2 Days in Belgrade: A Complete Itinerary!
Looking for a great city-trip and wonder how to best spend 2 days in Belgrade?
The capital of Serbia, Belgrade, is a bustling, modern city with a rich cultural past. Belgrade has enough to offer every kind of traveler with its historic fortifications, breathtaking churches, and bohemian areas. But how to spend 2 days in Belgrade?
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this 2 days in Belgrade itinerary will help you make the most of your time in the city.
You’ll have a greater understanding of the history, culture, and people of Belgrade by the end of your short visit.
I personally find Belgrade a very cool and fascinating capital city in the Balkans!
What is the most visited city in Serbia?
The answer to this question might not be a huge surprise to you, as this blog is about… Yes, Belgrade! And that’s also the answer to this question. Belgrade is the most visited city in Serbia. I would therefore like to share my 2 days in Belgrade itinerary with you.
Other popular cities to visit in Serbia are Nis and Novi Sad. You’ll find Nis in the southern part of Serbia while Novi Sad is located in the northern part of the country.
What is special about Belgrade?
The strategic location of Belgrade at the meeting point of cultures and empires is reflected in its architecture, art, and traditions, which together represent the city’s rich cultural legacy.
The Bohemian districts of Belgrade, such as Skadarlija, provide a great atmosphere with authentic Serbian restaurants and live music venues.
The locals in Belgrade are also known for their friendliness and hospitality, making you feel at home whether you’re taking in the city’s historical sites, trying out the cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife.
Are you wondering what’s the best time to visit Belgrade? You can visit Belgrade throughout the whole year as every season has its own charm.
How to spend 2 days in Belgrade?
Day 1 – Morning
📍 You can start your day visiting Kalemegdan Fortress first thing in the morning. It’s one of Belgrade’s most well-known sites. Since its construction in the first century AD, the fortress has acted as a strategic military bastion for numerous emperors.
It’s now a popular tourist destination and a preferred location for locals to take nice morning walks.
📍The Military Museum, the Roman Well, and the Clock Tower are just a few of the sights inside the fort. By showcasing artifacts from antiquity to the present, the Military Museum highlights Serbia’s military history. Which is definitely an interesting history.
The Roman Well, which lies close to the main entrance, is a deep underground well that was used to store water during sieges. You’ll have some great views of the city from the Clock Tower, which was built in the 17th century.
📍Take a stroll down Knez Mihailova Street, the city’s main pedestrian boulevard, after exploring the fortress. The street is a favorite hangout for both tourists and locals because it’s full of lovely buildings, cafes, shops, and restaurants.
Along the route, you’ll also pass by a number of street performers who contribute to the lively atmosphere.
Day 1 – Afternoon
📍For lunch, visit Skadarlija in Belgrade’s bohemian district, which is known for its traditional places to eat, cobblestone streets, and interesting architecture.
Skadarlija is a must-visit if you want to experience the bohemian atmosphere of the city. This area is often compared to Montmartre in Paris or Soho in New York. And rightfully so, I would say. In Skadarlija, some of the top restaurants that you can try are Tri Sesira, Dva Jelena, and Sesir Moj.
📍After lunch, you can visit the St. Sava Temple, one of the biggest Orthodox churches in the world. The church, which honors Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church, was constructed in the early 20th century.
You’ll find some beautiful mosaics inside the church’s interior.
Day 1 – Evening
📍You can take a stroll along the Ada Ciganlija Lake, a popular local recreation area, to end your day. Ada Ciganlija, often known as ‘Belgrade’s sea,’ offers a variety of recreational opportunities for you.
You’ll have the option to go swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, cycling, and hiking. Around the lake, there are a lot of dining establishments and pubs where you can relax with a drink.
Day 2 – Morning
📍The Nikola Tesla Museum, which is devoted to the life and work of the renowned Serbian inventor, should be your first stop on your second day in the morning. The museum is situated in the heart of the city.
