 2 or 3-Day Belgrade Itinerary

This itinerary is designed to follow in sequence and each day can be built on the other to make the ideal plan for your length of trip.

Day 1 – Republic Square, Skadarlija, Dorcol & Kalemegdan Fortress

Republic square.

Start your first (or only) day in the very centre of the city — Republic Square. Known as the main meeting point in the Serbian capital, this massive square is distinct because if its large statue of Prince Mihailo on a horse.

Known colloquially to locals as “the horse,” the statue was erected in 1882 and has been an important fixture in Belgrade ever since.

In the square, you can also see and visit the National Museum of Serbia and the National Theatre, both boasting beautiful Austro-Hungarian style architecture reminiscent of their time of building in the 19th century.

There are also numerous bars and cafes lining the square and it is also where the main pedestrian thoroughfare in Belgrade, Knez Mihailova, begins.

From Republic Square, you can easily walk a few hundred metres to the cool and eclectic Bohemian Quarter, known as Skadarlija in Serbian.

Originally a home for artists and creatives hired to work for the newly-opened National Theatre in the latter half of the 19th century, the neighbourhood was once twinned with the Montmartre area in Paris.

For more than a century, Sakarlija has been known for its nightlife and kafanas — which are traditional Serbian taverns and coffee shops known for their live music and communal atmospheres.

In fact, it is still one of the most popular areas for nightlife in the Serbian capital and it’s an excellent place to go if you want to eat at a traditional kafana. Just make sure to tip the musicians if they play at your table!

From the Bohemian Quarter, it’s time to head into and explore the old town of Belgrade, known as Dorcol in the local language.

Though this area has been inhabited for centuries by numerous different people, it has an incredibly eclectic architecture and history and you can see just how much the neighbourhood has changed over hundreds of years due to Belgrade’s fraught history.

From one side of the street to the other, you can see an example of classic Austro-Hungarian architecture directly next to a functional brutalist apartment block while an Ottoman-era house sits across the street. This collection of different styles and influences is part of what makes Belgrade a unique city.

The old town is also full of a number of great restaurants, bars, and cafes and makes for an excellent place to explore at any time of the day.

Kalamegdan Fortress

A tourist and local favourite alike and a spot that must be included on any Belgrade itinerary is the Kalamedgan Fortress. This massive fortress complex overlooking the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, it was once a massive military complex and now serves as the central park in Belgrade.

Find yourself a place on the wall and watch the sunset with a local beer in hand (it’s totally fine to drink in public in Belgrade!) or take the time to wander through the park and maybe visit a couple of the museums in the complex.

There are some great times to be had at the fortress and it remains one of my favourite places in Belgrade time and time again.

You can get an introduction to these sites and more on the Belgrade Free Walking Tour. Their Downtown Tour leaves daily all year long and meets in front of the horse statue in Republic Square.

This is an excellent way to learn more about the history of this engaging city while saving some money. It also gives you the opportunity to explore each site in more depth after the tour. Please note that it is customary to tip your guide when the tour is over because that is how they make their living.

If the free walking tour doesn’t fit your schedule, then consider taking this paid walking tour instead.

Sample Belgrade’s Nightlife

After a long day of sightseeing, no trip to the Serbian capital — even if you only have one day in Belgrade — is complete without sampling some of the city’s infamous nightlife.

Whether you’re interested in partying to the wee hours of the dawn on a barge on the banks of the Sava or are happy to spend your evening sipping rakija (the local spirit) or cocktails in a trendy bar, there is really something for everyone when it comes to Belgrade’s nightlife.

Day 2 – Explore Central Belgrade

Knez mihailova.

Begin your day on Knez Mihailova, Belgrade’s main pedestrian thoroughfare. This street is crammed with a number of chic shops, great restaurants, and inviting cafes and it is a great place to stroll down while window shopping and people-watching.

Spanning from Republic Square all the way to the entrance of the Kalamegdan fortress, this is one of the hippest and most happening streets in Belgrade and it is an excellent place to enjoy the energy and atmosphere of the Serbian capital.

Hotel Moskva

A little bit further from Knez Mihailova lies the Hotel Moskva, an iconic hotel that is known for its beautiful Austro-Hungarian style architecture.

Built in 1908 by an architect from St Petersburg, the hotel has been known to house the rich and famous visitors to Belgrade ever since its construction.

Today, it is an iconic landmark in the Serbian capital and is still considered to be one of the finest hotels in the city.

Church of St Mark

This beautiful Serbian Orthodox Church is one of the most stunning buildings in Belgrade, however, it often gets overshadowed by the far bigger (though unfinished) St Sava Church — which you will visit later on this itinerary!

Constructed in the Interwar period between 1931 and 1940, this is one of the biggest and most impressive churches in Belgrade.

Built to resemble a large and important Serbian Orthodox monastery in Kosovo, you will notice that the architectural style doesn’t match that of other buildings in Belgrade — further adding to the eclectic nature of Serbia’s capital.

Radio Television of Serbia Building

Not far at all from the church, you will find a landmark with a fraught history and that is the remains of the Radio Television of Serbia Building.

This building was bombed during the 1999 NATO bombings of Belgrade and has been left in its crumbling state as a memorial to those civilians who were killed during that bombing.

Though the majority of the NATO bombings were directed at governmental or military buildings in Belgrade, this one was the only one that targeted a place where civilians were actively working. The site is memorialised with a plaque and it is still quite a controversial topic in Belgrade today.

St Sava Church

If you wander a bit further, you will find yourself at one of Belgrade’s most famous landmarks, the Church of St Sava. This orthodox church is one of the world’s largest — others of equivalent size include the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in nearby Sofia and the People’s Salvation Cathedral in Bucharest .

Though massive in size, the Church of St Sava has been under construction since it began in 1935 and there are still large parts that you cannot visit due to it being an active construction site.

You can see all of these sites and more on the free 20th Century Walking Tour , which meets regularly in Republic Square year-round.

Nikola Tesla Museum

If you want to learn about one of the world’s most influential scientists who just happened to be Serbian, then Belgrade is the place to do it. Nikola Tesla was Serbian and is the pride of Belgrade — so much so that the international airport is named after him.

Though Tesla was born in Croatia and spent the majority of his life in the United States, Belgrade still lays a claim to him and you can learn about his life and inventions at the Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade.

Here you can go on a tour where the guide will demonstrate some of his most influential inventions and teach you about his life and work. Entry into the museum with a tour (in English) included is 800 RSD.

Belgrade Craft Beer

After learning about more history and sightseeing in Belgrade, you might want to do something to unwind. Well, why not go and sample some of the city’s fantastic craft beer?

Belgrade is relatively new to the craft beer scene, however, there are a few local microbreweries in the locality all brewing up some excellent ales and lagers.

Go on a self-guided tour to some of the best brewpubs in Belgrade (we recommend Samo Pivo , Dogma Brewery , and Endorfin Gatstropub ) or opt to go on an organised beer tour to learn about (and sample!) a number of different Belgrade craft beers.

Day 3 – Day Trip from Belgrade

If you have 3 days to spend, then there are a few different options you could take. First off, you could use an extra day to go outside of the city.

Alternatively, you could use another day to explore some farther-flung neighbourhoods within the city and learn more about the history and culture of this dynamic city.

Novi Sad Day Trip

One of the most popular and easiest day trips from Belgrade is to go to Serbia’s second-largest city of Novi Sad . It is incredibly easy to do this trip independently as there are numerous bus connections between the two cities daily and Novi Sad is only about one hour away from Belgrade.

However, if you want to combine a visit to Novi Sad with a visit to Sremski Karlovci for a wine tasting then it might be easier to go on an organised tour. This guided tour or this full-day tour includes transport to and from Belgrade, wine tasting and time to explore Novi Sad.

Learn About Communist-Era Belgrade

If you decide to stay in the city for a third day, you could use it to learn more about the city’s history as the capital of Yugoslavia and its more recent history. If this interests you, we recommend going on this communist tour .

It costs €15 per person and includes entry into the Museum of Yugoslavian History and a bus ticket. It is an excellent way to learn more about the modern history of Belgrade from the formation of Yugoslavia through to the Balkan wars and the 1999 NATO bombings.

Another option is this guided communist tour that follows a similar itinerary and has more frequent depatures.

Explore Zemun & Novi Beograd

If you want to see more of the city, then we recommend taking the time to get away from the old town area and explore the neighbourhoods of Novi Beograd and Zemun.

Novi Beograd, or New Belgrade, is a great place to explore if you’re a fan of brutalist architecture — it has some of the best examples of this architectural style than many cities in Europe!

Zemun, located a bit further afield, didn’t use to be a part of Belgrade at all and was rather its own town. The area retains its own Austro-Hungarian style charms and can feel a world away from the hectic hustle and bustle of central Belgrade.

If you’re interested in learning more about Zemun in particular and you happen to be visiting on a Saturday, then I recommend going on the free Zemun tour that leaves every Tuesday and Saturday at 3 PM.

Belgrade Restaurants

Belgrade residents love to eat out and enjoy their meals and the restaurant scene in the Serbian capital just keeps getting better year after year.

While Belgrade still isn’t the greatest city to visit for vegetarians, there are still plenty of options for every taste — whether you’re searching for traditional Serbian cuisine or international flavours. Consider joining a food tour if you want to learn more with a guide.

Serbian Cuisine

? — Arguably the most famous kafana in the Skadarlija neighbourhood, ? is a favourite place amongst visitors to Belgrade. They serve traditional food in an even more traditional setting and also have live music most nights.

Three Hats — This is a great option if you want another kafana option on Skadarska street. They serve great Serbian food with friendly service and decent prices.

Manufaktura — An excellent place to visit for “modern Serbian cuisine,” this restaurant is well-known for its umbrella-lined outdoor eating area and delicious, hearty food.

Drama Cevapi — If you’re looking for a delicious, fast, and affordable glimpse into local cuisine, then look no further than Drama Cevapi. This fast-food restaurant has a few locations across the city and serves some of the best cevapi to be found in the city.

International Cuisine

La Taquería — If you’re craving some Mexican spice at decent prices, then look no further than La Taquería. Run by a Mexican chef who sources his ingredients from Mexico, this is one of the most authentic places for tacos and more that you can find in Europe. They also make some damn good margaritas!

Endorfin — If you want to sample Belgrade’s craft beer scene while enjoying a great meal, then Endorfin is the place for you. They are considered to be the first gastropub in Belgrade and have an extensive tap list of local beers and a delicious menu.

Majstor i Margarita — If you’re craving wood-fired, Neopolitan pizza, then look no further than this gem of a place. They serve delicious pizzas at affordable prices and have friendly service as well.

Sweets & Treats

Crna Ovca — After eating so much food, you might be looking for a quick dessert or something to take the edge off a hot day. Well, then look no further than Crna Ovca, which is an absolutely delicious ice cream shop in old town Belgrade. They have numerous ice cream flavours available and there is always a long queue here — it moves fast, so don’t be discouraged!

Where to Stay in Belgrade

Garni Hotel Opera — A great mid-range located in the city centre within easy walking distance of all of Belgrade’s main attractions, they have a range of comfortable rooms available and an on-site bar.

Hotel Moskva — If you’re looking for a bit of history and luxury all in one, then you can’t go wrong with staying at the Hotel Moskva. They are centrally located and have a range of rooms available to suit all of your needs.

El Diablo Hostel — A great option for solo or budget travellers, this is one of the best hostels to choose from in the city. They have a range of both private and dorm rooms available, clean facilities, great common areas for meeting other travellers, and a friendly and attentive local staff to help make your trip a great one.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Belgrade hotels!

Planning the ideal Belgrade itinerary doesn’t have to be a difficult task, with so much to do in the city that it’s sure to keep you occupied well beyond it’s time to leave!

Are you planning a trip to Belgrade? Have any questions about visiting?? Let us know in the comments!

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Thanks for details. I’m planning to visit to the Balkans this coming May 2024. I’m living in South Korea. It takes long time to fly. I may start from Budapest. Your lots of articles related to the Balkan countries help me to prepare for planning trip. Thanks again.

So happy you’ve found our articles helpful! Hope you have a wonderful trip 🙂

Thank you, Maggie, for this wonderful review of Belgrade. I’ve printed it out and keep adding notes to your suggestions. Hope to spend the month of May 2024 there. I live in NYC and am a walker. Will take my best walking shoes. Again thank you.

Happy you enjoyed this, JoAn!

We just came back from spending three full days in Belgrade and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! We walked 25,000 steps a day, ate a ton of great food and enjoyed the Docker Brewery. Belgrade wasn’t on our bucket list – we ended up there because we were visiting family in rural Serbia. Definitely a city to visit – it’s so economical. There are 17 Michelin recommended restaurants – so good and prices are so reasonable. Stay in an airbnb – there are many to choose from. We didn’t go on any tours or visit the museums – next time – a good reason to return. Just a short, reasonable flight from Zagreb 🙂

Happy to hear you enjoyed Belgrade! It’s such a lovely city to explore 🙂

Is a day trip possible to one of the hills/mountains around Belgrade? Would you recommend it? if yes, which hill?

Unfortunately, I’ve not been to any of the hills/mountains near Belgrade so I can’t offer any insight there

Hi! Very well-drafted. easy to follow.

Thanks, Raj! Glad we could help 🙂

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Outspoken, adventurous, proud and audacious: Belgrade ('White City') is by no means a 'pretty' capital, but its gritty exuberance makes it one of Europe's most happening cities. While it hurtles towards a brighter future, its chaotic past unfolds before your eyes: socialist blocks are squeezed between art nouveau masterpieces, and remnants of the Habsburg legacy contrast with Ottoman relics and socialist modernist monoliths. This is where the Sava and Danube Rivers kiss, an old-world culture that at once evokes time-capsuled communist-era Yugoslavia and new-world, EU-contending cradle of cool.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Belgrade Fortress

Some 115 battles have been fought over imposing, impressive Belgrade Fortress (aka Kalemegdan); the citadel was destroyed more than 40 times throughout…

Museum of Yugoslavia

This must-visit museum houses an invaluable collection of more than 200,000 artefacts representing the fascinating, tumultuous history of Yugoslavia…

Looming over Belgrade and topped with the tallest tower in the Balkans (204.5m), Mt Avala is a city landmark that makes for a pleasant break from the…

Museum of Contemporary Art

One of Belgrade's top cultural sights, this recently renovated museum is a treasure trove of 20th-century art from the ex-Yugoslav cultural space. The…

Marshal Tito's Mausoleum

A visit to Tito's mausoleum is obligatory. The big man rests in an aptly gigantic tomb in peaceful surrounds. Also on display are thousands of elaborate…

National Museum

Lack of funding for renovations kept Serbia's National Museum mostly shuttered for 15 years, but its much ballyhooed 2018 reopening has been a great…

Nikola Tesla Museum

Meet the man on the 100RSD note at one of Belgrade's best museums, where you can release your inner nerd with some wondrously sci-fi-ish interactive…

Zepter Museum

This impressive collection of works by contemporary Serbian artists became Serbia’s first private museum in 2010, but remains somewhat hidden even though…

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How to spend 3 days in Belgrade? A Perfect 3-day Itinerary

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is a city known for its great nightlife scene and incredible cafes . But Belgrade also has a very important past and still holds so much history within its museums and buildings.

If this will be your first time visiting Belgrade, 3 days is a good amount of time to spend in the city to give you a chance to see some of the best attractions in town. Being one of the most important cities in the Balkans, you could easily spend more time if you have flexibility and still find other incredible things to do.

I am currently living in Novi Sad and have visited Belgrade a bunch of times for both business and leisure. To help you see the best of what this city has to offer, I’ve decided to create a perfect Belgrade 3-day itinerary and help you plan an unforgettable trip. So, let’s get started!

How to spend 3 days in Belgrade

The capital of Serbia offers tons of tourist attractions and activities that will easily keep you occupied for 3 days . I personally find it a pity that many tourists visit Belgrade in a rush and don’t get to really explore its hidden gems and incredible gastronomy.

In this 3-day Belgrade itinerary, I have included the most important attractions and also a few special spots that you will not find on an average travel itinerary. My goal is that by the end of your third day in Belgrade, you can truly say you have fully explored the city.

Day 1 in Belgrade : Explore downtown Belgrade and the Kalemegdan Fortress

Republic square.

Our first stop is Republic Square, a popular gathering spot for both locals and tourists visiting Belgrade. It is a great place to sit in one of the cafes and admire the stunning architecture around you.

In the center of this massive square from the 19th century, you will find a large statue of Prince Mihailo on a horse. Erected in 1882, this beautiful monument is the work of famous Italian sculptor Enrico Pazzi. 

For those who don’t know Prince Mihailo was the prince of Serbia who is famous for making agreements with neighboring countries and getting rid of Turkish control.

The National Museum of Serbia

Republic Square is where you will find the amazing National Museum of Serbia. Get ready to be blown away with one of the finest examples of Austro-Hungarian style architecture in Belgrade.

The museum was under renovation for more than 10 years. Finally, in 2018, the National Museum of Serbia opened its doors to the public.

Spread across three levels, the museum is home to items from the Paleolithic period to the 20th century and everything in between. Expect to see everything from archaeological and numismatic to historical and artistic collections.  You will probably spend an hour or two here.

Knez Mihailova Street

Our next stop on this 3-day Belgrade itinerary is the iconic Knez Mihailova Street. It stretches from the Republic Square to the Kalemegdan Park and Belgrade Fortress. It is, without a doubt, the most popular pedestrian street in the city .

You will notice that the street is lined with beautiful buildings showcasing gorgeous art nouveau, art deco, and baroque architecture. If you wish to go on a shopping spree, the pedestrian Knez Mihailova Street is home to world-famous brands like H&M, Zara, Benetton, and many other world-famous brands.

For a cup of coffee, I recommend paying a visit to Costa Coffee and Coffee Dream. Wine lovers can check out the famous Mix Vine Bar and Vine shop. In case you get hungry, book a table at Snezana restaurant and enjoy their delicious pasta and meat dishes.

Knez Mihailova is also home to several cultural institutions such as the Belgrade City Library, Zepter Museum, and the Gallery of the Cultural Center of Belgrade.

Kalemegdan Park and the Belgrade Fortress

Located just a short walk from Knez Mihailova, Kalemegdan Park and the Belgrade Fortress are two of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. 

This huge complex of buildings and parks dates back to 279 BC. Here, you will find the impressive Military Museum, as well as the Pobednik Monument. If you are interested in war artifacts like I am, the Military Museum and its collection of helmets, crossbows, Roman swords, and daggers is a cool place to visit.

Some of the other attractions at Kalemegdan include the Roman Well and the Great Gunpowder Warehouse. For breathtaking views, visit the Great Kalemegdan Staircase for panoramic river views. 

My favorite place at Kalemegdan is Ružica Church, one of the oldest churches in Belgrade . It is a popular spot for weddings. An interesting fact is that this church was used as a gunpowder storage facility during the 18th century. 

You will need at least 4 hours to visit Kalemegdan and all of its attractions.

