What to see in Belgrade

If you are wondering what to see in Belgrade, look no further. Whether you are coming to Belgrade for work, vacation, or fun, keep in mind that there are many exciting things to see and places to visit in Belgrade.

We created a list of parks and forests, beautiful places near rivers Danube and Sava, architectural buildings, and museums worth visiting. So get ready and start exploring these fabulous places.

What to see in Belgrade – parks, forests and the famous fortress

1. Kalemegdan

In the last century, the area around the famous Belgrade’s fortress became the largest Belgrade park called Kalemegdan.

The complex houses the Museum of Natural History and the Military Museum, then the “Cvijeta Zuzorić” Art Pavilion and the Zoo. There is also the church Ruzica, the oldest church in Belgrade.

You can also visit the Roman Well, one of six underground facilities open to visitors. It is a cultural monument of great importance. However, it’s unrelated to the Romans, and it’s not even a well. Namely, it was built in the 18th century to supply water to the Austrian army as a cistern, because there were no sources in the area. It is 51 meters deep, and interestingly, its bottom is at a lower level than the bottom of the Sava River. You can visit it every day from 11 am to 7 pm.

The Military Museum with heavy weapons on display is in the Upper City of the fort. Here, you can see cannons from different epochs, then tanks from WWII, as well as naval artillery weapons, torpedo launchers, etc.

At the very walls of the fortress, located above the mouth of the Sava River into the Danube, is the monument Pobednik. It is one of the most famous symbols of Belgrade. If you ask the locals what to see in Belgrade, most of them will tell you – Kalemegdan and the Pobednik monument.

2. Topcider

Once upon a time, Topcider used to be a place full of vineyards. There, wealthy people built summer cottages.

Topcider is now a park with well-maintained trails, lush vegetation, streams, and lakes. It houses the Konak of Prince Milos, the Church Konak and the Topcider Church, the Zetelica sculpture, and the monument to Archibald Rice.

The Kosutnjak Forest occupies a unique part within Topcider.

3. Kosutnjak

The name Kosutnjak is believed to have originated because of does that used to live there. Doe means kosuta in Serbian. During one period, it used to be a court hunting ground. However, it is also known as a place where Prince Mihailo Obrenovic was assassinated.

Today, Kosutnjak is a park-forest and a popular picnic area of Belgrade. There are two unique complexes that make Kosutnjak: Pioneer City and Film City. There is a large number of sports fields, several swimming pools, and even ski slopes within the Kosutnjak Sports and Recreation Center.

Kosutnjak also has a 1200-meter-long trim trail with exercise equipment and the Hajduk spring. The Kosutnjak Forest itself is protected as a natural monument.

4. Zvezdara Forest

Zvezdara Forest is a popular picnic area, located near the city center. Part of the forest is arranged as a park, so people often come here to relax or for recreation.

There is an Astronomical Observatory here, as well as the Mihajlo Pupin Institute, and the Zvezdara Science and Technology Park.

5. Jevremovac Botanical Garden

With its status as a natural monument, the Jevremovac Botanical Garden is home to about a thousand plant species.

It has a large glass garden and the Institute of Botany, with a valuable herbarium. It is located on the territory of Stari Grad Municipality, in the center of Belgrade.

Today, it also houses the Japanese Garden, with a collection of Far Eastern flora.

6. Avala

As a protected natural monument, Avala is home to 600 plant species. It is a lower mountain, with its peak at only 511 meters above sea level. The medieval town of Zrnov was once on the top of the mountain.

However, on the place of its ruins, the Monument to the Unknown Hero was built. It’s a mausoleum that is the work of the famous sculptor Ivan Mestrovic.

The Avala’s trademark is the Avala Tower. You can visit the restaurant at 119 meters or enjoy the fantastic view from the lookout located at the 122 meters of the tower.

What to see in Belgrade – popular places by the rivers

7. Ada Ciganlija

The most popular location in Belgrade during the summer is Ada Ciganlija.

More than 100 thousand visitors gather on the “Belgrade Sea” daily, to spend a day on the beach swimming or engaging in numerous sports activities. That is the largest and most beautiful picnic area in Belgrade. Ada Ciganlija also has many cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs.

If you ask young people what places you can visit in Belgrade, Ada Ciganlija will probably be their first choice.

8. The Sava Quay

A famous promenade – the Sava Quay – is located in New Belgrade. It is located on the left bank of the Sava River and extends from Block 70a to Block 45. You can take a boat from Sava Quay to Ada Medjica and Ada Ciganlija.

There are many rafts on the Sava River. The children’s  “Theater on the Sava” is here, and this is also the place where the “New Belgrade Summer” event is being held.

9. Danube Quay and Belgrade Waterfront

Danube Quay and promenade “25th May” is an ideal place in Belgrade where you can walk, bike, or enjoy some of the many restaurants and bars. There is also the Beton Hall with some of the best night clubs in Belgrade, so many tourists visit this place.

