Belgrade, Serbia Travel Guide: Things to Do, Where to Eat & Travel Tips
Discover the best things to do in Belgrade, Serbia. Explore historic sites, churches, local food, budget accommodation, and practical travel tips.
TRAVEL BLOGSERBIA
Samantha
6/14/202617 min read
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Why Visit Belgrade, Serbia?
Belgrade Fortress Gate
Before visiting Belgrade, Serbia, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. Serbia's capital doesn't receive the same attention as many other European destinations, yet it quickly became one of my favorite cities in the Balkans. Sitting at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers, Belgrade is a fascinating mix of ancient history, resilient spirit, vibrant culture, and modern energy. Over the centuries, the city has been conquered, destroyed, and rebuilt dozens of times, leaving behind layers of history that can still be seen today in its fortresses, churches, markets, and neighborhoods. Yet despite its turbulent past, I found Belgrade to be welcoming, affordable, and full of life. Whether I was exploring Kalemegdan Fortress, wandering through local markets, relaxing at Ada Ciganlija, or enjoying a meal at a neighborhood restaurant, there was always something new to discover. What stood out most to me was the people. Everywhere I went, I was met with kindness, hospitality, and genuine curiosity. Combined with excellent food, budget-friendly prices, reliable public transportation, and plenty of free attractions, Belgrade is a destination that deserves far more attention than it receives. In this Belgrade, Serbia travel guide, I'll share the best things to do, where to eat, where to stay, how to get around, and practical travel tips to help you make the most of your visit to one of Europe's most underrated capitals.
"He who was lucky enough to wake up this morning in Belgrade shouldn’t ask for anything more in life. More than that would be immodest."
— Duško Radović
Quick Travel Tips for Belgrade, Serbia
📍 Location
Northern Serbia at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. (Google Maps Link)
📅 Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is popular for festivals, river activities, and outdoor dining.
⏳ How Long to Stay
3-5 days
🛂 Visa Requirements for US citizens
US citizens can visit Serbia visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Always verify current entry requirements before traveling.
🚌 Getting Around
Belgrade has an extensive free public transportation network consisting of buses, trams, and trolleybuses. Walking is also a great way to explore many of the city's central neighborhoods.
💰 Currency
Serbian Dinar (RSD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is helpful for markets, bakeries, and smaller businesses.
💲 Budget
Budget-friendly compared to many Western European capitals, though generally more expensive than smaller Serbian cities such as Niš. Budget conscious travelers can spend as little at $45 USD a day and mid-range travelers can stay for around $120USD and luxury minded travelers can expect to spend around $300 USD.
🗣️ Language
Serbian. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, restaurants, hotels, and by younger generations. (Link to Helpful Phases Guide)
Best Free Things to Do in Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade Fortress
Address- Kalemegdan bb, Belgrade, Serbia
Hours- Open 24-7, though indoor attractions are open from 10am-5pm in winter and 10am-7pm in summer
Price- the park is FREE to enter, but individual attractions cost money; Roman Well 120 RSD, Big Powder Magazine 200RSD, Military Bunker 100RSD, Sahat Tower (Clock Tower) 80RSD, Nebojsa Tower 200RSD, Casemates (Medieval Torture Devices) 300RSD. 5 site ticket ((Nebojša Tower, Clock Tower, Roman Well, Big Magazine and Military Bunker) 450RSD.
Payment- Cash or Card
Built on a strategic hill overlooking the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers, Belgrade Fortress is one of the city's most important historical landmarks. The site has been occupied since ancient times and has been destroyed and rebuilt countless times throughout its history. Today, the fortress sits within Kalemegdan Park and is open 24 hours a day, free of charge.
Ada Ciganlija
Address- Ada Ciganlija 2, Belgrade, Serbia
Hours- Open 24/7
Prise- Free (rentals cost extra)
We spent an afternoon exploring Ada Ciganlija, a river island that has been transformed into a peninsula on the Sava River. Often called "Belgrade's Sea," it's one of the most popular recreational areas in the city. The long pebble beach surrounds a lake with surprisingly clean and warm water during the summer months. Free toilets, water fountains, outdoor showers, shaded benches, and walking paths make it easy to spend an entire day here. There are also tennis courts, volleyball courts, playgrounds, outdoor fitness areas, swings, and even a climbing wall. We visited on a Tuesday shortly after school resumed, so it was fairly quiet, but locals told me it becomes much busier during weekends and the peak summer season. One of my favorite parts was watching the rowing teams train on the water, giving the area an almost Olympic atmosphere.
