10 Things To Do in Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade, Serbia is gritty and raw; a real city. Under the tough exterior, however are ancient sights, stunning churches, fascinating architecture, gorgeous gardens and savory cuisine. Travelers who seek out the Best Things To Do in Belgrade can get a better understanding of the city, the culture and its people. 

 

Visiting Belgrade, Serbia

After bouncing through fairytale Slovenia and down the stunning coastline of Croatia, we found the city of Belgrade to be a bit jarring. A stroll down the length of the main Belgrade thoroughfare is a feast for the senses. We were inundated by swarming traffic, honking horns, structurally questionable architecture and the relentless scent of cigarette smoke.

During our visit, we sought out top Belgrade attractions and activities that would help us understand the city. We learned about the deeply-rooted traditions and how they mesh with quirky new trends. The story of Belgrade continues to both captivate and perplex us.

 

History of Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade is a city of layers with a timeline that stretches back to 7000 BC. As a highly desirable location at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers, the land has been conquered and claimed by numerous empires; destroyed and built up again. Understanding the past helps travelers appreciate the present. 

In the last two centuries, Belgrade has been under Ottoman and Habsburg Rule, then named the capital of Yugoslavia under the leadership of Josip Broz Tito. After the breakup of Yugoslavia, the city became the capital of Serbia.

The historic buildings that stand in the center of Belgrade are time-stamped by their architecture; ornate facades from the Habsburgs, stark brutalist structures from the Yugoslav era and modern buildings that have recently been constructed along the Sava River. These sights that tell the story of the past, present and future are also top Belgrade things to do. 

Many large projects are perpetually ongoing, while half-demolished buildings remain untouched and crumbling. Yet, both are must see Belgrade sights.

---

 

10 Best Things To Do in Belgrade

During our trip to Belgrade, we struggled to make sense of the evolving city, but it wasn’t for a lack of trying. We explored the raucous city streets. We sampled the hearty local cuisine. We journeyed beyond Belgrade in an attempt to understand it all as best we could.

Regardless of our inability to make a firm connection with the city, we were almost overwhelmed by the number of Belgrade sights to see. For first-timers – or even repeat visitors who didn’t exactly click with it the first time – we recommend the following 10 Things To Do in Belgrade.

Save, Pin or Bookmark our Belgrade Travel Guide to plan your trip to Serbia!

 

#1 Take a Belgrade Walking Tour

The reason walking tours are one of the best things to do in Belgrade, Serbia is because participants get a local’s perspective. We took a tour because we wanted someone to take us by the hand and say, “This is Belgrade – and this is why we love it.”

The free city walks by Belgrade Walking Tours are an excellent introduction and exactly what we were hoping for. The tour is highlighted by a local’s interpretation that sheds light on a few subjects that we grappled to understand.

From the city center, the tour winds through the Bohemian Quarter then to the Fortress. Our guide gave a basic history lesson that was peppered with pride and an emotional and personal account of the NATO bombing of Serbia in 1999.

 

Best Walking Tours in Belgrade

There are actually many highly-rated walking tours of Belgrade. Later on our visit, we joined an Underground Belgrade Tour. We wandered through Tito’s bunker, down to a Roman well and into a cellar, where we drank local wine and learned traditional Serbian dances.

We also took a guided tour of the Zemun neighborhood that sits across the water. Zemun was once a separate city and is still a unique enclave in Belgrade. 

Guides also offer tours that are subject specific, like the Communist Tour, which details what Belgrade was like during the 20th century. The contemporary Street Art Tour offers a present look at Belgrade and participants are led through the city on electric scooters. 

 

Tram 2 City Tour

For a quick tour around Belgrade sans-guide, hop on Tram 2. The route loops through the city in both directions, passing Kalemegdan Fortress, the Old Town and Slavija Square. Tickets are inexpensive and the tram is a fun way to see the sights and watch Belgrade locals go about their day.

