Belgrade, Serbia Travel Guide

Discover Belgrade: A dynamic blend of history, culture, and vibrant urban life at the crossroads of Eastern and Western Europe.

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is a city where history meets modernity. Nestled at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, Belgrade boasts an impressive architectural tapestry, from ancient fortresses to contemporary urban spaces. Its strategic location has made it a significant crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures throughout the centuries. Stroll through the historic Belgrade Fortress, perched above the rivers, and immerse yourself in centuries of military history. Nearby, the expansive Kalemegdan Park provides a serene escape with panoramic views of the city. The lively Knez Mihailova Street is a pedestrian paradise, lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings, leading you straight into the heart of Belgrade's vibrant life. Belgrade is also a city that never sleeps. The Skadarlija district, often compared to Montmartre in Paris, is a bohemian quarter buzzing with traditional taverns, live music, and artistic energy. For a more modern experience, visit the Savamala district, a hub for contemporary art, culture, and nightlife. No visit to Belgrade would be complete without sampling its rich culinary traditions, from hearty Serbian dishes to exquisite pastries. The city's diverse museums, theaters, and galleries ensure that there's something for every cultural taste. Whether you're exploring the historical layers of Belgrade, enjoying its modern-day vibrancy, or soaking in its cultural offerings, this city promises a memorable experience for every traveler.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Belgrade.

Visit the Belgrade Fortress early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views.
Use public transport or ride-sharing apps to navigate the city easily and affordably.
Experience the nightlife on the floating river clubs, known as 'splavovi,' for a unique party atmosphere.
Don't miss trying local dishes like Ćevapi, Pljeskavica, and Burek at traditional eateries.
Take a walk along the Sava Promenade for a mix of leisure and scenic views.
Carry some cash, as not all places accept credit cards, especially in smaller establishments.

Neighbourhoods in Belgrade

Zemun

Dorcol

Savamala

Vracar

Stari Grad

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Belgrade

Explore Belgrade: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Belgrade

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Belgrade Fortress

Explore the majestic Belgrade Fortress, a historical landmark offering breathtaking views and a deep dive into Serbia's rich past.

4.8

The Temple of Saint Sava

Discover the Temple of Saint Sava, a magnificent Orthodox cathedral in Belgrade, showcasing stunning architecture and rich spiritual heritage.

4.8

Kalemegdan

Kalemegdan Fortress: A historic landmark and serene park offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Belgrade's rich cultural heritage.

4.8

Belgrade Zoo

Visit Belgrade Zoo for an unforgettable adventure with over 2,000 animals in the heart of Serbia's capital, surrounded by beautiful parkland.

4.5

Best landmarks in Belgrade

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Best Landmarks

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Belgrade Fortress

Discover the captivating history and stunning views at Belgrade Fortress, a must-see landmark in Serbia's vibrant capital.

4.8

Republic Square

Explore Republic Square, the cultural heart of Belgrade, where history, art, and vibrant city life meet in a stunning historical setting.

4.4

Kalemegdan

Explore Kalemegdan, Belgrade's majestic fortress and city park, where history meets breathtaking views and vibrant culture.

4.8

Tasmajdan | Sportsko rekreativni centar | Park

Discover Tasmajdan Park in Belgrade - a lush recreational haven with beautiful landscapes, sports facilities, and cultural landmarks in the city's heart.

4.7

Best restaurants in Belgrade

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Tri šešira

Discover authentic Serbian cuisine at Tri šešira, where tradition meets taste in Belgrade's cultural heart.

4.5

Manufaktura Restaurant Belgrade

Experience authentic Serbian cuisine at Manufaktura Restaurant in Belgrade – where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

4.2

Lorenzo & Kakalamba

Experience the vibrant fusion of Serbian flavors and artistic ambiance at Lorenzo & Kakalamba in Belgrade.

4.6

Mama Restaurant Belgrade

Discover Mama Restaurant in Belgrade - where culinary excellence meets vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable dining experience.

4.5

Best bars in Belgrade

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Best Bars

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Funk & Soul Pub

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Funk & Soul Pub, where delicious drinks and eclectic music create the perfect ambiance in Belgrade.

4.7

Gunners Pub

Discover Gunners Pub in Belgrade, a haven for beer lovers with a delightful beer garden and an extensive selection of local brews.

4.7

The Three Carrots IRISH PUB

Discover the heart of Ireland in Belgrade at The Three Carrots Irish Pub, where warmth, great food, and unique brews await every visitor.

