Top 25 Must-Do Activities in Belgrade, Serbia

Is there a European capital with a more tumultuous history than Belgrade? Situated at the crossroads of empires and at the confluence of the great Danube and Sava rivers, this is one of the oldest cities on the continent. Historical events have led to a lack of structures over a few centuries, with few buildings in Belgrade dating back more than a couple of hundred years.

Nevertheless, Belgrade is equally captivating despite its tumultuous past, merging high culture with a vibrant spirit. This vivacity can be experienced on Skardarlija, the Bohemian street, and on splavovi, the party boats moored along the Danube and Sava rivers. Dominating the skyline, Belgrade’s fortress stands sentinel over the city, with orthodox churches and palaces for Serbian royalty emerging after Serbia achieved independence in the 19th century.

Let us delve into the top attractions in Belgrade:

1. Belgrade Fortress

Perched high on a ridge where the Danube and Sava rivers converge, Belgrade Fortress has historically encompassed the entire city and has witnessed over 2,000 years of conflict.

While the past of bloodshed feels distant, young couples stroll in Kalemegdan Park, capturing sunsets over Zemun from scenic vantage points.

Visitors will find sequestered spots among the remnants of Ottoman-era fortifications.

Rich in history, the fortress features the Roman well and the medieval gate of Despot Stefan Lazarević.

The iconic Pobednik (Victor) statue, portraying a figure holding a sword and falcon atop a Doric column, dates back to 1928, commemorating Serbia’s victory over the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires in WWI.

2. Skadarlija

Free of vehicular traffic and adorned with uneven cobblestones, Skadarlija has served as a Bohemian refuge since the 1800s, paralleling Paris’s Montmartre.

Much like its French counterpart, Skadarlija thrived during the early 1900s, when renowned yet financially struggling Serbian artists, such as singers and writers, found inspiration here.

This Belle Époque spirit remains visible in the gas lamps, outdoor dining spaces, and artistic displays adorning the area.

Indulge in vibrant nightlife, traditional Serbian cuisine, including roštilj (grilled meats), and engaging street performances while exploring.

3. Church of St Sava

Recognized as the largest Orthodox Church in the Balkans and the second largest globally, St Sava stands as a monumental symbol in Serbia’s capital.

Situated on the Vračar plateau, the church features white granite and marble walls visible from various perspectives in Belgrade, with its 50 bells reverberating at noon throughout the city.

Constructed on the site where the Ottoman Grand Vizier Sinan Pasha desecrated St Sava’s relics in 1594, the church’s construction commenced in 1935—340 years post the event—and concluded in 1989. A significant engineering feat involved hoisting the central dome, weighing 4,000 tons, into place.

4. Ada Ciganlija

This island on the Sava River has been transformed into a peninsula, offering a venue for recreation and relaxation for Belgradians.

Despite its urban location, Ada Ciganlija retains its natural charm, adorned with mature elm and oak forests.

The impounded Sava River forms Savsko jezero lake on its southern shore, where on any summer day, it buzzes with joggers, rowers, kayakers, and those simply enjoying the outdoors.

The main attraction remains the pebbled beach, known as “Belgrade’s Seaside,” lined with bars and restaurants that remain open late into the night.

5. Knez Mihailova Street

Running diagonally through Stari Grad from the fortress to Republic Square, Knez Mihailova is a pedestrian-only zone and a primary commercial hub for locals seeking shopping and dining experiences.

As one of the most expensive streets in the city per square meter, Knez Mihailova features upscale boutiques alongside renowned international brands such as Sephora, Zara, and Gap. Numerous restaurants and bars further enhance the area’s appeal, ensuring it is perpetually alive with shoppers, couples, and revelers.

Historic, stuccoed Neoclassical mansions lines the route, especially towards the fortress, adding visual interest to your stroll.

6. Gardoš Tower

Located in the historic district of Zemun, Gardoš Tower, or the Millennium Tower, commands a view over the right bank of the Danube.

Constructed in 1896 to celebrate a millennium of Hungarian settlement in the Pannonian Plain, the tower boasts an Eclectic architecture style and replaced the remnants of a medieval fortress.

The tower houses a small exhibit showcasing the rich history of Zemun and Gardoš, while the panoramic views from the top are breathtaking.

7. Nikola Tesla Museum

This museum offers a comprehensive overview of the life and contributions of the eminent physicist, inventor, and electrical engineer, Nikola Tesla, who is celebrated as a Serbian national hero.

The exhibition is divided into two main segments: the first details Tesla’s personal history, presenting personal items, photographs, and correspondence that illustrate his life and travels.

