27 Pictures that will inspire you to visit Belgrade
Belgrade is a place we enjoy more with every visit. I’ve previously written about our impressions of Belgrade (one of the most commented posts on the blog. People get worked up when writing about the Balkans).
On this 2nd visit to Serbia (we spent 10 days between Belgrade and Novi Sad), we realized that we really like Serbia. The people are welcoming, you won’t see many tourists, it’s inexpensive, and the level of English is fantastic. On top of that, Serbia is a cross between the Balkans and Central Europe with its many monuments and statues, its 19th century buildings, and its many stylish coffee shops (I’ll have some tips on that below because we spent a lot of time in coffee shops).
Note: For tips on what to see and do in Belgrade check out the post I mention at the top.
No controversy in this post, just a lot of photos of Belgrade.
Accommodation: high-end (you get good value in Belgrade): the historic Hotel Moskva or Hotel Majestic. If you’re looking for great value BG Exclusive Suites is excellent.
Recommended: very detailed post on Belgrade from a native of the city
Practical tips and Information
Cafes in Belgrade
Some really nice cafes have popped up in Belgrade in recent years. We visited quite a few on this trip. Our favorite was Kafeterija MAGAZIN 1907 which is a huge, beautiful cafe that’s popular with students (close to Kalemegdan Park) . Great coffee and lunches (I’ve got a photo up above). Closer to Republic Square are Ruski Car (another big, beautiful cafe) and, right next to it, the small Baristocratia Coffee Society.
Accommodation in Belgrade
Hotels are quite affordable in Belgrade and even a fancy stay at the historic Hotel Moskva or Hotel Majestic won’t cost you much. If you’re looking for great value BG Exclusive Suites is excellent.
Flights and coming from the Airport
We’ve previously flown into Belgrade, it has a nice and modern airport (Nikola Tesla Airport: BEG) located about 20km from the center. They have fixed rate taxis from the airport to downtown which cost 1800 Dinars (about 15 Euros). You can also take the bus: bus #72 goes from the airport and goes to a square called Zeleni Venac which is steps away from Republic Square in the heart of the city. Price of the ticket is 150 dinars (less than 1.2 euros) and you can buy it in the bus.
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I’ve visited it several times but never for tourist purposes so there’s lots for me to explore if I eventually go there to do some sightseeing:)) I saw the fortress, and the big church, but that’s all
It seems Belgrade has the most beautiful churches. Loved the mosaics.
such an underrated city! Great photos!
Hi Frank
If I remember correctly, you previously also visited Belgrade in winter. Unfortunately, Belgrade is not a place to visit in winter, it’s rather dull at that time. You should go to Belgrade as of April, when the weather is warmer and when you can spend a lot of time outside. Then, Belgrade becomes a different city.
I never go to Belgrade in winter, primarily because it’s impossible to go anywhere. Every restaurant, bar or coffee shop is full of people that smoke. I don’t care if other people smoke, but personally I can’t stand the smoke, after 5 minutes my eyes become itchy and my nose immediately reacts. You have probably seen the level of smoking in Belgrade, it’s horrendous.
Anyway, if you ever get the chance to visit Belgrade in spring or summer, try to go and see a different city.
I keep saying to everyone I know to visit Belgrade, it’s one of very few big European cities that is still relatively un-globalised. In other words, it’s still very authentic.
You are absolutely correct Vitko and I have really wanted to visit in the summer. The last time we were here was in December 2016…and this time we were there in January 2020. So really it looked much the same.
But I hope one day we come in the summer. We met a nice Serbian-Canadian couple that mentioned that it is increasingly becoming a medical destination. Would like to come back and combine some checkups or dental work with a summer visit.
And yes, totally agree with the smoke. It’s the absolute worst thing about Belgrade. And it’s funny when they tell you that there’s a non-smoking section…5 feet away from the smoking section so all the smoke ends up in your face anyway.
Thanks for taking the time to comment Vitko.
Hi Frank
If you ever decide to go to Belgrade for medical checks and to see a dentist, let me know.
I can strongly recommend my dentist that I’ve been seeing for the past 20 years. In fact, I only go to the dentist in Belgrade. He has been superb so far, also prices are a fraction of what you would pay in the UK or in Spain (although I believe that Spain is cheaper than the UK). There are many other equally good dentists there.
Also, every two years I do a full medical check in a private clinic: full blood test, ultra sound of the abdomen, ECG. All that costs approximately 150 euros, that was the price I paid last time.
Serbia has some very good doctors and private clinics are very good. You can get the best medical care for a very reasonable amount of money. I keep saying to everyone I know to go to Belgrade while it’s still so affordable.
Thanks so much Vitko. Funny enough I do have questions. I’ll write you privately.
Your photos show a very beautiful city. Ruzica and St. Mark’s churches look amazing but I think St. Petka must be totally magnificent. I am INSPIRED!
Thank you Anita 🙂