Are you wonder what are some of the things to do in Belgrade? How about how to get around, or what's the best way to get there? Well, we've got you covered.
Two summers ago (2022) we did a full road trip around the Balkans, and Belgrade was one of our stops. Being able to spend 5 days in the Serbian capital gave us a great feel for the city, as well as the country. While it's not the most impressive capital in Europe, it's certainly got a great atmosphere. This place has all the good vibes, which is why we loved it so much, and are excited to share all the fun things to do in Belgrade.
In this guide we're not just going to share all of the best things to do in Belgrade, but we're going to cover all of the basics for visiting. Let's dive right in!
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Where is Belgrade?
Belgrade is the capital of Serbia, and is located in the northern center of the country.
Serbia is situated in the middle of the Balkans, in Eastern Europe. Serbia shares borders with several different countries. Hungary borders the north of the country, and Macedonia in the south. Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania all border the west coast of Serbia, while Romania and Bulgaria border the east coast.
Belgrade is in the northern central part of Serbia.
Getting to Belgrade
Being the heart of the Balkans, and a capital city, Belgrade is one of the most well-connected cities in Eastern Europe.
Flying into Belgrade
European cities that fly direct to Belgrade include Amsterdam, Ankara, Athens, Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Bucharest, Dortmund, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Larnaca, Ljubljana, Malmo, Malta, Memmingen, Milan, Moscow, Munich, Paris, Podgorica, Saint Petersburg, Prague, Rome, Sarajevo, Skopje, Sofia, Stockholm, Tirana, Tivat, Valencia, Vienna, Warsaw, Zagreb, and Zurich.
Other cities that fly direct into Belgrade include Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Tehran.
Flight Tip: Using Skyscanner you can try out the calendar feature to see which are the cheapest dates for flying to Belgrade.
Driving to Belgrade
For our Balkan trip we actually rented a car from Bucharest, and then crossed over to Serbia from Romania. Crossing with a car was extremely easy, and customs did not take a lot of time at all.
Something that is super important to note, is that you CANNOT cross into Serbia from Kosovo via the land border (neither in car or bus). This is because Serbia does not recognize them as being a separate country.
If you do cross from Kosovo, you will not have an entry stamp into Serbia, which will give you issues when you are trying to leave.
Buses to Belgrade
If you don't have a car like we did, don't worry! There are a ton of cities in the Balkans and Eastern Europe that service Belgrade for affordable prices.
Here are a few buses from surrounding cities that you can book:
- Budapest to Belgrade
- Zagreb to Belgrade
- Sarajevo to Belgrade
- Podgorica to Belgrade
- Skopje to Belgrade
- Sofia to Belgrade
Note: You CANNOT take a bus from Pristina, Kosovo into Belgrade, Serbia. You will have to enter via one of the other cities above such as Skopje or Podgorica.
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Entry Requirements for Serbia
All countries have different requirements regarding visas, as well as for covid. Here is everything you need to know for traveling to Serbia.
Visa Requirements for Serbia
Tourists are allowed to visit Serbia visa-free for a total of 90 days within a 180 day period. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
Covid Entry Requirements for Serbia
Serbia no longer has any restrictions to enter due to Covid, which means that travelers vaccinated or not, are all welcome. We also found that like the rest of the Balkan countries, things are pretty relaxed, and it's rare to find anyone wearing a mask at all.
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Local Adjustments for Visiting Belgrade, Serbia
Whenever traveling there are things that you may forget about, which may be different from the place you are coming from. These are what we like to call "local adjustments". Here are some of them to keep in mind while traveling to Belgrade, Serbia.
What Language Do They Speak in Belgrade?
The official language in Serbia is Serbian. It's also pretty much the same language as the surrounding countries of Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro.
One thing that gets a bit confusing in Serbia is that they use two different alphabets, so it can be hard to read things. Generally speaking, not many people speak English throughout the country, but we found many more that did in the capital.
What Currency is Used in Serbia?
