General Information
Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is a city where history meets modern vibrancy. Sitting at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, it has been shaped by various empires, from the Romans to the Ottomans and the Austro-Hungarians. Today, Belgrade is famous for its rich culture, historical landmarks, buzzing nightlife, and delicious Balkan cuisine.
Location
Belgrade is located in southeastern Europe, at the crossroads between Western and Eastern Europe. It is the largest city in Serbia and serves as its economic, cultural, and political hub.
Nearby Destinations:
- Novi Sad – 93 km (Serbia’s second-largest city, famous for EXIT Festival)
- Niš – 237 km (A historic city with a Roman past)
- Timisoara, Romania – 160 km
- Zagreb, Croatia – 393 km
How to Get There
- By Air:
- Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) – Well-connected to European and international destinations.
- By Train:
- Direct connections from Vienna, Budapest, Zagreb, and Montenegro.
- By Bus:
- Extensive bus networks from neighboring countries and major Serbian cities.
- By Car:
- Major highways link Belgrade to Hungary, Croatia, and Bulgaria.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (April – June): Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing.
- Summer (July – August): Hot (25–35°C), with vibrant nightlife and river activities.
- Autumn (September – October): Mild temperatures with beautiful colors.
- Winter (November – March): Cool and cozy, with festive markets.
Key Festivals & Events
- EXIT Festival (July): One of Europe’s top music festivals (in nearby Novi Sad).
- Belgrade Beer Fest (August): A massive celebration of beer and music.
- Belgrade Dance Festival (March-April): Showcasing contemporary dance performances.
Where to Stay
- Luxury:
- Metropol Palace – A 5-star hotel with elegant design.
- Square Nine Hotel – Chic and centrally located.
- Mid-range:
- Hotel Moskva – Historic charm in the city center.
- Mama Shelter Belgrade – Stylish and trendy.
- Budget:
- Hedonist Hostel – A cozy and social hostel.
- Revolution One Hostel – Great location for budget travelers.
Top Attractions
- Kalemegdan Fortress: Stunning views and rich history.
- Knez Mihailova Street: A lively pedestrian zone with shops and cafés.
- St. Sava Temple: One of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.
- Skadarlija: A bohemian quarter with traditional restaurants.
- Republic Square: The heart of the city, surrounded by cultural landmarks.
- Nikola Tesla Museum: Showcasing the genius of the famous inventor.
- Ada Ciganlija: A river island turned into a recreational paradise.
- Zemun: A charming old town with stunning riverside views.
- House of Flowers: The resting place of former Yugoslav leader Tito.
- Avala Tower: Offers panoramic views over Belgrade.
Getting Around
- Trams & Buses: Affordable and widely used.
- Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Yandex, CarGo, and local taxis.
- Walking: The city center is easily walkable.
- Bike Rentals: Available along the river promenades.
Local Cuisine
Belgrade offers delicious Balkan cuisine, known for its grilled meats and hearty flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Ćevapi: Grilled minced meat sausages, served with flatbread and onions.
- Pljeskavica: Serbian-style burger, packed with flavor.
- Sarma: Cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and rice.
- Ajvar: A red pepper-based condiment, perfect with grilled dishes.
- Rakija: A strong fruit brandy, a must-try local drink.
Top Restaurants
- Dva Jelena: A legendary restaurant in Skadarlija.
- Ambar: A modern take on Balkan cuisine.
- Toro Latin GastroBar: A fusion of Serbian and Latin American flavors.
Shopping in Belgrade
- Knez Mihailova Street: The main shopping street.
- Ušće Shopping Center & Delta City Mall: Modern shopping malls.
- Zeleni Venac Market: A great place for local produce and delicacies.
Nightlife in Belgrade
Belgrade has one of the best nightlife scenes in Europe, with bars, nightclubs, and floating river clubs (splavs).
- Freestyler & Lasta: Famous river clubs.
- Kasina by Community: A great place for cocktails.
- Drugstore Beograd: An underground electronic music venue.
- Rakija Bar: Perfect for tasting Serbian rakija.
Day Trips from Belgrade
- Novi Sad & Petrovaradin Fortress: A charming city with stunning fortress views.
- Golubac Fortress & Đerdap National Park: A fairytale-like fortress on the Danube.
- Topola & Oplenac: A historic royal complex.
- Sremski Karlovci: A picturesque town with wine-tasting opportunities.