Belgrade

Eco-friendly travel guide to Belgrade advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Belgrade, Serbia.

Aerial view of the city

Air quality: 2.5 / 5

Exploring by foot: 3.0 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 3.0 / 5

Public transportation: 3.5 / 5

Parks: 3.0 / 5

Outdoor activities: 3.5 / 5

Locals' English level: 3.0 / 5

Safety: 3.0 / 5

Accommodation: US$25 - $100

Budget per day: US$40 - $150

Responsible Travel

Belgrade is the largest city in Serbia. As one of the oldest cities and the capital of Serbia, Belgrade carries a vibrant history with tremendous cultural diversity, several influences, and styles. The town is located at the crossroads of West and East, Balkan Peninsula and Pannonian Plain, and Sava and Danube rivers' junction.

One of the notable things in Belgrade's rich history that is still standing with its glorious presence is the Belgrade Fortress. Belgrade had grown up around this ancient fortress, standing on the Kalemegdan handland, surrounded by the Sava and the Danube on three sides.

Do you know that Belgrade has evidence of Stone Age settlements in the area? That is dated back to 4800 BC when a prehistoric town named Vinca had just started existing. Even in 2005, a city was discovered from the underground of Belgrade. Initially, it's an underground war bunker, built-in 1971, designed to shelter 70 highest politicians. But people prefer to recognize it as a small city instead of calling it just a bunker because it is placed 150 meters deep under the ground and can bear a nuclear attack!

Belgrade has total of 15 different names, Singidun, Beograd, Biograd na Dunavu, Alba Graeca, Fehérvár, Nàndorfehérvar, Nandoralba, Lándorfehérvár, etc. There are many heroes who emerged from the city, such as Miladin Zaric, Ivo Andric, and Novak Djokovic.

Now, if we return to the context of modern life in Belgrade, no other city in the whole world has such ample nightlife as Belgrade. There are more than 170 river clubs in the city. Today, Belgrade is the business center of Serbia along with Southeast Europe. With modern urban infrastructure and fantastic greenery, no other city in Serbia is as developed as Belgrade. There are many reasons to visit Belgrade; similarly, there are lots of reasons to keep the city beautiful and green by being a responsible tourist. Here's how you can do that:

Making a positive impact on the lives of residents should be your priority. One of the best ways to do that is by purchasing products that are manufactured locally.

Another word for responsible tourism is giving back. When there is an opportunity, jump in and volunteer. It can be teaching something to the residents or donating some money to the needy. It may not sound cool to you now, but have faith; it will feel very satisfying after you have already given something back.

Don't turn this beautiful city into a dirty one by throwing garbage everywhere. Especially plastic waste, which has become an epidemic nowadays. All you need to do is, dump your garbage into the designated places, instead of using plastic water bottles, use reusable water filters and fill it up whenever you need them, bring reusable bags with you, try to use natural and plastic-free products even if it's a straw.

Be a responsible tourist and ignore riding on cars and ride on buses, bicycles, etc.. And if it's possible, ignore airplanes and reach your destination by train, bus, bike, etc. Try to travel sustainably; whenever you need a taxi or Uber, try to share it with someone else.

Earlier, we have talked about how you should always give something back to a foreign country. Well, if you want to do something from the bottom of your heart, then first, learn, understand, and respect their Culture. It's a vital part of being a responsible tourist.

Choose a sustainable tour planner (unless you can plan it by yourself) and plan your stay in a sustainable or green accommodation. These days, both tour planners and accommodations are widely available, so there should not be a problem to find one. All you need to do is look for it thoroughly.

Air Quality and Pollution

In terms of Pollution, Belgrade stands right next to Mumbai, Lahore, and Delhi. The main reason behind the air pollution in Belgrade is the overuse of firewood and coal in almost every household. According to some recent reports, the AQI of Belgrade is 191, which is extremely unhealthy. So, don't panic if you see dark clouds in Belgrade's sky from time to time.

Respect the Culture

Belgrade is the art and cultural center of Serbia. From the city, some of the most notable artists rose in the history of Serbia. In Belgrade, you will see the most significant architectural works of Balkan history. The Belgrade city founded 30 cultural institutions and contributed to creating scheduled attractions of art and institutions. Belgrade is also the founder of 11 cultural events, including the International Competition of Music Youth.

There are several kinds of music, Flim, and food festivals, celebrated in Belgrade throughout the year, like Beer Fest, Museum night, Belgrade Jazz Festival, Belgrade International Theatre Festival, Food Show, Guitar Art Festival, etc..

Belgrade is really an old city, but at the same time, Belgrade knows how to party. Local people here are very proud of Belgrade residents, and you should respect their culture. It should be your first duty as a responsible tourist. Interact with the people, learn about their culture, and just get lost in the waves of culture.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Being the oldest city on the European continent, Belgrade has stored several amazing things for so many years now. Though a horrific war almost turned the town apart, which still even has a profound impact on locals' hearts. But today, the city is standing gloriously as one of the most vibrant tourist cities in Europe.

Here are some of the best places in Serbia's capital city, which are the main reason why Belgrade is a must-visit destination.

