Belgrade is a new, cheap and interesting destination in Europe that is becoming popular for city break. With it’s turbulent history, hospitable people and amazing food, it’s a must see place. This Belgrade itinerary will show you what to do and what to see in Belgrade in 3 days, or even 4 or 5 days. We suggest using this itinerary as a starting point for planning your City break in Belgrade. We also provide tips and maps of each day’s suggested attractions …The best way to discover Belgrade Old Town is on foot. Be sure to wear good walking shoes and charge your camera or phone before walking out ... Here is the list of 7 points that we suggest you to see for first day:
1. Have breakfast in local bakery and try the Burek !
2. Visit Tašmajdan Park, St. Mark’s church and National assembly building
3. Explore Republic square and Knez Mihailova Street, main pedestrian and shopping street with many bars, coffee shops and sweet houses.
4. Explore Kalemegdan fortress
5. Visit King Peter’s street and try Čevapćići in Question Mark Restaurant
6. Visit Saborna Church, Kosančićev Venac and Residence of Princess Ljubica
7. For evening - Sava river promenade and Savamala
Walking length is around 8 km
The map below shows a suggested walking route with the major Day 1 Belgrade itinerary locations noted. Click here for a closer look and to see exact locations on Google map:
First point : Start your day with a morning visit one of popular Belgrade bakeries, and try burek, traditional breakfast in Serbia, which is made out of pastry filled with cheese, meat, potato, spinach… Burek is caloric and fat, that’s why Serbs drink yoghurt with it.
Belgrade bakery and Burek in the right upper corner - traditional breakfast in Serbia
I can suggest 3 bakery in city centre : The "Sarajevo" bakery, which is very near Tašmajdan park, "Trpkovic" bakery in Nemanjina street near Slavija Square and "Kališ" bakery in Rige od Fere street near Kalemegdan.
Second point : Start exploring Belgrade by visit Tašmajdan Park, St. Mark’s church and National assembly of Serbia. Then head over to fountain at Nikole Pašića Square.
Tašmajdan Park and St. Mark’s church
The Church of St. Mark is located in the Tašmajdan Park. Built in a Serbian-Byzantine style, between 1931 and 1940. The design of this temple is reminiscent of the architecture of the Gračanica monastery. It contains the sarcophagus with the bones of the Serbian Emperor Dušan.
National assembly of Serbia
The cornerstone for the building of National assembly of Serbia, was placed on 1907, in the presence of King Petar I Karadjordjevic. It was built on the location of the biggest Turkish Batal Mosque which was demolished right after Serbia gained independence in 1878 and was no longer under the Turkish reign
Third point : Explore Knez Mihailova Street, which is a main pedestrian and shopping street with many bars, coffee shops and sweet houses. The most beautiful street in the city, named after Mihailo Obrenović III, Prince of Serbia, it features a number of buildings and mansions built during the late 1870s...
Republic square (with National museum on left side and National theatre on right side)
The Republic Square is main city square lined with the National Theatre building , National Museum, and monument to Prince Mihailo, very popular with Belgraders as a meeting point. Once it was the location of the infamous Stambol Gate, the main gates to the Belgrade Fortress. Today this square hosts concerts, protests and various other events.
Knez Mihailova is the main pedestrian and shopping zone in Belgrade
Knez Mihailova, pedestrian zone goes from Republic Square to the Kalemegdan park and fortress. It is one of the oldest and most important monumental urban environments and cultural heritage.
Knez Mihailova street musician
Knez Mihajlova street is one of the best places to feel the pulse of the city as it can be very crowded and lively where street musicians and performers show their amazing skills. The street was named after the Serbian Prince Mihailo Obrenović (“Knez” meaning “prince” in Serbian) in the 19th century.
Cool place to have a coffee or drink
The architecture in the Knez Mihajlova street is a mixture of many of the styles featured in Belgrade. It is home to many national and international culture institutions, with numerous cafes, restaurants, hotels, and shops…
Fourth point : Visit Kalemegdan fortress and park, where is Military museum, monument of Victory which is the symbol of Belgrade. Inside the fortress is St. Petka and St. Ruzica churches, and a Zoo....
