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The name Belgrade (BeoGrad) is composed of two words: "Boe," which means "white," and "Grad," which means "city." Belgrade got its name from early settlers, seafarers who arrived by boat. The first thing they saw from their boat as they sailed on the Danube River was the white fortress of Belgrade standing out prominently on the hill. They exclaimed, "Here is the White City."
Belgrade is a small city with a compact center. It is recommended to spend one to two days in the city itself, and it often serves as a transit point for travelers in Serbia who continue from there to the more rural areas of the country for nature and scenic tours.
Points of Interest
My recommendation for Belgrade is to take a free guided tour of the city. While the city itself might not be the most beautiful or glamorous I've seen, it is rich in interesting history of wars and revolutions. A tour like this sheds light on and brings a lot of interest. I took the 20th Century Tour by Belgrade Walking Tours, and it was excellent. The tour covered most of the key points in the city, and I genuinely felt I had a lesson in the history of Serbia in general and Belgrade in particular. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to try it, but I would definitely recommend also checking out the tour of the Zemun neighborhood.
Republic Square is one of the central squares of Belgrade, where Knez Mihailova Street leads. The square is home to the National Theatre and the National Museum, and at its center stands a statue of Prince Michael riding a horse. The current square was established after the demolition of the Stambol Gate in 1866.
Knez Mihailova is the main shopping pedestrian street, lined with a variety of stores from well-known Western chains as well as local brands.
St. Sava Church is the largest Orthodox cathedral in the Balkans. The church was closed for a long time but has recently opened to the public. Construction began in the early 20th century and was halted several times; currently, the final touches are being completed. The church is magnificent both inside and out. It is highly recommended to enter and admire the golden mosaics that adorn the domes and ceilings of the church.
St. Markus Church was the largest church in the city until the construction of St. Sava Temple. This Byzantine-style church is located in the center of Tašmajdan Park. The park is pleasant for a walk on a sunny day.
Belgrade Fortress is undoubtedly the most famous and visited site in Belgrade. Overlooking the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers and the modern part of Belgrade in the distance, the fortress is an impressive site where you can easily spend hours. It is also highly recommended for sunset views. Admission to the site is free, and there is an option to hire an audio guide for those interested in learning about the history of the place.
Kalemegdan Park is the park where Belgrade Fortress is located. It's a large and pleasant park, bustling with people at almost all hours of the day.
The Zemun neighborhood is about a 15-minute drive from central Belgrade. Once part of Hungary, Zemun looks quite different from the rest of the city, offering a vibe of a small European village. A visit to this neighborhood is a must; you can either take the free guided tour or explore it on your own. I recommend dedicating at least half a day to enjoy it fully.
Gardos Tower is the central point of interest in the Zemun neighborhood. Standing atop a hill, the tower is a remnant of the Gardos Fortress built in the 14th century. I recommend climbing to the top of the tower for a stunning view of the river and the city.
Bars and Restaurants
Good to Know: In Belgrade, there is no law prohibiting smoking in indoor spaces, so you'll find people smoking in restaurants and bars. Many places divide their space into smoking and non-smoking areas, but since it's still an enclosed space, the smell permeates throughout, which is unavoidable. It doesn’t ruin the atmosphere, but it’s something to consider if you are sensitive to smoking.
Cafés
Bloom Café - A small, eco-friendly café serving fresh breakfast meals and excellent coffee with the option of homemade almond milk. Highly recommended!
JaM Café - This is actually a restaurant recommended for brunch. The breakfast menu includes a few dishes along with coffee or juice. The dishes were tasty but not particularly special.
Desserts
Princess Puff - Wow! Wow! Wow! This small place in the city center specializes in making divine cream puffs with a variety of flavors. Each bite is heavenly, to say the least. The cream puffs come in several flavors, so I recommend sharing and trying as many as possible. If you want to sit down, you can take the cream puffs to the adjacent café, where you can order a hot or cold drink while savoring every bite.
Luff Gelato - Amazing gelato of the highest quality. Don't miss it.
Restaurants
Local Restaurant Tri Sesira - A local restaurant with a live band that moves between tables, enhancing the meal with cheerful music. The menu mainly consists of meat and vegetable dishes. Simple and delicious.
Italian Restaurant Botako - A casual atmosphere. It's a good Italian restaurant; the pizza and lasagna we ordered were excellent. Note that the portions are large.
Mexican Restaurant La Taqueria - A fantastic Mexican restaurant in the city center. It has a lively atmosphere, very tasty Mexican food, and margaritas in a variety of fruit flavors.
Enso Restaurant - A fine dining, chef’s restaurant. The tasting menu allows you to choose several dishes in customized portions. The menu is designed based on the diner's choices rather than being preset, providing flexibility and the opportunity to taste as many dishes as possible. The food is simply perfect! The ambiance is romantic and upscale. It's advisable to make a reservation in advance.
Italian Restaurant Bella Napoli - Located in the Zemun neighborhood, this Italian restaurant offers a traditional atmosphere. The menu is diverse and rich, featuring a variety of pastas and pizzas, all made on-site. Every dish we ordered was very tasty!
Local Restaurant Casa Nova - A local spot with delicious food. It's recommended to try the signature dish, a steak with mushroom sauce and onion rings. Although it might sound (and look) a bit cliché, it's absolutely delicious.
Angry Monk - An excellent Asian restaurant featuring classic Thai wok dishes.
Bars
Podrum Wine Art - A wine bar with an impressive selection of wines and a sommelier who can perfectly match the wine to your taste. Alongside the wine, you can enjoy a range of light to hearty dishes. It’s a high-quality place with a romantic, quiet atmosphere.
Bitters Bar - A charming bar with both indoor and outdoor seating options. In addition to cocktails, you can order food or snack on fresh popcorn.
Blaznavac Bar - A large bar with a cool, hipster vibe. It offers several seating areas both indoors and outdoors. The alcohol menu is extensive, and the food menu is quite good. There is a huge selection of cocktails, including some unique options alongside the classic favorites.
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