City trip to Belgrade: what to do?
Discover the best tips and things to do during a weekend away in Belgrade. Visit highlights such as Kalemegdan Fortress and the impressive Church of Saint Sava. Experience the atmosphere of the city and its important football culture. Enjoy affordable restaurants, hip neighbourhoods and lively nightlife. Everything you need to know for a 2-3 day city trip to Belgrade.
A weekend away in Belgrade?
As far as we are concerned, Belgrade is a surprisingly fun choice for anyone who wants to discover a different city than the standard weekend-away destinations. It is one of those places you might not think of straight away, but that surprises you as soon as you walk around.
The atmosphere in Belgrade feels different from many other European cities. On the outside the city can look a bit grey here and there, with buildings that remind you of a turbulent history. But do not let that fool you. As soon as you step into a restaurant, café or shop, you discover a modern, creative and lively city. Hip coffee bars, stylish restaurants and buzzing nightlife effortlessly alternate with the rougher street scenes.
At the same time, Belgrade has kept the charm of the old city. You can still really feel the authentic Balkan vibes here: a mix of hospitality, history and a relaxed lifestyle. The contrast between old and new is exactly what makes the city so interesting.
Another big plus? Belgrade is still relatively affordable compared with many other European capitals. On top of that, a lot is within walking distance.
It is good to keep the accessibility of the city in mind, though. The pavements in Belgrade are not equally well maintained everywhere and can sometimes be bumpy or uneven. You also cannot avoid the occasional climb, as the city has quite a few differences in height.
For people who use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, this can make exploring the city more challenging. So it is wise to take this into account when planning your stay.
How do you get to Belgrade?
From Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Eindhoven Airport you can fly directly to the Serbian capital in about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
From Schiphol you can choose a direct flight with KLM or Air Serbia. From Eindhoven you fly to Belgrade with Wizz Air. Ideal for a weekend trip without a long journey.
From the airport to the centre
Once you have landed at Belgrade airport, you have several options to get to the centre.
Taxi
Want to get to your accommodation quickly and comfortably? Then a taxi is the easiest option. Our advice: download a taxi app such as CarGo or Pink Taxi in advance. These work in a similar way to Uber or Bolt. You enter your destination, immediately see the price estimate and know exactly where you stand. We mainly used Pink Taxi ourselves. It always worked smoothly and we had friendly drivers. A taxi from the airport to the centre costs on average between €15 and €25, depending on the time of day and the traffic. The ride takes about 30 minutes.
Free public transport
A budget-friendly alternative is public transport, and in Belgrade it is completely free!
Want to get from the airport to the centre? Then bus line 72 is your best option. It takes you towards the centre in about 35 to 50 minutes, depending on the traffic.
How many days do you need for Belgrade?
We visited Belgrade for a weekend and think it is an ideal destination for 2 to 3 days. In two days you can see the most important highlights and get a good impression of the city.
Do you have a bit more time? Then three days is perfect. That way you can explore the city at a more relaxed pace, for example by e-scooter, catch a football match or take your time to enjoy the atmosphere, restaurants and viewpoints.
When is the best time to visit Belgrade?
The best time to visit Belgrade is from the end of spring to the beginning of autumn. During this period the city looks friendlier and you can enjoy pleasant weather, ideal for discovering the highlights. But would you like to experience the authentic, somewhat rougher Balkan atmosphere? Then you can actually visit Belgrade all year round.
What are the best sights in Belgrade?
Kalemegdan Fortress
Kalemegdan Fortress is great to visit. It is a lovely place for a walk. It is a historic fortress with a beautiful view over the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. The fortress is also free to visit. There are a few sights inside the fortress that you can visit for a small fee, but you can easily enjoy yourself without them.
Church of Saint Sava
Take a look inside the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. You will not know where to look! Construction began in 1935 and most of the church was completed in the 1990s. A visit is a must during a trip to Belgrade. Entry is free, although a voluntary donation is appreciated. Because it is a religious building, it is respectful to keep your shoulders and knees covered; scarves are often available at the entrance for anyone who needs one. Taking photos is usually allowed without flash, and it is best to come early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when it is quieter and you can fully admire the building.
Different neighbourhoods
Shopping lovers and walkers will be in their element at Obilićev Venac, a lively pedestrian and shopping area full of boutiques, cafés and terraces. For those who love atmosphere and history, Skadarlija is a must: this charming, vintage neighbourhood is reminiscent of old Belgrade, with cobbled streets, art galleries and traditional restaurants.
Rent an e-scooter
Would you like to discover Belgrade in a different, fun and fast way? Then rent an e-scooter from E-Scooter Belgrade or book one of their various tours to get to know the city better. They offer an Essentials Tour, Craft Beer & Breweries Tour, Food Tour, Street Art Tour, Hooligan Tour and much more. Want to know more about the options and prices? Then take a look at escooterbelgrade.com.
