Belgrade, the 'White City,' is not your typical European capital city. It is a bold and adventurous place with grit and guts. Its rough exuberance makes it one of the most unique and interesting cities to visit in the region.
The city is renowned for its incredible nightlife, which rivals those of Berlin and Amsterdam. Combining that with its diverse history and architecture that ranges from art nouveau remnants of the Habsburgs to Ottoman relics to socialist modernist monoliths, there is so much to love about this incredibly unique city.
It is one of the most interesting cities you can visit in the Balkans and within this guide, you will find all the information you need to help plan the perfect trip to Belgrade. Without further ado, here are the 12 best things to do in Belgrade for solo travelers:
- Belgrade Itinerary Map
- Where to Stay in Belgrade?
- Quick Summary: Things to do in Belgrade
-
12 Best Things to Do in Belgrade
- Explore Belgrade Fortress
- Stroll Along Kneza Mihaila Street
- Check Out the Beautiful Architectures of Republic Square
- Admire the Beauty of the architecture of Hotel Moskva
- Visit St. Mark Orthodox Church
- Spot NATO Bombing Sites
- Check Out Nikola Tesla Museum
- Be Blown Away by Saint Sava Temple
- Learn the History at the Museum of Yugoslavia
- Explore the Nightlife at Skadarlija
- Spot Incredible Brutalist Buildings
- Spend a Day in Novi Sad
- More Belgrade Activities
- What to Eat and Drink in Belgrade?
- Further Reading for Serbia
Belgrade Itinerary Map
Quick Summary: Things to do in Belgrade
- Good People Design Hostel (Budget)
- Hotel Bohemian Garni - Skadarlija (Mid-Range)
- Hotel Mona Plaza (High-End)
- Northern Serbia: Sremski Karlovci and Novi Sad Full-Day Tour from Belgrade (8 to 9 hours)
- Day Trip from Belgrade: Gems of Eastern Serbia (9 to 10 hours)
- Blue Danube: Iron Gate National Park Tour with 1-hour speedboat ride (11 to 12 hours)
12 Best Things to Do in Belgrade
1. Explore Belgrade Fortress
One of the first places I highly recommend you visit after you arrive in Belgrade is Belgrade Fortress, an incredible historic fortress that spans across a ridge overlooking a confluence of two rivers, providing a great view of the natural beauty around the capital city.
Other than the impressive vantage point the fortress provides, the place is also known for being one of the oldest and largest fortresses in Europe with a rich history that dates all the way back to the Celt and the Roman periods.
During the Middle Ages, the fortress was a strategic stronghold that changed hands many times between various conquerors, including the Byzantines, Bulgarians, Hungarians, and Serbs. It was also the site of many battles, most notably the Battle of Kosovo in 1389, which marked the beginning of Ottoman rule in Serbia.
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Under Ottoman rule, the fortress was heavily fortified and expanded, with the construction of many new towers, walls, and gates. It remained a key military stronghold until the 18th century, when it was captured by the Habsburgs, who further expanded and reinforced the fortress.
In the 19th century, as Serbia gained independence, the fortress lost its military significance and was gradually transformed into a park and a cultural center. Today, it is a beautiful and relaxing place to walk around, admire the view of the city and the incredible nature surrounding Belgrade, and a perfect place to get your bearing when you first arrive in the city.
Right out of the gate, you will find a War Museum, showcasing all kinds of weaponry like tanks, artilleries, and more, all lined along the fortress walls. Once inside, you will find yourself in a huge park with a number of walking trails you can take.
Be sure to go all the way to the Victor Monument, a monument celebrating Serbia's victory during the Balkan Wars, and check out the views of the 2 rivers. It is quite a sight to behold.
You can also explore the fortress with a walking tour which will take you deeper into the fortress, going underground, and exploring the underground fortifications, spooky tunnels, and bunkers and caves carved out through the ages, from Roman times to the 20th century, hidden under Serbian's capital city.
