Places to Visit
Historical & Cultural Landmarks
Saint Sava Temple
Saint Sava Temple: Belgrade’s majestic landmark, one of the largest Orthodox churches globally, adorned with stunning marble interiors and domes, embodying Serbian spirituality and architectural grandeur, a cherished symbol of faith and heritage. Tradition has it that, in 1595, holy relics of Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church and Serbian patron saint, were burnt in today’s Municipality of Vracar, where the temple is now located. With its height of 82 meters, the temple is one of the most breathtaking edifices in the city. It was constructed in Serbian and Byzantine styles and can hold not less than 10,000 people.
Fusion of the History and Modernity in the City Center: Knez Mihailova Street
Knez Mihailova Street is Belgrade within Belgrade – 790 meters of a wonderful pedestrian zone, which is at the same time the most important commercial area, an urban area protected by law, and the cultural hot spot. The street and the area around it are full of cafes, restaurants, world-brand shops, and art galleries, and no matter the time of day, night, or year, this street is always vibrant.
Belgrade's Fortress and Kalemegdan Park
Kalemegdan is the largest city park and one of the most beautiful places in the city. Famous for Belgrade’s fortress, Kalemegdan is a place where a pleasant walk in an unusual environment provides a chance to learn the city’s history from Roman times to the present day and its geography – several viewpoints in Kalemegdan give a breathtaking view of Novi Beograd and the confluence of the Sava and Danube. Kalemegdan also includes the Zoo, Military Museum, Natural History Museum, and Victor (“Pobednik”) Statue, a city’s landmark.
“Victor” Statue
The Victor Statue is one of the most photographed monuments in Belgrade and one of the city’s landmarks. It honors the victory over the Ottoman and Austro-Hun garian Empire in the 1912-1918 wars. The monument is the work of famous Yugoslav sculptor Ivan Mestrovic, who unveiled it in 1928. Victor holds a laid-down sword in his right hand, symbolizing peace but alertness, while in his left hand, he holds a falcon, an ancient Egyptian symbol of invincibility and freedom. Belgrade Waterfront.
The Skadarlia Bohemian Quarter
It is a bohemian street with a long tradition, through which many famous people have passed, whose soul exudes the tradition of Serbian culture, where in restaurants you can taste the most beautiful flavors of Serbia, accompanied by sounds of tambourines, folk songs, and as such represents tourist heart Belgrade.
In the first half of the 20th century, Skadaria Street was the center of bohemian life in Belgrade, the gathering place for poets, writers, and painters. Taverns dating from this period remain almost intact to this day, keeping the era’s spirit. This street is often compared to Parisian Montmartre both in terms of appearance and an exciting artistic atmosphere. In Skadaria Street, you can enjoy traditional Serbian cuisine and Serbian music from the early 20th century, while its exceptional aspect will take you back to past times.
Kosancicev venac
Kosancicev Venac is one of the oldest city hubs.
This cozy, calm, and unique part of the city features a number of attractions and institutions, such as the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel, Princess Liu-BiczE Residence, the MuseunTof Applied Arts, and the “?” tavern. This neighborhood is also famous for the remains of the National Library, which was destroyed in 1941 during a German bombing. Kasancicex Venas is where people enjoy walks, restaurants, bars, the Sava River View, and Novi Beograd.
Princess Ljubica's Residence
Princess Liubica’s Residence is one of the few remaining buildings from the first half of the 19th century. It was built as a family residence of Prince Milos Obrenovic in Serbian and Balkan style. Although based on oriental tradition, this building’s external shapes and ornamental elements give a hint of European architecture. Today, this residence is a museum whose central theme is life in Belgrade during different epochs.
"?" Tavern
“?” Tavern dates back to 1823 and is the oldest tavern in Belgrade, still open to guests. This cult Belgrade tavern is located in a building, a typical example of a nineteenth-century house and a scheduled historic monument. In this authentic atmosphere, you can enjoy traditional Serbian cuisine dishes. A fun fact is that, in 1834, the first pool table in Belgrade was set in this Tavern.
"Jevremovac" Botanical Garden
“Jevremovac” botanical garden is a true oasis in the very heart of the city. Founded in 1892 and covering almost 5 hectares, it is home to around 1000 plant species kept outdoors and the same number kept indoors. A large greenhouse stores tropical and subtropical plants, while the Japanese garden is ideal for relaxing and meditating.