Pro tip: The Fortress is a great place to watch the sunset. Go for a drink at Boho Bar while you wait.

In the evening, make your way from Kalemegdan to the river where you will find the Savamala area . It is home to the legendary Beton Hala, a former industrial building that is nowadays home to some of the best bars and restaurants in Belgrade. 

For a memorable dining experience, have dinner at Comunale Restaurant, Ambar Restaurant, or Toro Latin Gastrobar.  If you wish to dance the night away, go to Gotic nightclub.

Day 2 in Belgrade: Visit the Church of Saint Sava and other important landmarks

Church of saint sava.

Day 2 of our Belgrade 3-day itinerary begins in front of the largest Orthodox temple in the Balkans . 

Welcome to the Church of Saint Sava, the most important place of worship in the country. The temple is impressive both from the inside and from the outside. Dedicated to the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Sveti Sava it is beloved by the locals.

From the outside, admire the beauty of white marble and granite with a 70-meter-high dome. Once you step inside the church, you will find everything from beautiful frescoes and ornate chandeliers to altars and a gold-ceilinged crypt. In the evening, the temple is lit up and looks spectacular.

Pro tip: Visiting the Church of Saint Sava is entirely free of charge! Check out this and other free things to do in Belgrade.

The National Library

Located right next to the temple, the National Library is the oldest library in Serbia . It is situated inside a contemporary building and divided into administrative and public areas. The modern and minimalistic design of the building looks fabulous.

Step inside the library to find manuscripts, Serbian books from the 18th and 19th centuries, and printed books in foreign languages. If you wish to read a book, there is a nice reading area. The library also offers various artistic and cultural programs.

Nikola Tesla Museum

Next on our list is a place dedicated to one of the most influential scientists in the world . Located just a 10-minute from the Saint Sava Temple, the Nikola Tesla Museum is the most interesting museum in Belgrade.

There are more than 1.200 exhibits on display at the museum ranging from lectures and writings to patents. Guided tours are held in both Serbian and English and last for about 45 minutes. The professional guides will tell you unique stories about the scientist and show you the authentic working models of the machines.

Visitors will also have an opportunity to see Tesla’s personal items and artifacts. Single tickets for the guided tour cost around 7 euros. Keep in mind that the museum does not accept credit cards.

St Mark’s Orthodox Cathedra l

On your way back towards the downtown area of Belgrade, there are a few spots worth visiting. 

First, make your way to St Mark’s Cathedral, a beautiful orthodox church made of stone on the outside. Make sure to go inside as the cathedral is beautiful! St Marks is located in Tašmajdan Park , which is a lovely spot for an afternoon coffee or snack.

You can also check out the Church of the Holy Trinity, a small Russian Church located behind St Mark’s. This church was meant for Russian emigrants who arrived in Serbia escaping the October Revolution in 1920. 

From there, you can walk in front of the Serbian Parliament building, and the new and the old Presidential Palaces (which are two incredible buildings that face each other).

Hotel Moskva

The legendary Hotel Moskva is situated in a Russian palace built in the early 1900s. An interesting fact is that originally, the hotel only had around 40 rooms. It was owned by the Russian Empire and later by the Gestapo. 

After the war, the hotel was nationalized and privatized again in the early 2000s. The list of important guests at Hotel Moskva is also very impressive and includes people like Robert De Niro, Albert Einstein, Indira Gandhi, and many others.

Hotel Moskva is still fully functional and you can book a stay here if you want .

Another interesting spot is Hotel Jugoslavija , which was one of the most glamorous places to stay in Belgrade . A list of former guests is truly impressive and includes Jimmy Carter, Richard Nixon, and Queen Elizabeth II.

Pro tip: If you are up for an evening drink, stop at Samo Pivo and try their amazing selection of craft beers. The bar has a great laidback atmosphere and is perfect for a late afternoon pause after walking all day.

No visit to Belgrade is complete without spending a few hours at the cool and eclectic Bohemian Quarter , Skadarlija. It is an ideal place to relax, enjoy authentic Serbian cuisine, and listen to live music.

For more than a century, this picturesque cobblestone street has been known for its nightlife and Serbian taverns (called kafanas ) . It was originally home to artists who were hired to work for the National Theater back in the 19th century. Nowadays, Skadarlija is one of the most visited streets in Belgrade.

There is no shortage of excellent restaurants on this street including places like Sesir Moj, Dva Jelena, and Tri Sesira. Make sure to try local delicacies such as kajmak, cevapi, and pljeskavica.

In the evening, I suggest spending a few hours in Cetinjska. Located just a short walk from Skadarlija, Cetinjska is a great place to visit at night. What once used to be just an old parking lot is nowadays one of the best nightlife areas in Belgrade .

Whether you wish to visit a vinyl shop, grab drinks at popular bars like Berlin Monroe, Kafe Bar 16, and Dvoristance, or enjoy some tasty southern BBQ cuisine at the Holy Smokes Texas Bar, there is plenty to look forward to when visiting Cetinjska Street.

Day 3 in Belgrade : Zemun & Novi Beograd (New Belgrade)

Once a border town located between the Austrian and the Ottoman Empire, Zemun is different from the rest of Belgrade in terms of architecture with lots of Austro-Hungarian influences .

Go to the 1km long promenade called Zemunski Kej for a relaxing walk. There are lots of cool waterfront cafes along the promenade where you can sit down for a refreshing drink and enjoy river views.

Zemun’s Old Town with its narrow streets lined with picturesque houses with red rooftops is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Belgrade . Soak in the bohemian atmosphere and have lunch in one of the many restaurants, taverns, and cafes with cute patios and terraces.

The most famous tourist attraction in Zemun is the Gardoš Tower . Snap a photo in front of this impressive red-brick tower from the 19th century. The tower is home to a small gallery that hosts regular exhibitions. Nature lovers can go for a stroll in the beautiful Zemun Park.

Novi Beograd (New Belgrade)

Hop on a bus to reach New Belgrade, a district located on the left bank of the Sava River . Many of the locals prefer living in New Belgrade than in the downtown area. 

This part of the city has been developing a lot lately. Some of the biggest companies in Belgrade have offices in this part of the city and it’s much easier and faster to go on a day trip to Novi Sad from New Belgrade.

Novi Beograd is also a great place to admire the beauty of socialist architecture. I recommend visiting “Blokovi” , a large housing project that started right after WW2.  These residential blocks with enormous grey concrete buildings showcase some of the finest examples of socialist architecture in Belgrade . To see some cool graffiti and murals, go to the vibrant Block 45.

New Belgrade has a few attractions of its own such as the Genex Tower . Also known as the Western City Gate, this unusual skyscraper is one of the tallest buildings in the Balkan Peninsula. There is also the Stark Arena, a modern multipurpose venue for sports, culture, entertainment, exhibitions, and other events. 

Some of the other tourist attractions worth visiting in New Belgrade include the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Park of Friendship, the Block 44 food market, the Usce shopping mall and Delta City for shopping, and the Church of St. Demetrius.

Museum of Contemporary Art & the splavovi

Instead of taking the bus back to downtown Belgrade, you can walk through the Danube promenade instead.

The Museum of Contemporary Art is a beautiful and unique building located right by the river. Even if you will not be going inside, it is worth checking it out.

Right at the front of the museum, you can see the splavovi , the floating bars and nightclubs that make the nightlife scene in Belgrade so famous. You can walk around and check them out during the day, but it is only at night that this area really comes to life.

If you are interested in experiencing Belgrade’s night scene, I definitely recommend coming here one evening.

Have more time? Other things you can see in Belgrade

If you have more than 3 days to spend in Belgrade, there are more things you can add to your itinerary. Here are a few suggestions:

• Museum of Yugoslavia : A very rich museum that features incredible history from the Yugoslavian times and Tito’s grave. Make sure you check the opening dates and times before going there since the museum is quite out of the way. I recommend taking a bus or taxi.
• Ada Ciganlija : Belgrade’s most popular city beach. This place is extremely popular during the summer months and it is worth checking out if you want to see where the locals hang out.

Best day trips from Belgrade

You can also enrich your Belgrade travel itinerary by visiting destinations nearby. Here are some of the most popular day trips from Belgrade:

• Novi Sad : the second largest city in Belgrade
• Sremski Karlovci : explore the famous wines of Serbia
• Tara National Park

What is the best time to visit Belgrade

I think that the best time to visit the capital of Serbia is in spring and early autumn (April through mid-June and September through October). 

During this time of year, the weather is warm, but not too hot. It is also very dry with temperatures ranging from 18 to 26°C .

Summers in Belgrade are hot with temperatures above 30°C. If you like snowy weather and don’t mind the cold, you can always visit Belgrade in December, January, and February and enjoy holiday events and festivities.

Read also : Where to go in Serbia during winter

How many days should I spend in Belgrade?

The ideal length of time to explore the capital of Serbia really depends on your interests and preferences. If you only wish to see the downtown area of Belgrade and visit the most important historical sites and tourist attractions, you can easily do it all in one day.

But you will be missing out on a lot if you only check out the downtown Belgrade area.

If you really want to experience the city, I recommend staying for 2-3 nights in Belgrade. Having 3 full days in the city is ideal so you can explore the different sides of Belgrade on foot.

Read also : How many days do you need on a trip to Serbia?

Where to stay in Belgrade?

To be able to explore the city on foot, the best areas to stay are the center, Dorcol, or Savamala . Dorcol is the most alternative and bohemian zone, while Savamala is the best place to stay if you want to experience Belgrade’s nightlife scene.

Here are my personal hotel recommendations:

• Twin Apartments Belgrade : This is the apartment Fe & Edo stayed in last time they were in Belgrade and they had a great experience. The apartment’s location is great, it comfortably accommodates four people and the owner even provides parking in his private garage.
• Amsterdam Hotel : This modern hotel is located close to the main bus station, so it is very easy to get around. The facilities are great; the hotel also has a rooftop pool which can come in handy during the summer months.
• Miha Luxury Apartment : This apartment hosts up to 4 people and offers a very good combination of comfort and location. The apartment is fully furnished with everything you may need for a pleasant stay.

FAQ: Popular questions about our Belgrade 3-Day Itinerary

Do i need to use public transport for this belgrade 3-day itinerary.

I created this 3-day Belgrade itinerary in a way that you don’t need to use public transport for the first two days. All the tourist attractions on this list are located close to each other. On day 3, you can take the bus or visit some of the attractions mentioned on foot (but be ready for a long walk).

Using the public transport system in Belgrade is quite easy, even for tourists who are not used to it. Earlier this year, the system was upgraded as it was taken over by a new company, which made it even more friendly for travelers. Read more about how the Belgrade public transport system works .

Are there any other attractions in Belgrade worth visiting that are not on this list?

Yes, there are many cool places to visit that unfortunately didn’t make it on this list. You can visit attractions such as the Avala Tower, Jevremovac Botanical Garden, and Ada Ciganlija.

Belgrade is one of those cities where you can spend weeks and still find new things to do. There are always new cafes and bars popping up around the city, and a lot of museums to explore.

Is Belgrade worth visiting?

Absolutely! Belgrade is a very interesting city and an important European capital. It holds so much history and culture that you can be entertained for days.

Belgrade is famous for its nightlife scene, but I think the gastronomy and culinary also deserve to be highlighted. I may be biased to say it, but you can find incredible restaurants in Belgrade serving local Serbian specialties, which are to die for.

Belgrade is a city that has it all. If you plan on traveling through the Balkans, Belgrade is definitely worth a visit.

If you are in doubt about where to go, here are a few guides that may help you choose:

• Belgrade vs Novi Sad: Differences of Serbia’s Largest Cities
• Belgrade or Sofia
• Belgrade or Sarajevo

Do I need a car in Belgrade?

No, you can explore the most important areas and attractions of Belgrade on foot or with public transport. In fact, having a car can be quite annoying in Belgrade as it is not very easy to find parking in the city center.

If you will be traveling with a car, I recommend booking an accommodation that offers parking . It will save you quite some headache of dealing with public parking yourself.

Read more : Driving in Serbia as a foreigner

More about traveling through Serbia

• Serbia 5-7 Days Road Trip Itinerary
• The most beautiful destinations in Serbia
• The best hiking destinations in Serbia
• Best Things to Do in Novi Sad: One-Day Itinerary
• One day in Nis
• What to Do in Kopaonik, Serbia (Winter & Summer)

Organizing your trip

To help you plan your trip to Serbia, we have put together our favorite planning resources: 

• Flights : Get affordable flights to Serbia on  Skyscanner.com . 
• Travel insurance : Make sure you are protected during your trip. We use  VisitorsCoverage  whenever we are traveling abroad. 
• Renting a car : We always use  Discover Cars  to get the best car deals. 
• Accommodation : Find the best hotels and apartments on  Booking.com . 
• Activities : Get fun ideas of what to do and buy unique activities with  Get Your Guide.  
• SIM Card : Stay connected during your trip with  Airalo.  

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means that we get a small commission from any purchase you make, at no additional cost to you!

Passionate traveler and long-term travel writer who enjoys translating his adventures into exciting content.

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One Day in Belgrade Itinerary – What to do in Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade has it all! No matter if you like exploring historical architecture, trying delicious Serbian cuisine or having an exuberant night out, it’s all there. This Eastern European city cherishes its tradition and culture, but at the same time it has evolved into one of the greatest modern European metropolises. One day in Belgrade is a short time to explore everything this city has to offer. Still, if you make the best of that day, you’ll be blown away.

What’s the best time to visit Belgrade?

Belgrade never sleeps, never rests. And even though there’s no bad or wrong time to visit this city, there are some seasons that you may like better. Winter can be pretty charming and exciting, but at the same time very cold. If the cold doesn’t bother you, it’s a great part of the year to visit Belgrade. However, spring and summer are when a lot of outdoor activities are going on, so it’s up to you to choose.

What’s good to know about Belgrade?

Once the  capital of Yugoslavia, Belgrade has remained one of the biggest and most influential cities in the region. The Serbian capital is located at the confluence of Sava and Danube rivers, at the crossing of the Pannonian Plain and the Balkans. Its long and storied history, all those different cultures that intersected over the centuries, can be seen in the way the city looks and lives. The city’s architecture varies from Byzantine and Ottoman, Neoclassic, Art Nouveau all the way to Brutalism and Modern. Its recent resurgence as the Southeastern Europe’s hub makes it one of the most interesting cities and a must-see tourist destination.

One Day in Belgrade Itinerary

Follow this guide and make the most of your trip even if you’re short on time. There is great food to be had, parties to attend, and history and culture to learn about. Although Serbia may not be a famous tourist magnet as some other countries, its capital has something for just about everyone. This is what you can do during your one day in Belgrade.

Visit Kalemegdan, the Belgrade Fortress

Start your day at Kalemegdan Fortress , one of the most important strongholds of the city. This 600 year old former fortress was invaded throughout the history more than 100 times. Today, it’s not a place of a conflict anymore, but a huge city park, a calm refuge from the busy streets and a place of relaxation.

Stroll down the promenade overlooking the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, have a nice panoramic view of the New Belgrade across and even visit the Military Museum if you’re into it. The entrance to the Kalamegdan Fortress is free of charge.

Walk along the Knez Mihajlova street

Walk along Knez Mihajlova , a lively pedestrian boulevard lined with coffee bars, restaurants, food stalls and fashion brand shops. The busiest street of Belgrade attracts the locals as well as tourists who can enjoy street artists’ performances, buy many of the country’s unique souvenirs and admire the beauty of the historical buildings along the way.

Visit the Republic Square

This main city square is just a block away from Knez Mihajlova street. Both National Theater and National Museum are located along the square with the monument of Prince Mihajlo at its center. The Republic Square is a meeting point for many locals and a great spot to grab a cup of coffee and people-watch.

Have some lunch and rakija at Skadarska street

Skadarska street or Skadarlija , once the bohemian street of the city, today the most famous restaurant area. This picturesque, cobblestone street, still represents the old Serbian way of dining and socializing with live music string orchestras and a lot of rakija. Have lunch at one of many old bistros (kafana) and restaurants, try the local Serbian specialties and taste the best rakija in the world. For meat lovers, don’t forget to try Karađorđeva šnicla (meat stuffed with ham and cheese) and Punjena vješalica (minced meat stuffed with cheese and rolled in bacon) with ajvar and urnebes sauce on the side.

Visit the Cathedral of Saint Sava

Grab a taxi or walk through  Kralja Milana, a busy street full of shops and restaurants, and you’ll reach the Cathedral of Saint Sava in the beautiful Vračar neighborhood. The Cathedral is stunning in its exterior with a lush park all around. At the moment, it is undergoing interior reconstruction, so expect it to be pretty modest from the inside.

Visit the Mikser House and the Savamala area

The riverside quarter Savamala went from ruins to resurrection, and today it makes for a creative headquarter and the cultural hub of the city. Check out the Mikser House , a warehouse design center that attracts both locals and tourist, young and old, artists and business people. During the day, it’s a co-working hub for many freelancers and artist, coffee shop, restaurant and even a design concept store. During the night, it transforms into a concert hall, dancing club or an exhibition place.

Visit Branko’s Bridge and have dinner at Beton Hala

Just a few meters away stands the Branko’s Bridge , the bridge that connects the Old and the New Belgrade. Below the bridge, stretching along the riverbank, is Beton Hala , the hall of contemporary gastronomic experience.

Have dinner in one of the many exquisite (but still affordable) international cuisine restaurants, such as Sakura (Japanese cuisine) or Cantina de Frida (Spanish cuisine). If you want something more, local Ambar offers many nice Serbian dishes for low prices. Their pork stew with roasted peppers called Mućkalica is the best!

Check out some of the best bars in Belgrade

Cetinjska street is where many great bars are located just a few meters away from each other. At weekends, you should expect more crowd, since there are usually DJs in each bar playing music. If you want to spend an evening tasting all the rakija flavours you could imagine and even rakija cocktails – head up to Rakija Bar . But be careful – when rakija hits, it hits hard!

Have a crazy night out at the floating river barges

The New Belgrade river bank became over the years the favorite nightlife area for all those party-goers who love to party hard until the early hours. Both Sava and Danube floating river barges, called Splavovi, offer a great range of bars and clubs of any music genre, including a very spread Serbian folk music. If you want to spend a memorable night in Belgrade, don’t miss it for the world.

Where to stay in Belgrade?

Belgrade Inn Garni Hotel

Francuska 11, Stari Grad, 11158 Belgrade

Belgrade Inn Garni Hotel is a modern and charming hotel, located in the real heart of Belgrade . It’s close to all the main attractions, such as Skadarlija Street, Knez Mihajlova Street and Kalemegdan Fortress. Therefore, it’s a perfect place if you want to feel the real atmosphere of the capital.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Square Nine Hotel Belgrade

Studentski trg 9, Stari Grad, 11000 Belgrade

Located in Belgrade’s most attractive historic district, Square Nine Hotel Belgrade is a modern and luxurious hotel suitable both for rest and work. The sophisticated design, elegant interiors and an impeccable service of this boutique hotel will provide the utmost comfort to all its guests.

