One Day In Belgrade – The ULTIMATE 24-Hour Itinerary For First Timers

Are you planning to spend one day in Belgrade and wondering what to do in Serbia’s capital? Or maybe you’re just passing through and only have 24 hours in Belgrade to get a feel for the city. Either way, you’ve come to the right place!

Belgrade is one of those cities that catches you off guard. It’s gritty, creative, historic and very cool. In Belgrade, you’ll find lively cafe culture, buzzing riverside bars, leafy parks, and some very friendly locals (and I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did).

The food scene here is also fantastic, and there is a growing number of quirky boutiques, hidden courtyards and art spaces that make exploring the city so much fun. 

This 24-hour Belgrade itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors who want a taste of everything, without rushing through a list of must-sees. You’ll explore the historic Kalemegdan Fortress, stroll down the iconic Knez Mihailova Street, and end your day by the river, ideally with a drink in hand.

So, if you’re wondering how to spend one day in Belgrade, whether you’re just here for the weekend or as part of a bigger Eastern Europe Itinerary, this guide will help you make the most of it, with just the right mix of culture, food, and local vibes.

Let’s get into it! 

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About This One-Day Belgrade Itinerary 

This 24-hour Belgrade itinerary follows the exact route I took on my own trip to Belgrade. This itinerary will ensure that you see the best of what Belgrade has to offer without feeling too rushed.

I’ve done my best to include the best stops and create a nice strategic loop around the city. This means you don’t have to go back on yourself too many times (there is a small bit of this, but I have tried to keep it to a minimum). 

Of course, you can tailor this itinerary to best suit your travel needs and preferences. 

Your one-day Belgrade itinerary looks like this:

• Stop 1 – Breakfast At Bloom 
• Stop 2 – Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan 
• Stop 3 – Kneza Mihaila
• Stop 4 – Skadarlija
• Stop 5 – Republic Square
• Stop 6 – Lunch At Znak Pitanja (Question Mark)
• Stop 7 – House of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia
• Stop 8 – St. Mark Orthodox Church
• Stop 9 – Nato Bombed Buildings 
• Stop 10 – The Temple of Saint Sava
• Stop 11 – Dinner At The View Rooftop
• Stop 13 – Cocktails/Splavovi

Stop 1 – Breakfast At Bloom 

No trip to Belgrade is complete without a breakfast visit to Bloom. Whilst this isn’t the city’s most traditional or authentic food spot, it serves up some of Belgrade’s best brunch food. On the menu, you can find brunch classics like Salmon, Avocado and Eggs, plus a few other delicious options. 

The menu is very small, but in my opinion, that’s what makes Bloom even better. You know that you are getting a few very well-made dishes rather than lots of average ones. 

Bloom is small (and very popular), so I recommend heading down early to ensure that you get a seat. If you aren’t able to get a seat, there is another equally good brunch spot named ‘June’ located just next door.

📍Bloom
⏰ 8am – 4pm

📍June
⏰ 9am – 10pm

💡If you like graffiti art and quirky streets, be sure to wander around this area, as there is some cool street art to be spotted around here.

Stop 2 – Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park

Just a short walk from Bloom is the beautiful Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park, which, in my opinion, are some of the most Iconic spots in Belgrade (it’s also one of the oldest parts of the city too). This place is part historical site and part public park, all rolled into one.

The fortress sits above the city, exactly where the famous Danube and lesser-known Sava Rivers meet. Its fortress dates back over 2000 years and is a beautiful mix of Roman, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture. I recently learned that over 115 battles have been fought here throughout time, and that the fortress has been rebuilt more than 40 times. 

Around the corner from the fortress, you’ll find Kalemegdan Park, which is a great spot for walking, relaxing and a bit of people watching (it’s also one of the best places in Belgrade to watch the sunset as well). 

Make sure to check out the Victor (Pobednik) statue overlooking the river whilst you’re there (to be honest, he’s pretty hard to miss. The views of the river here are stunning, and were probably my favourite part of my trip to Belgrade.

You’ll be pleased to know that the fortress/park is free to enter, but a few things, like the underground tours, will cost you a small fee. 

Underground Tour Of Belgrade 

If you’re looking for something unique to do whilst in Belgrade Belgrade underground tour that takes you to the tunnels underneath the fortress might be of interest to you! This tour takes you to some hidden, underground parts of the city as well as some more well-known spots and finishes with a complimentary glass of wine! 

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NOTE: If you’re travelling with children, it’s good to know that there is a large (and slightly random) dinosaur park located within the park, which will be fun for the kids.

