Ultimate 3-Day Belgrade Itinerary with Tips From a Local

Hi there adventurer, happy to see you’re planning a visit to Belgrade! I’m your local trip-planning gal for all things related to our capital, which is why I’ve created this Belgrade itinerary!

In this 3-day itinerary, I cherry-pick the best experiences on all fronts (attractions, food, unique tours, nightlife, and more) so think of it as your all-in-one travel guide! Stick with me until the end, as there will be hotel recommendations and other practical tips, too!

You can start this flexible 3-day Belgrade itinerary from any day you like, but I recommend following the exact plan for added convenience and fewer surprises.

A quick reminder to book your accommodation in Belgrade ASAP – good hotels often sell out fast in Serbia’s top tourist destination!

Idemo! 

(that’s “Let’s go” in Serbian, get used to hearing it a lot!)

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Can’t follow along for too long? No worries, here’s a quick overview of the itinerary by day:

• Day 1: Downtown Belgrade (Old Town, Slavija, Kalemegdan)
• Day 2: Downtown Belgrade and suburbs (Vračar, Novi Beograd)
• Day 3: Zemun

Now check out Belgrade’s top hotels and how much you can expect to pay during your stay:

And these are the best things to book in advance for your trip:

Day 1: Downtown Belgrade (Slavija, Old Town, Kalemegdan, Savamala)

Here’s what the first day of your Belgrade itinerary will look like:

On Day 1, we’re exploring the core areas of Belgrade, including all of Old Town (Stari Grad).

Most of Belgrade’s attractions in Old Town are near each other, so you’ll mostly be walking. In fact, I made Day 1 entirely walkable (if you’re counting steps, 10,000 will be easy peasy today!)

I planned the activities for the day carefully though, so you don’t have to rush anywhere and can stop for lunch or coffee anytime.

Ideally, choose a hotel either closer to Old Town or Slavija (this is where the airport shuttle arrives) so that you’re always just a short walk away from the attractions. 

TIP: Stay with me until the end because I recommend hotels right next to the start of the itinerary for maximum convenience!

Now, let’s get into the details.

1. Breakfast at Pekara Trpković or in your hotel

Start your first day in Belgrade with a hearty breakfast for the ultimate Serbian experience. 

If your hotel includes one, I say go for it, because most of them serve traditional pastries we typically enjoy in the morning. Think cheese-filled phyllo dough with call burek or pita, or ham and cheese croissants we call kiflice. 

If your hotel doesn’t offer breakfast, I recommend eating at the closest pekara (bakery). Pekara Trpković (map) is a really good one near Slavija. They have arguably the best burek in town with a century-old history!

Must-try dish: burek, pair it with a yogurt drink

2. Visit Nikola Tesla Museum

As you fuel up for the day (a good burek with cheese will certainly do that), you can start your Belgrade itinerary with a visit to Nikola Tesla Museum just a short walk from Slavija Square (map). 

Nikola Tesla was a Serbian-American scientist known for his inventions that now allow us to use electricity to power all the gadgets in our homes and much more advanced tech! Elon Musk’s Tesla Motors company’s name is a small tribute to this genius.

In Tesla’s interactive museum, you can even step into his shoes and try some of his experiments! It may sound like something kids would try, but trust me, I’ve seen the adults (me being one) who enjoyed the current-making experiments just as much!

PRICE: €8 (guided tour in English included)

TIP: This museum only accepts cash, so make sure to have some on you. Belgrade is filled with money exchange offices and ATMs, so you’ll find plenty of places to withdraw or exchange money (just don’t do it at the airport; the currency rates are a scam!)

3. Walk to the Old Town

Now that you are familiar with the work and life of Serbia’s greatest scientist, you can continue your way to Belgrade’s Old Town. 

I recommend a casual walk through Tasmajdan Park (map), crowned with the legendary St. Mark Church and plenty of green spaces where you’ll see locals chill.

NOTE: Entrance to all churches in Serbia and Belgrade is free. Just dress modestly (cover your shoulders and avoid mini-skirts or shorts for women).

As you exit the church, you’ll pass by the House of the National Assembly of Serbia (map), one of Belgrade’s most photogenic buildings. Snap a photo and continue to Old Town via Nikole Pasica Street.

There really nice and flat walk from the Nikola Tesla Museum to Republic Square, your first destination in Old Town, takes around 25 minutes. That’s not including the stops in the park and church, which can add anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to the walk.

4. Have a coffee break or lunch at Republic Square

As you get to Republic Square (map), the central square of Belgrade, you’ll be surrounded by the National Museum of Serbia, the National Theater of Serbia, and tons of shops and restaurants. 

