Unexpected Adventures: Things To Do In Belgrade You Didn’t Know About

Things to do in Belgrade include discovering hidden gems and vibrant culture, where history meets modern energy.

This guide to things to do in Belgrade, Serbia, invites travellers to a dynamic city blending modern energy with historic charm. This capital offers unique escapes with intriguing monuments, innovative culinary experiences, and secret quarters away from typical tourist routes. Enthusiasts discover surprising hidden gems in artistic quarters, underground nightlife, and immersive historical tours. Every corner reveals a chapter of cultural evolution that defies expectations. Experience unexpected things to see in Belgrade that challenge preconceptions while celebrating an authentic legacy.

Best Things To Do In Belgrade, Serbia

The things to do in Belgrade, Serbia, offer bold experiences that reveal hidden history and modern cultural surprises throughout the city.

1. Conquer History At Kalemegdan Fortress

Explore Kalemegdan Fortress, a centuries-old stronghold offering history, parks, and river views, among the best things to do in Belgrade.

Photo: BrankaVV / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Touring the Kalemegdan Fortress stands as a prime example of things to do in Belgrade and offers a link to the city’s past. Located at the meeting point of the Sava and Danube rivers, the fortress features strong stone walls, parklands, museums, mediaeval gates, and the Pobednik Monument. Visitors examine Military Museum artefacts and enjoy expansive river views from the ramparts. Its history, spanning Roman foundations and Ottoman sieges, delivers an educational and historical experience.

Location: Stari Grad, Belgrade
Best Time To Visit: April–October
Nearby Attractions: Knez Mihailova Street, Military Museum, Pobednik Monument

2. Marvel At The Church Of St. Sava

Admire the Church of St. Sava, one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches with a grand dome, among the best things to do in Belgrade.

Photo: Jorge Lascar / Wikimedia Commons

One of the iconic things to do in Belgrade is to visit the Church of St. Sava. This Orthodox cathedral’s white marble walls and domes tower above the city. Built on sacred ground, it commemorates Saint Sava with a striking gold mosaic interior. Though still under renovation, it impresses visitors with its architecture, vast scale, and peaceful atmosphere, making it both a spiritual and architectural site worth seeing when in Belgrade.

Location: Vracar, Belgrade
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Best Time To Visit: May–September
Nearby Attractions: National Museum, Nikola Tesla Museum

3. Stroll Through Knez Mihailova Street

Enjoy a walk along Knez Mihailova, Belgrade’s main pedestrian street lined with shops and historic buildings, among the best things to do in Belgrade.

Photo: Pudelek / Wikimedia Commons

Wondering what to do in Belgrade? Walking Knez Mihailova is one of the most popular options for things to do in Belgrade. Shops, cafes, and 19th-century architecture fill this pedestrian street, which connects Republic Square to Kalemegdan Fortress. Visitors enjoy people-watching, browsing art galleries, and discovering small courtyards that hide bookshops and local artisans. Whether shopping or simply taking in the lively atmosphere, this central street is a perfect place to experience Belgrade’s local culture.

Location: Stari Grad, Belgrade
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
Nearby Attractions: Republic Square, Kalemegdan Fortress

4. Step Back In Time In Skadarlija District

Soak in the bohemian charm of Skadarlija, a cobbled street known for its restaurants, artists, and live music, among the best things to do in Belgrade.

Photo: BuhaM / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Among the essential things to do in Belgrade is visiting Skadarlija, the city’s historic bohemian district. Taverns line its cobbled streets, where artists and poets once gathered. Enjoy traditional Serbian meals such as ćevapi and sip rakija while listening to live folk music in the evenings. Skadarlija offers an atmospheric throwback to the 19th century and is a charming spot to eat, drink, and absorb local heritage for the travellers.

Location: Stari Grad, Belgrade
Timings: 12 PM – 1 AM
Best Time To Visit: April–October
Nearby Attractions: Republic Square, National Museum

5. Discover Urban Art In Savamala

Experience Belgrade’s creative side through colorful murals and art galleries in the edgy Savamala district, among the best things to do in Belgrade.

Photo: Milica Buha / Wikimedia Commons

Exploring Savamala is one of the artistic things to do in Belgrade, where creativity meets old architecture. Once a neglected riverside area, it’s now home to large murals, cultural venues, and creative studios. Mikser House, a standout space, hosts workshops and art events. Visitors can view edgy and modern street art, visit galleries, or enjoy a drink in repurposed buildings, experiencing a modern artistic scene set in a historically industrial district.

Location: Savamala, Belgrade
Best Time To Visit: May–September
Nearby Attractions: Belgrade Waterfront, Beton Hala

6. Relax At Ada Ciganlija Lake

Escape to Ada Ciganlija, a popular island on the Sava River offering beaches, sports, and nature trails.

