The beautiful capital city of Serbia in the heart of the Balkans has a rich history and youthful energy that will captivate any first time traveler. Belgrade is a city with a great deal to offer, and has been referred to as “The New Berlin” and it isn’t difficult to see why.
Belgrade is a city you can get lost in and at the same time, is a city where you can find something new at every turn. There are countless reasons you should visit the Serbian capital, but here are the top 11 reasons why you should visit Belgrade, Serbia.
Table of contents
- Richly Layered History Spanning Empires
- Vibrant and Hip Neighborhoods
- Cheaper than Other European Capital Cities
- Considered One of the Top Party Cities in the World
- An Incredible Fortress Overlooking Two Rivers
- Good Food from Traditional Dishes to International Cuisines
- Thriving Sports Scene
- Quickly Developing Waterfront Promenade
- Eat Fresh from the Local Markets
- Captivating Street Art
- It’s Safe!
Richly Layered History Spanning Empires
Belgrade has a long and turbulent history. The Serbian capital has been fought over in 115 wars and razed to the ground 44 times. The former capital of Yugoslavia has been conquered by the Celts, Romans, Goths, Hungarians, Ottomans and so on. And Belgrade has always bounced back to its feet.
Here are some great museums where you can learn more about the history of Belgrade, Serbia and the former Yugoslavia:
- National Museum of Serbia
- Historical Museum of Serbia
- Museum of Yugoslavia
Vibrant and Hip Neighborhoods
Belgrade is one of the most fun cities to walk through in the Balkans, as you can see the changes in both architecture and vibes as you exit one neighborhood and enter another.
Here are some of the best neighborhoods to check out during your visit to Belgrade, Serbia:
- Skadarlija/Skadarska – Known as the Bohemian Quarter, Skadarlija is one of the most famous streets in Belgrade. You want to check out this area at night when it comes to life. Serbian cuisine, art galleries, dessert and pastry shops, cafes, and a variety of people from tourists to traveling musicians and actors.
- Stari Grad (Old Town) – Knez Mihailova Street is the main pedestrian only area of the city where you can find the famous Republic Square, museums, cafes, shops and restaurants.
- Zemun – Located across the Sava river on the western part of the city, Zemun is known as its own city within the city. More chilled out vibes with lots of cafes and good places to eat.
- Savamala – A gritty, raw neighborhood with some of the best nightlife in the city including wild clubs and chill bars with live music and locals.
- Dorćol – An industrial, trendy neighborhood that sits along the Danube riverfront to the north. Hip restaurants and bars, a more affluent section of Belgrade.
- Strahinjića Bana – Known as Silicon Valley, this tree lined street is pleasant to walk down and is lined with cool, low-key bars and nice restaurants.
- Ada Ciganlija – A river island located in the Sava River. Beaches, bars and swimming spots, this is a hotspot during the summer in Belgrade.
Cheaper than Other European Capital Cities
Belgrade stands out as a more budget friendly destination for travelers when compared to many other European capital cities. The city offers a high value-for-money experience, with affordable accommodation, dining choices, entertainment and public transportation options. Travelers can explore historical sites, vibrant markets, and cultural attractions without straining their budget.
Considered One of the Top Party Cities in the World
Belgrade often sits atop or close to the top when it comes to the rankings of party destinations in the world. The city has a wide variety of nightlife options including bars, clubs and floating clubs along the Sava River. Combine the numerous venues serving up a pour with locals who like to have a good time and the cheap prices and you have the perfect recipe for a memorable (or forgettable, if you get too crazy) night out.
Here are some places/areas to check out:
- Silosi – THE spot for drinks and a sunset show along the Danube River before moving on to the bars and clubs. Old silos have been transformed into a multifunctional space with an industrial/artsy vibe fitted with bars and galleries. A great spot to meet some local Belgradians.
- Sava River Barge Clubs – party the night away at these clubs and stumble your way across the bridge at the crack of dawn. Music ranges from techno to live Serbian music.
- Pričica Coffee Bar – delicious coffee by day, top notch cocktails with a local DJ spinning records at night. A cozy spot where you can easily schmooze with locals at a more lowkey spot than the crazy clubs.
- Savamala, Dorćol, Silicon Valley and Skadarlija areas – A great selection of club til dawn, chill bars and places with live music and DJ’s. There’s something for everyone in these neighborhoods.
