Belgrade – Travel Guide
Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is a lively city where history and modern life blend along the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. The Kalemegdan Fortress offers sweeping views and a glimpse into the city`s past. Visitors can explore vibrant neighborhoods like Skadarlija, known for its bohemian charm, cafes, and live music. With rich culture, dynamic nightlife, and welcoming locals, Belgrade is a must-visit Balkan destination.
All about Belgrade
Getting around Belgrade
By Walking
The city center is compact and easily walkable. Neighborhoods like Stari Grad (Old Town), Skadarlija, and the Savamala district are best explored on foot.
By Public Transportation
The city has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trolleybuses, and trams. It’s efficient and affordable, though vehicles can be crowded during rush hour. Buses are the means of public transport, and you can get almost anywhere in the city on them. There are two main bus terminals for local buses, the intercity main bus station for the west and southwest (located next to the railway station) and Zelini Venac for the north. It’s a ten-minute walk from the main bus station to Zeleni Venac, with no bus between.
B There are 11 tram lines in Belgrade. All lines converge in the Slavija-Vukov Spomenik area (except 11 and 13, which go to Novi Beograd from Kalemegdan and Banovo Brdo, respectively). The most notabe line is the #2, which goes around the city center in a circular route.
Trolleybuses have 7 lines serving two main corridors. One corridor is the Studentski trg over Crveni Krst to Konjarnik and Medakovic 3. The other is from Zvezdara to Banjica, plied by lines 40, 41, and 28. The trolley buses are mostly newer Belarusian vehicles with a couple of older Soviet ZiUs.
Tickets can be purchased from kiosks or by using an electronic BusPlus card. Make sure to validate your ticket when you board.
Night buses are available and run from midnight to 4 am on select routes.
By Taxi
Taxis are widely available and relatively inexpensive. Taxi scams are common in Belgrade; be sure to use official companies like Pink Taxi, Beotaxi, or Naxi. Avoid hailing unmarked taxis off the street. Taxis with a roof sign with the city coat of arms and a number indicate that it’s a city-regulated radio taxi. Anything else is a private unregulated cab that may charge four times as much. Also, legal taxis must have license plates ending with TX.
App-based rides, such as CarGo (Serbia’s version of Uber), are popular and reliable.
By Car
Car rentals are available, but not recommended for navigating the city center due to traffic congestion and limited parking.
By Bicycle
Belgrade is gradually becoming more bike-friendly, especially along the Sava and Danube rivers. Bike rentals are available throughout the city at several local shops or city bike programs. Electric scooters are also available through apps like Bolt and Lime.
Riding a bike on the same roads as cars and buses is considered too dangerous and not recommended. Avoid riding on major multilane roads. You are not allowed to bring bikes into public transport vehicles.
By Trains and Regional Buses
If you’re heading out of town, Belgrade Center Station (Prokop) and BAS Bus Station are the main departure points for domestic and international routes.
The suburban railway system is called BG:Voz. One line runs from Batajnica in the west through Zemun and Novi Beograd to Beograd Center, then swings north through Karadordev Parks and Spomenik to Ovca across the river. The other line runs south from Beograd Center via Rakovica to Resnik. Trains run every 30 minutes, 15 mins in rush hour.
By Boat Tours
A great way to see the city is on a boat cruise along the Danube and Sava Rivers. At Belgrade Fortress there is a Cruise Belgrade stand where you can book your tour.
Belgrade FAQ
Where is Belgrade, Serbia located?
Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is located in Southeastern Europe at the confluence of two major rivers: the Danube and the Sava. Geographically, it sits in the north-central part of the country, near the border of the Pannonian Plain and the Balkan Peninsula. This strategic location has made Belgrade a historically significant crossroads between Eastern and Western Europe.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport is located 11 miles west of the city center. If you have not booked a private transfer with us, you have several transport options. The public bus (A1 or 72), the shuttle minibus A1, or a tax. The bus is the most affordable, taking around 30 – 40 minutes. The shuttle minibus is slightly faster with more comfort. While taxis offer a convenient and faster option. The trip takes around 30 minutes by car.
Is Belgrade a walking city?