Belgrade Fortress: Belgrade Fortress is located on a tall, high ridge, overlooking the conjunction of the Danube and Sava rivers. It is one of the remarkable tourist places in Belgrade. Back in the past, the fortress used to enclose the whole city inside it in order to protect the town from enemies like Romans, Celts, and Huns for more than two thousand years. The battles, wars, and fear of invaders are long gone now, and today the fortress is something that you can only admire. When visiting the fort, passing through the Roman well and the Despot Stefan Lazarevic gate. Stand on one of the artillery stations and enjoy the sunset.

Skadarlija: It's a vintage street, former municipality, and an urban neighborhood of Belgrade. The area is famous for the cobblestone streets and the home of famous Serbian poets, musicians, historians, writers, and revolutionaries. The road is known as the primary bohemian quarter of Belgrade because of its aesthetic beauty. Apart from being one of the most suitable places for photos, Skadarlija is also the perfect place for food lovers. Most popular cafes, breweries, wine shops, premium Restaurants, and dessert Parlours are located here. You will see a few groups playing traditional music, and Serbian brass and actors perform dressed in traditional Serb costumes on the streets of Skadarlija. However, Skadarlija is the second most visited place in Serbia, and the first one is Kalemegdan.

Church of St. Savage: This church is the largest orthodox church in this region and the second-largest church in the entire world. So you see, it is one of those places in Belgrade that you don't want to miss. Being the second-largest church in the world and located on top of the Vracar plateau, it makes it visible from anywhere in the city's direction. When the Church was built, it is said that the most challenging part was to put the central dome. The dome weighed more than 4000 tons and was assembled on the ground and then hoisted in its place. During noon, you can hear the mesmerizing sound of fifty bells ringing together from the Church.

White Palace: White Palace is a mesmerizing building with stunning architecture, located at the south of the city. You can get a tour of the palace. Inside, you will see several Georgian antique paintings and furniture by Brueghel, Titian, Canaletto, Poussin, Veronese, and many more. There is also a huge library, and if you want, you can reach the terrace and enjoy a fantastic view. If you are lucky enough, you can also see the Crown Prince and Princess, Alexander and Katherine. But you need to book your tour in advance at the tourist board. The effort will be worth it, and you will be picked up from the city hall and taken to the beautiful white Palladian Palace by bus.

Gardos Tower: This monument belongs to the days when the Austro-Hungarian Empire was shifted to the right bank of the Danube. Belgradian people recognize this as the Millennium tower because it was built in 1896; it was built to celebrate the thousand-year Hungarian settlement on the Pannonian Plain. This tower is one of Hungarians' big projects, which left a significant mark in this city. The tower has an eclecticist design and was constructed over the remains of a medieval fortress. Inside you can see an exhibition about the history of Zemun and Gardos, and if you head to the top, you will get to see a fantastic view of the Danube and the confluence.

Republic Square: Republic Square is the most happening part of the city. Here some of the famous Landmarks are located and also this is an important business district of Belgrade. Even more, trolleybus and bus lines have gone over the city, making it a popular meeting point among Belgradians. You can find The National Museum, the National Theatre, Monument of Prince Mihailo here. The famous statue of Prince Mihailo Obrenovic was designed by the Italian sculptor Enrico Pazzi. Mihailo was the prince of Serbia twice in the mid-1800s and was also the key figure in the Balkan's independence from the Ottoman empire's grip.

Knez Mihailova Street: It is a pedestrian street in Belgrade, located diagonally through the Stari Grad from the fortress and the Republic Square. According to Belgradians, this street is one of the most expensive streets in the city; luxurious shopping malls, upmarket boutiques, International High street brands like Zara, Gap, Sephora, etc., can be easily found here. There are also some fantastic bars and restaurants located here. And if you walk towards the fortress, you will see eye-catching rows of Stuccoed Neoclassical mansions are lined along the path. In short, Knez Mihailova Street is the place where Belgradians can shop and go out, and coming here is also very beneficial for tourists.

National Theatre: The national theatre of Belgrade is located in Republic Square. One can enjoy this place heartily if he finds something like a high culture feast at an affordable price. Since the theatre was opened in 1869 till today, it has gone through severe war damage and then a few architectural updates; thus, we can still see Serbian culture's remains through the Theatre. As a tourist, you can go for a backstage tour and discover sceneries, wardrobes, different props, etc., but only during day time. There's always drama, opera, and ballet scheduled at the theatre, so you can watch whatever you want, and that is at a very affordable price.

House of the National Assembly of Serbia: The seat of Serbia's National Assembly is the most photogenic and most pleasing building of all in Belgrade. In the past, the building was actually the home of Yugoslavia's parliament and, after the states' break up, the parliament of Montenegro and Serbia. Because this building is used for highly official purposes, entering the building is highly restricted. But as a fellow tourist, you can contact Belgrade's tourist board for a tour of this Beaux-Arts building. Other than that, it's a very photogenic place, especially in the nighttime with all the lighting; it looks even more unique, which is why this iconic building also participates in the scene for Belgrade's New Year’s Eve.

