Belgrade, the capital of Serbia and its largest city, is a primary source of entertainment and a fun and active life. Belgrade is a beautiful city, widely known for its nightlife but also for numerous attractions that rank it among the most visited in the country. Set aside one weekend for walking, visiting museums, and, at the end of the day, a good night out in the capital of this beautiful country. We highlight things to see in Belgrade, what activities await you in Belgrade, and how to have the best time.
What to visit in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia – Top things to see
Belgrade is a place where modern and traditional intertwine. At every step, you can come across a pre-war building, and right next to it, you will see a new building built in the past few years. And that makes the charm of this city, where some of the most important sights of Serbia are located. If you ask Belgraders, they will tell you how they often orient themselves based on some of the most famous buildings in the city.
Knez Mihailova street
This city was best described by many famous writers and painters who dedicated numerous works to Belgrade and its people. Their books and paintings represent a kind of guide to the city. They mention some long-forgotten places, taverns where many enjoyed until dawn, restaurants where the town’s most delicious food was served, and Knez Mihailova, the eternal place of meeting and parting. Therefore, we should start from this street. The city’s main pedestrian zones are the heart of Belgrade. A lesser-known fact is that it became a pedestrian street in 1987. However, it was necessary even during the Austrian, Turkish, and Roman rule.
The great historical importance of many buildings and some of the most visited boutiques and shops are located next to each other. Don’t miss visiting the most famous attractions in it:
- Palace of Albania
- Zepter Museum
- Gallery of the Cultural Center of Belgrade
- The building of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts
Knez Mihailova is interspersed with smaller streets offering equally interesting and colorful content. You will meet street sellers of books and records, musicians, singers, clowns, and city entertainers. From here, you can visit the following interesting sights: Republic Square and Kalemegdan.
Republic Square, the central place of Belgrade, the capital of Serbia
The main town square stretches out at the exit from Knez Mihailova Street. Today, Republic Square is a meeting and socializing place. You can explore the city and its restaurants, bars, and museums here. Near the famous monument to Prince Mihailo Obrenović, there are many cultural buildings, so don’t miss the opportunity to visit them. The Reunion Palace and numerous cafes, restaurants, alleys, and pubs are on its right side. The National Theater and the National Museum are among the most beautiful buildings in Balkan.
Skadarlija
For all lovers of good food and drinks, old-town music, and traditional Serbian taverns, Skadarlija is at the top of the list of things to see in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Not far from Republic Square is Skadarska Street, which preserves its appearance from the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. Although 500 meters long, it is home to some of Belgrade’s legendary taverns. Whichever pub you go to, you will enjoy the spirit of the past. These are places where many actors and writers often stayed and still preserve that time’s spirit. Shkadarlija is ideal for dinner and relaxation after a day of city touring. Remember that the street is cobbled, so walking will be difficult if you wear heels.
Church of Saint Sava
This magnificent temple was built on the site where the relics of Saint Sava are believed to have been burned. In 1935, the construction of the Church of St. Sava began, which today is known as one of the most prominent Orthodox places of worship in Europe. The temple’s interior is richly painted, and the crypt is the most luxurious part of the church.
Nikola Tesla Museum
Vračar is among the most famous and most beautiful parts of Belgrade. It is decorated with many eminent restaurants and bars, narrow streets with green tree-lined streets, the Kalenić market, and the Slavija theater. Among the houses and city buildings on Krunska Street number 51, there is also a building from the beginning of the 20th century that houses the Nikola Tesla Museum. The legacy of the world’s most significant scientist is preserved on the premises of this museum. The exhibit shows Nikola Tesla’s personal items, notes, letters, blueprints, and some of his inventions and working models. This museum is unique because it also houses the urn of Tesla. The museum interests children because they encounter various interesting devices and inventions.
Kalemegdan
Another thing to see in Belgrade is that it is almost impossible to come to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and not walk around the Kalemegdan fortress, which offers the most beautiful view of the confluence of the Sava and the Danube. The space is divided into small and large parks, and on its surface, there are buildings of great historical importance. Spacious green areas with many trees, benches, and sculptures are the perfect place to rest and take a leisurely walk during the weekend. A visit to some sights here can complete your stay at the fortress. The main symbol is located right here. It is about the monument to Pobednik, erected in 1928. It represents a landmark of Belgrade. You can see the most beautiful rivers and New Belgrade views from there. Many tourists take photos there, knowing the scene is almost unreal during sunset.