You can see original inventions by Tesla as well as his personal effects. The Tesla coil, the Van de Graaff generator, and the Tesla egg of Columbus are just a few of the museum’s treasures.
📍Following the museum, go to the Zemun area, which is located along the Danube River. Zemun is a lovely, ancient neighborhood with an impressive collection of buildings and a rich cultural history.
The area used to be a separate town, and its own personality and atmosphere are still there. The Gardos Tower, Zemun Market, and Millennium Tower are a few of the must-see attractions in Zemun.
Day 2 – Afternoon
📍Visit the Museum of Yugoslav History in the afternoon. It has artifacts and shows the history of Yugoslavia, including information about the former President Josip Broz Tito’s life and career.
The museum is an excellent place to learn about the recent history of the nation and is situated in the Dedinje neighborhood, one of Belgrade’s wealthiest areas.
📍Go to the House of Flowers, Tito’s tomb and final resting place, after viewing the Museum of Yugoslav History. There are several exhibitions on Tito’s life and legacy as well as a collection of presents from famous people and international leaders; the House of Flowers is a unique and fascinating attraction.
Day 2 – Evening
📍On your last night in Belgrade, spend some time in the neighborhood of Savamala, which is a developing area and has a thriving nightlife.
Savamala is a popular area for nighttime exploration because of its street art, live music venues, and hip bars and clubs. I would say Brankow, Mladost, and Ludost are a few of Savamala’s top bars and clubs.
📍However, if you’d like a more relaxed evening, return to the Skadarlija district where you may take in a typical Serbian food while listening to live music.
The ambiance of Skadarlija’s restaurants is warm and romantic thanks to the dim lighting, hardwood tables, and typical tablecloths. As I mentioned before, Tri Sesira, Dva Jelena, and Sesir Moj are a few of Skadarlija’s top restaurants for dinner.
Is 2 days enough in Belgrade?
While you can see the majority of Belgrade’s sights in two days, the city has a lot to offer, so you might wish you had a bit more time to explore.
But, by seeing the city’s landmarks, museums, and neighborhoods as described in the itinerary, 2 days in Belgrade can be sufficient to gain a decent sense of its history, culture, and atmosphere.
In case you felt you didn’t have enough time, you’d just have a perfect excuse to come back, right?
Is Belgrade a walkable city?
Belgrade is a relatively easy city to navigate on foot, especially in the city center where you’ll find most of the major attractions.
The pedestrian zone on Knez Mihailova Street is a great location for strolling and window shopping, while the Kalemegdan Fortress and the nearby park offer a variety of walking pathways and breathtaking views of the city and waterways.
But be aware that Belgrade is a hilly city and that some locations could be more difficult to get around on foot. It is also simple to travel further as the city has a good public transit system. Also, you can navigate the city using Uber or Bolt.
However, while there are many places in Belgrade that are walkable, I would still advise using public transportation or ride-hailing services to get around more quickly. Especially if you are pressed for time or have poor mobility while spending 2 days in Belgrade.
And in case you feel like experiencing some great guided walking tours, here are my recommendations for the best ones. You can book them by clicking on one of the links below:
✅ Red Belgrade Communist Tour!
✅ 3-Hour Small Group Walking Tour!
Is Belgrade a party city?
Undoubtedly, Belgrade is known for having a lively nightlife and is often referred to as a party city. There are a lot of great party boats along the Sava.
There are also numerous taverns, nightclubs, and music venues in the city that can accommodate all preferences and price ranges. Whether you’re young, a student, or a bit older, you’ll love Belgrade’s nightlife scene.
The Belgrade Beer Fest, the EXIT Festival, and the Lovefest are just a few of Belgrade’s annual big music festivals that draw thousands of tourists from all over the world.
Belgrade is a city worth visiting if you want to experience a vibrant and energetic nightlife!
Do they speak English in Belgrade?
Although Serbian is the city’s official language, many locas also speak English as a second language, particularly the younger population and those working in the tourism sector. In tourist locations, English menus and signs are also typical.