I always found the cafés between Republic Square and Kneza Mihaila (you’ll read more on this one soon) ideal for people-watching, so enjoy a short break there before the next round of sightseeing. 

Don’t expect any delicacies in terms of food and coffee though, as these are just regular places with good service but mostly a convenient location. I often had coffee in Boutique #1 (map) because it’s situated in the epicenter of Stari Grad, you just have to pass by it as you explore this part of town.

5. Optional visit to the National Museum of Serbia

Right in the heart of Republic Square is one of Serbia’s largest and oldest museums, the National Museum of Serbia. 

There’s a cool exhibition on the origins of humans on the ground floor. Then, on the upper floors, you’ll see thousands of cool artifacts, from Egyptian mummies gifted to Serbia to the most iconic artwork made by Serbian artists throughout centuries.

I remember getting here around 1 hour and a half before closure and having to rush through exhibitions because that was too little time. Ideally, plan 2 hours for the visit. 

PRICE: €2.5 for permanent exhibitions

INSIDER TIP: The entrance to the museum is free on Sundays!

6. Stroll through the main pedestrian street, Knez Mihailova

Knez Mihailova (map) is a 1 km (0.6 mi) pedestrian street in the Old Town of Belgrade. It’s the most iconic street in town, being both the historical and shopping hotspot.

You’ll find anything from fast fashion brands like Zara and H&M to boutique shops to quirky cafés and restaurants, museums, libraries, foreign language cultural centers, and so much more. 

If you’re a shopping fan, plan at least 2 hours here. If not, you can walk the perimeter of the street in less than 20 minutes just to feel the vibe. But I’m pretty sure you’ll want to make a few stops!

7. Catch a sunset at Belgrade Fortress

And now comes the moment to explore my favorite part of Belgrade! 

Belgrade Fortress (map) is the city’s oldest and most significant historical landmark, with a history dating back to the conquests of Celts in the 3rd century BC. The fortress was also used, renovated, and rebuilt by the Romans, Byzantines, medieval Serbian rulers, Hungarians, and Ottomans.

Now, the fortress proudly sits at a hill above the confluence of Danube and Sava rivers (such a strategic location!), and it has a huge park, Kalemegdan, surrounding it. 

Nothing beats sitting at a bench in Kalemegdan park overlooking Belgrade and the 2 rivers during sunset. So serene, magical, but at times crowded, this place is definitely a local-favorite.

As beautiful as the fortress is from the top, it’s just as magical underground! Yup, there are actually tours that take you under the fortress (starting from €30 per person) where you can hear some really cool stories from the past hidden by these walls!

8. Optional cruise on Danube River

You can totally catch the sunset at Kalemegdan, but I also have another idea for you. Open-boat sunset cruises in Belgrade are another romantic option! 

This 2-hour tour departs at 5:30 PM, and starts just on the outskirts of Kalemegdan fortress, so you can cut your visit there short and head for the river experience! 

The guides on the cruise are knowledgeable about Belgrade and will tell you captivating stories of the buildings you pass by as well as of the whole city.

PRICE: from €35 per person

9. Dinner and nightlife in (or around) Waterfront Belgrade

As you spent almost the whole day exploring the Old Town, I recommend you descend downhill to Sava River and see a different, more glitzy side of Belgrade. 

Belgrade Waterfront (map) is a new luxury neighborhood with upscale shopping malls, restaurants, bars, and coffee places stretching along the shores of Sava River. There’s a long promenade where you can walk, but the setting is also perfect for a romantic dinner.

Along Sava river, you’ll also find splavovi, or floating river nightclubs, which are like the ultimate Zakynthos-style partying place in the capital. I was never a fan, but if you are, be my guest! Lasta is one of the most popular nightclubs, but try to visit with a local to avoid getting overcharged.

NOTE: Restaurants here are more expensive than in the rest of the city. 

Restaurant recommendation: Buddha Bar (map)
Nightclub recommendation: Lasta (map)

Day 2 – Vračar, Novi Beograd, Skadarlija

Here’s how the second day of your Belgrade itinerary will look like:

In the morning of Day 2, the plan is to stroll in Vračar in Downtown Belgrade, and then around noon, take a bus to Novi Beograd and spend the rest of the day there.

Then, in the evening, a special treat awaits those interested in Serbian nightlife – I’m taking you to the epicenter of good music, food, and merak (untranslatable in English, the feeling of bliss that comes from the simplest pleasures)!

Let’s break Day 2 down in detail.