Rajko Mitic Stadium: If you are a football fan, you can just look away and move to the next point, but if you love football, then this must be the first place you would love to visit as soon as you reach Belgrade. As a football fan, you must have heard about the Eternal Derby between FK Partizan and Red Star Belgrade. If you choose to come to Belgrade when Red Star hosts their rivals at this stadium, then you will be able to gather a fantastic experience and make incredible memories of this one the most goosebumpy football match in the world. You can buy a ticket from the west and east stands, and if you are a hardcore fan, then the north and south stands are your destination.

Belgrade Fortress

Explore

Now, we are going to explore such an exciting city like Belgrade:

City Parks

For some reason, people admire Belgrade as the 'grey city.' But the fact that the city has many large buildings and Apartment blocks to offer cannot suppress the beautiful lush greenery. Do you also love parks? Check out the following ones and decide where to go first:

Karadjordje's Park: The city park is located right next to the monolithic Church of Saint Sava. In the beginning, the park was originally a Serbian Military camp. The soldiers who lost their lives for the country were buried here. But later, the camp area took on another relaxing bent through the Second Serbian Uprising. The roads around the park might be congested with traffic most of the time, but the park has managed to stay calm and tranquil even amid such chaos.

Kosutnjak: This place occupies one half of Belgrade's greenery, or you can say, half of the city's Oxygen factory. Located just outside of the city center, Kosutnjak is quite popular among the locals. Why won't it be! Such greenery and calming ambiance can make anyone spend hours only by admiring the relaxed atmosphere. This place looks even more stunning in Autumn when beautiful flowers with vibrant red, yellow, and orange color bloom and decorates all the greens. This place is great for a fun summer picnic or a fulfilling walk with your loved ones.

Topcider: Topcider is another place filled with lush greenery. This Forest park has been paramount to life for hundreds of years now. Milos Obrenovic developed this place into this unique park we can see today, and therefore, it is even more valuable today, in this 21st century. Topcider was created even before the Kosutnjak, making it the first part outside the city center.

Zemun Park: You can find history in every corner, every street of Belgrade, but Zamun's past is the most fascinating of all. Zemun was originally a small town, separated from Belgrade's big city, and was standing as the border town of Ottoman and Austrian Empires. The area where the park is standing today once was a quarantine hospital there. However, the green beauty of Zemun Park is mesmerizing the citizens for more than 130 years now.

Park of Friendship: Park of Friendship is the youngest of all the other parks. The park was completed in 1961, and since then, it's been a popular meeting spot and a spot for relaxation for Belgradians. Maybe the main reason behind its popularity is its Riverside location. Even the 'Belgrade Beer Fest' also takes place in this park. Avala, The Great War Island, Jevremovac Botanical Garden, are some of the other worth-visit city parks and green places in Belgrade.

The beautiful Kosutnjak park

National Parks

Going to spend some time in any of Serbia's famous National Parks is a unique opportunity you should never miss. The satisfaction of spending some time amongst the dreamy landscape, valuable historical, cultural, and Natural monuments, diverse flora, untouched nature, etc., is something that cannot be explained with words. Know more about the National Parks around Belgrade:

The Fruska Gora National Park: Spread across 80km of land in the confluence between Danube and Sava rivers, Fruska Gora National Park is standing on a forest-covered hill area. It is one of the best national parks in Serbia and also the oldest one. Once, Fruska Gora was an island in the ancient Pannonian Sea. Today, you will see beech, dense oak, and Linden forests, meadows, rolling hillsides, and villages here. It's a peaceful place for relaxation and the most happening place for outdoor activities with lots of biking and hiking trails. While hiking, or biking, you will see wild boar, deer, pine martens, etc., along with various birds of different species.

The Sar Mountain National Park: You must have known about the massive Sar Mountain in the South of Serbia; well, the national park was created right there. This national park is an appropriate example of the beauty of untouched nature. There are more than 1500 plant species. 20 percent of the plants are endemic and rare to the Balkans. You can also see more than 200 birds, an extensive amount of animal species, and more than 147 species of butterflies. The park is considered to be a valuable ecological center with incredible biodiversity for the Balkans.

The Djerdap National Park: This one is located at the Danube river's right shore. With also 636 sq. Km of area, the Djerdap National Park is the biggest one in Serbia. The name Derdap came from the most beautiful gorge along the Danube watercourse. The Djerdap Gorge is one of the largest gorges in entire Europe. Derdap has four stunning gorges, three vast rivers, two canyons of surreal beauty, the lush and mysterious greenery, more than 1000 caves, the Golubac Fortress, The Trajan's Board, The Lepenski Vir Archeological site, and many more wonders. Locals also call Derdap by the name, The Iron Gates of Danube.

The Tara National Park: Tara National Park is located in Western Serbia, and it might be the most beautiful place in the whole world. Tara National Park is a 220 sq. km. Kingdom of untouched nature with Mt. Tara as its queen. Here you will see a fantastic, diverse dreamy landscape covered in fragrant meadows, dense forests, mesmerizing lakes, charming mountain villages, and stunning vistas. You can enjoy the amazing untouched nature of Tara National Park and enjoy any one of the five lookouts, Biljeska Stena, Crnjeskovo, Oslusa, Sjenjak.

