Things to Do in Belgrade (A First-Timer’s Guide)

Are you looking for unique and fun things to do in Belgrade? Look no further, because I’m a native Serbian and I wrote this guide to help tourists like you enjoy the best of my home country!

I’ve included everything I think you should do during your stay, including unknown places that the other tourists miss, and the best free attractions. Plus, my favorite secret local activities (shhh, don’t tell anyone, ok?).

By the end of this article, you will understand why Belgrade is one of the best places to visit in Serbia.

23 Best Things to Do in Belgrade

The Old Kalemegdan Fortress

Located in one of the best parks to visit in the city, this fortress dates back to 279 BC.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 11 2633747 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 3:30 pm daily, Closed Mondays

When you come to Belgrade, this is the first place to visit. Built in 279 BC, Kalemegdan, or Belgrade Fortress, is located in one of the best parks in the famous white city. Kalemegdan is located in the city center, and it’s free.

During the summer days, you can enjoy free music and even dance lessons. Here you will find the most famous statue in this part of Europe and its history might shock you.

Pobednik (The Victor) Monument

This monument was moved to Kalemegdan over a century ago to avoid offending the ladies, but today it’s a local favorite.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 64 4800888 | Hours: 24 hours daily

This is one of the most loved places in Belgrade. Standing next to Pobednik, you will be able to soak in the most amazing view in the city, watching the two rivers create a confluence.

Initially, a century ago, the monument was supposed to be in a different spot, but since it’s naked only holding a sword and a dove in his hand, ladies were so shocked that the city’s officials decided to move it to Kalemegdan, away from the city center.

The Belgrade Underground

Explore the underground tunnels built by the Romans centuries ago.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book the Belgrade Underground tour on Viator

Kalemegdan is not only one of the most beautiful outdoor areas in Belgrade but also one of the most mysterious ones.

The entire park lies on top of underground tunnels, built by Romans centuries ago. You can actually visit these tunnels and even have a glass of wine, with expert tour guides.

Military Museum

Learn about this historical site and see the weapons and other collections on display.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 11 3343441 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily, Closed Mondays

While exploring Kalemegdan you will see long lines of tanks and old munitions. This area is Belgrade’s Military Museum, and it is part of the Historical Military Museum located in Kalemegdan.

If you are eager to learn more about this historical site and other weapons, you can do so by visiting the closed part of the Museum for 150 RSD. Although tanks seem appealing to climb on, don’t do so – it’s forbidden.

Ruzica Church

The oldest church of Belgrade, tucked into the side of Kalemegdan fortress.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 11 2630699 | Website

Ruzica Church is the oldest church of Belgrade and it’s tucked into the side of Kalemegdan fortress. It’s actually in the northeastern walls of the fortress, under the Zindan gate.

So far, you know that you will need hours and hours to explore Kalemegdan completely, right?

If you visit this small chapel on Sunday and during spring/autumn, you will definitely see newlyweds heading toward the church. Feel free to wave at them, or say how beautiful they are – they will love it.

Boho Bar

When the weather is nice, relax at this outdoor bar and snap some cool Instagram-worthy shots.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 9 am – 1 am Sun-Tue & Thu, 9 am – 3 am Wed & Fri-Sat | Website

⚠️ Closure Note: This attraction is temporarily closed.

Freshen up in the popular Boho Bar, located just above the Belgrade Zoo and within the Kalemegdan Fortress. If you love amazing backgrounds for your Insta feed, this is the place to go.

Have a drink in the shade and rest, so you can continue exploring Belgrade. Since this place is based on an outdoor concept, it’s open only during the warm days.

Knez Mihailova Street

The main pedestrian shopping zone in Belgrade, surrounded by many cultural landmarks.

📍 Google Maps

Knez Mihailova Street is the main street in Belgrade. This is also the city’s main pedestrian shopping zone, surrounded by mostly cultural landmarks such as the National Museum and National Theatre.

This is one of the oldest streets in Belgrade and the main meeting point. If you are meeting with someone, you can meet them in front of the Knez Mihailo monument a.k.a “The Horse.”