Palaces
After independence in 1878, Serbia’s culture and economy began to flourish; during this period until the Second World War, four palaces were built in Belgrade: the Old Palace, New Palace, Royal Palace, and White Palace. The Old and New Palaces, grandiose buildings combining elements of the classical style, renaissance, and Baroque, are located in the very center of the city. The Royal and White Palace are in Dedinje, within the wonderful Royal Compound, which includes pergolas, park terraces, swimming pools, pavilions, and a concert terrace. The Royal Compound, a historical gem, part of a royal complex of the Karađorđević family, is adorned with works by world-renowned artists, including paintings by Nikola Pusen, François Millet, Jan Brueghel, Paolo Veronese, Paja Jovanović, and others
Nikola Tesla Museum
This small museum in the city’s heart houses documents, plans, and drawings created by a unique scientist who shaped the world as we know it today. In addition to exhibitions about Tesla’s life and his most significant inventions, visitors can also observe experiments as they are being conducted.
Sava Square
The new Sava Square in the municipality of Savski venac is part of the architectural and infrastructural concept of creating a new modern look for the core of the capital of Serbia. The reconstruction of Sava Square, while preserving authentic historical units, has been carried out within the largest construction project in the region, Belgrade Waterfront.
More than 300 saplings have been planted on the pedestrian part of Sava Square, as well as on its edges, to which the roads have been relocated, which additionally enhances the imposing public space that has been designed in a modern way. The central part of the square in front of the old railway station building is dominated by the monument to the Great Prefect Stefan Nemanja, the progenitor of the Nemanjié dynasty and the ruler of Raska from 1166 to 1196. The monument is 23 m high and is the work of the Russian sculptor Alexander Yulianovich Rukavishnikov.
Beton Hala - Urban Hub for Entertainment
A place with a number of different types of bars and restaurants for organizing celebrations, enjoying cabaret, parties, a glass of wine, delicious food, and a view of the Sava River! Some famous bars and restaurants include Restaurant Lafayette, Restaurant Salaš Zvonko Bogdan, Restaurant Temperament, Restaurant Lavash, etc.
Dorćol Platz
At Dorćol Platz, art, music, design, and a relaxed atmosphere bring together culture and innovation enthusiasts, and those seeking memorable experiences. At Cetinjska 15, a former industrial brewery complex has been reimagined as Belgrade’s urban playground, packed with alternative bars, creative spaces, and vibrant nightlife energy.
The Silos
The Silos, once grain storage facilities on the Danube’s banks and now brutalist architectural landmarks, have been transformed into a unique hub for music and art, blending industrial heritage with contemporary culture. And in Savamala, old warehouses and hidden spaces behind historic facades now house art galleries, underground clubs, and venues for cutting-edge events.
Belgrade Waterfront
Similar to the large metropolises, which have remodeled their riverbanks, places that used to be home to unsightly industrial warehouses and cargo ships, Belgrade has also gotten a new neighborhood by the river, intended for a unique lifestyle, recreation, and entertainment – Belgrade Waterfront. The project includes residential and business premises, world-renowned hotels, places for culture, educational institutions, modern health centers, shopping malls, and attractive facilities for rest, recreation, and entertainment. Belgrade Waterfront has opened new public areas, putting pedestrian zones in the foreground and inspiring a new impulse into Belgrade’s cultural life.
The Underground Belgrade
Under the streets of Belgrade, in the very city center, lies a maze of caves, passageways, bunkers, and passages dating back to the periods of Roman, Turkish, and Austro-Hungarian rule and the First and Second World Wars. Some of Belgrade’s most important underground attractions are the Roman Hall, the Roman Well, the Gunpowder Magazine, and vaults under Karađorđeva Street. All the locations mentioned are included in guided tours.
Markets
Belgrade markets are not merely places where you can get fresh food from small, local traders. At markets, regular shopping turns into pleasant conversations, jokes, recipe exchanges, analysis of social issues, etc. In short, there are many reasons why you should visit one of the markets if you want to get to know the real spirit of Belgrade. Apart from food, you can find flowers, second-hand clothes, antiques, and many more at the markets. The main Belgrade markets are Zeleni Venac, Kalenić, Bajloni, Đeram, Cvetko’s Market and Zemun Market.
