6 Simple Reasons to Visit Belgrade, Serbia

Disclosure: This post (probably) contains affiliate links. If you click on one, I may make a small commission. Of course, this will come at no extra cost to you and helps keep this site running.

If Belgrade is famous for just one thing among the travel community, I’d say the Serbian capital city is probably best known for its partying and club scene. For those like me who have no real interest partying down on the riverboats, known as splavs, the natural question is whether there are other reasons to visit Belgrade beyond that. After spending some time in the city one summer, I’m glad to say there are plenty of reasons why Belgrade is worth visiting.

Now, compared to other European capitals Belgrade may seem a little light on huge attractions. However, visiting Belgrade is not so much about visiting a list of star attractions than it is about experiencing the city’s feel and atmosphere. If you’re looking to experience the Balkans, picking the largest city in the region is a good way to go. I have no doubt there are plenty more reasons to visit Belgrade than I’ll list below, but these are ones that occurred to me.

Easiest Place in Serbia to Visit

Really the most obvious and basic reason for visiting Belgrade is that it’s the easiest place in Serbia to get to. A visit to Belgrade is kind of default for any Serbia or Balkan itinerary as a result. The city sits at a crossroads for the entire corner of Europe, with regular connections to other capitals like Zagreb, Sarajevo, Budapest and Sofia. Then there’s the matter of Belgrade’s airport, which you shouldn’t have too much problem finding flights to.

Plus, unlike most other cities and towns of Serbia, many people actually know its name. Serbia is still emerging onto the tourism scene so that kind of makes sense though. All in all, it just makes sense that if you’re visiting Serbia, you should visit Belgrade. Now to the real reasons!

Remarkable Architecture

One of the coolest parts of visiting Belgrade, for me at least, was exploring all of the different types of architecture on display. What makes Belgrade quite interesting is that it doesn’t really have a single look to it, unlike say, Subotica. Even just walking a matter of blocks across town from the fortress to the train station and you’ll see all sorts of buildings.

Perhaps the greatest example of this variety is the Kneza Mihaila pedestrian street through the heart of the city. Along it and neighbouring Republic Square you’ll find at the least art deco, baroque and art nouveau architecture. Let’s not forget all the soviet brutalist additions that were made during the country’s communist days.

If I had to pick a stand out building it would have to be the art nouveau Moscow Hotel. With its elaborate design and distinctive colours, this building stands alone, figuratively and literally. Truly a beautiful building and a great example of Belgrade’s surprising beauty.

Belgrade Fortress

If there’s a must-visit attraction in Belgrade then it has to be Belgrade Fortress. On a ridge overlooking the Danube and Sava rivers below, this vast historic fortress is mostly open to the public. As well as the neighbouring Kalemegdan Park, the fortress is a popular place for locals to stroll about, sit and chat.

It’s a particularly good spot to go in the late afternoon as the sun starts to lower. If a visit to Belgrade is about soaking up its atmosphere, then you can’t leave with experiencing the friendly, casual atmosphere here at the fortress.

Given its prominence and importance, it’s worth knowing a little about the history of the fortress. In fact, much of Belgrade’s history happened within its walls and was tied to its fate. Built in the 3rd century BC by a local Celtic tribe, like everywhere else it seems, it fell to the Romans and served as a frontier defence.

It later passed into Byzantine hands, where it remained for centuries before the rise of the Serbian Kingdom in the 12th century. Belgrade like much of the Balkans fell into the swirling chaos that festered for the following centuries.

Cafe Culture

As I said for Novi Sad, anywhere you go in the Balkans you can expect to find plenty of people sitting outdoors with a coffee. Belgrade is no exception to this rule. Actually though, it may be one of the better places to visit if you like a good cuppa.

Sure there are the fairly standard cafe bars spread throughout the pedestrian centre of the city. However, there are also some really promising cafes found a little further afield. This rundown on cafes in Belgrade proved very useful in finding places to look out for.

Temple of St. Sava

While visiting churches in Western Europe can get a bit repetitive, notable ones in Eastern Europe and the Balkans are less common. Belgrade is actually home to a few, but the big one is the Temple of St. Sava. Not only is it one of the largest orthodox churches in the world, but it’s quite the looker too.

The church is dedicated to the founder of the Serbian Orthodox faith, Saint Sava, and is said to be built on the site of the saint’s remains. Although I scoped out the temple’s cavernous interior, I missed the crypts, which I now realise are pretty incredible on their own. Another Belgrade landmark not to miss.

Skadarlija Neighbourhood

Of the various areas in the centre of Belgrade you’re bound to come across, you’ll probably find the most tourists in the vibrant district of Skadarlija. This is meant to be Belgrade’s bohemian quarter, although it seems to be full of restaurants that cater to tourists.

Still, from the vibrant colours of the buildings to the bright flower arrangements about, Skadarlija is certainly a visually enticing place to walk through. Lining its cobblestone, pedestrian main street between the bright and cheerful restaurants you can also find some subtle street art.

Street art is fairly common in Belgrade but if you don’t feel like spending too much time searching for it, Skadarlija is a simple option. Whether you’re after food or just somewhere to get colourful photos, this is the neighbourhood to visit.

Travel Tips for Visiting Belgrade

Now that you see Belgrade is definitely worth visiting, here are some tips to help you plan your Belgrade trip.

Belgrade is one of the easiest places in the Balkans to reach. It’s central location makes it a simple inclusion on most Balkan trips. Domestic trains and buses from across Serbia and neighbouring capitals, like Sofia and Zagreb, all come through the city.

It’s really hard to believe just how many options you have for where to stay in Belgrade. From party hostels to five star hotels, Belgrade has it all. What’s even better is that Belgrade like much of Serbia is really affordable, so your money is likely to go further here.

Getting around Belgrade is an area where I would have benefited from advice. The city may not seem huge by international standards, but with its hills and rivers, getting places can take time. While I chose to walk most places, it did wear me out I have to say. Do yourself a favour and make the most of the city’s trams.

Have you had the chance to visit Belgrade, Serbia before? What reasons would you give for why people should visit this Balkan capital? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

This article is now available as a mobile app. Go to GPSmyCity to download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to the attractions featured in this article.