by ZlatanJovanovic (cropped) / CC BY-SA 3.0

Belgrade Invites You to Experience its Riverside Charm

A. About Belgrade

Nickname:Little Paris

Belgrade, the capital and largest city of Serbia, sits at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. It has a long and turbulent history, having been part of the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian empires. Today, it is a vibrant metropolis known for its lively nightlife, historical landmarks, and cultural diversity.

Belgrade may not be known as a traditionally beautiful city—even locals admit this—but it’s undeniably captivating, full of energy, passion, and a unique charm. Belgrade’s architecture is a striking mix, combining grand buildings from the past two centuries with simple, bold Soviet-style concrete structures.

The iconic Kalemegdan Fortress stands as a testament to its turbulent past, offering panoramic views and a serene park for visitors.

The city's nightlife is legendary, with floating river clubs along the Sava Promenade that keep the energy alive until dawn. Belgrade is a dynamic blend of old-world charm and modern excitement, making it one of Europe’s most fascinating capitals.


The Good:

Belgrade excels in nightlife, with diverse and exciting options, especially along the rivers, making it a top destination for evening entertainment.

The city is, for the most part, very safe and considered to be a welcoming travel destination.

Furthermore, Belgrade offers good local and international cuisine, with a strong focus on hearty Serbian dishes.

The Not-So-Good:

Fortunately, Belgrade has no category with a low rating. 

Belgrade offers a few interesting sights, but it lacks many standout landmarks or world-class attractions. The top sights are decent but not extraordinary compared to other cities. There are a few good day trips nearby, but these don't significantly elevate its score.


B. Best Things to Do in Belgrade in 2024 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)

In total, we count more than thirty-two sights in Belgrade. The following sights contribute to a good score of 5.05/10 in this most important category:

# Belgrade Fortress 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Belgrade Fortress (Kalemegdan Fortress) is a historic fortress overlooking the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, with roots dating back to the 2nd century.

The site offers panoramic views of the city and rivers.

Fortress

by CrniBombarder / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

# Temple of Saint Sava 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

This is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, dedicated to Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church. The massive white marble structure, with its stunning gold-domed interior, took nearly a century to complete.

Orthodox church

by Nikolai Karaneschev / CC BY 3.0 

# National Museum of Serbia 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

The National Museum of Serbia holds over 400,000 objects spanning prehistoric to modern art, including famous works by European and Serbian artists. The museum’s collection includes masterpieces by Pablo Picasso and Titian. It also features valuable archaeological finds from Serbia's ancient history.

Fine Arts and Archaeological Museum

by Simon Legner / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# Kalamegdan Park 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Kalemegdan Park surrounds the Kalemegdan Fortress, offering scenic views, peaceful pathways, and cultural monuments. The park is a favorite spot for locals and tourists to relax and explore the history of the area. The park also features a zoo and several cafes.

Park

by Imeao/ CCo 

# Ada Ciganlija and Island 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Ada Ciganlija is a river island turned peninsula on the Sava River, known for its recreational facilities, beaches, and vibrant atmosphere in summer. It has been nicknamed the "Belgrade Sea" for its beachlike appeal. Nighttime brings lively bars and entertainment along the shores.

Island

by Andrija12345678 / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Knez Mihailova Street 4 2.1 out of 5 stars

Knez Mihailova Street is a pedestrian street and main shopping area, lined with 19th-century buildings, cafes, and international retail brands. The architecture reflects Belgrade’s Austro-Hungarian influence.

Shopping Street

by Fred Romero from Paris / CC BY-SA 2.0

# Saborna Orthodox Church 4 2.1 out of 5 stars

The Saborna Church, dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, is one of Belgrade's oldest religious buildings, built in 1840. It features a mix of baroque and neoclassical styles and houses relics of Serbian saints.

Orthodox Church

by Pavle Marjanović / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Avala Tower 4 2.1 out of 5 stars

Avala Tower is a telecommunications tower located on Mount Avala, standing 204.68 meters high. Originally built in 1965, it was destroyed during NATO bombing in 1999 and later reconstructed in 2010. The tower is a symbol of resilience and offers stunning panoramic views of Belgrade and the surrounding areas.