Tašmajdan Park
Address- Garašanina 26, Beograd, Serbia
Hours- Open daily between 6am-10pm
Price- Free
Located in the heart of Belgrade, Tašmajdan Park is a beautiful green space popular with both locals and visitors. The park features mature shade trees, well maintained walking and jogging paths, playgrounds, and plenty of benches for relaxing. Adjacent to the park is a large sports and recreation complex that appeared to be heavily used during my visit. There are also restaurants, public washrooms, and free drinking fountains, making it a pleasant place to take a break while exploring the city.
Kalenić Green Market
Address- Maksima Gorkog &, Njegoševa, Beograd, Serbia
Hours- Tuesday-Thursday 6am-5am Friday-Monday 7am-5pm (individual stalls may vary)
Payment- Cash
Kalenić Green Market quickly became one of my favorite places in Belgrade and where we did most of our grocery shopping during our stay. The market is packed with vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, seafood, cheeses, baked goods, clothing, household items, flowers, jewelry, and just about anything else you can imagine. Everything looked incredibly fresh, and many vendors took obvious pride in the quality of their products. What stood out most, however, was how friendly everyone was. Even when language barriers existed, vendors were patient, welcoming, and happy to help. Visiting the market offered a glimpse into everyday life in Belgrade and became one of my favorite local experiences in the city.
Top Rated Tours and Experiences in Belgrade, Serbia
Want to make the most of your time in Belgrade? From walking tours through the historic city center to food tours, river cruises, and day trips into the Serbian countryside, there are plenty of great experiences to choose from. Viator offers a wide selection of highly rated tours that can help you discover Belgrade's fascinating history, vibrant culture, and hidden gems with the help of knowledgeable local guides. Whether you're interested in learning about Serbia's past, sampling traditional cuisine, or exploring beyond the city, you'll find options for every travel style and budget.
Check out the latest Belgrade tours and activities on Viator to find the perfect experience for your trip
Important Historical Site in Belgrade
Radio Television of Serbia
Address- Takovska 10, Belgrade, Serbia
Price- Free (you can only look from the outside)
One of the most sobering places I visited in Belgrade was the former headquarters of Radio Television of Serbia (RTS). On April 23, 1999, during NATO's bombing campaign against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the building was struck by missiles, killing 16 RTS employees. Most of those who died were technicians, security staff, production workers, and support personnel working overnight shifts. The damaged structure remains partially preserved as a memorial to those who lost their lives. Standing before the ruins is a powerful reminder of the human cost of war. Regardless of political views surrounding the conflict, it is difficult not to reflect on the lives that were lost and the families forever affected by that night. I believe sites like this are important because they encourage us to remember the people behind the headlines and statistics.
The sixteen employees who lost their lives were: Jelica Munitlak, Ksenija Banković, Darko Stojanovski, Nebojša Stojanović, Dragorad Dragojević, Dragan Tasić, Aleksandar Deletić, Slaviša Stavanović, Siniša Medić, Ivan Stukalo, Dejan Marković, Milan Joksimović, Branislav Jovanović, Milan Janković, Tomislav Mitrović, and Slobodan Jontić.
Best Churches to Visit in Belgrade, Serbia
St. Mark's Church
Address- Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 17, Beograd, Serbia
Hour- Open daily from 7am-7pm
Price- Free
Attire- Dress modestly, shoulders and knees should be covered
Built in the Serbo Byzantine style by the Krstić brothers and completed in 1940, St. Mark's Church stands on the site of an earlier church dating back to 1835. The church is beautiful and definitely worth visiting. Located within Tašmajdan Park, it pairs perfectly with a stroll through one of Belgrade's most pleasant green spaces. Beyond its impressive architecture, St. Mark's holds a fascinating place in Serbian history. King Alexander I intended for the church to serve as a burial site for his dynasty, and today it houses the remains of King Aleksandar Obrenović and Queen Draga, whose assassination in 1903 marked the end of the Obrenović dynasty. Their final resting place can be found in a crypt dedicated to Serbian royalty. The church is also home to the tomb of Emperor Stefan Dušan, the 14th-century ruler who transformed medieval Serbia into one of the most powerful states in the Balkans. His burial site remains an important place of reverence for many Serbians. Another lesser known aspect of St. Mark's Church is its role in preserving religious and cultural artifacts from Kosovo and Metohija. Inside are relics, icons, manuscripts, and other sacred objects rescued from monasteries and churches that were damaged or destroyed during regional conflicts. The informational signs throughout the church include English translations, making it much easier for English speaking international visitors to appreciate its history.