🌎 BROS TIP: Rakija is the collective term for fruit brandy that is popular in the Balkans. This alcohol is strong and is often sipped as opposed to downed like a shot. Locals throughout the Balkans are making home-produced rakija and many use it for medicinal purposes as well. No trip to the Balkans or Serbia is complete without drinking some rakija!
An Incredible Fortress Overlooking Two Rivers
The Belgrade Fortress is a historical gem perched on a ridge in what is now known as Kalemegdan Park. The ancient fortress is huge and extensive, one of the more impressive ones we’ve seen on our journey through the Balkans. From the top, you have a breathtaking view of the convergence of the Sava and Danube rivers.
With origins dating back to ancient times, the Belgrade Fortress encapsulates the city’s evolving history through its layers of architecture, from medieval to Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences. Overlooking the rivers’ meeting point, the fortress not only offers a spectacular panorama of the city and its waterways, but also serves as a living testament to Belgrade’s strategic importance and its enduring role as a guardian of Serbia’s past and present.
Good Food from Traditional Dishes to International Cuisines
Belgrade is a culinary hub that offers delicious food ranging from traditional Serbian dishes to delectable international cuisines. You can find good Italian, Asian and Middle Eastern restaurants throughout the city.
Here are just a couple of spots worth trying during your visit to the Serbian capital:
- Walter – One of the best places in town to sample ćevapi, a grilled dish of minced meat traditionally found in the countries of the Balkans.
- Emma Pizza & Cocktails – This place is class all the way. Incredible pizzas and Italian food in the trendy Dorćol neighborhood.
- Zavičaj – Top spot in town to delve into the traditional foods of Serbia at affordable prices.
Thriving Sports Scene
Belgrade boasts a thriving sports scene that is known for its passion and competitiveness. Serbia can lay claim to arguably the best basketball and tennis stars on the planet right now, in the names of Nikola Jokic and Novak Djokovic. It’s safe to say Serbs take their sports seriously.
The city’s sports culture runs deep, with fervent support for football, basketball, tennis, and more. The stadiums and arenas present an electric atmosphere to watch a match as the fans burst at the seams with rabid passion for their teams.
🌎 BROS TIP: The two teams to try to catch while in town are Partizan Belgrade and Red Star Belgrade. These teams have the same names for both basketball and soccer/football. Anytime these two teams clash in their respective sports, it will be an intense environment as the rivals battle for bragging rights.
Quickly Developing Waterfront Promenade
Belgrade is witnessing the rapid transformation of its waterfront into a dynamic promenade that merges modernity with tradition. This evolving stretch along the riverbanks is a testament to the city’s progressive spirit, offering a striking blend of architectural innovation, lush green spaces, and breathtaking views of the water.
As the sun sets, the promenade comes alive with a vibrant energy, drawing locals and visitors alike to enjoy leisurely strolls, outdoor events, and a myriad of dining and shopping options. This quickly developing waterfront is not just a physical transformation, but a symbol of Belgrade’s determination to reinvent itself while preserving its historical charm, inviting everyone to experience the city’s bright future unfolding against the backdrop of its timeless past.
Eat Fresh from the Local Markets
Strolling through the local farmers’ markets in Belgrade is like embarking on a culinary adventure, where stalls brim with fresh, locally grown produce, artisanal cheeses, fragrant spices, and homemade preserves. These markets are more than just places to buy food. They are cultural hubs where the heartbeat of Belgrade’s gastronomy pulses. Just walking though, you can appreciate the sense of community and celebration amongst the people of Belgrade.
Here are some markets worth checking out:
- Zeleni Venac Farmer’s Market
- Bajloni Market Farmer’s Market
- Kalenić Green Market
Captivating Street Art
The streets of Belgrade, Serbia serve as an open-air gallery, adorned with captivating street art that tell a vivid story of urban expression. Amid the historical architecture, vibrant murals spring to life, blending colors and narratives that reflect the city’s diverse culture, complex history, and evolving identity. Strolling around the city of Belgrade, you’ll encounter a wide range of beautiful murals.
It’s Safe!
Belgrade overall is a city with a low crime rate where you should feel safe at all times. Like any major city, there are always the occurrences of small petty crimes such as theft and pickpocketing. Trusting your instincts while being smart and aware of your surroundings are things to keep in mind no matter what city or country you’re in.
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