San Art Floating Hostel & Apartments

Ušće bb, Novi Beograd, 11000 Belgrade

San Art Floating Hostel & Apartments is a perfect place for those who love nature, walking, cycling, sleeping on the river but still being near the city center. In case you’re visiting Belgrade because of the cultural, sports, musical or any other events, this hostel is a perfect choice!

White Owl Hostel

Skadarska 15/2, Stari Grad, 11000 Belgrade

White Owl Hostel is a very stylish and modern hostel, located in a  historical refurbished building , built in 1934. The hostel offers a courtyard, including a quiet garden where you can relax and enjoy your morning coffee, or late evening glass of wine.

DAY TRIPS FROM Belgrade

Going on a day trip from Belgrade is always a great idea. There are interesting cities to visit and beautiful nature to enjoy all around it, not to mention the culture of those places. And since Belgrade is in the very centre of Serbia, you never have to travel too long anywhere. Here are some great suggestions.

Although considerably smaller than Belgrade, Novi Sad is an excellent destination for a day trip. It’s a beautiful little city with a very picturesque city centre and a massive Petrovaradin fortress. This is where the famous EXIT festival is held every year, which is certainly another thing to consider when coming here. Tasty food at affordable prices will also make your trip worthwhile.

Book a tour now!

Manasija and ravanica monasteries.

If you’re interested in this country’s history, head east and see Manasija and Ravanica monasteries. These medieval edifices hold many beautiful secrets, such as their intriguing architecture and the frescoes in Manasija which will leave you speechless with their beauty. On the way be sure to stop and try some local delicacies and have a great outdoorsy day in general.

Hopping over to Romania to see the city of Timisoara is also an option. It’s really not that far from Belgrade (about 150 kilometers), and the city boasts very rich history full of various influences. This can all be seen in Timisoara’s buildings, but there are may other fascinating statues and places to visit. The city is also fairly large (third largest in Romania), so you can also do some serious shopping, and you don’t want to miss out on Romanian cuisine, either.

Another way to combine the interesting history of this country and its magnificent nature is by checking out the historical locations along the incredible Danube River. You can even hop on a boat near Golubac Fort and ride the second largest river in Europe. Additionally, there is an eco-ethno village nearby, which is a great place to stop and enjoy a traditional Serbian meal (and maybe some rakija, why not?). All in all, if you’re fortunate enough with the weather, this will surely be a great day.

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Anca is a travel writer and the founder of One Day Itinerary - the biggest collection of travel itineraries for those who are time-limited or just want to maximize their time while traveling. Although she easily becomes homesick for Croatia, she thinks travel is essential to her happiness. She has traveled to more countries than she is years old and doesn’t plan on changing that fact. In her travel guides she aims to inspire people to travel whenever they have a spare day (or two).

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Great post. I love it. Belgrade is a wonderful city.

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3 Days in Belgrade For Food and Culture Lovers

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In Belgrade, the Sava and Danube embrace. Here Art Nouveau masterpieces meet modernist monoliths and piety collides with socialism. It is a city built on resilience, a city with countless wounds, some of which are just starting to heal. It is a city where you can watch the future unfold while resting on relics of the past, a glass of rakija in hand. Spend 3 days in Belgrade tasting the best that this vibrant city has to offer.

Belgrade | Serbia

Belgrade is an enticing mix of old and new. Trams, that look as old as time, rattle past buildings that seem to be aged like fine wines. Sculptures of humans and animals look down on you from cornices and balconies. They stare at the world from over doors and windows. Ceramic trellises and vines adorned with foliage jostle for space with other ornate patterns and motifs. Intricate ironwork and magnificent doors are everywhere in this city. But they are not alone. They share the floor with soaring glass skyscrapers and Brutalist tower blocks. Modern electric buses zap past speakeasy bars and traditional kafanas . Art galleries and coffee shops share space with historic perfumeries and farm shops. It is a city with countless layers, a city shaped by tumultuous events and turbulent history. It is a friendly city, a lively city, a city that is equal parts gritty and charming.

Belgrade reminded us of Calcutta. Not just the rattling trams but the rivers with their wide curves and languorous flow. The kafanas and the bakeries, the fact that the city was alive and breathing and people enjoying themselves well past midnight. The sunshine and the sweaty afternoons, looking for shade and a glass of something chilled to cool ourselves down. It all reminded us of Calcutta, the many hours we had spent ambling through the lanes and bylanes of that grand city, eating at tea houses and street food stalls, and enjoying tram rides through Maidan and College Street .

We spent 3 days in Belgrade on our 7 days Serbia trip . 3 days in Belgrade is barely enough time to understand this grand old city. It is a city crusted with time and history, a city where decisions were made, a city where a war started and ended. In our 3 days in Belgrade itinerary, we cover the best of Belgrade and offer you some excellent suggestions to try some of Serbia’s best dishes.

3 Days in Belgrade Itinerary

How to get from belgrade airport to the city centre, where to stay in belgrade, 20th century belgrade walking tour & st. sava’s temple, nikola tesla museum & kalemegdan, downtown walking tour, zemun or national museum of serbia, pijaca kalenić & souvenir shopping, dorćol and the gallery of frescoes, belgrade river cruise.

⭐ Booking your trip via the links on this page will earn us a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support – Mohana & Aninda.

We were trying to go from Belgrade airport to the city centre and almost got scammed by a taxi driver who quoted an eye-watering price. He followed us around for a while till we found the A1 shuttle, a cheap and easy way to get into the city. It was somewhat unnerving and in hindsight, we should have just stayed inside the airport and asked for the bus stop at the information desk. The easiest and cheapest way to get to Belgrade city from the airport is by public transport.

• A1 SHUTTLE : From the baggage collection area, take the lift down to the Departures. Exit the building. The stop for the A1 shuttle is to your right. The A1 Shuttle from Belgrade Airport to Slavija Square (Kralja Milutina Street) takes about 30 min. Note that they do not accept cards. Payment (400 RSD, 2024) is by cash only to the driver. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes. If you are travelling onwards to Novi Sad, Nis, Subotica , or any other city by bus, take the A1 Shuttle and get off at the Belgrade bus station.
• BUS 600 : This service connects Belgrade Airport to the Train station “Beograd centar” where you can get trains to Novi Sad. You can spot these buses right outside the Arrivals lounge. They run every 30 min and tickets cost 50 RSD (2024).

If you are travelling with a lot of luggage, consider booking an airport transfer from your hotel or pre-booking a taxi . Try not to book a taxi at the airport because you may end up paying very high prices.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT DAY TICKETS IN BELGRADE : If you are planning to rely on public transport to cover all the places on this 3 days in Belgrade itinerary, we highly recommend buying day tickets to use on buses, trolleys, and trams. Tickets for 1 day or 30 days are available from the Belgrade bus station or at a roadside kiosk. When we visited in April 2024, a day ticket cost 125 RSD at the kiosks.

We stayed at Iva Old Town , a lovely no-frills hotel near the city centre. It is a 5-minute walk from the Kralja Petra bus and tram stop and close to all the main Belgrade attractions. It is easy to reach from the airport (A1 shuttle to Belgrade bus station, then tram 2 to Kralja Petra). The ensuite room was reasonably priced and came with a mini-fridge, a desk, a chair, and a cupboard. We paid less than £150 for 3 nights (April 2024). The property was tidy and Andre, the owner, was helpful and even offered to upgrade our room. They can also arrange airport transfers for 35 euros.

For a more central location and eclectic vibes, we recommend the highly-rated Mama Shelter on Knez Mihailova. Their service is excellent plus they have amazing views of the Belgrade rooftops. If you love staying at unique accommodations, check out the ArkaBarka Floating Hostel on the Danube.

TOP TIP : Stay near the tram 2 route as it covers all the main destinations that we have mentioned in this Belgrade itinerary.

3 Days in Belgrade: Day 1

We were standing outside Hotel Moskva listening to our walking tour guide when he said there was a time when if you hadn’t had domestic coffee and Moskva Schnitte at Hotel Moskva, you had not visited Belgrade. Inaugurated by King Petar I Karadjordjević in 1908, Hotel Moskva is one of Belgrade’s most iconic landmarks, and it is only fitting that you start your first day in Belgrade with breakfast at this historic hotel. The Moskva Schnitte, a fruit cake layered with sour cherries, is the most famous item on the menu.

After breakfast, join the 20th-century Belgrade walking tour (Mon, Wed, Fri at 10:30 am) by Belgrade Walking Tours. This free tour (donations and tips encouraged) offers a glimpse into Belgrade’s turbulent past. We did this Belgrade walking tour and it helped us get more context and understanding of the history of Belgrade. The tour starts at Republic Square and ends at the awe-inspiring St. Sava’s Temple. On the way, we stopped by the Albania palace, Terazije Square with the famous Hotel Moscow, the National Parliament, Belgrade city assembly and presidency, Tasmajdan Park, St. Mark’s Orthodox Church, Russian Orthodox church, Radio-Television of Serbia – 1999 NATO bombing memorial, the monuments “Why?” and “We were just children”, and wonderful guide, Mihailo, led us through the history of each of these important landmarks in the context of Serbia. We highly recommend this walking tour of Belgrade!

The walking tour ends at St. Sava’s Temple, one of the most important Orthodox places of worship in the world. Outside, it is all marble and granite topped with copper domes. The interiors are adorned with frescoes, colourful mosaics, and stone reliefs. Words can’t do it justice. You have to see it to understand how pristine it is, how beautiful. Don’t skip the underground crypt for it is exceptionally beautiful. Large paintings adorn the walls and the arched vaults add a reverential quality to the place. Walk on the heated floors and marvel at the gleaming gold chandeliers, Murano glass mosaics, and stunning frescoes. However, St. Sava’s is Serbia’s Sagrada Família. Construction, delayed by World Wars, socialism, NATO bombings, and Serbia’s tumultuous past, has been continuing to this day on this 100-year-old temple!

For lunch, head to Ćevabdžinica Savčić Vračar for an introduction to the best of Serbian food: cevapi and pljeskavica. A short 8-minute walk from St. Sava’s Temple, it is the perfect introduction to Serbian cuisine. Finish off with some Tres Leche cake and baklava. Note that there are no vegetarian options on the menu at Savčić. If you are vegetarian/vegan, go to Pizza Bar, a pizzeria popular with locals, instead.

After lunch, make your way to the Nikola Tesla Museum where you can see his famous inventions and original archives. Guided tours in English are available and tickets cost 800 RSD (2024).

In the evening, visit Kalemegdan and Belgrade Fortress to see the sunset. Built in stages between the 2nd and 18th centuries, Belgrade Fortress is one of the city’s iconic landmarks. The fortress comprises Upper and Lower Town. The field in front of the fortress was named “Kalemegdan” by the Turks. “Kale”, which means city or fortress and “megdan”, the Turkish word for field, therefore translating to the field near the fortress.

Then pop into Druid Bar, one of Belgrade’s best, for some pre-dinner cocktails. For dinner, we recommend Derdan. Located in the suburbs, this place dishes out mouthwatering Serbian food. We ordered the Muckolica and it was delicious! Portions are large and it seemed like locals eat at Derdan. However, as is the thing with Serbian food, vegetarian/vegan options are limited to salads, roasted peppers, and stuffed vegetables. Bus 21A from Trg Slavija will drop you right at the doorstep.

3 Days in Belgrade: Day 2

Grab some breakfast to go from one of Belgrade’s many bakeries. Pekara Trpković is one of the most photographed bakeries in the city. Order the burek here.

Join the Downtown Walking Tour with Belgrade Walking Tours or explore the city centre on your own. Start on Knez Mihailova. Knez Mihailova is as touristy as it gets but it is worth the time. Admire the architecture that guards the street and stop by the many bookstores, especially at Akademia where you can pick up books by Serbian writers. If you love collecting books on your travels, Snippets of Serbia by Emma Fick is the perfect buy! If you fancy art, spend some time at the Art Museum.

WHEN TO VISIT KNEZ MIHAILOVA : If you want to give the crowds a miss, visit Knez Mihailova early in the morning. We were there around 8 am and there were only a few people. Cafes were just opening and setting up the outdoor tables. Sunlight was painting the tops of the buildings in glittering gold. A young woman was sitting on a bench and playing a harp and singing in the most melodious voice. It was so peaceful and otherworldly, a moment that I will forever remember.

Continue towards Skardalija, Belgrade’s bohemian quarter that is choc-a-bloc with traditional kafanas , art galleries, and modern bars. This was the haunt of writers and artists in the early 20th century. The tree-lined cobblestone streets are perfect for a stroll. If you visit in the evening, you can see local musicians playing traditional Serbian tunes at the kafanas. There’s a market at the end of the street where you can find fresh produce and jars of ajvar and pickles. It is very lively, and very romantic and it feels like you have suddenly slipped through time to a different era and we highly recommend spending some time strolling these streets.

NOTE : Skardalija has some traditional kafanas such as Dva Jelena and Tri Sesira where you can enjoy Serbian food and traditional folk music. We spent an evening at Tri Sesira and while the music was great, the food was average. We had a reservation but got seated in an alley and there was a lingering stench from the toilets. Service was barely there, and the staff hardly paid any attention to guests. The glass of water we requested never arrived. If you want to experience the music but are okay with average food and poor service, pick any of the restaurants in Skardalija. Otherwise, spend some time walking through the area, get some drinks at Red Bar, and move on.

In the afternoon, you can either make your way to Trg Republike or Republic Square where you can visit the National Museum of Serbia , or take the bus to Zemun, one of Belgrade’s most picturesque neighbourhoods.

We decided to visit Zemun and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the river banks. Located on the banks of the Danube is the pretty neighbourhood of Zemun with its red-tiled houses and pretty town centre. The Church of St. Nicholas and the Bardos Tower are the main attractions here but you can spend hours admiring the architecture of the buildings in Zemun.

The Danube riverbank is one of the main attractions in Zemun. It is lined with eateries where you can grab lunch while enjoying the fresh breeze. Later, get some drinks at Crveni Rak or ice cream sundaes at Poslasticarnica Sara and relax.

Either walk along the riverside path or take a bus to Ušće Park which offers stunning views of the sparkling skyline at sunset. When we visited in spring, the Splavs (floating restaurants) on this bank were closed, but if you want to dine at one of these floating restaurants, cross the bridge to the other side.

If you don’t fancy eating at the splavs, head to Durmitor for dinner. We heard raving reviews about their Steak in Olive Oil but missed out because we didn’t book. Don’t be like us; snag a reservation at least two days early.

For a slice of Belgrade’s nightlife, hit the clubs. If clubbing isn’t up your alley, snag a seat at Riddle Bar, a speakeasy in Kardalija that serves cocktails made to your request. We had the most fabulous time here and we highly recommend that you make some time to visit Riddle Bar on your 3 days in Belgrade trip. The servers are great and the cocktails are fantastic. We tasted five different cocktails and loved each one of them! If you are visiting during the weekend, book in advance. If you don’t find any seats, we recommend Blaznavac for drinks and desserts.

3 Days in Belgrade: Day 3

For breakfast, pick up a burek from Pekara Ranković or Pekara Čeda before you explore Kalenić Market.

If like us, you love touring markets , you will love the Kalenić Market. When we visited in spring, it was overlooking with velvety white lilies, jewel-like strawberries, and the freshest of radishes. Asparagus was just starting to make an appearance and there were piles of lovely Futoški kupus, the famed Serbian cabbage. There were stalls selling braids of local garlic (not the tasteless Chinese ones that have flooded the markets in Edinburgh) and sheaves of dried red chillies. There were also stalls selling bottled ajvar, rakija, homemade jams, bottled blueberry juice, and local honey; if you want to buy an edible souvenir from Serbia, visit the Pijaca Kalenić.

We recommend joining a guided Serbian food tour to get an overview of local Serbian food, their history, and how they have become part of the local gastronomy.

One of the best things to do in Belgrade is to stop by the Gallery of Frescoes which houses some of Serbia’s oldest and most beautiful frescoes. Unfortunately, it was closed when we visited but don’t miss it if you are visiting Belgrade.

The gallery is located in Dorćol, Belgrade’s oldest surviving neighbourhood. Dorćol is full of cafes, restaurants, and interesting shops. Here you can find Perfumerija Caba, a vintage perfume shop where you can get a perfume mixed to your taste and temperament by master perfume makes. A 15 ml bottle will set you back by RSD 1700 (2024).

Also located in Dorćol are Ćao Šećeru, a vegan dessert shop where you can try vegan cakes and pancakes, and Crna Ovca, one of Belgrade’s best ice cream shops. Don’t forget to stop by Ferdinand Knedel for their unique and delicious stuffed knödel. Plus they have some excellent vegetarian options!

Spend the last evening of your 3 days in Belgrade trip cruising down the Sava River at sunset and admiring beautiful Belgrade. Quite a few companies offer cruises but we recommend the following sunset cruise tour from Viator. This 1.5-hour guided cruise takes you down the Sava and the Danube and you can see the wooded Ada Ciganlija island and around the confluence of the Sava and Danube and spot birds in the wetland reserves of Great War Island.

Get dinner at Iva – New Balkan Cuisine for a modern take on Balkan cuisine or at Mihailo for local fare, then tuck in for an early night. If you are looking for modern European food, we recommend Endorfin.

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What did you think of our 3 days in Belgrade itinerary? What are your top things to do in Belgrade?

Mohana & Aninda

Mohana and Aninda are travellers and advocates for car-free travel. Two-together is their travel blog where they document their travels to encourage and inspire readers to seek solace in new places, savour local cuisines, and relish both unique and everyday experiences. When they are not travelling, they are actively researching trip ideas and itineraries, obsessing over public transport timetables, reviewing travel budgets, and developing content for their blog. They are currently based in Edinburgh and exploring Scotland and beyond by public transport.

2 responses to “3 Days in Belgrade For Food and Culture Lovers”

Sounds amazing! The food looked incredible! Would love to get to Belgrade one day! Thank you for the great read!

It seems to have an amazing vibe – thanks for sharing!

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17 Best Things to Do in Belgrade, Serbia

Last Updated on 26/04/2024 by kami

Belgrade , the capital city of Serbia , isn’t the favorite destination of many travelers. And I get that as it took me a few visits to warm up to the city.

But once I got to know it a bit better I think this is a pretty cool destination, albeit not the most obvious one. With so many great things to do in Belgrade, you can spend there a few days without getting bored and actually enjoy the capital of Serbia.

I’ve been a frequent visitor to Belgrade for some ten years now as this is often the easiest entry point to the Balkans . While at first I was a bit reluctant when visiting Belgrade, now I’m always trying to add a day or two in the city to spend some time there and enjoy all my favorite spots.

Belgrade reminds me a bit of Warsaw or Bucharest , the capitals where the recent history wasn’t easy on them and where you can still feel its impact, making the cities not the easiest one to visit (especially if you are looking for Insta pretty places) but once you dig deeper into the layers they all turn out to be pretty amazing.