In most hotels, restaurants, and stores, you should be able to get by using English. Outside of these regions, however, English might be less common, particularly among older generations.
I would always recommend to learn a few fundamental words and phrases in Serbian, such as ‘hello’ (zdravo), ‘thank you’ (hvala), and ‘goodbye’ (doviđenja), as this can help you with a start of a nice conversation and demonstrate respect for the local way of life.
How much is a taxi from Belgrade Airport to the city?
Taxi fares from Belgrade Airport to the city center might depend on a number of factors, including the time of day, traffic conditions, and your location inside the city.
However, you can expect an amount between 1,500 and 2,000 Serbian dinars on average. This is about 12-16 euros.
A good option is to use the airport taxi service. They have set prices and operate 24/7. You can find more information on their website.
Is Belgrade safe to visit?
Belgrade is generally a safe city to visit. However, there might be a few tourist scams that you need to know about. Better safe than sorry.
Taxi drivers can really overcharge you for their rides, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the local currency or conversion rates. I advise to only utilize authorized taxi services or ride-hailing applications like Uber or Bolt, and to double-check the fare before you get in the taxi.
Another frequent scam involves individuals acting as friendly locals or tour guides and promising to take you to a prominent nightclub or show you the city in exchange for huge costs. Pick only reputable tour operators or guides that your hotel or other reliable sources suggest.
Particularly in the touristic parts, you should be careful of street vendors offering fake or expensive things. I recommend staying away from these vendors and shopping at recognized marketplaces or establishments.
Belgrade is a big and buzzing capital city, so just take your precautions and you’ll be more than fine.
What is the best time to visit Belgrade?
During the summer months of June through August, when it’s bright and sunny and there are lots of festivals and outdoor activities, Belgrade experiences its busiest travel season. The city can, however, become more crowded and pricey at this time. Just keep this in mind.
With mild weather and fewer tourists, spring (April till May) and fall (September till October) can be fantastic times to visit Belgrade. The Belgrade Dance Festival and the Belgrade Jazz Festival, among other cultural events, take place during this time.
Although Belgrade’s winter (November till March) might be chilly and snowy, the city still has a lot to offer, such as indoor cultural events and Christmas markets.
Is Belgrade worth visiting?
My simple answer would be.. Yes! I really enjoyed my visits to Belgrade.
To me, Belgrade is a lively, international city with a thriving arts and cultural scene in addition to its historical landmarks. The city has a great nightlife vibe with a wide variety of bars and clubs.
Traditional Serbian restaurants, live music venues, and a laid-back attitude make its bohemian areas like Skadarlija ideal for a pleasant evening out.
With a large number of galleries and art spaces presenting the creations of regional and worldwide artists, Belgrade is also a focal point for the area’s developing art scene.
Belgrade is a city that I highly recommend for anyone interested in history, culture, or for just having a great and fun trip.
Is Belgrade underrated?
I think it is. Because it’s sometimes overshadowed by other European capitals, Belgrade is often thought of as an undervalued travel destination.
Yet, there are several attractions and activities to choose from, a thriving nightlife scene, and a city with a rich history and culture.
Belgrade’s architecture, food, and traditions are the result of a distinctive blending of Eastern and Western European cultures. In addition, the city has a large number of theaters, art galleries, museums, and parks.
Belgrade is still underappreciated since few tourists are familiar with it. Especially when you compare it to London, Paris, Rome or Berlin. But this can also be a nice benefit for you since there will be fewer tourists and you’ll have a more genuine experience.
I would even say that Belgrade is still a hidden gem in Europe.
The Wrap-Up: 2 Days in Belgrade
It’s definitely worth it to spend 2 days in Belgrade. It will give you enough time to visit the best landmarks and attractions the city has to offer.
Belgrade is still a city that’s largely uncovered by large groups of tourists and will therefore give you a cool and genuine experience.
If you’re looking for more fascinating cities in the Balkans, Sarajevo would be a great next stop!
And while you’re in Serbia and you love food, check out my post about the national dish of Serbia!
You restless voyager,
Dustin