National Museum of Serbia

Learn about Serbian history and art at this popular museum.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 60 8075020 | Website | Hours: Hours vary Tue-Sun, Closed Mondays | Entrance: 300 RSD for the permanent exhibition & 500 RSD for the thematic exhibition

Behind the Knez Mihailo monument, you can find the National Museum of Serbia – a cultural building that was recently under construction for two years.

If you are a fan of history, you must visit this museum and get familiar with amazing Serbian history and art. You can also see foreign art here and get a guided tour in English.

The ticket price is around $3 and the museum is free of charge on Sundays.

Tram Ride Within Krug Dvojke

Take this 60-minute tram ride that circles the heart of the city and explore the main city centre stops.

Website

Tram 2 is the famous tram line in Belgrade that circles around the city’s heart. This is also one of the very first city lines. Take this tram to explore the main city center stops.

One tram round is 60 minutes long and there is a tour in English. It’s also free!

Mama Restaurant Belgrade

Enjoy the views from this must-visit rooftop restaurant/bar.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 113333011 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 12 am daily

Between Knez Mihailova Street and the beginning of Kalemegdan, you can visit one of the most beautiful rooftops. Visit Mama Shelter if you love original places, amazing design, and chilling on the rooftops.

As expected, the view is amazing, and you get to see first-hand one of the most popular street art in Belgrade, which is of a man with a book. Recreate that picture – it’s a must.

Bohemian Skadarlija

This street is one of Europe’s top hidden gems and is filled with a bohemian spirit plus traditional restaurants and music.

📍 Google Maps

Stroll down the last bohemian quarter in Belgrade. Skadarlija is located in the city center and it’s one of the last hidden gems in Europe.

You will enjoy every second as you take in the free-spirited atmosphere as well as traditional restaurants and music.

Here, with the first drink, you will learn to say “Cheers,” in Serbian.

Avala Tower

The climb to the top of this tower is worth it to enjoy 100 kilometers of breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 11 3907527 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 8 pm daily | Entrance: 300 RSD for adults, Discounts for children, students, and seniors

Visit Avala Tower for spectacular panoramic views and unique architecture. Once you climb this TV tower, you will enjoy 100 kilometers of breathtaking panorama of the city. This is one of the most famous landmarks, not only in Belgrade but in former Yugoslavia as well.

Avala is also a popular picnic area. The ticket to reach the top is around $3.

Museum of Yugoslavia

Travel back through time (and history) in one afternoon at this famous museum.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 11 3671485 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily, Closed Mondays | Entrance: 600 RSD for adults, Discounts for children and students

You cannot stay in Belgrade without visiting this famous museum. Here, you will discover the history of Yugoslavia in one afternoon.

This museum also celebrates Josip Broz Tito’s presidency, and you will get to visit his grave located in the House of Flowers and Old Museum where you can see many gifts that Tito received from the world’s leaders.

There is also the rock from the Moon, which Tito got directly from the Apollo 11 crew.

Znak Pitanja

Eat like a local at the oldest kafana in Belgrade.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 11 2635421 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 9 pm Mon-Thu, 10 am – 10 pm Fri-Sun

Visit the oldest restaurant in Belgrade any time of the year for amazing meals and original coffee. You will definitely feel the vibes of the past and you will be amazed with just how much tradition is preserved here at Znak Pitanja.

This is a great option if you want to try nice, old-fashioned kafana with tradition, without rivers of tourists.

National Bank of Serbia

Learn about the history of money in Serbia and even get your face printed on currency as a souvenir.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 11 3027128 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Mon-Fri, Closed Saturday and Sunday | Entrance: Free

From the kafana Znak Pitanja you can walk 100m and visit the National Bank of Serbia for your own personalized Serbian money.

Here you can see the Serbian money through history, explore one of the most beautiful buildings in Serbia, and you can even get a quick photo on paper money for a long-lasting memory.

You can also have your face on small candy bars. This wing of the National Bank is open every day that the bank is open.