Kalemegdan Fortress
Kalemegdan Fortress overlooking the confluence of the Sava and the Danube. It served to guard the border between the Roman Empire and barbarian lands across the Danube and the border between the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empire
Military Museum in Kalemegdan Fortress
Within the Kalemegdan fortress you can see a lot of tanks, artillery, a big bomb, and many more. Inside the museum is 52 rooms with over 2000 pieces of military historical stuff detailing the country's history from early medieval times to the 1999 when NATO attack federal republic of Yugoslavia, a side of this story most westerners haven't heard.
Ružica Church in the Kalemegdan Fortress
Ružica Church, located in a building which in the 18th century originally served as a gunpowder store. When the fortress passed into Serbian hands in 1867-69 it was converted into an army church. It is one of the most unusual churches on the planet, example of so-called war art with symbolism entirely connected to the World War I.
The Belgrade Good Hope garden is a zoo located in Kalemegdan park
The zoo covers an area of about 6 hectares and is home to hundreds of different species ranging from birds and tiny mammals, to exotic animals from all over the world. More about Belgrade Zoo
Fifth point : Visit Question Mark Restaurant, the oldest tavern in Belgrade, built in oriental style. It is very nice and authentic place, with traditional Balkan food and music. Explore Kralja Petra Street with magnificent architecture as a symbol of Belgrade's 19th century
The oldest kafana (coffee shop) – The Question mark (?)
The Question mark kafana is the oldest kafana (traditional restaurant) in Belgrade, built in 1823. First it was called “At the Shepherd's” in 1878, then in 1892 “At the Cathedral Church” but church authorities protested so the owner put the question mark sign at the door as a temporary solution and it remained there to this day.
The Serbian kebabs (čevapćići)
Try ćevapčići in Question mark kafana. To describe cevapi to someone who never tried them is not so easy but if you are planning to visit Serbia, you will find them everywhere. Čevapćići are similar to meatballs and they are 5-12 cm long, made of a combination of meat (ground pork, ground beef, ground lamb and ... secret of the chef), served with fresh chopped onions.
The Kralja Petra Street
The Kralja Petra Street with magnificent architecture. It is home to numerous arts and crafts shops, some cultural institutions and interesting kafanas and cafes...
Sixth point : Next on the list to see is The Cathedral Church of St. Michael the Archangel, one of the most beautiful churches in Belgrade. Kosančićev Venac and Residence of Princess Ljubica, a luxurious court of the Serbian ruling dynasty.
The Cathedral Church of St. Michael the Archangel
It is one of the most beautiful churches in Belgrade, built from 1837 to 1840 in the style of classicism with late baroque elements. In the nineteenth century all Serbian rulers were anointed there before their coronations, and some of them were crowned in the church.
The Residence of Princess Ljubica
The Residence of Princess Ljubica is an architectural gem of the Serbian capital, built from 1829 to 1831 by Prince Milos Obrenovic, the ruler of the principality of Serbia. Prince Milos stayed there only occasionally. At that time, Serbia still wasn’t completely free of the Turkish Empire, whose troops were situated in the nearby Kalemegdan Fortress.
The Residence of Princess Ljubica is museum
Today, the residence is an exceptional museum, which exhibits civil public and private rooms during the fast transformation of Serbia from the Turkish province into a modern European state in the 19th century. More about Princess Ljubica's Residence
Seventh point : In the evening - relax on Sava river promenade, and visit Savamala, popular party destination for the young crowds, with trendy clubs and several new art galleries and cultural centers. The main artery of Savamala is the Karađorđeva street, connecting the Belgrade fortress and port with the Sava square.
The Sava river promenade
Take a walk on Sava river promenade. The Sava Promenade is a point which combines culture and art, tradition and modern. It is a place where life is blooming.
The port of Belgrade is located in the Savamala district - View from Sava river
Beton hala (The Concrete hall) is a place near the Belgrade Port with trendy restaurants and great clubbing.
The Savamala bars & clubs
Meet Savamala – popular Belgrade’s nightlife place for the young crowds - filled up with good clubs, pubs, restaurants, and bars.