The currency used in Serbia is the Serbian dinar. The conversion to the USD and euro are about 1 to 100, which means that if you want to know the price of something quickly, the easiest way is to divide it by 100, dropping the last two numbers.
Most places in Serbia do not accept credit cards, even many hotels and restaurants. Belgrade has plenty of ATMs around the city, so you'll have no problem getting cash out.
What Plugs are Used in Belgrade?
Serbia uses the same plug types as most of Europe, which are types C, E, & F. The standard voltage in Serbia is 230 V with a standard frequency of 50 Hz.
If you are coming from the US, you'll need to purchase a European travel adapter.
Is Tap Water Drinkable in Belgrade?
Tap water is overall safe to drink in Serbia. There are some places that serve tap water in restaurants, and some that do not. However, it is perfectly safe to have the water from the tap throughout the city of Belgrade.
Tipping Culture in Serbia
The tipping culture in Serbia is similar to many other destinations in Europe, which is an average of 10%. Many restaurants in Belgrade will actually include a service charge in the bill, so make sure to check first. If it is not included and you are paying with credit card, make sure to have cash to leave a tip.
Things to Do in Belgrade
Now that you know the basics of visiting the Serbian capital, here is a list of all of the fun things to do in Belgrade.
Stroll Down Skadarlija
Our favorite part of Belgrade is the old town. Skadarlija is a long street full of restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Serbian musicians going from table to table. Skadarlija encompasses the essence of Belgrade, and is full of great vibes.
This area of the city is full of vibrant restaurants.
Browse Knez Mihailova
This is the giant pedestrian street that runs along the center of the city, and is where all the action happens in Belgrade. Full of restaurants and shops, this street is super lively and full of beautiful architecture.
The pedestrian street has tons of shops and beautiful architecture.
Check Out the Belgrade Fortress
The Belgrade Fortress is one of the top things to do in Belgrade when it comes to sightseeing.
Perched up on a hill overlooking the river, there is a ton to explore in the area, from quaint churches to a Dino park for kids. You could easily spend a few hours walking around the fortress area, which is completely free of charge to visit.
The Belgrade Fortress in one of the top things to do in Belgrade.
Want to take a tour that includes the fortress? Here are a few that you can take:
Stop by Ruzica Church
Located right inside the fortress headquarters is a charming church that happens to fall under the radar. Ruzica Church. Covered in ivory, and featuring an extravagant chandelier, this is definitely somewhere you'll want to visit while in Belgrade.
Ruzica Church is a hidden gem on the fortress grounds.
Head to Republic Square
This is the central hub of Belgrade, and the meeting point for locals and tourists. Home to a lot of cultural spots, Republic Square is a great point to start exploring the main things to do in Belgrade.
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Visit the Orthodox Church of the Ascension
If you're looking for one of the best architectural pieces in Belgrade, then this is it. With tall symmetrical towers and teal roofs, this is definitely a spot to pin on your map for sightseeing.
Go to the Saint Savo Temple
This is our favorite church in Belgrade. With giant teal domes and fountains in front, this is one of the most photographic spots in the capital.
This is one of the prettiest churches in Belgrade.
Admire the Architecture of Captain Misa's Edifice
Talking about photogenic buildings, this is another stunning place to stop by and grab a photo. Captain Misa's Edifice is one of the most prestigious palaces in Serbia, and is located right in the heart Belgrade.
Party Along the River
One of the best things to do in Belgrade is to enjoy the nightlife. Along the river there are actually bars and nightclub lined up one after the other. So make sure to get ready for a long night, because you'll end up partying all night long in this area of Belgrade.
Want to experience some of the best nightlife in Belgrade? Here are some fun pub crawls you can sign up for:
Take a Look at the Old Belgrade Railway Station
This is a former train station that was built in 1884. No longer running, It is now a historical attraction for tourists to see.
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Stop at the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia
Located in Nikola Pašić Square, this is the headquarters of the national assembly and government, as well as being a great point of interest for things to see in Belgrade.