 

#2 Explore the Belgrade Fortress

The Belgrade Fortress – also called Kalemegdan – is the most historic part of Belgrade. The fort and Kalemegdan Park stand atop a cliff looking over the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers. There are recorded mentions of a civilization living within the walls of a fort on the same spot as early as the 3rd century BC.

Through the centuries, the fort was expanded and destroyed – and the site of many battles. Today, it’s a recreational space for residents and tourists, alike.

 

Sunset at the Fortress in Belgrade

With winding paths, towering monuments and plenty of viewpoints, spending time at the Belgrade Fortress is a leisurely way to idle away an afternoon. It’s also the spot for watching the sunset, which ranks as one of the best Belgrade things to do!

There are a few cafes at the fort, but you can bring your own beverages and snacks. Simply find space along the fortress wall to watch the sun sink into the horizon.

 

#3 Visit Serbian Orthodox Churches

There are many religious buildings in Belgrade, but the most impressive – and the most important to the Belgradian people – are the Serbian Orthodox Churches. From historic to unfinished, the churches are top Belgrade tourist attractions. But, bear in mind that the churches are also where people come to pray and peacefully light candles, so always be respectful.

 

Best Churches in Belgrade

During our Belgrade trip, we wandered into a hefty number of churches. However, these five Belgrade Serbian Orthodox Churches are the ones we enjoyed visiting the most.

 

St. Sava Temple

At the top of any list of Things To Do Belgrade, the Temple of Saint Sava is a must-see sight. Dedicated to St. Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the massive St. Sava Temple – one of the largest churches in the world – sits above the city on the Vracar plateau.

Construction started in 1935, but due to conflicts, it was never completed. Building resumed in 1985 and in 1989 the central dome was successful added. Today, the exterior is finally complete, but the interior remains unfinished and the plateau is said to be crumbling beneath the weight. Despite all of this, Saint Sava Temple is very much open. In fact, the space can accommodate 10,000 visitors and an additional 800 singers in the choir at one time!

 

St. Michael’s Cathedral

One of the most important Serbian Orthodox Churches in Belgrade, St. Michael’s Cathedral was built in the 19th century. The soaring bell tower can be seen from various points in the city center. The iconostasis glitters with gold and the ornate frescoes painted on the interior walls illustrate stories from the bible.

 

St. Mark Church

Styled after the Gracanica Monastery in Kosovo, St. Mark’s was built between 1931 and 1940, however, the interior remains a constant work in progress. Completed are the iconostasis, a few mosaics and two small areas featuring tombs.

 

Ruzica Church

The Ruzica Church is tucked along the outside of the western wall of the Belgrade Fortress. It was built in the 18th century on the same site as a previous church, which was destroyed by the Turks in 1521. It’s unique feature is the two chandeliers that are made from bullet shells.

 

St. Petka Chapel

The small St. Petka Chapel built in 1937 has an interior completely decorated with tiled mosaics. St. Petka is located next to Ruzica Church in the Lower City of the Belgrade Fortress.

 

About Serbian Orthodox Churches

For those who have never been in a Serbian Orthodox Church, there are a few notable differences from Catholic and other Christian places of worship. In Serbian Orthodox Churches there are no chairs or pews, frescoes cover most of the walls and a decorated iconostasis (a screen) separates the nave from the sanctuary.

When locals come to pray, they often kiss the door on entry, purchase a bundle of tall, yellow candles and then move from one altar to the next, kissing the picture of the saint they are praying to. The candles are placed and lit in a tray of sand on the upper or lower level – upper if praying for someone still living, lower if praying for someone deceased. 

 

#4 Discover the Best Museums in Belgrade

Museums are a fabulous way to learn about the culture of a place – and Belgrade, Serbia is no exception. There are a number of Belgrade museums for travelers to visit – and we are highlighting a few of the best. 

 

Nikola Tesla Museum

We challenge anyone to visit Belgrade and not hear about Nikola Tesla. Serbia claims Tesla as a sort of national hero. At the Nikola Tesla Museum visitors can learn about the scientist’s inventions and experiments. 