4.6

Passengers Bar

Explore the vibrant flavors of Belgrade at Passengers Bar, where great food, drinks, and atmosphere come together for an unforgettable experience.

4.6

Best nightclubs in Belgrade

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Backstage Belgrade

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Belgrade at Backstage, a premier night club offering electrifying music, modern ambiance, and unforgettable experiences.

4.6

Hype

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Belgrade at Hype Night Club, where electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere await.

3.7

The BANK Club

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Belgrade at The BANK Club, where music, dance, and culture come together for unforgettable nights.

3.9

KULT

Experience the electrifying nightlife of Belgrade at KULT, where music meets vibrant energy and unforgettable memories are made.

4.1

Best shops in Belgrade

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UŠĆE Shopping Center

Explore UŠĆE Shopping Center in Belgrade for a delightful shopping experience with diverse stores, dining options, and entertainment.

4.5

Delta City

Discover Delta City in Belgrade: A vibrant shopping mall with diverse stores, dining options, and entertainment for an unforgettable experience.

4.5

BIG FASHION Beograd

Discover BIG FASHION Beograd, the ultimate shopping mall experience in Belgrade, filled with diverse stores, delightful dining, and exciting entertainment.

4.6

Rajićeva Shopping Center

Discover the vibrant Rajićeva Shopping Center in Belgrade, where shopping, dining, and local culture come together in a unique experience.

4.2

Explore Belgrade on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Belgrade, mapped for you.

Belgrade Essentials

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The main international gateway is Nikola Tesla Airport, located about 18 kilometers from the city center. Several international airlines operate flights to and from Belgrade. For those traveling by train, the Belgrade Central Railway Station is a hub for international and domestic routes. Buses from neighboring countries and cities also frequently arrive at the Belgrade Bus Station.
Belgrade offers various transportation options including buses, trams, and taxis. The public transport system is extensive and covers most parts of the city. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks or directly from the driver. Taxis are relatively inexpensive, but it is advisable to use registered taxi companies to avoid being overcharged. Ride-sharing services like CarGo are also available. For a more scenic journey, consider taking a bike or walking, especially in the city center.
The official currency in Serbia is the Serbian Dinar (RSD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the city for cash withdrawals. Currency exchange offices offer competitive rates and can be found in most parts of Belgrade.
Belgrade is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places like public transport and tourist spots. Areas like Zemun, New Belgrade, and the city center are usually safe, but caution is advised in neighborhoods such as Karaburma and Palilula, which have higher crime rates.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency services including police, fire, and medical help. Hospitals and clinics are well-equipped and most medical staff speak English. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress smartly when dining out or visiting clubs, as locals tend to dress elegantly. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect religious customs, especially when visiting churches. Cover your head and shoulders. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket upon entering buses and trams. Don't be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Ćevapi and Rakija. Don't refuse food or drink offerings as it may be considered rude.
To experience Belgrade like a local, visit the green markets such as Kalenic and Zeleni Venac for fresh produce and traditional Serbian goods. Enjoy a walk along the Sava and Danube rivers or explore the vibrant nightlife in the Skadarlija district. Don't miss out on the local kafanas (traditional taverns) for an authentic dining experience. Participate in local events and festivals to immerse yourself in the culture.

When is the best time to visit Belgrade?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Belgrade