Church of Saint Sava
Address- Krušedolska 2a, Beograd, Serbia
Hours- Open Daily between 8am-8pm
Price- Free
Attire- Shoulders and knees should be covered. Though not Mandatory head covering for women is encouraged
Dominating the Belgrade skyline, the Church of Saint Sava is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Serbia. Featuring grand Byzantine inspired architecture and a massive central dome, it is the largest Orthodox church in Serbia and ranks among the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Construction began in the 20th century and continues to this day in some areas, though the church is fully open to visitors. The interior is adorned with breathtaking mosaics, intricate marble work, and soaring ceilings that create an unforgettable first impression. While I found the church incredibly beautiful, I always struggle with places of worship built in such an opulent style. I often think about Christ's teachings on humility and simplicity when standing in buildings like this. That said, I can still appreciate the remarkable craftsmanship, artistry, and cultural importance of Saint Sava. Its immense size and stunning interior make it one of the most impressive sites in Belgrade.
Church of the Holy Trinity
Address- Takovska 4, Belgrade, Serbia
Hours- Monday-Friday 8:30am-6pm Saturday 8:30 am-6:30pm
Price- Free
Attire- Shoulders and knees should be covered and women need to cover their heads
Tucked behind St. Mark's Church, we discovered the Church of the Holy Trinity completely by accident. This small Russian Orthodox church offers a much quieter and more intimate atmosphere than some of Belgrade's larger religious sites. The church itself is beautifully decorated and contains several important relics. Photography is not permitted inside, allowing visitors to focus on the spiritual atmosphere rather than taking pictures. Although most of the information was written in Serbian, the caretaker kindly allowed me to use Google Translate so I could learn more about the church's history and relics. If you are already visiting St. Mark's Church, this hidden gem is well worth a few extra minutes of your time.
Sarcophagus of Stefan Dušan
"I slept, but my heart was awake" Songs of Songs 5:2
Patriarch German
Picture from the doorway before we saw the sign saying no photographs
Best Restaurants and Bakeries in Belgrade, Serbia
Stara Srbija
Address- Maksima Gorkog 51, Beograd, Serbia
Hours- Monday-Friday 9am-11pm Saturday&Sunday 12pm-10pm
Price point- $12-20 usd per person
Payment- Cash or Card
This was one of our favorite traditional Serbian restaurants in Belgrade. We enjoyed a relaxing lunch on the covered outdoor patio while sampling some classic local dishes.I ordered the goulash, which came with creamy mashed potatoes. The portion was generous and packed with tender chunks of beef. Don ordered the Čačak ćevapi, grilled minced meat sausages topped with melted cheese and served with roasted marinated peppers. His portion was enormous and could easily have fed two people.We also shared some fresh bread, bringing our total bill to 2,720 RSD (about $27 USD). The food was hearty, flavorful, and offered excellent value for the quality and portion size.
Urbana Bakery
Address- Maksima Gorkog 75, Beograd, Serbia
Hours- Open daily between 6:30am-9pm
Price point- $3-5 USD per person
Payment- Cash or card
Urbana Bakery quickly became one of our favorite bakeries in Belgrade. The shop was busy throughout our visit, with a constant stream of locals stopping in for fresh baked goods. I ordered a slice of pizza and a pizza style pastry topped with sour cream. Both were fresh from the oven, and the pizza reminded me of a classic New York style crust. The pastry was buttery, flaky, and incredibly satisfying. Don chose a savory ham and cheese pastry, while his favorite item was the potica, a rolled pastry filled with sweet poppy seed paste. Everything we tried was delicious, and the total came to just 840 RSD ($8.26 USD). If you're looking for an affordable breakfast, lunch, or snack, Urbana Bakery is an excellent choice.