Football stadiums
Both Red Star Belgrade and Partizan Belgrade are based in Belgrade, and their stadiums are practically next to each other. You can visit both stadiums for a look behind the scenes of the two best-known clubs in Serbia.
The Eternal Derby
Go to the match between the 2 arch-rivals Red Star Belgrade and Partizan Belgrade. If you love football, or just an unforgettable experience in Belgrade, then a visit to the Eternal Derby between Red Star Belgrade and Partizan Belgrade is an absolute must. This is without a doubt the biggest and most intense football match in Serbia, where rivalry, passion and atmosphere come together in an unparalleled show.
The rivalry between the two clubs goes back decades and the matches are always charged with emotion. Even if you are not a hardcore football fan, it is impressive to see the stadiums full of fanatical supporters: flags, songs, fireworks and chants create a breathtaking atmosphere. It is an experience you will hardly find this intense anywhere else in Europe.
Because of the intense atmosphere and rivalry, it is wise to attend the Eternal Derby with a guide. That way you experience the match safely and get the most out of the special atmosphere. We did this ourselves through Away Days Voetbalreizen and it was a fantastic experience. Want to know more and see which options they offer? Then visit away-days.nl.
Restaurants
Belgrade has several neighbourhoods where good food takes centre stage. Skadarlija, the famous bohemian street, is perfect if you love traditional Serbian dishes and cosy taverns, with cobbled streets and live music that complete the atmosphere. For a more modern foodie experience, head to Savamala, a creative neighbourhood full of hip restaurants, cafés and street food spots. Some restaurant tips you should not miss: April Beograd Bar & Restaurant, Zavičaj Skadarlija, Cookie Beacon Brunch, Liga Pub Centar and Zavičaj Balkanska. Each of them a great place for a delicious lunch or dinner.
Nightlife
Belgrade's nightlife is known as one of the liveliest in Europe. The city only really comes to life in the evening, with a mix of buzzing bars, stylish clubs and cosy cafés along the Sava and Danube rivers. From intimate live music venues in Skadarlija to big dance clubs and floating party boats, there is something for everyone. The atmosphere is energetic, prices are still fairly affordable and the people of Belgrade themselves make going out extra fun and welcoming. Some recommendations for a night out in Belgrade are Samo Pivo, Para Klub, Berlin Monroe, Kaldrma Bar and Liga Pub Centar (where you can also eat well).
Conclusion: Is Belgrade worth a weekend away?
In short, a weekend away in Belgrade is surprisingly fun, varied and affordable. The city combines a rich history and authentic Balkan atmosphere with a modern, creative vibe. On top of that, the nightlife is buzzing and lively. Thanks to the short flight from the Netherlands and the compact distances in the city, Belgrade is ideal for a weekend trip full of culture and entertainment.
Practical tips for Belgrade
Before you go
On the ground
Frequently asked questions about a city trip to Belgrade
How many days do you need for Belgrade? +
We think Belgrade is ideal for 2 to 3 days. In two days you see the most important highlights. With three days you can explore the city at a more relaxed pace, for example by e-scooter, or catch a football match.
How long is the flight to Belgrade? +
From Amsterdam Schiphol and Eindhoven you can fly directly to Belgrade in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. From Schiphol you fly with KLM or Air Serbia, from Eindhoven with Wizz Air.
How do you get from the airport to the centre of Belgrade? +
With a taxi app such as CarGo or Pink Taxi you are in the centre in about 30 minutes. A ride costs on average between €15 and €25. The budget-friendly alternative is bus line 72; public transport in Belgrade is free and the ride takes about 35 to 50 minutes.
When is the best time to visit Belgrade? +
The best time to visit is from the end of spring to the beginning of autumn, when the weather is pleasant. If you want to experience the authentic, somewhat rougher Balkan atmosphere, you can visit Belgrade all year round.
What are the best sights in Belgrade? +
Be sure to visit Kalemegdan Fortress and the Church of Saint Sava, walk through neighbourhoods such as Obilićev Venac and Skadarlija and explore the city by e-scooter. Football lovers can visit the stadiums of Red Star and Partizan Belgrade or attend the Eternal Derby.
Can you pay by card in Belgrade? +
In many cafés, restaurants and bars you can pay by card, but not everywhere. So always bring some cash in Serbian dinar.
Does your mobile plan work in Serbia? +
Serbia is outside the EU, so your EU calling and data plan does not automatically work here. The easiest option is to install an eSIM in advance.
Is Belgrade expensive? +
Belgrade is relatively affordable compared with many other European capitals. Public transport is also free and a lot is within walking distance.
Is Belgrade accessible? +
Not everywhere. The pavements are sometimes bumpy or uneven. If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, take this into account when planning your trip.