The first “neighbour” of the Beton Hall is Savamala and Belgrade Waterfront. That is a project that consists of reinvigorating the area known as the Sava Amphitheatre.

Residential blocks, hotels, a shopping mall, bicycle paths, and other facilities are also a part of the project. It will give the right bank of the Sava a whole new look.

10. Zemun Quay

Zemun Quay or Liberation Quay is a promenade on the territory of the Zemun municipality. It is located on the right bank of the Danube River. It extends from the Gardos area to the Municipality of New Belgrade.

Further, the trail continues to the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers and goes towards the Old fairground and the Sava’s bank.

11. Great War Island and Lido Beach

A Great War Island is at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. It is protected as a nature reserve, due to a large number of bird species.

Lido Beach is on its northern tip. It is a sandy beach that occupies a tiny part of the Great War Island. However, it’s quite popular. Every summer, city employees set up a pontoon bridge, so people can reach the beach from the Zemun Quay.

What to see in Belgrade – architectural decorations of the capital

12. Tower at Gardos

On the foundations of the ancient Taurunum Fort, in the late 19th century, Hungarian authorities built one of the four Millennium Towers. It was done as part of the celebration of the millennium since the Hungarian immigrated to Pannonia.

Today, the Gardos Tower is a cultural and historical monument of particular importance, with a vantage point offering a magnificent view of the Danube, Zemun, and Belgrade with its surroundings.

13. The White Palace

The White Palace was built in the 1930s on the highest hill of Dedinje. It was the residence of the Karadjordjevic dynasty. After the Second World War, the White Palace was the place where the ceremonies were held, and where distinguished guests and politicians were received. Today, the Republic of Serbia owns the property, but the Karadjordjevic family once again uses it.

14. The Old Palace

King Milan Obrenovic instigated the Old Palace. Later, this building was the residence of the Karadjordjevic dynasty, while today it is the seat of the Belgrade City Assembly. In front of it is was beautifully landscaped courtyard garden (today Pioneer Park).

15. House of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia

The House of the National Assembly was built over a hundred years ago. Today, it has the status of a cultural monument. The National Assembly House is a monumental building in the center of Belgrade. Novi and Stari Dvor, the Main Post Office, and the Historical Museum of Serbia are close by.

What to see in Belgrade – a museum recommendation

16. National Museum

The National Museum is the oldest institution of its kind in Serbia, founded in the mid-19th century. It is located in a prime location in the center of Belgrade, in Republic Square.

It also includes the Museum of Vuk and Dositej, the Memorial Museum of Nadezda and Rastko Petrovic, as well as the Gallery of Frescoes. The most famous relic of the National Museum is Miroslav’s Gospel, dating back to the 12th century.

17. Nikola Tesla Museum

In honor of the great scientist, Belgrade has a museum with a permanent exhibition on the life and work of Nikola Tesla. The part of the museum with documents and working models of Tesla’s inventions is particularly impressive.

Nikola Tesla’s legacy is entered in the UNESCO’s register “Remembering the World”. Visit the museum and get to know the world of electricity and magnetism better. If you are still thinking about what places to visit in Belgrade, we strongly recommend the Nikola Tesla Museum.

18. Museum of Contemporary Art

In the Museum of Contemporary Art in Belgrade, you can see the works of Yugoslav and Serbian art from 1900 to the present. It is located in New Belgrade, opposite the Belgrade Fortress, at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. For over 30 years, the building of this museum has been considered a cultural monument.

19. Museum of Yugoslavia

The Museum of Yugoslavia preserves works belonging to the historical period in which the state of Yugoslavia existed. Today they are part of this museum Flower House, Old Museum, and Museum May 25th. Only some of the museum’s collections include the decorations and archives of Joseph Broz Tito, more than 20,000 relays used to celebrate Youth Day, followed by ethnological, visual and applied art.

20. The Residence of Princess Ljubica

One of the most important cultural monuments is the Residence of Princess Ljubica. Built on the order of Milos Obrenovic around 1830, it was considered to be a building with new architectural details that hadn’t existed in Serbia before.

This building once housed the First Belgrade Grammar School, then the Museum of Contemporary Art, and even a part of the Patriarchate. Today, the Residence of Princess Ljubica is a part of Belgrade City Museum, with the permanent exhibition, called The Interiors of 19th-Century Homes in Belgrade.

21. Aeronautical Museum

The Aeronautical Museum is located within the complex of Nikola Tesla Airport. It houses a rich aviation collection, with as many as 200 aircraft, about 50 of which are on display.

22. Auto Museum

At the Auto Museum, you can see old and rare cars, even those from the late 19th century. In addition to the collection of vehicles, visitors can also explore a selection of driving licenses, license plates, and specialist literature on motoring.

What to see in Belgrade – Religious sites with a rich history

23. St. Sava Temple

The largest Orthodox temple in the Balkans is located in Vracar and it’s one of Belgrade’s main features. The temple is more than 80 meters high and has room for 10,000 people. If you want to know what places to visit in Belgrade, St. Sava’s Temple is a must-see destination.

