Heading to Serbia and looking for what to do in Belgrade? Look no further than this post for a guide on all the things to do in Belgrade in just 48 hours.
There are few other cities in Europe with such a turbulent and complex history like Belgrade’s. However rough the cities past may be, Belgrade has come up from the ashes more beautiful and prosperous as ever. As one of the oldest cities on the continent, Belgrade is full of history, stunning sites, and exciting things to do.
In recent days, Belgrade has re-named itself as an hot-spot for all types of travelers with something to do for everyone. From strolling the trendy streets of Skadarlija to climbing the Fortress to enjoying the buzzing atmosphere of the city, you are sure to find your ideal thing to do. I was pleasantly surprised by Belgrade’s beauty and vibe. The city is buzzing with excitement, there are tons of lovely restaurants and treat shops, and the best part is that it is incredibly affordable. Therefore, visitors can get a lot for their money in Belgrade and splurge on high-end accommodation or excellent meals!
Belgrade truly is an underrated city that will blow you away. Thus, it is time to look at what to do in Belgrade during your visit.
(Disclaimer: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and you may even receive a small discount. See disclosure for more information.)
What to do in Belgrade
In This Post
Explore the trendy Skadarlija Street
Skadarlija Street is a well-known street in Belgrade due to its cute cafes and stunning aesthetics. The whole cobblestoned street is lined with various cafes and restaurants that are perfect for stopping at for refreshments and a nice meal. This bohemian street has been a hot spot since the 1800s due to its superb dining and nightlife.
This is a great street to explore to check out the restaurants, admire the street art and watch some street performers. Spending some time just walking up and down the street and taking in all the beautiful buildings and interesting sites is very enjoyable and shows a very unexpected, yet beautiful, side of Belgrade.
More so, Skadarlija Street is the best place in the city to capture some really cute photos! If you are a blogger, influencer, or someone who wants to capture the most beautiful places Belgrade has to offer, this is the perfect site for you.
However, this street can get pretty busy in the afternoon. But if you head here in the morning there are few people around which offers a more intimate and authentic experience. This is something that should not be missed while visiting Belgrade.
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Go Cafe Hopping on Skadarlija Street
While walking the streets of Skadarlija you will notice a ton of cute cafes and restaurants that offer Italian and Serbian food options. And stopping at one for a coffee in the morning, or a meal later in the day is a must.
Most restaurants have terraces with tables, so you can dine while overlooking the charming street. More so, the restaurants here are very well priced, and the atmosphere is unmatched. As a result, cafe hopping on Skadarlija is the perfect way to take a moment to sit back and relax while also experiencing the beauty of Belgrade.
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Enter The Belgrade Fortress
The Belgrade Fortress is one of the most impressive sites to see in Belgrade. The fort defended the city of Belgrade for over 2,000 years, and despite its length history and decades of attack, it is in excellent condition. The white stone walls stand tall, the bridges remain intact and the interior grounds are lovely.
In the fortress, you can find walls that overlook the Danube and Sava rivers and offer panoramic views of the city. More so, you can find some cafes built into the fortress that offer a unique dining experience. These are great for a pit stop to grab a drink and soak in the stunning surroundings.
There is so much to explore in the fortress that you can easily spend a few hours here! From the little cubby holes to the secluded paths, there is always something new to explore and discover. The Belgrade Fortress is packed with a rich history from the various statues signifying war defeats to the medieval gates. The best part about this fortress is that it is 100% free to enter!
If you are wondering what to do in Belgrade this is one of the most satisfying and enlightening options, especially when backpacking Serbia.
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Relax in Kalemegdan Park
Inside the Belgrade Fortress is the largest park in Belgrade – called Kalemegdan – that is perfect for a stroll or to sit and relax in. This central park is full of ample green space and is located on top of a hill that overlooks the rivers below. Visiting the Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan are two things to do that go hand in hand.