Museum of Nikola Tesla

A family-friendly museum where you’ll discover interesting information about science and history.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 11 2433886 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Mon; 10 am – 8 pm Tue-Sun | 800 RSD for a guided tour in English, 500 RSD for a guided tour in Serbian

Make sure that you visit the Nikola Tesla Museum with a guide, to get the most out of it. Tours are usually around 45 minutes and you will be able to try many experiments. Get ready to make lightbulb lightsabers, get shocked by electricity, and play with Tesla coils.

The museum is also great for children. So if you have toddlers with you make it a family adventure!

Savamala

This urban neighborhood is the spot to visit for the best clubs, hipster coffee shops, and great wine.

📍 Google Maps

Visit this urban neighborhood of Belgrade for the best clubs, hipster coffee shops, and great wine. Savamala is a creative hub, located next to the river, which makes it especially perfect for summer nights.

The area is split into an old and new part and you will enjoy both areas, thanks to its rich nightlife scene.

Graffiti and Street Art

See Belgrade’s colorful art on your own or with a guide while in the city.

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You will love Belgrade’s street art. Exploring the city’s colorful work is also a great way to know the city by foot. Take a tour with Street Up Tours and discover the best local graffiti artists. The street art scene in Belgrade is diverse and there is something for everyone. Tours begin at 23 euros.

NATO Bombing Scars

See the ruins preserved from the bombing in 1999.

Whether you are into dark tourism or not, visiting the NATO bombing scars in Belgrade is a must.

Back in 1999, the whole country was bombed, and the ruins were left wherever it was possible to witness those horrible times.

Nowadays, the ruins are reinforced by metal construction to remain for the rest of time.

Zemun

One of the oldest areas in Belgrade is unique for its architecture and calm, easy-going atmosphere.

📍 Google Maps

Zemun, Serbia is one of the oldest areas in Belgrade.

This area is unique for its architecture and calm, easy-going attitude. It’s next to great nature and you’ll feel like you’re out of city life.

If you want to explore the more serene areas of Belgrade, you must visit Zemun. It has some of the best walking areas, mind-blowing views from Gardos, and a perfect balance of nature and city life.

Ada Ciganlija

Enjoy swimming and other watersports at this river island near the city center.

📍 Google Maps

Ada Ciganlija is a river island, just outside of the city’s center. This is a famous swimming area with wide beaches and a wide range of sports and adventurous activities.

If you are into bungee jumping, you will find it here. Enjoy beach sports while having a barbeque with friends out in the open.

Yugotour

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381669008386 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: Tour prices begin at around 30 euros

Experience this unique tour that includes a ride in a vintage Yugo along with learning about the history of Yugoslavia.

Once upon a time, Yugoslavia had a very popular car – the Yugo. This car was designed and manufactured in Yugoslavia.

The famous car was even exported to the United States and a famous Yugoslavian expedition used this automobile to reach Kilimanjaro.

So, book a Yugotour! Sit, buckle up, and listen to the guides as they share the most interesting stories about Yugoslavia. You will also experience why some car experts named this car the worst car in history.

St. Sava Temple

Admire the dome mosaic and imposing architecture at this Serbian Orthodox church.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 11 2432585 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 8 pm daily

St. Sava Temple is a Serbian Orthodox church, and it’s considered to be the Orthodox heart of Belgrade. This is also the largest Serbian Orthodox church.

The construction began in 1935 and it is yet to be finished. Visiting this temple is a must. You will also get a chance to go seven meters below the ground to explore its crypt and dome mosaic.

Where To Stay in Belgrade

Accommodation can be booked up fast in Belgrade. Here are a couple of my personal hotel recommendations:

💎 Best Luxury Hotel – Square Nine Hotel Belgrade

A perfect choice if you love luxurious hotels,! Square Nine Hotel Belgrade is located only 50 meters from the city center and offers amazing Asian cuisine and unique Japanese drinks.

🛏️ Best Boutique Hotel – Mama Shelter Belgrade

Mama Shelter Belgrade is hip, original, and in the city center. You can enjoy great food and amazing views. It’s located at the end of Knez Mihailova Street, so you can easily explore Belgrade’s main attractions.

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Thanks for reading!

If you’re headed to Belgrade, consider taking a detour up north to Serbia’s second-most popular destination: Novi Sad. And of course, check out our local guide to the best things to do in Novi Sad to help you plan!