And so it’s time I put together this Belgrade guide with all the best things to do in Belgrade. As you will see there are not too many typical tourist spots and monuments but the list of Belgrade attractions can get really long! Read on, give the city a chance, and plan your own trip to Belgrade soon.

Planning a trip to Belgrade?

Here are the highly-rated hotels, tours, and services recommended for your trip:

Accomodation:

• Envoy Hotel (9.2/10)
• Boutique Hotel Museum (9.3/10)
• Prince Rooftop (9.3/10)

Tours and activities:

• Top Attractions and Belgrade Neighborhoods
• Northern Serbia: Sremski Karlovci and Novi Sad
• Belgrade Sunset Cruise

Internet: Stay connected with Airalo eSim card – click here to get yours!

Airport Transfer: Airport Transfer: Use Welcome Pickups for a smooth ride from the airport to your accommodation in Belgrade. Click here to book the airport transfer.

Insurance: Get insured for your trip to Serbia with SafetyWing

Car rental: Compare prices and find the best deals on rental cars in Serbia on Discover Cars .

Table of Contents

Why visit Belgrade

The main reason why many travelers visit Belgrade is to start their journey in the Balkans. But the city is pretty interesting too and offers a variety of attractions.

There are some old remnants like Kalemagdan fortress or beautiful architecture from the turn of the 19th and 20th century as well as quirky concrete masterpieces. But most of all Belgrade is a vibrant city with some amazing restaurants, bars and nightlife.

How much time for visiting Belgrade

You can see the main attractions in Belgrade, especially those located downtown, in one day but I think Belgrade deserves more time to feel the vibe of the city.

With two days in Belgrade, you can also explore areas located further away like Novi Beograd or Zemun. But of course, the more time you have, the better.

How to get to Belgrade

The local airport is the main hub in the region therefore you can easily fly to Belgrade from numerous destinations in Europe and beyond. The national carrier, Air Serbia, is the main airline serving Belgrade airport but other companies fly there too (I usually take direct flights from Warsaw with LOT).

You need to take the bus to get from the airport to the center, either bus no 72 to Zeleni Venac (ticket costs 150 RSD, paid to the driver) or Minibus A1 to Slavija Square (300 RSD).

If you arrive in Belgrade by bus the main bus station is located in the center, a short walk (uphill) from the major attractions.

The situation with the train station complicated a bit recently when the old one, located next to the bus station was closed in 2018. Now you need to go a bit away from the center to either Beograd Centar station to take the train to Budapest or Novi Sad or to Topčider station for trains to Bar , Skopje or Nis .

How to get around Belgrade

While many of the attractions are located in the central part of the city and you can walk to them there are a few spots (like Zemun, Museum of Yugoslavia or numerous brutalists buildings) that you need to take the local public transport to get to. I usually use Eway website to check the public transport routes and so far it never failed me in Belgrade.

To use public transport in Belgrade you will need tickets. The most useful will be a 24-hours ticket – it costs only 250 dinars + 40 dinars for the card. You can get them at Moj Kiosk stands, they are located all over the city. Since the controls are frequent I recommend always traveling with a valid ticket.

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Things to do in Belgrade

And now, without any further ado, let me tell you about all the best things to do in Belgrade.

Explore Kalemegdan Fortress

The Kalemegdan fortress is probably the biggest highlight of Belgrade and it is popular for a reason. This is one of the best places in the city to relax and enjoy beautiful vistas of the Serbian capital (especially around sunset time). It is also full of history and attractions.

Located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, the first fortifications were built here already in Celtic times. What you can see today dates to the 17th century and later and is an impressive example of defensive architecture.

It’s a really vast area and you should take your time to explore it properly as it hides some really great attractions on the Upper and Lower Fortress. My favorite part is the promenade on the Sava riverside and the part near the Victor Monument but the whole place is really great.

The best way to get to Kalemegdan is from the pedestrian Knez Mihailova street, you just need to cross the traffic lights at the end of it and you are already in Kalemegdan park.

Walk down Knez Mihailova Street

Knez Mihailova Street is the main pedestrian lane in Belgrade that stretches for around a kilometer between Terazije and Kalemegdan Fortress. This is one of the oldest and most valuable parts of Belgrade, lined with beautiful buildings from the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century.

It’s always busy with people shopping in the numerous places along the street or chilling in any outdoor cafes. This is probably the best place in Belgrade for people watching. You should walk Knez Mihailova street in the morning, when it’s still fairly empty, to admire the beautiful architecture around and then return later on to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the place.

Some of the most interesting buildings here include Srpska Kruna Hotel (at number 56), The Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts’ building (at 35), Ruski car restaurant (at the corner of Knez Mihailova and Obilićev Venac streets) and numerous residential buildings (especially at numbers 46, 48 and 50).

See grand buildings in the downtown

Belgrade might not look like a beautiful city at first but it has some beautiful grand buildings in downtown. The center of the city is a peculiar mix of architecture, and while some of the newer additions to the scenery don’t really fit into the image of the big capital, there are still plenty of buildings that are worth looking at.

You can find some of them in and around Trg Republike, Terazije, Kralja Milana street or Trg Nikole Pasica but wandering around the downtown will reveal even more random beauty around.

If you can, step inside the buildings and gates too as you can find some real wonders there. My favorite find was the interior of the Main Post Office with a beautiful retro design.

But downtown Belgrade hides some real gems too and you can find them when wandering the backstreets, especially near Kneza Mihaila street. Some of the buildings there are really neat and can surely impress you!

Admire the beauty of Hotel Moskva

Of all the beautiful buildings in downtown Zagreb, Hotel Moskva must be my favorite one. This is one of the oldest operating hotels in Serbia, it was opened in 1908. The stunning art-nouveau building really stands out among other Belgrade architecture.

Due to its importance, location, and high standards Hotel Moskva welcomed numerous well-known guests over the years, including Albert Einstein, Alfred Hitchcock, or Richard Nixon, among many others. It also played an important role in the local history (i.e. it was the Gestapo headquarter during World War 2) and culture.

Today it is still a popular place among travelers but even if you are not staying there you can enjoy Hotel Moskva a bit – there is a fine cafe you can sit at and get a glimpse of the place and its vibe.

Enjoy the bohemian side of Belgrade

The neighborhood of Skaradlija is known as the bohemian side of Belgrade, so much different than the rest of the city. Its heart is Skadarska street – a 400-meters long cobbled lane full of attractions.

You will find there numerous restaurants, art galleries, or antique shops – Skadarlija is known as Belgrade’s Montmarte, and you can surely feel the artistic vibe there.

This is a perfect place for a slow wander around and the benches lined along the street welcome visitors to sit down and relax.

Getting to Skadarlija is rather easy, the street is located a short walk away from Trg Republike.

You can read more about Skadarlija here , in the article I wrote about this area only.

Find the Belgrade’s version of Sebilj

If you visited Sarajevo , the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina , you know that one of the city’s main attractions is Sebilj – the old, Ottoman-style drinking fountain.

What many people don’t know is that you can find Sarajevo Sebilj’s replica in Belgrade. It looks almost the same, just the color is a bit darker than the one in Sarajevo. This is one of the very few Sebiljs you can find outside of the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina and it was donated to Belgrade by the city of Sarajevo in 1989.

You can see Belgrade’s Sebilj when visiting Skadarlija, it’s located at the corner of Skadarska and George Washington streets.

See the impressive Saint Sava Church

One of the most recognizable attractions of Belgrade, clearly seen from many places all over the city, is the enormous Saint Sava Church, dominating the scenery with its round domes. This is actually one of the largest churches in the world and often compared to Hagia Sophia in Istanbul (due to its shape) or Sagrada Familia in Barcelona (since both are still not fully finished).

Works on Saint Sava Church started in 1935 and finished only in 2004, and the interior is still very much under construction. Still, this is a beautiful place to visit and a must-stop during your Belgrade sightseeing, it can impress everyone with the fine details and impressive architecture.

If you can visit only one church in Belgrade, Saint Sava is the one (with Saint Mark’s being the close second).

Reminisce about the past at NATO bombed buildings

The 1990s Yugoslav War was the tragic episode in the region’s history and the Serbian contribution to it is a pretty well-known fact. But politics aside, as always in the wars the biggest victims are regular citizens, no matter on which side.

While the war took place mostly in the other parts of ex-Yugoslavia (with Sarajevo , Srebrenica or Vukovar being the most-known cities that suffered in the conflict), Belgrade bears some scars of that war too and you can see them in the NATO-bombed buildings that used to be the Yugoslav Ministry of Defence. Over 20 years about the bombing the damaged building still reminds about the uneasy past in the Balkans although construction works are taking place there.

You can find the building at the corner of Nemanjina and Kneza Miloša streets.

Enjoy the street art scene

Belgrade has one of the best street art scenes in the Balkans and you can find numerous works all over the city. Many of them are just random tags and graffiti on the walls, but you can also find some decent stencil, stickers or murals.

The one that is best known is by the world-famous artists from Italy – BLU. He painted a giant man eating a tree and his work showcases how we all hurt the environment. You can find it near Brankov Most, on Pop Lukina Street.

When wandering around in search of Belgrade street art you will also quickly notice that many of the works commemorate late people, often connected to the local football teams – painting their portraits on the walls is a way to remember them.

The best areas to find street art in Belgrade are the areas of Savamala and Dorcol in the center as well as neighborhoods of New Belgrade across the Sava river.

Enjoy the cafe scene

The Balkans are known for its exceptional cafe culture and Belgrade, being the largest city in the region, has some really cool cafes that you can enjoy during your trip there. They make a perfect getaway to relax during the sightseeing or find some well-needed shadow during hot days.

There are so many good coffee shops in Belgrade, not only serving amazing drinks but also having some cool and hip interiors. You will find them all over the city, I used Foursquare and European Coffee Trip website to find the best one and they didn’t disappoint.

Of all the cafes I visited in Belgrade during my numerous visits there my favorite ones were Kafeterija Magazin 1907 (at Kralja Petra 16, just off Kneza Mihaila – it’s worth visiting for the interior itself as the whole townhouse was changed into the cafe), Kafeterija at Trg Nikole Pašića, Aviator Coffee Explorer at Terazije near Hotel Moskva and Uzitak Coffee at Hilandarska 4.

Try local food

I must admit I’m not the fan of Serbian cuisine, mostly because it is very much meat-oriented and I’m a vegetarian. But since the first bite I fell in love with burek and this affection continues for years.

This local pastry with various fillings (meat, cheese, spinach or potatoes) is to die for and you can find it all over the Balkans, in every bakery as well as in the small shops specializing in burek only (and these usually serve the best burek). You can also find many of them in Belgrade and I definitely recommend trying a burek fresh from the oven at least once during your trip.

If you are looking for a typical Serbian you will get it in numerous restaurants all over the center. The best-known is the restaurant Question Mark (Znak Pitanja) which is the oldest traditional tavern in the city, operating since 1823. You will find it at Kralja Petra 6, not far from Kneza Mihaila street.

Enjoy the riverside

With the location at the confluence of two important European rivers, Danube and Sava, Belgrade has a pretty long riverside that you can enjoy in numerous ways. You might wander around or ride a bike in the green areas, relax at the beach or spend time in some cool and hip bars and restaurants. Those are located below Kalemegdan fortress, between Brankov Bridge and the place where Sava and Danube meet.

The so-called Beton Hala is where you will find some of the finest restaurants in Belgrade and the place is vibrant all day long since it’s a popular lunch and coffee area during the daytime and in the evening it changes to one of the main hotspots in the Serbian capital. There is something really cool and funky about combining the raw concrete architecture with the mighty river and the vibrant atmosphere hence you can’t really miss this place when you visit Belgrade!

On the other side of the Sava river, across from the Beton Hala, you will find numerous boats that host nightclubs and restaurants too.

Admire the spectacular brutalist architecture

Belgrade is, hands down, one of the best European cities when it comes to brutalist architecture. If you are a fan of funky concrete masterpieces you are in for a treat as you will find plenty of them all over the city, including some iconic buildings like Genex Tower or the building that looks like Toblerone chocolate.

After World War 2 when brutalism was at its peak of popularity Belgrade developed rapidly as the capital of Serbia. The row between the leaders of Yugoslavia and Soviet Union lead to finding its own way for the Tito-lead country and that applied to architecture too. That’s why the brutalist style you will find in Belgrade (and other cities of ex-Yugoslavia) is slightly different than anywhere else but nevertheless amazing.

You can read more about Belgrade brutalist architecture and where to find it in this guide I published .

Visit museums

Even if I personally didn’t visit all that many museums in Belgrade I know that some of them are supposed to be pretty good and worth going to.

Some of the best Belgrade museums include the Nikola Tesla Museum, the Historical Museum of Serbia, the Museum of Science and Technology, the National Museum of Serbia, the Military Museum, the Aviation Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, or Ethnographic Museum.

Visit Museum of Yugoslavia

I believe this museum deserves special attention, especially for those who like me are interested in the 20th-century history of the region.

The Museum of Yugoslavia focuses on this part of history, showing the period of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and Socialist Yugoslavia as well as the life of its iconic leader Josip Broz Tito. In fact, you can find the grave of Tito in the special building called “House of Flowers”, located behind the main museum’s premises.

This place is such a great place to learn about the recent history of the region and to understand why Tito is still kind of worshipped in the countries of former Yugoslavia.

The museum is located a bit away from the center, the best way to get here is by trolleybus no 40L or 41L from the center.

Go to Zemun

Zemun, part of Belgrade located away from the center, at the Danube riverside, is a perfect area to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy capital. Until 1934 it was a separated city and part of the Habsburg Empire when it existed (the border between Austria-Hungary and Ottoman Empire was on the river Sava). This is why Zemun feels and looks so much different than downtown Belgrade.

You can find here the architecture typical for the Habsburg Empire, with lower houses and red rooftops, similar to the cities of Central Europe . The vibe of Zemun is also a bit different, more laid-back and it feels like life goes by slower here.

Zemun is such a pleasant place to visit, its waterfront is a popular recreational area where on the weekends you can expect many locals to stroll down and relax.

One of the biggest attractions of Zemun is the 19th-century Gardoš Tower from where you can admire the beautiful panorama of the surroundings and Belgrade in the background.

There are several city buses going to Zemun from the center and New Belgrade so getting there shouldn’t be a problem.

Go for day trips

The city can be a very good base to explore more of the country and some of the best places to visit in Serbia can be seen as day trips from Belgrade. There is a good network of public buses covering a big part of the country and you can use it when exploring Serbia, other places are better visited by car or with the tour.

The most popular day trip from Belgrade is to Novi Sad , the capital of the Vojvodina region, located around 100 km away from the capital. Novi Sad is very different from Belgrade, it’s this typical Central European city with grand architecture, numerous cafes, and an impressive Petrovaradin fortress.

While, as a big fan of Novi Sad, I believe the city deserves more than a day to fully enjoy it, you can still see its main attractions in a few hours. You can also combine visiting Novi Sad with seeing more of the Vojvodina region.

Another interesting place you can visit is Golubac Fortress – an impressive 14th-century masterpiece located at the Danube river, at the border with Romania , some 130 km away from Belgrade. When there you can also visit Đerdap National Park with some of the most beautiful views you will find in Serbia.

You can also go to Uzice (200 km away from Belgrade) and the nearby Zlatibor mountains and combine this place with a visit to Drvengrad – the ethno village created for Emir Kusturica’s movie “Life Is a Miracle”.

Final thoughts on visiting Belgade

As you can see, Belgrade is much more interesting than it seems at first and offers many great things to do. It is also a great place to learn more about the region and feel its vibe. When planning your Balkan trip be sure to give Belgrade a bit of your time too, you might actually enjoy it much more than expected!

Further reading

I published many articles about Serbia that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

• Best Places to Visit in Serbia
• Guide to Belgrade brutalist architecture
• 5 Best Things to Do in Nis, Serbia in One Day
• Sargan Eight Train – An Engineering Masterpiece in Serbia
• 17 Great Things to Do in Novi Sad, Serbia
• Uzice, Serbia – a surprisingly pleasant city

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in the Balkans and ask your questions there.

Travel Resources

Below you can find the brands I trust and use when planning trips:

• You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Belgrade
• I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Viator or Get Your Guide .
• To always stay connected I use Airalo eSim cards – click here to get yours!
• For transportation and booking tickets online , I usually use 12Go or Omio
• Looking for the airport pickup ? Check Welcome Pickups!
• Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Serbia here.
• If you plan to rent a car during your trip to Serbia check Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best deals
• Make sure to have the offline map always installed on your phone, they can save you so many troubles. I always use the free app Maps.Me .

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Belgrade too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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Tanja / Please Be Seated for Takeoff

Great post! For us Belgrade was love at the first sight and we ended up staying and ending our fulltime nomadlife. We came for a month, stayed 3 months, kept returning and now we’ve been here total more than 3 years. I am happy that you also returned even though you didn’t love this city since the beginning.

Btw, have you noticed that there are more and more vegetarian options nowadays too? You propably know already, but Happy Cow App is great for finding out the best places for vegetarian/vegan food. My sister is vegetarian as well as many other of my fellow Finns so I’ve used to finding places to take them out to eat when they visit us here.

Thank you, Tanja! I’m glad you enjoy Belgrade so much too! This city really gets better and better the more time you spend there. I’ve noticed that it’s so much easier to be a vegetarian there recently. I know Happy Cow, it’s such a great source of information when traveling. All the best!

Ok but based on my experience and observation, most locals are not welcoming, not friendly to tourists. One visit is enough to this place.

In every place you can find nice and not so nice people, I guess it depends on luck but I know from my own experience that sometimes bad encounters can ruin the place.

Hi Kami, i came accros your travel guide while serching information on Slovenia. Well done with the page, amazing and thank you first of all for providing all this information in one place. Very usefull and helpfull to prepare for the next trip. Born and raised in the capital of Serbia i know my city very well but also my people. It is so nice to read all this positive feedback about my home town which is very ofther very negatively critisied but mostly from people who never been there just seen the news and read news papers. We are dificult to understand maybe but our coulture is so rich and most of our people are very welcoming. As you said in every place on this planet you will find nice or not so nice people depending on your own experiense. i have been to lovely pleces, metropolitan cities where i had the worst experiense as a tourist. anyways just wanted to show appreciacion for your work and this great review about the coutry located deeply in my hart

Hi Maja. Thank you for your comment and kind words, I’m glad you enjoyed my articles and found them useful. Belgrade is such an underrated city, it offers so much, just not the typical tourist attractions. I hope more people will decide to go there and enjoy it! All the best and happy travels!

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Ada Ciganlija and Ada Bridge

Belgrade street names, church of st marko, church of st sava, drinking and nightlife, the ethnographical museum and gallery of frescoes, kalemegdan fortress, konak of princess ljubica, the museum of yugoslav history, nikola tesla museum, the orthodox cathedral and museum, parliament building, trg republike and around.

The city sits at a strategic point on the junction of the Danube and Sava rivers – something that has proved a source of weakness as well as strength over the ages: Belgrade has been captured as many as sixty times by Celts, Romans, Huns, Avars and more. The onslaught continued right through the twentieth century, when the city suffered heavy shelling during World War II and in 1999 withstood 78 days of NATO airstrikes.

