Visit Belgrade Church Saint Sava in Serbia

Shores of the Danube River in Evening in Belgrade

House Covered in Strings of Red Chillies in Belgrade

An Old Church Lit Up Inside with Colorful Lights

Belgrade Travel Guide

April - DecemberSerbiaRSD

Regional Cuisine

Museums & Galleries

Cultural

One of Europe’s oldest cities, Belgrade has proven itself to be resilient throughout the centuries. Its chaotic past presents itself through different styles of buildings, from the socialist blocks to the art nouveau structures, from Viennese influence to Ottoman remnants. Today, the city’s historical monuments and relics, including the Belgrade Fortress, are peppered throughout the city center and have become favorite hangout spots even for locals.

Known as one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, Belgrade has become a capital of nightlife for the younger crowd. Between alternative music venues and theaters, splavs (floating river clubs), and kafanas (traditional Serbian taverns), there’s a lot to do after the sun goes down. For a more bohemian vibe, check out Skadarlija street, where you’ll be introduced to the best of traditional Serbian food and drink. Belgrade also boasts an animated pedestrian boulevard, Knez Mihailova, lined with historical buildings that now house charming coffee houses and gritty dive bars.

Belgrade is also home to a surprising amount of nature. With Great War Island being the home of many rare bird species and Kalemegdan Part hosting some woodland species among the well-kept gardens, it’s easy to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy city center. Lido Beach on Great War Island is a favorite of locals for a quick escape to relax, hang out, and play water sports - and it’s close enough to the center that you can still enjoy the nightlife scene after a day spent on the island.

Digging deeper into Belgrade’s turbulent past, there are many museums for you to visit. With several places dedicated to the religious, cultural, and military history of Serbia, you’re sure to walk away with more knowledge and a new appreciation for this former-Yugoslavian country. Learning about Serbia’s history will give you a unique glimpse into how the city has transformed into one of the most energetic, creative, and diverse places in Europe.

Must See Attractions in Belgrade

Stone Fortress with a Drawbridge in Belgrade

Belgrade Fortress & Military Museum

The monumental Belgrade Fortress is the main landmark of the city. Standing tall above the adjoining point of rivers Danube and Sava, this fortress was built, destroyed, and rebuilt several times between the 2nd and 18th centuries. The Military Museum, officially established in 1956, lies within the fortress and chronicles the complete military history of what was once Yugoslavia. Today the giant fortress is made up of Upper Town and Lower Town, and both parts are worth visiting. Lower Town is home to sights like the Big Gunpowder Magazine, the Old Turkish Baths, and the Nebojša Tower. Upper Town includes Damad Ali-Paša's Turbeh, the Clock Tower, the Roman Well, and the Military Museum. Once you reach the museum, you’ll see powerful displays from significant military achievements, like weapons captured from the Kosovo Liberation Army and pieces of the American stealth fighter that was shot down in 1999.

Statue of a Man Mounted on a Horse Pointing to the Distance

Republic Square

Republic Square has been Belgrade’s main square since 1866 when the Stambol Gate was torn down by Prince Mihailo after the Turks left the city. In its place, the National Theater was built, and a statue of Prince Mihailo was added 19 years later, which is now the main landmark and meeting point in the square. Today, Republic Square is the central hangout and point of orientation for locals and visitors alike. Surrounded by historic monuments and cultural buildings, there is a lot to see here. Visit the statue of Prince Mihailo on his horse, see a show at the National Theater, or check out the National Museum or the Army House. Four beautiful fountains are situated within the square, which is also lined with cafes and restaurants for when you get hungry or need a place to people watch.

Nikola Tesla Museum

The Nikola Tesla Museum is one of Belgrade’s most visited museums. After Tesla’s death in 1943, his possessions and legacy were given to relatives who then presented everything to the Serbian state. In 1955, the Nikola Tesla Museum officially opened to the public as the first technical museum in Yugoslavia, displaying models built according to Tesla’s drawings. Throughout the years, the museum grew and gained enough prestige to become the renowned scientific and cultural institution it is today. It is the only place to preserve and display Tesla’s original possessions and personal legacy - even the urn containing his ashes is on display. Unleash your inner nerd by visiting the museum with its fun interactive elements and be impressed by the sheer volume of Tesla’s personal items you can see. Today, the museum contains over 160,000 original documents, more than 1200 historical and technical exhibits, over 1000 plans and drawings, and more.