1. Have breakfast at Homa Bistro or in your hotel

As usual, start your Day 2 in Belgrade with a nutritious breakfast in your hotel. My recommendation if you want to eat out is Home Bistro (map), a simple and modern place for breakfast. They have a varied menu, but I recommend their omelet with ham! 

NOTE: Unfortunately, smoking is still allowed inside cafés and restaurants in Serbia. If you’re a non-smoker, you have two options: 1) avoid most indoor cafés or 2) try to learn how to live with people smoking inside. In spring, fall, and summer, most places open their outdoor gardens, so at least you can have a seat there. It’s a bummer, I know!

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2. Visit St. Sava Temple

Saint Sava Temple is one of the largest Christian Orthodox temples in the world and certainly Serbia’s most glorious religious building. It’s located in Vracar (map), Belgrade’s central yet tiniest neighborhood. 

The temple is 70 meters (229 feet) high and 80 meters (262 feet) wide, and it carries the name of Serbia’s most cherished saint.

Saint Sava (1175 – 1236) was the first Archbishop of the independent Serbian Orthodox Church. He was part of the Serbian medieval royal family but gave up on his royal life in favor of a spiritual one.

Symbolically, the church was built on a place where St. Sava’s relics were burned by the Ottomans in 1595. They did it as a warning to Serbs who tried to revolt against their rule in the region (Serbia used to be a part of the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years, until the 19th century).

Today, you can admire the giant frescoes and mosaics inside the temple that depict Serbia’s medieval monarchs and scenes from the Bible. Then, descend to the impressive crypt that showcases the treasures of the Serbian Orthodox church. This place feels and looks like a chamber of gold (the details are, indeed, decorated with gold leafs).

INSIDER TIP: Talk to the staff to help you find your way to the observatory at the top for stunning panoramic views of Belgrade. The fee is around €10, but it’s so worth it.

3. Shop like a local at Kaleniceva market

Kalenic Green Market (map) is one of the most popular markets in Belgrade. As a Serbian local, I can say that markets are an essential part of our culture! Not only are they a great place to stock up on fresh produce, but also to chit chat with neighbors and hear the latest news in town.

You can get a glimpse of the daily life of Serbians on this market just an 8-minute walk from the St. Sava Temple (and just next to Homa Bistro).

You’ll find seasonal fruits, veggies, meats, fish, jams, clothes, vintage stuff, and anything in between. If you ask me, this is the ideal place to buy some local Serbian delicacies as souvenirs. Aim for dried meats (that we specialize in, so no worries about quality) or canned and pickled goods as they will survive all types of long flights!

INSIDER TIPS: Have cash with you as most sellers don’t have credit card machines. Approach younger sellers as they’re more likely to speak English.

If you buy stuff at the market, go to your hotel and leave them there. Because next, we’re going across the river to communist-era Belgrade!

4. Explore the brutalist architecture of Novi Beograd

Novi Beograd is a planned neighborhood built post-World War II in socialist Yugoslavia. It’s divided into blocks with tall residential buildings that are home to around 200,000 people today.

GETTING THERE: Bus lines 74, 78, and 83 (among others) stop at Slavija and go to the center of Novi Beograd. The ride shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes from central Belgrade, even with traffic. 

The best way to explore Novi Beograd is on a communist architecture tour. In my guide on the best things to do in Belgrade, I explain in detail how this works. I also give exact locations of the most iconic brutalist architecture buildings so you can visit independently!

TIP: If you’re into brutalist architecture and history, you may also appreciate this really cool 3-hour Vintage Car Tour of Belgrade (€85 per person) that also passes through Novi Beograd!

After exploring the architecture, I recommend heading towards the Danube River and slowly walking your way to central Belgrade. You’re in for lots of green spaces and beautiful views!

6. Optional visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art

As you walk back from Novi Beograd by the river, you’ll pass by the Museum of Contemporary Art. I recommend a stop here if you’re a fan. But even if it’s not really your thing, they have some fun exhibitions that will surely catch your attention. 

Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that the museum is closed on Tuesdays as we walked for over 30 minutes to this place specifically on a hot August afternoon, only to find its doors closed.

NOTE: The museum is closed on Tuesdays.

PRICE: 600 RSD (around €6)

TIP: Entrance is free every first Wednesday of the month. You can also buy tickets for this museum online.

7. Enjoy the bohemian nightlife in Skadarlija

As the sun sets over Belgrade, the restaurants and bars in one iconic street of Old Town come to life. Yes, I’m talking about Skadarska Street (map), more commonly known as Skadarlija. 