The park itself is open every day at all hours and it is free to enter but if you want to check out some of the interiors of the fortress, they are open between 11 AM to 5 PM every day except on Mondays and you will have to pay the entrance fee of around 80 SBR (less than a euro) which is very affordable! Definitely one of the best things to do in Belgrade.
Where to Stay in Belgrade?
2. Stroll Along Kneza Mihaila Street
After you are done with the fortress, you can make your way down to Kneza Mihaila Street, a pedestrian-only street located in the heart of the city center. It is one of the oldest and most famous streets in Belgrade, named after Mihailo Obrenović III, the prince of Serbia who ruled in the mid-19th century.
The street is lined with beautiful buildings, cafes, restaurants, and shops, and it's a popular destination for both locals and tourists to stroll around and hang out. It is one of the liveliest places in the city which makes for a great place to hang out and go people-watching.
Seriously, you will find waves of people here as well as street performers, performing their hearts out at all hours. It is an awesome place to stroll around and get the feel and vibe of the city before we continue exploring Belgrade, so be sure to drop by here.
3. Check Out the Beautiful Architectures of Republic Square
As you stroll along Kneza Mihaila Street, you will eventually arrive at Republic Square, the central square of Belgrade, one of the busiest and most recognizable public spaces in the city, surrounded by some of its most important landmarks and cultural institutions.
Right at the center of the square, you will find the statue of Prince Mihailo Obrenović III, one of Serbia's most beloved historical figures. The statue was erected in 1882 and has since become a symbol of the city and a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike.
Surrounding the square are several notable buildings, including the National Museum of Serbia, the National Theatre, and the Cultural Center of Belgrade, all of which are housed in these stunning art nouveau buildings the city is known for.
You can spend some time exploring these attractions while you hang out around the square or you can enjoy one of the many cafes, restaurants, and shops which surround the square. For those seeking a relaxing spot to enjoy a cup of coffee amidst the surrounding European-style architecture, Republic Square is undoubtedly one of the best places to be in Belgrade.
For those who want to learn more about the architecture you see in Belgrade, I highly recommend you go on a walking tour as well so you can be guided through the city and learn the history of the city by a local guide first hand.
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
Looking to save some costs on your travel? Why not join a shared group tour from Belgrade? Here are some activities you might be interested in:
4. Admire the Beauty of the architecture of Hotel Moskva
Not too far from Republic Square, you will also find another awesome piece of architecture, Hotel Moskva, a historic luxury hotel built in 1906 in this incredible Art Nouveau style, which has since become one of the most iconic landmarks of the city with its unique design that looks like a castle straight out of a fairytale.
The hotel has been the face of the city for many decades, with the hotel boasting a number of incredible list of famous, including Albert Einstein, Indira Gandhi, and Richard Nixon. The hotel has also played a significant role in the city's cultural and social scene, hosting numerous events and gatherings and you will always find something going on in the square in front of the hotel.
You should also go inside the hotel and check out the interior's lavish decor and stunning architectural details, including a magnificent staircase and a grand ballroom.
Of course, if you want to have the ultimate experience at Hotel Moskva, you can stay at one of the hotel's 123 rooms and suites which are designed with a perfect blend between classic elegance and modernity, which you can experience first hand. If you want to stay at this hotel, be sure to book it in advance here.
5. Visit St. Mark Orthodox Church
As you continue east from Hotel Moskva, you will arrive at St. Mark Orthodox Church, a grand Serbian Orthodox church that is famous for its unique design which perfectly combines traditional Serbian and Byzantine architectural styles unlike any other structures in the city.
The church was built in the early 20th century, standing at more than 60 m (200 ft) tall, towering even some of the modern buildings in the area, making it one of the largest churches in the country. Inside, St. Mark's Orthodox Church is adorned with beautiful frescoes and intricate details, including a magnificent iconostasis that is considered one of the finest examples of Serbian Orthodox art.
The church is also home to a number of relics and artifacts of historical and cultural significance so be sure to go inside and check out the church's incredible decor while you are here. The church is open from 7 AM to 7 PM every day and there is no entrance fee to the church.