Photo: Gmihail / Wikimedia Commons

Relaxing at the Ada Ciganlija Lake is one of the top things to do in Belgrade. This lake offers swimming, cycling, and kayaking along an eight-kilometre shoreline. Visitors can use local sports facilities, relax on well‑kept beaches, and visit nearby cafés. In winter, the lake sometimes freezes, creating a space for ice skating. The area provides a space for outdoor exercise and leisure, inviting both residents and visitors to enjoy nature and engage in various outdoor activities.

Location: Cukarica, Belgrade
Best Time To Visit: June–August
Nearby Attractions: Topčider Park, Košutnjak Forest

7. Uncover Genius At The Nikola Tesla Museum

Explore Nikola Tesla’s inventions and legacy through interactive displays and personal artifacts.

Photo: Jorg Rosch / Wikimedia Commons

Visiting the Nikola Tesla Museum is among the most intriguing things to do in Belgrade. This museum honours the inventor through exhibits of his personal items, patents, and interactive experiments. Visitors can observe demonstrations of the Tesla Coil and view a replica of his Colorado Springs laboratory. The museum offers detailed insight into his contributions to science and technology, showing his impact on modern electrical engineering and stimulating curiosity among visitors.

Location: Krunska 51, Beograd 11000, Serbia
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Church of St. Sava, National Museum

8. Admire Royal Splendor At Novi Dvor

Visit Novi Dvor, the official residence of the Serbian president and a symbol of royal Serbian architecture.

Photo: Srđan Popovic / Wikimedia Commons

Touring the Novi Dvor is one of the most striking things to do in Belgrade. This New Palace, official residence of Serbia’s president, exhibits early twentieth‑century architecture with its neoclassical façade and sculpted gardens. Although the interior is rarely accessible, the exterior offers detailed examples of period design and history. Adjacent to the Old Palace, its surroundings provide a glimpse into Belgrade’s political centre, making it a significant cultural site for visitors interested in modern Serbian history.

Location: Andrićev venac 1, Beograd 11000, Serbia
Timings: Exterior view only
Nearby Attractions: National Assembly, Tašmajdan Park

9. Savour Coffee In Kosancicev Venac

Enjoy coffee and views in Kosančićev Venac, a historic district with art studios, quiet streets, and river vistas.

Photo: Thruserbia / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Visiting Kosančićev Venac is one of the top things to do in Belgrade for those who appreciate heritage and coffee. This historic neighbourhood features cobblestone lanes and nineteenth‑century architecture. Cafés such as Kafeterija Magazzino serve specialty coffee while inviting leisurely conversation. Antique shops and bookshops add cultural depth, complementing visits to historic churches. The blend of old‑world charm and modern comforts offers visitors an enriching experience, making a stroll through Kosančićev Venac both intellectually and gustatorily satisfying.

Location: Kosančićev Venac, Belgrade
Timings: 8 AM – 11 PM
Best Time To Visit: April–October
Nearby Attractions: Belgrade Fortress, Saborna Crkva

10. Experience Nightlife On The Splavovi

Dance the night away on Belgrade’s splavovi, floating river clubs with lively music and crowds.

Photo: Dani Lavi 0007 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Experiencing nightlife on the splavovi is one of the most exciting things to do in Belgrade. These floating clubs located along the Sava and Danube rivers host international DJs and themed parties until early morning hours. Guests can enjoy open‑air dancing and diverse music styles aboard boats such as Splav 20/44 and Freestyler. The unique setting on the riverbanks creates a memorable social experience, blending music, modern entertainment, and beautiful views of the city at night.

Location: Sava and Danube riverbanks
Timings: 10 PM – 5 AM
Best Time To Visit: June–September
Nearby Attractions: Beton Hala, Savamala district

These unique things to do in Belgrade, Serbia, spark new discoveries for every visitor with a wealth of experiences that merge heritage and contemporary allure. Uncover historical paths, savour local dishes, and engage with community creativity that brings the city’s spirit to life. The blend of time-honoured traditions and inventive modernity ensures an unforgettable journey full of surprises at every corner. To enhance your travel experience and know what to do in Belgrade, browse TripXL’s bespoke travel packages for an extraordinary escape like no other.

Cover Photo: Petar Milošević / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer the most pleasant weather and manageable crowds.
Summer highs often reach around 30–35°C, while winter temperatures usually hover between 0°C and 5°C.
Belgrade operates on Central European Time (CET) in winter and Central European Summer Time (CEST) during daylight saving.
The official currency is the Serbian dinar (RSD).
International flights to Nikola Tesla Belgrade Airport connect the city to numerous major global destinations.

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