FUN FACT: This iconic street is lined with kafanas, traditional Serbian restaurants, where, as we like to say, everything happens. We gather in a kafana to celebrate the birth of a loved one, new life milestones, commemorate deaths, discuss business, party, fall in love, and anything in between. These places are responsible for so many marriages (and divorces) and are such an integral part of our culture that you just have to visit and live it together with us!

I invite you to visit Tri Sesira (map) or Dva Jelena (map), the 2 most iconic kafanas around. Do book in advance though, especially if you visit on a Friday or Saturday evening. I hope you’ll like the traditional music and décor, which are 2 of the main details that make kafanas different from modern-day restaurants.

TIP: Make sure to try some domaća rakija (homemade brandy) called šljivovica (plum brandy) along with your appetizer plates. Then, for the main dish, try pljeskavica (our meat patties), pečenje (whole roasted pig or lamb), or punjene paprike (stuffed peppers).

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Day 3 – Zemun

Here’s your Day 3 itinerary on a map:

If you want to feel the old-world charm of Belgrade with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful cafés with verandas, and captivating views of the river, head to Zemun!

Throughout history, Zemun used to be a border town between Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire. It’s the perfect place to visit to experience the blend between these 2 very distinct monarchies that ruled over Europe.

After having your breakfast (you got the idea by now, local bakery or your hotel), catch the nearest bus (line 83 departs from Slavija) to Zemun. The ride should take 30-40 minutes or slightly more (just avoid the rush hour around 8-9 AM).

Here are all the details.

1. See Old Town highlights

Zemun is best known for its charming Old Town, so you want to start your visit from here. 

I suggest taking at least 1 to 2 hours to stroll around Zemun’s Old Town and explore the area by the river, notably the Zemunski Kej (map) promenade. Also, stroll in Zemun City Park (map), a small but nice green space where there’s always someone around walking their dog or chilling around.

LOCAL GEM: Don’t miss out on the Church of the Holy Virgin (map) dating from 1780. It’s Zemun’s largest church!

Now, I purposely left out the main highlight of Zemun because it deserves a description on its own:

2. Climb Gardos tower

Gardos Tower (map) is one of the symbols of Zemun. This Gothic tower was built in 1896 and is a local-favorite monument up to this day. 

Also known as Millenium Tower, Gardos brick tower was one of many towers built across Austria-Hungary to commemorate 1,000 years of their rule in the region.

The tower now hosts a permanent exhibition of Serbia’s famed mathematician and astronomer Milutin Milankovic, but also a 360-degree observation deck at the top. You can enjoy spectacular views of the Danube and Sava rivers, as well as Belgrade and its surrounding villages!

NOTE: Entrance is free.

3. Grab lunch and relax 

If you get hungry, you’ll find tons of restaurants in Zemun Old Town and closer to the river.

I recommend Šaran (meaning carp in English, the most popular fish in Serbia) for delicious seafood (map). After 2 days of indulging in meat, I’m sure you’ll appreciate a lighter but delicious meal! This is the ideal time to relax a bit after your next adventure in Zemun.

4. Take a kayak tour in Zemun

The best way to explore Zemun and its surroundings is on the water! The favorite pastime for locals in the summer is kayaking to the nearby island called Great War Island (Veliko Ratno Ostrvo, map). 

Tourists are also more than welcome to kayak their way to this island! You can book your ride on SerbianAdventures website, and the prices start from €20 for the organized tour. 

But my personal recommendation goes to a sunset kayak ride. The tours are also available and last around 1.5 hours, plus they welcome kayakers of all fitness levels!

PRICE: From €20 to €40

DURATION: Around 2 hours

5. Try unique ice cream flavors at Poslasticarnica sa Stavom

What better way to chill after a kayak ride than tasting some unique ice cream? Poslasticarnica sa Stavom (map), which translates as Ice Cream Shop with a Character, is a small family-owned ice cream shop that serves the wildest ice cream combinations.

They combine homemade, chemical-free ice cream with traditional Serbian flavors. You can try slivovica (plum brandy, remember?), ajvar (a sweet pepper condiment we make in winter), cheese, lavender, and many other flavors. Yes, they all taste absolutely amazing!

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6. End the day in your favorite nightlife spot 

After you’re done tasting all the ice cream, I recommend taking a bus back to Downtown Belgrade and ending the day however you prefer (splavovi, Skadarlija, or a nice bar in the Waterfront district).

Try to get a good night’s sleep before your trip to the airport, as our itinerary has come to an end!