Topčider Park
Topčider is the oldest developed park in Serbia and has been one of the favorite getaways in Belgrade for 150 years. Made in the English style, it contains curvy paths, brooks, small lakes, and lush vegetation. In this park, under one of the oldest platanus trees in Europe, Prince Miloš Obrenović’s residence, built in 1831, is located. You can relax in one of the restaurants in the park or visit the old Topčider church. Greenery, silence, and preserved nature only a few kilometers from the city center provide a unique experience of Belgrade, and this is also an ideal location for jogging and trekking fans.
Zemun
A former city, now a city municipality, \emun is famous for Gardoš, the highest point and the oldest historic core of \emun. Gardoš features the famous \emun Fortress, dating back to the 9th century, while at the center of the fortress stands the Millennium Tower, open to visitors every day. A special attraction is a river promenade, the famous \emun Esplanade, where numerous restaurants offer fish and other specialties. Old streets of \emun include artisan shops with a wide range of interesting and authentic products. \emun is also a good choice if you are looking for exciting nightlife in bars, clubs, and floating clubs.
Ada Lake – the City’s Geen Paradise
Ada Ciganlija (Ada Lake) is also known as the “Belgrade Sea” and is the epicenter of fun in the summer. This artificial lake is surrounded by well-maintained beaches where you can swim and sunbathe. Right by the beach, there are many restaurants and bars, and Ada is also a perfect place for walks, cycling, rollerblading, beach volleyball, and many other outdoor activities. At night, Ada becomes a destination for clubbers and concertgoers.
The Danube River
The Danube, one of the longest rivers in Europe, flows through Belgrade, and its role in the city’s life is extremely important. The Danube itself is an excellent guide through Belgrade, and if you follow it from the north to the south of the city, you’ll find many places that deserve your attention. The Danube runs by \emun and Gardoš, the Danube Esplanade, Great War Island, the Belgrade Fortress, and Dorćol. By the Danube, you can walk, ride a bike, and enjoy the view and food, while wine enthusiasts can do special wine tours.
The Sava River
The Sava River is for Belgrade, the Thames is for London, and the Tiber is for Rome. Before flowing into the Danube between Kalemegdan and Novi Beograd, the Sava runs by Ada Ciganlija, the so-called “Belgrade sea”, the beautiful Sava Esplanade, renowned Savamala, numerous floating clubs with exciting nightlife, Beton Hala and all its restaurants, and the Kalemegdan fortress. You can visit the banks of the Sava on foot, by bike, or by cruise ship. Whichever means of transport you choose, it will be an unforgettable experience.
Great War Island
Great War Island stands at the confluence of the Sava and Danube, within the triangle formed by Belgrade, Zemun, and the left bank of the Danube. Two-thirds of the island is a nature reserve, where approximately 200 bird species live, some of which are rare. Great War Island is also a popular summer resort for Belgrade locals, who spend time on Lido beach during hot summer days.
Avala Mountain
Avala is a small mountain that holds great significance for Belgrade. It is one of the most beautiful Belgrade getaways and a major tourist attraction. The Monument to the Unknown Hero is located at the top, while the mountain’s dominant feature is the Avala Tower, one of Belgrade’s most prominent landmarks. The elevator can take you to the restaurant placed within the dome and the 122-meter-high viewpoint, providing a fantastic view of the entire city and its surroundings.
Vinča
Archaeological site Vinča is located around 15 kilometers from the center of Belgrade, and it is a place where you can learn about one of the advanced Neolithic cultures. An absolute fortune was found in Vinča, comprising various types of weapons and tools made of stone and bones, vessels, ritual vases, jewelry, numerous anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figurines, remains of prehistoric houses, and many other objects.
Nightlife
Nightlife in the Serbian capital has been the subject of much international media for a long time, and the city is often compared to Berlin due to its vibrant nightlife. Belgrade can boast of its incredible, big, and diverse nightlife scene. One of the advantages of
Belgrade nightlife is that it’s centralized. Most places are distributed among these three locations: Cetinjska Street, Savamala, and floating clubs in Ušće, but there are also those located in some other remoter locations. In just a few hours, you can experience many different settings, atmospheres, and music genres without much effort and without spending too much money on a taxi and have a night to remember.