Belgrade is a city full of contrasts: Byzantine tradition and socialist architecture, cafés with a European flair and a strong Balkan temperament, centuries of history combined with modern energy.
I wouldn’t describe Belgrade as conventionally impressive, nor is it an “easy” city. However, it is authentic, intense, and truly unforgettable.
Here you’ll find everything from majestic churches to bohemian neighborhoods and powerful historical landmarks.
Transportation in Belgrade
Belgrade is the first European city with a population of over 500,000 to offer free public transportation.
Public transport is completely free, so you can hop on buses and trams without worrying about ticket costs.
The Old Town is a quite walkable place and you can easily explore most of the main sights on foot.
The only exception from the free transportation is the A1 airport bus, which runs from the airport to the city center. Tickets are purchased directly from the driver and cash only is accepted. All other airport bus lines, such as 72 and 600, are free of charge.
Accommodation in Belgrade
Hotel Bohemian Garni
Staying at Hotel Bohemian Garni was one of those experiences that truly elevate a trip.
Located in the heart of the Old Town, in the bohemian district of Skadarlija, it’s the perfect base to feel the pulse of Belgrade and explore the city entirely on foot. From the very first moment, the staff made me feel genuinely welcome, with kindness, professionalism, and a sincere willingness to help with anything I needed.
The room was one of the most beautiful I’ve ever stayed in. Spacious, with an impressive triangular ceiling that resembled a loft and gave the space a unique character. The huge bed offered an exceptionally restful sleep, while right next to it was a dreamy bathtub that won me over instantly.
The room also featured a desk, which proved extremely useful for my work, as well as a cozy white armchair, perfect for unwinding after a full day of exploring the city.
The bathroom was modern, spotless, and thoughtfully designed down to the smallest detail. What truly stood out, however, was the wall of windows that allowed plenty of natural light to flood the room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Hotel Bohemian Garni combines comfort, aesthetics, and a prime location flawlessly and is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to experience Belgrade in style and comfort.
Additionally, the breakfast offered a wide variety of options and lacked nothing—from eggs and croissants to cold cuts and fresh fruit.
Without exaggeration, I can say it was the highlight of my trip.
What to see in Belgrade
Church of Saint Sava
The largest Orthodox church in the Balkans and a symbol of Serbia. It’s impressive both inside and out, with its mosaics creating a truly unique atmosphere.
Nikola Tesla Museum
One of the most popular museums in the city. The live demonstrations of Tesla’s experiments make the visit fascinating, even for those who are not particularly interested in technology.
Museum of Yugoslav History
A journey through the recent history of the Balkans. The museum includes Tito’s Mausoleum and exhibitions that shed light on the political, social, and cultural legacy of former Yugoslavia.
Former Yugoslav Ministry of Defence
One of the most symbolically charged buildings in the city. Partially damaged during the 1999 NATO bombings, it stands today as a reminder of Serbia’s modern history.
Saint Mark’s Church & Tašmajdan Park
The church stands out for its Serbian-Byzantine architectural style, while Tašmajdan Park is ideal for a relaxing break. This is where everyday local life unfolds, with cafés, children, and leisurely strolls.
Hotel Moskva & Terazije Fountain
The historic Hotel Moskva is one of Belgrade’s most recognizable landmarks. Nearby, you’ll find the Terazije Fountain, a classic meeting point in the city center.
Republic square & National Theatre
The republic square is located in the heart of the city. Here you’ll find the National Theatre and the statue of Prince Mihailo. It’s the perfect starting point for exploring Belgrade.
Kneza Mihaila street
Belgrade’s most famous pedestrian street. Shops, cafés, and historic buildings come together along the city’s liveliest promenade, which leads straight to the fortress.
Knjižara Akademija
A true gem for book lovers—and my favorite spot in Belgrade. Beyond being a bookstore, it also functions as a cultural space and café, ideal for a relaxed stop. βHere you’ll find collectible book editions as well as unique souvenirs.
Skadarlija
Belgrade’s bohemian quarter. Cobblestone streets, traditional taverns (kafanas), and live music create an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era.
Belgrade Fortress & Kalemegdan Park
Perhaps the city’s highlight. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers.
Food in Belgrade
Trpkovic Bakery
Trpković Bakery is one of the most famous traditional bakeries (pekara) in Belgrade and almost a must-stop for anyone wanting to try authentic Serbian pastries and burek.
The bakery offers a wide variety of products, but the burek truly stands out. Essentially, these are pies with various fillings such as cheese, heavy cream, or jam. I chose burek with minced meat, and it was absolutely delicious.
Ćevap kod Dekija
If you want to experience authentic Serbian cuisine in a popular and laid-back spot in the Old Town, this restaurant is a favorite among both locals and visitors.
It’s centrally located, close to the main sights, and perfect for a hearty meal after wandering through Belgrade’s streets.
I tried the ćevapi, served with their signature crescent-shaped bread. Ćevapi are classic Serbian grilled minced meat sausages, usually served with somun bread and sides like ajvar and kajmak. I personally tried them just with bread.
Billy’s Pizza Tavern
If you’re not in the mood for local cuisine, then Billy’s Pizza Tavern is a great choice. It’s a small but lovely place serving excellent pizza. I highly recommend it.
I tried the small one (around 30cm) and it costs around 8,50€.
Sticky Finger’s Burgers
For burgers in Belgrade, I visited Sticky Finger’s Burgers, and what stood out most was their fun concept—gloves. To avoid getting messy, they serve your burger along with a pair of gloves. It was a very fun experience.
What you should know before traveling to Belgrade
- Travelers from Greece need a passport, as Serbia is not part of the European Union.
- The local currency is the Serbian Dinar (RSD).
- It’s a good idea to carry cash, as many places do not accept cards. Euros are sometimes accepted, but I recommend exchanging money beforehand.
- Very important: when exchanging money, make sure all banknotes say “Serbia”. Some older banknotes still say “Yugoslavia” and are no longer valid.
- Mobile data does not work in Serbia. I purchased an unlimited data eSIM via the Airalo app. With the code ELENI4690, you get €3 off any package you choose.
If you’d like to see more from my trip to Belgrade, feel free to visit my Instagram profile.