Customizing the itinerary

Have more or less than 3 days for Belgrade? Check out my quick itinerary customizations:

5-day itinerary

• Visit Avala Tower on Day 4. 

Find all details on how to get there in my guide on things to do in Belgrade. Before the Avala visit, you can spend the morning at Ada Ciganlija (map) public beach if you’re visiting in the summer.

• Book a day trip on Day 5.

My top recommendations include either the cultural capital of Novi Sad or the beautiful Iron Gate fortress.

2-day itinerary

Alternatively, take a bus from Novi Beograd to Zemun on Day 2 instead of walking back to Old Town and visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Practical information for your stay in Belgrade

Before I wrap up the article, I wanted to include some more practical information I’m sure will come in handy during your stay!

Where to stay in Belgrade

In this section, I cherry-picked the best hotels I think will be most convenient if you decide to follow the itinerary above.

Otherwise, you can see my full list of Belgrade’s best hotels in all the different neighborhoods in my separate Belgrade neighborhood and hotel guide!

The accommodation prices in Belgrade range from €40 per night for budget stays to €200 for luxury (on average).

• Luxury: Metropol Palace – this 5-star hotel is one of Belgrade’s most iconic hotels, with a rooftop restaurant, an indoor swimming pool, and a spa and wellness center. It’s super close to Nikola Tesla Museum and Kalenic Pijaca from where we start the itinerary on Day 1!
• Mid-range: Moxy Belgrade – Marriott’s newest hotel brand has made its way to Belgrade just a short walk from the start of our itinerary! It has gorgeous, modern, and compact rooms, plus a fitness center on-site.
• Budget: Hostel Beogradjanka – A cute, affordable, and centrally-located hostel with 6-bed dorms, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour front desk.

Getting around Belgrade

Now let’s see what is the best way to get around Belgrade!

Transport methods: bus, trolley, tram, taxi
Fastest transport: taxi
Best value for money: bus

TIP: Avoid commuting from 7 AM to 8 AM and from 4 PM to 5 PM due to insane traffic, especially around bridges.

Public transport

Use Moovit or Google Maps to plan your commute in Belgrade. These apps cover all transport methods and work pretty well, so use whichever you’re most used to.

The main reason I (and a million of Belgrade residents) don’t like public transport in Belgrade is that you have to change buses often to get from point A to point B. This is a very common nuisance for commuters because it significantly adds to travel time. Luckily, my itinerary doesn’t require you to change more than 1 bus to get to places.

You can buy your ticket and track your bus via the Belgrade Plus app (iOS, Android). The ticket price is 50 RSD (0.40 €) and the ticket is valid 90 minutes upon purchase, meaning you can change buses within that time frame for free.

TIP: Consider an Airalo eSIM plan for Serbia for an uninterrupted internet connection (ideal for paying bus tickets) or get a local SIM for message and call plans (currently not covered by Airalo).

NOTE: Take the shuttle line A1 that departs from Slavija Square (map) to get to the airport. The ticket is 400 RSD and you buy it inside the bus (cash-only). I always take this shuttle to avoid overspending on taxis unless I have tons of luggage.

Taxi

Taxis are generally expensive and scammy in Belgrade (especially if you’re a tourist who doesn’t speak Serbian), so you definitely don’t want to hail one on the street. 

Call the taxi company or schedule your ride via app. Pink Taksi (+381 11 6355000, iOS, Android) is a reliable one, although I find that phone calls sometimes work better than the app.

In general, I only recommend taking taxis to get to and from the airport, and also at night if you’re away from your hotel and there’s no public transport nearby.

Ride hailing: Car:Go and Yandex are available, with Car Go being the go-to option for most locals.

Car rental

Car rental is definitely not required for a 3-day stay in Belgrade. Parking is a mess and so is traffic. Most of the attractions you’ll be seeing are within walking distance from each other anyways.

FAQs about the Belgrade itinerary

Final thoughts on the Belgrade itinerary

You’ve reached the end of our 3-day Belgrade itinerary! Belgrade is as exciting as it is romantic, bohemian, and contemporary. Whether you’re into wild nightlife, historical or science museums, delicious dining, or urban exploring, you’ll find it all here!

I made sure to include all the fun but also historical and cultural attractions so you can experience the essence of our capital. 

Just a quick reminder to book your hotels, tours, and tickets in advance! Belgrade is quickly becoming a major tourist destination in this part of Europe, and the best spots sell out really quickly.

If you have any questions or would like a personal recommendation for your stay in Belgrade, drop us a comment below! We’d love to hear from you!

Enjoy Belgrade, 

Darija

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