6. Spot NATO Bombing Sites
There is no doubt that Serbia and Belgrade have been through some dark periods in the past, especially during the Kosovo War in 1999, when NATO's involvement wreaked havoc across the city. This event set Serbia on a path that caused it to drift away from its peers in the European Union ever since. You will be able to spot many of the remnants of that tragic period for Serbia that are still very fresh and vivid in their minds since it only happened a few decades ago.
One of the remnants of that war is the Memorial NATO Bombing TV Station Monument, a destroyed TV station that has been turned into a monument to serve as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of the bombing campaign, which claimed the lives of over 500 civilians and caused significant damage to infrastructure and cultural heritage sites.
Throughout the city, you'll come across numerous ruins that serve as poignant reminders of the human toll of war and the need to honor the memories of those who lost their lives in the conflicts. Regardless of which side you may have supported, these places are solemn and moving, providing opportunities for reflection on the violence of war. They also stand as a testament to the resilience of the Serbian people in the face of tragedy and adversity, so be sure to keep an eye out for them as you explore the city.
7. Check Out Nikola Tesla Museum
Nikola Tesla Museum is a museum dedicated to the life and work of the famous inventor, engineer, and physicist, Nikola Tesla. The museum is housed in the renovated residential villa where Tesla lived during his later years.
The museum contains a large collection of Tesla's personal belongings, scientific instruments, and original documents, providing visitors with a fascinating insight into his life and achievements. Some of the highlights of the museum include Tesla's original prototypes, models, and drawings, as well as interactive exhibits that showcase his inventions and discoveries.
The museum is open from 10 AM to 8 PM every day and the entrance fee is 800 RSD (7.5 EUR) which includes a guided tour in English. If you want to learn more about Nikola Tesla and how he is related to this city, be sure to check the museum out.
8. Be Blown Away by Saint Sava Temple
Saint Sava Temple is one of the most important landmarks that you should visit while you are in Serbia. With its massive size standing more than 70 meters tall, the church is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.
This church is definitely my favorite in the country, with its striking design and imposing size that dominates much of the Belgrade skyline. Its domed structure is so prominent that it can be seen from many parts of the city.
The exterior of the church is clad in white marble, which gives it a bright and elegant appearance that stands out from all the gray concrete blocks most buildings around the area are made of. The intricate details of the church's facade, including the ornate carvings and sculptural reliefs, are also quite a sight to behold.
Inside, the temple is equally impressive. The walls and ceilings are adorned with stunning frescoes and mosaics that depict scenes from the life of Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church, as well as Serbian history, and biblical events.
The high vaulted ceilings and large windows allow natural light to flood the space, creating a beautiful and serene vibe that is hard to describe in words. Being inside the church, you will feel both impressed and overwhelmed by the sheer scale of this church.
The crypt of Saint Sava Temple is also a must-visit with its incredible golden frescoes and murals that cover every inch of the crypt, brightening up even the darkest of rooms. It is located beneath the main church and is accessible from the inside and it is my favorite part of the church, so be sure to make your way down there while you are here.
Definitely one of the best things to do in Belgrade. The church is open from 7 AM to 7 PM every day and it is free to enter the church. You can easily reach the church by walking which takes about 25 minutes or you can take bus #29 from the bus stop at Republic Square. You can buy the bus ticket from the bus driver (more expensive) or from kiosks marked with a ticket sales sticker near the bus stop before getting on the bus (cheaper). It should cost between 90 - 150 RSD for a 90 minutes ride. I recommend you buy 3 tickets for the trip here as well as the Museum of Yugoslavia we will be visiting next.
9. Learn the History at the Museum of Yugoslavia
One of the most interesting things to do in Belgrade is to visit the Museum of Yugoslavia and learn about the history of Yugoslavia from its foundation all the way to its dissolution and all the events that led up to it as well as learn about Tito, one of the most beloved politicians in the Balkans who unified the Slavic people of the region under one roof until his death.
The museum consists of several buildings and exhibitions with one of the highlights being the House of Flowers, which was the former residence of Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito.