All that considered, contemporary Belgrade is pretty picturesque. The mingling and merging of styles can be off-putting, particularly when a row of beautiful older frontages is interrupted by a postwar interloper, but the grand nineteenth-century buildings and delicate Art Nouveau facades still stand alongside the Yugoslav experimentation, eloquent witnesses of the city’s time under the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires.

The city’s most attention-grabbing attraction is the Kalemegdan Fortress . Just outside the park boundary is the Old City, whose dense lattice of streets conceals Belgrade’s most interesting sights. South of here is Belgrade’s central square, Trg Republike , and the old bohemian quarter of Skadarlija, beyond which lie several more sights worth seeing, including one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches. For a spot of rest and recuperation, head west across the Sava to the verdant suburb of Zemun , in New Belgrade, or further south towards the island of Ada Ciganlija , Belgrade’s own miniature beach resort.

Top image Zemun © DeStefano/Shutterstock

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22 Top Things to do in Belgrade, Serbia

By Carl Austin · Last updated on May 4, 2024

With its turbulent, war-torn past, Belgrade is like a phoenix rising from the ashes to become one of today’s hottest European capitals. Belgrade, home to two million people, is a pretty city sitting at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers.

You’ll want to walk along the river banks, perhaps stopping for a drink or meal at a riverboat that’s been converted to a restaurant before visiting the attractions in Belgrade. The Serbian capital is fast becoming known as a center for international festivals; hosting more than 100 a year, for sure there will be one going on whenever you visit.

Equal parts complex, turbulent, tragic, beautiful and magical, Belgrade epitomizes the Balkan region. It’s long been a part of the world that has seen great and seemingly unending turnover and it’s time like these, in relative peace, that you can explore the stories that are written across the city’s varied architecture and public squares.

22. White Palace

As the name suggests, the White Palace is a Serbian royal palace completely encased in white. The off-white cream colors provide the palace with a sense of warmth. Something only enhanced by the beautiful rose gardens and surrounding trees.

The White Palace is a part of a much larger royal compound in the Dedinje district. It was originally constructed as the childhood home for the children of King Alexander I, something that was put on hold after his assassination.

The best and only way to explore the White Palace is on a guided tour. This will allow you inside to explore the grandiose palace alongside some of the other royal buildings.

21. Museum of Aviation

Housed in one of Belgrade’s most unique buildings (an enormous reflective mushroom), the Museum of Aviation explores the aeronautical history of Serbia and Yugoslavia.

On the outskirts of Belgrade, the museum stands out alongside the airport and open fields. The fascinating facade is matched by the informative interior that covers the timeline of flight in the country from the start of the 20th century to the present day.

To aid in this trip into the past, the Museum of Aviation features some iconic aircraft. These include the Spitfire Mk V, Messerschmitt Bf 109 and the Ilyushin Il-2, some of WWII’s most important aircraft. The fact these planes are lathered with Yugoslavian livery while being German, Russian and British planes gives an interesting insight into the country’s past.

One of the most fun things to do in Belgrade, you can easily spend a day exploring the cozy suburb of Zemun. Part of what makes it so interesting is the neighborhood was once an entirely separate town.

Its long history includes a part in the Roman, Byzantium, Ottoman, and even Mongol empires. As Belgrade expanded, it essentially swallowed Zemun. However, it remains a completely unique part of the city.

There are dozens of eye-catching landmarks along the old streets and down the Kemunski Kej promenade. These include the beloved 17th century Madlenianum Opera and the Gardos Tower. The latter offering incredible views of the rolling Danube River.

So put your walking shoes on, as the chill neighborhood of Zemun is best explored on foot.

19. Museum of Yugoslavia

If the National Museum explores the contemporary life and times of Serbia, then the Museum of Yugoslavia goes further into the region’s wider history.

Yugoslavia, which included Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, and other nations was officially founded in 1918 (renamed in 1929) and separated in 1991. Despite an often-complicated past, there are some who wish to return to the days of Yugoslavia. The phenomenon even has a name, Yugo-nostalgia.

The museum keeps this idea alive while immortalizing this period in the region’s chapter. Exhibitions explore 20th century life and important events, including WWII. While former presidents are even buried onsite, within the House of Flowers.

18. Topcider Park

In 1521, the Turks cast their cannons for their attack on Belgrade in what is now Topcider Park. It’s apt then, that Topcider translates to cannons in Turkish.

Topcider is one of Belgrade’s most popular parks. It’s been a go-to spot for picnics ever since the giant sycamore tree was planted in the 1800s.

South of the city center, the sprawling park has a grand mix of culture, architecture, and green space. You’ll find a quaint church and restaurant within the park grounds alongside the opulent Residence of Prince Miloš.

In the summer, you’ll hear life tunes float between the trees. While crowds slowly gather at sunset, to watch the sky turn into colorful candy.

17. National Assembly

Originally built as a representative building for the Kingdom of Serbia, the National Assembly is a different kind of Belgrade highlight. In Nikola Pašić Square, the Assembly boasts a striking presence.

From afar, you can admire the seven domes spread across the top of the building. The central dome towers above the rest, affixed with an additional bell tower.

The arched windows and opulent columns beckon you forth. Once you’re inside, you’ll be able to explore the main entrance hall, several grand halls, the library, and the Salon of Prince Pavle. Along the way, you’ll pass beloved artwork by the likes of Petar Lubarda and Sava Šumanović.

Guided tours are highly recommended.

16. Museum of Illusions

Belgrade’s museums and galleries are complex and fascinating as they guide you through Serbia’s tangled heritage. But, eventually you’ll want to switch things up and there’s no better spot to do just that than at the Museum of Illusions.

The museum is complete with over 70 exhibits, each as mind-blowing and head scratching as the last. As you awe in amazement, you’ll be tasked with figuring out how these intriguing illusions are able to confuse and trick your mind so successfully.

It’s a great place to have a bit of fun, which is handy for traveling families. But all who visit will leave with a better understanding of the “whys” behind optical illusions.

15. Ruzica Church

The oldest church in Belgrade, Ruzica Church, can be found along the edges of the Belgrade Fortress. In fact, part of the historic church can be found tucked into its walls, underneath the Zindan gate.

As you wander inside, you’ll uncover the church’s hauntingly beautiful, frescoed walls. They slowly drag your attention towards the ceiling’s chandeliers. As you look closer, you’ll notice that they’re made of old swords, bullet casings and parts of ancient cannons.

The chandeliers pay homage to what has been turbulent past for the church grounds. It’s been held by a handful of nations and was destroyed in WWI. It was during this period that soldiers made use of their time by crafting these incredible roof fixings.

14. National Museum Belgrade

For almost two decades, the National Museum Belgrade stumbled through closures, needing vital renovations. But 2018 it reopened to great reactions from Serbians. With its latest makeover, visitors can explore the lengthy history of Serbia and the region.

As the largest and oldest museum in the country, there’s no better way to understand the complexities of Serbia’s past than right here. With the help of immersive exhibits, Serbia’s best collection of art (some dating back to the 1300s) and archaeological finds, you’ll leave with a far greater appreciation.

Some of the highlights include ancient artifacts that explore Roman occupation, the evolution of the nation’s rulers and a dramatic 20th century.

13. Republic Square

The main plaza in Belgrade, the Republic Square, is the official hub for locals and a great place for travelers to sit back and watch. The square is always busy, but never overwhelming. It creates a great atmosphere to enjoy a coffee or a light lunch.

As you do so, you may begin to recognize some of Belgrade’s most celebrated buildings. It’s more than just the city’s social hub, it’s also home to the art nouveau facade of the National Museum. In addition, you’ll spot the 19th century National Theatre, which still operates today.

However, perhaps the most memorable is the Prince Mihailo Monument. This statue has become a symbol of Belgrade, and a reason why the square is also called By the Horse.

12. Residence of Princess Ljubica

Built in the late 1820s, the Residence of Princess Ljubica is one of just a few remaining from this period in Belgrade’s history. Under the rule of Prince Milosh Obrenovic, the Residence was initially slated to be a luxurious court. This all changed as Milosh only stayed there occasionally because the Ottoman Turks laid just around the corner.

The home bounced between royal members for several decades until it became a place for public institutions. This includes being a secondary base for the Belgrade City Museum.

It’s time as various museums and galleries have helped its modern iteration. Today visitors can see the lavish lives of 19th century bourgeois culture.

11. Belgrade Military Museum

Appropriately placed within the city’s behemoth fortress, the Belgrade Military Museum offers a thorough look into the events of the former Yugoslavian army. The many displays are quite moving and allow visitors to immerse themselves in the events of the past.

Before you even enter the museum, you’ll be confronted with German WWII tanks, cannons, and torpedoes. Once you venture inside, you’ll find it all laid out in chronological order, taking you right back to the very beginning and into ancient history.

The going gets more interesting once you reach the World War I section that explores the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. All before reaching a dramatic crescendo with the culmination of WWII.

10. Avala Tower

The Avala Tower, built in 1965 and destroyed by NATO bombing of Serbia in 1999, was rebuilt in 2010, becoming the tallest telecommunications tower in the Balkans. The original tower, with an observation deck, was a source of pride for the region.

Public donations paid for the tower’s rebuilding. It can be found on Avala Mountain on the outskirts of Belgrade. At 206 meters (675 feet) high, it is the fifth tallest structure in Serbia; you can literally see for miles and miles from the observation deck.

9. House of Flowers

Josip Broz Tito led the Yugoslav Partisans in World War II, later going on to become president of Yugoslavia. A respected leader in the international stage, he died in 1980; he and his wife are burred at the House of Flowers, also known as Tito’s Mausoleum.

For a while, flowers surrounded his tomb, giving rise to the name House of Flowers; the flowers are gone now, replaced by white rocks. It was built in 1975 as a winter garden for Tito, who chose to be buried here. The mausoleum today is part of the Museum of Yugoslav History.

8. Gardos Tower

The Gardos Tower is but a youngster when compared to ancient or medieval monuments; it was constructed in 1896. But it’s just as impressive as anything built centuries earlier. It’s also known as the Millennium Tower or the Tower of Janos Hunyadin, a Hungarian hero who died more than 400 years ago on the site of an earlier fortress.

Some ruins from the earlier fortress remain today. Originally one of five towers built by the Hungarians to celebrate 1,000 years of rule in the region, the landmark is located in Zemun, 20 km (13 miles) from Belgrade.

7. Nikola Tesla Museum

Well over a century ago, Nikola Tesla energized electricity, inventing the AC system, the electric coil and related items. Generations later, these inventions would lead to a car named after him, the Tesla electric car. They also led to a museum dedicated to his work in central Belgrade.

The Nikola Tesla Museum contains thousands of documents, books, photographs and drawings related to his work of electrifying the world. The museum also houses interactive exhibitions including computerized models of his inventions.

6. Crkva Svetog Marka

One of the city’s most significant landmarks, Crkva Svetog Marka, belongs on your Belgrade itinerary. The modern version of the Church of Saint Mark was complete in 1940, but the story of the church goes back several centuries.

This architectural gem features beautiful Serbo-Byzantine influences and, until recently, was the largest in Belgrade. The striking facade and multiple towering domes shimmer at night. But what lies within is just as captivating.

As you walk in, you’ll be met with vibrant iconography and frescoes. These were created alongside works by some of Serbia’s most celebrated artists. In addition, the tomb of Emperor Dušan ‘The Mighty’, who passed in 1355, lies within the church.

5. Knez Mihailova Street

Every city has one: a street that oozes charm, is lined with historic buildings and is where shoppers snap up bargains. In Belgrade, this street is Knez Mihailova Street, named after a Serbian prince. Less than a mile long, the street dates back to the Ottoman days, though it never really came into its own until the 19th century when the wealthy started building homes here.

Historic buildings along its path include Srpska Kruna Hotel, built in 1869; private homes at 46, 48 and 50 Knez Mihailova, that date from the 1870s, and Greca Kraljica, a coffee shop in an 1835 building.

4. Temple of Saint Sava

With a 134-meter (440-foot) high dome, the Temple of Saint Sava dominates Belgrade’s skyline. To make it even taller, the dome is topped with a gold cross almost 12 meter (40 feet) high.

The largest Orthodox church in use today, it is dedicated to Saint Sava, an important medieval personage who founded the Serbian Orthodox church. It is located on the Viacar Plateau, where Saint Sava is thought to be buried.

Construction on the white marble and granite church started in 1935, halted during World War II and resumed in 1985. Though it is still under construction today it is already one of the most popular attractions in Belgrade.

3. Ada Ciganlija

Ada Ciganlija is an island cum artificial peninsula in the Sava River/Lake that runs through central Belgrade. With its pretty beaches and sports facilities, Ada draws upwards of 100,000 visitors a day during the summer.

Nicknamed “Belgrade’s Sea,” Ada’s peninsula is filled with thick forests that resemble a wilderness area, so you might see deer, rabbits and fox. Houseboats, a weekend retreat for Belgrade residents, can be found at the northern end.

Ada Ciganlija is an athlete’s dream with dozens of sports facilities ranging from tennis to rugby to rowing, with artificial facilities for alpine skiing and snowboarding.

2. Skadarlija Street

Skadarlija Street may not be very long, just 400 meters (1,340 feet), but it’s the most famous street in Belgrade. Located in the Old Town, it connects Despot Stefan Boulevard with Dusanova Street. The street is lined with vintage buildings.

With a bohemian atmosphere, Skadarlija Street is considered Belgrade’s version of Montmartre in Paris. In fact, it was known as the Gypsy quarter in the 19th century. It’s a place where poets gather for Skadarlija Evenings at the house of the late poet Dura Jaksic, and where the Children’s Street Theater performs circus acts. The restaurants and outdoor cafes welcome diners, including celebrities, from all over.

1. Belgrade Fortress

It’s hard to believe the Belgrade Fortress has been destroyed 40 times thanks to 115 onsite battles over the centuries. But, with each stone and turreted tower falling, the fortress imposing aura remains.

Also known as the Kalemegdan Fortress, it all began under Celtic rule, with its fortifications enhance once the Romans arrived. But it was the work of Turkish and Austro-Hungarians through the 18th century that led the fortress to its current design.

Hanging out in the surrounding Citadel, you’ll find a mix of contrast. The fortress’ bloody past can be seen throughout. It’s, however, interrupted by cute cafes, museums, and monuments. Under the summer sun, live music rings through the old streets. While the Kalemegdan Park is the place for picnics and people watching.

Best Time to Visit Belgrade

Located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, Serbia’s capital Belgrade sees the most visitors from May through October. This is the sunniest and warmest time of the year with average temperatures ranging from 18 to 27°C (64-80°F).

While July and August are by far the busiest and most expensive, they are also when loads of exciting events are held. Aside from attending concerts and exploring the centre, this is a great time to experience the city’s nightlife. If you need to cool off, then the Ada Ciganlija River Island has lots of cafes, beaches and spots to swim.

June also sees the popular Belgrade Beer Fest take place while the Belgrade Music Festival is October’s biggest attraction along with the Jazz Festival.

Although the city never really sleeps or stops, November to March is the low season as most visitors are put off by the worsening weather. Winter sees temperatures drop to around 4 to 6°C (39-43°F) with it sometimes snowing.

Things pick up around April when all the beautiful spring flowers and sunshine lighten up the capital again.

Where to Stay in Belgrade

As always, the best areas to stay in Belgrade will place you within walking distance of the city’s highlights. Here, the place to stay is within the Old Town, aka Stari Grad, around the Republic Square.

A short walk from this cultural epicenter is the Amsterdam Hotel . This space has all the modern amenities alongside a la carte breakfast, a rooftop dining area, along with a pool and sauna.

The area around Tasmajdan Park is another happening area to stay. You’ll find yourself close to the Tesla Museum and St Mark’s Church. Hotel Argo is an inexpensive hotel just across from the park. Its modern rooms overlook the Belgrade Palace and come with private bathrooms and flatscreen TVs. There is also an on-site bar, while you’ll have great access to bus and train stations within walking distance.

How to get there

With a central location in the Balkan region, there are many ways to get to Belgrade. The city’s airport is the main hub in Serbia, so you can find direct flights from many European destinations. From the airport, you can take either Bus #72 or Minibus A1 to downtown Belgrade.

Taking a bus to Belgrade is a common option, although it will be a bit of a journey. From such departure points as Zagreb and Budapest, it can take around five hours.

Lastly, you can take arrive in Belgrade by train from Budapest, Novi Sad and Bar for example. The latter being one of the most scenic train journeys in Europe.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Belgrade

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3 days in Belgrade: What to do in Belgrade, Serbia

August 5, 2018 by Karen Turner Leave a Comment

When I found an affordable flight to Belgrade, Serbia, I wasn’t sure whether to take it. However, after reading about the multitude of things to in Belgrade as well as the lively atmosphere of the city, I was in.

I stayed longer than three days in Belgrade while enjoying my time lazing at the many cafes of Belgrade prior to having fantastic craft beer at the  many  cafes around the city.  If you’re doing a trip around the Balkans, I’d say to savor Belgrade for a bit longer as it struck me immediately as the kind of city that I could call home.  Keep reading for a Belgrade itinerary, including the best things to do in Belgrade.

• 0.1 Included in this guide to Belgrade
• 0.2 Why visit Belgrade
• 0.3 Where to stay in Belgrade
• 0.4 Getting to/from Belgrade
• 1 When is the best time to visit Belgrade?
• 2.1.1 Breakfast
• 2.1.2 Coffee
• 2.1.3 Kalemegdan
• 2.1.4 Lunch at Manufactura
• 2.1.5 Knez Mihajlova
• 2.1.6 Cara Lazara for boutique shopping and cake
• 2.1.7.1 Kafanas 
• 2.1.8 Savamala
• 2.1.9 Branko’s bridge
• 2.1.10 Splavovi
• 2.2.1 National Museum
• 2.2.2 New Belgrade
• 2.3.1 Burek
• 2.3.2 Stroll down Kralja Milana
• 2.3.3 Nikola Tesla Museum
• 2.3.4 Lunch at Hummus Bar …and drinks somewhere unique.
• 2.3.5 Revisit history in London
• 2.3.6 Cathedral of Saint Sava
• 2.3.7 Craft Beer & Dinner
• 2.4 Have you been to Belgrade?

Included in this guide to Belgrade

Why visit belgrade, where to stay in belgrade.

• When is the best time to visit Belgrade
• What to do in Belgrade: 3 day Belgrade itinerary
• Day 1: One day in Belgrade classic Belgrade itinerary
• Day 2: Museums and New Belgrade
• Day 3: Other parts of Belgrade

Unlike some cities in the Balkans, Belgrade is a mishmash of different architectural styles and cultures.  Although many people visit Belgrade for the lively atmosphere, they rarely stop to enjoy the rich cafe culture and the fantastic Serbian food that you’ll find here.  Belgrade is really just a small taste of what Serbia has to offer, so don’t underestimate your time here. You’ll want to stay here–and live here. 