Want to explore the highlights of the city and learn about the history? Here are a few tours that you can take:
Take Fun Photos at The Museum of Illusions
Looking for a fun activity indoors? The Museum of Illusions has different exhibitions with games and puzzles related to optical illusions. It's not only fun to play around, but there are also some cute photo opportunities.
The Museum of Illusions is one of the best indoor things to do in Belgrade.
Relax at Ada Ciganlija
Located right along the river, Ada Ciganlija is an entire area of beaches and green areas to hang out at.
There are tons of kiosks and restaurants so that you can grab food or drinks, easily being able to spend a few hours there. If you happen to visit in the summer, this is the perfect spot to have a "beach day".
Belgrade has beaches along the river.
Take a Day Trip
While there are plenty of things to do in Belgrade's city, there are also some great places to check out around it. Here are some day trips you can take while in Belgrade.
Novi Sad
Located just an hour north, Novi Sad is one of the most cities in the country. Colorful and full of big open squares, this is the perfect place to spend some hours strolling around, taking photos, or grabbing a bite to eat.
Want to explore Novi Sad and some other fun activities around it? Here are some great tours you can sign up for:
Want to Visit Novi Sad on your own? Here are some transportation options you can choose from:
Subotica
This is the northernmost city of Serbia, and is situated 2 hours north of Belgrade. You can easily see the colorful city in just a few hours, and also visit Subotica on the way if you are visiting with a car.
Subotica is the perfect day trip from Belgrade.
Want to visit Subotica on a tour? Here are a few from day trips to multiple day trips:
Want to Visit Subotica on your own? Here are some transportation options you can choose from:
Golubac Fortress
The Golubac fortress is a fortified medieval town located along the south of the Danube River. Just under 2 hours from the capital, this is a great day trip from Belgrade. Driving along the Danube in Romania? You can actually also appreciate the castle from across the river on the Romanian side.
Want to explore Goluba Fortress in a more fun way? Here are some great tours you can take:
Resavska Cave
This is one of the largest cave systems in Serbia, and was one of our favorite spots outside of Belgrade. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm, and has guided tours each hour.
This is one of the best natural landscapes in Serbia.
Krupajsko Vrelo
If you're driving to visit Resavska Cave, there is also a beautiful piece of nature worth checking out not too far away.
Krupajsko Vrelo is a series of turquoise ponds with a cave and a waterfall. The spring has crystal clear waters, and is definitely one of the best day trips from Belgrade.
Monasija Monastery
Another spot that is located right near Resavska Cave is Monasika Monastery. We wouldn't say it's so spectacular to travel all the way to just see this, but it is definitely a great addition if you are already doing other things in the area.
Want to visit the last few spots all together? Here are a few great tours that you can take:
Getting Around Belgrade
Now that you know all of the best things to do in Belgrade, let's show you how to get around the city.
Is Belgrade a Walkable City?
The capital is truthfully a very great city to explore by foot, as many of the best things to do in Belgrade lie within the city center.
However, if you don't want to walk too much, or need to make it to places outside the center, there are plenty of buses. You can pay per ride, or pay for a daily pass which is just around 2-3 euros. Make sure you have cash to pay for either of these options.
If you have a car, we suggest parking it, and leaving it until you leave. The reason being, is that it is extremely hard to find parking, and there is a ton of traffic in the city. We kept our car in a garage for 4 nights, and found that this was the best option, even though we had to pay a bit to keep it there.
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Things to Do in Belgrade: Food & Drink
One thing that we loved about Belgrade was the food scene. Meals are super affordable, and the restaurants are also a full experience with delicious meals accompanied by live music.
Many restaurants have live Serbian musicians playing around the tables.
If you get a chance, make sure to attend any food festivals that there may be. We happened to be there when there was one, and there was an unbelievable amount of kiosks with typical foods, drinks, and live music.