The house has been converted into a museum dedicated to Tito's life and work, with exhibits showcasing his personal belongings, gifts he received from foreign leaders, and photographs and documents chronicling his political career. Tito's mausoleum is also located on the grounds of the House of Flowers.
In addition to the House of Flowers, the museum complex also includes the Museum of Yugoslav History, which features exhibits on the history of Yugoslavia from the early 20th century up until the country's dissolution in the 1990s. The museum has a large collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents, as well as multimedia exhibits and interactive displays.
The museum also offers a pretty nice view over the Belgrade skyline as well as a beautiful green park with colorful flowers and beautiful sculptures, a lovely cafe, and a souvenir shop you can enjoy, so be sure to spend some time and explore the museum complex before we head back to the city center.
The museum is open from 10 AM to 6 PM every day except on Mondays and the entrance fee is 400 RSD per person. To get there, you can catch bus #41 from Republic Square's bus stop or if you are at Saint Sava Temple, you can catch bus #36 from Karadordev Park's Bus Stop, and you should be there in no time.
Be sure to buy the ticket beforehand or from the bus driver, although in my experience, the bus driver rarely ever has changes or bus tickets for that matter so it is best if you buy them at kiosks marked with a ticket sales sticker near somewhere in the city before getting on the bus. It should cost between 90 - 150 RSD for a 90-minute ride.
10. Explore the Nightlife at Skadarlija
Belgrade is renowned for its incredible nightlife scene that rivals those of Berlin and Amsterdam with its selection of awesome bars, clubs, and pubs that light up the city's streets of Belgrade at night and keep the fun going until sunrise.
And one of my favorite areas to explore is Skadarlija, a charming bohemian quarter in Belgrade featuring all sorts of awesome restaurants, cafes, and bars, where you can spend your time enjoying traditional Serbian dinner or dancing the night away.
During the day, you will also find many art galleries, antique shops, and souvenir stores where you can browse and purchase unique items for the people back home.
Huge thanks to my lovely friends from Serbia, Deric and Emina from Adventurous2 who took me out on my birthday and showed me around the parts of Belgrade that I would never have discovered by myself!
It was an awesome birthday present to be able to see Belgrade's incredible nightlife from the eyes of the people who live there. If you are looking for a nice spot to hang out at night and enjoy the lively atmosphere that Belgrade is known for, be sure to drop by Skadarlija and find a nice restaurant and club to indulge yourself in.
11. Spot Incredible Brutalist Buildings
As you may have noticed, Belgrade is home to some of the finest Brutalist buildings in the world, with buildings that remind us of Belgrade's socialist past.
Contrary to the popular notion that Brutalist buildings are unattractive, I find the Brutalist architectural style in Belgrade to be quite beautiful and historically significant.
This is especially true for the buildings constructed during the socialist era in Yugoslavia. These buildings represent an essential part of the country's history and identity, and they are often viewed as symbols of the nation's progress and modernity during that time.
They tend to have a rough, unfinished appearance that gives them a certain sense of rawness and authenticity, which is often appealing to those who appreciate avant-garde design.
If you are interested in seeing some of these awesome Brutalist buildings, most of the cool-looking ones are on the other side of the River Save like the Palace of Serbia, a massive government building located in New Belgrade, the mother of all Brutalist buildings in the city.
Other notable brutalist buildings in New Belgrade you should check out are the Museum of Contemporary Art, Hotel Jugoslavija, and Genex Tower. If you have some time to kill, be sure to visit New Belgrade, rent a bike from here, and spot these awesome Brutalist buildings.
12. Spend a Day in Novi Sad
For those who are looking for a day trip to make, I highly recommend you visit Novi Sad, the second-largest city in Serbia and by far, one of the most beautiful cities in the country with such a long and rich history, the city has often been referred to as Serbian Athens.
Novi Sad feels so different from Belgrade that you might even wonder if you are actually still in Serbia as you find yourself surrounded by all the Western-style buildings, Catholic cathedrals and churches, and a town square that feels more like Austria than Serbia, thanks to the far-reaching touch and influences of the Habsburgs.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Novi Sad came under the control of the Habsburg Empire and became a center for education and the arts. The city's architecture and cultural heritage reflect this period of Austro-Hungarian influence, with many beautiful Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings still standing today.
