Europe's Hidden Gem: Belgrade Three Day Itinerary
Perhaps it is just us but when we told people that we were heading to Belgrade for the weekend, nobody could believe us. "How random!" someone said. Belgrade well and truly is a hidden gem in South Eastern Europe, making it a perfect getaway without too many tourists. We promise that if you visit Serbia, you won't regret it.
HOW TO USE THE MAP
Tap the icons on the map to learn more about each point of interest. To save this map for later, click the star next to its title to add it to your Google account. Then, open the Google Maps app, go to ‘Saved’, and select ‘Maps’. You’ll now see this map listed under its title.​​
Day 1
If you arrive into Belgrade it is either because you're on a European tour and have travelled via train or car, or you've flown in like us for the weekend. Learn how to get travel into Belgrade on our Belgrade Ultimate Travel Guide.
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Once you've dumped bags off or checked into the hotel/Airbnb, head down the Main Street of Kneza Mihaila. It is the main high street in Belgrade with lots of shopping and cafe's but most importantly back streets and a whole lot of culture. It is a great place to dive straight in on your first day to feel the presence of the Serbian people.
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Walk up Kneza Mihaila towards the Belgrade Fortress, your next stop.
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BELGRADE FORTRESS
Explore the Fortress grounds that were built during the 2nd and 18th century in the prime location of overlooking the Danube and Sava rivers. You can also find the Victor Monument, a naked man, built to commemorate Serbia's victory over the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires during the Balkan Wars and the First World War. There are also a group of great cafes and restaurant to have a coffee and eat at that overlook the Danube and Belgrade Fortress which are well-worth the visit.
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RIVERS DANUBE AND SAVA MEETING POINT
In the evening, you will want to head over to the Bohemian Quarter - Skadarlija for dinner and a drink in the heart of Belgrade's vibrant culture. Traditional music literally spills out from the restaurants and it is a fantastic way to spend your evening. Check out our Belgrade Food and drink recommendations.
Day 2
As you would have seen yesterday, Belgrade is an interesting place as the River Sava and Danube meet. Today we recommend that you cross the river and walk along the Danube and head towards Zemun. Zemun is a village-like part of Northern Belgrade that is lively and has the feel of an old town. We did this as part of an e-scooter tour that we booked via Airbnb. It was a great trip and thoroughly recommend it but if you would prefer to explore by foot, then continue with this itinerary. It seems that you cannot share an embed code for Airbnb Experiences but below is a screenshot of the tour.
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Head up the incline to the Tower Gardos and take it in. Just behind it is one of the best views of Belgrade you will find.
VIEW FROM TOWER GARDOS
Before dinner, head on over to the Church of Saint Mark in the early evening to see the beautiful red church glow in the golden hour.
CHURCH OF SAINT MARK
Day 3
Start the day by heading over to the House of National Assembly, the governmental building in Belgrade. Just over the road you will find the Old Belgrade Palace which housed the Serbian royal family in the early 1900's. It is an interesting place to see as you've got this huge palace in front of you, but either side are communist-style apartments which is largely ironic and a cross over of history and old politics.
OLD BELGRADE PALACE
Not far along is Belgrade's most beautiful building - the Temple of Saint Sava. Make sure you're covering your shoulders and knees before heading into this golden temple. Explore the crypt.
TEMPLE OF SAINT SAVA
Next up, head to the Stefan Nemanja monument. The monument symbolises the Prince's contributions to the Serbian culture and Serbian empire. It is huge!
There are more things you can do whilst you're in Belgrade, including the Nikola Tesla museum and the Botanical Gardens. To be honest, the way the Nikola Tesla museum is run makes it not worth it. You have to queue in the sun and only 60 are allowed in every hour. We did queue and got in but were disappointed. We just didn't think it was worth the queuing for what it was. Instead, I would absorb the Serbian culture and do some more walking - much more worth your time. Similar story with the botanical gardens - not worth it.
