Top attractions and standout spots for food and nightlife - A mini guide to the best of the Serbian capital.
If youre thinking of a trip abroad but not too far, for a two- or three-day city break, then the answer could be Belgrade. An affordable and nearby destination for Greeks, the beautiful capital of Serbia is an ideal choice for short and budget-friendly getaways.
Built in an idyllic location, at the confluence of two rivers, the Danube and the Sava, Belgrade is a city brimming with energy that balances between old and new, with its own distinctive charm. It has beautiful squares, large parks, bustling pedestrian streets and splendid buildings, good restaurants, a vibrant cultural scene and alternative hangouts with character. Discoverthe «Berlin of the Balkans» with the short guide that follows.
Exploring the city
Republic Square
Everyone meets at the equestrian statue of Prince Mihailo, inRepublic Square. Hereyoull find some of the citys most famous buildings, such as the National Museum (the oldest museum in the city that reopened its doors in 2018 after a renovation that lasted 15 years) and the National Theatre building.
Knez Michailova pedestrian street
A stroll alongPrince Mihailo Street (Knez Michailova) is a must, asit is considered one of the most beautiful pedestrian streets in Europe. The citysmost commercial street is filled with shops, cafes and street musicians, and is surrounded by historic buildings. On your walk you will see many impressive 19th-century buildings, such as the Srpska Kruna hotel, built in 1869 and today used as a library.
Kalemegdan Fortress
The fortress-parkKalemegdanis located in the heart of the city and looks down from above at the point where the Danube and the Sava meet. It is one of the most historic sites in Belgrade. The setting is composed of towers, little bridges, cobbled lanes, emblematic monuments such as Pobednik (the Victor statue) andlovelyparks ideal for walks and cycling.
Kalemegdan is also home to the city zoo and the Military Museum, which presents the entire military history of Yugoslavia.From time to time the fortress hosts concerts, art exhibitions and open-air markets.
Temple of Saint Sava
The imposing Temple of Saint Sava, on the top of the Vraĉar hill, is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and the citys most monumental building. It is built where, according to tradition,the Ottomans burned the relics ofSaint Sava in 1594 during an uprising. At 82 meters tallwith a dome weighing 4,000 tons, it is visible from many points in the city. The interior of the church is still under construction- however it is open to visitors- while the exterior walls are covered with white marble and granite.
Nikola Tesla Museum
The Nikola Tesla Museum remains one of Belgrades top tourist attractions. Dedicated to the famous Serbianscientist and inventor, it houses a collection that includes about 60,000 original documents and around 5,700 other personal items, among them his urn.
Museum of Contemporary Art
TheMuseum of Contemporary Art is also of interest.It is located on the left side of the Sava River, in the middle of a park, and has a collection of about 35,000 works, including those by Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Joan Miró, David Hockney, Ivan Meštrović and others after 1900.
Skadarlija
The famous neighborhood of Skadarlija is the most picturesque part of the historic center of Belgrade. In the past it was the area that gathered the citys poets and bohemian artists. Skadarlija is also called the «Montmartre of Belgrade» and will remind you of our own Plaka. The area is filled with bars, cafes and traditional restaurants with live music (kafanas).
Zemun
If you have time,its worth taking a stroll in Zemun, on the opposite bank. It is an old neighborhood with small picturesque houses and cobbled lanes that reach the shore of the Danube. Key sights include the Gardos tower atop the hill of the same name and several old churches. Here you will also find quite a few good restaurants.
Flavors
- Have your breakfast like the locals at Pekara Trpković. Burek (layered pies filled with cheese, meat, spinach, etc.) are the specialty of this bakery, which has been operating for over 100 years. There is always a line but the wait is worth it.
- At Loki try pljeskavica, a huge burger with pork belly and cheese, or pohovani (something like cheese croquettes, with local white cheese, served with tartar sauce).
- Dva Jelena in the Skadarlija neighborhood is a traditional Serbian restaurant, with its best dish being karadordeva, a crispy and juicy schnitzel with kajmak (natural butter widely used in Serbian cuisine).
- To Walter is one of the best places for ćevapi (small kebabs with a mix of beef and pork or lamb).
- A good option for traditional Serbian cuisine is also Mornar. It has tasty home-style dishes such as stuffedpeppers, duvec (braised vegetables and pork) and grilled meats at good prices.
- Very special is Salon 5, a restaurant «hidden» inside an apartment in Zemun. A few select dishes are served in a space with design objects and works of art.
- Dont forget to try a strong rakija(the Serbian version of raki made from various fruits), the local blonde beer Jeven, as well as the regions wines.
Nightlife
- On Cetinjska Street, at number 15, in the complex of an oldbrewery, there is a small nighttime neighborhood with nice bars and concert venues that is worth visiting.
- Beton Hala, in old warehousesunder the Kalemegdan fortress, is a very popular meeting point for food and drink.
- Jazz Bašta, with its wonderful courtyard, is the ideal place forjazz lovers.
- To Bar Central serves nice cocktails worth trying.
- Meduza specializes in gin & tonics and hosts some of the citys best parties.
- The most emblematic club in the city is Drugstore, in the space of an old slaughterhouse.
- In the summer months the action moves to the numerous club-riverboats(splavovi),which are synonymouswith nightlife in Belgrade.
