Belgrade, with its ancient roots and thorny recent history, is proof that not all interesting historical destinations have to be conventionally pretty. Exploring the Kalemegdan Fortress, Temple of St. Sava, and the city’s suite of museums are among the top things to do—but there’s much more to the Serbian capital than history alone. Partying tends to be the other go-to move in the Balkans’ largest city, thanks to how affordable it can be and the welcome variety of bars.
If partying in Belgrade is a priority, then summer is definitely the best time to visit the city. The long days and warm weather offer the best conditions for fun aboard Belgrade's splavs, floating river boat clubs. August also brings with it Beer Fest's enticing combination of beer and music. Wait until September if you'd prefer to avoid the busy season, but still want comfortable conditions for sightseeing.
While you can comfortably explore Stari Grad on foot, walking in Belgrade will only get you so far—especially because of the city's steep streets. To travel any farther, including over to New Belgrade, look to Belgrade's yellow city buses, trolleybuses and trams; the number 2 tram is popular as it runs a loop around the city's historical center.
Cafe culture is quite common in most Balkan cities, but Belgrade is also home to quite a few modern coffee shops serving up more than just Serbian coffee. For your flat white or Chemex, head to the neighborhood of Dorcol, a hub for the city’s more modern cafes. Bear in mind that most of these places still allow people to smoke indoors, an act still permitted in cafes and restaurants in Serbia.
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Yes, the city of Belgrade is definitely worth going to. Belgrade has plenty to entertain you, whether you’re interested in culture, history, or nightlife. The city is also relatively central within the Balkans, making it a convenient and well-rounded destination for travelers to southeastern Europe.
...MoreTwo days in Belgrade is enough time to experience the main attractions in the city and get a sense of what it's like. However, spend longer in Belgrade and you’ll find plenty more things to do, such as exploring the neighborhood of Zemun across the Sava river.
...MoreBelgrade often ranks as one of the most affordable big cities to visit in Europe, which is why it’s so popular among travelers on a budget. However, when compared to other destinations in the Balkans, it is more expensive.
...MoreYes, you can generally get by in Belgrade speaking English—English is common as a second language, particularly among people working in tourism and younger generations. It will help to know at least a few common phrases in Serbian to make interactions with locals easier.
...MorePeople go to Belgrade for a variety of reasons, from wanting to see what Serbia is like to experiencing the city's nightlife. Belgrade is also very well-connected with other major cities in this part of Europe, making it a convenient place to go for travelers.
...MoreBelgrade has a reputation in some circles as being gritty and only appealing to people interested in partying. However, the city is also home to a flourishing creative scene, cafe culture, and many important museums, meaning it's a good place to get to know Serbia and its unique culture.
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