Belgrade, Serbia’s historic capital city, is an emerging travel destination with so much to offer travellers. Scroll down to our guide below for some of the best things to do in Belgrade.
I visited Belgrade in 2016 and it truly felt like a city on the rise. It’s the kind of place where amongst the historic architecture and attractions you’ll be able to find corners with a dose of bohemian life, a trendy arts scene, and an intriguing culture (with lots of great food and coffee along the way). Belgrade is also a perfect city is you’re travelling Europe on a budget. Here’s all you need to know in this guide on the top things to do in Belgrade.
Visit Belgrade for the endless historical sites
Start your day off right in Belgrade and hit up some of the major historical attractions around Republic Square. Here in the city centre is where you’ll find some of the top things to do in Belgrade. Pay a visit to the National Theatre and then check out the National Museum, which is the oldest museum in the city.
Skadarlija-Skadarska Street is a long pedestrian street also by the Belgrade city centre. This popular and scenic street is a sight in itself because of the history, as this was the original bohemian quarter of Belgrade. Here you’ll find endless options for restaurants and cafés to people-watch and take in the vibe throughout the day and in the evening.
Dive deep into your history lesson in Belgrade at the Museum of Yugoslav History, complete with permanent collections on the Kingdom of Yugoslavia (1918-1941) to the Soviet period post WW2. The religion in Belgrade is mostly Orthodox, and here you’ll find the largest Orthodox cathedral in the world, the Temple of Saint Sava. The Saint Sava Cathedral is definitely one of the top attractions in Belgrade and is arguably the most beautiful and recognizable building in the city. Bring your camera!
And make sure to experience some of Serbian modern history at the Nikola Tesla Museum, one of the best things to do in Belgrade. Tesla is one of the most famous Serbians and a visit to this museum is a must on your Belgrade itinerary. Free guided tours are held hourly and last about 45 minutes, complete with interactive exhibits where you’ll learn about Tesla’s life and contributions to science and technology.
Want to try a walking tour in Belgrade? The best free walking tour of Belgrade starts at Republic Square and the History and Heritage free walking tour takes you to all the popular Belgrade attractions.
Check out Belgrade’s remarkable coffee scene
Dating back to the Ottoman Period in this part of the Balkans, coffee culture was introduced here in Serbia. This local favourite is basically a Turkish-style coffee, where the fine grind coffee beans are simmered and served unfiltered in a tiny cup.
Fun fact: Belgrade was the first city in Europe to have a coffee house! So if you’re a coffee fan, these are a must-do in Belgrade. Known as “kafana”, these places in Belgrade didn’t serve food or alcohol but exclusively black, Turkish-style coffee. For years, the city’s top events were held at the local kafanas. You can still find some great kafanas in Belgrade today, and they serve food and beverages on top of this iconic drink. For one of the best cups of coffee in Belgrade, try Kafana Question Mark, located in a traditional Ottoman-style building (look for the ? sign).
Discover Europe’s most walkable cities
Wander Belgrade’s best parks
Located near the city centre, Kalemegdan Park holds some of the top attractions in Belgrade, including the famous Belgrade Fortress by the Danube River. Come here during the day to enjoy this huge park with impressive sights throughout, like the Underground Tunnels. The Fortress lit up in the evening is an impressive sight, and locals and tourists alike come to the area for the viewpoint.
One of Belgrade’s best parks is Tasmajdan Park, which is a great place to relax and walk any time of the day. Be sure to check out St. Mark’s Church near the park’s main entrance. Tasmajdan Park was my favourite place to go in the evenings and dine at an outdoor restaurant, read a book, and people watch.
If you have some more time on your visit to Belgrade, head over to New Belgrade (known as Novi Belgrade) to Zemun. It’s just across the water from the Belgrade city centre and Fortress, with the Danube River to the north and the Sava River to the west. This area wasn’t originally part of Belgrade until 1934, but many people prefer this section of the city, with plenty of shops, cafes, historic attractions, and restaurants to explore.
Belgrade’s top foods
Belgrade is home to some unique cuisine and you can’t help but indulge on your trip. From warm veggie-friendly stews in the winter to some simple and delicious late-night eats, here’s some of the best food to try on your visit to Belgrade.
Cevapcici – Serbia’s national dish
If you want a dose of Serbian home cooking, try cevapcici. This dish is a set of minced meat sausages served in a piece of bread with onions, cabbage, and sauce on the side. Some of the best restaurants to go for this include Drama Cevapi and Kalemegdanska Terasa restaurant by the Belgrade Fortress.
Burek
Burek is Belgrade’s famous and simple food, consisting of flatbread stuffed with meat or cheese. It’s a popular late-night food in this city of bustling nightlife, so you’re sure to find burek’s throughout the city to sample on your trip. Head to Petrovic Bakery in Zemun for some of the best burek’s Belgrade has to offer.
Knedle
Knedle is a top specialty Serbian dessert. It’s kind of like a sweet dumpling, made with mashed potato on the outside with a plum inside. You can find all kinds of types like knedle with Nutella, coconut, or cherry on the inside. Travellers can find them in little boutique shops in and around the city, and one recommended place to try this famous dessert is at Ferdinand Knedle.
Visit Belgrade’s ‘green markets’
Although not on a typical to-do list, a visit to the daily markets in Belgrade is a must if you’re looking for a more local experience. The top markets include Zeleni Venac and Kalenic. Come here for all the fresh produce, fish and seafood, specialty cheeses, plants, jams, teas, and much more. If you’re in the city centre, try Bajloni Green Market which is just a short walk from Republic Square.
Where to stay in Belgrade
Budget-friendly hotels in Belgrade
I stayed at 1001 Nights Hostel and I was happy to see that the hostel is one of the top-rated hostels in Belgrade. I can definitely vouch for it. There’s a homey feel to this place with a little deck, a convenient little kitchen for cooking, and clean and basic rooms. The owner was so welcoming and friendly and really knowledgeable about amazing things to do in Belgrade. Guests are also served a cup of Serbian coffee in the morning! It’s located right across from Tasmajdan Park, with a few great cafes and restaurants just within a short walking distance.
For a cheap place to stay right next to the main Belgrade attractions, try In Old Shoes Hostel. There’s also Reveller’s Hostel in the bohemian quarter which has great reviews.
Mid-range and luxury hotels
Hotel Moskva is probably the most luxurious (and iconic) hotel stays on a visit to Belgrade. They have great spa services and there’s also a bar on-site. The hotel is located in the centre and near Belgrade’s top attractions and things to do during your trip. A recommended mid-range hotel option is the Bridge Apart Hotel in the Old Town of Belgrade. Another great mid-range option is Hostel Wake Up, which is more like a guesthouse than a hostel. There are no dorms here, but guests can enjoy the cozy double rooms.
Discover more hotels and great deals on accommodation in Belgrade using the search box below.
Getting in and out
The main airport in Belgrade, Serbia is Nikola Tesla International Airport. If you’re coming to Belgrade from the EU, you can take the train to/from Hungary. The ride is beautiful during the day with great views of the Hungarian countryside.
More Belgrade travel tips
The local currency in Belgrade is the Serbian Dinar. You can withdraw local currency at many of the city’s ATMs and exchange your euros at numerous money changers around Belgrade.