The park is not only great for checking out the city views but also many other things. There are various sports courts in the park ranging from tennis to basketball. More so, there is a zoo, several galleries, and even a museum. Visiting the park is a great thing to do in Belgrade that will supply you with a ton of options for activities.
One of my favorite things to do in the park is to go to one of the restaurants inside! From one of the restaurants, visitors can enjoy a drink with a view of the fortress.
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Appreciate The Church of St. Sava
The church of St. Sava is one of the newest additions to Belgrade and has quickly become one of the most iconic sights of the city. This church is the largest church in the Balkans and is even one of the largest in the world! In addition to its vast size, it is also a mesmerizing piece of architecture that is stunning to observe. It is also one of the best places to visit in Serbia!
In Serbia, the religion practiced is Orothdox Christan, and religion plays a significant role all around the country. More importantly, this church gains its significance because it is named after Saint Sava who is the founder of the Serbian Orthodox church. And the remains of Saint Sava are laid to rest inside this church.
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Check out Knez Mihailova Street
Knez Mihailova is the most frequented street in all of Belgrade. Every day hundreds of tourists and locals walk along the beautiful street to go shopping or looking for a restaurant to eat in. It is one of the most expensive streets in the city and is home to both upscale boutiques and popular retailers such as Zara and H&M.
Both day and night this street is full of people. In the day it is much calmer with people walking around to shop, while in the evening the streets come alive and are buzzing with excitement. This street is a great place to grab dinner while watching all the different people exploring and mulling around the city. There are a ton of delicious restaurants to choose from too. The best ones I went to were The Berry Bar and Snezana.
These restaurants and most others are very cheap, especially the cocktails! Therefore, dining on a budget is very easy here.
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Check out Belgrade’s Military Museum
While exploring the Belgrade Fortress, you are sure to come across the rows of old military equipment that line the outer walls. Here you will find non-active tanks, torpedos and other military hardware. All these items belong to the Belgrade military museum.
This museum is full of military equipment and weapons that date back to the Romans and medieval times. In addition to weapons, you can also find helmets and gear that are thousands of years old. If you are interested in Serbia’s lengthy history with war and conflict, this is the ideal place to learn more about it.
Scope out St. Michael’s Cathedral
St. Michaels Cathedral is located within walking distance from the Belgrade Fortress and is a significant symbol of Serbia’s fight for independence. The cathedral was painted and decorated by Dimitrije Avramović and Dimitrije Petrović who were some of the best Serbian artists of the time.
This Cathedral also holds the relics of Saint Stefan Uroš V who was the 14th-century king and the tomb of hero Vuk Karadžić.
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Have a Coffee at Hotel Moskva
Hotel Moskva is s very famous hotel in Belgrade and a very recognizable landmark in the city. It is a four-star hotel that has a beautiful interior and is located on a bustling city street. However, if you don’t stay in the hotel as a guest there are still ways to enjoy its beauty and charm!
They have a lovely outdoor terrace in the summer months that has a ton of space and offers tasty treats and great drinks. I highly recommend heading there in the morning for an iced coffee and small treat to start your day off right.
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Taste the Delicious Cakes from Mandarina Cake Shop
If you have a sweet tooth or want to taste some unique Serbian treats a trip to Mandarina Cake Shop is a must. This cake shop is located right in the heart of the city and offers some of the most unique and tasty treats in Belgrade.
The cakes look like French pastries and are all filled with different ingredients and little surprises. More so, the staff here is super kind and are more than happy to tell you what is in the cakes and which are the best.
I tried the Beso cake, which consisted of mascarpone mousse, strawberry jelly, ginger, lime, lemongrass, and coconut crust. So delicious!
Get Enlightened at the Nikola Tesla Museum
Nikola Tesla was an outstanding physicist, electrical engineer and inventor and is a Serbian hero. Therefore, a museum dedicated to him and all his work is essential in Serbia’s capital.
