According to Thenailmythology.com, Belgrade is a real Balkan city and is the capital of Serbia. The city offers a perfect combination of special architecture, Eastern influences and gastronomy. It is therefore not for nothing that this bustling city has gained enormous popularity in recent years.
In addition to a lot of history and culture, Belgrade also offers many trendy entertainment venues and surprising sights. Visit the trendy district of Novi Beograd or taste the old atmosphere in Skadarlija. To get the most out of your city trip or stay in Belgrade, we have listed the most fun sights of this city for you.
Top 10 sights of Belgrade
#1. Kalemegdan
Kalemegdan is the most visited part of Belgrade. About two million visitors come to the park every year, which is also a favorite place for the locals. In the park you can enjoy the coolness that the shade of the abundant trees brings you. Festivals are regularly organized in the summer months. Next to the park is the Kalemegdan fortress. This fort has existed for over 2000 years and was created in the late 18th century. From the highest point of the fortress you have a view over the Danube and the Sava river, which meet at this place. And are you an animal lover? In the central part of the park you will also find a zoo. Kalemegdan Fortress is always open and free to visit.
#2. Skadarlija
Skadarlija is the oldest bohemian neighborhood in Belgrade. This neighborhood used to be a meeting place for artists. These artists came together in the many inns in the district. Today, Skadarlija still attracts many writers, actors and artists. There is an exuberant artistic atmosphere. In the district you will find many well-known restaurants and art galleries. The saying “who has not visited Skadarlija has not really experienced Belgrade”, is therefore true. In the evening you can relax on one of the many terraces and enjoy bands and street musicians. There is also a sufficient choice of restaurants. The restaurateurs are especially proud of all the well-known National and International guests they have received. They like to show this through pictures. Skadarlija is a real must-do when you are in Belgrade.
#3. Cathedral of Saint Sava
The cathedral was built in 1925 on the site where Saint Sava is said to have been cremated. The cathedral is therefore dedicated to Saint Sava who founded the Serbian church in the 12th century. The cathedral is the largest cathedral in the world. The nave of the church can accommodate as many as ten thousand worshippers. The building is one of the most striking buildings in the city of Belgrade. The cathedral is free to enter and definitely worth a visit. The doors of the cathedral contain a lot of marble and granite. When it gets dark, all windows, doors and domes of the cathedral are illuminated. This gives a romantic look and is really a feast for the eyes.
#4. Nikola Tesla museum
Nikola Tesla was a Serbian-American inventor. He is known for his electrical innovations. In the museum you can admire his legacy and inventions extensively. The exhibition is divided into two parts. Nikola Tesla’s legacy is explained and his inventions are even demonstrated. The Nikola Tesla museum can be found on the edge of the center of Belgrade. During the tours, his inventions are even put into operation, which is really spectacular to see. The entrance to the museum is only two euros and is well worth the investment. It can sometimes take a while before it is your turn for a tour.
#5. Beogradska Tvrdjana
Beogradska Tvrdjana is Belgrade’s fortress and is located in Kalemegdan. Thanks to the strategic location of the fortress, the location has been used by rulers since prehistoric times. Roman remains have even been found at the fort. During the first centuries of Belgrade, people only lived inside the fortress. The fortress is located at an altitude of 125.5 meters. From the highest tower you have a breathtaking view over the Serbian land. It is advisable to visit the fort with a guide, then you will hear a little more specific information. At Beogradska Tvrdjana there is also a military museum. This one is definitely worth a visit. Concerts are also regularly given at this historic place.
#6. Ada Cigan Lija
Ada Cigan Lija is a forested peninsula in the river Sava. This island is popular with the locals because of the many water sports it offers. On the southern part of the island you will find a lake. This is perfect for kayaking, rowing or swimming. An afternoon of relaxing fishing is also possible here. In the middle of the peninsula is a 55 meter high bungee jumping platform. So you can also look up the adrenaline during your day of relaxation. Performances are also often organized on the peninsula. Ada Cigan Lija is a nice attraction for a day of fun on the city beach or in the water. An absolute must if you want to escape the energetic city of Belgrade for a while. The peninsula can be reached on foot. A visit by car is also possible, but then you pay a small surcharge.
#7. Konak Kneginje Ljubice
Konak Kneginje Ljubice is the old palace of Princess Ljubica. This palace was built in 1803 and was intended for the princess and her two sons. Her sons later became rulers of Serbia. During a tour of the palace you can experience the atmosphere of yesteryear. Many authentic pieces of furniture have been preserved and the rooms of the princess and her sons can also be admired. The clothes that were worn during this time are also on display. A visit to Konak Kneginje Ljubice gives you a unique insight into Serbia’s rich history. The palace was even declared a Monument of Culture of Outstanding Importance in 1979 and is protected by the Republic of Serbia. The Belgrade City Museum uses the palace for exhibitions, lectures and musical performances. You will find Konak Kneginje Ljubice near Kalemegdan opposite the large Serbian cathedral.
#8. Kafana Znak Pitania
Kafana Znak Pitanja is the oldest restaurant in Belgrade and a real must-see during your visit to Belgrade. In this restaurant you go back in time and experience Belgrade as it used to be. The complete interior is still exactly as they built it in 1823. You can enjoy traditional music while eating traditional Serbian food. You imagine yourself in Serbian atmospheres. In the restaurant Kafana Znak Pitanja you can enjoy the real Bohemian life. The central hall of the restaurant is used as a gallery. The two inner gardens give you the opportunity to eat outside when the weather is nice. Are you looking for traditional Serbian cuisine? Then you should not miss a visit to this restaurant.
#9. Tramway 2
Tram 2 is a tram line that takes you around the entire city center within an hour. You will pass many sights along the way. A good and affordable way to get to know Belgrade. For less than one euro you can use Tram 2. This tram line is becoming increasingly popular among tourists. The tram has been running on the same route since 1924. The circle that the tram line makes determines for local residents whether you live inside or outside the Belgrade circle. House prices are therefore considerably higher within the circle than outside it. Tram 2 is known among tourists as the circle of line 2. From the tram you can take beautiful pictures of the city of Belgrade and its sights.
#10. Tito’s Museum
Josip Broz Tito was the president of socialist Yugoslavia. After his death on May 4, 1980, he was buried in a beautiful stately grave in the House of Flowers. This is part of the museum of Yugoslavia. The museum contains gifts that Tito received when he visited dignitaries from all over the world. The House of Flowers was originally built in 1975 as a winter garden with work and recreation space for Tito. At Tito’s request he was buried here after his death. This part of Tito’s museum has a collection of more than 70,000 objects. They give you a unique insight into the history of Yugoslavia around the 20th century.