Written By Igor Beloš
Belgrade is a very diverse city with a wide range of attractions. You can find pretty much everything here, from incredible architecture, art and museums to delicious food and amazing nightlife. Here is a guide to the top 8 must visit attractions in Belgrade that you definitely shouldn’t miss.
Kalemegdan Fortress
The Kalemegdan Fortress is undoubtedly the most famous tourist attraction in Belgrade. Located at the very beginning of the famous Knez Mihailova street, it stands for everything that Belgrade is famous for.
The fortress has historically served as an important strategic point for the defense of Belgrade. Today, it is essentially a huge park that houses the Military Museum and some of Belgrade’s most famous monuments.
It is also one of the best places to take your crush on a first date since the park offers an amazing view over the Danube and Sava confluence and has some of the city’s most beautiful sunsets.
Church of Saint Sava
The Church of Saint Sava is one the buildings that is hard to overlook in Belgrade. With its 70 meters in height, it is one of the largest and most impressive orthodox churches in the world.
The church is dedicated to Saint Sava who was the first archbishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Located on the Vračar plateau, it was built on the presumed spot where the Ottomans had burned the remains of Saint Sava in 1595.
The church offers a breathtaking view from the inside and outside. It is open during the day and can be entered for free.
Knez Mihailova Street
Named after the Prince Mihailo Obrenović III, Knez Mihailova street is without a doubt the most famous street in Belgrade.
Situated in the center of the city, the street is almost always full with people and offers a wide range of cafes and shops.
This is one of the spots where you can spend a whole day just drinking your coffee and watching people as they pass in front of you.
Trg Republike
Right next to the Knez Mihailova street, you will find the Trg republike. Belgrade’s Republic Square is considered the social center of the city and offers a couple of attractions at one spot.
The famous monument of Mihailo Obrenović is commonly used as a meeting point in the city. Locals call the monument konj (literally: horse). So you will often hear them say: Vidimo se kod Konja! (See you at the horse!).
At the Republic Square, you will also find the National Museum and the National Theater of Belgrade.
Skadarlija
If Knez Mihailova is the most famous street in Belgrade, Skadarlija is definitely on the close second place. It starts close to the Republic Square and stretches into the old-town area Dorćol.
Skadarlija is a bohemian street which is full of Kafanas (very traditional Serbian restaurants) and famous bars. If you are looking for an authentic Serbian evening, traditional food and local music, Skadarlija should be your first choice.
The National Assembly
The National Assemly, or Skupština, is one of the most impressive buildings in Belgrade. Its foundation was built in 1907 during the Kingdom of Serbia. This is the place where the Serbian parliament resides.
Very close to the Skupština, you will also see the famous St. Mark’s Church (Crkva Svetog Marka) and the Tašmajdan Park.
Zemun and Gardoš
Before the end of the First World War, the Sava river which now separates Belgrade and Zemun marked the border between the Kingdom of Serbia and the Kingdom of Austria-Hungary.
For this reason, the architecture in Zemun is quite different from the one in Belgrade. If you take a walk through the center of Zemun, you will feel like you went back in time to experience the vibe of an old Austria-Hungary, much like in certain parts of Vienna or Budapest.
The Gardoš is a beautiful tower in the middle of the municipality and a must-visit attraction if you go to Zemun. The tower on top of the hill was built by the Hungarians in 1896 and today forms a beautiful attraction especially during the evening.
You can climb up the tower to have a stunning view over the city and see the Kalemegdan Fortress on the far other side of the river.
Zemunski Kej
Zemun is not only interesting because of its history and architecture. The municipality is also situated on the Danube river site and offers 2.5km of walking area next to the river.
Especially during summer time, the Zemunski kej is full with people who enjoy the nice weather. Along the promenade, there are dozens of splavs, floating bars, restaurants and kafanas where you can enjoy a drink or two while floating on the river.
Close to the quay, you will also find some of the best street-food in Belgrade in the street that is informally known as ulica hrane, or the food street.
These were eight of the most important attractions that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Belgrade. Which one is your favorite?