Stop 3 – Kneza Mihaila

Kneza Mihaila is the heart of the city and Belgrade’s main shopping street that’s lined with 19th-century buildings, shops, cafés, street performers, and a constant flow of people.

It’s right in the middle of everything, and it’s a great place to just wander. You’ll find a mix of big-name stores, Serbian bookshops, art galleries, and some beautiful old architecture if you look up.

I really recommend paying a visit to the Akademija Book Store, which has been dubbed one of the most beautiful in Eastern Europe. It is a stunning old-style bookstore, perfect for both literature lovers and photographers.

Stop 4 – Skadarlija

The Skadarlija is the bohemian quarter of the town that once used to be the hangout spot for writers and artists. It’s a short cobblestone street that’s packed with traditional Serbian restaurants, cool cocktail bars and lots of quirky statues and street art, and I really loved this small corner of the city.

Not only is this a lovely spot to walk through during the day, but it’s also one of the best spots to head to in the evening for drinks and a meal.

💡 If you’re there on a Saturday, make sure to head to the Bajloni farmers market, which is near the Skadarlija.

Stop 5 – Republic Square

The Republic Square is one of the most iconic parts of the city. It’s home to the very famous statue of Prince Mihailo on horseback and is surrounded by key landmarks like the National Museum and the National Theatre. From here, you’re just minutes away from Kneza Mihaila, Skadarlija, and plenty of shops and cafés.

Stop 6 – Lunch At Znak Pitanja (Question Mark)

Now this lunch stop requires a little detour, but I think it’s worth it to eat at one of the oldest restaurants in Belgrade. The restaurant was established in 1823 and serves up some of the most authentic Serbian food in Belgrade. 

Here you can find dishes such as ćevapi (grilled minced meat), pljeskavica (Serbian-style burger), sarma (cabbage rolls), and prebranac (baked beans).

Now, if you’re wondering why this restaurant is called “Question Mark”, it all started with a dispute in 1892 that required the tavern to change its name. In the interim of deciding upon a new name, the owner at the time stuck a “?” sign above the door, which eventually became its official name.

Stop 7 – House of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia

If you love Neoclassical and Baroque style architecture, you’ll love this quick pit stop to the House of the National Assembly. The building features a large dome, stone columns, and some pretty dramatic statues out front (look out for the bronze horses by the entrance). 

It’s the kind of building that makes you stop and go, “Okay, wow.” Even if politics isn’t your thing, it’s worth walking by just to take in the details.

Stop 8 – St. Mark Orthodox Church

Tucked inside the Tašmajdan Park is one of Belgrade’s most beautiful spots. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of religious buildings, but I can appreciate impressive architecture, and St Mark’s is worth checking out for this alone. 

It was built in the 1930s, inspired by medieval Serbian monasteries and is also the resting place of Emperor Stefan Dušan, who is one of Serbia’s most famous rulers.

💡 If you need a little nature break, make sure to take a walk through the beautiful Tasmajdan Park.

Stop 9 – NATO Bombed Buildings 

In the city, you can still witness some pretty stark reminders of Serbia’s troubled past, including some of the damage from the 1999 NATO Bombings.

There are 4 main bombing sites which you can see; however, the one that is closest to St Mark’s Orthodox Church, and on route to the Temple of Saint Sava, is the Radio Television of Serbia (RTS) Building.

The bombing here resulted in the deaths of 16 employees, and the damaged building serves as a memorial to the lives lost. 

Stop 10 – The Temple of Saint Sava

The Temple of Saint Sava is one of Belgrade’s most Iconic Churches, and reminds me a lot of the Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky in Sofia, Bulgaria. It also happens to be one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. 

Not only is the church impressive from the outside (the walk up to the church offers a stunning view too), but it’s beautiful on the inside as well. Here you can find intricate mosaics and paintings, and make sure to look up at the ceiling for some really impressive artwork. 

Stop 11 – Dinner At The View Rooftop

In my opinion, the only way to end your day of exploring is by enjoying dinner with a stunning view at “The View Rooftop” Restaurant.

Not only is the food full of flavour and cooked to perfection, but it also has one of the most gorgeous views of the St Sava Temple. And, trust me when I say the signature tuna steak is a must-try. 

Stop 12 – Pub/Cocktail Bar Crawl And Splavovi Night 

Pub/Cocktail Bar Crawl 

One thing I really loved about Belgrade is just how many cool bars and pubs there were in this city, despite it being fairly small.

If you love a cocktail or a mocktail, then I really recommend finishing off your 24 hours in Belgrade with a mini bar/pub crawl. 

The bars and pubs I have listed below are in no particular order, just some of the best bars and pubs that I visited during my time in Belgrade that I really recommend you visit. 