 

Military Museum

Located at the Kalemegdan Fortress, the Military Museum features exhibitions from past wars, including weapons, uniforms and artifacts. A ticket is required to see the interior displays, however, the tanks and military equipment just outside is open to the public for free. 

 

National Museum in Belgrade

The National Museum is another one of the Belgrade top attractions. The collection is inclusive of masterpiece paintings, ancient coins, an Egyptian mummy and Serbian relics. A ticket is required, except on Sundays when it is free to visit. 

 

#5 See the Sights on Republic Square

Marking the heart of the city, Republic Square is one of the top places to visit in Belgrade, Serbia. The area is unsurprisingly surrounded by a mish-mash of architecture – from opulent to modern – with an equestrian statue of Prince Michael standing near the center.

The top things to see in Belgrade’s Square of the Republic are the previously mentioned National Museum and the National Theater. The extravagant Belgrade National Theater, which dates to the year 1868, hosts a variety of stage performances, including opera, ballet and drama. 

Republic Square is also a busy Belgrade transit hub – more than 20 bus and trolley lines navigate through the space. 

 

#6 Walk Knez Mihailova and Sava Promenade

The pedestrianized Knez Mihailova is a must-see in Belgrade. Ranking as the prettiest street in the old city, Knez Mihailova (or Kneza Mihaila) is lined with opulent architecture. Long known as Belgrade’s premier shopping street, the area boasts numerous boutique shops, name-brand fashions and chic cafes. 

The Sava Promenade at Belgrade Waterfront, the city’s glitzy new riverside development, is another interesting place to parade about. While the shiny Galerija Mall and soon to be completed 42 story Belgrade Tower look entirely out of place versus the rest of the city, it’s a popular place to see and be seen.

 

#7 Stroll around Belgrade Botanic Garden

The Jevremovac Botanical Garden is an oasis of lush greenery and blossoming flowers in a city that consists mostly of concrete and pavement. The beautiful park, which is both a listed natural and cultural monument, ranks as one of the top tourist attractions in Belgrade. Yet, the entry fee is relatively inexpensive. 

The highlight of the park is the ornate Japanese Garden, which features koi ponds, waterfalls and small shrines. Also not to be missed is the glass greenhouse, where tropical plants and desert cactus thrive.

The history of the Belgrade Botanical Gardens can be traced to the late 1800s. Today, the park welcomes visitors and sometimes hosts special events. 

 

#8 Shop at Belgrade Green Markets

There are plenty of shopping opportunities in Belgrade. However, for a real Belgrade shopping experience, we recommend going to the Green Markets. Outdoors and under tin roofs and tents, individual stalls offer everything from fresh produce to deodorant to leather jackets to used TV remotes.

During our trip to Belgrade, we marveled over the heaps of colorful vegetables and gaped at the random trinkets available for sale. Watching the people was even more intriguing. Men stood around empty market stalls playing chess, women whispered and laughed and salesmen tried to sell us everything from fresh fish to antique cameras.

 

#9 Experience the Belgrade Sea at Ada Ciganlija

Once an island in the middle of the Sava River, Ada Ciganlija is now a peninsula and a favorite summertime recreation spot. Stretching for nearly 4 miles, the waterfront nature zone is inclusive of a lake, a beach, numerous sporting activities, fantastic restaurants and lively bars. Nicknamed the Belgrade Sea, Ada is certainly one of the unusual things to do in Belgrade!

 

#10 Go to The Avala Tower

The Avala Tower stands atop Avala Mountain outside of the city limits, but remains one of the best Belgrade sights. The tower features two viewing platforms; the lower level is indoors with a café and the upper level is open air with has glass partitions.

An elevator whisks visitors to the platforms for 360 degree views of the area and ranks as one of the best Belgrade day trips. The current tower, which stands 670-feet-tall, is a replica of the original telecommunications tower built in 1965 that was destroyed in the NATO bombardment. 

 

Getting to Avala Tower from Belgrade

In the summer, a public bus takes visitors from central Belgrade up the hill to the base of the tower. Getting to the tower outside of the summer season, however, is a little complicated. Travelers without a car will likely need to take two buses. Consult this site for more information – but check with the driver to ensure you are headed in the right direction!