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Belgrade. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloZdravo
  [Zdrah-vo]
- GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [Doh-vee-je-nya]
- YesDa
  [Da]
- NoNe
  [Ne]
- Please/You're welcomeMolim te
  [Moh-leem teh]
- Thank youHvala
  [Hva-la]
- Excuse me/SorryIzvinite
  [Eez-vee-nee-teh]
- How are you?Kako si?
  [Ka-ko see]
- Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [Doh-bro. Ah tee]
- Do you speak English?Da li govorite engleski?
  [Da lee go-vo-ree-teh eng-lehs-kee]
- I don't understandNe razumem
  [Ne rah-zoo-mem]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMolim vas, želeo bih videti meni
  [Moh-leem vas, zheh-leh-oh bee ve-deh-tee meh-nee]
- I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [Ne yeh-dem meh-so]
- Cheers!Živeli!
  [Zhee-veh-lee]
- I would like to pay, pleaseŽeleo bih da platim, molim vas
  [Zheh-leh-oh bee dah pla-teem, moh-leem vas]
- Help!Upomoć!
  [Oo-po-mohtch]
- Go away!Idi odavde!
  [Ee-dee oh-dahv-deh]
- Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [Po-zo-vee-teh po-lee-tsee-yoo]
- Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [Po-zo-vee-teh dohk-toh-rah]
- I'm lostIzgubio/la sam se
  [Eez-goo-byoh/lah sahm seh]
- I'm illBolesno mi je
  [Boh-les-no mee yeh]
- I'd like to buy...Želeo bih da kupim...
  [Zheh-leh-oh bee dah koo-peem...]
- I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sa-mo gleh-dam]
- How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [Koh-lee-koh koh-sta]
- That's too expensiveTo je previše skupo
  [To yeh pre-vee-sheh skoo-po]
- Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cenu?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee spoo-stee-tee tseh-noo]
- What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [Koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee]
- It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [Yeh-dahn yeh saht]
- Half past (10)Pola (10)
  [Poh-la (10)]
- MorningJutro
  [Yoo-tro]
- AfternoonPopodne
  [Poh-pod-neh]
- EveningVeče
  [Veh-cheh]
- YesterdayJuče
  [Yoo-cheh]
- TodayDanas
  [Dah-nahs]
- TomorrowSutra
  [Soo-trah]
- 1Jedan
  [Yeh-dahn]
- 2Dva
  [Dvah]
- 3Tri
  [Tree]
- 4Četiri
  [Cheh-tee-ree]
- 5Pet
  [Peh-t]
- 6Šest
  [Shehst]
- 7Sedam
  [Seh-dahm]
- 8Osam
  [Oh-sahm]
- 9Devet
  [Deh-vet]
- 10Deset
  [Deh-set]
- Where's a/the...?Gde je...?
  [Gdeh yeh]
- What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Koh-ya yeh ah-deh-sah]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na mapi)?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee mee poh-kah-zah-tee (nah mah-pee)]
- When's the next (bus)?Kada je sledeći (autobus)?
  [Kah-dah yeh sleh-deh-chee (ow-toh-boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (za ....)
  [Yeh-dnoo kar-too (zah)]

History of Belgrade

Belgrade's history dates back to the 3rd century BC when the Celtic tribe Scordisci established a settlement they named Singidun. This early settlement was later conquered by the Romans, who fortified the area and made it an important military outpost. The remnants of Roman architecture can still be observed in the city's archaeological sites.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Belgrade became a significant stronghold for the Byzantine Empire. Over the centuries, it was contested by various powers, including the Bulgarians, Hungarians, and Serbs. By the 12th century, it became part of the Serbian Kingdom under Stefan Nemanja, marking the city's importance in medieval Serbian history.
In 1521, Belgrade fell to the Ottoman Empire, which ruled the city for nearly three centuries. During this period, Belgrade became a key administrative and military center. The Ottomans left a lasting imprint on the city’s culture, architecture, and urban layout, including the construction of numerous mosques, baths, and bazaars.
The city changed hands several times between the Ottomans and the Habsburgs. Notably, in the late 17th and 18th centuries, the Habsburg Monarchy controlled Belgrade for extended periods. The Austrians fortified the city and introduced Western European architectural styles, which can still be seen in certain parts of Belgrade.
The early 19th century was a period of significant upheaval in Belgrade, marked by the First and Second Serbian Uprisings against Ottoman rule. These uprisings led to the establishment of the semi-independent Principality of Serbia, with Belgrade as its capital. This era heralded a cultural and political renaissance for the city.
During World War I, Belgrade was heavily bombarded and occupied by Austro-Hungarian forces. After the war, it became the capital of the newly formed Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, later known as the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. This period saw significant modernization and expansion of the city.
Belgrade suffered extensive damage during World War II and was occupied by Axis forces. Post-war, it became the capital of Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia under Josip Broz Tito. The city experienced rapid industrialization and urban development during this period, with many socialist-era buildings and monuments constructed.
The 1990s were a tumultuous decade for Belgrade as Yugoslavia disintegrated in a series of conflicts. The city was the political center of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and later Serbia and Montenegro. Belgrade faced economic sanctions and NATO bombings in 1999, which left a significant impact on its infrastructure.
Since the early 2000s, Belgrade has undergone substantial transformation. The city has rebuilt and modernized, emerging as a vibrant metropolis known for its dynamic cultural scene, historic architecture, and lively nightlife. It continues to be a central hub in the Balkans, attracting tourists from around the world.