There’s a wide disparity in terms of Serbian salaries and salaries in Western Europe, so I recommend not telling  every Serbian that you meet how cheap Serbia is like some foreigners I met.  That said, you’ll find a number of reasonable accommodation options in Belgrade. Summer is peak season, so book ahead as the backpacker accommodation fills up.

For around 20-40 euros per night, you should be able to rent an apartment in the city center although nicer hotels in the 4* range can cost 40-70 euros per night. (The most famous hotel is Hotel Moscow , which is stunning piece of architecture.)

I traveled to Serbia solo . As another hostel was booked up after I returned from Subotica , I booked a room at Balkan Soul , a popular hostel very close to the city center. 

Check hotel and hostel prices in Belgrade now!

Getting to/from Belgrade

I was impressed with the bus infrastructure on Serbia, which was very advanced and on time.  The bus station is a short walk (15 minutes) from the city center.  If you purchase your bus tickets to your next destination a few days ahead, you should be fine.  I ended up booking a bus to Novi Sad (another city in Serbia) on the spot as soon as I got to the bus station.

Serbia also has trains that go to some cities as well as neighboring countries although they weren’t recommended by most Serbians that I met and the train that I took was delayed by three hours.

As I flew in and out of Belgrade, I flew out of Nikola Tesla, which not too far outside of the city center (30 minutes).  I took the A1 bus one way and ended up sharing a taxi with a Serbian who was also waiting for the airport for the same cost as the bus. At the time that I took the bus, it cost 300 RSD and I was able to obtain this cash at the airport.

When is the best time to visit Belgrade?

I visited Belgrade in February, which was a great time to visit as the crowds were minimal and it was still warm enough on many days to wear a light jacket.  I didn’t experience any snow. I heard that fall was one of the prettiest seasons to visit Serbia in general as the leaves on the trees are changing and when taking day trips from Belgrade , you can experience the magic of the turning leaves in the many forests nearby.

I heard from the many friendly locals that I shared a beer with that it’s best to avoid peak season, which is summer to get more of the typical experience.  Belgrade has been exploding in terms of tourism and the Exit Festival (mid July) brings thousands of foreigners to Belgrade.  If you’re planning your visit in summer, book your accommodation ahead.

What to do in Belgrade: A three day Belgrade itinerary

Although many travelers pass through only spending one day in Belgrade, this strikes me as too little as Belgrade is a modern metropolis with more than enough to keep you occupied.  In the sake of time, the first day of the itinerary should be enough to whet your appetite for this diverse Serbian city.

One day in Belgrade: Classic Belgrade

Start off this day properly with some burek.  This popular Balkan breakfast differs slightly in each Balkan country and I have to admit, I loved the greasy/delicious burek that I started off most of my mornings with.  It also motivated me to walk enough to burn it off. 😉

But, first coffee! Serbians  love coffee and I don’t think a visit to Belgrade is complete without visiting one of the amazing coffee shops in Belgrade .  Although breakfast is a great excuse to start with coffee, I must say that my caffeine addiction was happily indulged by some of the best coffee that I’ve ever had in Belgrade. 

Even if you’re lactose-intolerance, you won’t have any difficulty finding great lattes at boutique coffee shops. Click for my guide to coffee shops in Belgrade.

If you visit Belgrade, you  must visit the fortress that is the reason why Belgrade has its name.  Many people don’t realize that the name for Belgrade is derived from the word “white city.”  The reason was Belgrade’s fierce fortress that you can still see today.

Belgrade’s fortress is the oldest part of Belgrade, dating back to the 279 B.C.  For many years, people lived strictly within the walls, however it’s changed hands many times with Belgrade’s history.  From the top of its walls, you can view the Roman ruins below.  The fortress has been rebuilt several times with the most recent additions dating back to the mid 1700s, however you  truly feel the history here.

The fortress itself is within a park that is free to visit, so feel free to take in the stunning views or simply hang out like many locals were. Within the walls of the fortress, you’ll find several attractions, including a well, bunker, and dungeons below. (You can take a guided tour to learn more about the history.)

Lunch at Manufactura

This Serbian restaurant which sources all their food from local farms and grandmothers outside of Belgrade.  I think that it’s a great place to get an introduction to Serbian food as their menu, in English, explains the different specialities from different regions.  Although I had great Serbian food at smaller restaurants, it was the most recommended restaurants to me by Serbians that I met. Make a reservation for dinner.

Knez Mihajlova

Knez Mihajlova  is one of the most grand streets of Belgrade.  Here, you’ll find stunning Serbian buildings that make you want to slow down. Just off of Knez Mihajlova, which has many lovely cafes to step into, you’ll find the National Bank of Serbia, my favorite building in Belgrade. Consider turning off to see one of the adorable shopping streets of Belgrade with independent shops!

Cara Lazara for boutique shopping and cake

Be sure to stroll along Cara Lazara, one of my favorite street in Belgrade.  This street is full of adorable boutiques and coffee shops that you’ll want to step into.  In particular, I loved Apropo , a bookshop with friendly cats, tea, and translated Serbian books. 

For a coffee, step into Koffein 2 prior to heading to Manadrina for the best cakes in Belgrade. I also liked browsing in  Dechkotzar , a store producing Belgrade souvenirs.  After this, cut back towards Knez Mihjalova and towards Skadarlija.

Skardarlija is one of the neighborhoods of Belgrade famous for its bohemian history. From Republic Square, you’ll wind down this hilly street with cobblestones that will instantly transport you back in time. For many years, it was most famous for its kafanas, which attracted Serbia’s most famous writers with the promise of rakija (the national beverage).

One of the most famous inhabitants of the street was Dura Jakšić whose house has been preserved.  It is said that he challenged to stop drinking for a brief period…however the location of his residence, his love for rakija, and his friends did little to help him stay sober.  You can see his statue in front of his house. 

Be sure to note the factory, which used to be used for beer production and is now used for various clubs/bars.  (I ended up visiting a great craft beer bar here!) 

Around this point, I encourage you to search out dinner. There’s lots of quick places to get a pizza or another bite to eat in this area although I’d encourage you to take a nap if you intend to stay out late.  If you’re a meat eater, I encourage you to try  Pljeskavica .  This Serbian specialty is made with beef and onions…and it’s pretty hearty! 

Branko’s bridge

If you’re crossing the river, you’re going to cross Branko’s bridge. This bridge has a pedestrian crossing, which allows you cross to reach the splavovi. The view is really nice around sunset if you’re here earlier.

Belgrade’s nightlife is famous and to experience the the best of it, you need to go to the river experience the splavovi, the river barge clubs.  Although the nightlife in Belgrade used to be more centralized, the main nightlife in Belgrade, which mostly starts late (think 11pm onwards ), has shifted as residents in the city centre have complained about noise. 

If you’re visiting Belgrade alone, consider taking a nightlife/beer tour , which is a great way to meet people and go out in Belgrade.

Dress up and be prepared to dance the night away. Klub 20/44 was recommended for indie music although I recommend checking online to see the music offerings for the night that you’re going.  If you’re visiting Belgrade in off season, save this for a weekend night.

New Belgrade & History

Good morning (or afternoon) if you went out all night.  Today is meant to be an easier going day to help you recover.  First, start off with a greasy burek and a large coffee.  After that, head towards Republic Square, one of the main thoroughfares of the Belgrade to visit the National Museum.

National Museum

I really wanted to visit the National Museum when I was in Belgrade, however renovations have been going on for  years . Every Serbian I know kept telling me that it should be open and I should go, however it wasn’t open in time. I task you to visit in my place.

The National Museum focuses on Serbian history and art. It showcases the best work of Serbian painters, artifacts from various points in Serbian history, medieval manuscripts (including one recognized by UNESCO) and numerous masterpieces work by Dutch, Italian, French painters. It is widely considered one of the best things to do in Belgrade and the building is stunning!

New Belgrade

Afterwards, take a bus towards New Belgrade.  In theory, you  could walk, but the locals said it’s better just to take the bus.  New Belgrade represented a new place for Yugoslavia create a city without the obligations of history that fit with the vision of socialist ideals. Unlike Belgrade, which is a mishmosh of different styles, you’ll find a more modern feeling to New Belgrade, which is full of communist architecture. 

At least give it a shot. Be sure to admire the  Blokovi , enormous housing projects intended to house thousands of residents in one carefully planned building.  If you’re looking for off the beaten path Belgrade, come here.  There are free walking tours of New Belgrade with a local guide if you check with your hotel or hostel.

At minimum, visit for the food and the cafes, which many of the locals that I met recommended as authentic.  One of the best things to do: find a lovely cafe by the river and order fresh fish.  Fresh caught fish with a view of the river is a speciality here.

Take in stunning views of Belgrade from the top of Gardos park prior to heading down for a drink at one of the cozy cafes. Staro Burence  came highly recommended to me for its atmosphere and live music.

Stroll down  Kralja Milana

London is a neighborhood of Belgrade with a lot to offer. One of its most well known streets if Kralja Milana, which has many shops and cafes.

Nikola Tesla Museum

Honor Serbia’s most famous scientist by visiting the museum dedicated to his innovative innovation and his life.  Tesla’s work is incredible and it’s crazy to think what happened if we had implemented his most brilliant ideas…

Lunch at Hummus Bar …and drinks somewhere unique.

Be sure to have some cash on you to visit Hummus Bar . This vegan-friendly spot has incredible falafel and other specialties. I was really impressed by their sandwiches, which are affordable and delicious. 

Cathedral of Saint Sava

The Cathedral of Saint Sava  is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and you can admire it from quite a distance away.  Although it’s fairly new, it’s an impressive building although be warned: you must be dressed appropriately to enter and renovations were still ongoing when I visited in February. It’s still worth a peek! Afterwards, consider catching a bus back to centre!

Craft Beer & Dinner

On your way back to centre, stop off at Samo Pivo!, a local craft beer bar.  They have a selection of some local favorites.  Afterwards head to  Mikan Restaurant , one of the cafes back towards center, for traditional Serbian barbeque food. 

Things that I forgot to include, but are worth mentioning if you prefer to skip some of the things mentioned here : Exploring the hipster Dorcol area, which has lots of cute boutiques and cafes.  The Jewish History Museum has a great overview of the history of Judaism in Serbia. The Bajrakli Mosque is one of the most historic mosques in Belgrade dating back to the 1600s although it’s still in use!

Have you been to Belgrade?

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

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30 Things To Do in Belgrade, Serbia: History, Fun & Food!

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Visiting Belgrade? You’re in the right place because I’m confident I discovered the best of the city during my trip. There are plenty of things to do in Belgrade plus tasty food and outdoor excursions. The capital of Serbia totally exceeded my expectations and I can’t wait to share all my tips and tricks.

BELGRADE ESSENTIALS Accommodation : Booking.com / Hostelworld Getting there : flight / car / bus Activities in Belgrade : GetYourGuide / Viator

Read next: is Belgrade, Serbia worth visiting?

What is Belgrade like?

Before visiting Belgrade, I didn’t have a clue what to expect. It was the first stop on my Balkans trip itinerary and I’d only been to Croatia and Bulgaria previously. Belgrade city centre wasn’t my favourite. With a main square (Trg Republike) and commerical shopping street (Knez Michailova), it has the feel of many European capitals with a focus on chain stores and restaurants. I didn’t find anything to give character or set it apart. However, there are other places in Belgrade I liked a lot. Skadarlija   is the arty, boho part of town with wide, leafy streets and impressive architecture. Here you’ll find centuries-old taverns serving traditional Serbian cuisine alongside cool cafes boasting third-wave coffee and brunch. Skadarlija doesn’t feel as crowded as the city centre so I’d recommend staying in this area. It’s where much of the city’s nightlife takes place so check you’re not on the main street if you want to get a good night’s sleep.

Where to stay in Belgrade

• Hostel – the best budget backpacker hostel for meeting others is El Diablo with beds from €11. For a flashpacking upgrade, I heard great things about Good People Design Hostel : it’s less social but that’s sometimes exactly what you need! It feels brand new with a lovely garden and equipped kitchen, bookable from €22 a night.
• Budget hotel – in the centre of town with beautiful rooms and a continental breakfast each morning, Prince Hall is a bargain with prices from €55 a night.
• Mid-range – the spacious rooms at Garni Hotel have sofas to relax, flat screen TV, Wi-Fi, aircon and unrivalled breakfasts from €75.
• Splash out – look no further than Xenon Hotel and Spa for a luxurious break from €119 a night.
• Apartments – check out Spirit Apartments and Mia Apartment for comfy, fully equipped places to stay.
• Browse hostels on Hostelworld and hotels and apartments on Booking.com .

How long to spend in Belgrade?

For a city break, two days is enough to see the main tourist attractions in Belgrade and spend an afternoon chilling over coffee in Skadarlija. You might wish to add a third day to visit Novi Sad as a day trip. You could spend longer in Belgrade if you love coffee culture and cool neighbourhoods, work remotely, or feel tired from backpacking and want a liveable base to regroup. As all three applied to me, I tried to extend my stay but realised I couldn’t get a refund on my upcoming accommodation in Pristina . But I’ll be back… someday!

Getting to & from Belgrade

By air: Belgrade airport is well connected with flights around Europe from €15. I use Skyscanner to find flights, selecting ‘whole month’ to get the cheapest prices. By bus: I arrived by Flixbus from Zagreb . I recommend using Flixbus for budget travel in Europe but, sadly, they don’t connect many cities in the Balkans ; just Belgrade with Zagreb ( Croatia ), Podgorica ( Montenegro ) and Skopje (North Macedonia). To get between Belgrade and other destinations, use local buses . I’d recommend booking your tickets at the bus station. An important thing to note is there’s a service fee to use the station that you pay when buying your ticket. If you show up with an online ticket, you’ll have to save some local currency and line up at the ticket counter anyway to buy a token. By train: Belgrade Central Station (misleadingly not in central Belgarde) connects the capital with destinations like Novi Sad. One journey you may be interested in is the famous Belgrade to Barr (Montenegro) train known as one of Europe’s most beautiful journeys!

Getting around Belgrade

The city centre is small enough that you can walk between most of the main things to do in Belgrade. When you need to travel further afield… Bus: the public bus network in Belgrade is very impressive. The journeys show on Google Maps and the buses are clean with tap-to-pay card readers that take international bank card. This was SO useful when I arrived tired and hot with all my luggage and didn’t have any Serbian currency yet. Taxi: hailing regular taxes on the street is expensive unless you speak Serbian like a local. At the bus station, the drivers wanted €10 for a 5-minute drive and were rude when I said it was too much. Your best bet if you need a cab is the CAR:GO app.

Things to do in Belgrade

I’ll discuss the key attractions in Belgrade as well as a few hidden gems I discovered.

1. Take a free walking tour

I’m a broken record because I always list free walking tours in my city guides. I highly recommend them as an activity for your first morning in a new city: they give a great overview of the history and culture, plus they’re a good way to meet other travellers. Better yet, they’re a budget-friendly activity. You’re not obligated to give any money but I do recommend giving €5-10 if you enjoy the tour to support the hard work of the locals. Daily at 10.30am and 2pm, the Belgrade free tour was fascinating, led by a young woman with a progressive outlook who helped us understand some of the tough issues in her country. Knowing it was the Serbian government not the locals responsible for atrocities during the Yugoslavian and Kosovan Wars, I was hesitant to ask too many sensitive questions, but many of the group did and she did a great job of answering.

2. Republic Square

This is where the free walking tour begins. Complete with a statue of a leader on his horse, it’s not dissimilar to any other European square. Still, it’s a good place to centre yourself and begin your Belgrade sightseeing.

3. Catch a show at the National Theatre

From ballet to drama and opera, the Serbian National Theatre is the best place in Belgrade for a cultural night out (there are plenty of less cultural nights out as I’ll discuss later). With more than 150 years of history, the theatre is a beloved feature of Belgrade, located conveniently on Republic Square. The classical building is beautiful inside and out, as you’ll discover during a behind-the-scenes tour or an evening show. With tickets from €10, it’s a memorable experience at a price not common for Europe. Gotta get those bargains where you can!

4. Take a food tour with Taste Serbia

In my humble opinion, one of the best things to do in Belgrade is discover the local cuisine with a bunch of friendly locals. I love taking food tours to meet new people as a solo traveller , and I was lucky to have a great group on this tour. Both the other guests and the guides were fantastic. Taste Serbia are a Belgrade-based company who take their guests to authentic eateries in different areas of the city. We ate SO much delicious food so don’t book if you have a small appetite! I can recommend the Foodie Belgrade tour I took but they also offer craft beer, coffee tours & more.

5. Visit Skadarlija, the Bohemian quarter

As I mentioned, Skadarlija was my favourite part of Belgrade. With cobbled pavements, benches, and trees dappling the street with sun, it feels relaxed and liveable. Better yet is the cool bohemian vibe. Skadarlija has been inhabited by unconventional types since the 1800s when it was dubbed the ‘gypsy quarter’. It was renamed after the city of Shkoder in Albania presumably because the vibe was considered similar. The early 19th century saw floods of writers and intellectuals, securing its reputation as a forward-thinking place in Belgrade. Nowadays, locals and tourists rub shoulders. Although gentrified, there are still plenty of traditional restaurants to be found, as well as long-standing coffee houses. There’s live music in the daytime and buzzing bars and clubs at night. I’ll share which restaurants and cafes to try later!

6. Jevremovac Botanical Gardens

Jevremovac Botanical Gardens make a pleasant escape from the busy city. There’s a peaceful Japanese garden where small bridges cross ponds and streams home to koi fish, as well as a Victorian-style greenhouse full of succulents and other warm-weather plants. For a relaxed thing to do in Belgrade, you can easily while away 1-2 hours here. Take a 20-minute walk from the city centre to arrive, passing by Bajloni Farmers Market and, for Japanese food fans, stopping at Wagokoro afterwards. This is a lovely cafe serving Japanese drinks and desserts on a shaded street near the park. Entry to the gardens costs 250 Dinar.

7. Bajloni Farmers Market

I always enjoy visiting local markets when I travel: you get to experience local life and break off the tourist track. When finding things to do in Zagreb , I visited many similar farmers’ markets selling Balkan produce such as honey, jam, cheese, meat, peppers and watermelons. Bajloni Market is located close to the city centre, a few minutes on foot from Skadarlija. It’s a big, sprawling bazaar-style market where you can get lost in the maze of colourful stalls. Locals are unlikely to speak much English or want to change larger bills, so bring small change if you want to buy and try to learn a few words of the local lingo! Note – there are occasional Friday Night Markets which are fun and lively. Check the Facebook page for upcoming dates.

8. Church of Saint Sava

You can’t discuss things to do in Belgrade without mentioning the majestic Church of Saint Sava ! It’s one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world after the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow. Dedicated to Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian church, it took years to construct. The central dome weighs 4,000 tons (!) and took 40 days to be lifted into position. Every day, fifty bells announce midday. Although it’s beautiful from the outside, the real treat is within. The walls are laden in gold with spectacular religious frescos. Don’t miss the crypt, located seven metres beneath the church. Entry is free and it’s located a 20-minute walk from the city centre. There’s a great traditional bakery, Pekara , that you shouldn’t miss while in this part of town.