Church of St. Sava

The Church of St. Sava is the largest Serbian Orthodox church and also ranks among the largest church buildings in the world. The church was erected in 1895, 300 years after the Turkish invaders insulted the Serbians by stealing and burning the body of St. Sava, which had rested in the Mileshevi Monastery since the 1200s. There were many additions and reconstructions made throughout the centuries and the result is what we see today. Built in the Serbian-Byzantine style, the church stands 70 meters tall, plus an additional 12 meters for the gold cross that stands atop the gilded dome. As a result, the church stands high above the rest of the city and holds a special place in the hearts and minds of the Serbian people. It’s a place of gathering, of refuge, and of support for all who pass through its doors. You’ll be impressed by the outside covered in granite and marble, and be even more in awe at the inside, which is decorated with mosaics and ornate furnishings. Some of the largest celebrations held here are on Christmas Eve and New Years.

Skadarlija

Skadarlija is often referred to as the Montmartre of Belgrade. Its history dates back to the 1830s when the Roma people settled into the trenches, but it was quickly gentrified when artisans, caterers, and other tradesmen moved into new brick buildings in the 1850s. The area was known as the Gypsy Quarter until the street was named Skadarlija after the capital of the medieval Serbian state. In the 19th and 20th centuries, it became a popular meeting place for artists, poets, and other influential creatives. Today, Skadarlija is known as the main bohemian quarter of Belgrade. Still a hub of creativity, the street is home to art galleries, antique shops, live folk music, and Belgrade’s most famous restaurants, cafes, and all-night bakeries. This street is short but packed - it connects Republic Square to the famous Šebilj Fountain and the Skadarlija green market. The most visited places on Skadarlija are the restaurants, which attract notable names from all over the world. They are known for their national dishes as well as drinks like rakija, which you’ll have to try for yourself!

Kalemegdan Park

Kalemegdan Park is the biggest and oldest park in Belgrade, created in 1870, and is made up of the area within and around the fortress. The park used to be the city field, but the first Serbian urbanist proposed transforming it into what it is today. The monuments and statues you’ll see lining the walkways have been added over the years. The park is home to many nooks and crannies for you to explore, along with a wealth of activities to partake in. There are playgrounds for children, chess boards, and a wall where you can sit and watch the sunset. A small train runs through the park in case you want to see all without being on foot. From beautifully-manicured gardens and pathways to historical figures scattered throughout the park, you could spend all day wandering around and taking in the scenery. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a theatre performance or a concert, as the park sometimes hosts cultural events.

Island with Wooden Buildings on the Jetty

Great War Island

Formed by the intersection of the Danube and Sava rivers, Great War Island gets its name from the 18th century, when it was located between Austrian Zemun and Turkish Belgrade and battleships would gather there before a fight. Several attempts to connect it to the mainland have been made, though all have failed. Now, the island is reachable by foot for just a few months via a temporary bridge, otherwise you have to take a boat. Compared to the hustle and bustle of the city of Belgrade, Great War Island is a welcome green respite. While still close to the city center and only about 5 kilometers long, the island has grown wild and is now home to over a hundred species of birds, including some very rare species. You can take a walk through the thick forests or visit the island’s Lido beach for some sunbathing and water sports. If you’re looking for a break from city life without traveling very far, this is the place to go.

Optional Day Trips from Belgrade

Statue of Three Figures Standing next to a Rivera Shore

Novi Sad

The small city of Novi Sad is often referred to as the Athens of Serbia because of its outstanding culture and history. Novi Sad has been inhabited since prehistoric times, but many of its landmarks like the Petrovaradin Fortress were built in the Middle Ages, while the Austro-Hungarian empire is responsible for the general look of the city today. Novi Sad has been recognized as an animated and creative city for years now, and also well known for its growing alternative music scene. While you’re in Novi Sad, you’ll be able to explore the entire city on foot. From beautiful parks, outdoor cafes, and the pedestrian zone to the impressive fortress and churches of multiple denominations, Novi Sad has something to offer every kind of traveler. Plus, if you’re there in the summer, the Petrovaradin Fortress hosts the famous EXIT music festival, attracting more than 150,000 people each year.

Sremski Karlovci

Situated right along the Danube River, the town of Sremski Karlovci was originally home to an ancient Roman fortress. However, Sremski Karlovci didn’t flourish until the 18th century, when it became a major cultural and spiritual hub. As a result, it is characterized by baroque and neoclassical architecture, beautiful churches, and a diverse local population. In fact, the town’s other major claim to fame is that it was where the treaty was signed ending the war between the Austrians and the Turks. Because of all this history, there’s a lot to see and do here. The center is home to the regal St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, decorated by Serbia’s leading baroque painter, the Patriarchy residence, and the Karlovci Theological School which is still in operation today. Visit the Chapel of Peace, where the treaty between the Turks and Austrians was signed in 1699. If you’ve had enough history, you’re in luck - the city is also famous for its plentiful vineyards. You can sample the local wines at nearly any restaurant or cafe in the city. These wines have been enjoyed at European courts in centuries past, so make a toast to history and drink up!