Your Last BordersTHINGS TO DO IN BELGRADE
Belgrade, home to 1.1 million inhabitants, is Serbia’s largest and capital city. This historial hub was once run by the Ottoman and the Austro Hungarian to then become the capital of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and the Socialist State of Yugoslavia. Consequently, among the best things to do in Belgrade you’ll find mosques and foretresses, but also European-style palaces, and many museums showcasing every stage of the country’s journey.
Belgrade also played an important role in the regions’ recent wars, causing devastation abroad and suffering NATO bombings on its very own skin. Learning about both sides of the story is a must among what to do in Belgrade.
Leaving the past behind, every Belgrade tourist will have a blast enjoying the city’s restaurant and party scene, considered one of the best in Europe. Located at the stunning confluence between Danube and Sava rivers, Belgrade offers a cool promenade with endless cafes, bars, and taverns. Moreover, this is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing walk, a sunset cruise, or a picnic in one of the nearby parks.
Belgrade is a cool destination and a perfect place to further explore Serbia or include in a longer Balkan trip. Whichever your travel plans are, this Belgrade travel guide contains everything you need to know to have the best time when visiting Belgrade.
Best touristic things to do in Belgrade
1. Explore Kalemegdan Fortress
Kalemegdan Fortress, also known as Belgrade Fortress, is an old citadel built on top of a park overlooking the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. It was first built by the celts in 279 BC, yet today’s structure is from the 17th century. Back in the days, the fortress used to surround and protect the entire city. Although Belgrade has long outgrown it, most of the fortress is still standing and it now hosts the Military Museum, Ruzica Church, and Belgrade’s Observatory. Thus, it’s a cultural monument of exceptional importance in Serbia and one of the city’s most beloved cultural heritage sites.
This Belgrade must see is also the largest green space in town, which makes it a popular hangout to relax, have a picnic, and take in the best views over the city. Get ready to see couples enjoying sunset, elderly playing chess, and friends living their best life.
The fortress is open 24/7 and free to visit. And so is its Ruzica Church, the oldest in the city and a popular wedding hub. This church was first mentioned in the 1400s and has since been demolished and rebuilt several times. The latest in the 19th century, although further restored after WWI. Make sure to go inside to appreciate its chandeliers made out of WWI bayonet blades and shell casings.
On the contrary, the Military Museum has an entrance fee of $3.20 and spend from 10am to 5pm Tuesday-Sunday. Here you’ll find ancient Greek and Roman weapons, medieval armours, antique cannons, deactivated mines, German panzers and torpedoes, and even some NATO equipment and cluster bombs captured in 1999. Likewise, those willing to visit the oldest astronomical society in the Balkans will need to pay an entrance fee and schedule their visit Monday to Friday from 8am to 4.30pm.
2. Admire the Church of Saint Sava
Saint Sava is a 13th century Serbian prince and Orthodox monk venerated as a family protector across the Eastern Orthodox Church. He is known as the Enlighteer, as he founded the Serbian law, worked as a diplomat, and was the first ever Serbian archbishop.
In 1595, during a Serb uprising when Belgrade was under Ottoman rule, the Ottomans burnt the remains of Saint Sava. Something the Serbs have never forgotten. Thus, a few centuries later, in 1935, constructions of Saint Sava church began on that very same spot. Although the church is still under construction, the exterior is already finished. And makes one of the most recognisable must see in Belgrade attractions.
Saint Sava is the largest Orthodox Church in the Balkans and one of the nicest. It’s 79 meters high, has over 50 bells, its walls are laden in gold, and hosts many blue domes. The largest among them weighs 4,000 tons and locals state lifting it to its current position took almost 40 days. Although the interior remains under construction, it’s possible to visit both the ground floor and the crypt. Inside the church you’ll find spectacular frescos and white granite and marble walls. There is no entry fee. Yet, as in every orthodox church, it’s common to buy three candles. These are to honuor the dead, the living, and the generations to come.