The Kopaonik National Park: Mountain Kopaonik, or the silver mountain, is the biggest mountain range in Serbia. It is standing on a 40km wide and 80km long area and recognized by another name, The Sunny Mountain. The name Sunny Mountain is the 200 sunny days that the mountain is blessed with each year. The Kopaonik National Park is located in only one part of this ginormous mountain range. The most attractive feature of this park is the snow. The entire area stays covered in snow for more than 160 days a year; therefore, the park is the most popular ski-resort in Serbia. The park also showcases a magnificent biodiversity JD endemic flora.

The Fruska Gora National Park

Beaches

As you know, there is no sea around Belgrade, but there are a couple of islands which was turned into river beaches and recreational zones; Take a look at the following list to know about them:

ADA: ADA Ciganlija, or as locals call it, Ada, is originally a river island, now an artificial peninsula in river Sava through central Belgrade. The name of this beach actually refers to the adjoining beach and Sava lake. Because of its central location, today, ADA is a trendy recreational zone. Here are the most notable beaches and sports facilities, which attract over 1 lakh visitors every day and over 3lakh visitors on the weekend.

Lido: Lido is a favorite among locals and the tourists who visit Belgrade. The beach is located on Belgrade's Great War Island and is listed under the municipality of Zemun. The Great War Island is itself a symbol of Serbia's untouched nature. There are two protected natural zones next to the Lido beach, the protected wild zone and the recreational zone.

Bela Stena: Bela Stena comes third on this list in popularity. This natural beach can only be reached by boat, located near Pancevo, 10km from Belgrade. This is a popular swimming spot in the Serbian Capital. There are a famous weekend resort and a sand-filled beach on the island. There are around 150 stilt houses and catering facilities in the resort. You can catch a boat from either Belgrade or Banat to reach Bela Stena.

ADA

Landmarks

Belgrade is filled with Historical symbols as well as modern destinations. You will have every type of Landmark in the city. Bring the Serbian Capital, Belgrade is the most happening city among all the others in Serbia. Here are some of the Landmarks you might like:

St Mark's Church: This is a cavernous Neo-Byzantine church and one of Serbia's largest. Building the church was completed in the 1930s, but the interior was still ongoing. The church's sublime iconostasis was made in a Marble frame, and the icons and paintings inside were composed by an academic painter from Belgrade, Duri Radulovic. The tombs of 19th century Serbian royalty and clergy were transferred here, and the work on the crypt began in 2007.

Avala Tower: Avala Tower is the tallest structure in the Balkan region. It's a famous landmark in Belgrade as it's an easy drive from the city center. The crowning mount Avala is an essential symbol of Belgrade, and the monument stands there with a chequered past. The tower was originally completed in 1965, but it was severely damaged during Belgrade's NATO bombing, 1999. After that, the church was reconstructed, which was finished in 2010. There is a panoramic cafe 135 meters up from the tower.

Stari Dvor and Novi Dvor: When it is all about the city tour, we must include the old and new palaces built for the Obrenovic and Karadordevic royal families. The pair of Stari Dvor and Novi Dvor palaces, facing each other across the Andricev Venac Square. The old Palace requires us to go back to the 1880s and mesmerizes us with the Beaux-Arts architecture with unique interiors imported from Vienna. The palace is now the home of Belgrade's city assembly and open to tours. The new palace also has a unique architecture and was completed in 1922 after severe WWI damages. The palace is now the residence of the President of Serbia.

St Michael's Cathedral: The cathedral is located within walking distance of the Belgrade Fortress and Princess Ljubica's Residence. St Michael's Cathedral is a neo-classical building, dated back to the 1830s. The original building of the Cathedral lies to the 1500s, and after that, it is repeatedly torn down. The most eye-catching thing is the liberal use of gold leaf and the murals and icons painted by Dimitrije Avramovic. And the iconostasis and choir are the creations of Dimitrije Petrovic. During their time, both of the artists were considered among the foremost Serbian artists.

Ruzica Church: If you walk through the northeast walls of Belgrade Fortress, you will be able to see the Ruzica Church standing there with a bunch of Belgrade's past stories, approximately from the 1400s. The church was pulled down in 1521 after the Ottoman Empire conquered Belgrade, and later the current building was built in the 19th century. The building's facade is clad with ivy, and inside you will see some strange chandeliers made from WWI.

Splavovi: It's the perfect place to go if you plan a night out in Belgrade. These are basically boats and barges that are permanently Moored on the Sava and Danube rivers. You can find floating restaurants, nightclubs, and bars there. The most interesting fact is that you will not find two identical splavovi, some of them are cultivated and polished, and others are much younger. These are the most happening places of Belgrade's nightlife and not to mention, a famous landmark. You can either dance and party all night or spend a quiet, romantic night with your loved ones and dine beside the Danube.

St Mark's Church

Museums

Belgrade has stored so much history in it that visiting any one of the museums here will not even be close to enough. And after all, the capital city is the home of some of Serbia's finest museums, representing everything from Welfare to Science, the art war, Serbia's most challenging times to create memories.

Historical Museum of Serbia: The museum is located on Nikola Pasic Square and displays only temporary exhibitions about Serbia's past. For example, one of the recent exhibitions was about the 13 Century prince and monk St. Sava who founded the Serbian Orthodox Church. If you are lucky, you can also see exhibitions dedicated to Serbian life during the first World War or the First Serbian Uprising during the beginning of the 19th century.