9. See NATO bombed buildings

While gawping at a bombsite may seem macabre, this is an important part of history and world politics. The ruined Radio Television of Serbia building was destroyed by NATO bombs designed to force the Serbian government to retreat from their attack on Kosovo. The Belgrade bombed buildings can be seen on the main road (Kneza Milosa) close to Belgrade City Museum . This is where the 41 bus drops you when travelling to Saint Sava from the city centre so it’s an easy stop to work into your itinerary. It’s a bizarre and striking sight that you won’t forget in a hurry.

10. Yugoslavia Museum

The Yugoslavia Museum is a popular attraction in Belgrade located south of the city near the central railway station. Although it has good reviews, it wasn’t what I expected. Given the name, I was (understandably) expecting to learn more about the history of Yugoslavia. Given Serbia’s role in the Balkan Wars, I was interested to see how the history was presented. However, this museum is less about the breakdown of Yugoslavia and more of a shrine to Tito, the former president. An entire room is dedicated to his funeral, and he’s even buried onsite in the House of Flowers. Entry costs 400 Dinar (€3.40) so it’s an affordable attraction that I’d say is just about worth swinging by. From downtown Belgrade, catch bus 44 or 41.

11. Climb up to Kalemegdan Fortress

Kalemegdan Park is the largest green space in the Serbian capital with Belgrade Fortress at its heart. Kalemegdan Fortress has seen 16 centuries and many world events while trying (and failing) to protect the city from the Austro-Hungarians, Romans and Ottomans. Climbing to the Fortress is a free thing to do in Belgrade and a great way to soak up views of the city and the Danube river.

12. Walk in Kalemegdan Park

Other points of interest in Kalemegdan Park are Ružica Church , the Victor statue and Boho Bar where you can stop for a drink in chilled surroundings with colourful cushions and trees growing between the tables. The park is one of the best places in Belgrade to spy local life. Elderly Serbians play chess for hours and, if you challenge them, know you won’t win!

13. Museum of Contemporary Art

Opposite the Fortress on the other side of the Danube, the Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the best places to visit in New Belgrade. From the minute you see the arty exterior of the building, the experience begins. Inside, you’ll find contemporary paintings, sculptures and other visual exhibitions. During my visit, I tried to interpret the various quirky exhibitions like this giant house by Erwin Wurm. Named the ‘Fat House’, it apparently mirrors the moral obesity of the Western World, something I’m not sure Serbia considers itself part of. Yikes. There are permanent and temporary exhibitions that you can research before visiting on the website . Entry fee: 600 Dinar (€5). Opening times: 10am-6pm; closed Tuesdays. Getting there: Since it’s a 30-minute walk from the city centre, catch a bus across the bridge or call a taxi with the CAR:GO app for around €5.

14. Visit Bajrakli Mosque

Not far from the park is Bajrakli Mosque , the only remaining one in the city. It’s sad when you consider that they were once almost 300 mosques in Belgrade but they were all destroyed. This one is lucky to have survived: during Austrian occupation, it was temporarily turned into a Catholic Church. Its captivating history and beautiful design make it one of the best places to visit in Belgrade, especially for Muslim travellers. Bajrakli is beside some popular cafes like Meduza and D59B should you wish to stop for a drink after your culture dose.

15. St Mark Ottoman Church

One of the most impressive buildings in Belgrade, visible from any vantage point, is St Mark’s . This Serbian Orthodox Church is less than 100 years old but replaces a wooden church destroyed by German bombs and home to the graves of the Serbian royals assassinated in the coup of 1903. So, to experience Serbian history and marvel at the interior – which includes a mosaic measuring 130 metres, thought to be the largest in the world – pay a visit. There’s no entrance fee making it a worthwhile free thing to do in Belgrade.

16. Tašmajdan Park

If you’re visiting St Mark’s, don’t miss the pleasant park beside it. Tašmajdan Park , or Taš as the locals call it, is a beloved feature of the city. Its name comes from the Turkish word meaning quarry and indicates 2,000 years of history. In more modern times, the park was built on the spot of a small church lost to NATO bombings. Despite the dark history, it’s a bright and lighthearted corner of the city today, worth a visit when sightseeing in Belgrade.

17. Akademija Book Store

If you’re looking for off-beat things to do in Belgrade, Akademija Book Store ticks the box. Despite its busy central location just off Knez Michailova, it’s a peaceful oasis where you can read over a coffee in the onsite cafe. I noticed that cafes within bookshops seem to be commonplace in Serbia and I’m here for it! Although the majority of books are in Serbian, there are some English copies, too… Plus, this pretty bookstore is worth a visit even if you don’t buy! There are a wide range of books including maps and encyclopedias. If you have any questions or you’re looking for something specific, just ask the friendly staff. Address: Akademski plato 35 .

18. Walk Knez Mihailova

The main walking street is a popular place to visit in Belgrade with shops, restaurants and cafes. It wasn’t my favourite place in the city: there are more high street chains than independents and the eateries are expensive without the best food. But that’s standard for main streets in capital cities, I suppose! To give Knez Mihailova its credit, it’s home to beautiful architecture. It’s also a busy, lively place with excellent people-watching opportunities. Whether you aim to or not, you’ll certainly end up here at some point while sightseeing in Belgrade.

19. Nikola Tesla Museum

This museum dedicated to the Serbian-American inventor, Nikola Tesla, explores his life and work in a fun, interactive way. Located in the city centre in an old villa, visiting will give you a better understanding of science and engineering in the late 19th/early 20th century. The Nikola Tesla Museum is also his final resting place. Entry costs 800 Dinar including a guided tour in English. Opening times: 10am-8pm, Tues-Sun; 10am-6pm Mon. Address: Krunska 51 .

20. The National Museum

As you’ve probably gathered by now, there are plenty of things to do in Belgrade for history and art fans. Another one to add to your itinerary is the National Museum inside an Austrian baroque mansion. There are three floors filled with exhibits and art including an educational display on Serbians through history (floor 0). Other artists featured include Picasso and Matisse, plus Serbian artists. Don’t miss the Monet on floor 3. You’ll want to spend a few hours here if you’re a big art fan. Entry price: 300 Dinar, free Sundays. Opening times: 10am-6pm apart from Thurs & Sat (12-8pm), closed Mondays.

21. Tuck into traditional food in Belgrade

Having spent time already in the Balkans (and eaten my way through all the restaurants in Split and Ljubljana ), I had some idea of what to expect from Serbian food . Foodies wondering what to do in Belgrade should go on a food crawl to try these hearty, meaty dishes:

• Borek – flaky pastry filled with ground meat, cheese or spinach. A Balkan classic found in Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo and Albania.
• Sarma – after enjoying these while travelling in Romania , I was happy to have pickled cabbage rolls again, stuffed with meat and served with gravy and mashed potato.
• Cevapi – rich ground meat sausages are a typical Balkan dish often served in portions of 10 with chopped onion. I love them sandwiched in bread with kajmak (cream cheese) and ajvar (red pepper paste).
• Karađorđeva šnicla  – translating as ‘a young woman’s dream’, this sausage-shaped dish tells you everything you need to know about sexism… I mean, um, food in Serbia! It’s deep-fried, rolled in breadcrumbs, stuffed with cheese and meat, and served with tartare sauce and fries.

Some of the best typical restaurants are:

• Zavičaj Skadarlija – this is one of the city’s most popular taverns famed for its goulash and other typical dishes. It’s not the cheapest place but it’s super atmospheric with live music playing. Booking is advised.
• Dva Jelena – I had a delicious meal of sarmale with mashed potato, bacon and gravy here while listening to live music. It’s one of the most popular restaurants in the Skadarlija neighbourhood.
• Znak Pitanja – the oldest restaurant in the city translates as ‘question mark’ because authorities in the 1880s were unhappy with its original name (‘by the cathedral’) because it served alcohol and therefore shouldn’t be associated with the church. The owner temporarily changed its name to ? which remains to this day! Note – I visited at 4pm and they were no longer serving food so visit for lunch rather than dinner.
• Pekara Trpković – Slavija – this is one of the oldest and most famous bakeries in Belgrade. Choose from countless bureks, cakes and other pastries. Nothing is healthy but everything is delicious… The perfect combo for a bakery!

22. Explore the international cafes & restaurants

Although I enjoy hearty, meaty Balkan cuisine, it’s not something I could eat every day. As a foodie , I also loved discovering eateries in Belgrade serving excellent international food.

• VegANGELov is a great place to get some veg. The healthy, fresh dishes like ramen and nasi goreng have earnt the restaurant a well-deserved 4.9 stars on Google. I can vouch for the falafel salad and fresh juices, plus the desserts looked delicious, too.
• La Chona – authentic Mexican tacos, hallelujah! Tacos al pastor cost just 140 each plus there are gringas, quesadillas and margs. If you need more persuasion of its quality, just know I live in Mexico !
• Bloom – this cute, minimalistic cafe serves affordable brunch dishes with creative ingredients. I had a scrambled egg dish with tomato, basil, pitta bread and ricotta for just €8 including coffee and a smoothie. If I lived in Belgrade, I could see myself here every weekend!

23. Experience the coffee culture

Like most Balkan cities, there’s fantastic coffee culture in Belgrade. The only problem is that smoking is allowed in cafes so some of them get pretty smoky especially if older locals hang out there. Here are some of the more modern cafes I found where you’re less likely to leave smelling like an ashtray…

• Eklektika 40 – this hole-in-the-wall is a modest yet quirky cafe with friendly staff. They serve espresso-based coffees, Turkish coffee, Turkish tea, iced coffee and, being the Balkans, rakija!
• Kafeterija Studentski Trg – this is a third-wave coffee shop with outdoor seating and a wide range of drinks and snacks. The iced flat white was excellent and I also see they serve matcha, affogato and cold brew. All the good stuff!
• Valentina I Karanfil – the most divine chocolate cafe! There are tons of iced chocolate drinks: milk, white and dark with flavourings like chili, mango and matcha. Pair your drink with gourmet chocolates from the counter.
• Wagokoro (Japanese cafe) – visit for authentic ice cream mochi in a huge range of flavours. The menu offers tea pairings but I opted for a huge iced matcha latte. Bliss!

24. Let your hair down with the Belgrade nightlife

Belgrade is known for having fantastic nightlife. As I was there solo and didn’t stay in an overly social hostel, I didn’t get to explore it as much as I’d have liked. But I know there’s lots out there! If you’re wondering what to do in Belgrade at night, hit the bars of Skadarlija where you’ll find locals and tourists socialising. The other area is the embankment of New Belgrade where docked boats turn into clubs. This is more of a local place to party… Women travellers may be more comfortable going as part of a mixed group because I was told by some fellow female backpackers that the macho men here made them feel uncomfortable.

Related activity: Rakija tasting tour

Belgrade bars to visit include:

• Blaznavac – this is a cool bar with a huge cocktail menu and a funky outdoor area with murals and a giant colourful elephant hanging from the trees. The cocktails were a little sweet for my liking but at least they were cheap!
• Kultura Bar – this bar is a real hidden gem that I found on the way back from Saint Sava Church. It’s an excellent cocktail bar with a huge display of spirits behind the bar. The talented bartenders make quality drinks, on and off the menu – just tell them what you like.
• Zappa Barka and other boats on the embankment.

25. Zemun area

Once you’ve ticked off the main things to do in Belgrade, you might be keen to get off the tourist track. A great place to do this is the Zemun area, separated from the urban sprawl by tributaries of the Danube. Given that it was its own town until it joined with Belgrade in the 1930s, it’s hardly surprising that Zemun has a distinct vibe. With a mix of Austrian and Ottoman architecture and a small-town vibe with attractive walking streets, it’s a pleasant place to wander and enjoy long coffee breaks. It’s far from a fast-paced city and that’s why the locals love it. Visit the Gardoš Tower for beautiful ocean views and be sure to stop at Cafeteria Gardos nearby. How to visit: If coming by bus , catch the 95 from Skadarlija to the Sava Centre then the 88 to Zemun. You can also drive, take a taxi or board any train that has Zemun as a first stop. To explore with a local, take a FREE walking tour on Saturdays at 3pm with Belgrade Walking Tours .

26. Spend a day on Ada Ciganlija adventure island

Ask any local what they do in Belgrade on summer weekends and they’ll probably tell you they visit Ada Ciganlija , an island in the Danube with 6 kilometres of manmade beaches. Lake Sava is the heart of the action with its beaches bordering both the island and the Serbian mainland. You can try everything from scuba diving in the lake to bunjee jumping, water skiing, mini golf, yoga, stand-up paddling and, during winter in Belgrade , even skiing and snowboarding! I can’t promise all of them are world-class but I CAN promise you won’t run out of things to try. The best way to reach the island by public transport is via the 511N bus from Trg Republike.

27. Residence of Princess Ljubica

This impressive residence in downtown Belgrade built in Ottoman and European style is more than just a pretty facade: it’s a piece of living history, once lived in by Princess Ljubica while her husband, Prince Miloš Obrenović, stayed in Kalemegdan Fortress. The Residence of Princess Ljubica costs 300 Dinar to enter. It’s worth it to see the intricate Ottoman rooms preserved as they were in their heyday.

28. Take a trip to the Avala Tower

For a short excursion from the city with fantastic views, pay a visit to the Avala Tower , holding the award for the tallest building in the Balkans (though, honestly, I’m not sure there’s realms of competition). Like many notable attractions in Belgrade, it was bombed in the 1990s, but has since been restored with an added bar (adventurously named Panorama) at the top. Drive or ride the 401 bus there. If you’re feeling energetic, there are plenty of opportunities to hike in this mountainous region.

29. Topčider

It can never be said that Belgrade doesn’t have green spaces. Created in the same era as the Residence of Princess Ljubica, Topčider Park was once the garden of Prince Miloš before it became public property. One of the top things to do in this Belgrade Park is visit his old palace – now a museum – for 200 Dinar. Wander Topčider forest park at your leisure, admiring rare trees thought to be 180 years old. Other activities include hiking, picnicking and stopping for a bite at the restaurant.

30. Take a day trip to Novi Sad

The pretty city of Novi Sad is one of the most popular places near Belgrade. Built on the banks of the Danube beneath Petrovaradin Fortress, it’s easily the most popular day trip from Belgrade . In the morning, I visited Novi Sad Synagogue , wandered through Danube Park , browsed books at Bulevar Books (a cool bookshop with a bar) and had a tasty salad and fresh juice at Kombinat because I was craving something lighter than Serbian food. For the afternoon, cross Varadin Bridge and visit Novi Sad Fortress . Before you head home, take a swim in the river from one of the city beaches. I heard good things about the Strand area and Diskont Bar but these are far from the city centre so I visited the beach just opposite the fortress. Getting to Novi Sad: The new fast train from Belgrade Central gets to Novi Sad in just over 1.5 hours while the slow one takes closer to 2 hours. It was tricky to find a reliable timetable online so I just arrived at the station and bought a ticket for the next departure. When I arrived in Novi Sad, I took a photo of the timetable and planned my trip back around it. From Novi Sad station to the city, walk in 30 minutes or jump on one of the many buses outside the station. Alternatively, take an organised day trip including other highlights from Northern Serbia and learn from a local guide.

Where next?

Unless you’re visiting Belgrade as a mini break, you’ll probably be exploring other places in the Balkans next. This is such a fascinating region that I’ve been lucky enough to explore as part of two different backpacking trips in 2019 and my 2 month Balkans itinerary of 2022. Some easily accessible places from Belgrade that I’d recommend getting on your radar are…

Pristina, Kosovo

The capital of Kosovo is a fascinating place to visit. As the newest country in Europe, Kosovo has overcome a bloody history resulting in a patriotic population. There aren’t loads of things to do in Pristina but that’s part of the charm: the main walking street is a buzzing place for people-watching while the cafe culture is second to none. Not only are there old-school cafes where you can rub shoulders with the locals, but there are some amazing modern cafes like Soma Book Station and Dit’ e Nat’ .

Important note about travel between Kosovo and Serbia – because Serbia doesn’t recognise Kosovo’s sovereignty, you may have trouble crossing from Kosovo to Serbia without an existing Serbia stamp in your passport (AKA if you haven’t been already). With that in mind, it’s best to visit Serbia before Kosovo or visit via a third party, for example going Kosovo – Montenegro – Serbia.

Sofia, Bulgaria

I had a wonderful time visiting Sofia . Not only is it a beautiful, relaxed capital with a harmonious blend of religious buildings, but there are lovely cafes, wine bars and also a lively nightlife, best enjoyed by staying at Hostel Mostel . It’s easy to visit other parts of Bulgaria during day trips for example hiking the beautiful Rila Lakes and visiting Rila Monastery from Sofia .

Montenegro is surely one of the most underrated countries in Europe. This tiny but beautiful nation has the coastline of Croatia or Greece but a fractional of the tourists. Kotor is a beautiful town with lots to do and even more day trips, while Budva is more of a luxe beach resort. Although Kotor and Budva are becoming increasingly well known, there are lots of places you can get off the beaten track. I loved whiling away days in Stari Bar . As a small country, it’s easy to pick a base and explore via day trips during your Montenegro itinerary .

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Bosnia & Herzegovina is easily one of my favourite countries in the Balkans and Sarajevo is well worth visiting . Get between the two cities by car or Flixbus . Just a couple of hours away, Mostar is a beautiful historic city that I have visited twice, known for its great day trips. Read my blogs:

• Things to do in Mostar
• The top attractions in Sarajevo

Thanks for reading!

I hope you have a better idea of what to do in Belgrade and you have a wonderful trip. It totally exceeded my expectations and I’d love to go back one day!

Read more Balkans blogs:

• The ultimate Balkans itinerary for 2-8 weeks
• 2 day Sofia itinerary
• Things to do in Tirana, Albania
• Hiking in the Theth Valbona region, Albania
• Is Albania a good place to visit?
• What to do in Pristina, Kosovo
• 24 things to do in Skopje, North Macedonia
• The top attractions Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
• 2 week Albania itinerary
• 2 week Romania itinerary
• Things to do in Kotor, Montenegro
• The perfect itinerary for Montenegro
• 1 week Croatia itinerary
• What to do in Split , Dubrovnik , Zadar and Zagreb , Croatia

For more Europe content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

TRUSTED RESOURCES FOR VISITING SERBIA Getting around by air – I use Skyscanner and search by month to see the cheapest dates. Driving in Europe – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in European countries (and all around the world). For buses around Europe, I use Flixbus . It doesn’t connect cities in Serbia but it does connect Tirana to other European capitals. For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Browse tours and Belgrade activities on GetYourGuide and Viator . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and budget tips from my 10+ years on the road!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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Fantastic article about my Belgrade, thank you Rose 🥰

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TravelAwaits

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10 Reasons You’ll Love Visiting This Little-Known European Capital

• Destinations

Before I looked into exploring eastern Europe a little more thoroughly, I would have been hard-pressed to pinpoint Belgrade — or Serbia, for that matter — on the map. Serbia is a landlocked country bordering probably most of the Slavic countries and some others, many of which came together under the former Yugoslavia (Land of the Slavs): There are Croatia and Bosnia Herzegovina in the west, Hungary to the north, Romania, and Bulgaria toward the east, and North Macedonia due south. Plus, Kosovo, which is not recognized as an independent state by Serbia. The capital, Belgrade, lies to the central north of the country.