Day 2 – Explore Tesla museum, Temple of Saint Sava and spend your evening at Skadarlija
Walking and wandering around the Belgrade is a lot of fun. For a second day I suggest you to visit Nikola Tesla museum, Slavija Square, Temple of Saint Sava and spend your evening at Skadarlija, which is a bohemian part of the city.
1. Explore Terazije
2. Have a coffe at Cvetni Trg
3. Visit Nikola Tesla museum
4. Take a walk to Slavija Sqare
5. Visit Temple of Saint Sava
6. Visit Pionirski park witht Old and New Palace
7. For evening - visit Skadarlija
Walking Length around 7 km
The map below shows a suggested walking route for Day 2 in Belgrade and major sights and sites. Click here for a closer look and to see exact locations on Google map:
First point : Terazije square is one of the busiest squares in Belgrade. It is surrounded by the beautiful architecture and it became the centre of social life of Belgrade at the end of the 19th and during the early 20th century. On Terazije you can find restaurants, bakeries, taverns, fast-food, hotels, shops, cinemas...
Terazije square with Hotel Moskva and old fountain
Hotel Moskva, built in 1906, still preserving the original shape with its famous fasade made of ceramic tiles. Often considered as one of the most beautiful buildings in Belgrade.
Second point : Have a coffe at Cvetni Trg. After Terazije, short walk on Kralja Milana street and you wiil be on Cvetni Trg or the Flower Square. It is called the Flower Square because of the many flower shops located there in the past. Actually It is a small, triangularly shaped square with steps where you will find a big outdoor cafe terrace scene. Nice place for coffee break.
Cvetni Trg
The area of Cvetni trg was once covered with vast forests of oak and ash trees. The forest was cut down a long time ago to make place for an urban development. Only one a 30 meters tall pedunculate oak surviving today.
Third point : If you are Nikola Tesla’s admirer, this is a good reason for you to visit museum of one of the greatest scientists of all time. The Museum is dedicated to honoring and displaying the life and work of Nikola Tesla. You can see Tesla’s original personal belongings, a movie about Tesla, models of his inventions, and you may even serve as a human electricity conductor!
Tesla museum in Krunska street
The Museum is open every day except Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m, and the tours are organized every full hour. The address is Krunska 51.
Tesla museum
Tour in Nikola Tesla Museum includes a practical part where you can be involved in amazing experiments. More about Nikola Tesla Museum
Fourth point : From Tesla museum - take a walk to Slavija Sqare. Two centuries ago, the square area was a marshland where the citizens of Belgrade hunted wild ducks. Today Slavija Square is one of the largest and busiest squares in Belgrade with crazy roundabout and musical fountain that sits in its center.
Slavija Sqare in the evening
Most of the public transportation routes within the city center passes Slavija Square
Fifth point : Visit Temple of Saint Sava. After Slavia Sqare turn to Svetog Save street and after 300 metres you will see Temple of Saint Sava, the biggest orthodox church in the Serbia. It is Serbian versoin of Sagrada Família, internally it is not finished but a real gem is to see marvelous underground crypt.
Temple of Saint Sava
The church is built on the site where the Turks apparently burnt relics of St Sava. The interior is still a building site, which is totally unexpected, from the external appearance.
The temple underground crypt
The temple’s completed underground crypt is simply magnificent.
Sixth point : Visit Pionirski park with Old and New Palace ( Royal residence of the Obrenovic and Karadjordjevic dynasty). The Old and New palaces are located in the Kralja Milana street, surrounded by Pionirski (Pioneers) Park.
The New Palace and Pionirski park
New Palace, built in the beginning of the twentieth century was a royal residence of the Karađorđević dynasty of Serbia and later Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Today is “Serbian White House”, presidential palace of the President of Serbia.
The Old Palaces
Few hundred meters away is the "Old Palaces” built in the second half of the nineteenth century as a royal palace of the Obrenović dynasty. Today serves as a office of Belgrade mayor.
Seventh point : Spend evening in Skadarlija street, which is a bohemian part of the city. It s nice place to be on evening in cobbled stone street, filled with restaurants and taverns with live traditional music.
One of Skadarlija restaurant with live music
Skadarlija is home to some of the most famous Belgrade restaurants and cafes, as well as a few art galleries.