Museum of Aviation: Before going inside the museum, your eyes will undoubtedly be stuck at the striking geodesic glass building, built-in 1989. The Aviation Museum has more than 200 aircraft belonging to the Serbian military and the clubs and private collectors. You can see a range of biplanes from Yugoslav Zmaj, Tiger Moth, and Soviet Polikarpov to WWII Messerschmitt, Spitfire fighters, and also bombers like Lockheed Lightning. You can also see some recent artifacts from the NATO bombing campaign in 1999.

Museum of Yugoslav History: The Museum was set up around the 2000s. Here, you will see the history of Yugoslavia's former country, which, not to mention, contains a bunch of emotions and memories. There is a presidential library in the museum, and it also exhibits all of the gifts Tito assembled from 1953 to 1980. There are more than two lacs artifacts in total in the museum. Many of them the ceremonial batons used to mark Tito's birthday every year and then would be presented to him in the stadium of the Yugoslav people's army.

Belgrade Military Museum: The Belgrade Military Museum is located in the Belgrade fortress. You can say that the Museum is a cache of modern military hardware and one of the strongholds. Here you will see deactivated mines, German panzers, and torpedoes lined up along with some antique cannons that are still arming the gun implements on the outer wall. The Belgrade military museum has been in the fortress since 1878. The museum also stored lots of weapons that belonged to the ancient Romans and Greeks, like helmets and blades that are more than 2000 years old. You will also get to see some gauntlets and other armors, axes, shields, swords, etc., from medieval times. If you move to modern times of the museum, you will see equipment from the NATO bombing in 1999. It includes fragments of purported cluster bombs and a captured Humvee.

Nikola Tesla museum: From the name, you must have guessed that the Museum covers the life and work of the Serbian National Hero and the great inventor, physicist, and electrical engineer Nikola Tesla. There are two main sections of the exhibition. The first one is the study of Tesla, which includes photographs, personal resources, and correspondence to represent a clear picture of him as a man and his travels and life. The second section is an interactive exhibition of his work and Inventions like an induction coil producing discharges at 500,000 volts. If you want, you can also take the English-speaking tour guided by the students from Belgrade University’s engineering department.

Outside Historical Museum of Serbia

Eat

Serbs are known as foodies. Hence, sitting down and eating with relaxation is one of the greatest pleasures of life. That is the reason why they put lots of love and effort into preparing their dishes. In every Serbian kitchen, you can smell the aromas of Serbia's top signature dishes like:

Sarma: made with pickled cabbage, mincemeat, and rice

Burek: a fried preparation like Patti, with either meat or cheese inside

Cevapi: grilled finger-shaped minced meat

Karadordeva Snicla: the name came from the shape, means ' A young woman's dream.' It is deep-fried with pork or beef inside and with a coat of flour outside, dipped into beaten eggs, and then coated again in bread crumbs.

Prebranac: it's a simple dish made of beans

Punjena Paprika: It means staffed Paprika, and the dish is exactly what it is called

Gibanica: A cheese pie, and Serbs love to eat it as a snack or sometimes breakfast

Ajvar: It is a salad made of red paprikas and can be either neutral or spicy

Knedle: It is a kind of dumpling made from mashed potato dough and plum inside

Kajmak It is a side dish made using milk as the prime product

The ones mentioned above are some of the authentic Serbian dishes or preparations. Now whether you want to try it or not that's your choice but what we can do is suggest to you some of the best Restaurants in the city; have a look:

Homemade pie (burek) with spinach and cheese

Traditional Local Restaurants

Along with all of its cities, Serbia has never-ending plates of glorious cuisine served at the authentic and traditional Restaurants here. Now let's, Find out where you should go:

Bela Reka: According to locals, there is no other restaurant that can provide the warmth of home-like Bela Reka. They simply decided to stick to the old recipes of Serbia's authentic dishes. That's why you can taste the authentic flavors of Serbian cuisine, only at this place.

Kovac: It is located in the south of Belgrade, just opposite the Banjica Forest. The restaurant can offer you a fantastic combination of a mind-blowing atmosphere and delicious cuisine. The restaurant has a collection of more than 2000 bottles of wine

Sesir Moj: if you want to feel the magnificent Skadarlija spirit with some amazing food, you just have to go to Sesir Moj, officially the best tavern in Southeast Europe. The restaurant serves fantastic and authentic Serbian food, and you can sit on the bohemian sitting arrangement, among the gourmets.

Rubin: The Restaurant is located further south of Mt Avala. It is one of the most charming restaurants in Belgrade. With the rustic wooden furnishings along with amazing service and delicious food, the restaurant is a must-visit. Apart from the foods, the view comes next what attracts people most here.

Tri Sesira: It is one of the many heavens for food lovers in Skadarlija street; it is the best place to taste the bohemian magic of the road. And by Bohemian, it means you will get to eat traditional food with local musicians, playing around the table.

