As a local I’ve written many posts on Belgrade and its cool and free attractions. This time I decided to write a Belgrade travel guide but in a different format. It’s ideal if you want to save some places to your Foursquare app or just bookmark it for later use.
Transport
BusPlus Card – The best way for tourists to move around Belgrade is with non personalized BusPlus card. It costs 250 RSD and you can top it with as many rides as you want. The single fare is 89 RSD and is valid for 90 minutes. With this card you can also buy a 1-day pass (250 RSD), 3-day pass (700 RSD) or 5-day pass (1000 RSD). You can top the card at any kiosk in the city and you validate it when inside the bus.
Walk – Yeah, Belgrade is not that big and many attractions can be seen on foot. Chances are, you might not even need the public transportation.
Here are more details on how to get around in Belgrade.
Attractions
Belgrade Fortress – This is Belgrade’s number one tourist attraction. It offers a fantastic view of the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers and is home to many cultural and historical attractions. Must sees are: Ružica church and Sveta Petka Church, Nebojša Tower, the Victor monument, Roman Well, Kalemegdan Park, the Military Museum and the Monument of Gratitude to France.
Republic Square and Knez Mihailova Street – Republic Square with its statue of Prince Mihailo is a famous meeting point for Belgraders. The square is also home to the National Museum and the National Theatre. Knez Mihailova is the main pedestrian zone in Belgrade with many notable landmarks on the way, restaurants and shops.
Terazije Square – Another famous central square in Serbian capital. Home to famous Hotel Moscow, Palace Albania and Terazije Terrace.
Savamala – Belgrade’s cultural hub and one of the best neighborhoods in Europe according to Business Insider. Here you’ll find cultural centers, bars, designer stores etc. Very popular among young people and hipsters.
Skadarlija – Now a totally different kind of neighborhood… this is a Serbian version of Montmartre. It’s an old bohemian quarter with cobbled lanes, taverns and restaurants. They mostly serve traditional Serbian food. It’s a very touristy place but if you want to have that experience don’t miss it.
Zemun – Many tourists skip this part of the city but if you’re staying longer, don’t miss the chance to walk across Zemun Quay and see Gardos Tower.
Ada Ciganlija – Ada is a river island on Sava River and a popular oasis for locals especially in summer. It offers many sport activities and entertainment. You can rent a bike, go water skiing, jogging or play beach volleyball.
Kosan?i?ev Venac – This neighborhood is very central, yet so many people don’t get a chance to see it. It’s an old part of the city with cobbled streets and beautiful houses. I recommend a walk around the neighborhood and along the way you’ll also see the Cathedral Church and Princess Ljubica’s Residence. If you’re a history buff, you can also see the ruins of the National Library which was destroyed during the German bombing of Belgrade in 1941.
Slavija Square – One of the largest, busiest and ugliest squares in Belgrade. Currently it’s under renovation so maybe the last thing will change 🙂 Anyway, you won’t miss it if you happen to go to Nikola Tesla museum or St. Sava Church.
New Palace and Old Palace – The New Palace is the seat of the president of Serbia and the Old one houses the City Assembly.
Royal Palace – The official residence of the Karadjordjevic Royal Family. The palace is open for visitors but you must previously register with the Tourist Organization of Belgrade. For more info click here.
St. Sava Church – The largest Orthodox church in the world.
Museums
Nikola Tesla Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art – Currently closed due to reconstruction.
National Museum – Central building and its exhibition space is also closed due to reconstruction.
Museum of Nikola Tesla – One of Belgrade’s most notable museums exhibiting the life and work of Nikola Tesla. Coming here without a tour is pretty much useless but luckily museum offers free guided tours every hour in Serbian and English. You just need to pay the entrance fee.
Museum of Yugoslav History – This museum exhibits the cultural heritage of Yugoslavia. There are many interesting installations and photographs and a big part is dedicated to Yugoslavia’s leader Tito. Do not miss the House of Flowers which is located behind the museum as Tito’s grave is located there.
Historical Museum of Serbia – This museum is among my top 3 at the moment in Belgrade. Lately they’ve had some surprisingly innovative exhibitions.
Military Museum – Ironically this one holds more history than the Historical Museum and is much bigger. It’s set in Belgrade fortress and there’s an outer exhibition with tanks and other armory.
Honorable mentions
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The Camp at Banjica
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Museum of the Yugoslav Film Archive
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Museum of African Art
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Nebojsa Tower
Parks and Recreation
Kosutnjak Forest
Kalemegdan Park – City’s largest park and a well-known tourist attraction.
Student’s Park – Surrounded by many faculties and cultural institutions this park mostly attracts younger crowds. It’s especially popular during summer nights where people gather for chit chat and some drinks.