Here are some typical foods that you should try:
- Gibanica- a traditional pastry dish usually made with cottage cheese and eggs
- Zaljanica- cheese and spinach pie in with layers of flaky phyllo
- Proja- corn break popular throughout the Balkans
- Cevapi- minced meat in the shape of a sausage
- Leskovacka Muckalica- a stew of barbecued meats and vegetables
- Lepinje- a Balkan flatbread that you can find served as a sandwich with local meats
- Sarma- cabbage rolls with minced meat
- Shopska Salad- a non-lettuce-based salad made with tomato, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and sharp white cheese
- Poppy Seed Strudel- typical dessert that can be taken on the go
- Ajvar- a red sauce made with bell peppers and eggplant
There are so many great foods to try in Belgrade.
Here are a few of our favorite restaurants in the city:
- Manufaktura- Covered with red umbrellas, this restaurant is the most complete when it comes to Serbian cuisine and has an insanely good brunch.
- Velika Skadarska- Located on Skadarska, this high end restaurant has live music, and a beautiful outdoor patio.
- Dva Jelena- Here is another restaurant located on Skadarska, with traditional dishes and great live music.
- JaM- This is one of the best brunch spots in Belgrade, with an elevated cuisine.
- Betonski Brod- The Concrete Boat is a super unique dining experience on a boat.
Manufaktura is decorated with bright red umbrellas.
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Where to Stay in Belgrade
Our favorite area to stay in Belgrade is anywhere between Skadarlija and the fortress area. This is where you can access almost all of the best things to do in Belgrade by foot. Want to check out accommodation? Simply check the map below.
Is Belgrade Safe?
When we first went to Serbia, we truly didn't know what to expect when it came to safety. Many Eastern European countries get a bad reputation, which had us a bit worried at first. However, this was definitely not the case in Serbia, and it is truly a very safe country. We had no issues walking around solo, or at night.
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Other Things to Know About Visiting Belgrade
Now that you know all of the things to do in Belgrade, and how to navigate the city, we have a few other things to share with you.
Weather in Belgrade
Belgrade experiences all four seasons, with very hot summers, and super cold winters, where there is snow as well.
Which Month is Best to Visit Belgrade?
The two months that we think Belgrade is the best to visit are August and January. August is festival season, and Belgrade is home to some of the best festivals in all of Europe. We visited in June and had perfect weather and a great time. However, next visit we will definitely be going in August.
Another great time to visit Belgrade is for Christmas. This isn't December 25th. Actually Serbia, as well as a lot of other Eastern European countries, celebrates Christmas the first week of January.
While most of the Christmas markets occur throughout December, you can then enjoy Belgrade's amazing Christmas market to start off the new year. Not only that, but January 14th they also celebrate the new year again, so you'll have a full month of festivities to look forward to.
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Packing for a Trip to Belgrade
Packing for a trip to Belgrade is pretty simple, as it is a city. One thing to note is that girls in Serbia really dress to impress.
Whether they are going to dinner with their friends, or church on a Sunday morning, you will always find them done up from head to toe. Every day is a fashion show in Belgrade, so it's a great opportunity to pack nice outfits that you wouldn't really use on a common basis.
Girls always dress to impress in Serbia.
Packing List for Belgrade, Serbia
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
- Comfortable shoes for exploring the city
- Trendy clothing to wear out at night
- Zippered Bag or Backpack - take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
- Travel Adapter (we use Insignia travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)
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Is Belgrade Worth Visiting?
Belgrade may not have a ton of iconic sites or outstanding nature, but it is certainly worth visiting! This city just has an incredible vibe, and has a fun light-hearted energy about it.
It's hard to describe, but Belgrade has its own unique charm, and the atmosphere and nightlife are really what made us fall in love with this city more than we could have imagined!
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While there aren't a million jaw-dropping things to do in Belgrade, we have to say that we absolutely loved it there. Serbians are a ton of fun, and the vibes throughout the city will have you wanting to spend more and more time here.
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