Alternatively, travelers can visit the Avala Tower as part of a full day Belgrade tour – like this highly rated Belgrade Big Tour. 

 

More Day Trips from Belgrade

A day trip from Belgrade to Avala Tower is not the only possible excursion for visitors. In fact, there are numerous opportunities for travelers to go on several different Belgrade Day Trips.

The grand riverside Golubac Fortress is one of the top things to see near Belgrade. Some of the best regional destinations are Nis, Novi Sad, Sremski Karlovci and Pannonia. For an active adventure during summer in Belgrade, go on an exciting kayaking trip on the Danube River. 

---

 

Best Belgrade Restaurants and Bars

We have showcased what to do in Belgrade, Serbia – now it’s time to talk about what to eat and where to drink. We absolutely love Balkan cuisine, so we were excited to seek out the best places to eat in Belgrade!

 

Most Amazing Belgrade Food

Vegetarians beware: Belgrade is a carnivorous city. From fast food stands to traditional taverns, they crank out copious amounts of grilled meat. Seriously, you can’t go wrong when ordering meat in Belgrade, but to aid in the number of choices, we are sharing a few of the best foods to try. 

 

Pljeskavica

Similar to a hamburger and usually stuffed with cheese, Pljeskavica is the epitome of Belgrade fast food. The grilled meat patty is made with a combination of minced pork, beef and lamb. 

Pljeskavica, which is one of the National Dishes of Serbia, is best served on lepinja bread and topped with ajvar (red pepper sauce), onions and kajmak (cream). 

 

Karadorde Steak

One of the best things to eat in Belgrade is Karadorde Steak. The traditional dish consists of rolled veal (or pork) that is stuffed with kajmak. The meat is then breaded and deep-fried…and it’s utterly terrible for your heart and wonderful on your tastebuds.

 

Burek

A flaky, meat-filled pastry, which serves as a staple throughout the Balkans, Burek is one of our favorite Belgrade foods. It’s available at every bakery and acceptable to eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner or late-night snack. It is often accompanied by yogurt (to drink and aid in digestion), but we prefer it plain.

 

Must-Try Belgrade Restaurants

We ate at many, many restaurants in Belgrade, but are keeping the highlights to just two of the best! 

 

“?” Tavern (Znak PItanja)

The oldest tavern in Belgrade, the ‘Question Mark’ Tavern serves traditional cuisine in a historical setting. It’s slightly touristy, but the staff are friendly and the interior is cozy. Plus, they often have live folk music (and there’s outdoor seating in the summer).

 

Restaurant Cubura

Hidden outside the center, finding Cubura is half the fun! Tucked into a garden setting east of St. Sava Temple, the restaurant is a favorite local eatery – and the grilled meat is the shining star of the menu.

 

Best Belgrade Bars and Cafes

Belgrade kafanas are traditional cafes and bars – and they are abundant. In our opinion, there is no better way to try to make sense of Belgrade than to join the locals in one of the smoke-filled rooms.

Coffee is always available – and always cheap. Beer is also cheap and on every menu. Lav and Jelen are the most popular beers in Belgrade. For a real taste of Belgrade, try the rakija; it’s even better if it’s homemade. The potent liquor is strong and gives a good punch to the stomach…kind of like Belgrade itself. Rakija usually comes in a shot glass, but it’s meant to be sipped!

 

Craft Beer in Belgrade

When looking for Serbian craft beer, we veered toward Samo Pivo and never wanted to leave! However, there are actually several craft breweries and beer bars in Belgrade. We found a few hidden gems and you can read about them all in our Belgrade Craft Beer Guide.

 

Things To Do in Belgrade at Night: Party on a Splav

Belgrade is absolutely known for its vibrant nightlife. The locals don’t just party in warehouses, clubs and bars, but on splavs, floating river barges permanently tethered to the shore. Partying on a splav is one of the best things to do in Belgrade at night! 

