Belgrade was once the powerful city and the capital of Yugoslavia, but now remains much scaled down the capital of Serbia after Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Kosovo, and Macedonia have broken away from Serbia. As a result, Belgrade is not a common destination among many western travelers; unlike Prague or Budapest, this beautiful city does not get much attention. However, after visiting for the first time, I found this country to be absolutely beautiful and worth experiencing in Serbia.
Best Time to Visit Belgrade
When planning my trip to Belgrade, I wanted to make sure I visit there when the weather is perfect. In the month of July, it was a little hot but still comfortable. So, I think the best time should be between May and early July and again in September. Winter is pretty cold and depressing, so I would avoid tour activities between December and February unless you have a good reason to be there. Although summer in Belgrade gets quite warm, August is the hottest month.
How To Get There
There is always a great travel deal available online to fly to Belgrade from neighboring Europe countries. While searching for my flight from Moscow to Belgrade, I found a great deal I could not refuse. It was by Aeroflot, 3 hour flight to Belgrade. On another occasion, I also took a short 55 minutes Air Serbia flight from Sarajevo to Belgrade and found it most continent based on my personal preferences.
There are bus services from Sarajevo, Dubrovnik, and Podgorica. These trips are adventurous and not bad options, but you may need to deal with a lack of highways, reckless drivers, long wait at the border crossing, one-lane and mountainous winding roads, and getting stuck behind trucks for hours without a chance of overtaking.
Getting Around
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport to the City Centre
The best way to get to the city hotels from the airport is to hire a taxi from the airport taxi information desk; the fixed price is 1800 Dinars (US$ = 117 dinars), and it’s reliable. This is a much safer option than taking any taxi and risk of getting overcharged or ripped off by any possible means. If you are traveling light, the airport bus would be another option. There is a minibus service from the airport to Slavija Square, with stops at New Belgrade and near Belgrade’s central train station. Find ‘Mini Bus A1’ at the airport when you exit the arrival hall. Tickets will be available in the bust, costing 300 dinars.
Transportation in the City
The normal Flag Down charge for a metered taxi in Belgrade is 170 RSD (1 US$ = 117 Serbian Diner), and each mile is about 112 RSD. Belgrade taxi service is cheap, but be careful; sometimes, taxi drivers heavily overcharge clients. It is safe to hire a taxi through your hotel.
City Bus, Trolleybus, and trams provide convenient services throughout the city. You can buy tickets from the driver/conductor, designated kiosks, and authorized ticketing sales. As a first-time tourist with a language barrier, I preferred to buy paper cards. One day ticket with unlimited rides for 1st or 2nd zone cost me 250 RSD ( US$ 2.25). They also have an option for 90 minutes, three days, and 5 days validity.
Top Things To Do In Belgrade
My favorite place in Belgrade was the Kalemegdan Fortress, from where you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Danube and Sava Rivers. The fortress is over 2,000 years old and is significant because hundreds of important battles were fought there. The best time to visit for a good photo opportunity would be during the sunset.
Visit The Cathedral of Saint Sava
St. Sava Temple is an iconic landmark in Serbia. This is an Orthodox cathedral dedicated to Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox church.
Wandering in Republic Square
Republic Square is Belgrade’s main square and gathering point for locals and tourists alike. The National Theatre, National Museum, the Army House, the monument to Prince Mihailo, and many restaurants surround this place.
The House of the National Assembly
This is a major tourist attraction in Belgrade and is centrally located in Nikola Pasic Square. This iconic landmark symbolizes Belgrade and attracts many tourists and locals for its architectural masterpiece.
Visit Belgrade Fortress
Belgrade Fortress is a must-see, which contains the old citadel and Kalemegdan Park on the junction of the Sava and Danube rivers in an urban area of modern Belgrade. This fortress complex lies on a hill overlooking the beautiful vista—a great place for a photographer for a picturesque sunset. The complex’s galleries, museums, sports courts, and restaurants are close to the Belgrade Zoo. It is the most visited site in Belgrade.
The Danube and Sava River
The Danube is Europe’s second-largest river, a vital transportation route connecting many countries along the way. The famous Danube river flows through 10 countries, more than any other river in the world. Originating in Germany, the Danube flows southeast for 2,860 km (1,780 mi), passing through or touching the border of Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine before emptying into the Black Sea. Whereas the Sava was the largest “national” river in Yugoslavia, connecting its capitals, Ljubljana, Zagreb, and Belgrade. It meets the Danube in the center of Belgrade, at the spectacular location known as Usce forming two islands at its delta.
The Belgrade river cruise is a great way to enjoy the Sava and most famous Danube river, war islands, 6 bridges on the Sava river, the Belgrade city skyline, millennium tower, old town, and Belgrade fortress.
Where to stay in Belgrade, Serbia
East & West Apartments, Belgrade
Located in Belgrade, a 17-minute walk from St. Sava Temple and 0.9 miles from the center, East & West Apartments has air-conditioned accommodations, free WiFi, and a terrace. Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen with a dining table, a flat-screen TV, a fridge, and an electric tea pot are also available. In addition, the apartment offers 4-star accommodations with a hot tub. Popular points of interest near East & West Apartments include Republic Square Belgrade, the National Assembly of The Republic of Serbia, and Tašmajdan Stadium. The nearest airport is Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, 8.1 miles from the accommodation.
Knez Mihailova Apartman, Belgrade
Knez Mihailova Apartman in Belgrade provides accommodations with free WiFi 1,000 feet from Trg Republike Belgrade. Housed in a building dating from the 19th century, this apartment is 2.2 mi from Splavovi and 1.9 mi from St. Sava Temple. This apartment with city views has one bathroom with a shower. An oven, a microwave, and a fridge can be found in the kitchen. Belgrade Arena is 3.1 mi from Knez Mihailova Apartman, while Belgrade Fair is 3.1 mi from the property. The nearest airport is Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, 12 mi from the accommodations.
My Opinion and Last Word
Have you been to Belgrade, Serbia? Any cool tips to share?
loved being in Belgrade, Serbia, and want to go back again. I hope my story has motivated you to visit Serbia.
Please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you to improve my knowledge.
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