Television Tower 

by Jebacz. / CC BY-SA 2.0

# Zemun 4 2.1 out of 5 stars

Zemun is a historic town on the Danube River, now a part of Belgrade, known for its cobbled streets, preserved architecture, and vibrant cultural life. The Gardoš Tower, a prominent landmark, offers sweeping views of the river and city. Zemun’s riverfront is also a popular spot for dining and relaxation.

City District

by Jean-David & Anne-Laure / CC BY-SA 2.0

 

#10 | Nikola Tesla Museum 4 2.1 out of 5 stars

This museum is dedicated to the life and inventions of Nikola Tesla, one of the world's greatest scientists and inventors. It holds over 160,000 original documents, personal items, and models of Tesla's inventions. 

The museum also features interactive exhibits to showcase Tesla’s contributions to modern electrical engineering.

Science Museum

by Dungodung / CC BY-SA 3.0

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 sight in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

🌍 = World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Belgrade

#11 | Skadarlija 4 2.1 out of 5 stars

Skadarlija is a bohemian quarter in the heart of Belgrade, famous for its cobbled streets, restaurants, and live music. It has a rich artistic tradition, being a meeting place for poets, writers, and painters in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its vintage charm is preserved, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists.

City District

by Fred Romero / CC BY-SA 2.0

#12 | Royal Palace (Kraljevski Dvor) 4 2.1 out of 5 stars

The Royal Palace, built between 1924 and 1929, is the official residence of the Serbian royal family, located in Dedinje. It is an elegant blend of Serbian-Byzantine and Art Deco architectural styles. The palace is surrounded by lavish gardens and offers guided tours, showcasing the history of the Karađorđević dynasty. The interior is equally impressive, with grand halls and royal art collections.

Palace

by Nikolazstankovic / CC BY-SA 4.0

#13 | Sava Promenade  4 2.1 out of 5 stars

The Sava Promenade is a scenic riverside walkway along the Sava River, offering green spaces, cafes, and recreational areas. It is part of the modern Belgrade Waterfront development, transforming the riverfront into a vibrant public space. The promenade provides stunning views of the old town and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Promenade

by Mile Jovic / CC BY-SA 4.0

#14 | Republic Square 4 2.1 out of 5 stars

Republic Square is Belgrade's central square, home to important landmarks such as the National Museum and the National Theatre. It is a major cultural and commercial hub, often hosting events, concerts, and gatherings. The square features the iconic equestrian statue of Prince Mihailo, a symbol of Serbia's liberation from Ottoman rule.

Square

by Erik Cleves Kristensen / CC BY-SA 2.0

 
    • House of Flowers 4
    • Gardos Tower 4
    • Cathedral of St. Mark 4
    • Old Bohemian Quarter of Skadarlija 4
    • Museum of Aviation 4
    • National Theatre 4
    • Church of Kretzulescu 4
    • Antim Monastery 4

D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Belgrade

Novi Sad 5 2.5 out of 5 stars 

Novi Sad, Serbia's second-largest city, is located on the banks of the Danube River and is known for its diverse cultural heritage. It is home to the Petrovaradin Fortress, which hosts the famous EXIT music festival. The city’s history reflects a blend of Serbian, Hungarian, and Austro-Hungarian influences, evident in its architecture and traditions. Novi Sad was also named the European Capital of Culture in 2022.

City Distance from Belgrade: 101.3 km

by Vanja Kovac / CC BY-SA 4.0

Fruška Gora National Park 5 2.5 out of 5 stars 

Fruška Gora is a mountain and national park located near Novi Sad, famous for its lush forests, monasteries, and hiking trails. It is often referred to as the "jewel of Serbia" due to its biodiversity and natural beauty. The park is home to numerous Serbian Orthodox monasteries, some dating back to the 15th century.

City Distance from Belgrade: 93 km

by Aleksić Ivan / CC BY-SA 3.0

Manasija Monastery 5


E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Belgrade (including close-by excursions)

To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Belgrade for at least two entire days.

Belgrade Fortress 6

Temple of Saint Sava 6

National Museum of Serbia 6

Kalamegdan Park 5

Ada Ciganlija and Island 5

Knez Mihailova Street 5

Saborna Orthodox Church 5

Avala Tower 4

Zemun  4

Nikola Tesla Museum 4