The second section is an interactive display of his inventions, featuring originals, 3D representations, and operational replicas, such as an induction coil capable of producing discharges at 500,000 volts.

8. St Mark’s Church

This expansive Neo-Byzantine church is one of the largest in Serbia, with its outer structure finalized in the 1930s; however, interior work remains ongoing.

The exquisite iconostasis was completed only in the 1990s, incorporating a marble frame with icons and a depiction of the Last Supper painted by Đuro Radulović, a prominent painter from Belgrade.

Work on the crypt commenced in 2007, transferring the tombs of 19th-century clergy and Serbian royalty from the former St Mark’s church, destroyed during WWII.

9. Republic Square

At the southern terminus of Knez Mihailova lies Republic Square, home to several key landmarks and a vibrant business district that embodies the dynamism of Belgrade.

This area serves as a convergence point for over 20 trolleybus and bus routes, making it a central meeting place for locals.

The Serbian National Theatre and the National Museum are located here, along with the Prince Mihailo Monument, designed by Italian sculptor Enrico Pazzi, honoring Prince Mihailo Obrenović, a distinguished leader in Serbia’s fight against Ottoman rule.

10. Zemunski Kej

Also known as Kej Oslobođenja (Quay of Liberation), this scenic riverside promenade offers some of the best views of the Danube in Belgrade.

Beginning just below Gardoš Tower, the green space features plane trees and stunning perspectives of Europe’s second-longest river at its confluence with the Sava.

Previously susceptible to flooding, engineering improvements have fortified the embankment, allowing for leisurely strolls along an expanded pedestrian path.

Various restaurants and vessels line the banks, many established on barges, offering trips on the Danube.

11. Residence of Princess Ljubica

This palace, a rare remnant from the first reign of Prince Miloš Obrenović, was constructed in the early 1830s and intended as a luxurious residence for the Serbian court.

Due to continued Ottoman presence, it was utilized infrequently by Prince Miloš until his abdication in 1839 and subsequent expulsion of the Obrenović family.

The permanent exhibition features a collection of richly decorated rooms filled with authentic artifacts sourced from residences formerly owned by Belgrade’s bourgeois and royal families.

12. Avala Tower

This communications tower, the tallest in the Balkans, is conveniently located a short drive from Belgrade.

Alternatively, the tower can be accessed via bus from Voždovac/Banjica or the tourist shuttle, which operates on weekends from Nikola Pašić Square.

Perched atop Mount Avala, it symbolizes Belgrade and carries a unique history.

Constructed in 1965, it was demolished during the NATO bombings in 1999, yet underwent a four-year reconstruction completed in 2010, allowing visitors to ascend to the observation deck at 135 meters for breathtaking panoramic views.

13. Belgrade Military Museum

While traversing Belgrade Fortress, one might encounter a collection of modern military equipment showcased along the ramparts.

The assortment includes deactivated mines, German panzers, torpedoes, and antique cannons adorning the outer wall.

Established in the fortress since 1878, the military museum houses an extensive collection of weapons, tracing back to Ancient Greece and Rome, featuring helmets and swords over 2,000 years old.

14. Museum of Yugoslav History

This museum prominently features the mausoleum of former authoritarian President Josip Broz Tito, alongside a museum dedicated to his legacy, which was established in the 2000s.

Covering the history of the former Yugoslavia, the museum evokes a wide range of emotions, often inspiring positive reflections among Belgraders.

The museum functions similarly to a Presidential library, showcasing an extensive array of gifts received by Tito during his tenure from 1953 to 1980, totaling over 200,000 artifacts—including the ceremonial batons presented to him at annual events celebrating his birthday.

15. National Theatre

Located in Republic Square, the National Theatre presents an array of high culture experiences at accessible prices.

Since its inauguration in 1869, the theatre has withstood the ravages of war and undergone architectural refurbishments, remaining a central hub of Serbian culture.

Daytime tours offer insights into wardrobe and set maintenance, accompanied by performances from the theatre’s resident artists.

16. Museum of Aviation

Belgrade’s aviation museum is housed within a striking geodesic glass structure adjacent to the city’s airport, established in 1989.

Visitors can easily reach it by taking bus number 72 from Zeleni Venac station.

The museum exhibits a broad array of aircraft, totaling over 200, from both military and private collections, featuring notable models from various eras—including World War II fighters and more contemporary military remnants.

17. St Michael’s Cathedral

Within walking distance from both the fortress and the Residence of Princess Ljubica, the Neoclassical cathedral of St Michael’s dates back to the 1830s and played a significant role in Serbia’s path to independence.

This modern iteration of a long-standing monument has origins stretching back to the 1500s, enduring numerous destructions during the Ottoman era.