3. Walk along Knez Mihailova Street
Named after a Serbian prince who ruled the country in the 19th century, Knez Mihailova is the main pedestrian and shopping street in Belgrade. Therefore, it’s an unmissable spot in every Belgrade visit. This kilometer-long street begins by the Kalemegdan Fortress and ends past the Republic Square. Thus, it’s one of the oldest parts of the city. And also one of the most valuable, as it hosts stunning buildings from the 19th century. Among these, don’t miss the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, the Srpska Kruna Hotel, or the Ruski restaurant.
Walking down Knez Mihailova street is certainly one of the best things to do in Belgrade. Come in the morning to enjoy its neoclassical architecture. At noon to sort all your shopping needs. And in the evening for the best people watching in town. Cool bookshops, art galleries, and outdoor restaurants and cafes are also great reasons to include this street among the best places to visit in Belgrade. Additionally, Knez Mihailova is a protected area since 1964 and the most expensive street in Belgrade per square metre.
4. Explore the Republic Square
Republic Square is one of the main squares in Belgrade city center. The square is home to some of the most important attractions in Belgrade. These include the National Theatre, the National Museum, and the statue of Prince Mihailo on his horse. Therefore, Republic Square is a popular meeting spot among locals. And one of those places you will definitely find yourself at when you visit Belgrade.
The square is also the departing point of many walking tours, which are always a great option to get acquainted with the city and meet fellow travelers. You can check ongoing Belgrade walking tours here.
5. Photograph Stari Dvor and Novi Dvor
Stari Dvor means old palace in Serbian, while Novi Dvor stands for new palace. Thus, the next item among our Belgrade things to do are two beautiful palaces facing each other in one of Belgrade’s central squares.
The oldest belonged to the Obrenović dynasty and was built in the 1880s in Beaux-Arts style. Most of its interiors are imported directly from Vienna. The place is now the house of Belgrade’s city assembly and it’s not regularly open for visitors.
The newest, of revivalist style, dates from 1922 and belonged to the Karađorđević royal family. Despite being damaged during WWI, it has been fully restored. You’ll recognise it for its double store of ionic columns. The palace now serves as the residence of the Serbian President. Therefore, it’s also not regularly open to visitors.
6. Reflect at the National Assembly
Serbia is a country that has progressively reduced its size during the 20th century. Therefore, the current house os Serbian’s National Assembly used to include the current Kosovo territory not that long ago, and that of Montenegro a few years earlier. Moreover, before that, it was Yugoslavia’s parliament i.e. the place from where current Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Albania and North Macedonia were also ruled back in the days.
Regardless of its political relevance, this beautiful building in Beaux-Arts style is well worth two visits. One during the day and another at night as its lighting is quite spectacular. As it’s a functioning government building you won’t be able to get inside. Nevertheless, admiring its architecture is certainly one of the top things to do in Belgrade.
7. Visit the Museum of Yugoslavia and the House of Flowers
Those who have visited Bosnia Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Croatia and/or Slovenia would have noticed that neither its citizens nor current governments hold great memories of the Yugoslavian state. However, the story is quite different in Serbia. Serbians tend to fondly remember the good old times of the Yugoslavia Socialist state. Consequently, a museum to honour those times and, especially, its iconic leader Josip Broz Tito stands right in Belgrade’s city centre. This is the so-called museum of Yugoslavia.
The palace is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm and the entrance fee is $3.70. It’s a great place to learn more about communism, the history of Yugoslavia, and the life ot Tito. However, you won’t find much information on the Balkans war nor the state’s disintegration here. Inside, there’s over 200,000 artifacts in exhibition. There include each and every gift Tito received during its ruling. Among them, there are stunning items such as a rock from the moon brought on Apollo 11.
Additionally, in a nearby building named The house of Flowers, stands the final resting place of Tito himself. This is an important pilgrimage site in the country, and his marble grave is actually quite beautiful. History lovers should certainly include this visit on their Belgrade sightseeing.