• Blaznavac – A quirky bar (think elephant statues hanging from the ceiling) that serves all of your favourite cocktails. 
• Druid – A cool underground speakeasy bar. It’s small, full of character and serves up some great cocktails. No photos are allowed in this bar.
• The Riddle – A hidden gem with a puzzle-themed interior and a rotating cocktail menu. You can expect inventive drinks and a moody atmosphere.
• Gunners Pub – A cosy pub-style bar with a strong selection of local craft beers and whiskey.
• The Three Carrots – An artsy, slightly eccentric Irish bar where you can enjoy live music and a pint of Guinness. 

If you only want to visit one or two bars, then I can highly recommend The Riddle and Druid for the ultimate speakeasy cocktail experience.

Visit A Splavovi 

If you’re not ready to end the night after cocktails or are looking for an alternative option, then a visit to Belgrade’s famous splavovi (floating clubs and bars) is a good option.

These bars are anchored along the Danube and Sava rivers and have been part of Belgrade’s nightlife scene since the 1960s. At night, they come alive with music, drinks, and incredible river views (especially at sunset). 

For the best bars, head to Ušće and/or behind the Belgrade Fair. Each “splav” has its own vibe and music style (think house, techno, R&B, hip-hop and more). Most splavs are open during the summer, although you will find a few run all year-round. 

Other Things To Do In Belgrade

Walking Tour 

If you’re someone who enjoys diving deeper into the history behind the places you visit, then I really recommend joining a free walking tour. This will take you to many of the places that I have discussed in this itinerary, and you’ll get to learn lots more about this history and culture in the process. This is one of the top-rated walking tours in Belgrade.

Museum Visit

If you’re a bit of a culture vulture and want to squeeze a museum visit into your 24 hours in Belgrade, here are some of the best museums you can visit:

• Museum of Yugoslavia: Explores the history and legacy of the former Yugoslavia, including Tito’s mausoleum and a vast collection of cultural artifacts.
• Nikola Tesla Museum: Dedicated to the life and inventions of Nikola Tesla, featuring original documents, interactive exhibits, and his final resting place.
• Museum of Contemporary Art: Showcases modern and contemporary Serbian and Yugoslav art by the Sava River.
• National Museum of Serbia: The country’s oldest and largest museum, home to a vast collection of Serbian and international art.

Explore Belgrade By Boat 

If you’re looking for a fun way to explore Belgrade, then this boat tour is the perfect option if you’re in Belgrade on a good weather day. The tour is approximately 2 hours, and you’ll get the chance to sail past some of Belgrade’s most beautiful spots, like the Zemun area and the Kalemegdan Fortress.

Belgrade Food Tour

If you’re someone who likes to delve deep into the food scene, then this food tour is such a good idea. Over 3.5 hours, you’ll get to visit food stands, bakeries, and local markets to taste some of the best of Serbian cuisine that Belgrade has to offer, such as goulash, village cheeses and the famous local spirit, Rakija. 

Jevremovac Botanical Gardens 

If you want to seek a few moments of peace from the hustle and bustle of the city, then a visit to the local Botanical Gardens will be right up your street. The garden has an impressive arboretum with over 250 species of trees and shrubs, and is also home to a very beautiful Japanese garden.

Visit The Zemun Area 

Zemun is a historic neighbourhood in Belgrade that looks a lot more like the medieval-style cities we’re used to seeing in this part of Eastern Europe (think cobbled streets and terracotta buildings). If you do decide to visit Zemun, make sure to go up the Gardoš Tower and take a walk along the Zemun Quay. 

To get here, you can catch a train from Central Belgrade that takes just 11 minutes and costs no more than €2.

How To Get To Belgrade

Flight 

Belgrade is a well-connected city, you can easily get here from most main European airports. I always search for cheap flights using Skyscanner. Both Ryanair and Wizz Air fly into Belgrade, so you can get some good budget deals if you time it right! 

If you want to catch a taxi from the airport to the city center, I recommend downloading the Yandex Taxi before you arrive (there is no Uber in Belgrade, so this is the next thing). The journey from Nikola Tesla airport to the city centre should cost around €25. 

If you’re looking for a more budget option to get to the city, then you can catch the A1 bus to the city centre. The bus picks you up right outside of arrivals and costs less than €3. 

Bus 

Belgrade is also well connected by both national and international bus routes. It’s fairly easy to get here from other countries in the Balkans, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, and Montenegro. I recommend checking out both the FlixBus and Omio websites for the best bus route options available (FlixBus is always my trusted go-to)

Please note that if you are travelling by bus, you may be charged a small bus station taxi, so make sure to have some cash on you (normally, the bus stations will accept Euros if you don’t have local currency). 