24. The Cathedral Church of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Mark’s Church

The Cathedral Church of St. Michael the Archangel today has the status of a cultural monument of exceptional importance. It is the place where kings Milan Obrenovic and Peter I Karadjordjevic were crowned. In the port of this church Dositej Obradovic and Vuk Karadzic are buried and in the church itself Knez Milos Obrenovic and his son, Knez Mihailo Obrenovic.

The cathedral church is also known for its lavish wood-carved iconostasis. St. Mark’s Church was built just before World War II, in Tasmajdan. The aim was to resemble the Gracanica Monastery, and it has room for about two thousand people.

It is known for its large mosaic of the Virgin Mary and the fact that it contains a sarcophagus with the remains of Car Dusan. The last King of the Obrenovic dynasty – Aleksander Obrenovic – is buried in the crypt of St. Mark’s Church.

25. Bayrakli mosque

Built in the 16th century, the Bajrakli Mosque is the only active mosque in Belgrade today. At one time, during the Austrian rule, it was converted into a Catholic church. In the 19th century, Knez Mihailo and King Aleksandar Obrenovic rebuilt it. It has the status of cultural property of great importance since 1979.

What to see in Belgrade – Knez Mihailova, Skadarlija, and floating river clubs

26. Knez Mihailova Street

Knez Mihailova Street is a well-known pedestrian zone and shopping center in Belgrade. It is located between Republic Square and Kalemegdan. Most importantly, it is protected by law as one of the city’s most valuable monuments.

Republic Square is Belgrade’s main city square. It is known for its monument to Knez Mihailo, the favourite meeting point of many locals. The square also houses the National Museum, the Central Military Club, while the National Theater is just across the street.

27. Skadarlija

Skadarlija is the most famous bohemian district in Belgrade. After all, we can’t talk about places to visit in Belgrade, without mentioning it. The 500-meter-long cobblestone street houses many restaurants, including Dva jelena, Tri sesira, Ima dana, and more.

Many visitors to Belgrade come here to enjoy the gastronomic offer of cafes and restaurants, as well as live music. During the summer season, it’s nice to take a stroll and enjoy the gardens of the restaurant, like the one restaurant Sesir moj has.

28. Cetinjska Street

There is another fascinating place near Skadarlija – Cetinjska Street. It is interesting because of the great offer of nightclubs and cultural and artistic events organized there. Here, you can watch movie screenings, exhibitions, and artistic performances.

The perfect place to visit in Belgrade during spring or summer.

29. Floating River Clubs

‘Splavovi’ or floating river clubs are especially attractive to people who love having a good time. If you are among them, then these are the perfect places to visit in Belgrade. Numerous cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs are located on Sava and Danube rivers.

Visiting some of these clubs has become a must. Among them are the Freestyler on the Sava Quay, the Shake ‘n’ Shake at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers on the New Belgrade side, or the floating river club called River.

What to see in Belgrade – Market places (Bajlonijeva, Kalenic, Zeleni venac…)

30. Market places in Belgrade

The Skadarlija Market, next to the famous Skadarlija Street, is also known by the name “Bajloni Market”. It is named after the renowned Belgrade entrepreneur Ignat Bajloni. The place where the market is today was once a swamp. Of course, Bajloni drained the swamp. Later, he built a brewery there, and after the First World War, a market place.

Kalenic Market place is in the center of Vracar and it is the largest market in Belgrade. It was built almost a hundred years ago on the land of the wealthy merchant and benefactor Vlajko Kalenic, by who it was named. The Kalenic Market has a diverse offer: butchers, bakeries, fish markets, flower shops, fruit and vegetable shops, clothing stores, etc. Kalenic and Skadarlija markets are also where the popular Belgrade night market takes place. Zeleni venac market place is next to the transportation stop of many buses.

It houses a market that has been declared a cultural monument of special importance. The market at Zeleni venac is one of the most modern markets in the region. Besides the space for selling fruits and vegetables, there is a dairy hall, other stores, as well as a public garage. Next to the former Cvetkova tavern, a market was built.

Despite its official name ‘Green Market Zvezdara’, the locals call it – the Cvetkova Market. It is known for its excellent offer of cheeses, quality wines, and brandies. One of Belgrade’s oldest market places is Djeram Market. It is not among the largest but it’s one of the beautiful ones.

What to see in Belgrade – theatres, fairs, sporting events

Also, you can plan your arrival in Belgrade by events at the National Theater or by one of the many fairs organized at the Belgrade Fair. You can rent an apartment for a day, a couple of days or even months if you are planning a longer stay in the Serbian capital. Basco agency offers a large number of charming and functional apartments, of different sizes.

This is just one part of all the places you can visit in Belgrade. You can also visit various sports events, such as basketball games held at the Aleksandar Nikolic Hall (formerly the Pionir Hall) or the Stark Arena, or football games at the Red Star and Partizan stadiums.