8. Learn at the Nikola Tesla Museum
When hearing the word tesla many tend to think about the American brand of fancy electric cars. However, these electric cars actually bear the name of the Serbian man who discovered the rotating magnetic field, basis of most alternating-current machinery. And as he was Serbian, and probably the most popular modern Serb ever, he has his very own museum in Belgrade. It’s open from 10am to 8pm Tuesday to Sunday and from 10am to 6pm on Mondays and costs $4.60. Consider taking a guided tour in English. Engineering students from Belgrade University lead them and are a great way to learn even more about Tesla and his work.
Nikola Tesla was a physicist, inventor and electrical engineer who made world-class contributions to modern science. Both his personal life and major scientific inventions are showcased at the Nikola Tesla museum, one of the best places to visit in Belgrade. I genuinely loved it, and find it’s great for children too. Here you’ll find lots of his personal items, 3D renders, functioning reproductions, and much more.
9. Take a Sunset Cruise
One of the best things to do in Belgrade is take a sunset cruise along the river. Seeing a city from the water, in a completely new perspective, makes it even more beautiful and magical. Especially on a sunset cruise, which departs late in the afternoon and returns at dusk. This way, one gets to enjoy different lighting over the city’s most iconic buildings, including the golden hour, sunset, and the city’s night lights. An amazing way to enjoy Belgrade’s architecture.
Most tours are over an hour long. The boats tend to have a bar serving local wine, beer, and soft drinks along with snacks. You can book a Belgrade sunset cruise here. If you’d like to go on a boat tour but won’t make it at sunset, here you ca find some day boat trips in Belgrade.
10. Sample the best local Food
Among the many things to do in Serbia Belgrade, trying some delicious local food is a must. As it is the case all along the balkans, Serbian cuisine is meat-focused and tourists might have a hard time finding local vegetarian dishes. However, the city is home to many international restaurants that will delight vegetarians and vegans alike.
For those actually willing to try local dishes, make sure to sample some burek. This local pastry is filled with meat, cheese, and/or spinach and served hot or cold all day long. You’ll find it in any restaurants or bakery as locals love it all day round. Sarma, which are rolls of cabbage leaves stuffed with meat and vegetables, are also a must in every traditional Serbian meal. These are usually served as a starter or a side dish, and are perfect for sharing. Finally, cevapcici, the famous balkan skinless sausages of minced meat, are also really common in Serbia. You can read more about food in the Balkans in this Kosovo Food Guide.
If you are looking for the best restaurants in Belgrade where to have local food, my recommendations are Zavicaj Skardarlija, Znak Pitanja, and Sva Jelena. Another way of sampling many local dishes while learning about Serbian culture and potentially making new friends is by joining a Belgrade food tour. I’d love to take one on my next visit.
Best alternative things to do in Belgrade
11. Attend a show at the National Theatre
Belgrade’s National Theater, located in the city’s Republic Square, is one of those Belgrade places to visit that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Firstly, as a quick photoshop during your Belgrade sightseeing. Secondly, by means of a guided backstage tour taking you around the building’s highlights and its most unusual locations. Finally, and by all means my favorite, by getting attending one of its outstanding shows.
As almost every ex-socialist country, Serbia keeps its cultural standards really high and its prices really low. Therefore, one of the best things to do in Belgrade is put on your nicest outfit and join locals in a night out at the opera. You can check the ongoing shows here, and there’s usually theater, ballet and opera performances to every taste.
12. Feel like a bohemian in Skadarlija
Skardarlija is Belgrade’s bohemian quarter, Serbia’s equivalent to Montmartre in Paris. That is because back in the 1900s the place hosted several local famous yet cash-strapped painters, poets, musicians, writers, and historians. Nowadays though the are is fully focused on tourists and is home to some of the city’s nicest restaurants, cafes, and wine bars. Nevertheless, there’s many art galleries and antique shops still in place, make sure to explore some.
This beautiful bunch of cobbled pedestrian streets feel very different from the rest of the city center. Here you’ll find trees and benches in every street, and feel the smell of coffe and grilles meat in every corner. Skadarlija is way more laid-back and relaxed, which makes it one of those places to see in Belgrade that will stay for longer in your memory. And perhaps even the perfect place to book your accommodation in Belgrade.