Zoo
It can be classified among the interesting places in Belgrade, which you will not get bored of, no matter how often you return to them. Ideal for a visit, especially if you are touring with your little ones. They will be delighted to see some animals they have only seen on television. From elephants and lions to penguins and bears, you can see animals from all five continents in one place. The zoo is located on the very edge of Kalemegdan.
New Belgrade
Initially, New Belgrade was designed as a modern part of the city and the country’s business center. Due to this fact, the inhabitants of this part of Belgrade could not boast of many cultural institutions for a long time. However, the image of New Belgrade as a “big dormitory” has changed recently. In addition to the existing Museum of Contemporary Art near Ušće, in New Belgrade, you can also visit the historical archives of Belgrade, the Student City Cultural Center, the Student Cultural Center, the small theater Duško Radović, and the institution of the New Belgrade Cultural Network.
Synonymous with New Belgrade is the long promenade along the Sava and Danube rivers and many green areas, the largest of which is Ušće Park. Rafting along the rivers is a unique experience for foreigners and all Belgraders. If you like cycling, this part of the city is ideal for you because, unlike the old part of Belgrade, it is fully adapted to cyclists. For those who like to go to concerts of big stars, watch a big sports event, or attend a conference, Kombank Arena and Sava Center are unmissable places. The proximity of the airport and international roads, bus and train stations, wide boulevards, and a handful of parking spaces are often highlighted as an advantage of living in New Belgrade.
Belgrade at night – Where do you go out in the capital city?
What to do in Belgrade after dark? The capital of Serbia is rich in nightlife. Not only from Serbia but also tourists from abroad come here to find an excellent place for a night out and a good time. Many people wonder where to go for the weekend in Belgrade precisely because of the large selection available. Most bars and pubs are open on weekends until 1 in the morning, while the clubs are open almost until dawn, so you can expect parties that last until 4 or 5 in the morning.
The best Belgrade Cafes and Clubs
Club Freestyler Belgrad
The club, which has existed for 18 years and offers great fun and unforgettable parties, has also decided to stay that way during winter. Therefore, they opened a winter club called Freestyler Belgrad Winter Stage. It is located on the roof of the Concrete Hall, rising physically above the other places. The Freestyler Belgrad Winter Stage is famous for top DJs from the local scene and well-known world names.
Sava pub
Located on the Sava quay, with its modern interior in an industrial style, it is not far behind the most popular bars in Belgrade. The ideal place to spend a boiling summer day in the bustling city is with a great selection of beers.
You can enjoy barley drinks and grilled specialties here. The two-level space with a beautiful terrace sets this pub apart from other bars.
Medusa
This simple and relaxed café-bookstore opens its doors to friends, family, and book lovers. Here, along with excellent coffee and your favorite book, you can enjoy light, small, tasty snacks served by friendly staff.
Drink prices are highly favorable, and guests keep coming back because of the simplicity and pleasantness of the ambiance and the interestingness of a small place that can provide great comfort.
Old London Pub
Love beer? This pub aspires to become an authentic London pub in the heart of Belgrade. In addition to the standard 0.3 and 0.5 liters, here, you can also get a pint of beer in the true spirit of a British pub. Enjoy darts, table football, billiards, or watching your favorite match on TV.
In summer, there is an irresistible garden with a pleasant atmosphere for the first morning coffee. At the same time, every weekend, real rock and roll concerts are organized in the Old London pub, which we don’t hear so often these days.
Hotels in Belgrade
Hotels are the right choice if you are looking for more formal accommodation where you can order room service or have breakfast. The location is also essential when choosing a hotel. You need to be well connected to the city center, the most famous attractions, and public transport that can take you around.
If you want to experience old Belgrade and its traditions, staying at Hotel Moskva or Hotel Majestic will give you additional inspiration. Both hotels are famous for their beauty but also for the years they have behind them. The cheaper options would be the Belgrade City Hotel and the Central Park Residence, which are still in the city center but offer more affordable accommodation.
Belgrade is not just a destination but an experience filled with warmth and Belgrade hospitality that is remembered long after the visit. Anyone who wants to know what to do in Belgrade can be sure that this city will meet all expectations, offering many things to see, activities, emotions, and unforgettable moments.