Vegetarian and Vegan

You will find various meat dishes in Serbia; even some are famous worldwide; therefore, Belgrade is not the most comfortable place for vegans. As eating green is increasing, today you can find several vegetarian and vegan restaurants here. But it's not necessary to mention that the number is not very high. Here are some of them:

Mayka: The restaurant is all about retro and vintage. The old furniture, vintage sitting arrangement, etc., keep making you feel like you have come to a restaurant in the past, except for the food. You will not find a single authentic or 'old' preparation here. They serve modern cuisine from across the world.

Jazzayoga: Did you notice that the name is just the combination, not Jazz and Yoga? Well, overall, you will have both of them in this restaurant. This trendy restaurant can give a modern vibe with extremely healthy food. The food quality here is just pure in simple words. The menu is not huge, but the quality bus is exactly what you should focus on.

Zdravo Zivo: The restaurant entirely lies on the Raw Food trend theme. The name of the restaurant means Hello Life. And after eating the fresh raw juices and an extremely healthy meal, you will feel that too.

Glow Restaurant: If you are one of those who just started to rely on healthy food habits for a quality life, then Glow Restaurant will help you keep up with your healthy diet, even when you are far away from home. Glow Restaurant is not exactly a budget-friendly one, but it is definitely a green-friendly Restaurant.

Mandala Restoran: Mandala only focuses on organic food with all the raw materials sourced locally. They produce amazingly delicious vegan food here.

Street Food

You can never find a perfect answer to the question, "Where to eat?" which is why it's the best idea to make a list. Here are some of the best Street food spots in Belgrade. These are appropriate for visitors and for those who don't want to miss Belgrade Specials, take a look:

Skadarlija Sausage: This place is something that, if you forget to add to the list, is still impossible to miss as it's an eye-catching restaurant located on Skadarlija street. While entering, you will be greeted with the fantastic smell of fresh sausages or hot dogs, and then you have to choose from the various types of meats available here. Their appropriate use of spices and condiments is precisely what makes the food to a premium level.

LOKI: It's been a Serbian Barbecue fast food Joint for a long time. Since the 90s, they have fed many generations in Belgrade. This is the perfect place to go during a night out. They can offer you the best Serbian Barbecue meals available.

Potatoes: This place is quite new to the Belgrade Street Food culture, but not to mention, they are one of the must-visit places here. It is located in the Staklenac, across the street from Republic Square. The reason behind their popularity is the mind-blowingly delicious oven-baked potatoes. That may not sound that interesting, but the twist is the toppings or the extras. Next, when the base is butter and melted cheese, it's your choice to add to your potato.

Drink

The Things you have to try here are the traditional drink Rakija, the local beer, and the Serbian Wine, and Belgrade is a place where you can precisely find all of this! Try the best Cocktails in town, sit facing the river and have a drink, soak up the sun in a tranquil garden while drinking; here in Belgrade, you will find some of the best, amazing bars are enough to make your trip memorable. Here are a few of them:

The Black Turtle II Pub
Jazz Basta
Podrum Wineart
Bar Central
Radionica Bar
Ljutic
Rakia Bar
Passengers Bar
Cigla Bar
Ameliè Cafe

Tap-water

According to reports, the management authorities have taken over the responsibility and regularly check the water supply system. After the checking, they publish the water quality report online, through the news. Serbia's Tap water is perfectly safe to drink.

You may find bottled mineral water of several brands here in Belgrade; the Tap water is perfectly safe. It doesn't matter if you are in a hotel or AirBnB or somewhere else in Serbia; you can drink water from the Kitchen tap or even from the bathroom. Even you will find several drinking fountains around the city, and they are absolutely safe to drink. But for precaution, you should keep a trusted local contact who can assure you whether you should drink or not from a particular place.

Organic Cafés

As we know, Carnism is a huge part of the city Belgrade which makes it very difficult to keep eating veg. But it's a good thing that, for the last few years, Belgrade has managed to come up with several amazing vegan-friendly spots. So, here's what we can suggest to you:

Olivia: It is one of the best organic Cafes and Restaurants in Belgrade. They always try to introduce us to healthy foods but excitingly and deliciously. They have a considerably large selection of foods, which makes it even more popular.

Submarine Burger: The Restaurant is located just at the heart of the city. The place is quite spacious and unique. Undoubtedly the great location of this place makes it even more popular. They offer you a unique experience with a vibrant and eclectic interior. You can also get the charcoal grill and locally crafted beers here.

Oko: This cafe-restaurant offers you to enjoy your food and drink in such a unique and relaxed ambiance. You can choose from their massive menu of national and international cuisine. This place is quite popular among locals, and one of the reasons is the fantastic blend of modern and traditional style.

Pizza Botako: The food here is basically Italian but vegan-friendly. And from the name, you must have understood that Pizza is the main attraction here. You will find several types of veg pizzas here. You might have never heard about most of them. Well, now you don't have to long for a good pizza just because you are vegan.

Zadruga: Their food concept includes a bakery, café, restaurant, and market. You can eat raw vegan cakes or rolls, ginger juice, salads, and many other healthy options. Zadruga is very popular among the vegan people here, and therefore, the place is always busy. However, you have to come here if you are looking for places to eat vegan dishes here.