Lulu Bakery
Address- Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 70, Beograd, Serbia (Multiple locations)
Hours- Monday-Friday 6am-7pm (Individual locations may vary)
Price point- $3-6USD per person
Payment- Cash or card
Lulu Bakery became our go to spot for fresh bread during our stay in Belgrade. Their homemade breads and pastries were consistently excellent. We especially loved their mixed rye loaf, which was fresh, hearty, and full of flavor. It paired perfectly with local cheeses, cured meats, and market produce. We visited multiple Lulu Bakery locations during our time in the city, and every one delivered the same high quality. If you're staying in Belgrade for several days and want fresh bread for breakfasts or picnics, this is an easy recommendation.
Osh Plov Beograd
Address- Cara Dušana 14, Beograd, Serbia
Hours- Open Monday-Saturday 1pm-10pm closed on Sunday
Price point- $4-8-usd per person
Payment- Cash or card
After spending time in Central Asia, we couldn't resist trying Osh Plov Beograd.We ordered two plov wraps for lunch. While we never encountered plov wraps during our travels in Uzbekistan, the flavors instantly reminded us of the region. The seasoned rice, meat, and spices made for a filling and flavorful meal that was both familiar and unique.The total came to just 800 RSD ($7.95USD), making this one of the most affordable lunches we had in Belgrade.
Čačak čevapi
Golach
Pastry filled with ham and cheese
Pizza pastry filled with cured meats, tomato sauce & cheese and topped with sour cream
Bakery Čeda Burek
Address- Mutapova 65, Beograd, Serbia
Hours- Open daily 6am-2pm
Price point- $2-4USD per person
Payment- Cash
If you're looking for a quick and inexpensive local snack, Bakery Čeda Burek is a fantastic option. The bakery was packed when we arrived, and trays of fresh burek were disappearing almost as quickly as they came out of the oven. There was no seating available, so we grabbed our food and found a nearby bench. I ordered the meat burek while Don chose the cheese version. We also picked up two small yogurt drinks. The burek was wonderfully flaky, rich, and well seasoned, with the kind of crispy layers that make it impossible to stop at just one bite. Unfortunately, I didn't take any photos, but sometimes the foods too good to wait for a camera. Our total came to just 450 RSD ($4.13 USD).
Ćoše
Address- Novopazarska 36, Beograd 11000, Serbia
Hours- Monday-Saturday 1pm-10pm
Price point- $3-8USD per person
Payment- Cash
Ćoše served what was quite possibly the best pizza I've had outside of North America, and that's saying something because I've eaten a lot of pizza while traveling. The crust was thin and perfectly crisp, the toppings tasted fresh, and the sauce struck the ideal balance between sweet and tangy. Everything worked together beautifully without feeling heavy or overloaded. Belgrade may not be the first place people think of when searching for great pizza, but Ćoše proved that the city can absolutely compete with some of the best pizza spots I've found abroad.
Delicious quiche
Where to Stay in Belgrade, Serbia on a Budget
Studio Vračar
Address- 9 Vardarska, Vračar, Belgrade, Serbia
Price- $27-$42 per night depending on time of year and duration or stay
We stayed at Studio Vračar for five nights and absolutely loved it. The apartment was clean, comfortable, and had everything we needed for a longer stay, including a full kitchen, private bathroom, washing machine, and air conditioning. The host was incredibly friendly and made the check-in process quick and easy. The location was also excellent, within walking distance of several markets, restaurants, bakeries, and public transportation, making it easy to explore the city without needing a car. One thing to note is that the apartment is located on the ground floor. If you're a very light sleeper, street noise may occasionally be an issue. We are not light sleepers, however, and it never bothered us. The total cost for our five night stay was just $168 USD, making it one of the best accommodation values we found during our travels in Serbia. The host was also flexible with payment and accepted Serbian dinars (RSD), Euros, and U.S. dollars. For budget travelers looking for an affordable, well equipped apartment in a convenient location, Studio Vračar is an easy recommendation.
