23 Things to Do in Belgrade (By a Local)

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.

What’s in store in this guide?

• ✨ What to do in Belgrade, including unknown places that the other tourists miss.
• 🆓 The best things to do in Belgrade for free.
• 🤐 My favorite secret local activities in Belgrade (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. And, since there are so many different things to do and see in Belgrade, you’ll have the advantage of having a local help to kick-off your adventure in Belgrade.

Ready to dive in? Let’s do it:

23 Best Things to Do in Belgrade

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#1 – Explore The Old Kalemegdan Fortress

Phone: +381 11 2633747 | Website | Hours: 24 hours daily

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 open 24/7, 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.

#2 – Meet the Famous Pobednik (The Victor) Monument

📍 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.

👉 Pro tip: Belgrade is a pretty safe city, but it’s a good idea to consider if Serbia travel insurance coverage can help protect your trip.

#3 – Explore The Belgrade Underground

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.

#4 – Tour Belgrade’s Military Museum

📍 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 munition. This area is Belgrade’s Military Museum, and it is part of the Historical Military Museum located in Kalemegdan and available 24/7 for free.

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. Although tanks seem appealing to climb on, don’t do so – it’s forbidden.

#5 – Check out the Amazing Ruzica Church

Phone: +381 11 2630699

Ruzica Church is the oldest church of Belgrade and it’s tucked into the side of Kalemgdan 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.

#6 – Take A Break at the Wonderful Boho Bar

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1tS1p3CWqK/

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 11 am – 1 am Fri – Sat; 11 am – 12 am Mon – Thurs

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.

#7 – Stroll Down The Knez Mihailova Street

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

This is also 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.’

#8 – Visit The National Museum of Serbia

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 60 8075020 | Website

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.

#9 – Take a Tram Ride Within Krug Dvojke

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, just make sure that you book it here first.

#10 – Visit the top 10 rooftops in the world – Mama Shelter

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpoOo-JhJVK/

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 113333011 | Website

Between Knez Mihailova Street and the beginning of Kalemegdan, you can visit one of the top ten rooftops in the world.

Visit Mama’s 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, a man with a book. Recreate that picture – it’s a must.

#11 – Pay a Visit to Bohemian Skadarlija

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.

Filled with traditional restaurants, traditional music, and bohemian spirit, you will enjoy every second here.

Here, with the first drink, you will learn to say cheers, in Serbian.

#12 – Climb To Avala Tower

Phone: +381 11 3907527 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 8 pm daily

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 $2.

#13 – Travel Through Time By Visiting the Museum of Yugoslavia

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 11 3671485 | Website

You cannot stay in Belgrade without visiting this famous museum. Visit this museum to discover the history of Yugoslavia in one afternoon.

This museum also celebrates 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.

#14 – Eat Like A Local at the Oldest Kafana In Europe – Znak Pitanja

📍 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 serving. You will definitely feel the vibes of the past and you will be amazed with just how much tradition is preserved here.

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

#15 – Have Your Face Printed On National Money

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 11 3338000 | Website

From kafana Znak pitanje 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 from 10 AM to 4 PM.

#16 – Visit the Museum of Nikola Tesla

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 11 2433886 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm daily

Make sure that you visit this 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.

#17 – Enjoy Night Life In Savamala

Visit this urban neighborhood of Belgrade for the best clubs, hipster coffee shops, and great wine. Savamala is also a creative hub, located next to the river, making it 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.

#18 – Explore the Best Graffiti in Belgrade

You will love Belgrade’s street art. Exploring the city’s colorful work is also a great way to know the city by feet. 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. The Street Up tour will cost you $17 and it’s really worth it.

👉 Pro Tip: Before you go, be sure to read our full guide to Belgrade’s Street Art Scene.

#19 – Witness NATO Bombing Scars

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.

#20 – Discover the City’s Hidden Gem – Zemun

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

This area is unique for its architecture, calm and easy-going attitude, next to great nature and real out of city life.

If you want to explore the calmer areas of Belgrade, you must visit Zemun.

Zemun has some of the best walking areas, mind-blowing views from Gardos, and a perfect balance of nature and city life.

#21 – Chill At Ada Ciganlija

📍 Google Maps

Ada Ciganlija is a river island, just slightly outside of the city’s center.

This is a famous swimming area with wide beaches and a wide range of sport 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.

#22 – Experience The Crazy Yugotour

https://www.instagram.com/p/B73ht88nGZo/

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 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 to be the worse car in history.

#23 – Visit the Famous St. Sava Temple

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 11 2432585 | Website | Hours: 7 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.

This is just a small glimpse of things that you can do in Belgrade. Belgrade activities are fun, original, and inexpensive.

Even the all-night party won’t cost you a lot.

Even when you are not sure what to do in Belgrade, randomly stop someone in the street and they will tell you where you should go next!

Where To Stay in Belgrade

Since Belgrade is one of the hottest destinations in Europe, accommodation books up fast. Here are the most popular places to stay in Belgrade this year:

Best Luxury Hotel – Square Nine Hotel

To those who love luxurious hotels, Square Nine Hotel seems like a logical choice. Located only 50 meters from the city center, this hotel will offer amazing Asian cuisine and unique Japanese drinks.

👉 Check prices and availability for the Square Nine Hotel Belgrade here.

Best Boutique Hotel – Mama Shelter Belgrade

Hip, original, and city-center boutique-hotel where you can enjoy great food and an amazing view.

Mama’s is located at the end of Knez Mihailova street, so you can easily explore any major city attraction.

👉 Check prices and availability for Mama Shelter here.

Most Unique Hotel – Retro Yugoslav Museum Lodge

Retro Yugoslav Museum Lodge – If you want to travel back in time, you should think about Yugodom, located in the historical city of Belgrade – Dorcol.

This retro guesthouse offers privacy, vintage-style furnishings, and the world’s unique concept of stay-over museum.

👉 Check prices and availability for Retro Yugoslav Museum Lodge here.

FAQs About Travel to Belgrade

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Now you know what to do in Belgrade, Serbia!

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’s guide to the best things to do in Novi Sad to help you plan!

Lastly, do you have something to add to our list of the best things to do in Belgrade Serbia? Leave a comment!