Overview

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is uniquely positioned at the meeting point of the Sava and Danube rivers. With over 7,000 years of history, the city reflects a rich tapestry of Roman, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences, all visible in its diverse architecture and vibrant culture. Belgrade is a captivating mix of old-world charm and gritty modern energy. In the Old Town, neighborhoods like Stari Grad and Dorcol are filled with historic buildings, charming cafés, and cobblestone streets, while districts such as Savamala and Vracar pulse with creativity, music, and nightlife. The iconic Kalemegdan Fortress overlooks the rivers and stands as a powerful reminder of the city’s storied past. Belgrade is often underrated, but for those who venture here, it offers an authentic, raw, and endlessly intriguing experience.

Things to See and Do

Visit the Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park, which sit above the point at which the Danube and Sava rivers collide and offer a beautiful view of the confluence and the city. The fortress is over 2000 years old, which, in its glory, defended the city in 115 battles, and has been destroyed and rebuilt over 40 times. From the Celts to the Romans and Ottomans, these walls have many stories in history.

On the northeast side of the Kalemegdan fortress is Ružica Church. It is the oldest church in the city and the whole area looks like it’s from a fairy tale.

The Belgrade Military Museum houses on display mines, antique cannons, German panzers, weapons from ancient Greeks and Romans, armor from medieval times, and so much more. It covers the history of all the nations that passed this way in the past and the more recent history of Serbia, including the NATO bombing from 1999.

If you visit in the summer, escape the heat and explore the network of tunnels that cross under the city and the fortress. It’s fascinating to see the hundreds of caves, passageways, and bunkers. There are organized tours of these tunnels as well. At the end of the tour, you will get to enjoy a glass of local wine in an underground winery.

Stroll down Kneza Mihaila Street, the navigation point of Old Belgrade and the very center of the city. Just over a half a mile long, the pedestianized main street leading up to the park is enjoyable to walk and within easy distance to many of Belgrade’s historic sites, some of these buildings include the Main Orthodox Church, Kneginja Ljubica Residence, Ethnographic Museum, Nikola Tesla Museum, and a little further afield, St Sava Temple, which is one of the biggest orthodox churches in the world. Kneza Mihaila Street is the main shopping street in Belgrade as well.

Wander the streets of Skadarlija, the Bohemian Quarter. These are the quarters where all the writers, artists, and intellectuals have enjoyed spending time over the last two centuries. Nowadays it is a tourist location, but it is still filled with locals who love good food, wine, music, and a bohemian lifestyle. It is a pedestrian area covered in cobblestones, where the first restaurants opened in the early 1800s. Some call it “Serbian Montmartre”. This place is not to be missed if you like experiencing local life, known for having some of the best food in the city, seeing art on display, and listening to street performers.

Discover the Church of St Sava. This is the largest Orthodox Church in the Balkan region, and the second-largest globally. It is located on the Vracar plateau, right next to the National Library, overlooking the city. You can see it from almost every corner of Belgrade as it is taller than most of the buildings and also located high on the hill.

Explore Zemun, Belgrade’s City within a city. This area was a separate city until 1934, when it was absorbed by Belgrade. To this day, it has a different look and feel than the rest of Belgrade. The architecture resembles old Austro-Hungarian towns, and the location by the Danube River gives this place a special characteristic. Enjoy walking by the river and sitting in restaurants on the shore. Kej Oslobodenja (Quay of Liberation) (or Zemunski Kej) is a waterside promenade that takes you from Zemun to Brankov most (Branko’s bridge) where you can cross to the old town, or continue riding bicycles or walking further around the New Belgrade shore.

Everything about Zemun is more relaxing than in the busy city center of Belgrade. It’s like a city within the city. Gardoš Tower is a landmark located on the hill above the river overlooking Zemun. The tower dates back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, when Zemun was the first line of defense against the Ottomans. Inside the tower, there is a small exhibit dedicated to the history of Zemun, and then you can climb to the top to see an amazing view of the city and the Danube River.

Visit the Nikola Tesla Museum. Dedicated to the great inventor and physicist who was a Serbian national. The exhibit has two sections: one is about Tesla’s life, and the second is about his scientific research and inventions.

Explore the Republic Square, the main square of Belgrade. Also known as “the center” of the city and is home to two of the most prominent buildings, the Serbian National Theatre and National Museum.

The National Theater is the best place in the city to watch a play, opera, or ballet. If you visit during the day, you can opt for a tour of the backstage and the Museum of the National Theater. The museum houses fascinating treasures, including an Egyptian mummy. You can see historical artifacts and artworks, covering periods from prehistory to the 20th century. The permanent collection is located on three levels, plus there are temporary exhibits year-round.

Go shopping at the Zeleni Venac Farmers Market. This is an open-air market with a long tradition that locals love visiting to buy fresh produce. It is located in the center of the city at the biggest city bus stop by the same name. It is known as the “Queen of the Markets” in Belgrade, and it has the biggest variety of articles offered. The market is surrounded by bakeries that offer fresh pastries and cakes.

Nightlife

The nightlife scene in Belgrade is lively, energetic and diverse. Some call Belgrade “Bangkok of Europe”, and this reputation has followed the capital of Serbia for nearly two decades now. It all started with locals who loved going out, so numerous clubs opened in the city and along the rivers.

Compared to some other European cities, Belgrade is still affordable, and even the pricier bars and clubs charge $5 - $10 per beer.

Belgrade's nightlife is divided into two main seasons: winter and summer. During the winter months, most clubs shift to indoor venues in the city, while summer brings a lively scene along the river, where clubs known as "splavovi" (literally meaning "rafts") come to life. However, some clubs choose to stay in the same location year-round, offering a mix of atmospheres regardless of the season.

Cuisine

Belgrade’s cuisine is rich in flavors, blending Balkan, Mediterranean, Ottoman, and Central European influences that reflect the city’s diverse history. At its heart are grilled meats, or "roštilj," with favorites like cevapi (minced meat sausages), pljeskavica (Balkan-style burgers), and ražnjici (skewered meat) often served with fresh bread, chopped onions, and a side of ajvar, a roasted red pepper spread. Hearty stews and casseroles like sarma (cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice), goulash, and pasulj (bean stew) are especially popular in colder months, offering comforting, slow-cooked flavors. Baked goods also play a significant role, with burek, a flaky pastry filled with meat, cheese, or spinach, being a beloved street food, often enjoyed with yogurt or kefir. Gibanica, a cheese-filled pie, is another local staple. Fresh salads like the popular shopska salad, made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and white cheese, provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty mains, while pickled vegetables add a tangy touch, especially in winter. Though meat dominates, freshwater fish like perch and carp are also common, particularly along the Danube and Sava rivers. For dessert, locals enjoy treats like krempita (custard slice), tulumba (fried dough soaked in syrup), and baklava, reflecting the Ottoman influence.

Popular drinks include rakija, a strong fruit brandy, which is a staple at social gatherings, while local wines and craft beers are gaining popularity as Belgrade's culinary scene continues to evolve.