Belgrade City Guide

General Information / Guide

The capital of Serbia, Belgrade, is known for its vibrant nightlife and historical architecture. Straddling the Danube and Sava rivers, it's a city of energy and renewal, with a strong cultural vibe reflected in its music and arts scene.

Climate / Weather / When to Go

Belgrade enjoys a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters. The best months for visiting are from April to June and from September to October, when the weather is mild and the city's outdoor cafes and parks are particularly enjoyable.

How to Get There

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport connects the city to various international destinations. Belgrade's location at the crossroads of Eastern and Western Europe makes it accessible by rail and major European highways, complemented by regular bus services.

Food / Restaurants / What to Eat and Drink

Belgrade offers a rich mix of Balkan cuisines, with dishes such as Ćevapi, Pljeskavica, and Ajvar. Skadarlija, the city’s bohemian quarter, is the perfect place to indulge in traditional Serbian cuisine accompanied by live folk music.

Important Places / Places to Visit

• Belgrade Fortress: This historic fortress offers stunning views of the confluence of the River Sava and Danube and contains museums and parks within its grounds.
• Skadarlija: A vintage street that’s a throwback to the bohemian lifestyle of the 19th-century, known for its live music and traditional Serbian restaurants.
• Saint Sava Temple: One of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, notable for its grand size and beautiful interior decoration.

What to Do

Visit the imposing Belgrade Fortress and enjoy stunning views of the confluence of the Danube and the Sava rivers. Stroll through the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija, enjoying the vibrant music scene and traditional Serbian cuisine. Don't miss the impressive Saint Sava Temple, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.

Nightlife / Bars / Entertainment

Belgrade is famous for its vibrant nightlife, with floating river clubs (splavs) and bars that stay open until dawn. The city blends modern and traditional entertainment seamlessly, offering everything from live Serbian music to DJ performances.

Shopping / What to Buy

Belgrade’s shopping scene ranges from the historic Skadarlija district, offering traditional Serbian handicrafts, to modern malls like Ušće. Traditional plum brandy, known as rakija, is a popular local specialty to take home.

Festivals/ Events

April/May: Belgrade International Theatre Festival (BITEF) (features avant-garde theatre from around the world)
August: Belgrade Beer Fest (one of the largest beer festivals in Southeast Europe, featuring numerous breweries and live music performances)

Holidays / Festivals / Important Days

15 February: Statehood Day
1 May: Labour Day
11 November: Armistice Day
Orthodox Christmas (7 January)
Orthodox Easter (varies)
St. Sava's Day (27 January, School Patron Saint Day)

Things to Pay Attention to / Important Information

Serbian is the official language, with younger people often fluent in English.
Dress modestly in religious buildings and conservative areas.
The city experiences hot summers and cold, snowy winters.
Haggling is common in open markets, so be prepared to negotiate on prices for the best deals.

Transportation

Belgrade's public transportation network consists of buses, trams, and trolleys, which are frequent and affordable.
Taxis are easily accessible, with base fares starting at RSD 170 plus RSD 65 per kilometer.
The city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making walking a viable option for short distances.