One of the first places you should visit is the Freedom Square, home to some of the most beautiful architecture in the city. The most prominent architecture of them all is the Name of Mary Catholic Church, which stands front and center, right in the middle of the square.
Surrounding the area, you will stunning buildings and attractions like the colorful City District Office, a line of beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, and the Monument of Svetozar Miletić where you will often find people as well as street performers hanging out, entertaining one another.
It is the liveliest part of the city, which makes for a great place to start your exploration in Novi Sad. From the square, you can make your way north, past the Name of Mary Catholic Church, you will find the striking Vladicanski Dvor, a bishop's palace with the exceptionally vibrant exterior design, as well as Saint George's Cathedral, one of the most beautiful and revered Orthodox churches in the city.
If you are interested in the history of Novi Sad, you can also check out some of the museums here, like the City Museum of Novi Sad and Muzej Vojvodine to learn more about the city through collections of artifacts, historical objects, and guided tours.
Be sure to make your way to Petrovaradin Fortress, and stroll around the fortress courtyard, checking out the panoramic view of Novi Sad, visiting the museum inside, and enjoying a nice meal while looking at the beautiful Danube River from one of the restaurants on that side of Novi Sad.
It is one of my favorite cities in Serbia, with a more relaxing and chill vibe that is a welcomed change from all the bustlings in Belgrade. To travel to Novi Sad independently, you can easily catch one of the many buses from Belgrade Main Bus Terminal that runs between 4:30 AM to 10 PM every day. The journey will take about 1.5 hours and costs around 6 - 9 EUR. You can check the bus schedule here.
You can also visit Novi Sad with an organized tour which will take you Novi Sad and back as well as other towns in Northern Serbia like Sremski Karlovci without you having to worry about the logistics.
What to Eat and Drink in Belgrade?
1. Chill Out at Kafeterija Magazin 1907
If you are looking for a nice cozy cafe to sit with a delicious cup of coffee and a good book while being surrounded by the creative youth of Belgrade, I highly recommend you check out Kafeterija Magazin 1907.
This cafe is located in the city center inside a beautiful old building with seating areas spread across its beautiful 3 floors. They also have a seating area outside if you wish to enjoy the city vibe as you drink your coffee.
They serve a variety of drinks, with my favorite being coffee (of course), and they will provide you with a selection of coffee beans from across the world you can customize to your heart's content.
The best part is they also serve all-day breakfasts which is something I wish more cafes would do. I love breakfast food and sometimes, I just want to have some delicious breakfast for dinner and I can do that here which is awesome! 😂😂
If you have some time to kill and want to relax and enjoy the city's atmosphere a little, be sure to drop by Kafeterija Magazin 1907. The place is open from 7 AM to 11 PM every day.
That is it for the 12 Impressive Things to Do in Belgrade for Solo Travelers. Have we missed anything? Have you found the guide useful? Let us know in the comments below!
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to plan your trip to Belgrade, Serbia! Here are some resources to help you get your trip going:
Are you planning to travel to Belgrade, Serbia independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Serbia
- Want to plan a trip to the Balkans, but not sure where to go? Here is the 31 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in the Balkans.
- For a complete itinerary to the Balkans, check out: 2 Months Backpacking Balkans Itinerary.
- For a 3-day itinerary to Serbia, check out: 3 Days Backpacking Serbia/Belgrade Itinerary.
- As the European cultural capital of 2022, Novi Sad is one of the most beautiful cities in Serbia that you must visit and see what a Western-style Serbian city looks like. Here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Novi Sad.
- Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
- To see all the articles about Serbia, visit the Serbia Travel Guide page.
- Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
- Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
- Or, if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Balkans Travel Guide, Eastern Europe Travel Guide, Western Europe Travel Guide, Southern Europe Travel Guide, or Central Europe Travel Guide pages.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.