13. Find the Sebilj by Hotel Moskva
Looking for more stunning buildings to complete your list of things to see in Belgrade? Then make Hotel Moskva your next stop in this Belgrade city tour. It’s one of the oldest functioning hotels in all of Serbia, and a proper icon of the city as it has hosted all sorts of personalities. Among its most famous hosts are Albert Einstein, Alfred Hitchcock, and Richard Nixon. Along with the Gestapo, who turned it into its head-quarters during WWII.
The place was built in 1908 in stunning art-nouveau in a prominent location within Belgrade. Nowadays, regardless of where you decide to enlarge their guestlist, walking around the hotel and enjoying a drink in its fine bar is a cool one among things to do in Belgrade.
Right in front of Hotel Moskova stands Belgrade’s Sebilj, one of the most unknown what to see in Belgrade spots. Sebiljs are ancient Ottoman fountains. There used to be one in every corner and locals used these for drinking and purification purposes.
The one in Belgrade, which happens to be the only remaining Sebilj in Serbia, was a gift from the city of Sarajevo. Therefore, it will come as no surprise that he fountain’s design is a proper replica, just is slightly darker colours, than the one in Sarajevo. Belgrade received this in 1989 and has since been functioning.
14. Shop at Zeleni Venac Farmers Market
Visiting farmers markets is one of my favorite things to do in every city. I love their look, smell, and free samples. Plus they make a great opportunity for people watching and chatting with locals. Therefore, I had to include a visit to Zeleni Venac among the best things to do in Belgrade.
Zeleni Venac is Belgrade’s best and biggest farmers market. Therefore, locals know it as the Queen of MArkets. This open-air maze of stalls stands by the main bus station and has been functional since 1847. Here you’ll find fresh local produce such as honey, jam, fruit, vegetables, cheese, and meats. And plenty of bakeries serving delicious burek, cakes, and local pastries.
Most of the vendors won’t speak English and will reject large bills, so practice your smile and bring some small change. The market open from 7am to 7pm Monday-Saturday and 7am to 5pm on Sundays. Schedule you visit on a Saturday to see the market at its fullest and liveliest version
15. Explore NATO bombed building
NATO’s bombed buildings are definitely not one of Belgrade top attractions. Yet, these are indeed one of the must see Belgrade sights due to its historical relevance.
Back in 1999 Serbia was undertaking a bloodshed and ethnic cleansing of Albanians during the Kosovo War and despite many warnings and condemnation by international organisations and agencies. NATO, although without the support of the UN, responded to these attacks bombing Serbia, especially certain areas of Belgrade. The ruins of the bombings have intentionally been left untouched to remember those terrible times and seeing them is an important part of discovering Belgrade and its past.
Some of the most famous NATO-bombed buildings are the old Yugoslav Ministry of Defence at the corner between Nemanjina and Kneza Milosa street, and the Radio Television of Serbia. Not exactly in the old town, but still east enough to reach by walk or public transportation. You won’t believe this is also Belgrade.
16. Admire St. Mark Ottoman Church in Tasmajdan Park
St. Mark’s Ottoman Church is a beautiful Serbo-Byzantine style church built in 1940 and dedicated to the Holy Apostle and Evangelist St. Mark. The church stands near Serbia’s National Assembly within one of the city’s nicest parks, Tasmajdan. Therefore, admiring this wonderful church while chilling in the park is one of the best things to do in Belgrade.
It replaces a wooden church destroyed by German bombs. Although the exterior has been completed for a long time, works inside are still ongoing. For instance, its iconostasis was only completed in the 1990s. This includes a mosaic of 130 meters which is the largest of its kind in the entire world. Similarly, work in the crypt began in 2007 and are et to be completed. When in the area, take some time to admire Tasmajdan’s park flowers and fountains, and to relax on its benches. It is so beautiful.
17. Visit Zemun
Most typical routes of Belgrade for tourists hardly depart the city’s oldtown. However, there’s way more to see at the other side of Danube and Sava rivers. Thus, I strongly recommend including a trip to Zemun among your Belgrade to-do list.