Noteworthy elements include the abundant use of gold leaf in its artwork, with murals and icons created by the esteemed Serbian artists Dimitrije Avramović and Dimitrije Petrović.

The cathedral houses the relics of the 14th-century saint King Stefan Uroš V and tombs of prominent national figures such as Vuk Karadžić, recognized for his pivotal role in the Serbian language reform during the 1800s.

18. Stari Dvor and Novi Dvor

Any comprehensive city tour should feature both the Old and New Palaces, constructed for the Obrenović and Karađorđević royal families, respectively.

The two edifices face one another across the Andrićev Venac square, contributing to a striking architectural ensemble along Kralja Milana.

The Old Palace, dating back to the 1880s, is characterized by Beaux-Arts design, with interiors imported directly from Vienna and now serves as the city assembly.

Meanwhile, the New Palace, completed in 1922 after sustaining damage during World War I, features Revivalist architecture with an impressive two-story colonnade of Ionic columns and currently serves as the residence of the President of Serbia.

19. House of the National Assembly of Serbia

As the seat of Serbia’s National Assembly, this magnificent and photogenic Beaux-Arts building stands as a hallmark of Belgrade.

Initially serving as the Parliament of Yugoslavia before transitioning to the Parliament of Serbia and Montenegro following the dissolution of Yugoslavia, access to this imposing structure is generally limited.

However, potential visitors may inquire through Belgrade’s tourist board to find out if tours are occasionally available, making it a popular landmark for photographic opportunities both during the day and at night, especially during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

20. White Palace

Similar to the National Assembly, this royal residence situated within the affluent Dedinje district is not a typical tourist attraction. However, summer tours are available; prior arrangements through the tourist board can secure your spot.

Your visit will be rewarding as a bus transports you from the city hall to this Neo-Palladian palace, constructed in the 1930s.

The captivating interior features Georgian antiques and artworks from renowned artists such as Poussin, Veronese, Canaletto, Brueghel, Titian, and more.

Additional highlights include an extensive library and breathtaking views from the terrace, with the possibility of encountering Crown Prince Alexander and Princess Katherine if they are in residence.

21. Rajko Mitić Stadium (Marakana)

This experience is not for the faint-hearted or those disinterested in football.

However, if you are a football enthusiast, you might be familiar with the intense rivalry known as the Eternal Derby between FK Partizan and Red Star Belgrade.

Attending a match where Red Star hosts their rivals at the 55,000-capacity Rajko Mitić Stadium promises an atmosphere that is possibly unrivaled in global football.

For a less frenetic experience, tickets for the east or west stand are advisable, while the North and South stands cater to the more fervent fans.

22. Historical Museum of Serbia

This museum located at Nikola Pašić Square focuses on temporary exhibitions exploring aspects of Serbia’s history.

One noteworthy showcase recently highlighted the life of St Sava, a 13th-century prince and monk, credited with establishing the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Other exhibitions have delved into Serbian existence during WWI and covered a range of topics from the First Serbian Uprising in the early 19th century to local iconography and Serbian-American physicist Mijajlo Pupin’s groundbreaking contributions.

23. Ružica Church

Located against the northeast walls of the Belgrade Fortress, Ružica Church is recognized as the oldest church in the city.

While its origins remain unclear, the church’s chronology is marked by successive demolitions and reconstructions, with the initial record dating back to the 1400s. It was destroyed following the Ottoman conquest in 1521, and the current structure, established in the 19th century, underwent additional restoration after WWI.

The church showcases a façade embellished with ivy and is notable for its unique chandeliers crafted from the blades of World War I bayonets and shell casings.

24. Zeleni Venac

While several outdoor markets exist within Belgrade, Zeleni Venac, recognized as the ‘Queen of the Markets’, stands out as the most significant.

Located centrally next to a major transport hub, it has been a bustling center of trade since 1847, offering competitive prices.

Sheltered beneath a recently restored metallic canopy, it boasts scores of vendors selling fresh produce.

On Saturdays, the market buzzes with lively conversations and vendors’ calls, complemented by nearby bakeries showcasing an array of freshly baked treats like krempita, baklava, tulumbe, and kadaif.

25. Splavovi

If you’re anticipating a night out in Belgrade, prepare to board a splav.

These barges and moored boats serve as floating restaurants, bars, or nightclubs.

Notably, no two splavovi are identical; some exude sophistication, while others are lively and vibrant.

Patrons can immerse themselves in music, whether it be live bands or traditional Serbian folk, or opt for a quieter atmosphere while dining along the Danube.

During the summer, splavovi are a perennial party destination, attracting crowds hopping from barge to barge along the quay.