Breweries

Years ago, when the concept of consuming lots of alcohol used to arrive, people would only have Rakija with them. However, days are changing continuously. Today, the revolution of crafted beer is taking over entire Serbia. You will get a few amazing beers in the following Breweries:

Kabinet

Dogma

Salto

Les

Crow

The Black Turtle

Activities

You will find several activities in Belgrade and its surroundings in the land, water, and air. There are lots of opportunities here, and you can just take a walk or participate in fishing, yachting or kayaking, hiking or rock climbing; there is a lot you can do here in Belgrade-

There are several bike tours available here. You can opt for iBikeBelgrade guided bicycle tours. They will guide you to explore the whole of Belgrade city in just one tour.

Participate in the Belgrade quest to explore the city interactively.

Do you want to taste your bravery? Register your name in Bungee jumping at Ada Ciganlija.

Belgrade is also an excellent place for Escape Room fans as there are several escape room games available in the city.

Walk and explore different types of wines simultaneously, explore from venue to venue, and know more about the culture here.

Visit the National Theatre and enjoy a play

One of the popular winter outdoor activities here is ice skating

Participate in the Medieval knight boat tours

Pay a visit to the Serbian language and culture workshop.

Did you hear about the Zipline at Ada Ciganlija?

All you need to do is plan your trip very efficiently. As there is so much to explore in Belgrade that you may find it challenging to take out some time for Adventures. So, tighten your belt and get ready to jump at the opportunity to have some real fun in Belgrade!

Yoga and Retreats

Whenever the word yoga comes to mind, people immediately imagine waking up early in the morning and practicing different asanas and breathing the fresh morning air — in short, a picture of a healthier and healthier life flashes In Front of the eyes. Maybe people don't understand Yoga and Retreats and tourism's importance because they think of themselves practicing yoga in their comfort zone.

Yoga retreats are essential to tourists because the purpose here remains more spiritual than postural. It takes out a completely different aspect of traveling, escaping from reality for some time, and taking care of yourself. Participating in yoga and Retreat programs in A foreign country provides you with the key tool to grow both outside and inside.

Apart from that, through yoga and retreats, you get an opportunity to know a place from even closer and interact with local people and connect with them. Here are some of the best yoga studios in Belgrade. You can practice yoga with them and participate in retreats organized by them.

Wolf Yoga Company
Jiva Yoga Studio Belgrade
Ashtanga Yoga Weekend workshop
Vipassana Meditation
Surya Yoga Studio
M Power Yoga
Vidya Yoga

Accommodation

It's time to decide where you are going to stay in Belgrade:

Green Hotels

Take a look at the best green hotels in Belgrade:

Hyatt Regency Belgrade
Metropolitan Palace
Jump INN Hotel Belgrade
Courtyard by Marriott Belgrade City Centre
Golden Tulip Zira
Falkensteiner Hotel Belgrade
Saint Ten Hotel

Hostels and Guest Houses

Here are some options if you are looking for hostels and guest houses to stay in Belgrade:

Green House Hostel
Panorama Central Apartments
Chillton Hostel
City Nest Modern & Cozy Suites
Balkan Soul Hostel
Authentic Belgrade Centre Hostel
White Owl Hostel
Urban Lodge Belgrade

Apartments

If you plan to stay in Belgrade for a longer time, you should stay in an apartment instead of a hotel. Firstly because it can save a lot of your money and Secondly, you should know that sustainability is a significant part of responsible tourism, that means, in order to be a responsible tourist, you should always maintain sustainability in every way possible.

However, all apartment owners may not agree to rent their property to foreigners. Still, the good news is, there are plenty of apartments available in Belgrade, which are especially rented to tourists. All you need to do is find one according to your preferences.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing recently became quite popular among youngsters and students. You can also find your Couchsurfing companion online at couchsurfing.com. It is a community of people interested in this concept. Just go online and log in to the website.

Camping

Belgrade may strike you as a city covered with old and new heavy architectural buildings, but if you look closely, you will see several untouched nature sites here! So, why not stay in a tent rather than a luxurious hotel or resort? Here are some of the popular campsites in Belgrade. However, you can also go camping at the national parks here.

West Camp BG
Scout camp Morava
Belgrade Avala Campsite
Camping center Belgrade
Sunnyside Fruska Gora

Camp Runoia

How to Get There

The best time to visit Belgrade is summer and spring,i.e., April to October. During this time of year, Belgrade stays sunny and delightful. There are blossoms everywhere, in the streets, squares, gardens, outdoors— everywhere. Also, this is the time when most of the festivals take place in Belgrade. Here's how you can get there,

Air

The Nikola Tesla Airport in Surcin is connected to nearly 40 destinations in the works via regular routes. The National air transport company is Kat airways here, and there are also several international air carriers. Other than that, a few no-frills companies provide you with cheap flights to or from Belgrade. The Nikola Tesla Airport is only 18km away from Belgrade city center.

Nikola Tesla Airpor

Bus

Belgrade has an extensive bus service that connects the city with all the other towns in Serbia, and also, it is the cheapest mode of transportation inside the city. The two major bus stations are located almost close to each other in the city center next to the central railway station.

A bus in Belgrade

Train

Belgrade railway station is located at the city center and spread worldwide with a well-developed railway network that connects Belgrade with all the other cities in Serbia and the main cities of Europe. There are daily as well as overnight trains available.