Yes, especially in the central areas such as Stari Grad (Old Town), Dorcol, and Vracar. These neighborhoods have a compact layout, with many key attractions, historic attractions, cafes, restaurants, and shops within close proximity.
When is the best time of year to visit Belgrade?
The best time to visit Belgrade is during the late spring (May to June) and early fall (September to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F, making it ideal for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions, vibrant street life, and riverside cafes.
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Is Belgrade safe for tourists?
Yes, Belgrade is considered a safe city for tourists. It has friendly locals and a relatively low crime rate. However, like any large city, it’s always wise to take standard precautions. Use reputable taxi companies, stay alert in nightlife areas, and be aware of pickpockets and scams in crowded places such as Knez Mihailova Street and public transportation.
What are the customs for tipping in Serbia? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
Tipping is generally appreciated in Serbia and is a nice way to show appreciation for good service. In restaurants, 10 – 15% of the total bill is customary if the service is good.
The currency is the Serbian Dinar (RSD). U. S. dollars are generally not accepted for everyday transactions in Serbia. You can exchange money for dinars at exchange offices, banks, or ATMs, which are widely available in Belgrade and other major cities. Credit cards are widely accepted in Belgrade, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller shops or taxis.
I don’t speak Serbian. Will many people speak English in Serbia?
The official language is Serbian, which is a South Slavic language that uses both the Cyrillic and Latin alphabets, although the Latin script is more commonly used in everyday life, especially in urban areas like Belgrade. English is widely spoken, especially among younger people and in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. You might also encounter some German, Russian, and Italian speakers, especially in the hospitality industry. We suggest that you get a good English-Serbian dictionary, or app on your phone, and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me, and numbers 1-10.
Do I need a visa to visit Belgrade?
As of May 2025, U.S. Citizens do not need a visa to visit Serbia for tourism or business purposes. Your passport must be valid at the time of entry.
What is the food like?
Belgrade offers a hearty culinary experience that reflects Serbia’s diverse cultural influences, blending Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian to Mediterranean. A must-try is cevapi, small, grilled minced meat sausages typically served with chopped onions and flatbread, often accompanied by kajmak, a creamy dairy spread. For a savory pastry, burek is a highlight here, a flaky delight filled with meat, cheese, or spinach, commonly enjoyed fresh from local bakeries.
Can I drink the water in Belgrade?
Yes, tap water in Belgrade is safe to drink.
What should I do if I need medical attention in Belgrade?
Dial 194 for ambulance services. There are several reputable hospitals and clinics in Belgrade. Here are some notable ones:
Belgrade Emergency Clinical Centre: Pasterova 2, 11000 Belgrade.
Acibadem Bel Medic Hospital: Koste Jovanovica 87, 11000 Belgrade.
Pharmacies in Belgrade are widely available and typically open during regular business hours. Some operate 24/7. Look for signs reading “Apoteka” to identify pharmacies. For 24-hour pharmacies, you can inquire at local hospitals or check online directories.
Top Attractions
Belgrade Fortress
This ancient fortress sits atop a clifflike ridge overlooking the river & offers lush park areas.
Church of Saint Sava
20th-century church featuring imposing, Byzantine-inspired architecture & a soaring central dome.
Nikola Tesla Museum
Exhibits of the personal effects, instruments & drawings of electrical engineer Nikola Tesla.
Museum of Yugoslavia
History museum on Yugoslavia & its former President Josip Broz Tito, who is buried on the grounds.
Unique Experiences
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Belgrade Local Serbian Wine Tasting Tour: Experience a variety of regional wines while being taken to interesting venues around Belgrade. Learn about and discuss the wines and the heritage of the Serbian wine regions in a fun atmosphere. Socialize with other travelers and your tour guides over drinks and gourmet snacks.
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From Belgrade: Best of East (Resava Cave & Lisine Waterfall): Start at the 15th-century Manasija Monastery to learn about its history before heading to the 80 million-year-old Resava Cave to explore its massive halls, columns, draperies, and flowstone walls. End the tour at the Veliki Buk Waterfall, at 65 feet (20 meters) tall.
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What to expect while traveling
