Book flights to Belgrade

A trip to Belgrade is the perfect way to discover the timeline of Eastern Europe. From Roman ruins to ultra-modern museums and galleries, Belgrade is a rich tapestry of culture and history. Get a panoramic view of the city and its two rivers (the Sava and the Danube) from Kalemegdan, or the Belgrade Fortress. Once a major fortification, the fortress is now Belgrade’s central park. The views at sunset are particularly spectacular.

Belgrade is also a city of palaces. The Old Palace in Nikola Pasic Square was once the residence of kings, while The White Palace is part of the royal compound. The New Palace was originally the residence of King Petar I Karađorđević, but is now the president’s official residence.

The bohemian quarter of Belgrade is Skadarlija, and is home to a thriving artists’ community. It is known as the “sister” of Paris’ Montmartre quarter. There is also a cluster of squares to explore, including Terazije Square, Slavija Square and the Republic Square.

To help visitors capture the spirit of Belgrade, authorities have developed a “fun zone” that is primarily centred on Strahinjića Bana Street. Here you’ll find restaurants and plenty of entertainment venues.

The National Theatre at Francuska 3 puts on some excellent opera and ballet productions including those by international artists. If you are interested in science, then the Nikola Tesla Museum charts the life and achievements of one of the greatest innovators of the 19th and 20th centuries.

The main leisure activity during a trip to Belgrade is simply wandering the cobbled streets and exploring the elegant architecture and café culture of this laid-back city.

Head to the shores of the Danube and Sava rivers and you’ll discover a series of splavs (rafts). Many of these are restaurants, offering a Serbian menu as well as traditional folk music and dancing. Most Serbian restaurants have roštilj on the menu, which is a platter of unseasoned grilled meats, accompanied by salads or vegetables.

For food on the go, check out the pekare or bakeries, where you’ll find sweet and savoury pastries. The most popular dish in Serbia is ćevapčići, which is chopped meat (usually lamb) that is grilled and eaten with diced onions. For high-end international flavours, head to Skadarska Street for an eclectic mix of cuisine at some of the more bohemian restaurants.

Travel to Belgrade and you’ll discover a wide selection of retail opportunities. The city’s shops range from smaller, independent boutiques to large, high-end brands. Flagship stores for many haute-couture brands are located on Knez Mihailova Street and the Terazije Square. Local Belgrade designers are presented in the Choomich area of the city, also known as the Belgrade Design District shopping centre. There are more than 20 stores, providing a selection of the latest Serb fashion designers’ collections.

Belgrade has three main shopping malls: Delta City, Stadion and Ušće Shopping Center. There are a further 30 smaller shopping centres, such as Merkator, Immo Centar, Piramida, Zira and City Hall. For bargains, head to the Buvljak flea market and Blok 70 shopping centre.