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Places / Europe / Serbia

Belgrade

Visited in April 2017

At a glance

Country
Serbia
Region
City of Belgrade
Population
1.2 million
Best time to go
April to June, September to October
Main airport
Belgrade Nikola Tesla (BEG)
Coordinates
44.82°N, 20.46°E

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Overview

Belgrade stands where the Sava meets the Danube, a strategic spot that has been fought over and rebuilt dozens of times. The result is a city of layers: Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, socialist and brand new, often on the same street.

It is famous for its nightlife, from smoky kafanas to floating clubs on the rivers, but its daytime pleasures are just as good. Walk the fortress walls at sunset, linger over coffee and eat very well.

Things to see

  • Kalemegdan Fortress
    Photo: Oliver Bunic, CC BY 4.0

    Kalemegdan Fortress

    A huge fortress and park on the ridge above the river confluence, with the best sunset views in the city.

  • Church of Saint Sava
    Photo: Npps90, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Church of Saint Sava

    One of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, its dome glittering with gold mosaics inside.

  • Nikola Tesla Museum
    Photo: Dungodung, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Nikola Tesla Museum

    A small, engaging museum devoted to the inventor, with demonstrations of his electrical experiments.

    Tickets and tours
  • Museum of Yugoslavia
    Photo: Ванилица, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Museum of Yugoslavia

    Covers the history of Yugoslavia and includes the House of Flowers, Tito's mausoleum.

    Tickets and tours
  • Zemun
    Photo: Petar Milošević, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Zemun

    An old Austro-Hungarian town on the Danube with a hilltop tower, cobbled lanes and riverside fish restaurants.

Things to do

  • Night out on a splav
    Photo: Mister No, CC BY 3.0

    Night out on a splav

    Floating clubs and bars moored along the rivers host everything from folk music to techno.

  • Eat in Skadarlija
    Photo: Erwan Martin, CC BY 2.0

    Eat in Skadarlija

    The old bohemian quarter is lined with traditional kafanas serving grilled meats and live music.

  • Summer at Ada Ciganlija
    Photo: Andrija12345678, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Summer at Ada Ciganlija

    A river island turned lake beach, where half the city goes to swim, cycle and play sport in summer.

  • Stroll Knez Mihailova
    Photo: Peiragmeno paidi, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Stroll Knez Mihailova

    The main pedestrian street, lined with grand buildings, runs from the centre to the fortress.

Where to stay

  • Stari Grad

    The old town, close to the fortress and Knez Mihailova. Ideal for a first visit.

    Hotels in Stari Grad

  • Dorćol

    Characterful, with cafés, bars and a quieter feel near the Danube.

    Hotels in Dorćol

  • Vračar

    Leafy and residential, near Saint Sava with good restaurants.

    Hotels in Vračar

  • Savamala

    Creative and lively by the Sava river, close to bars and clubs.

    Hotels in Savamala

Getting around

The centre is walkable, and trams, trolleybuses and buses cover the rest of the city. Taxis are cheap, but use an app or an official rank.

The A1 bus and taxis link the airport with the centre, a journey of around 30 minutes.

When to go

Spring and autumn are warm and pleasant. Summer is hot, when life moves to the rivers and Ada Ciganlija. Winters are cold, with a cosy kafana culture.

Plan your trip to Belgrade

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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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