Train 

International train travel to Belgrade is possible, but routes aren’t as regular or as fast as flights or buses. To search for the best train route options for you, I recommend checking out Omio.

How To Get Around Belgrade

Belgrade is an extremely walkable city, so I don’t think it’s necessary, and for this particular itinerary, you won’t need to use public transport at all. 

However, if you did want to use public transport around the city, you can find both public buses and trams. You can find more information on the public transport options here. 

Where To Stay In Belgrade

As most of the best things to see and do in the Belgrade centre are around the old town, I recommend staying as close to the old town (Stari Grad) as possible. Another good spot to stay (which is where I stayed during my trip) is the Belgrade Waterfront, which is outside of the hustle and bustle and has some really lovely views. 

Here are some of the best hotels and hostels to stay in Belgrade’s old town and Belgrade Waterfront. 

• Nomad Hostel – A stylish and social hostel in the heart of Belgrade, which is perfect for budget travelers who love clean design and a social atmosphere. 
• City Nest Modern & Cosy Suites – These suites offer all the comforts of home in a very central location. 
• Belgrad Inn Garni Hotel – Clean, comfortable, and centrally located and is just a short walk from Knez Mihailova and major sights.
• Hotel Skadarlija NB – Right in the heart of Belgrade’s bohemian quarter! This hotel gives you instant access to some of the best bars and restaurants in the city 
• Belgrade Waterfront – Beograd na vodi – Located in Belgrade’s newest and most luxurious neighborhood. With modern architecture, river views, shopping, and dining all nearby.
• Belgrade Waterfront Apartments – Perfect for longer stays or travelers wanting extra space. These fully equipped apartments offer stunning river views, modern interiors, and a quiet setting just minutes from the city center.

Best Time To Visit Belgrade

The best time to visit Belgrade is during the spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October), when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. 

These seasons are perfect for exploring the Old Town on foot, enjoying the parks, and sitting outdoors at cafés without the intense summer heat.

During Summer, especially July and August, you’ll find warm temperatures and a buzzing atmosphere. There are lots of outdoor festivals and events going on during this time. However, it’s also the busiest time of year, so you can definitely expect way more tourists. 

Winter in Belgrade is perfect for cosying up in traditional cafés and enjoying the magic of the Christmas markets here in late November and December.

I visited in early March, and this was the perfect time. The city wasn’t crowded and we had lovely 16 °C weather. 

What Currency Do They Use in Serbia?

In Serbia, the currency is the Serbian Dinar. You can get approximately 117 Serbian Dinars for every €1.

Is One Day In Belgrade Enough? 

Whilst others might disagree, I personally feel that one day in Belgrade is more than enough time to get a feel for the city. 

To be completely honest, Belgrade isn’t packed with must-see sights. It’s the kind of city where the real magic lies in wandering the streets and soaking up the atmosphere. So, I’d say it’s extremely easy to see all of the best sights in just 24 hours.

That being said, there are lots of cool pubs, bars and restaurants in Belgrade, so. If you’re a bit of a foodie, then you might want to spend an extra day here so that you can try out more of the restaurants it has on offer. 

Or if you’re keen to explore some of the famous spots on the outskirts of the such as visiting the Zemun neighbourhood, or going up the Avala tower, then you’ll probably want an extra day or two as well. 

🛏️Accommodation: When you’re hunting for great deals, make sure to check out different sites like Booking.com and Hotels.com! If you’re on a budget, then make sure to check out Hostelworld.

✈️Flights: Check out the best flight deals with Skyscanner and Trip.com. I never search anywhere else!

🚆Transport: Need to book a bus or train whilst travelling? Check out your options on 12goasia.com, Bookaway.com and thetrainline.com.

🚗Rental Cars: Looking to rent a car for your adventures? Check out prices on Rentalcars.com and Discovercars.com.

🎟️Activities: Check out Get Your Guide and Viator for 100s of activities whilst travelling.

🦋Insurance: Make sure you’re covered against any incidents during your trip. Get affordable and flexible insurance with SafetyWing.

📱Download an eSIM: Avoid roaming fees, and have peace of mind that you have internet access when WiFi isn’t available. Download SIMs from either Airalo or Holafly for your time abroad.

Final Thoughts On Belgrade

Belgrade might not be the most obvious choice for a European city break, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. In just one day, you can experience the best of Belgrade’s culture, cuisine, street art and vibrant nightlife. If you’re looking for a slightly different place to visit in Eastern Europe, then Belgrade is definitely the spot!

If you have any questions about anything I have mentioned in this blog post, please do not hesitate to reach out.