Skadarlija street performance
Skadarlija was the gathering point for poets and artists in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century... Walking through time with its kafanas almost iddentical to a time over a century ago.
It is considered as ‘the Montmartre of Belgrade’
The old stone street. Very dificult for walking in high heels shoes !
Music, wine and Serbian cuisine
Skadarlija is also home for legendary “old city songs”, traditional genre of music, ballads and chansons which goes well with a bottle of good wine and delicious specialties of Serbian cuisine.
Day 3 – Sightseeing tours of Belgrade's rivers and explore Zemun
Cruising the Danube and Sava rivers offer you the chance to see Belgrade from a different perspective. Docking and boarding point for river tour is in the New Belgrade near Hotel Yugoslavia. After Sightseeing rivers, explore Zemun. Visit Gardos hill with Millenium tower, Main Street, Green market, Danube quay... Zemun is completely different from old Belgrade, because it was under Austrians for a long period of the time. Zemun is famous for its food and excellent restaurants and nightlife
1. River cruise on Sava and Danube river
2. Explore old Zemun and Danube quay.
3. Visit local restaurant
4. Explore Gardos hill with Millenium tower
5. For evening - visit Zemun trendy clubs
Walking length around 6 km and River cruise on Sava and Danube river is around 24 km
The map below shows a suggested walking route in Zemun (blue colour) and The Cruise Route on Sava and Danube river (red colour). Click here for a closer look and to see exact locations on Google map:
First point : Starting point for river cruise is Danube River bank in the New Belgrade near Hotel Yugoslavia. River cruise is around 90 minutes. You will be able to see bridges on Sava and Danube river, the Kalemegdan fortress, Nebojša tower, Great War island, the confluence of the two rivers, beautiful Gardos hill and the Millennium tower as well as the weekend houses of the fishermen.
Danube River bank in the New Belgrade near Hotel Yugoslavia
The distance from the city center to Hotel Yugoslavia is 6 km. To get there from city center - you can take a walk by crossing Branko's bridge between and then follow Danube river – or you can take taxi
Explore city from the water
Cruising the Danube and Sava, rivers offer you the chance to see Belgrade from a different perspective
Kalemegdan fortress with Pobednik monument
Pobednik is a monument in the Upper Town of the Belgrade Fortress, built to commemorate Serbia's victory over Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empire during the Balkan Wars and the First World War. Erected in 1928, it is one of the most famous works of Ivan Meštrović.
Second point : Explore old Zemun, Green market, Main Street, Danube quay... Zemun is very different from all other parts of Belgrade with small old houses, cobbled streets, interesting caffes and restaurants and spirit of old times .
Old Zemun
Danube river bank and old Zemun with Gardos hill.
Street in old Zemun, the neighborhood preserved its old looks
Long ago, Zemun was said to be the most beautiful border city of Austro-Hungarian Empire. Today, it is the most beautiful part of Belgrade and its historical heart..
Third point : Zemun is famous for its food and excellent restaurants. You can chose betven traditional food and fish. My favorite restaurant for traditional food is Salaš on Gardoš hill. If you like fish visit Šaran, one of the oldest fish restaurants in Zemun.
Traditional food in Salaš restaurant
Pork fillet stuffed with cheese and rolled in bacon with sauce of prunes and red wine.
Nicely prepared river fish in Šaran restaurant in Zemun
Grilled fish and vegetables
Fourth point : Explore Gardos with Millenium tower. Gardoš is the famous hill in Zemun, used to be a fisherman part of town and even today there can be seen some nets, and equipment along its steep cobbled streets, and colorful ground houses.
Millenium tower on Gardos hill
Millenium tower on Gardos hill, built as the last frontier of the Austria-Hungary empire.
Fifth point : If you like an active nightlife this is the place to be... Nightclubs are located in old Zemun near Danube river. In the summer, Belgrade nightlife party moves to the rivers. Several kilometers of the Sava and Danube rivers are home to anchored rafts shoring up cafes, restaurants and clubs called splavovi (moored floats).
Nightlife in Zemun
Belgrade is famous for being one of the best places to let loose in Europe. Zemun with many traditional and luxurious restaurants and cafes, as well as a large number of night clubs is interesting place for night life.