Tasmajdan Park – Another beautiful park which was recently renovated. St. Marko’s church is located here and the park borders one of city’s largest streets – Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra.
Kosutnjak – A park-forest ideal for escaping city’s busy life.
Sport Center Milan Gale Muskatirovic – Good for swimming.
Where to Stay
HotelsCombined is a great hotel price comparison site. Check out hotels in Belgrade.
Another great site is Booking.com. I usually finalize all my bookings there.
Eating
City Markets – Serbs favor organic foods and markets are the best place to stock up on vegetables, fruits, cheese and other products from various parts of the country. The most famous ones are: Kalenic, Zeleni Venac and Bajloni.
Tri Sesira – Traditional Serbian restaurant in a famous bohemian quarter of the city – Skadarlija.
Moon Sushi – Great service and even better sushi.
InterGalactic Diner – Food is average, but the atmosphere is better. It’s an American style diner with a jukebox next to each table. Cool for hanging out with a group.
Via Del Gusto – Nice Italian restaurant in Knez Mihailova street.
Garden Food – Salads, soups and sandwiches. Ideal for a light lunch.
Radost – Vegetarian and vegan restaurant. Great food and a nice atmosphere. Book upfront or you risk not getting a table.
Prolece – Another traditional Serbian restaurant. Good food and budget friendly.
Sakura – Fantastic Japanese restaurant. To get the most out of the place, have a late lunch, grab a table on the terrace and enjoy the sunset view of the river and the city. And your food! 🙂
Tel Aviv Hummus House – Israeli fast food joint with great falafel sandwiches and other vegan options.
Dijagonala 2.0 – Stylish fine-dining spot with an interesting menu.
Burger House – Probably the best burger in town.
Burrito Madre – Mexican fast food joint. Nice burritos.
Zapata – Cozy and budget-friendly Mexican restaurant.
Luda kuca – Chinese fast food and my guilty pleasure. 🙂
Drinking & Nightlife
Cetinjska Street – The most popular nightlife district in Belgrade at the moment. My favorite bars are: Zaokret, Dvoristance, Kenozoik.
Supermarket Concept Store – Great for a drink in the evening (go to one in Toplicin Venac, as there are a few). During daytime hours you’ll find clothes from Serbian designers and other cool, unique stuff.
Meduza – Awesome bar, music and people. The atmosphere is at its best at night but it’s also cool during the day when you can do some work from your laptop or just enjoy a cup of coffee.
Bar Central – The best place for cocktails.
Wine Art Podrum – Nice wine bar and food.
KC Grad – An art gallery and a night club with great events. Exhibitions, discussions, concerts – you’ll find everything here.
Samo Pivo – Rich selection of craft beers from Serbia and abroad.
Rakia Bar – If you want to try the national drink of Serbia come here.
Club 20/44 – Great club on the Sava river.
The Globe Trotters Club – One of Belgrade’s secret bars with an interesting decor.
Muha – Jazz bar in Kralja Petra street. Nice for an evening drink.
Ljubicica – Bar located inside an apartment. Limited menu but cool atmosphere. Address is Prizrenska 11/6.
Mikser House – Mikser organizes many cool events and is a great place for an evening drink (especially in summer).
Drugstore – One of the most popular Serbian and European underground clubs.
Coffee
Koffein – Nice place for having a cup of coffee or tea. They have few locations, the one in Cara Lazara street is the best.
Boutique – Always crowded but it’s a good spot for tourists for a coffee break.
Kafeterija – Hipster coffee place.
Amelie – Cozy and cute French cafe.
Barista Coffee Shop – Delicious takeaway coffee.
Apropo – Nice little bookstore where you can sit and enjoy a cup of tea.
Elixir Bar – Smoothies and milkshakes.
Shopping
Usce Shopping Center – Belgrade’s biggest and busiest shopping mall.
Delta City Shopping Center – Another big shopping mall but less crowded than Usce.
Belgrade Design District – Fashion, arts and crafts. You’ll find many things from young and creative designers. Address: ?umi?evo soka?e.
Supermarket Concept Store – Another cool clothing store and a bar/restaurant.
Mikser House – This venue organizes many thematic festivals where you can buy different things from designer clothes to photography equipment etc.
Knez Mihailova Street – The main pedestrian street is also one of Belgrade’s most popular shopping destinations.
Festivals and Events
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Belgrade Dance Festival
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Belgrade International Film Festival FEST
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International Science Festival
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Free Zone Film Festival
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Belgrade Beer Festival
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Belgrade Marathon
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Mikser Festival
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Museum Night
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Belgrade Summer Festival
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Belgrade Jazz Festival
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Film Street