Zemun is the perfect place to walk by the Danube, ride a bike, feed the swans, relax in a restaurant, and enjoy some live music. This part of the city used to be a town of its own until 1934 and has kept a very different atmosphere. Zemun is much more relaxed than the rest of Belgrade. But it also hosts way more remnants from the 1999 NATO bombings. Here you’ll find cobblestone pedestrian streets, lower houses with red roofs, and some ruined buildings from a couple decades ago.
Make sure to visit the Gardos Tower when in the neighborhood. Also known as the millenium tower, it was built in 1896 to celebrate 1000 years of Hungarian rule in the area. Visitors can climb to the top for the best views over the Danube and visit a small exhibition on the history of Zemun.
18. Unwind at the Botanical Gardens
Belgrade’s Botanical Gardens date back to 1874 and stand in Dorcol, one of the oldest parts of the city. Although these are only open from 9am to 7pm and have an entrance fee of $2.30, the gardens are a perfect place for a relaxing walk and a picnic, so consider visiting them when in Belgrade.
The place hosts a victorian-style greenhouse from 1892 which contains over 1000 tropical, subtropical and Mediterranean spices of plants. Additionally, there’s an outdoor area with 1300 species of plants spread among rockeries, ferns, system plots, pools with water lilies, and even a bamboo labyrinth. Finally, there’s a stunning Japanese garden with small bridges, ponds, and streams with koi fish. If you’d love a day among cool plants, visiting Jevrem should be among your list of top things to do in Belgrade.
19. Swim at Ada Ciganlija
Looking for fun things to do in Belgrade on a summer day? Look no further, Ada Ciganlija is the ultimate answer to what to do in Belgrade Serbia when it’s hot. Jump on bus 511N from the Republic Square and get ready to enjoy a day out within Belgrade.
The palace is a river island urned into a peninsula and known as Belgrade’s seaside. This 6 kilometer-long urban river beach It’s the perfect place to swim, sunbathe, have a picnic, or get some treats in a local beach bar. Activities in Ada Ciganlija are endless, including rowing, kayak, golf, tenning, volleyball, scuba diving, bungee jumping, waterskiing, stand-up paddling, etc. Most bars and restaurants serve delicious food and are open into the night, so the island is also a great place to have fun in Belgrade after the sun sets.
20. Party Until Dawn
It may not come first to mind when thinking about places to visit in Serbia Belgrade. However, Belgrade is Europe’s party capital and visiting some interesting bars in Belgrade is definitely one of the coolest things to do when exploring the city.
If you visit Belgrade during the summer, the best place to spend a night out is at one of the splavlovi. These are Belgrade’s famous floating river clubs and oth Sava and the Danube rivers host several of them. Most of these tend to play techno music and usually have internationally recognized DJs leading the night.
Alternatively, if you are in Belgrade during the winter, you’ll find the best clubs within the city, along with rakjia and beer bars. Check out Blaznavac, Kultura Bar, of Zappa Barka, as tehse are some of the most famous bars in Belgrade. They are all quite affordable, so get ready for a long fun night in Belgrade that won’t break the bank.
Recap of the best things to do in Belgrade
Belgrade is such a hidden gem. A city to explore on foot, as its city centre is one of the most beautiful pedestrian zones in Eastern Europe. And a place to enjoy by the river, since its location by the confluence of Sava and Danube allows for a stunning river promenade, cool river beaches, and plenty of cozy bars and restaurants.
However, Belgrade is much more than its busy streets and restaurants. It is a capital packed with wonderful Ortoman and Habsburg style buildings, a home to stunning Orthodox churches, and a city of museums. At the same time, it’s the capital of the former socialist state of Yugoslavia, so it makes a great place to learn about socialism and the dramatic war that hit the area only two decades ago.
Finally, when visiting Belgrade don’t forget to spend some time sampling local food, visiting farmers markets, and even partying the night away with a local drink at hand. Hope you enjoy eahc and everyone of the best things to do in Belgrade. If there’s anything else I can help you with when preparing a trip to Belgrade, please leave a comment below or reach out on my Instagram and Tiktok pages. Happy travels!