Train in Belgrade

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is a popular mode of transport but not very safe yet as drivers may not feel safe to allow a stranger in the car; at the same time, travelers do not always feel comfortable to trust a stranger. But, nowadays, Hitchhiking has become very popular among youngsters and students. However, Hitchhiking is sufficient during the day times but try to avoid it at night.

Others

Two main international roads are connected with Belgrade, E-70 and E-75. They are standing in good condition, so if you want to drive to the city, it's easy. On the other hand, locals may not seem sufficient for you.

Moving Around

Check out how you will be moving around the city of Belgrade:

Walk

Belgrade is a beautiful city, and no other transportation can give you such pleasure as walking. Also walking is very efficient for crowded places and markets. Another great feature of walking is that it is entirely eco-friendly until you start throwing trash here and there in the streets while walking.

Bicycle

Heavy traffic, cobbled streets, and steep hills are impossible to cross with a bicycle. There is cycle of Renting shops everywhere in the city. You will see everyone recommending iBikeBelgrade as this the most popular and efficient one.

Electronic Vehicles

Belgrade is a growing city, and it's not a matter of surprise if you see a few on the streets. Recently, Serbia installed several charging points for Electric Vehicles.

Public Bus

Belgrade has an extensive bus network. There are also several trolleybuses around the city. There is always a bus every 15 minutes, so traveling around the city is not a problem. There are two types of BusPlus smart cards available at every bus stop or station; one is the paper one, which can be active for one, two, or five days, and the other is the plastic one, which you can recharge every time after deducting in a ride.

Tram, Train and Subway

The city's trams and trolleybuses are run by GSP Belgrade, which offers limited routes, unlike the Belgrade bus network. Tram 2 connects all the bus stops and Belgrade Fortress with The Slavija.

Belgrade railway station is located in the city center. Because of its central location, the railway station can be located everywhere in the city.

Belgrade Metro is a rapid transit system in Belgrade that was planned very efficiently. But the construction has been and is still delaying rapidly, mostly because of the lack of funding.

Sustainable Shopping

Sustainable Shopping is a critical feature of Responsible Travel. Being a responsible tourist, you always have to look out before spending any money in a foreign country. So, in order to help you in this matter, we have come up with some ways to make sure you can shop peacefully in Belgrade. But first, look at the following fabulous shopping centers in Belgrade:

USCE Shopping Center

Rajiceva Shopping Center

Zeleni Venac Market

FAB living by Una

ADA Mall

Food Markets

Here is a list of popular food markets in Belgrade:

Sumadija Market

Basta Market

Kalenic Green Market

Aroma Market

Brace Jerkovic Farmer's market

Flea Markets

Flea markets are actually tiny treasure islands of vintage wonders and an excellent opportunity to save lots of money. Here are some of the most popular flea markets in Belgrade:

Nis

Zemun

Subotica

Kalenic

Lazarevac

Second Hand Stores

Shopping at second-hand shops may not be that trendy as there are several cities, including Belgrade who are trying to focus on their present and future instead of the past. But here are some excellent stores that can offer you amazing vintage items.

Vestis Tex Second Hand Shop

Second Hand Luna cvet

Jane Doe Vintage Shop

YE YE vintage shop

DUB Antique Store

Eco-Fashion

Gata Space

Vvelovered

Pic Pic Clothing

Aleksandar Gavric Design

Matishi

Mona Lacko

Recycling

Recycling is a critical factor in today's world, and everyone is taking meaningful steps to increase, at the same time, develop the Recycling methods in Belgrade. The town is encouraging citizens to participate in voluntary recycling programs. They are also starting to understand how recycling can help the environment by reducing waste and making reusable waste materials useful. However, as a responsible tourist, you have to understand the depth of this matter and help the locals make Belgrade a better place.

Waste

The Vinca landfill in Belgrade is the largest un-managed landfill in Europe. Every day it stores 600 truckloads of waste, containing 1500 tons of household waste and 3000 tons of construction waste. The landfill size is equivalent to 185 European football fields, but today, it is running out of space. According to some recent reports, the good news is that the authorities are planning a massive project to modernize the entire landfill, which is considered Serbia's largest private-sector project.

Work and Study Abroad

Serbia is the home of some of the amazing Universities in Europe. The University of Belgrade, European University, and the University of Novi Sad are the top universities. These Universities will provide you with degrees that can be accredited everywhere in the world. Other than that, as a capital city, Belgrade has several work opportunities to offer.

Exchange Student

The educational institutions here in Belgrade organize exchange student programs everywhere. These programs are great opportunities to explore Balkans and live in Serbia following a fantastic, fun student lifestyle.

Au Pair

The idea of Au Pair is still new to Belgrade; at the same time, it is not something completely unheard of. However, you may find interesting people in Belgrade if you talk to some locals.

Volunteering

There are many organizations in Belgrade, Serbia, that organize voluntary programs every year. Here are some of them:

Hostel Volunteering

English Teaching Programs

Refugee Aid Serbia

Work exchange volunteer programs

Helping in Organic Farms

Volunteering always means giving something back. And if you are a responsible tourist, it's your duty to help out the local people by volunteering.