The museum showcases two parts of Tesla. The first part showcases his life and story, which includes original photos and personal items to give you a better idea of his life and story. The second half is an interactive exhibit of his work, which includes his original work or 3D renders of it.
This museum is a great place to head to learn more about one of Serbia’s most well-known and influential people.
Scope Out Belgrade street art
Belgrade is a beautiful city to walk around and explore. There is something new and exciting around every corner, and always something interesting to discover. If you want to explore the city fully and are wondering what to do in Belgrade’s streets, then going on a hunt for Belgrade street art is the option for you.
There are a bunch of streets throughout the city that are home to some unique and enticing street art that is perfect for photos. If you spend some time roaming the streets, you are sure to stumble upon some unique pieces! Just be sure to look down some of the less busy streets because this is where you can usually find them.
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House of the National Assembly of Serbia
The National Assembly House of Serbia is one of the most photogenic and stunning pieces of architecture in the city. It used to be the state’s parliament but is now the parliament of Serbia and Montenegro.
Since this is an official building, entering it is restricted. However, you are more than welcome to take photos of its stunning exterior and admire it from the outside.
Admire Republic Square
The Republic Square is located on the South end of Knez Mihailova street and is a large square that is full of important buildings and sculptures. More so, this square is located near the cities business district and is a stopping point for various busses and trollies. Therefore, it is always bustling with energy and people.
The main things you can find here and should look for are The Serbian National Theatre, The National Museum, and the Prince Mihailo Monument.
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Shop like a local at Kalenić Green Market
Kalenić Green Market is the largest local street market in Belgrade that is always full of locals and tourists alike. Here you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, and various other food items. Heading here is a great way to observe and engage with the Serbian locals and see some of their different food options.
The best way to see and experience local culture is by going to street markets!
Watch the Sunset at Kalemegdan Fortress
The Belgrade Fortress is excellent to explore during the day, and it is also the best place in the city to watch the sunset. Every night the walls of the fortress are full of people eager to watch the sun descend into the horizon from the most magical vantage point in the city.
Head here an hour before the sun is said to set to ensure you can find a place on the wall. It fills up very quickly and if you want to ensure you can sit on the main wall, arriving early is a must. More so, head to a local supermarket and grab some snacks and drinks to enjoy while watching the sunset.
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Take Part in a Free walking tour
If you are reading this list of what to do in Belgrade and feeling overwhelmed with all the different options, fear not. Every day there is a free walking tour that brings you to some of the main sites listed in this list. The Belgrade Free Walking Tour is offered between 11 AM and 4 PM every day and brings you all around the downtown of the city.
Although the tour is free, it is advised to tip your tour guide if you see fit.
Additional Information
Best Belgrade Restaurants
Belgrade is home to a ton of restaurants all with delicious and diverse offerings. When I was in Belgrade, I did not hold back and ended up eating way too much! The low prices and delicious options enticed me a little bit too much. Although I overate, I was able to come up with a great list of restaurant options to give to you!
- Restoran “Crvena Ruža” – This restaurant has both Serbian and Italian food options and is located along Skadarlija street. Sitting on the patio and enjoying some food here is heavenly.
- Jazz Cafe – Located a street over from Knez Mihailova and has the best mojito I’ve ever had.
- Snežana – Great place on the busy Knez Mihailova street that has a great Ćevapi (which is a Serbian meat dish – I didn’t eat it because I am vegetarian but my boyfriend loved it).
- Velika Skadarlija – Has a nice buffet bar so you can choose what you would like.
*Note* – In Serbia it is still legal to smoke inside restaurants. Therefore, if you are like me and this does not suit you, be sure to find restaurants with outdoor terraces, so you aren’t engulfed in smoke.
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Best Cafes in Belgrade
Belgrade is also home to various cafes that are the perfect first stop in the morning before adventuring around the city. Here are a few of my favorites.