Each splav features a different style and theme, often with matching dress codes. Many of these nightclubs-on-water are only open on weekends, with the party not truly getting underway until after midnight.

Since we seldom party to dawn, we thought we might have to take a pass on the splav experience, but not all of the boats are nightclubs. One that suited our style was Lemon Chili, a brightly decorated and laid back splav that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As a bonus, the menu offers a break from the usual beefy options and the cocktails are reasonably priced (two thumbs up for the house specialty, Lemon Chili cocktail). 

For a big night out in Belgrade (as well as a chance to meet fellow travelers and get local tips), join a Pub Crawl, which is great for travelers who want to party the night away.

---

 

Plan Your Trip to Belgrade, Serbia

We have shared our best Belgrade sightseeing tips for your visit, but we some additional advice that will help as you plan the details of your trip!

 

Where to Stay in Belgrade

Belgrade, Serbia offers a range of accommodations for travelers – from luxury hotels to humble hostels. We share our top accommodation tips in our article, Best Hotels for Cheap. 

During our visit to Belgrade, we stayed an Airbnb Apartment, which suited for our nearly month-long stay. Those staying just a few days in Belgrade, however, will likely prefer to stay in a hotel. 

The famous and historic Hotel Moskva is a the most elegant hotel in Belgrade – and staying at the grandiose property may be worth it if it fits into your budget and style.

For a modern and chic Belgrade hotel, stay at Boutique Hotel Townhouse 27 or the posh Square Nine Hotel Belgrade. 

Need a cheap place to stay in Belgrade? Budget travelers can stay at one of the highly-rated Belgrade Hostels.

 

Getting To Belgrade

Belgrade can be reached by plane, train, boat, bus or car. The Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) is 10 miles west of the city center. It is served by most major European airlines and low-cost carriers. Use our Tips for Finding the Best Priced Flights – and then start your search on Skyscanner.

Despite a fairly new railway station, train travel to Belgrade is sparse, at best. Many lines have been discontinued in recent years. Buses are an economical way to get to Belgrade – especially when already traveling within the Balkans. 

We aren’t keen on driving abroad, but renting a car can often save time and money (especially when traveling with more than two people) – and having a car rental allows for greater discovery.  

 

What To Pack for Belgrade, Serbia

Our final tips are all about what to pack for your trip to Serbia. We share all of our advice on our Travel Packing Page, but for now grab your Free Packing Checklist!

 

Sturdy Shoes

Belgrade is a walkable city…but sidewalks are crumbling and escalators seldom work. So, make sure you have the right travel shoes! Don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable walking shoes for your trip to Belgrade. On our visit, I wore comfy trainers and Kris preferred wearing trail shoes by Merrell.

 

Travel Camera

Rather than relying on your phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual camera for high quality photos. We travel with a Canon Rebel, which takes amazing photos, comes with loads of accessories and is a fantastic budget camera.

 

Day Pack

You will need to carry a good travel day bag for long days of sightseeing in Belgrade. We like to wear small backpacks with zippered compartments where we can stow a good city map, guidebook, travel umbrella and sunscreen.

 

Balkan Trip Insurance

Travel insurance may help if plans go awry; such as canceled flights, illness or lost luggage. If you haven’t already obtained insurance for your trip, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.

 

Travel Planner

As you make plans for your Belgrade trip, organization is key. Use our Travel Planning Printables to stay on top of the important details of your vacation.

 

Start planning your trip to Serbia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

Best of the Balkans

Visiting more of the Balkans? We’ve been traveling the region for over a decade! We share our honest advice in our free travel guides.

• How To Plan a Trip to Croatia
• Things To Do in Sarajevo and Mostar, Bosnia Herzegovina
• What To Do in Dubrovnik, Zagreb and Split, Croatia
• Best of Kotor, Montenegro
• Travel to Pristina and Prizren, Kosovo
• What To See in Ljubljana, Slovenia
• Top Sights in Skopje, North Macedonia 
• Best Two Weeks in Greece
• 7 Day Romania Itinerary

 

 

Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board.