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How to Get from Novi Sad to Belgrade, Serbia
Petrovaradin Station
Address- Franje Štefanovića 7, Petrovaradin, Serbia
Price- $3-9USD depending on train type
Payment- Cash or card
Duration- ~45-60 minutes
We traveled from Novi Sad to Belgrade by train, departing from Petrovaradin Station. The journey was straightforward, affordable, and comfortable, making it one of the easiest ways to travel between the two cities. The train arrived on time, and the carriages were clean, modern, and comfortable. Purchasing tickets at the station was simple, and the departure boards provided clear, up to date information about train schedules, platforms, and arrival times. One thing we appreciated was how organized the station was. Even without speaking Serbian, it was easy to navigate and find the correct platform. The train also had clean onboard washrooms, which is always a welcome feature when traveling. Overall, we found the train to be an excellent option for traveling between Novi Sad and Belgrade. It was stress free, comfortable, and allowed us to enjoy the scenery along the way without worrying about traffic or parking.
Looking for other Transportation options in Serbia?
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Additional Travel Information for Belgrade, Serbia
Public Transportation
One of the best things about Belgrade is its public transportation system. The city's buses and trams are free to use and plentiful throughout the city. During our stay, we saw a mix of older and newer vehicles, including both gas powered and electric buses, as well as the iconic trams that have become part of Belgrade's character.
Maps
Google Maps was generally accurate for route planning and bus schedules, but we occasionally encountered road closures that resulted in temporary bus route changes not reflected in the app. When in doubt, don't hesitate to ask the bus driver or a local passenger for help.
ATMs and Money
ATMs are widely available throughout Belgrade. Whether your withdrawal is free depends on your bank, so it's worth checking your account's international withdrawal fees before traveling. One important tip: always choose to be charged in Serbian dinars (RSD) when using an ATM or paying by card. Selecting your home currency may seem convenient, but it often comes with poor exchange rates and additional conversion fees. During our stay, we found that Alta Bank ATMs (Goolge maps location) did not charge any additional withdrawal fees, though your own bank may still charge fees on its end.
Is Belgrade Pedestrian Friendly?
Yes. We found Belgrade to be very walkable, with sidewalks and marked crosswalks throughout most of the city. Many of the larger parks also have dedicated walking and cycling paths. While drivers generally stop at marked crossings, it is still important to stay alert and make eye contact before stepping into the road, especially at busier intersections.
Public Toilets
We were pleasantly surprised by how many free toilets we found throughout Belgrade. Most major parks have public washrooms, and cafes and restaurants generally allow customers to use their facilities. We rarely encountered paid toilets during our time in Serbia. One exception was the bus station in Niš, where access cost either 50 or 100 RSD depending on the slightly confusing machine settings. If you use this station, note that the machine prints a ticket that must be scanned at the gate. It takes a few seconds for the ticket to print, and you'll need to scan the barcode rather than the QR code.
Driving in Belgrade
Drivers drive on the right hand side of the road. While we did not drive in Belgrade, traffic appeared busy and fast paced, particularly during rush hour. Parking in central areas can also be challenging. For most visitors, the combination of walking and public transportation makes renting a car unnecessary unless you plan to explore more of Serbia.
Can You Drink the Tap Water?
Yes. Tap water in Belgrade is generally considered safe to drink. We drank it throughout our stay without any issues and regularly refilled our water bottles from taps and public fountains.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Belgrade, Serbia
Although I generally enjoy the energy and vibe of smaller cities like Novi Sad or Niš, Belgrade completely won me over. Beyond the incredible depth of history and the fantastic food scene, it’s the lingering warmth of the local hospitality that truly stays with you long after you leave.
Belgrade proves that a capital city can be dynamic and rich in culture without losing its soul (or breaking your travel budget). If you're planning a trip to Serbia, giving this remarkable city a few days of your itinerary is an absolute must.
For a closer look at our travels through Serbia, be sure to check out Don's YouTube video (link to YouTube Video) on Serbia. You can also explore our other Serbia travel guides for more tips, destinations, and recommendations to help you plan your own adventure.
More Serbia Travel Guides
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Meet the Author
Hi! I'm Samantha Matthews-McCarty and at 39 I changed careers, moving from construction into travel blogging to follow my passion for exploring the world. Now I document our journeys through history, culture, food and outdoor adventures and I hope to inspire others to do the same.
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