Though land-locked and relatively far from the sea for a European country, Belgrade sits on the confluence of the river Sava and the Danube , allowing it to sparkle in a hilly, green landscape. That said, Belgrade is not often visited by overseas travelers coming to Europe, and even many of the Danube River cruises do not reach this far east.

So, what you have is a capital city devoid of tourist crowds, yet filled with a history that stretches between Roman times to very recent unrest fighting for independence, and an eminently liveable city, filled with cafes and restaurants, great shops, and welcoming and friendly people. What more does one need for a great city break?

Here are my reasons why you should visit and give Belgrade a chance to shine.

1. The Belgrade Fortress

This was my first stop when exploring Belgrade. Because of the strategic location of the Kalemegdan Fortress on a land spit reaching into the large confluence of the Sava River and the Danube, this spot has always been the favored spot for fortifications. First, the Romans built one here, then over the following centuries, the fort kept being destroyed and rebuilt by Romans, Serbs, Turks, and Austrians. You name it, they built a fort here. Wandering around the huge complex surrounded by a large park and stunning views gives you a great first impression of Belgrade and its history.

2. Stari Grad: The Old Town

Just on the doorstep of the fortress lies Stari Grad, the “Old Town.” It’s not an obvious old town center like in most European cities, where a usually round medieval core was often surrounded by sturdy city walls, and inside was a huddle of old, crooked buildings alongside cobbled lanes. Here it is a real mix of buildings in a relatively modern shopping area along and off to the sides of the lovely, pedestrianized Knez Mihailova Street. While on the main drag, you could nearly be anywhere, but dive into the little side streets, and you’ll find small, typical cafes and restaurants and older shops.

Head further east toward the other side of this neighborhood half encircled by the Danube, and you find lovely residential streets, making you look up and choose a potential apartment for yourself.

3. The Bohemian Skadarlija

Part of Stari Grad is the eclectic Skadarlija street, probably the most fun street in Belgrade. Not grand, or stunning, instead it is full of bohemian vibes, street art, cute little, colorful houses, and plenty of restaurants and cafes inviting you to stop. This is the place for lunch, or dinner, because all the restaurants are incredibly affordable and serve up vast portions of meat-heavy local cuisine.

My husband and I tried Dva Jelena , sat outside in the sunshine and watched the world go by. We ate cevapcici, skewers of minced meat; a pork ‘braid’ with sauerkraut, and ox-cheeks with mashed potatoes, plus a sample of local beer and wine, and ended up barely able to walk, but paying a fraction of what lunch would cost in any other European city.

4. The Electrifying Nikola Tesla Museum

Nikola Tesla is probably Belgrade’s, and Serbia’s, most famous son. The name is in everybody’s mind because of the electric car company and its co-founder Elon Musk, but few know anything about the name’s owner, Nikola Tesla. The small museum in Belgrade is crammed full of his history and his many inventions, and it quite literally sends out sparks when during the tour some of his electrical inventions are fired up. It is truly interesting, and while a tour is obligatory, it won’t take up too much of your time.

5. Walking To Zemun

Spending an afternoon or morning walking along the Danube, looking at its many houseboats, and stopping for coffee along the way is a must when in Belgrade. But this outing is even better if you start in the suburb of Zemun some 7 miles from Belgrade center. The best way is to only walk in one direction and take a bus or taxi to Zemun and then walk back.

But do allow some time to be spent in the small town itself. Zemun used to be a border town between the Ottoman and Australian empires and is too cute for words. The bustling town is filled with small and brightly colored houses and it has a great tower with even greater views and a plethora of restaurants along the riverbank of the Danube.

6. Superb Inexpensive Meals

I know I keep going on about food, but this took me completely by surprise in Belgrade. To be honest, my preconceptions of Serbian or Slavic food were all kebabs and cevapcici (which is true, and they are yummy), but the number of superb fine-dining restaurants which, for us as visitors, were ridiculously cheap, is impressive.

Try Magellan , for example — so good we went twice. Located in the somewhat Soviet-style new Belgrade across the Sava, this nautical-themed restaurant serves incredible, non-cevapcici food. Then there is Salon 1906 , which is located in a building that will take your breath away. I believe it was an old bank, and the ceilings, décor, and double staircase are unbelievable. Not quite that cheap, but still cheap compared to a similar setting and menu anywhere else in Europe; this is one for a special occasion.

7. The Markets

I have mentioned before that Belgrade is a liveable city rather than a touristy one, and that is also reflected in the city’s markets. Locals shop for fresh food here, and it is fun to be in the middle of that and to see the local produce and other goodies for sale. My favorites are the vast market called Kalenic, which is like a market city, and not far from the St. Sava Temple (see below), and the rather lovely Zeleni Venac. Zeleni Venac is near the city center and is marked by an assortment of strange red-and-white roofs.

8. Numerous Cafes

I had not known that Belgrade has a distinct coffee culture, and, as far as I know, it doesn’t. It just seems that the people of Belgrade have a thing for trendy coffee shops, large and small, cute and industrial chic, but all serving decent coffee and always some great cake and other dishes.

I found so many but simply did not have the time to constantly stop for coffee, so my husband and I agreed to forgo the hotel breakfast and instead eat out for breakfast every morning, and then add a few extra coffee stops during the day. Try, for example, the Kafeterija , or Coffee, Tea, and Sympathy with a balcony looking out across Park Terazijska terasa.

9. St. Sava Temple

This is Belgrade’s Sagrada Familia. Well, not quite, but this vast temple, or Orthodox church, is not only the largest Orthodox Church in use, but construction has been ongoing on and off since 1935. Nearly finished though, it is as vast on the outside as it is extravagantly decorated and gilded inside. It is an incredible building that is well worth taking time out to see.

10. Metropol Palace

There are plenty of hyper-modern hotels in Belgrade, and equally some historic places, but for me, the Metropol Palace is very much a part of the city’s Yugoslav and Serbian history. And, looking at the guest list ranging from political names such as Leonid Brezhnev and Che Guevara to film greats like Brigitte Bardot, Elizabeth Taylor, and Kirk Douglas to astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong, and so many more, you feel in quite illustrious surroundings.

What really brings the pride of the Belgrade people home to me is the special in-house chocolate cake service you get in the rooftop restaurant. The coffee and cake are served on the blue-and-white china that was first used in the 1950s when the hotel was opened and holds a pride of place in the glass vitrines in reception, showcasing some of the hotel’s history. Oh, and the views are great from the rooftop terrace, too.

Pro Tip: Language

Language can be a bit of a problem, as tourism is not widespread, nor is the English language. You will get by in most hotels, restaurants, and cafes, but asking a stranger on the street for directions can be problematic. Make sure you get some roaming credits for your phone to use maps and translation services, and take the business card of your hotel with you to show to people should you need guidance.

For more on Europe , explore these articles:

• 6 Beautiful European Capital Cities To Visit Along The Danube
• 6 Amazing Lesser-Known Attractions To Visit In Europe
• 8 Hidden Gem Destinations In Europe To Add To Your Travel Bucket List

A travel writer and guidebook author for the last 20 years, Ulrike's work has been seen in National Geographic , BBC , The Independent , Australian Women's Weekly , The Telegraph , The Australian , Fodor's , France Today , CNN Travel , Lonely Planet , Travel + Leisure , CNTraveler , numerous inflight magazines, and many others.

She has written three books for Moon Travel Guides: 'Living Abroad in Australia' (3rd edition), 'Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef', and the shorter version 'Spotlight Sydney' and are all available in print and as e-books.

Having lived in seven countries (Germany, UK, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Australia, and France) to date and traveled to more than 100, she specializes in writing about travel, art and architecture, expat living, and life and style.

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Explore the Heart of Serbia

Belgrade: Unveiling Serbia’s Beating Heart

Belgrade isn’t your average city. It’s a place where history whispers from ancient fortresses, laughter spills from lively squares, and the clinking of glasses fuels epic nights. Nestled where the Danube and Sava rivers meet, Belgrade is Serbia’s beating heart, pumping with a vibrant culture and a spirit that welcomes all.

We’re BelgradeTravelGuide.com, your key to unlocking this captivating city. We’ve crafted this guide to be your local friend, showing you not just the must-see sights, but the hidden gems too. Dive into our insider tips and discover ancient fortresses whispering tales of empires past, serene parks perfect for picnics, and bustling squares teeming with life.

Belgrade is a city that’s risen from the ashes, and its beauty is all the more remarkable for it. From the historic Belgrade Fortress to the island paradise of Ada Ciganlija, we’ll show you everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip.

Craving a taste of Belgrade’s legendary food scene? We’ll point you to the best restaurants. Want to immerse yourself in art, music, and history? We’ve got you covered. And if legendary nightlife is your jam, then Belgrade is your dance floor!

Let BelgradeTravelGuide.com be your compass as you navigate the charming cobblestone streets. With every corner you turn, you’ll discover a new piece of Belgrade’s soul. This isn’t just a trip, it’s an adventure. So come, explore, and become a storyteller – Belgrade awaits.

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Your Guide to Traveling in the Heart of Serbia

Essential Serbian Dishes to Try in Belgrade

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United States men's national soccer team Copa America vs. Panama: How to watch, squads

The U.S. men's national soccer team will look to build off the momentum of its Copa America opening win over Bolivia on Sunday when it faces Concacaf adversary Panama on Thursday.

Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun each scored goals in Sunday's victory, in which the USMNT dominated and could have enjoyed a much larger margin of victory.

The U.S. should expect a motivated Panama team — which lost in its Copa America opener 3-1 to Uruguay — in its next group match. The two sides are very familiar with each other, with the USMNT owning a 17-2-7 all-time advantage. However, Panama won the most recent encounter, a 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup semifinal victory in a penalty shootout .

Opening with a win on Sunday was big for the USMNT, which also will want a result against Panama before facing CONMEBOL powerhouse Uruguay in the group finale on July 1.

Here's everything you need to know for Thursday's Copa America match:

When is the USMNT's Copa America 2024 game against Panama?

Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 27.

Where will the USMNT's Copa America 2024 game against Panama be played?

The USMNT-Panama Copa America 2024 game will be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, regular home stadium for Major League Soccer 's Atlanta United and the NFL 's Atlanta Falcons . Mercedes-Benz Stadium is among the 11 United States-based venues that will host games for the 2026 World Cup .

How to watch USMNT vs. Panama on TV

The television broadcast will be available on FOX, with pregame coverage starting at 5 p.m. ET. John Strong (play-by-play), Stu Holden (analyst), Ana Jurka (sideline reporter) and Dr. Joe Machnik (rules analyst) will provide coverage for FOX Sports.

The Spanish-language television broadcast available on Univision/TUDN.

How to stream USMNT vs. Panama

The match will stream on FOX Sports . Vix will provide a streaming option for Spanish-language broadcasts. Streaming also available on Fubo .

Which players are on the USMNT and Panama rosters?

Usmnt roster.

Goalkeepers (3): Ethan Horvath (Cardiff City/Wales), Sean Johnson (Toronto FC/Canada), Matt Turner (Nottingham Forest/England)

Defenders (9): Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic/Scotland), Kristoffer Lund (Palermo/Italy), Mark McKenzie (Genk/Belgium), Shaq Moore (Nashville SC), Tim Ream (Fulham/England), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/England), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/England), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/Germany)

Midfielders (7): Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/England), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis/Spain), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo/Spain), Weston McKennie (Juventus/Italy), Yunus Musah (AC Milan; Italy), Gio Reyna (Nottingham Forest/England), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven/Netherlands)

Forwards (7): Brenden Aaronson (Union Berlin/Germany), Folarin Balogun (Monaco/France), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven/Netherlands), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/Italy), Josh Sargent (Norwich City/England), Tim Weah (Juventus/Italy), Haji Wright (Coventry City/England)

Panama roster

Goalkeepers (3): Luis Mejía (Nacional/Uruguay), César Samudio (Marathón/Honduras), Orlando Mosquera (Maccabi Tel Aviv/Israel)

Defenders (9): Eric Davis (Košice/Slovakia), José Córdoba (Norwich City/England) César Blackman (Slovan Bratislava/Slovakia), Michael Amir Murillo (Marseille/France), Roderick Miller (Turan Tovuz/Azerbaijan), Iván Anderson (Fortaleza C.E.I.F./Colombia), Eduardo Anderson (Saprissa/Costa Rica), Edgardo Fariña (Municipal/Guatemala), Omar Valencia (New York Red Bulls II/USA)

Midfielders (10): Yoel Bárcenas (Mazatlán/Mexico), Adalberto Carrasquilla (Houston Dynamo/USA), José Luis Rodríguez (Red Star Belgrade/Serbia), César Yanis (San Carlos/Costa Rica), Abdiel Ayarza (Cienciano/ Peru), Cristian Martínez (Al-Jandal/Saudi Arabia), Freddy Góndola (Maccabi Bnei Reineh/Israel), Jovani Welch (Académico de Viseu/Portugal), Carlos Harvey (Minnesota United/USA), Kahiser Lenis (Jaguares/Colombia)

Forwards (3): Eduardo Guerrero (Zorya Luhansk/Ukraine), Ismael Díaz (Universidad Católica/Ecuador), José Fajardo (Universidad Católica/Ecuador)

What is the USMNT's schedule for Copa America 2024?

The USMNT will play in Group C of  Copa America 2024  against Bolivia, Panama and Uruguay. 

➤ Sunday, June 23: USA 2, Bolivia 1

➤ Thursday, June 27: Panama vs. USA in Atlanta, 6 p.m. ET (FOX)

➤ Monday, July 1: USA vs. Uruguay in Kansas City, Missouri, 9 p.m. ET (FOX)

What is the Copa América?

CONMEBOL Copa América , or the American cup, is the world's oldest running continental tournament, dating to 1916. It is used to determine the champion of South America, but select teams from North America and Asia have been invited to compete since the 1990s. This year,  the 10 CONMEBOL teams will be joined by six Concacaf teams .

This summer’s edition will be the 48 th  tournament and only the second time it has ever been held outside of South America. The United States also hosted Copa América Centenario in 2016, a special edition of the tournament to commemorate 100 years of CONMEBOL and Copa América.

The tournament is now held every four years, coinciding with the UEFA European Championship. Defending champions Argentina and Uruguay have won Copa América 15 times each, most of any country followed by Brazil (nine, last in 2019).

—  Safid Deen

Why is the Copa America being played in the U.S.?

The Copa América is the oldest and longest-running continental soccer competition, crowning the South American men’s champion.

Of its 47 previous editions, all but one have been held in South America. Just like it did in 2016, the United States will serve as the host for a special edition of the Copa América.

There are  two big reasons why the tournament is being held in the U.S.  in 2024. 

— Seth Vertelney , Pro Soccer Wire

Where are Copa America matches being held?

The tournament will be held in 14 cities across the U.S., with each location hosting two or three matches over a 25-day period. The opening match is Thursday in Atlanta and the final is July 14 in Miami. The third-place match will be in Charlotte on July 13.

Matches will also be played at stadiums  in Arizona (Glendale), California (Santa Clara and Inglewood), Florida (Orlando and Miami), Kansas and Missouri (in Kansas City), Nevada (Las Vegas), New Jersey (East Rutherford) and Texas (Arlington, Austin and Houston).

These are the stadiums hosting Copa America 2024 games:

• Arlington, Texas (AT&T Stadium)
• Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
• Austin, Texas (Q2 Stadium)
• Charlotte, N.C. (Bank of America Stadium)
• East Rutherford, N.J. (MetLife Stadium)
• Glendale, Arizona (State Farm Stadium)
• Houston (NRG Stadium)
• Inglewood, California (SoFi Stadium)
• Kansas City, Kansas (Children's Mercy Park)
• Kansas City, Missouri (Arrowhead Stadium)
• Las Vegas (Allegiant Stadium)
• Miami Gardens, Florida (Hard Rock Stadium)
• Orlando, Florida (Inter&Co Stadium)
• Santa Clara, California (Levi's Stadium)

MLS players in Copa America 2024

In all, there are 41  Major League Soccer  players on rosters for Copa America teams.

Of the league's 29 teams, 21 will be represented in the tournament.  Minnesota United FC  and  CF Montréal  lead with the most players on Copa America rosters with four apiece. Canada has the most MLS players with 14.

• Lionel Messi, forward, Inter Miami CF
• Ali Ahmed, midfielder, Vancouver Whitecaps FC
• Moïse Bombito, defender, Colorado Rapids
• Mathieu Choinière, midfielder, CF Montréal
• Maxime Crépeau, goalkeeper, Portland Timbers
• Kyle Hiebert, defender, St. Louis City SC
• Richie Laryea, defender, Toronto FC
• Kamal Miller, defender, Portland Timbers
• Tani Oluwaseyi, forward, Minnesota United FC
• Jonathan Osorio, midfielder, Toronto FC
• Samuel Piette, midfielder, CF Montréal
• Jacen Russell-Rowe, forward, Columbus Crew
• Jacob Shaffelburg, forward, Nashville SC
• Dayne St. Clair, goalkeeper, Minnesota United FC
• Joel Waterman, defender, CF Montréal
• Alejandro Bran, midfielder, Minnesota United FC
• Julio Cascante, defender, Austin FC
• Ariel Lassiter, midfielder, CF Montréal
• Carlos Gruezo, midfielder, San Jose Earthquakes
• Jon Bell, defender, Seattle Sounders FC
• Andre Blake, goalkeeper, Philadelphia Union
• Kevon Lambert, midfielder, Real Salt Lake
• Damion Lowe, defender, Philadelphia Union
• Coco Carrasquilla, midfielder, Houston Dynamo FC
• Aníbal Godoy, midfielder, Nashville SC
• Carlos Harvey, midfielder, Minnesota United FC
• Omar Valencia, defender, New York Red Bulls
• Carlos Coronel, goalkeeper, New York Red Bulls
• Andrés Cubas, midfielder, Vancouver Whitecaps FC
• Matías Rojas, midfielder, Inter Miami CF
• Luis Abram, defender, Atlanta United
• Miguel Araujo, defender, Portland Timbers
• Wilder Cartagena, midfielder, Orlando City SC
• Pedro Gallese, goalkeeper, Orlando City SC

United States

• Sean Johnson, goalkeeper, Toronto FC
• Shaq Moore, defender, Nashville SC
• Miles Robinson, defender, FC Cincinnati
• Cristian Olivera, forward, Los Angeles FC
• Luis Suárez, forward, Inter Miami CF
• José Martínez, midfielder, Philadelphia Union
• Dani Pereira, midfielder, Austin FC

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