- Café Moskva – Is a classy cafe with a huge outdoor terrace. Here you can find delicious iced coffee.
- Pizza Bar Vračar – Offers fresh juices and coffees with a view of the Church of St. Sava.
When to Visit Belgrade
The best time to visit Belgrade depends on your travel preferences.
In the summer months, there are more people and the weather can get very hot. However, the city is alive during these months, and if you can bear some heat, it is very enjoyable.
In the two months before and after summer, the weather is milder and there are fewer tourists.
In winter, the weather in Belgrade can get very very cold, and exploring the city is not as fun during these months as Belgrade is not as alive as other months.
Where to stay in Belgrade
As I have mentioned, Belgrade is one of the more cost-effective cities in Europe. Therefore you can get quite a bit for your money here! I find spending a little more for a luxury hotel in a city that prices a luxury hotel like a middle priced one is amazing. Here are some great options, including where I stayed on my visit to Belgrade.
Budget
Moderate
Luxury
Belgrade Travel Tips
- Currency: Serbian dinar (100 Dinar = 0.85 euro)
- Transportation: Taxi, Walking, Bus
- Airport: Nikoli Tesla Airport
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As you can see, Belgrade is a stunning city that is a hidden gem of Europe. Its beauty and excitement are relatively undiscovered and untouched by tourism, which makes visiting much more exciting and authentic. The whole city feels alive and it truly has come back from the bads times and redeemed itself as a top European city.
I was personally blown away by Belgrade and all it had to offer. I had no idea of what the city held and was shocked that more people don’t travel to Belgrade to experience it!
The stunning sites, buzzing atmosphere and low prices make it a great travel destination for all. I highly recommend this city and cannot stress enough that Belgrade is more than you can expect.
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SSW
I think I would spend much of my time at the Belgrade Fortress … wandering, watching the sunset as you did, perhaps a sunrise. The rest of the city looks very cool too, but that fortess … captures my imagination.
I’ve not thought of going to Belgrade, but it looks like a lovely city with plenty to offer travellers. I really like the cobblestoned streets and some of the architecture. Good to know the city isn’t too pricey.
I grew up in France and Serbia was part of Yugoslavia, behind the Iron Curtain so I didn’t know much about it… It’s more charming than I thought. I imagined a grey place full of communist-era buildings. But Skadarlija Street could be anywhere in the Mediterranean! Thank you for some great photos!
We skipped Belgrade and went to Nis instead. As the youngest capital in Europe (I think) Belgrade looks so inviting that I now regret the decision we made.
Wow, I imagine you could spend a day or 2 at Belgrade Fortress Park with all there is to do, it even has a zoo. I think my favorite activity would be watching the sunset from the Fortress. Thanks for the tip of getting there early to ensure a nice spot.
Those cakes!! <3 Belgrade sounds like a fascinating, more off-the-beaten-path European city. And it sounds like there are so many things to do and see there that definitely weren't on my radar! Thanks for sharing!
I felt you had me sussed out when you talked about cafe culture and sunset from the fortress. Those are two of the things I would enjoy most. The sunset – and maybe sunrise too – would be perfection watching the colours change across the landscape. And then time to enjoy a coffee while watching the city go about its business; you learn so much about a place from those moments of observation.
Wow, I have never really had Serbia on my radar before but after reading this, I’m definitely making a mental note to consider it for my next European trip! I love unique buildings so I’d be sure to visit both the Moscow Hotel and the Church of St. Sava. I’m also all about finding great food for low prices, so I’d probably try as many restaurants on Knez Mihailova as I could!
Wow…Belgrade looks amazing! I was there back in the 80s but sadly, only in the airport. I’d love to explore the town, go cafe hopping…and have some of those yummy looking pastries from Mandarina Cake Shop!
I’ve never been to Serbia, but it would be amazing to experience her history, culture, and architecture. Well, or so I thought until I saw those sweets at the Mandarina Cake Shop. Yum!